Islamic Studies as a discipline in Social Sciences

Islamic Studies, as an academic discipline within the social sciences, holds immense importance in understanding the intricate relationship between religion, culture, and society. This discipline transcends regional or cultural boundaries and is globally recognised, being taught at prestigious universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, New York, Leeds, Birmingham, and others worldwide. These institutions have established dedicated departments and research centres for studying Islam, reflecting its profound relevance to global history, culture, and contemporary issues. The international academic community values Islamic Studies as an essential subject for fostering interfaith dialogue, understanding geopolitical dynamics, and addressing the challenges of pluralistic societies.

The prominence of Islamic Studies at such renowned universities highlights its intellectual significance and universal appeal. It demonstrates that this discipline is not merely the study of religion but a comprehensive exploration of the shared heritage of humankind and the interconnectedness of civilisations. In Indian universities such as Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) in Delhi, Jamia Hamdard, and Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU), Islamic Studies has a rich historical context. Its origins are tied to broader objectives of educational reform and cultural preservation among Indian Muslims during and after the colonial period. Jamia Hamdard has integrated Islamic Studies with Unani medicine and modern sciences, reflecting an interdisciplinary approach. Over time, the syllabus in these institutions has evolved to address the changing needs of students and society, significantly contributing to promoting tolerance and mutual understanding in India.

By investing in the development of Islamic Studies domestically, we not only ensure active participation in global academic discourse but contribute uniquely, drawing from rich traditions and diverse perspectives. This reaffirms a commitment to preserving and advancing knowledge systems that define cultural and intellectual identity.

In Kashmir, Islamic Studies was introduced at the University of Kashmir around 1988 and has since evolved into a comprehensive, interdisciplinary field distinct from traditional theological studies or the madrasah curriculum. Combining history, philosophy, law, and comparative religion, it reflects the dynamic nature of the subject. Islamic Studies has become integral to the academic landscape in Kashmir, taught at major institutions like the Central University of Kashmir in Ganderbal, the Islamic University of Science and Technology in Awantipora, and Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University in Rajouri. It is also offered at various colleges and higher secondary schools across the region. Collectively, these institutions have produced thousands of graduates, postgraduates, and scholars who have played a crucial role in promoting interfaith understanding.

A Unique and Expansive Curriculum: Bridging Knowledge, Heritage, and Harmony

At the higher education level in Kashmir, Islamic Studies encompasses a comparative study of major world religions, including Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism, and Sikhism, alongside Islam. This approach encourages students to appreciate shared values and distinctive teachings, encouraging interfaith dialogue and mutual respect. The curriculum also includes Sufism, with its universal emphasis on love, spirituality, and tolerance, highlighting the rich Sufi heritage of Kashmir as a model of coexistence.

In addition, the programme encompasses the contributions of eminent Muslim Philosophers and thinkers like Al-Farabi, Ibn Sina, Al-Ghazali, Ibn Rushd, Shah Waliyyaullah, Sir Muhammad Iqbal, Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan, Shibli Nomani and others, bridging Islamic thought and global philosophy. By reflecting on the enduring relevance of these scholars to contemporary philosophical debates, students gain insight into historical intellectual exchanges between Islam and Western civilisations. These studies address misconceptions and understand the contributions of Islam to science, philosophy, and culture. The curriculum also focuses on the unique cultural heritage of Kashmir, examining the pre-Islamic ethos of the region and the harmonious coexistence of faiths. It explores how Islam enriched Kashmir’s cultural and spiritual landscape, emphasising the pluralistic ethos that has defined the region for centuries.

This expansive curriculum not only imparts knowledge but also cultivates a spirit of coexistence, tolerance, and intellectual curiosity, preparing students to address contemporary challenges with a deep appreciation of shared human heritage.

Scope and Relevance in Contemporary India

In a diverse nation like India, the relevance of Islamic Studies cannot be overstated. Its focus on interfaith dialogue and mutual understanding is essential for countering growing polarisation and fanaticism. By studying world religions, Tasawwuf, and the historical interplay of Islam with other cultures, students are equipped to act as bridges between communities, building harmony and cooperation.

