Ibn Al-Haytham’s Philosophy on Scientific Research Applied in Islamic Research Methodology: Analysis from Tasawwur, Epistemology and Ontology Perspectives
Mohd Syahmir Alias Mohd Shukri Hanapi

Abstract
Scientific methodology was first introduced in the social science discipline through Émile Durkheim’s work entitled Rules of Sociological Method. Nevertheless, scientific methodology is presumed to be inadequate when wholly applied in Islamic-based research because it has limitations when studying Islam and Muslims. This indicates the importance of re-examining the scientific approach when formulating an Islamic research methodology. Based on historiographical sources, the scientific methodology was first explored by a Muslim intellectual named Ibn al-Haytham. The question is, what is the philosophy entrenched in Ibn al-Haytham’s scientific research? Moreover, is his philosophy adequate to develop Islamic research methodology? Hence, this paper intends to identify the philosophy beyond Ibn al-Haytham’s scientific research and analyze its suitability with the Islamic research methodology. Thus, by using content analysis, the discussions are arranged into three sections. First, is to identify the basis of Islamic research methodology. Second, is to examine Ibn al-Haytham’s philosophy on scientific research. Third, is to analyze the compatibility between the two subjects. The study has found that Ibn al-Haytham’s philosophy on scientific research has the strength from the aspect of tasawwur (worldview), epistemology, ontology, tools of analysis and the final aim of a study. Hence, his research philosophy is fit to be applied in the Islamic research methodology.

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