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

By Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi, New Age Islam 27 August 2025 Abstract: Research in Islamic studies must adopt experimental, observational, comparative, and applied methods to ensure accuracy, objectivity, and practicality. International standards like proper citation and analysis strengthen credibility. True research goes beyond quotations, emphasizing critique, application, and ethical responsibility, making it socially beneficial and relevant to contemporary challenges. Main Points: 1. Experimental and observational methods ensure accuracy and fact-based research. 2. Comparative study broadens understanding by analyzing diverse scholarly perspectives. 3. Critical analysis strengthens validity, eliminating contradictions and personal bias. 4. International standards in citation and writing enhance credibility and trust. 5. Applied method links theory with practice, solving real-life problems. 6. Ethical responsibility and honesty make research socially useful and meaningful. ------ The Importance of the Experimental and Observational Method in Research: In Islamic studies, the experimental and observational method emerges as a highly important principle. In the past, most research was based on traditional and theoretical approaches, relying mainly on books, sayings, and historical references. However, in modern research methodology, experiment and observation have become the foundation, because they provide researchers with accuracy and a comprehensive understanding of facts. Through experimental methods, researchers can examine the principles and theories found in Islamic jurisprudence, Hadith, Tafsir, and Islamic history in the light of practical realities and present-day circumstances. The observational method enables the researcher to understand the real impact and outcomes of Islamic society, worship, and human behaviour. In this way, research does not remain confined to theoretical discussions but becomes fact-based and verifiable. The importance of this method also lies in the fact that it promotes objectivity, transparency, and scientific accuracy in research. Experimental and observational methods empower researchers to present strong and reliable arguments based on evidence and to bring Islamic sciences into the sphere of modern global standards of research. In short, this method plays a key role in strengthening the scientific foundation and academic quality of research. The Need for Comparative and Critical Study in Research: Comparative and critical study is an essential element in every field of research. In Islamic studies, its importance is also very clear, because through it the researcher can examine different theories, opinions, and intellectual ideas more deeply. The process of comparison gives the researcher an opportunity to study diverse sources, schools of thought, and texts, and thereby reach the depth of facts and principles. This broadens the scope of research and helps the researcher gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Critical study takes research beyond mere traditional copying or simple narration. It allows the researcher to test the truth, validity, and authenticity of information. Through critical study, weaknesses, contradictions, or illogical arguments can be identified, which strengthens the academic quality of research. Another benefit is that research maintains objectivity and impartiality, freeing the researcher from personal biases and enabling reliable results. In Islamic studies, comparative and critical analysis also helps the researcher to understand both the differences and the harmonies between various schools of thought, jurisprudential opinions, and interpretations. As a result, research not only becomes more reliable but also develops analytical and argumentative skills. Thus, comparison and critique play a central role in raising the standard of research, ensuring comprehensiveness of knowledge, and aligning Islamic studies with modern research methodologies. It must also be clarified that criticism in its true sense is a constructive process, which refines research and enhances the intellectual position of the researcher. Criticism is not about humiliation. A critical study that contains insults or disrespect is not real research. Equally important is the ability to tolerate criticism—unfortunately, today this is lacking. Many people take criticism of their work or thought as a personal insult, which actually becomes an obstacle to research. For research to be of the highest standard, a researcher must have the courage to accept constructive criticism. Examples: Émile Durkheim’s The Elementary Forms of Religious Life critically examines human society, basic principles of religion, and traditions. The author connects religious beliefs with social structures and shows how religion influences human behaviour, social unity, and harmony. The book highlights the difference between sacred and ordinary things and discusses the historical and social background of religious culture and rituals. This work demonstrates the social role of religion through comparison and critique. Robert K. Merton’s Social Theory and Social Structure presents a comprehensive study of social theories and social structures. Merton explains the complex relationship between social systems, roles, and behaviours. The book introduces social functions, critical analysis, and theoretical concepts that