Epistemology of Knowledge: Bridging Western and Islamic Thought
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61455/sicopus.v3i01.250Keywords:
epistemology of knowledge, western perspective, Islamic perspective, knowledge integration, philosophy of knowledgeAbstract
Objective: This study aims to examine the epistemology of knowledge by bridging Western and Islamic thought, and analyze the potential integration of these perspectives in the development of knowledge. The main objective of this research is to understand how epistemology is viewed within the contexts of Western and Islamic thought and explore the possibility of a more holistic integration between them. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework of this research is based on classical Western epistemology, which emphasizes reason and empiricism, compared to Islamic epistemology which emphasizes revelation, intellect, and experience in understanding truth. These two theories are analyzed to identify fundamental similarities and differences in the formation of knowledge. Literature Review: The literature review covers studies on epistemology in Western philosophy, including thinkers such as Descartes, Kant, and Dewey, as well as epistemological perspectives in Islamic tradition through the thoughts of Al-Ghazali, Ibn Sina, and Al-Farabi. The review also examines recent studies on the dialogue between Western and Islamic knowledge systems, focusing on efforts to integrate these two systems of knowledge. Methods: The research method used is a qualitative approach with a comparative analysis. Data is collected through literature studies that discuss Western and Islamic epistemological perspectives, as well as previous research relevant to the theme of this study. Results: The results of the study show that there are fundamental similarities in the pursuit of knowledge between the two perspectives, although there are differences in reasoning approaches and ontological foundations. Implications: The implications of this research highlight the need for an interdisciplinary approach in education and the development of knowledge that accommodates both perspectives. Novelty: The novelty of this research lies in the development of the concept of integrating Western and Islamic epistemology, which has not been widely explored in previous studies.
References
M. A. Cholidian, “Learning Motivation In Project Based Learning Model Of X Grade Student In Islamic Religious Education Learning In State Senior High School 7 Malang Thesis,” 2018. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781107415324.004
M. M. A. Sholeh, Waston, A. Nirwana, and M. Mahmudulhassan, “The Reasons of Lifelong Education for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The Islamic Epistemology Perspective,” J. Lifestyle SDGs Rev., vol. 5, no. 2, p. e02988, Nov. 2024, https://doi.org/10.47172/2965-730X.SDGsReview.v5.n02.pe02988.
D. Thompson, J. Praia, and L. Marques, “The importance of history and epistemology in the designing of earth science curriculum materials for general science education,” Res. Sci. Technol. Educ., vol. 18, no. 1, pp. 45–62, 2000, https://doi.org/10.1080/713694956.
M. H. Makarim, “Analysis of the Effect of Halal Supply Chain Management and Green Supply Chain,” 2019, [Online]. Available: https://revistas.ufrj.br/index.php/rce/article/download/1659/1508%0Ahttp://hipatiapress.com/hpjournals/index.php/qre/article/view/1348%5Cnhttp://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09500799708666915%5Cnhttps://mckinseyonsociety.com/downloads/reports/Educa
Muthoifin, “Rekonstruksi Epistemologi Pendidikan Islam Dalam Pandangan Ibn Jamaah Dan Ki Hadjar Dewantara,” in Proceeding of International Conference On Islamic Epistemology, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, 2016, pp. 201–210.
S. E. R. Saunders and S. M. Hill, “Native education and in-classroom coalition-building: Factors and models in delivering an equitous authentic education,” Can. J. Educ., vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 1015–1045, 2007, https://doi.org/10.2307/20466677.
R. Igisani, “Kajian Tafsir Mufassir di Indonesia,” Potret Pemikir., vol. 22, no. 1, 2018, https://doi.org/10.30984/pp.v22i1.757.
J. J. Posillico, D. J. Edwards, C. Roberts, and M. Shelbourn, “A conceptual construction management curriculum model grounded in scientometric analysis,” Eng. Constr. Archit. Manag., vol. 30, no. 9, pp. 4143–4170, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-10-2021-0899.
