Knowledge: Central to the Struggle for Islamic Revival

The essay by Asad Zaman argues that knowledge is the central battleground between the West and Islam, with Western secular education systems having colonized the minds of Muslims by promoting a worldview that marginalizes Islamic knowledge. The essay critiques the Western epistemological foundation that emerged from the Enlightenment, which prioritizes reason and observation while dismissing religious knowledge as subjective and irrelevant. This has led to an intellectual subjugation where Muslim youth internalize the superiority of Western knowledge, contributing to the decline of Islamic civilization. To counter this, the author advocates for a revival of Islamic education grounded in Islamic values and knowledge. Four flaws in Western epistemology highlighted in the essay are: the mistaken belief that reason and observation can lead to absolute knowledge, the exclusion of inner spiritual knowledge from the domain of science, the erroneous assumption that secular knowledge is universally valid and free from religious influence, and the false claim that the abandonment of religion has led to progress, while wars and conflicts have persisted.

1. GRADE 03: Islamic Economics: the Polar Opposite of Capitalist Economics Lecture 2: Knowledge: the Central Battleground. Download THESE slides from: bit.ly/IE2024L2

2. اَللّٰهُمَّ اَرِنَا الْحَقَّ حَقًّا وَّ ارْزُقْنَا اتِّبَاعَهٗ وَ اَرِنَا الْبَاطِلَ بَاطِلًا وَّ ارْزُقْنَا اجْتِنَابَهٗ

3. Knowledge: The Central Battleground Session #:2 The Polar Opposite of Capitalism with Asad Zaman Islamic Economics: GRADE COURSE Fonts : EB Garamond Montserrat - Normal - Medium - Semi Bold - Bold 17 Aug - 5 Oct 2024 Every Saturday

4. Knowledge: The Central Battleground In previous lecture, we argued that the core problem facing the Ummah is the definition of knowledge. Who gets the authority define what “knowledge” is, which kind is useful, and which is useless? This lecture explores, in greater depth, this central battleground of knowledge

5. Epistemology (noun)ə-ˌ pis-tə -ˈ mä-lə-jē Definition: The branch of philosophy concerned with the theory of knowledge , especially with regard to its methods, validity, and scope. Epistemology deals with the nature of knowledge, the rationality of belief, and justification . Source: Merriam-Webster Dictionary, "epistemology," accessed August 2024, https://www.merriam-webster.com.

6. The Book of Knowledge Importance of Knowledge Classification of Knowledge Religious Knowledge Worldly Knowledge Praiseworthy Knowledge Blameworthy Knowledge The Virtue of Scholars The Ethics of Learning and Teaching The Danger of Knowledge without Action

7. علموا الاودكم السباحة والرماية وركوب الخيل سيدنا عمر بن الخطاب (رضي الله عنه) "إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الَّذِينَ يُقَاتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِهِ صَفًّا كَأَنَّهُمْ بُنْيَانٌ مَرْصُوصٌ“ "Indeed, Allah loves those who fight in His cause in rows as though they are a solid structure. Implementation of the orders of Allah varies according to local context and conditions

8. Current Historical Situation is UNIQUE For 12 Centuries, Muslims were NEVER globally defeated, and colonized. (Although the Tatari’s came close). Global defeat and colonization of minds has led to a unique situation in Islamic History. Searching through the books of Fiqh for solutions to our present problems is not likely to be fruitful, if done without deep knowledge of current situation. Knowledge of current historical context is necessary to update our bow, arrows, and horses, to modern weaponry and warfare.

9. Recap: Central Problem is Epistemology We have been taught to believe in Western theories of knowledge We never learned the theories of knowledge available in the Islamic intellectual tradition, derived from the Quran and Sunnah But these theories need to be updated and adapted to modern times. We cannot fight modern wars with bows and arrows.

10. Conquest => Colonization of Minds Our ways of thinking are deeply influenced by the streams of history we live in. Learning HOW our thoughts have been shaped leads to self-awareness and self-knowledge. It also creates the possibility of self-liberation – rising above the shaping created by our environment, and recognizing the potentials for excellence given to us by God. Every human life is equal (potentially) to the entire humanity!