help explain and compare social processes and human behaviour. It serves as a foundation for theoretical understanding and objective research in sociology. In short, comparison and critique are the soul of research. Without these, any article or dissertation becomes shallow. Today, we see many writings full of quotations, but without real comparison or critique, which goes against true research principles. A dissertation that lacks the researcher’s own viewpoint and analysis is lifeless and of no real benefit to society. Harmonising Research with International Standards: The work and methodology of a researcher become useful and exemplary only when research follows all the principles and rules that ensure quality. In research, the method of citation and referencing is of fundamental importance. A researcher must know the accepted rules of citation—whether the author’s name should come first or the title of the book, how to write the publisher and year of publication, and in multi-volume books whether to cite the volume first or the page. These are basic principles that a researcher must learn. Similarly, correct quotation, footnoting, analytical writing, punctuation, indexing, and related academic tools are essential. By observing these principles, research not only becomes more refined but also sets an example that benefits society. Sadly, today many scholars do not know how to cite references properly or follow other essential rules. Observing international standards is necessary because research is a serious, organized, and disciplined intellectual process, whose purpose is to discover new facts, reinterpret old knowledge, or provide solutions to human problems. Without following specific academic and ethical standards, research cannot be considered valid or reliable. Standards also protect research from plagiarism, dishonesty, and superficiality, and make it credible and beneficial. The Significance of the Applied Method in Research: In human life, harmony between speech and action has great value. Nations that align their words with their actions achieve remarkable success, while those with contradictions leave no mark on history. The same principle applies to research and writing: when the applied method is adopted, research becomes more meaningful. The applied method in research means not restricting knowledge to theoretical discussions but using it to solve real-life problems. It enables the researcher to implement findings effectively in social, educational, economic, or medical fields. For example, in education, if a researcher studies children’s learning abilities, the applied method requires testing the best teaching methods in real classrooms. In medicine, a new treatment or drug must be tested on patients to prove its practical benefit. In economics, if a researcher proposes new farming methods to increase crop yields, these must be tested in farmers’ fields to confirm their effectiveness. Similarly, in environmental studies, afforestation or water conservation projects must be practically implemented to measure their social benefit. In Islamic studies, the applied method is also extremely significant. The Qur’an and Sunnah emphasize not only the acquisition of knowledge but also its practical application. In jurisprudence and Hadith studies, researchers must explore how rules and principles apply in real life. For example, applied research in fiqh can provide Islamic guidance on modern issues such as bioethics, banking and finance, or environmental challenges. In Tafsir and Hadith, this method ensures that Qur’anic verses and prophetic traditions are understood in relation to contemporary scientific and social issues. In short, the applied method connects theory with practice, makes knowledge useful and socially beneficial, and keeps research focused on solving real-world problems. In Islamic studies, it allows religious teachings to meet the demands of modern times and provides effective solutions for the community’s present-day challenges. Conclusion: Research is a process that strengthens the researcher’s thinking and vision. It promotes peace in society, removes misunderstandings, and creates unity at both national and international levels. Through justice and fairness, societies not only learn values but also practice them. Quality research nurtures positive thinking and spreads knowledge. Therefore, transparency, honesty, and ethical commitment are essential in research. Without impartiality, a researcher cannot convey the true spirit of research to society. Although the number of writings, investigations, and publications has increased today, the key question remains: how many of these are truly high-quality and beneficial to society? Simply compiling material from three books to produce a fourth is easy—but genuine research is difficult. It involves analysis, critique, and strict principles. Writers and researchers must focus not only on producing books but on making research practical and useful for society. No book should be written just to increase the number of volumes in a library. Instead, every researcher should strive to produce work of such quality that it benefits all sections of society equally. ----- First Art of the Article: Research Methodology in Islamic Studies in the Context of the Modern Age - (Part One) URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-society/research-methodology-islamic-modern-age-part-two/d/136619 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