D. Leat, U. Thomas, and A. Reid, “The epistemological fog in realizing learning to learn in European curriculum policies,” Eur. Educ. Res. J., vol. 11, no. 3, pp. 400–412, 2012, https://doi.org/10.2304/eerj.2012.11.3.400.
A. Choudhuri and L. Saraswat, “Explicating Evolutionary Epistemological Concerns on Gossip and Cyberbullying,” Integr. Psychol. Behav. Sci., vol. 57, no. 4, pp. 1331–1353, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1007/s12124-023-09764-1.
J. Homepage, A. Rohman, I. Al-Quran dan Tafsir, and U. Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung, “Epistemologi Ilmu Munasabah Al-Quran,” Bayani, vol. 2, no. 1, 2022, https://doi.org/10.52496/bayaniV.2I.1pp25-42.
C. Coil and W. Aprison, “Islamisasi Pengetahuan Syed Naquib Al-Attas dan Ismail Al-Faruqi,” Yasin, vol. 3, no. 5, pp. 838–848, 2023, https://doi.org/10.58578/yasin.v3i5.1413.
M. Muhamad Subhi Apriantoro, “The Epistemology of Ushul Fiqh Al-Ghazali in His Book Al-Mustashfa Min Ushuf Fiqh,” Profetika J. Stud. Islam, vol. 22, no. 2, pp. 229–236, 2021, https://doi.org/10.23917/profetika.v22i2.16668.
M. Adi Haironi, “Implementasi Metode Taḥfīẓul Qur’an ‘Sabaq, Sabqi, Manzil’ Di Marhalah Mutawasithah Dan Tsanawiyah Putri Pondok Pesantren Imam Bukhari Tahun Pelajaran 2010-2014,” Ums, 2016.
Nuha. M, “Kontekstualisasi Makna Zakat: Studi Kritis Kosep Sabilillah Menurut Masdar Farid Mas’udi,” in The 3rd University Research Colloquium 2016, 2016, pp. 185–191.
T. Sanyoto, N. Fadli, R. Irfan Rosyadi, and M. M, “Implementation of Tawhid-Based Integral Education to Improve and Strengthen Hidayatullah Basic Education,” Solo Univers. J. Islam. Educ. Multicult., vol. 1, no. 01, pp. 30–41, 2023, https://doi.org/10.61455/sujiem.v1i01.31.
M. Apriantoro, A. Suryaningsih, and M. M, “Bibliometric Analysis of Research Development of Economic Dispute Settlement,” in EUDL European Union Digital Library, 2023. https://doi.org/10.4108/eai.19-10-2022.2329068.
M. M. Nugroho. M, “Outsourcing System in View of Islamic Law : Study on Employees at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta,” in Proceedings of the International Conference on Engineering, Technology and Social Science (ICONETOS 2020), Atlantis Press, 2021, pp. 91–95.
A. Umi Markhamah Zahra Ayyusufi and A. Anshori, “Evaluation of the Cipp Model on the Tahfidz Program in Islamic Boarding Schools,” J. Pendidik. Islam, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 466–484, 2022, https://doi.org/10.31538/nzh.v5i2.2230.
A. Amrin, K. Khairusoalihin, and M. M, “Tax Modernization in Indonesia: Study of Abu Yusuf’s Thinking on Taxation in the Book of Al-Kharaj,” Profetika J. Stud. Islam, vol. 23, no. 1, pp. 30–42, 2021, https://doi.org/10.23917/profetika.v23i1.16792.
W. Waston, S. Amini, and M. Arifin, “A moral-based curriculum to improve civilization and human resource development in Bangladesh,” Multidiscip. Rev., 2024.
D. Astuti, E. Supriyanto, and M. Muthoifin, “Model Penjaminan Mutu Ketercapaian Kompetensi Dasar Dalam Sistem Pembelajaran Online Pada Situasi Work From Home (Wfh),” Profetika J. Stud. Islam, vol. 21, no. 1, pp. 129–139, 2020, https://doi.org/10.23917/profetika.v21i1.11655.
