Scholars Unite at IIUM to Revolutionize Islamic Knowledge

In September 2025, the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) hosted the Tawhidic Epistemology Congress, a significant event aimed at merging sacred and secular domains of knowledge. Scholars from diverse disciplines came together for five days to engage in discussions, present research, and formulate a transformative vision for Islamic education. This congress marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of an integrated understanding of knowledge in Muslim societies.

Tawhidic epistemology, the central theme of the congress, is anchored in the Islamic principle of Tawhid—the belief in the oneness of God. This concept serves as a foundation for both faith and knowledge in Islamic thought. Historically, Islamic scholars viewed various branches of knowledge—science, philosophy, and theology—as interconnected rather than isolated. Renowned thinkers such as Ibn Sina, al-Farabi, and al-Ghazali emphasized that all knowledge ultimately leads to divine truth.

The congress sought to address the fragmentation that emerged during the colonial era, which separated religious and secular studies. This division has often resulted in graduates who are technically proficient but lack spiritual grounding. Tawhidic epistemology aims to restore the unity of knowledge by asserting that all valid insights—whether derived from revelation, reason, or the natural world—are interconnected through the oneness of Allah.

The roots of this intellectual movement can be traced back to the 1980s, when scholars like Ismail Raji al-Faruqi advocated for the Islamization of knowledge. He encouraged the integration of disciplines such as sociology and economics with divine principles. Similarly, Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas critiqued the dualism in Muslim education that left students with fragmented knowledge.

In contemporary discourse, Malaysian philosopher Osman Bakar has notably contributed to the development of Tawhidic epistemology. His influential work, “Classification of Knowledge in Islam,” illustrates how Muslim civilization historically organized sciences in a cohesive hierarchy, with theology at its core. Bakar asserts that Tawhid extends beyond theology; it serves as a comprehensive epistemological framework.

During the congress, eleven departments at IIUM collaborated to produce sixty-nine research papers, many co-authored across various fields. This collective effort symbolizes a significant shift towards an integrated approach to knowledge. Bakar inaugurated the congress with a keynote address titled “Tawhidic Epistemology as the Catalyst for the Integration of Knowledge in the 21st Century.” He emphasized the necessity of abandoning the divide between sacred and secular, asserting, “Tawhid is the compass. It must guide every inquiry.”

The congress garnered attention beyond academic circles. On the third day, Her Royal Highness the Tengku Ampuan of Pahang attended and participated in discussions, highlighting the real-world implications of Tawhidic epistemology.

In the closing session, Sudanese scholar Mohamed El-Tahir El-Mesawi reflected on the journey from an Islamic worldview to Tawhidic epistemology, underscoring that this movement is not a fleeting trend but a culmination of decades of scholarly work. Organizers committed to publishing eleven volumes of proceedings, each dedicated to a specific department’s engagement with the new paradigm.

For many participants, the congress represented a turning point. One scholar remarked, “We cannot leave the sciences to develop in isolation from our theology or our ethics. Tawhid must be the compass.” This assertion challenges the notion that fields like engineering or economics can remain neutral. It advocates for an education system that is inherently moral, spiritual, and purposeful.

Implementing these ideas presents significant challenges. Questions arise about redesigning curricula in fields such as physics or computer science to reflect Tawhidic principles rather than merely incorporating Islamic elements. Additionally, concerns remain regarding the acceptance of this approach by international accrediting bodies, which may view it as ideological. Within Muslim communities, there are apprehensions that this framework could lead to rigidity or dogmatism.

Supporters, however, assert that Tawhidic epistemology is intended to deepen inquiry rather than stifle it. They argue that knowledge must be open, critical, and spiritually engaged. The intellectual tradition backing this movement is robust, and the urgency for reform is clear. Muslim societies must avoid wholly importing Western educational models, which often yield technically skilled yet spiritually unfulfilled graduates.

The 2025 congress at IIUM may be recognized as a watershed moment where theoretical concepts transitioned into practical application. It marks a commitment to shaping an educational framework that engages with modernity while preserving its spiritual essence. This initiative serves as a reminder that knowledge is inherently tied to a worldview, with Tawhidic epistemology representing the Muslim community’s assertion that its understanding of reality begins and culminates in the oneness of Allah.