Science, Objectivity and Ethics in Research Methodology

Abstract

Islam recognizes that Truth is infinite and that different methods arenecessary to reach its different aspects. In other words, in the Islamic paradigm,each methodology has its appropriate domain which admits thepossibility of certitude while allowing for openness. Clearly, this is thepolar opposite of the relativist who claims that no method can reachTruth, he denies certitude and dogmatically insists that there is no suchthing as Truth. However, the self-contradictory nahm of the assertionproves it is false.’From the Islamic point of view, no single methodology can make aclaim on all knowledge contained in all fields and at all levels. This isreflected in the traditional formula inserted at the end of scholarly matiseswu’lluhu u’lum “God knows best,” for no scholar can claim to havecome to the end of knowledge, thereby encompassing the infinite Truthin a self-contained system of thought.The Islamic approach to knowledge refuses to accept partial truth as ifit were the whole, and a single methodology as if it were the onlymethodology. Objectivity requires recognizing a partial truth for what itis, and not making monopolistic claims on knowledge with a singlemethodology. This recognition limits the abuse of power by those whowould deny other valid methodologies and “ways of knowing.’”Recognizing the multiplicity of methods requires discernment as totheir correct application in specific domains. This requires wisdom and afully operational intelligence unobscured by passion. In other words, theintelligence or ‘uql must be wholesome4e ethics and justice of theresearcher being a necessary condition for discerning appropriatemethodologies. Muslim scholars, therefore, emphasize the ethical trainingof the scientist to ensure the just selection of methodologies in eachdomain ...