Malkawi, Fathi Hassan. “Methodological Thinking and its Necessity,” Year 7, Issue 28 (Spring 1423 AH/ 2002 CE), Pp. 15-53.

Abstract

Fathi Malkawi’s article explains the concept of method and methodology and their technical terms, and then explains methodological interest and attention as a requirement to restore the Ummah's power. It demonstrates features of methodological imbalances in the reality of the Ummah, represented by the imbalance in the understanding of reality and in addressing it, the imbalance in linking causes with results, and the imbalance in comprehensive vision. It then focuses on the importance of research in Islamic methodology and methodological thought, referring to the writings of Ismail al-Faruqi, Abdul-Hamid Abu Sulayman, Taha Jabir al-Alwani, Ahmad al-Raysuni, Muhammad Said Ramadan al-Bouti, Louay Safi, Taha Abdurrahman, and others. It concludes with warnings against the pseudo-fascination with methodology, in hopes of guiding the efforts of scholars to a new stage of methodological clarity and responsible methodological practice.