Academic Freedom in the Islamic Medieval Era: What Values Can Be Learned?

N. Hani  Herlina; Nurjanah; Lilis  Nurteti

doi:10.32350/jitc.152.10

N. Hani Herlina Department of Islamic Education, Universitas Islam Darussalam (UID), Ciamis, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5895-1319
Nurjanah Department of Islamic Education, Universitas Islam Darussalam (UID) Ciamis, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4125-1678
Lilis Nurteti Department of Islamic Education, Universitas Islam Darussalam (UID) Ciamis, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0008-0554-9605

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32350/jitc.152.10

Keywords: Academic freedom, intellectual autonomy, Islamic civilization, intellectual independence, medieval Islam

Abstract

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This study aims to investigate the concept of academic freedom in medieval Islam and its potential to play a role in forming the future of Islamic civilization. Using a historical-analytical and interdisciplinary perspective, this study investigates how freedom of thought, scientific independence, and intellectual discourse was practiced in the social, political and religious contexts of the time. The results of this study indicate that despite normative religious constraints, academic freedom during the medieval era still provided space for substantial scientific development in various disciplines such as medicine, mathematics, and philosophy. Educational institutions such as Bait al-Hikma in Baghdad played an important role in creating an open and inclusive intellectual environment and encouraging cross-cultural and interreligious collaboration. The implications of this research suggest that academic freedom upheld by ethical principles and religious norms in the past can serve as a model for academic and social development in the present and future. These lessons are particularly important in addressing the challenges of digitalization and globalization that impact freedom of speech and thought in academic spaces.

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