Name
: Nurdiyana Sabrina Binti Abdul Rahman
Matric No.
: 4211040
Course Code : MDB8013 Research Methodology
Assignment 1
Please write a short essay (not more than 1500 words) on: the philosophy of research; or
tawhidic epistemology of research.
Assessment: Content (30%)
Research is a study or investigation to establish facts. Behind every research, there is a
basic set of beliefs that support human beings in their actions, which is called as a paradigm.
From the research perspective, ontology, epistemology and methodology formed as the basic
paradigm of a research. But, some researchers classified research philosophy into ontology,
epistemology and axiology. Ontology and epistemology formed the research philosophy as the
basis for researchers to formulate and refer their inquiries. These approaches philosophically
enable researchers to decide which approach should be adopted and the reasons behind it,
which are basically derived from the research questions. Research philosophy literally is the
root or foundation of research which must be understood in the first place before the inner
details can be revealed. The crucial assumption presented in the research philosophy which
explains the researcher’s view on the world is that the research philosophy helps in leading
towards the determination of research strategy and strategy methods.
Every researcher will have his own ontological stance where each stance has its own
preferred epistemological position that builds a theoretical perspective. Thus, if a conventional
research methodology was examined from the philosophical aspect of worldview,
epistemology and ontology, it contradicts the Islamic philosophy when it denies the existence
and the power of God that build this world and the Hereafter. Hence, it is necessary to reevaluate, re-develop and re-design the research philosophy and methodology from Islamic
perspectives. Ibn al-Haytham (Father of the Scientific Method) becomes the main pioneer that
explore the Islamic scientific methodology, in which can be adopted for Islamic research
methodology.
To be declared as the Islamic research methodology, firstly, the methodology should
be extracted by digging into the two main sources of Islam, which are Qur’an and Hadith, as
well as other trustworthy and reliable sources such as Sunnah, Ijma’, and Qiyas. Principally,
Islamic research methodology should fulfill two fundamental principles. First, the Islamic
philosophy must be consisted of Islamic tasawwur, Islamic epistemology and Islamic ontology.
Second, there must be a combination of ‘ilm daruri (knowledge that can be easily understood,
such as everyone knew it was a daytime when the sun rose), propositions based on reasoning
(‘aql) with ‘ilm nazari (knowledge that needs intellectual discourse such as solving
mathematical equation) and propositions based on the Qur’an and Hadith (naql).
As stated above, Islamic philosophy must be comprised of Islamic tasawwur, Islamic
epistemology and Islamic ontology. Referred to Ibn al-Haytham’s philosophical aspect of
scientific research, tasawwur is regarded as observations on both physical and metaphysical
elements, such as soul and intuition. Despite that, the path for a research need to be located to
ensure the foundation is based on the understanding of fard ‘ayn knowledge (tawhid, ‘ibadah
and akhlaq). This is in line with Ibn al-Haytham’s knowledge that the knowledge should derive
from the divine revelation (wahy), intuition, intellectual aptitudes and sensory perception.
These four epistemology elements will form a tasawwur (worldview of nature) with a discourse
within a scope that encompasses the physical and metaphysical realms in the means of seeking
pleasure of Allah SWT. In the same time, the research conducted is aiming towards
strengthening tawhid, practicing worship to God (‘ibadah) and improving the moral virtues
(akhlaq). Thus, the research based on tasawwur becomes value-laden.
Second, Islamic epistemology based on Ibn al-Haytham emphasized on divine
revelation as the basic guide in a research, in order to complement human limited ability and
thinking. Epistemology originated from two Greek words, episteme and logos. Episteme means
knowledge, while logos means theory or a study. Generally, epistemology refers to the research
pertaining to the sources, classification, specialization and limitation of knowledge. It
encompasses the elements of generating knowledge, the relationship of knowledge with truth,
the reasons behind acquiring knowledge, the changes that occur in knowledge, the relationship
of knowledge with a human’s experience and the human’s mind limitations to translate the
knowledge. Epistemology considers the details of every process involved in the efforts of
acquiring knowledge. It is also considered among the core branches of philosophy, which is
concerned with the theory of knowledge, specifically with regard to methods and validation.
Epistemology can be regarded as the main thrust for any view on life, or nazariyyat al-ma‘rifah
in Islam. Therefore, Islamic epistemology which is associated with the theory or the origins of
Islamic knowledge contradicts with the conventional epistemology that involves understanding
the acceptable knowledge of a particular area of study.
