ABSTRACT
Al-Biruni and Ibn Battuta were two outstanding figures that Muslim civilization of the Middle Period had ever produced. Al-Biruni’s extensive scholarship and learning surpassed his reputation as a traveler whilst Ibn Battuta’s celebrated journey camouflaged his intellectual achievement. Irrespective of these facts, our study largely revolves around their treatment of knowledge. In so doing, their educational and intellectual geography; philosophy, objective, epistemology, and methodology of knowledge; and their contribution to Muslim intellectual and scientific traditions dominate our discussion. In the course of our analysis, similarities and differences surface much to our delight for the knowledge that they seemed worlds apart at the preliminary stage of this study. Al-Biruni and Ibn Battuta can be considered pioneers in their field. Up to the time of modern means of communication, Ibn Battuta surpassed others in his feat whilst al-Biruni’s major works still need to find their match. The Muslims rejoice and celebrate their achievements but most importantly the positive attitude towards knowledge as exemplified by both and the early Muslims must be upheld. The Muslim intellectual and scientific traditions should be the beacons, thereby help maneuvering in the uncharted grounds. Today’s challenge demands some original and creative thoughts in providing solutions to contemporary problems. This could only be achieved by embracing Islam as the Worldview replete with concepts and principles in building a real civilization. For this to materialize, our approach to the Muslim intellectual and scientific traditions must be that of contemporary Islamic asalah. To again play our role of ‘abd and khalifah, the dynamic role of the towering Muslim figures of the past must be emulated and treatment of knowledge should result in ta’dib, which should form the foundation and basis of future Muslim Civilization.
