Islamization: A Movement of Reformation of Islamic Understanding and Transformation of Acquired Human Knowledge (A Functional Approach)

Islamization is a reformation and transformation movement. Internally, it is a reformation of the Islamic understanding to conform to the spirit and essence of Islam. It works to change attitude and methodology in Islamic analyses: the dominance of dogmatism is replaced by pragmatism and empiricism; the focus is redirected from knowing to the understanding of Islam, from the form to the essence and eternal-universal values, from the texts of the Sharia to their inner meanings and purposes, and from the perfection of the ideal type to the perfection of the ‘workable’ type more suited to the imperfect real world. Rather than the ritualistic view, Islamization emphasizes more on the understanding and commitment to the world view of Islam which is founded on trust and reliance on the absolute authority of Allah. It is thus meant for restoration of life in its Islamic essence. This is commonly termed as ‘political Islam’ by the non Islamists. Externally, it is the transformation of acquired human knowledge to conform to Islamic values and norms. It is a call to build knowledge, institutions, and a world order based on common, eternal and universal values enshrined in Islam and all other revealed religions founded on the unity of the creator. In terms of task and focus, Islamization is different from Islamic studies or Islamic education, which is meant for development of Islamic sciences as academic disciplines of knowledge. Unlike the latter, Islamization is concerned with reformation and transformation of thoughts and understanding of all walks of life in conformity with the essence and norms of Islam. A pragmatic or functional approach using data from everyday life experiences is considered more desirable for Islamization to be effective and sustainable. The International Islamic University Chittagong, Bangladesh, is contemplating on introducing this approach to revitalise its Islamization of knowledge program.