Islamization of Contemporary Knowledge and the Role of the University in the Context of De-Westernization and Decolonization - Wan Mohd Nor Wan Daud

This lecture argues that the discourse on the Islamization of contemporary knowledge is one of many articulated by non-Western thinkers and scholars in responding to the various challenges elicited by colonization and westernization with examples from Africa, China, the Arab World, and other places. However, it also shows the deeply spiritual, humanistic and more comprehensive aspects of Islamization vis a vis the other discourses on de-Westernization and decolonization. The process of Islamization is argued not as a static and conservative exercise but rather, a dynamically stable one (dynamic stablism). The uniquely architectonic and strategic role of higher learning institutions, especially the University, is presented together with the concept of the university and education in Islam; including its personal and societal aspects. The continuing challenge posed by the New Public Management of modern universities is also discussed. In this connection the centrality of the comprehensive concept of the Universal Man, adab, fardu 'ain and fardu kifayah is thus articulated. Wherever relevant, certain ideas and trends from non-Muslim thinkers and sources are cited.