S. Anwar et al., “Development of the concept of Islamic education to build and improve the personality of school-age children,” Multidiscip. Rev., vol. 7, no. 8, p. 2024139, May 2024, https://doi.org/10.31893/multirev.2024139.
N. Jaafar, J. H. Srifyan, and W. Mahir, “Tracing the Correlation Between Islamic Law and Economics in Indonesia : Theoretical and Practical Perspectives,” Solo Int. Colab. Publ. Soc. Sci. Humanit. Publ. Soc. Sci. Humanit., vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 73–84, 2024.
S. A. F. Lingga, S. Salminawati, A. Mustaqim, and P. Kurniawan, “History of the Development of Philosophy and Science in the Islamic Age,” Solo Int. Collab. Publ. Soc. Sci. Humanit., vol. 1, no. 01, pp. 01–11, 2023, https://doi.org/10.61455/sicopus.v1i01.5.
D. W. Wijianto, A. M. U. Nurinnafi’a, and ..., “Implementation of Islamic Ethics in Pharmaceutical Services: A Literature Review Approach,” Solo Int. Collab. Publ. Soc. Sci. Humanit., vol. 1, no. 3, pp. 181–188, 2023, [Online]. Available: https://journal.walideminstitute.com/index.php/sicopus/article/view/64
R. A. Syam, T. A. Hutama, I. Subekti, A. Nareswara, F. Bariyah, and R. Aulia, “The Relationship of Islamic Law and Ethics in Pharmacist Practice : A Literature Review,” Solo Int. Collab. Publ. Soc. Sci. Humanit., vol. 1, no. 3, pp. 173–180, 2023.
M. M, and F. Fahrurozi, “Nilai-Nilai Pendidikan Tauhid Dalam Kisah Ashabul Ukhdud Surat Al-Buruj Perspektif Ibn Katsir Dan Hamka,” Profetika J. Stud. Islam, vol. 19, no. 2, pp. 163–174, 2018, https://doi.org/10.23917/profetika.v19i2.8123.
A. H. M, Didin Saefuddin, “Pemikiran Pendidikan Ki Hadjar Dewantara Dalam Perspektif Pendidikan Islam,” Ta’dibuna J. Pendidik. Islam, vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 155–200, 2013, https://doi.org/10.32832/tadibuna.v2i2.562.
M. Abuzar and A. Nirwana, “Night Work Culture in Professional and Sharia Perspectives,” Solo Int. Collab. Publ. Soc. Sci. Humanit., vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 268–281, 2024.
R. Shodiqoh, “Digital Ethics : Social Media Ethics in a Contemporary Islamic Perspective,” Solo Int. Collab. Publ. Soc. Sci. Humanit., vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 215–226, 2024.
S. N. Asia and M. S. Apriantoro, “Analysis of Islamic Economic Law on Fishing Pool Business in Indonesia,” Demak Univers. J. Islam Sharia, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 1–11, 2023, https://doi.org/10.61455/deujis.v1i01.7.
S. Shobron, M. Nur, and R. Maksum, “Humanist Education the Dayak of Kalimantan Indonesia Islamic Perspective,” Solo Univers. J. Islam. Educ. Multicult., vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 17–25, 2023, https://doi.org/10.61455/sujiem.v1i01.27.
S. A. F. Lingga, S. Salminawati, A. Mustaqim, and P. Kurniawan, “History of the Development of Philosophy and Science in the Islamic Age,” Solo Int. Collab. Publ. Soc. Sci. Humanit., vol. 1, no. 01, pp. 01–11, Sep. 2023, https://doi.org/10.61455/sicopus.v1i01.5.
T. A. Rafsanjani, M. Abdurozaq, and R. Saputro, “Multicultural Learning : Christian Students at Muhammadiyah Mayong Senior High School,” Solo Univers. J. Islam. Educ. Multicult., vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 1–10, 2025.
S. Trihariyanto, E. Supriyanto, M. M, and Z. ’Uyun, “Strategi Pembelajaran Inovatif Pendidikan Agama Islam Dengan Media Powerpoint Dalam Meningkatkan Mutu Pendidikan Di Sdit Muhammadiyah Sinar Fajar Cawas Dan Sd Muhammadiyah Pk Bayat,” Profetika J. Stud. Islam, vol. 21, no. 1, pp. 109–120, 2020, https://doi.org/10.23917/profetika.v21i1.11653.
