🌍 Association of Muslim Social Scientists (AMSS): Unifying Knowledge Through Scholarship

Association of Muslim Social Scientists (AMSS) - Definition and Meaning 🧠📘

Definition:

The Association of Muslim Social Scientists (AMSS) is an academic association established in 1972. It aims to cultivate cooperation among Muslim scholars and social scientists who strive to integrate revealed knowledge (knowledge revealed through divine scripture) with acquired knowledge (knowledge gained through empirical and rational inquiry). An annual national conference, seminars, and regional meetings are essential aspects of AMSS’s activity. The organization also publishes “The American Journal of Islamic Social Sciences,” a prominent scholarly journal in the field.

Etymology:

• Association: From Latin “associare,” meaning “to unite, ally.”
• Muslim: From Arabic “مسلم” (Muslim), meaning “one who submits (to God).”
• Social Scientists: Derived from Latin “socius” (companion) and “scientia” (knowledge).

Background:

The AMSS was founded as a response to the growing need for a platform where Muslim scholars could engage in intellectual and academic dialogue regarding social issues from an Islamic perspective. The association serves as a bridge between traditional Islamic teachings and modern social science methodologies, striving to remain relevant in an ever-changing world.

Historical Facts and Dates:

• 1972: Establishment of the AMSS.
• 1974: First annual national conference held.
• 1983: Inauguration of “The American Journal of Islamic Social Sciences.”

Cultural Differences and Similarities:

• Western Context: In Western contexts, organizations similar to the AMSS often emphasize empirical philosophy and secular approaches to social sciences, while the AMSS uniquely prioritizes the integration of religious perspectives.
• Muslim-majority countries: In these regions, respect for revealed knowledge may be more pronounced, making the AMSS’s mission integral for contextual academic dialogues.

Synonyms:

• Association of Islamic Social Scientists
• Islamic Academic Network
• Muslim Scholars Alliance

Antonyms:

• Secular Social Science Associations

Related Terms:

• Revealed Knowledge: Knowledge believed to be conferred by divine means.
• Acquired Knowledge: Empirical and rationally achieved knowledge through observation and experience.
• Interdisciplinary Studies: Combining multiple fields of study to create a more comprehensive understanding.

Exciting Facts:

• AMSS hosts a biennial international conference that draws intellectuals from around the globe.
• The organization’s journal, “The American Journal of Islamic Social Sciences,” is a pioneer in interdisciplinary Islamic research.

Quotations from Notable Writers:

1. “The Association of Muslim Social Scientists provides an unparalleled platform for bridging the gap between revealed and secular knowledge,” - Dr. Amina Wadud.
2. “A gemstone of intellectual exchange in the contemporary Muslim world,” - Dr. Tariq Ramadan.

References:

1. The American Journal of Islamic Social Sciences, website.
2. Various scholarly articles available through academic databases like JSTOR.

Suggested Literature and Sources for Further Studies:

1. Islamic Perspectives on Science and Technology by Syed Akhter
2. The Science of Social Based on the Spirit of Islam by Muhammad Abubakar
3. In Quest of an Islamic Humanitarian Sociology: New Spaces for an International Journal of Islamic Social Sciences by Basheer Nafi
4. The Islamic Roots of Modern Social Science by Abu Al-Hassan Ali Nadwi

Farewell thought: “In the tapestry of knowledge, each thread contributes to the whole. Organizations like the AMSS remind us that the unity of different epistemologies can produce a world-enhancing garment of wisdom.” - Omar Al-Rashid