The Religious-Epistemological Concept of Knowledge in Islamic Civilization and Its Reception among Modern Kazakhstani Muslims

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Abstract

This article examines the religious-epistemological concept of knowledge (‘ilm) in Islamic civilization and its reception among contemporary Muslims in Kazakhstan. It highlights the sacred status of knowledge in Islamic tradition, as evidenced by numerous Quranic verses and Prophetic hadiths that emphasize the obligation and virtue of seeking knowledge. Classical Islamic scholars such as Al-Ghazali and Al-Maturidi developed nuanced epistemologies, categorizing sources and types of knowledge and balancing reason with divine revelation. The study explores the interaction between the Islamic epistemic tradition and the modern secular education system in Kazakhstan. Since the post-Soviet revival, Kazakhstani Muslims have shown growing interest in religious knowledge: madrasah and Islamic universities are being re-established, while the internet and social media have emerged as new arenas for religious learning. Findings indicate that the Islamic concept of knowledge remains integral to the worldview of Kazakhstan’s Muslims today, yet the transmission of traditional religious understanding faces new complexities in the digital age. Through analysis of classical and contemporary sources, the article traces the evolution of Kazakhstani Muslims’ attitudes toward knowledge and suggests pathways for the effective integration of Islamic knowledge in modern contexts.