Religion and knowledge should inherently be closely linked, as emphasized in the Islamic worldview (Islamic paradigm), which integrates both worldly and spiritual aspects into a unified perspective on life. In the Islamic worldview, knowledge is not merely a tool for acquiring information but also a means to understand the signs of Allah’s greatness in the universe. The first revelation to Prophet Muhammad (SAW), “Read in the name of your Lord who created” (QS. Al-‘Alaq: 1), signifies that seeking knowledge is an essential part of human responsibility as a Khalifah (stewardess/protector) on the Earth. Based on this principle, Islam teaches that knowledge is not just about physical facts but also about meaning and purpose, to recognizing the divine signs of Allah’s greatness in this life.
During the golden age of Islam, particularly under the Abbasid Dynasty, the Islamic worldview was manifested in the development of civilization that prioritized scientific advancement. Caliphs like Harun Al-Rashid and Al-Ma’mun established Bayt al-Hikmah (House of Wisdom) in Baghdad, serving as a center for translation and research, where religious and worldly sciences were integrated into a cohesive body of thought. Scholars from diverse backgrounds gathered at Bayt al-Hikmah to develop knowledge in astronomy, mathematics, medicine, philosophy, and Islamic knowledge. The emphasis on knowledge in Islam was never separated from ethics, as knowledge must be used as a tool for goodness and for improving society.
Prominent Muslim scholars such as Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Imam al-Shafi’i, Al-Khwarizmi, Ibn Sina, and Al-Razi exemplify the application of the Islamic worldview in knowledge. Ibn Hanbal, for instance, spent his youth as a manuscript copyist at Bayt al-Hikmah, while Imam al-Shafi’i developed the methodology of Usul al-Fiqh to address dialectical issues influenced by Greek philosophy. Al-Khwarizmi, known as the father of algebra, developed mathematics to facilitate everyday calculations and benefit society. Ibn Sina, with his monumental work “The Canon of Medicine,” viewed medicine as a means to enhance the quality of life in line with the principle of preserving human well-being. These examples highlight that Muslim scholars were not only experts in their respective fields but also understood knowledge as a divine trust (amanah) that must be upheld before Allah and humanity.
Islam asserts that knowledge has a noble purpose: to help individuals fully develop their potential and fulfil their role as Khalifah on Earth. In the Islamic worldview, seeking knowledge is also considered a form of ibadah (worship), as learning brings one closer to Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) stated, “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim” (HR. Ibn Majah), highlighting that knowledge is a responsibility that must be managed and disseminated for the greater good, not merely for individual gain but also for the benefit of the wider society.
Islamic Worldview and Modern Challenges in Science and Technology
In the modern era, global challenges demand that Muslims uphold the Islamic worldview in the pursuit of knowledge and technology. Islam is not opposed to progress or technology; on the contrary, Muslims are encouraged to innovate and make positive contributions through knowledge. The Islamic worldview teaches that technology must be based on ethical and moral values to ensure its benefits for humanity. From this perspective, technology is a tool that should be directed toward human well-being and environmental sustainability.
This Islamic perspective is also reflected in integrative Islamic education, which combines religious sciences with secular sciences into a unified system. Many Islamic educational institutions today implement science- and technology-based learning methods while remaining aligned with Islamic spiritual values. The goal is to nurture a generation capable of mastering knowledge without losing their faith and moral principles. This underscores that Islam encourages its followers to integrate spiritual and scientific aspects, ensuring that the knowledge acquired brings long-term benefits.
The success stories of Islamic educational institutions—from Bayt al-Hikmah in Baghdad to modern science- and technology-based schools—demonstrate that the Islamic worldview emphasizes a balance between reason and faith. This understanding directs Muslims to use knowledge as a means of broadening horizons while keeping in mind the ultimate goal—attaining Allah’s pleasure. Thus, education and knowledge in Islam are not merely academic pursuits but also part of character-building and ethical responsibility.
The Islamic worldview establishes that religion and knowledge are two interdependent and mutually reinforcing elements. Through knowledge, human beings gain a deeper understanding of Allah’s divine signs and fulfil their role as Khalifah on Earth. The Islamic worldview provides a strong ethical framework for the development of knowledge, ensuring that every discovery and innovation aligns with values that promote societal well-being and environmental balance. By adhering to the Islamic worldview, knowledge does not merely enrich life in this world but also brings blessings for the hereafter.