I. Sholihah, “Reactivation Strategy : Reviving Forgotten Landfills,” Solo Univers. J. Islam. Educ. Multicult., vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 61–70, 2024.
A. Mahmud, “Multicultural Democratic and Tolerant : Qur ’ anic Perspectives and Islamic Education at the Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta,” Solo Univers. J. Islam. Educ. Multicult., vol. 1, no. 3, pp. 205–220, 2024.
R. Puspitasari, “Kontribusi Empirisme terhadap Pendidikan Ilmu Pengetahuan Sosial,” J. Edueksos, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 21–49, 2012.
N. Hamid, Sutama, S. Hidayat, Waston, A. Nirwana, and Muthoifin, “Creative Leadership: an Implementing Study of Transformative Leadership Models in High School for Sustainable Development Goals,” J. Lifestyle SDG’S Rev., vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 1–18, 2024, https://doi.org/10.47172/2965-730X.SDGsReview.v5.n01.pe01686.
M. M, Imron, R. “The phenomenon of the rise of online transactions : A case study Tokopedia. Com and Bukalapak. Com,” Multidiscip. Rev., 2024.
A. N. Andri Nirwana, Mahmudulhassan, F. D. Marshal, M, and N. Fadli, “Human Rights and Social Justice in Quranic Contexts: A Global Trend,” Leg. J. Ilm. Huk., vol. 32, no. 2, pp. 453–471, 2024, https://doi.org/10.22219/ljih.v32i2.35088.
J. Setiawan and A. Sudrajat, “Pemikiran Postmodernisme Dan Pandangannya Terhadap Ilmu Pengetahuan,” J. Filsafat, vol. 28, no. 1, p. 25, 2018, https://doi.org/10.22146/jf.33296.
Muthoifin et al., “An Interfaith Perspective on Multicultural Education for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” J. Lifestyle SDG’S Rev., vol. 4, no. 3, pp. 1–17, 2024, https://doi.org/10.47172/2965-730X.SDGsReview.v4.n03.pe01720.
S. Anwar, K. G. Permatasari, S. Nur, M. Munawar, and M. N. Shabrina, “History of Muhammadiyah in Blora Mustika City : Development and Challenges,” Pakistan J. Life Soc. Sci., vol. 22, pp. 812–821, 2024, https://doi.org/10.57239/PJLSS-2024-22.2.0059.
Muthoifin, “The Performance of Sharia Financing Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia,” Univers. J. Account. Financ., vol. 9, no. 4, pp. 757–763, 2021, https://doi.org/10.13189/ujaf.2021.090421.
A. Nirwana et al., “The Role of Traditional Salt Production in Achieving Halal Standards of the Ulamaconsultative Council: Implications for Sustainable Development Goals,” J. Lifestyle SDG’S Rev., vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 1–47, 2024, https://doi.org/10.47172/2965-730X.SDGsReview.v4.n02.pe01721.
M. M, Ishma Amelia. “Islamic accounting : Ethics and contextualization of recording in Muamalah transactions,” Multidiscip. Rev., 2024.
A. S. Sholichah, “Teori-Teori Pendidikan Dalam Al-Qur’an,” Edukasi Islam. J. Pendidik. Islam, vol. 7, no. 01, p. 23, 2018, https://doi.org/10.30868/ei.v7i01.209.
H. Rahim, H. M. Irpan, and M. S. A. Rasool, “Consumers Attitude toward Halal Food Products in Malaysia: Empirical Evidence from Malaysian Millenial Muslims,” Int. J. Ind. Eng. Prod. Res., vol. 33, no. 3, 2022, https://doi.org/10.22068/ijiepr.33.3.2.
