How to Make Sense of ‘Islamic Science’?

Abstract

The idea of Islamic Science has been around for at least three decades, and it has generated a lot of controversy. Some people deny that this idea makes any sense. They argue that science is an objective and universal enterprise, and it does not depend on any creed or ideology. We believe that this is a nave interpretation of scientific activity and that ‘Islamic Science,’ or for that matter, ‘religious science,’ has relevance at two levels: the theoretical level and the practical level. At the theoretical level, the philosophical and ideological presuppositions of the scientist are very effective in his or her theory-making or choice of theories. As for the practical orientation of science, the cultural traditions of the scientist make a difference. Thus, ‘Islamic science’ ascertains the relevance of scientific activities to Islamic worldview, which has implications for both the theoretical and the practical aspects of science.’