Reconstruction of Islamic Thought and Civilization

This article reviews the intellectual manifestations of Islamic revivalistmovements in general and the Islamization of Knowledge movement inparticular. The paper argues that the intellectual crisis of the MuslimUmmah was identified by most of the earlier thinkers and leaders but itdid not receive sufficient attention. It reviews the assessment of theintellectual crisis by Muslim thinkers, such as Iqbal and Mawdudi, andidentifies their understanding of the need and nature of ijtihad. Thepaper then proceeds to reflect on the foundations and achievements ofthe Islamization of Knowledge movement. The paper explores the relationshipbetween sociopolitical revival and intellectual revival and concludesthat the reconstruction of Islamic thought is a prerequisite to theregeneration of Islamic civilization.