Islamisation of Knowledge and Action in Malaysia: Policies and Dynamics

Abstract

“Islamisation” has been used differently by scholars. The most common usage is that of “Islamisation of knowledge” used to recast human knowledge along Islamic lines. The term “Islamisation in Action” refers to the implementation of policies or actions to promoting Islamic principles and values in the society. There is also tawÍidic epistemology which is concerned with knowledge and action. Islamisation in Action has been used by various organisations most notably by Tablighi Jama’at and also by Jama’at-e-Islami in Pakistan. It was used by leaders in the government of Malaysia to bring about positive changes in people’s behaviour and development of the country along Islamic lines. They allocated resources to build Islamic infrastructure, promote Islamic art, established Islamic media outlets, and social welfare programmes.  Some successes have been recorded but the policies lasted only for the period the leader was in power. There was no continuity in the “Islamisation in Action” policy by successive leaders.