Beyond quoting the ancients: Integrating critical baḥth into naql based research in Islamic Studies

Abstract

Islamic Studies has long been characterized by a deep reverence for naql—the faithful transmission of Qurʾānic teachings, Prophetic traditions, and classical scholarly opinions. While this commitment to preservation safeguards the integrity of revelation, it often results in research that privileges compilation and citation over analytical discovery. This study, titled “Beyond Quoting the Ancients: Integrating Critical Baḥth into Naql-Based Research,” investigates how the dominance of naql in Islamic scholarship has shaped research practices and limited methodological innovation within Nigerian universities. Using a mixed-method research design, the study combined quantitative surveys, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis of undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations in the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies at the University of Ibadan. The data were analyzed thematically and statistically to identify trends in students’ understanding and application of naql and baḥth, as well as the implications for employability and academic relevance. Findings reveal that over two-thirds of research projects are naql-based, with minimal integration of analytical or empirical tools. While naql remains essential for preserving authenticity, its dominance constrains intellectual creativity and limits the development of transferable skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving. The paper draws on classical Islamic epistemology and modern research theory to propose a balanced framework that integrates baḥth—critical investigation—into naql-based methodologies. It argues that embedding hypothesis-driven inquiry, interdisciplinary perspectives, and digital humanities tools can revitalize Islamic Studies research without compromising its textual and spiritual foundations. By reuniting transmission with investigation, Islamic scholarship can reclaim the spirit of ijtihād and position itself as both authentic and relevant in addressing contemporary intellectual and societal challenges.