Workshop on lslamization of Knowledge

Abstract

The Workshop on Islarnization of Knowledge was held Shaban 20-22,1409/March 27-29, 1989 at Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto, Nigeria.It was jointly sponsored by the University's Center for Islamic Studies, theIslamic Education Trust of Nigeria, the Muslim World League, and theInternational Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT). The Center for Islamic Studiesis headed by Dr. Omar Bellu, a specialist in Arab Islamic Studies who servesas the University's Vice-President, and as Secretary of the Nigerian Councilof Scholars. The Islamic Education Trust is headed by Al-Hajj Ahmad Lemu,the Supreme Judge in Niger State and a prorrtlnent leader of the IslamicMovement in Nigeria who has established a number of Arabic Islamic Schoolsconsidered among the best for teaching Islamic and secular sciences.Objectives:The objective of the Workshop was to determine the means through whichUsmanu Danfodiyo University, in cooperation with the Islamic EducationTrust and other Islamic organizations could devise a program of action forthe Islamization of general and higher education in Nigeria. It also aimedat revising curricula for various academic disciplines to accommodate Islamicperspectives and to meet Islamic norms; developing and producing teachingand reading materials for various disciplines; and developing staff to servicethe revised curricula along Islamic lines.The Workshop's attendance was restricted to the professors and teachingstaff at Othman Dan Fodio University, and a number of youths from outsidethe university. On average, about eighty persons, including three or fourwomen, attended each session. The participants paid special tribute to themartyr Isma'il al-Faruqi for his pioneering role in the Islarnization ofKnowledge.The Seminar's Discussions:The first working session, chaired by Professor 'Abdul-Karirm Hussain, ...