The Islamization of Mathematics: A Philosophical and Pedagogical Inquiry

The discussion of the Islamization of Mathematics is a fascinating and complex combination of epistemology, religion, education, and postcolonial critique. This paper sets this modern intellectual enterprise apart from the famed history of 'Islamic Mathematics' during the Islamic Golden Age. It investigates the intellectual roots of the Islamization of Mathematics, a subset of the larger Islamization of Knowledge (IoK) movement, which strives to reintegrate all fields of human investigation into a Tawhidic (Divine Oneness) worldview. The paper examines the major criticism levelled at conventional 'Western' mathematics: that it is not value-neutral and instead supports a secular, materialist, and utilitarian worldview. It then investigates the proposed pedagogical and curricular modifications, which include reshaping mathematical concepts, problems, and historical narratives to reflect an Islamic ethos. These modifications aim not to change mathematical truths, but to imbue their study with spiritual value and moral purpose. Finally, the paper discusses the project's major problems and critiques, including concerns about the universal character of mathematics, the possibility of ideological dogmatism, and the practical difficulties of execution. It holds that, despite substantial problems, Islamization of Mathematics contributes significantly to the philosophy of education by promoting a critical reconsideration of values hidden in seemingly neutral subjects.