Exploring the foundations of knowledge: Islamic and Western perspectives

Abstract

Purpose: to examine and compare the foundations of knowledge in Islamic and Western perspectives, focusing on their concepts, sources, classifications, and epistemological differences.

Method: this study uses a qualitative library research design. Data were collected from primary and secondary literature sources and analyzed descriptively to compare Islamic and Western perspectives on the foundations of knowledge.

Findings: both Islamic and Western perspectives recognize reason and experience as important sources of knowledge. However, Islamic epistemology integrates revelation, reason, experience, and intuition as interconnected sources of knowledge with spiritual and moral dimensions, while Western epistemology primarily emphasizes rationalism and empiricism. The study also reveals differences in the classification, orientation, and purpose of knowledge, where Islam links knowledge to ethical and spiritual values, whereas Western thought focuses on objectivity, verification, and empirical validity.

Implications: integrating Islamic epistemology and Western scientific approaches can contribute to a more holistic understanding of knowledge. Such integration combines methodological rigor and empirical validity with ethical and spiritual values, offering a more balanced framework for addressing contemporary scientific and social challenges.

Originality: this study offers a comparative and integrative framework of Islamic and Western epistemology, highlighting their key similarities and differences in a concise and structured way.