Abstract:
This research examines the historical and theoretical roots of the con-
cept of “Islamization of the sciences” through a comprehensive analy-
sis of the ontological, theological, epistemological, and methodological
foundations of al-Jāḥiẓ in his polemical work *Al-Radd ‘alā al-Naṣārā*
(The Refutation of the Christians). The aim of this study, conducted
using a descriptive-analytical method, is to explain how al-Jāḥiẓ’s intel-
lectual framework in theological debates with Christians can be consid-
ered an indigenous historical model for the Islamization of the sciences
in the contemporary era. The results show that al-Jāḥiẓ’s ontological
foundations are based on absolute monotheism and divine transcen-
dence (tanzīh), which stipulate that the order of the world (the subject
of science) is a reflection of a single wise origin. His epistemological
foundations emphasize the centrality of reason alongside revelation and
a serious critique of blind imitation (taqlīd), thereby authorizing a fun-
damental critique of rival scientific paradigms. Methodologically, he
employs a hybrid approach (dialectical logic, historical induction, and
sociological analysis) to produce and validate knowledge. This coherent
intellectual structure is not merely a theological approach; rather, it re-
flects an indigenous philosophy of science that provided the necessary
intellectual groundwork for scientific development committed to Islam-
ic principles. Finally, the article concludes that reviving this classical
methodology can contribute to the theoretical and practical enrichment
of the concept of the Islamization of the sciences in the present age.