Islamic worldview and civilisational tawhidic epistemology: towards a universal narrative

Berghout, Abdelaziz and Norman, Nurul Ain (2026) Islamic worldview and civilisational tawhidic epistemology: towards a universal narrative. In: Islamic Worldview, Tawhidic Epistemology & Civilisation : Addressing Humanity’s Predicaments. ISTAC-IIUM Publication, Kuala Lumpur, pp. 63-95. ISBN 978-983-9379-83-9

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Abstract

Worldviews, epistemologies, and knowledge systems are the frameworks through which we analyse, justify, validate, and generate meaning and knowledge. In general, epistemologyconcerns the sources, methods, and paradigms of knowing and operates within a human context shaped by a worldview and a vision of existence. It asks, among other things: “What is knowledge? How is knowledge acquired? What may human beings truly know? Under what conditions is knowledge justified? What does it mean to “know”? How should truth be understood?”.Like other comprehensive visions, the Islamic worldview possesses its own epistemology: a framework for acquiring, organising, and applying knowledge in ways consonant with tawḥīd (Divine Unity). Islamic epistemology functions as a guiding instrument for comprehension, analysis, synthesis, regeneration, and co-creation of knowledge and meaning within civilisational and social contexts aligned with the Tawhidic vision of life.This chapter examines the significance of a civilisationally oriented Islamic epistemology and its potential to articulate a universal narrative and knowledge system that serves the flourishing of humanity. We argue that the Islamic worldview can present a universal and civilisational epistemology that offers a viable alternative to prevailing models whose reductionism contributes to decivilisation and dehumanisation of knowledge. These concerns increasingly evident in contemporary discussions of the future of civilisation.

Item Type:	Book Chapter
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Islamic worldview, Civilization, Knowledge
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP1 Islam > BP160 General works on Islam B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP1 Islam > BP170.8 Universality of Islam C Auxiliary Sciences of History > CB History of civilization
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC)
Depositing User:	DR NURUL AIN NORMAN
Date Deposited:	11 Mar 2026 12:35
Last Modified:	11 Mar 2026 12:35
Queue Number:	2026-03-Q2474
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/127810

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