11. Two Strategies for Decolonization of Minds Stand outside the streams of history, and watch the sequence of events unfold. Learn the perspectives of the vanquished and the colonized. Both strategies provide a coherent picture of history very different from the colonized history we have educated to believe. We need a counter-narrative to Eurocentric History: An Islamic Worldview: An Essential Component of an Islamic Education – http://bit.ly/iwv4az

12. Narratives of Vanquished: Subaltern History

13. Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee Systematic Annihilation : The brutal destruction of American Indian tribes across the western frontier, exposed in graphic detail. Betrayal and Massacre : Chronicling relentless betrayals, violent battles, and horrific massacres that decimated Native communities. Iconic Chiefs' Struggle : Stories of resistance from legendary chiefs like Geronimo, Red Cloud, Sitting Bull, and Crazy Horse as they fought to save their people and culture. Cultural Genocide : The deliberate erasure of Native American traditions, languages, and ways of life by the expanding American frontier. Awakening a Generation : Dee Brown's searing account inspired widespread outrage and a reexamination of the myth of the "Wild West.“ Historical Reclamation : A meticulously researched narrative that reclaimed Native American history from the shadows of Western triumphalism..

14. The Slave Ship: A Human History Rediker provides a harrowing account of the transatlantic slave trade, focusing on the human suffering aboard the slave ships. He vividly describes the conditions enslaved Africans endured during their forced transport across the Atlantic.

15. King Leopold's Ghost: A Story of Greed, Terror, and Heroism in Colonial Africa In the Congo Free State, King Leopold II of Belgium unleashed a brutal regime that claimed millions of lives. The rubber trade was especially horrific: villagers who failed to meet quotas were whipped, mutilated, or killed. Entire communities were massacred; severed hands became the gruesome currency of punishment. Forced labor, starvation, and disease ravaged the population, reducing it by up to ten million people. This genocide was hidden by dense jungle and Leopold’s relentless propaganda. The cries of the Congolese echoed through the forests as they were worked to death under the weight of a king’s greed.

16. Britain's Gulag: The Brutal End of Empire in Kenya Only a few years after Britain's participation in the victory over fascism came the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya - a mass armed rebellion by the Kikuyu people, demanding the return of their land and freedom. The draconian response of Britain's colonial government was to detain nearly the entire Kikuyu population of 1.5 million and to portray them as sub-human savages. Detainees in their thousands - possibly a hundred thousand or more - died from exhaustion, disease, starvation and systemic physical brutality. For decades these events remained untold.

17. Modernity and the Holocaust: Zygmunt Bauman's Perspective The Holocaust was not an aberration but a product of modernity itself. Bauman argues that the Holocaust was made possible by modern civilization's emphasis on bureaucracy, technological advancement, and the pursuit of order. The horrors of the Holocaust, including systematic genocide, were deeply intertwined with the rational and bureaucratic structures of modern society. Thus, the Holocaust should be seen as a natural consequence of modernity's darker potential, challenging the notion that it was an exceptional event​.

18. Genghis Khan built a Mountains of Skulls at Nishapur, after massacre of 1.7 Million Inhabitants. He was an infant, compared to the West! David Stannard ("American Holocaust," 1992): 90 million Indigenous people in the Americas died due to colonization. Estimates suggest that the total impact of the transatlantic slave trade on the African population could have been as high as 30 to 40 million people over the course of slaver centuries. Estimates suggest that 50 to 60 million people may have died in Asia due to the direct and indirect effects of European colonization from the 18th to the early 20th century. When combining the high-side estimates for both World Wars, the total number of deaths, both direct and indirect, could range from 155 to 200 million.This staggering figure reflects not only the devastation of combat but also the far-reaching impacts of war, including disease, famine, and the targeting of civilian populations.

19. Stories of the Victims of Western Civilization Understanding the extremes of violence inflicted upon the planet, that led to the tremendous wealth of the West. Understanding this as a story of extreme moral decline, not amazing progress, of the West. Is the West “developed”? Are the Rest “under-developed”? Do Massacres & Genocides, and Grand-Theft on Global Scale Make you Developed? Is this the example of “Civilization” that we should follow? The “Clash of Civilizations” narrative: Deeply embedded in European Thought! Law of the Jungle!

