ISLAMIC HUMANISTIC KNOWLEDGE: FOUNDATIONS FOR SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND LIVELIHOODS

• Mohiyat Adeniun ATOBATELE Ph.D.

  Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo.

  Author

The emergence of the new humanities as paradigm shift in humanistic scholarship have sparked debates on their role in tackling global challenges. This paper explores the intersection of the humanities and livelihoods through the lens of Islamic perspectives, emphasising the critical role of humanistic knowledge in fostering socioeconomic development. While global development discourses tend to prioritise science and technology, this study argues that sustainable development requires a balance between material advancement and ethical, cultural, and intellectual foundations. Drawing on the Human Capabilities Approach and Islamic Ethical Theory, the paper presents a framework that integrates the new humanities with ethical practices, interdisciplinary approaches, civic engagement, and social cohesion. Classical Islamic scholars such as Al-Ghazāli, Ibn Khaldūn, and Al-Farābī highlighted the value of humanistic education in shaping just and virtuous societies. This legacy remains relevant in contemporary settings. The paper also examines case studies from Nigeria, including Islamic schools integrating vocational and humanistic education, and faith-based peacebuilding initiatives employing Islamic ethical principles. These examples prove how the new humanities can effectively align with livelihood skills and community development. Challenges such as curriculum marginalisation and policy neglect are acknowledged, with recommendations for educational reform, interdisciplinary programmes, and policy integration. Finally, the paper argues that incorporating the humanities into development strategies can contribute significantly to addressing issues like unemployment, corruption, and moral decline. The study advocates for a renewed appreciation of humanistic knowledge to foster ethical leadership, resilient communities, and sustainable development.

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