Research Methodology in Islamic Studies in the Context of the Modern Age - (Part One)

By Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi, New Age Islam 26 August 2025 Abstract: This article highlights the importance of objectivity in Islamic research, stressing that bias weakens scholarship. It reviews Western Orientalist prejudices, the ethical duty of fairness, and the growing role of digital tools in modern research. Authenticity, neutrality, and reference to original sources are essential for credible, globally relevant studies. Main Points: 1. Research requires objectivity and neutrality for truth and credibility. 2. Bias in scholarship creates dishonesty, confusion, and social division. 3. Western Orientalist studies on Islam often show prejudice and hostility. 4. Authentic research demands fairness, honesty, and respect for all faiths. 5. Digital tools provide wide access, accuracy, and faster Islamic research. 6. Always verify digital content by consulting original, reliable primary sources. ----- One important aspect of research, writing, and scholarship is the study of religious books. Religious books play a key role in social reform and in the growth of knowledge and research. By studying them, a person gains balance and moderation in thinking, and also develops good character and righteous behaviour. That is why sincerity in religion and respect for one’s faith are essential. It is obvious that followers of all religions study their sacred texts and show devotion to them. It is natural and correct to love one’s own religion and respect its holy books, scholars, and teachings. However, when we study the texts of other religions and write articles or research papers, then it becomes very important whether our attitude is biased or objective. If our approach is not based on objectivity, then such research or writing will not have a positive impact on society. Unfortunately, many researchers fail in this regard. In today’s world, when we look at research in sociology, politics, religious studies, and other fields, we see that many researchers already decide their viewpoint first and then write to support it. This goes against the true principles of research, because a researcher should be bound only by evidence and proof. The truth is, such biased behavior can be seen in almost all religions. Their writings often show dishonesty, unfairness, and favouritism, which is not a serious attitude in research. Therefore, research should always be done with an open mind so that society benefits from true knowledge. For social harmony and kind behaviour, it is necessary to respect other religions in addition to our own. We must not write such criticism that insults or degrades any faith. It is also a demand of research that our work should be free from unfair criticism and bias. A person’s balance of thought is tested when he studies and researches other religions, sects, and beliefs. In today’s religious and modern academic institutions, research in Islamic studies also often shows dishonesty. When it comes to one’s own sect or belief, people present it strongly, but when it comes to another sect or religion, they highlight only its weak points and ignore strong arguments. Sadly, such attitudes are increasing in our institutions. At the same time, we see that the research methods of Western scholars are presented worldwide as a model. Their methodology is generally balanced, but when they study Islam, they often cross limits. Their writings show clear prejudice and bias. Many Western writers studied Islam with hostility. A few examples are: William Muir presented the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in a negative way in his book Life of Mahomet. Goldziher doubted the authenticity of Hadith in his book Muhammedanische Studien. Joseph also raised doubts about the Hadith collection. Robert Irwin, in his book For Lust of Knowing, responded to Edward Said’s criticisms and defended Orientalists’ biased interpretations. André Servier criticized Islamic civilization and called it a barrier to European progress. These examples show that Orientalist studies of Islam are often not objective but full of prejudice and hostility. To make research useful and relevant for society today, it is necessary to rise above all kinds of bias. A researcher, no matter his religion or belief, should not let his personal faith or ideas block the way of truth. If this approach is adopted in research centers, many social problems caused by misunderstandings and false information will automatically be solved. The Value of Objectivity in Research: The first and most important principle is objectivity and neutrality. These are the pillars of quality research. The real purpose of research is to discover truth and reach correct results, and this is only possible when the researcher rises above personal bias, interests, and emotions. If he writes under the influence of his own ideology or group, then research loses its value and instead of spreading knowledge, it spreads confusion. Objectivity means presenting facts as they are, whether they agree with personal opinions or not. Neutrality means analysing every side fairly and honestly. True and reliable research is only that which is free from bias and based on truth. In Islamic and scientific research, this principle is also central. Islam itself teaches: “Speak the truth, even if it is against yourself.” This is the highest standard of objectivity. A research work is valuable only if it rises above prejudice and presents results closest to truth. When research is objective and neutral, readers and scholars trust it more. Objectivity allows the researcher to give equal weight to every argument. Neutral research also gives space to other viewpoints, which builds tolerance and broad-mindedness. Such research meets international standards and can be appreciated globally. Neutrality also encourages open thinking, leading to new discoveries. Most importantly, unbiased research plays a positive role in both society and the academic world. Many authors have worked in this way. For example, Al-Biruni wrote Kitab al-Hind ( کتاب الہند) about Hinduism in a very objective manner. Ismail Raji al-Faruqi also wrote impartially on the study of religions. Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah’s works are objective. Maulana Ali Mian Nadwi, in his book ( انسانی دنیا پر مسلمانوں کے عروج و زوال کا اثر) and Edward Said in Orientalism also showed fairness in analyzing biased Western views. Many other scholars have written on sociology, politics, and psychology with objectivity, providing valuable foundations for research. Use of Modern Tools in Islamic Research: Today, the use of digital tools and modern technology in Islamic research has become revolutionary. In the past, researchers were limited to books, manuscripts, and traditional libraries. Research was time-consuming and limited in scope. But today, with computers, the internet, digital archives, and software, access to Islamic history, law, Hadith, Tafseer, and other fields has become much easier. Digital libraries, scanned manuscripts, online databases, and research software help researchers quickly access authentic material. In addition, tools like text analysis, data mining, and social network analysis are giving new dimensions to Islamic studies. These technologies not only give wide access to information but also improve accuracy, transparency, and objectivity in research. Thus, digital resources are raising the quality of research and making Islamic studies more modern and effective at the global level. However, whenever we use modern sources, we must always trace the original reference. If research relies only on apps or secondary sources, it cannot be considered authentic. There is always a chance that the information from digital tools may be incorrect. Therefore, it is a moral duty of researchers to go back to the original sources. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-society/research-methodology-islamic-studies-part-one/d/136605 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism