ABSTRACT
The Islāmisation of knowledge development has stressed the importance of both the epistemological (theoretical content of human thought) and the methodological dimensions (research) approaches in knowledge integration. Muslim researchers and scholars have two approaches or methodologies in studying human behaviours and experiences. The first method is the use of intuition, empirical and rational based on the Western paradigm, and the use on the Qur’ān and Sunnah as the primary source of knowledge. The latter is oriented on the Tawhîdic paradigm and the Islāmic worldview. A framework for undertaking Islāmic psychology research is presented in a linear fashion, but it does not mean that they are utilised in a sequential way. The guidelines are adapted depending on the nature and process of research. Having good intention (niyyah) is a prerequisite for amt research in Islāmic psychology. The guidelines include ecological validity, research competence, mapping the research field, literature review, understanding the texts and meanings, scholarly integrity in relating ideas and impartial and honest criticism. The paradigm of scientific research consists of ontology, epistemology methodology and methods based on revealed knowledge and empirical evidence. The worldview of Muslims plays a vital role in research process and in designing purpose of the research. It is the Islāmic research philosophy that drives the philosophical position of a researcher and embedded with the Islāmic worldview. It is those two mega framework that have significant influence the research questions, methodology and interpretation of findings. In this context, the integrated research method combined with the Maqasid Methodology provides a robust Islāmic scholarship in research. Research scholarship in Islām is based on the identifying and disseminating the absolute truth which can be found in divine revelation and the universe and is governed by the Tawhīd paradigm. This chapter focuses on an examination of integrated research and provides a framework in undertaking research in Islāmic psychology.