20. Amazing Insights from Islam How should we react to this information? How should we feel, think, act? Example: Feel: Sad at the massive tragedies, and Angry at the perpetrators? Think: This world is full of injustice. The evil win and the good lose. Act: Realism: Accept this, and side with the winners. Or adopt strategies which will minimize damage to myself, maximize personal benefits. Idealism: Side with the GOOD, regardless of consequences.

21. Why message of the Quran is Incomparable! How to think: This world is the place of trials, NOT of justice. Perfect Justice will be done on Day of Judgement. The goat without horns butted by one with horns, will be given horns and revenge! But what about all the tragedy and suffering? All sufferings of all humans combined will not compare to a few moments of suffering in hellfire. All the happiness and pleasures of all humans combined will not compare to the pleasure of a few moments of Paradise.

22. How to feel? Angry & Vengeful? Taubah (9:70) Has there not reached them the news of those before them - the people of Noah, 'Aad, Thamud, the people of Abraham, the companions of Madyan and the towns overturned? Their messengers came to them with clear proofs. And Allah would never have wronged them, but they were wronging themselves . Kahf (18:6) Perhaps you would kill yourself (O Muhammad) in grief over their footsteps (for their turning away), because they do not believe in this message . Justice WILL be done. Those who have done ZULM have wronged themselves. Our job is to RESCUE them from their ignorance. If we fail to do so, they will suffer far worse than what they have caused!

23. How to Act: We must fight against injustice, without hating the adversary. We must fight to protect the weak and oppressed, with all our courage and strength. We must feel compassion & love for them. We are the best of the Ummah’s (because) we have been created for the welfare of all of mankind – not to Lord it over them. Contrast with the distorted concept of “Chosen People” of the Jews, which says that the Gentiles are like animals with no rights. Under certain conditions – Jihad – is a religious obligation; an act of worship. It must be carried out following very strict rules!

24. Jihad:Act of Worship vs. War:Law of Jungle Noah Feldman’s After Jihad highlights the contrast between the Western idea of "all is fair in love and war" and the strict ethical rules governing jihad in Islamic law.Jihad , as an act of worship in Islam, is bound by rigorous laws that protect noncombatants, including women, children, and the elderly, and safeguard the environment.Feldman argues that these rules reflect Islam's broader commitment to justice and the sanctity of life, challenging misconceptions about jihad as a license for unrestricted violence.

25. Islamic attitude to horrors of history: Dunya was designed for trials, tribulations, & tests. It is only for a day. Full justice will be done in the Akhira We do not hate the perpetrators, and do not think of them as evil. Rather, we failed in our duties to convey the message. We thank God from protecting us from the darkness of their deeds. We recognize them as fellow human beings – every one is capable of being highest of the high, and also lowest of low. When we see extreme evil, we realize that we are also capable of that and WORSE. We thank God for not putting us in such situations

26. Islam teaches us how to LIVE This is the most important teaching, and the West has gone from the (dim) light of Christianity to the darkness of atheism. Modern economics rejects God, and teaches explicitly that life is about deriving maximum pleasure from consumption of goods. This is a COMPLETELY wrong lesson about life. Easterlin Paradox proves that increased consumption provides short run happiness Long Run Happiness depends on certain character traits: Sabr and Shukr are critical. It also depends on social relationships. Hadeeth: the Mo’min loves and is loved!

27. Unravelling the Enlightenment Narrative The purpose of this section is to show that the self-glorifying narrative of the Enlightenment as the triumph of reason in Europe is wrong. Actually, the Enlightenment was a desperate search for peace in a Europe torn apart by religious wars.

28. Until the Lions get their own historians, tales of the hunt will always glorify the hunter – African proverb

29. The Enlightenment Narrative The world was enveloped in darkness. No civilization had any significant achievements in any area. The sun of reason rose in Europe in 17 th Century. For the first time in history, human beings learned how to reason. In the light of reason, Europeans made tremendous progress in all fields of knowledge and practice, unparalleled in history. They have created the most advanced civilization, reaching the moon, while others have been left behind in the dust. Today, there is only one path to progress: following the path blazed by the Europeans.