In Kashmir, the emphasis on Sufism and coexistence is particularly significant as centuries-old traditions of pluralism face increasing strain. Revisiting and reinforcing these values through Islamic Studies helps rebuild the fabric of communal harmony.

Producing Constructive and Positive Scholars

Graduates of Islamic Studies are uniquely positioned to contribute meaningfully to society. Unlike traditional theological scholars, they are trained in critical thinking and interdisciplinary analysis, enabling them to address contemporary issues with depth. Students from diverse academic backgrounds, including science, commerce, and literature, often pursue Islamic Studies at the postgraduate level, enriching the discipline with varied perspectives.

Research in Islamic Studies covers themes such as gender justice, environmental ethics, interfaith dialogue, and the contributions of Muslims to global civilisations. Scholars employ rigorous academic methodologies, producing work that is both relevant and impactful.

Consequences of Marginalising Islamic Studies

Religion remains a potent factor in shaping human behaviour. Without structured education in this field, misconceptions and extremism could proliferate unchecked. Taught within a scholarly framework, Islamic Studies promotes values of justice, compassion, and coexistence, aligning with the needs of a pluralistic society.

A National Imperative

The limited presence of Islamic Studies in higher secondary schools in the Kashmir Division of Jammu and Kashmir presents a critical issue. Data reveals that the subject is taught in only 12 of 394 schools. This limited availability, combined with vacant posts, undermines its potential to influence students’ academic and moral development.

To sustain and enhance Islamic Studies in contemporary academia, proactive measures must be taken. A pressing concern is the scarcity of employment opportunities for graduates. Despite their qualifications, many struggle to secure meaningful positions aligned with their expertise.

Current Scenario and Challenges

Islamic Studies is marginalised at the higher secondary level, offered in only a fraction of schools (approximately 3% in the Kashmir Division). Vacancies in teaching posts further indicate a lack of prioritisation, impeding the effective delivery of the subject.

This situation diminishes opportunities for graduates, postgraduates, and scholars, reducing the subject’s professional viability and discouraging students from pursuing it at higher levels.

The Case for Expanding Islamic Studies in Schools

Introducing Islamic Studies in more schools would meet growing demand, align with students’ aspirations, and provide a strong foundation for those pursuing it at university. Expanding its presence would necessitate hiring qualified educators, opening numerous positions for graduates and enriching academic instruction.

Broader Societal Benefits

Islamic Studies generates mutual understanding, tolerance, and communal harmony by emphasising ethical teachings, interfaith dialogue, and historical coexistence. Academic study dispels stereotypes about Islam, promoting intellectual openness and unity in a diverse society.

Moral and ethical teachings in Islamic Studies instil values like honesty and empathy. Introducing these teachings at the secondary level can positively influence students’ personal and social behaviour, creating responsible citizens.

The contributions of Islamic Studies extend beyond academia, offering insights into interfaith dialogue, ethical governance, social harmony, and cultural enrichment. Taking these steps will safeguard its future and reinforce its relevance in contemporary society.

Unfortunately, despite its immense scope and relevance, recent developments suggest a trend towards sidelining Islamic Studies as an academic discipline. For instance, the lack of advertised posts for lecturers in the recent government notification threatens to undermine both academic contributions and broader societal objectives such as interfaith understanding and communal harmony. Discontinuing Islamic Studies would disappoint countless stakeholders—graduates, researchers, and educators—and deprive society of the constructive scholarship needed to counter radical interpretations of religion.

The government should formulate policies to include Islamic Studies as an elective or compulsory subject in more schools. This requires increasing teaching posts and conducting recruitment drives. By doing so, the government would empower graduates, enrich institutions, and preserve the nation’s diverse intellectual traditions.

Dr Nazir Ahmad Zargar, Academic Coordinator, Department of Religious Studies, Central University of Kashmir, Ganderbal