Islamic Epistemology: Revelation, Reason, Intuition, Experience, and Islamic Scholarly Tradition

Abstract

Islamic epistemology is understood as the study of the nature, sources, processes, and validity of knowledge from an Islamic scholarly perspective. This article aims to analyze the sources of knowledge and the relationships among revelation, reason, intuition, empirical experience, and Islamic scholarly traditions in developing a comprehensive understanding of reality. A qualitative approach was employed through library research. Data were collected from the Qur’an, hadith, scholarly works, books, scientific journal articles, and other relevant literature. Data analysis was conducted using content analysis and a philosophical approach through the identification, classification, comparison, and interpretation of various perspectives on the sources and validity of knowledge. The findings indicate that Islamic epistemology is characterized by an integrative and multidimensional framework. Revelation is positioned as the foundation of truth and values, while reason is employed as an instrument of reasoning and scientific development. Empirical knowledge is acquired through observation, whereas spiritual understanding can be developed through intuition. This integration is represented by the complementary approaches of bayani, burhani, and irfani. Thus, knowledge development is directed toward harmonizing rationality, spirituality, morality, public benefit, and Islamic teachings