30. The Counter-Narrative Dr. Recep Şentürk Lectures on Ibn Khaldun: bit.ly/RSIbnKhaldun Rise and Fall of Civilizations: Youth, Maturity, Senility Genius of Ibn Khaldun: Tracing Long Run Factors Shaping History. As civilizations mature, they fall into luxuries, and lose war abilities Barbarians living on frontiers are emboldened, and make increasingly successful attacks, looting their treasures. Eventually, civilizations collapse. Barbarians conquer, and cycle starts all over again.

31. Dark Ages of Europe: 4 th – 13 th Century AD 4 th Century: Trinitarian Christianity imposed on Roman Empire. All forms of knowledge different from Bible, BANNED. Darkness Falls. 711 – 1492 Rise and Fall of Al-Andalus: Islamic Spain. Reconquest of Spain (12 th to 15 th Century): Barbarian incursions acquire treasure of knowledge from Islamic Civilization. Toledo School of Translators: 12 th – 13 th Centuries: Translate millions of books from Islamic libraries. Light pours into Europe.

32. Renaissance of Europe: 14 th – 17 th Century Catholic Domination of Europe based on keeping everyone ignorant. Knowledge available ONLY to those training to be Priests! Influx of Knowledge strongly resisted by Church. Censorship, Torture, Inquisition – all against inflow of heretical knowledge. Efforts to Ban influx of knowledge fail, but lead to split of Church. The Reformation 1517 creates Protestant Faction. 16 th and 17 th Century of Europe are battles over knowledge; the effort to assimilate incoming new knowledge. Translated Textbooks of Medicine, Law, Mathematics, are taught all over Europe.

33. Religious Wars of Europe: 16 th & 17 th Century Thirty Years' War (1618–1648): Holy Roman Empire, suffered immense devastation. German states' population dropped from 18 million to 12 million due to battle deaths, famine, and disease. Wars of Religion in France (1562–1598): Culminated in the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre (1572), where thousands of Huguenots were slaughtered. Eighty Years' War (1568–1648): Conflict between Spain and the Netherlands, leading to widespread destruction and the independence of the Dutch Republic. Widespread Ruin: Fields lay fallow, cities in ruins, and a generation traumatized by religious fanaticism and war.

34. The Enlightenment: A Desperate Search for Peace Centuries of devastating religious wars led to the Enlightenment project. The goal was to find theoretical foundations for a secular society, built without reference to religion. Historical and personal experiences showed religion as a source of conflict, persecution, and wars. Secular scholars rejected religion as a basis for a peaceful society. They sought to develop theories of knowledge and society based on reason and observation. The aim was to create a foundation that would command agreement among all rational thinkers.

35. The Idea of Progress: Nisbet Progress as Ideological Construct: Progress is not an empirical reality but an ideological framework. Western Enlightenment Roots: Emerged during the Enlightenment, justifying social, political, and economic developments. Secular Replacement for Religion: Provided a secular vision of a utopian future, replacing religious faith. Flawed Assumptions: Based on questionable premises, such as Western superiority and the value of technological growth. 20th Century Disillusionment: Wars, economic depression, and social upheaval exposed the limits of the idea of progress.

36. Epistemology: Central Battleground of the Enlightenment The Enlightenment was marked by a profound epistemological shift, focusing on redefining the nature and source of knowledge. Enlightenment thinkers sought to establish knowledge on the basis of reason and experience, moving away from religious doctrines. The central conflict was with religious scholars and scholastics who defined knowledge through the lens of religious authority and biblical teachings. This intellectual battle was crucial as it laid the foundations for modern secular thought, emphasizing empirical evidence and rational inquiry over religious certainties.

37. Why Do We Need to Study European History? The Central Battle is over Epistemology: What is Knowledge? We cannot understand Enlightenment Epistemology without understanding the historical context which led to these (VERY STRANGE) views about knowledge. Enlightenment Epistemology is taught – by demonstration – all over the globe. Everyone is influenced by it, without knowing. To liberate ourselves from this influence, we need to be aware of what this influence is, and the causes and origins of this way of thinking about the world

38. Four Fundamental Flaws of Enlightenment Epistemology All four stem from a flawed analysis of the reasons for religious wars, and flawed solutions flowing from this analysis.

