How to Make Sense of ‘Islamic Science’?

Abstract

The idea of Islamic Science has been around for at least three decades,
and it has generated a lot of controversy. Some people deny that this
idea makes any sense. They argue that science is an objective and universal
enterprise, and it does not depend on any creed or ideology. We
believe that this is a nave interpretation of scientific activity and that
‘Islamic Science,’ or for that matter, ‘religious science,’ has relevance at
two levels: the theoretical level and the practical level. At the theoretical
level, the philosophical and ideological presuppositions of the scientist
are very effective in his or her theory-making or choice of theories.
As for the practical orientation of science, the cultural traditions of
the scientist make a difference. Thus, ‘Islamic science’ ascertains the
relevance of scientific activities to Islamic worldview, which has implications
for both the theoretical and the practical aspects of science.’