An Investigation of Ibn Taymiyya's Critique of Muslim Scholars and Pervez Hoodbhoy's Distorted View on Islamic Worldview: A Potential Response for Muslim Youths from Being Assimilated With The Scientific Worldview

Imam Ibn Taymiyya is considered one of the most famous figures in Islamic history to defend the fundamental teachings of Islam that prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him) and his companions practiced according to the Quranic message. Professor Pervez Hoodbhoy from Pakistan vehemently attacked Imam Ghazali’s defence of orthodox Islam as anti-science. For Hoodbhoy, Imam Ghazali’s orthodox view is dangerous for the scientific progression and freedom of thought . With the advent of New Atheism, there is a trend of Islamophobia within Muslim countries. This research is significant in understanding Islamophobia among Muslim youths due to the rise of the science vs religion debate. How would Muslim youths justify their position against contemporary Western thought? The research is qualitative. Descriptive and normative methods have been used. The study finds that Imam Taymiyya had a unique way of dealing with the influence of Greek and mystic thoughts. This researchsuggests that Imam Taymmiya’s approach may help Muslim youths encounter the scientific worldview and other emerging ideologies in the 21st century.