39. 1: Religious Differences Lead to Wars Religious wars in Europe were caused by differences of opinion. By building knowledge on sound foundations of reason and observation, we can achieve consensus, and eliminate wars.

40. 2: We can create knowledge, with ZERO background assumptions Epistemic Arrogance: We can reject all tradition, authority, lessons from collective experience of the entire human race. We can start from ZERO, and rebuild the entire body of human knowledge using only observations and reason.

41. 3: We can arrive at ABSOLUTE TRUTH, using observations & Logic Epistemic Arrogance: Starting from ZERO, using only facts of observation and reasoning, we can arrive at ABSOLUTE truth. Such truths are equally binding on all rational human beings, regardless of their religious background.

42. 4: Learning the Laws Which Govern External Reality is Sufficient to Produce ALL knowledge. Knowledge of external reality and Reason is sufficient as a guide to life. There is no need to explore the inner realities of human existence – the soul, the heart, and other facets of our subjective experience.

43. All four flaws are obvious, even childish, mistakes. Shock and Awe of Western Achievements, and Colonized Minds, Prevent us from Recognizing the Naked Emperor Couplet of Allama Iqbal: My eyes were not dazzled by the brilliance of Western Knowledge, they were protected by the dust of Madina and Najaf .

44. A Requiem for the Enlightenment Dream Four Centuries ago, European Enlightenment thinkers launched a project to build a brave new world, on the foundations of a new form of knowledge. Over the centuries, all of their hopes and dreams have turned into nightmares.

45. Time to Launch the REAL Enlightenment Project: Spread the Noor of Guidance of Quran Four centuries ago, visionary European thinkers embarked on an audacious quest: to reconstruct the entire edifice of human knowledge upon the gleaming pillars of facts and logic. This grand endeavor has profoundly shaped our world, casting long shadows over generations that followed. Yet, this ambitious project has faltered and failed; the ships of reason and empiricism have been lost to the tempest of reality. Today, we stand at a crossroads: It is time to honor these pioneers and courageously undertake the task they could not complete—to rebuild the entire corpus of human knowledge upon the eternal foundations of Islamic wisdom.

46. The Four Flaws are Weapons for Intellectual Battle The Fundamental Battleground is “Knowledge”. Deeper, it is the battle to DEFINE what knowledge is! West : Knowledge is ONLY of the external world . Islam : Knowledge teaches us how to lead lives of excellence . Our lives are brief and infinitely precious. Every moment counts, and every moment matters enormously. Learning how to use these moments in the best possible way is most valuable knowledge.

47. Western Knowledge of External Reality: Critical Question is: HOW should we use this knowledge? Western answer: World is a jungle governed by survival of the fittest. There is no God, Afterlife, Judgement. Use this knowledge for pursuit of power, pleasure, profits! Islamic answer: Power is given to us to help protect the weak and powerless. Wealth is given to us to give to those who are needy. Every human being has infinite potential for excellence. The most valuable kind of knowledge helps to transform individuals, by enabling them to achieve and realize this potential.

48. Two Aspects of the real Enlightenment Project Destruction: Explain the flaws of current body of knowledge being taught in Western universities. Reconstruction: Rebuild these bodies of knowledge on the foundations provided by the Islamic Intellectual heritage. Rooted Revival: Both critique and reconstruction should be based on Islamic intellectual heritage. However, a core aspect of knowledge is rhetoric: the art of persuasion. For this purpose, the message has to be adapted to the audience. This is also a central Islamic principle.

49. Critical Goal for Successful Implementation Creating an educational process FAR MORE EFFICIENT than modern Western education. I believe this is EASILY possible, and I have carried it out myself. With the right methodology, graduates of our 2 nd and 3 rd tier Islamic universities can perform better than top ranked graduates from within Pakistan as well as internationally. Thus, we can defeat all challengers on the battleground for knowledge – regardless of whether it is secular knowledge, mathematics and physics, social sciences, or philosophy of life.

