Islamabad: The decolonization of knowledge, particularly within Islamic contexts, was underscored as an intellectual initiative aimed at reclaiming Islamic perspectives by integrating contemporary thought with divine revelation, as highlighted in a recent workshop at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) in Islamabad.

According to Institute of Policy Studies, the workshop, led by Dr. Ovamir Anjum, a scholar from the University of Toledo, delved into the conceptual and pedagogical dimensions of knowledge decolonization. Dr. Anjum emphasized that the effort does not reject modernity but rather seeks to engage Islamic scholarship with current global paradigms. He noted that while colonial legacies persist in shaping knowledge systems, Muslims must navigate these while remaining anchored in the Ummatic tradition.

Dr. Anjum critiqued Western approaches to decolonization, arguing that they often lead to intellectual fragmentation. He maintained that an Islamic approach must be rooted in revelation to preserve moral clarity. The workshop also addressed challenges related to engaging with Western critical theories and the role of traditional Islamic thought in modern contexts.

Khalid Rahman, chairman of IPS, concluded the workshop by stressing the importance of understanding colonial and imperial processes. He affirmed IPS's commitment to fostering ongoing dialogue on these issues in collaboration with global academic institutions.