T. Sugiarto et al., “Pembunuhan Berencana dalam Pasal 340 KUHP dalam Perspektif Justice Colaborator,” Al-Qanun J. Pemikir. dan Pembaharuan Huk. Islam, vol. 26, no. 1, 2023, https://doi.org/10.15642/alqanun.2023.26.1.121-136.
A. Waluyo, “Efektifitas Penerapan Relaksasi Nafas Dalam Pada Pasien Skizofrenia Dengan Resiko Perilaku Kekerasan,” J. Kesehat. Panca Bhakti Lampung, vol. 10, no. 2, p. 64, 2022, https://doi.org/10.47218/jkpbl.v10i2.153.
A. N. A.N. et al., “Examining Religious Coexistence: Perspectives from the Quran and Hadith in the Context of Bangladesh,” Int. J. Relig., vol. 5, no. 10, pp. 718–731, Jun. 2024, https://doi.org/10.61707/yyd0mm12.
M. M, I. Amelia, and A. B. Eprahim Ali, “Islamic accounting: Ethics and contextualization of recording in Muamalah transactions,” Multidiscip. Rev., vol. 7, no. 8, p. 2024132, May 2024, https://doi.org/10.31893/multirev.2024132.
Waston et al., “Islamophobia and Communism: Perpetual Prejudice in Contemporary Indonesia,” Rev. Gestão Soc. e Ambient., vol. 18, no. 2, p. e04875, Feb. 2024, https://doi.org/10.24857/rgsa.v18n2-075.
M. Kholifah, Rosiana, “Women ’ s Leadership : A Comparative Study between Fiqh Traditions and Contemporary Fatwa,” Demak Univers. J. Islam Sharia, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 13–26, 2025.
S. Rochanah, A. R. Ridha, and A. Nirwana, “Development Teacher ’ s Performance of Construct Reliability and Avarice Variance Extracted Measurement Instruments of Certified Islamic Education Teacher ’ s,” Int. J. Relig., vol. 3538, no. 10, pp. 3828–3849, 2024, https://doi.org/10.61707/xzjvmb82.
H. Huzaery, B. Sumardjoko, T. Kasturi, and A. Nirwana, “Enhancing Parent-Teacher Collaboration in Tahfidzul Qur ’ a Learning : Roles, Challenges, and Strategies,” Int. J. Relig., vol. 3538, no. 10, pp. 3850–3874, 2024, https://doi.org/10.61707/jxn48760.
A. N. Waston, M, Soleh Amini, Roni Ismail, Sekar Ayu Aryani, “Religiosity To Minimize Violence : A Study Of Solo Indonesian,” Rev. Gest. Soc. e Ambient., vol. 18, no. 6, pp. 1–22, 2024, https://doi.org/10.24857/rgsa.v18n6-089.
M. M, A. B. Eprahim Ali, T. Al-Mutawakkil, N. Fadli, and A. Abdul Adzim, “Sharia Views on Music and Songs: Perspective Study of Muhammadiyah and Madzhab Four,” Demak Univers. J. Islam Sharia, vol. 1, no. 01, pp. 10–17, 2023, https://doi.org/10.61455/deujis.v1i01.6.
M. S. Apriantoro, Yasir Hasanridhlo, Widhi Indira Laksmi, Leny Agustin, and M. Z. Husain, “A Barter System for Used Palm Oil Traders: Islamic Law Perspective,” Demak Univers. J. Islam Sharia, vol. 1, no. 01, pp. 57–66, 2023, https://doi.org/10.61455/deujis.v1i01.34.
N. S. Handayani, S. Sya’roni, S. Ab Rahman, and M. A. Maisu, “General Property Rights from Sharia Perspective: Strategy for the Implementation of Ummah’s Economic Welfare and Justice,” Demak Univers. J. Islam Sharia, vol. 1, no. 01, pp. 46–56, 2023, https://doi.org/10.61455/deujis.v1i01.18.
U. Hasanah, F. Nurfigiantoro, and A. Mu, “The Bau Nyale Tradition of the Sasak Tribe on the Island of Lombok Reviewed from the Rules of Isti ’ maalu An- Naas Hujjatun Yajibu Al- ’ Amalu Bihaa,” Demak Univers. J. Islam Sharia, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 361–374, 2024.
