Epistemological reform: what can be inferred from the integration project and its relevance to Muslim minority societies in Southeast Asia

• Main Author: Gamon, Alizaman Dumangcag
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English; English
• Published: 2022
• Subjects: H Social Sciences (General)
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/101277/1/Abstract%20Epistemological%20Reform.docx; http://irep.iium.edu.my/101277/2/SAP%20Program%20Schedule.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/101277/
• Institution: Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia

ABSTRACT Given the influence of the dominant culture of knowledge in Muslim minority societies in Southeast Asia, Muslim intellectuals and policymakers face the challenge of epistemological reform that is required for meaningful integration. The widespread adoption and acceptance of majority approaches to knowledge and reform that are alien to Muslim socio-economic religious realities have indeed widened the social gap that intensifies the issue of identity, gender, and cultural specificity. The study aims to address epistemological awareness and reform as a tool for the integration of Muslim minority societies with their respective host country. In addition, the study will explore the impact of epistemological biases that undermine the integrated approach to reform. The methodology of the study is qualitative. It relies on textual analysis and primary sources such as government policies on educational reform, documents, unpublished works, and interviews in addition to library research. Due to the prevalence of modern Western assumptions about knowledge and reform, the study recommends the need to embrace an alternative paradigm; an integrated epistemological approach that is pertinent in this age of cultural and religious plurality. Such epistemological reform would enrich prevalent ones and the given parameters for social integration and thus, allows gradual recognition of the tawhidic worldview and epistemology as the driving force of civilisational dialogue and understanding amongst Muslim and non-Muslim societies in the region.