Muslims need to transcend superficial reforms and challenge Eurocentric perspectives by rediscovering their own epistemology. Over the past century, both Muslim and non-Muslim thinkers have engaged in discussions surrounding decolonisation, seeking to regain global relevance. The focus on decolonisation has often redirected attention towards secularisation and misplaced priorities, undermining the importance of integrating Islamic principles into various fields of knowledge. The contributions of influential thinkers like Ismail al-Faruqi have been overshadowed, causing an essential dialogue about meaningful reform and revival to stall.
Muslim thinkers of the 20th century were deeply absorbed in the process of decolonisation. Analysing the root causes of our decline and disintegration is undoubtedly an essential step towards self-correction and revival.
The question, however, is how much progress have we made as an Ummah by endlessly repeating age-old analyses that leave behind only a bitter aftertaste? Where has all this talk of decolonisation actually taken us?
I dare say it has led us to pursue aggressive efforts to further secularise Muslim values and promote misplaced priorities, such as pushing for a nation's entry into the World Cup and hosting music festivals.
The significant contribution of Ismail al-Faruqi, who championed the concept of the Islamisation of knowledge, defined as the integration of Islamic principles into all fields of learning, has quietly faded from focus.
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