Research quality in Islamic economics : a view from an independent expert

Abstract EN

This paper comments on Asad Zaman’s lead paper (Zaman, 2021) in this journal and is divided into three parts.

The first part summarizes very briefly my reaction to Zaman’s paper, while delving deeper into areas only briefly touched by Zaman, such as the role of physics, and the importance of knowledge.

Part two answers this Journal’s clarion call to action, by discussing what is at stake, the importance of metrics, and the challenges and opportunities facing Islamic economics.

The third part moves us forward using Zaman’s endorsement of action-oriented work and action-oriented research as a steppingstone to first recognize, and then overcome the significant obstacles in implementing a viable and reconceptualized economics, one which can adequately provision for all.

In this regard, a significant obstacle is juxtaposing concepts as binary opposites, e.g., cooperation versus competition, service versus profit, quantitative versus qualitative.

However, these concepts could be better understood as different but having a deeper, more intricate relationship.

Viewing ostensible opposites in a non-binary way as complimentary pairs is especially useful in fomenting dialogue and developing empathy (and even a humility) especially with those whom we disagree.

And this is especially critical as we move forward in confronting contemporary challenges that human societies face.

A lot is at stake, and we have a narrowing window with which to act.