50. How we can use the four flaws to deconstruct Western Knowledge claims. Religious Conflicts Lead to War: Build a secular society We can achieved consensus by building knowledge from scratch on objective foundations of facts and logic. Secular knowledge will be free from errors and subjectivity, and represent absolute truth, equally binding on all religions. “Knowledge” is objective knowledge of external reality (empiricism and rationalism). Everything else is NOT knowledge.

51. Murdering the Masses: Hidden Architects of Conflicts 'Merchants of Death' (1934) exposed how arms manufacturers profit from war, revealing the financial incentives that drive the conflict. bit.ly/MerchDeath 'War is a Racket' (1935) by Smedley Butler highlighted how wars are fought for corporate interests, not national defense, emphasizing the exploitation involved. bit.ly/ButlerWar Today, corporate profits remain a key driver of global conflicts, illustrating that the motives behind warfare have shifted from ideology to financial gain. See: War is Still A Racket. https://www.americanagora.org/single-post/war-is-still-a-racket

52. The Enlightenment’s Greatest Mistake: Religion Causes Wars Centuries of religious wars devastated Europe, deeply affecting Enlightenment thinkers. The natural conclusion drawn was that religion causes war, leading to the construction of secular societies. In reality, secularization did not end wars; World Wars 1 & 2 were fought on secular grounds. Key Insights into the Enlightenment's Missteps

53. The Philosophers' Strategy Plato's Republic and Philosopher Kings Plato proposed the concept of Philosopher Kings who govern based on wisdom and knowledge. These rulers manipulate ideologies, including religion, to maintain their power over the masses. The use of ideologies is essential for controlling public perception and justifying governance. Machiavelli's Political Realism Machiavelli advocated for the strategic crafting of beliefs to serve state interests. He justified wars under false pretenses, emphasizing the need for rulers to maintain control. This approach highlights the pragmatic use of ideology in political strategy.

54. Religion as a Pretext for Power European **Religious Wars** were often political battles, masked by religious rhetoric to mobilize the masses. These conflicts illustrate how religion was utilized as a tool for power rather than a genuine driver of war. The **Crusades** were less about faith and more about the Pope's political strategy to maintain power.

55. The True Motive Behind Modern Wars Profit Motives Modern wars are driven by profit motives rather than ideology or religion. Masses are motivated to fight and die for manufactured ideologies like nationalism, democracy, or other noble slogans. Merchants of Death 'Merchants of Death' (1934) exposed how arms manufacturers profit from war, revealing the financial incentives that drive the conflict. bit.ly/ MerchDeath War is a Racket 'War is a Racket' (1935) by Smedley Butler highlighted how wars are fought for corporate interests, not national defense, emphasizing the exploitation involved. https://ia802605.us.archive.org/29/items/WarIsARacket/WarIsARacket.pdf Ongoing Corporate Profits Today, corporate profits remain a key driver of global conflicts, illustrating that the motives behind warfare have shifted from ideology to financial gain. See: War is Still A Racket. https://www.americanagora.org/single-post/war-is-still-a-racket

56. Enlightenment was a desperate search for peace, in war-torn Europe It mis-diagnosed the problem as religious differences. It build secular societies as the solution. However, we still live in a war-torn world. Western society still do not have a clue as to how to build a peaceful world. The secular knowledge produced by West has exacerbated the problem: Machiavellian politics and Social Darwinism.

57. How can Islam provide deeper insights? Central Cause of Wars was feeling of superiority over others: Hatred, Contempt, Intolerance. Religion, Racism, Nationalism. Islam is strongly against intolerance due to any of the three factors. This enthralling history, widely hailed as a revelation of a "lost" golden age, brings to vivid life the rich and thriving culture of medieval Spain, where for more than seven centuries Muslims, Jews, and Christians lived together in an atmosphere of tolerance, and where literature, science, and the arts flourished.