Islamic epistemology consists of two main sources, which are naql (divine revelation)
and ‘aql (ijtihad or reasoning based on Qur’an and Sunnah). Sources of naql are Qur’an and
Sunnah, which are also known as al-adillat alqat‘ iyyat (proof that has legitimacy), which
cannot be challenged. While, ‘aql source, sources that formed after intense thinking, especially
those sources that have been agreed upon by Ijma‘and Qiyas, are also known as al-adillat
alijtihadiyyat
(views that were formed after intense thinking). Some views divided
epistemology into five sources of knowledge; divine revelation (wahy), inspiration (ilham),
intuition, intellect (‘aql), and senses. While some views divided it into four elements; staunch
belief (‘aqidah), worship (‘ibadah), ethics (akhlaq) and Islamic legislation (syari‘ah).
Referred to the Ibn al-Haytham’s scientific research, he put the role of divine revelation
from Allah SWT as the basic guide, besides the empirical and rational aspects in the theoretical
framework of the research. Therefore, a research should make the Qur’an as the basic and main
reference for carrying out the research at the theoretical or practical levels either on individuals
or society. This is because Qur’an is in the highest standing compared to other sources as it
consists the words of Allah SWT (kalam Allah SWT), which is eternal and unchallengeable.
In other words, the Qur’an can assist the sensory perception and limitation of human intellect.
Allah SWT insisted in the Qur’an: “And We had certainly brought them a Book which We
detailed by knowledge – as guidance and mercy to a people who believe.” (al-A‘raf, 7:52).
Third, Islamic ontology is also part of Islamic research philosophy. Ontology is defined
as “The basic image of social reality in which a theory is based upon related to the way a human
being views the world.” Ontology is connected to how a person discovers and generates
knowledge. From Ibn al-Haytham’s perspective, ontology means everything that occurs is
basically based on the law of Allah SWT. Hence, the findings of the research must be accounted
as a proof that shows the glory of Allah SWT because; “It is He who made the Sun a shining
light and the Moon a derived light and determined for it phases – that you may know the number
of years and account [of time]. Allah SWT has not created this except in truth. He details the
signs for a people who know.” (Yunus, 10:5). Moreover, Allah SWT always called on human
beings to study and learn in-depth the phenomenon of the world.
Meanwhile, axiology, which is also considered a branch of philosophy by other scholars
is concerned with judgmental, aesthetical, and ethical aspects, where the process of social
inquiry is involved in this approach. This is where the researcher’s skill from axiological aspect
is executed in judging the research content and conducts, on the other hand, researcher’s
philosophical approach is reflected on his personal values as well as in the research outcomes
and processes, such as during data collection and data analysis procedures. If we look at Ibn
al-Haytham’s view, Islamic values must be embedded in the personality of the researcher as
when he has faith in Islam, which is in consistent with a Hadith; “None of you [truly] believes
until his desires are subservient to that which I have brought (Imam Nawawi)”, he will be able
to make judgement on research content, processes and other aspects with consideration of
Islamic rules and principles which lead to the reflection of Islamic values in his research work
where one of it is, the findings are directed in pursuing the blessing of Allah SWT and
contributing towards Islam.
In conclusion, Islamic research philosophy must be based on the following points. First,
Islamic epistemology is sourced from the divine revelation (wahy), where Qur’an is the main
source in guiding the research. Second, Islamic tasawwur is based on tawhid, believes in Allah
SWT and His power. Third, the research analysis elements from the Islamic paradigm are
comprehensive, inclusive of both physical and metaphysical aspects in the research. Fourth, it
is value-laden from the ontological side that everything that occurs and the creation of nature
are adhere to the laws of Allah SWT. Fifth, the research goal must aim towards achieving
Allah’s SWT blessings and all the purposes of research are directed towards that goal. In
addition, a researcher able to portray good akhlaq when conducting a research within the
Islamic paradigm, such as focusing his ‘aqidah towards Allah SWT, fulfilling the obligated
‘ibadah, and practicing good akhlaq as a Muslim researcher. Hence, research philosophy based
on the Islamic paradigm is more holistic and comprehensive compare to the conventional
paradigm.
(1496 words)
References:
Alias, M.S., & Hanapi, M.S. (2015). Ibn Al-Haytham's Philosophy on Scientific Research
Applied in Islamic Research Methodology: Analysis from Tasawwur, Epistemology
and Ontology Perspectives. International Journal of Business, Humanities and
Technology, 5 (1), 84 – 93.
Alias, M.S., & Hanapi, M.S. (2017). The Ontological Aspect of Ibn al-Haytham’s Scientific
Research Philosophy. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and
Social Sciences, 7 (2), 700 – 709. http://dx.doi.org/10.6007/IJARBSS/v7-i2/2677
Sarif, S.B. (2018). Effects of Tawhidic Paradigm Dynamism in Qualitative Research. Journal
of Education and Social Sciences, 9 (3), 66 – 72.