M. M and A. Y. Rhezaldi, “Community economic empowerment through mosque management to improve people’s welfare,” Multidiscip. Rev., vol. 7, no. 8, 2024, https://doi.org/10.31893/multirev.2024134.
Muthoifin et al., “Fostering Multicultural Community Harmony To Enhance Peace and Sustainable Development Goals (Sdg’S),” J. Lifestyle SDG’S Rev., vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 1–20, 2025, https://doi.org/10.47172/2965-730X.SDGsReview.v5.n01.pe01687.
A. A. Astuti, S. A. Aryani, S. Hidayat, . W., A. N, Andri Nirwana, and . M., “Parent Practices of SMPIT Insan Mulia Surakarta in Implementing Sexual Education from An Islamic Perspective to Children in The Digital Era,” Int. J. Relig., vol. 5, no. 10, pp. 2092–2109, Jun. 2024, https://doi.org/10.61707/6msvvh24.
R. Ridlo, “Penerapan Epistemologi Bayani dan Burhani sebagai Metode Pembelajaran,” Manhajuna J. Pendidik. Agama Islam Pascasarj. STAI Syamsul ’Ulum Gunung Puyuh, vol. 01, no. 01, pp. 19–37, 2020.
J. Abdillah, “Dekonstruksi Tafsir Antroposentrisme: Telaah Ayat-Ayat Berwawasan Lingkungan,” Kalam, vol. 8, no. 1, p. 65, 2014, https://doi.org/10.24042/klm.v8i1.168.
N. Ahmad and A.-N. Fikri R, “Makna Kafir Dalam Tafsir Muhammadiyah: Studi Analisis Komparatif,” Profetika J. Stud. Islam, vol. 22, no. 1, pp. 159–168, 2021, https://doi.org/10.23917/profetika.v22i1.14774.
Muthoifin, “Ki Hadjar Dewantara’s Thoughts on Character and Education,” J. World Thinkers, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 77–90, 2024.
D. R. Munir and A. Aquil, “The Influence of the Qiyas Method on the Students’ Ability to Understand the Book of Alfiyah Ibnu Malik at Islamic Boarding School,” Solo Univers. J. Islam. Educ. Multicult., vol. 1, no. 02, pp. 96–103, 2023.
M. Jinan, “Konteks Religio-Politik Perkembangan Sufisme: Telaah Konsep Mahabbah dan Ma’rifah,” Profetika J. Stud. Islam, vol. 18, no. 1, pp. 64–75, 2017, https://doi.org/10.23917/profetika.v18i1.6354.
S. Suidat, A. Husaini, D. Saefuddin, and E. Mujahidin, “Civic Education At Muhammadiyah Higher Education: Development Study of Hand Book of Menuju Kehidupan Yang Demokratis Dan Berkeadaban,” Profetika J. Stud. Islam, vol. 18, no. 1, pp. 1–17, 2017, https://doi.org/10.23917/profetika.v18i1.6296.
A. R. Khoirudin, “Pemikiran Abu Nasr Muhammad Al-Farabi Tentang Nilai-Nilai Pendidikan Kepemimpinan Negara Utama,” Profetika J. Stud. Islam, vol. 18, no. 2, pp. 139–149, 2017.
S. Suryono, S. Sutama, M. Asy’arie, and M. Fatimah, “Model of Tolerance Education in the Tahfidzul Qur’an Al-Kahfi Hidayatullah Islamic Boarding School in Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia,” Profetika J. Stud. Islam, vol. 21, no. 2, pp. 125–133, 2020, https://doi.org/10.23917/profetika.v21i2.13074.
Z. Qodir, “Kuntowijoyo dan kebudayaan profetik,” Profetika J. Stud. Islam, vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 103–113, 2015.
T. Hamami and Z. Nuryana, “A holistic–integrative approach of the Muhammadiyah education system in Indonesia,” HTS Teol. Stud. / Theol. Stud., vol. 78, no. 4, pp. 1–10, 2022, https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v78i4.7607.
