Critical Review of Existing Classifications of Religious Sciences and Presentation of a Goal-Oriented Alternative: A Step towards a Civilizational Perspective

Given the significance of classifications in the theory of Islamic humanities, the primary aim of this study is to scrutinize existing classifications of religious sciences and propose a new conceptual classification based on goal-oriented perspectives in religious sciences. The research methodology employed in this paper is classification, serving the main objective of the research. To achieve this, various classifications of religious sciences based on three criteria (comprehensiveness and exclusivity, differentiation of categories, and a unified basis) were examined and critiqued. The findings revealed deficiencies in existing classifications concerning comprehensiveness, having a unified basis for classification, and differentiation of categories. Analysis of the basis of classifications showed that most classifications of religious sciences have centered on methodological discussions as the basis for classification, requiring focused attention and thorough investigation. However, a more fundamental issue in the production of religious sciences is the consideration of the goal and goal-orientation in Islamic humanities. None of the classifications have addressed the examination and categorization of approaches from the perspective of the 'goal and ideal of producing religious sciences.' In light of the critique of existing classification criteria, the criterion of classifying assumptions of religious sciences can be considered as the 'goal and ideal of producing religious sciences.' Therefore, based on this new criterion and using the method of induction, two major approaches in religious sciences, namely the civilization-building approach and the approach independent of civilization, can be proposed as a new classification.