Introduction
The Association of Muslim Social Scientists (AMSS) is an academic association established in 1972 with the primary objective of fostering cooperation among Muslim scholars and social scientists. The organization seeks to unify revealed knowledge, such as that found in Islamic texts, with acquired knowledge from the social sciences.
Historical Context and Mission
Etymology
- Arabic Translation: جمعية العلماء الاجتماعيين المسلمين (Jamaʻat al-‘Ulamā’ al-Ijtimaʻiyīn al-Muslimīn)
- Turkish Translation: Müslüman Sosyal Bilimcilik Derneği
The term “Association of Muslim Social Scientists” reflects the organization’s focus on the interdisciplinary integration of both Islamic and social scientific paradigms.
Founding and Objectives
Founded in 1972, the AMSS emerged during a period when there was an increasing interest in the integration of Islamic principles with contemporary social science methodologies. The association aims to generate scholarly cooperation and dialogue, emphasizing an Islamic perspective on issues found within the social sciences.
Activities and Contributions
Annual National Conferences
The AMSS holds an annual national conference that serves as a platform for scholars to present research, engage in discussions, and promote the integration of Islamic knowledge into the broader field of social sciences.
Seminars and Regional Meetings
Apart from its national conferences, the AMSS organizes various seminars and regional meetings throughout the year. These events are designed to encourage intellectual exchange and facilitate cooperation among scholars at different stages of their careers.
Publications
- The American Journal of Islamic Social Sciences (AJISS): This peer-reviewed journal is one of the AMSS’s most significant contributions to academic literature. It publishes scholarly articles that bridge Islamic studies and social sciences, providing a forum for intellectual discourse.
Notable Works and Bibliography
For further study on the intersection of Islam and social sciences, the following titles are recommended:
- “Islamic Social Science: A New Paradigm” by Ismail Raji al-Faruqi
- “The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam” by Muhammad Iqbal
- “An Introduction to Islamic Sociology: Principles of Social Science and Ethics” by Akbar S. Ahmed
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
The AMSS plays a vital role in fostering academic dialogue that bridges Islamic and social scientific paradigms. Through its conferences, seminars, and publications, the AMSS is instrumental in promoting the integration of Islamic principles into contemporary social sciences.
- Mission: Promote unity of revealed and acquired knowledge among Muslim scholars and social scientists.
- Activities: Hosts annual conferences, regional meetings, and seminars; publishes academic journals.
- Contributions: Bridges the gap between Islamic scholarship and social sciences, providing a vital platform for interdisciplinary research.
The work of the AMSS underscores the dynamic and evolving nature of Islamic scholarship in relation to the modern social sciences. By advocating for an integrated approach, the association continues to contribute meaningfully to both fields.