58. Islam offers unique levels of tolerance. There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion . Kafiroon: You do not (will not) believe my religion, and I do not (will not) believe your religion. To you, your religion, and to me mine . {God will judge between us on the day of judgement} " Indeed, those who believed and those who were Jews or Christians or Sabeans - those [among them] who believed in Allah and the Last Day and did righteousness - will have their reward with their Lord, and no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve .“ Among four mazahib, and multiple Tareeqa’s, with substantial differences – all agree that any one of them can be followed! The noor of Islam dissolves the ice of hatred which divides humanity.

59. Strong Prohibition on Racism " O mankind, We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted .“Surah Al-Hujurat, Ayah 13. " O people, your Lord is one and your father is one. There is no superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab over an Arab; neither of a white over a black, nor a black over a white; except by piety (taqwa)."Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 22978

60. Strong Prohibitions on Nationalism " He is not one of us who calls for ‘asabiyyah (tribalism/nationalism), or who fights for ‘asabiyyah, or who dies for ‘asabiyyah ."— Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith 5121 " Do not hate each other, do not envy each other, do not turn your backs on each other, but be servants of Allah as brothers ."— Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2559

61. Jihad as an act of worship The Conquest of Mecca: Role Model for leaders of Islamic armies throughout history. Do not hurt women, children, elderly, non-combatants, anyone who puts down their weapons. Do not hurt the environment.

62. "Islam offers UNIQUE SOLUTIONS, unknown to the West, for creating a peaceful world. Despite centuries of effort, Western civilization has been unable to solve this enduring problem. Islam's wisdom provides a path to true peace that the West has yet to discover."

63. (2) Starting from ZERO, can we create knowledge, using only observations and reason? Enlightenment Answer YES. Ghazali’s Answer: NO. Enlightenment Answer is wrong. Any knowledge created – apparently from ZERO – MUST be built on HIDDEN assumptions. Observations and logic – by themselves – are NEVER sufficient to produce knowledge. Application to Statistics and Econometrics: Assumptions MUST be added to data, to produce results. Present methodology is faulty, because it adds arbitrary assumptions, often wrong.

64. (3) Can we arrive at ABSOLUTE truths, using our reason and observations? Enlightenment: YES Islamic Answer: All of our cognitive equipment have specified domains of operation. Our senses can provide good information about certain domains of knowledge, but are not equipped to handle questions about God, Judgement, Afterlife, and the origins and purpose of human life. Even in the domain of operation, our senses and reason are subject to errors, and cannot give us ABSOLUTE truths – there is always possibility of errors. Kuhn: Structure of Scientific Revolutions is a landmark book for this purpose.

65. (4) Knowledge of External Reality is sufficient to provide us with ALL knowledge This leads to the marginalization of man. Western knowledge is like Dajjal – very sharp eyes on external reality, and completely blind to the inner nature of man. Best knowledge of man is provided by the Creator of man. Islamic Psychology provides a radical alternative to Western discipline. Man is the building block of human society. Without understanding man, it is impossible to build social sciences. Armed with a radical understanding of human nature, and with a thousand year old Fiqh tradition, we can create Islamic theories and models of how to build a society – not how to live in a jungle.

66. Concluding Remarks Physical Sciences require modifications – intention to serve, and recognizing the signs of God in the external reality. Social Sciences: Lessons of the West in building a secular society. How to live in a jungle of greed, competition, hedonism? Must be rejected totally. See: Rebuilding Social Sciences on Islamic Foundation: Part 1: http://bit.ly/AZrss1 and Part 2: http://bit.ly/AZrss2 Decolonization of Education: An Islamic Perspective http://tinyurl.com/AZdeco Download THESE slides from : http://bit.ly/IE2024L2

67. رَّبِّ زِدْنِي عِلْمًا اللهم إني أسألك فهم النبيين، و حفظ المرسلين، و الملائكة المقربين، اللهم اجعل ألسنتنا عامرة بذكرك، و قلوبنا بخشيتك، و أسرارنا بطاعتك، إنك على كل شيء قدير، حسبنا الله و نعم الوكيل O Allah! I ask You for the understanding of the prophets and the memory of the messengers, and those nearest to You. O Allah! Make our tongue full of Your remembrance, and our heart full of your consciousness, our secrets full of your obedience (Oh Allah!) You do whatever You wish, and You are my Availer and best of aid. Protector and the best of aid.