Reflection 7 : Islamization of Knowledge & Computer Applications in Language Studies

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            Islam is not only practiced in secrecy but is weaved into the daily life of a Muslim. As the religion encompass all aspects of human life, there is no way it can be separated from the life of a Muslim. The most crucial part of Islamic worldview is the knowledge that accompanies human being throughout their life in this world. However, there is a gap between what was known as 'Secular Knowledge' and 'Islamic Knowledge' in the past. Luckily, the International Islamic University Malaysia through the writings by Prof. Kamal Hasan has inspired the merging of these two knowledge by integrating Islamization of Knowledge. Therefore, influenced by this idea, this article will discuss Islamization of Knowledge and Computer Applications in Language Studies.

            The course (ENGL 4740) introduced three concepts of computer applications in language learning to the students ; Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL), Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) and Corpus Linguistics (CL). These concepts or application had assisted language learning and understanding in their own unique ways.

            Islamization of these knowledge took place by firstly adding the Islamic perspective or worldview to them. As an example, we may note down the ethics of using CMC in accordance to Islamic teachings. Secondly, Islamization can also take place by incorporating Islamic elements into the three concepts. For example, one can analyze Quranic Verse when conducting research in Corpus Linguistics. Thirdly, Islamization of Knowledge can also occur by making the learning environment Islamic. This can be applied by , for example, using any software in CALL to aid students' understanding without allowing them to mingle with the opposite gender that contradicts Islamic Ethics.

After attending Dr. Mahmud’s talk on the Islamization of Knowledge last Friday, it has definitely opened our eyes also widened our views. Dr. Mahmud as usual, always exposes us with a lot of gainful insights without fail. He emphasized on how we should make use the technology around us to benefit not just ourselves but also others. He mentioned on how people nowadays are lethargic and misuse the power, time and money that we have on unnecessary and non-beneficial matters. People are too busy to chase for the worldly materials to the extent where they lose their balance and abandon the Hereafter matters. It is no wrong in pursuing the wordly matters in fact, with the right intention, those efforts are considered as an ibadah and He will reward us but many are way too consumed that they becomes too overwhelmed and intentionally or unintentionally desert the afterlife matters.

He began with contending the term 'Islamization' is not simply your dress, not your hijab, not your hat. Islamization is much more than that, it is how we control our knowledge. He urged us to use moral and ethical values in attaining also spreading knowledge but we need to have materials. By this he meant, we have to prepare substances and share it to the world. In the process of sharing our materials to the world, the right approaches need to be fulfilled to ensure our materials are useful and can be accepted by everyone regardless their belief, age and gender. He also mentioned that rejection happens all the time and this should not stop one from keep improving and working on his work. From this we learned that to not easily give up and keep our heads high, feet grounded as there will always be people who are better than us, there will always be people who put more effort than us. From this, we grasped to always be humble at the same time never stop pursuing to strive for the best version of ourselves.

Dr. Mahmud also stated that what is more important is what kind words we have spoken, not solely our actions. Actions are incomplete without virtuous words. He emphasized few times that we, as educated people, carry huge responsibility. We are entitled in providing and encouraging others at the same time always be careful to not share unnecessary things. We are responsible for our words and actions. He also stated that our financial status does not deter our value. From this, we concluded that, with the blessings and opportunities that are bestowed to us, we have to make use every and each of them to the fullest and not misuse them. We always have to keep our blessings counted and use them for good causes which will not just benefit ourselves but also others.

Dr. Mahmud also mentioned that Islam is not solely confined to just Quran and Sunnah. It is more wholesome as it covers wide aspect of life. 3 features of institutional are knowledge production, knowledge management also knowledge sharing.

A student asked, regarding CALL, as we all know, there are many websites available online also on mobile applications for smart phones that are easily accessed. Both those applications and websites are mostly westernised or might not be appropriate to be used by children without parental guidance. So, what are the steps should be taken if it were to say for the young children to use those websites? It was discussed that the right thing that can be done is other than observing, you may filter certain features. Though, it is for the fact that most of the educational applications and websites available bring more benefit than harm surely only if accompanied with virtuous manners and virtues while using.

Another student asked, if you have friends who post non-appropriate pictures and if we like it, will it be considered as a sinful act? Dr. proposed that it is better to not like it as if to not show that we are supporting it neither against it. If we like the picture, we somehow indirectly or directly are giving encouragement and pleasure to them to actually post more or driven more to keep posting those kind of pictures. So, this can be concluded that we are also involved and have to bare the consequences.

Next, a student asked, are there any non-beneficial knowledge in this world as for the fact that as we all can be agreed upon, all kind of knowledge obtained is beneficial. Dr. Mahmud answered by explaining for whatever that we do in this life, the utmost important thing is our niyyah (intention). Always begin with good intention so for whatever that we do we may be rewarded, blessed by Allah s.w.t also benefit the people around us.

Some misuse the knowledge that has been blessed to him. Those who use knowledge for belittling, tarnishing one's reputation, bad purpose such as stealing, seeking vengeance and so forth such as using black magic are considered committing sins and vain acts. Knowledge attained which to be used to bring harm rather than benefit to others also to the man himself is unacceptable and rejected by Allah s.w.t also will not be considered as an ibadah. All the rewards will be revoked. We as Muslims must always beware of our intention and always be cautious in our actions and sayings. Never discriminate and downgrade others but be generous in providing to those who are in need.