Islamic Worldview, Science, and Knowledge Integration

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the Islamic worldview of science, knowledge integration at USIM, ethical principles, Qur'anic scientific signs, prominent Islamic scholars, and historical transitions from the Dark Ages to secularism.

Natural Philosophy in Islam

The study of nature as a means to understand the signs of God, where nature is viewed as a reflection of divine order rather than independent from faith.

Astrolabe

A scientific instrument used in Islamic civilisation to determine the qiblah and prayer times, supporting the needs of geography and astronomy.

True Knowledge (Imam al-Ghazali)

Knowledge that leads a person to recognize Allah—His existence, wisdom, authority, and purpose.

Naqli Knowledge Integration

USIM's effort to harmonise various Islamic disciplines, such as Hadith scholars (Muhaddithin) and theologians (Mutakallimin), based on the principle that all originate from the Qur’an and Sunnah.

USIM Motto

“Knowledgeable, Disciplined, and Devout.”

Philosophy

Derived from the Greek philosophia, meaning “love of wisdom”; it involves studying fundamental questions about reality, knowledge, and ethics.

Metaphysics

The branch of philosophy that studies reality and existence, addressing questions like "What is reality?" and "Do humans have free will?"

Epistemology

The study of the nature, sources, and limits of knowledge, distinguishing between belief, opinion, and true knowledge.

Relativism

The teaching that truth depends on culture and morality is subjective, a view opposed by Socrates who argued that absolute truth exists.

Al-Haqq (الحق)

The ultimate Absolute Truth in Islam, which is Allah; it is unchangeable and does not vary by opinion or culture.

Akhlaq

Moral traits or inner moral qualities that, along with adab (right attitude/action), form the foundation of Islamic ethics.

Sidq

Truthfulness in speech, action, and intention; a core ethical principle requiring consistency between belief and behavior.

Amanah

The principle of trustworthiness and fulfilling responsibilities to Allah, others, and oneself.

Itqan

Diligence and excellence; the striving for the best possible effort and continuous improvement in one's work as an act of worship.

Barakah

Blessings that multiply the impact of productivity beyond measurable or numerical output.

Tafakkur

Reflection on creation; observing natural patterns to recognize divine wisdom and bridge scientific observation with spiritual insight.

Khilafah

Stewardship; the Islamic concept of humans acting as caretakers of the Earth.

Mizan

The principle of balance, particularly in maintaining ecological and environmental harmony.

Qur’an (Etymology)

Derived from the root qara’a, meaning “to read” or “to recite.”

Ratqan (21:30)

The Arabic term in the Qur'an referring to the heavens and earth as a "joined entity" before being separated, foreshadowing the Big Bang theory.

Nutfah

The first stage of human development in the Qur'an, described as creation from a minute quantity of liquid or a drop of fluid.

Alaq

The second stage of embryology mentioned in the Qur'an, described as a "leech-like substance."

Mudghah

The third stage of embryology mentioned in the Qur'an, described as a "chewed-like substance."

Three Veils of Darkness

The abdominal wall, uterine wall, and amniotic membrane as referenced in Az-Zumar 39:6.

The Canon of Medicine

An encyclopedia by Ibn Sina (Avicenna) that served as a standard medical textbook in Europe for centuries.

Kitab al-Tasrif

A 30-volume medical encyclopedia by Abu Qasim al-Zahrawi, the father of modern surgery.

Camera Obscura

An optical device described by Ibn al-Haytham (Alhazen) during his experiments on how light travels.

Algebra (Al-Khwarizmi)

Mathematical method developed by Abu Musa Al-Khwarizmi, who also introduced the Hindu-Arabic numeral system including zero.

Al-Attas's Definition of Science

The coming of the meaning of an object of knowledge into the soul, or the soul’s arrival at the meaning of an object of knowledge.

Bayt al-Hikmah

The House of Wisdom in Baghdad; a major center for the translation and preservation of Greek, Persian, and Indian texts.

Bimaristans

Islamic hospitals that provided clinical teaching, specialized wards, and medical innovation in cities like Granada and Cairo.

Al-Ilm Al-Daruri

Knowledge known directly without effort or thinking, such as basic senses and self-awareness.

Al-Ilm al-Muktasab

Knowledge obtained through learning, research, and argumentation, such as Medicine or STEM fields.

Fardu Ain

Knowledge that is an individual obligation for every Muslim, covering basic faith and practice.

Fardu Kifayah

Communal knowledge obligations; specialized skills (like medicine or engineering) that must be fulfilled by some members of society.

Renaissance

The "rebirth" of Classical learning in Europe (14th–16th centuries), significantly fueled by the rediscovery of knowledge from the Islamic Golden Age.

Toledo Translations

The mechanism by which Arabic scientific and philosophical texts were translated into Latin, facilitating knowledge transfer to Europe.

Secularism

A political and social order, emerging after the Reformation and Enlightenment, that separates scientific inquiry and state governance from ecclesiastical control.