Journal of Islamic and Occidental Studies (JIOS)
Vol. 4 No. 1 (2026): Journal of Islamic and Occidental Studies

Multilevel Reading as an Epistemological Model of Islam-Science Integration: A Critical Study of Nidhal Guessoum

Mohammad Muslih (Universitas Darussalam Gontor, Indonesia)
Erni Puryati Ningsih (Universitas Darussalam Gontor, Indonesia)
Rahmat Ardi Nur Rifa Da’i (Universitas Darussalam Gontor, Indonesia)
Adi Setiawan (International Islamic Call College Tripoli, Libya)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jun 2026

Abstract

This article aims to examine and analyze Nidhal Guessoum’s concept of multilevel reading as an epistemological model of Islam-science integration. Specifically, it investigates the epistemological foundations, methodological structure, and logical consistency of Guessoum’s approach in reconciling revelation and scientific rationality.  Employing qualitative library research, this study uses epistemological, hermeneutical, and philosophy of science approaches to critically evaluate Guessoum’s thought. The findings show that multilevel reading represents an attempt to establish a dialogical relationship between religion and science without reducing one into the other. Guessoum rejects both scientism and literalism by proposing contextual and layered interpretations of religious texts. This approach enables a more flexible interaction between Qur’anic interpretation and contemporary scientific developments. However, the study also finds that the model still faces several methodological challenges, particularly regarding interpretive ambiguity and epistemological consistency. Despite these limitations, Guessoum’s framework contributes significantly to the development of contemporary Islamic epistemology by offering a more contextual, critical, and integrative paradigm of Islam-science relations. Therefore, multilevel reading can be regarded as an important alternative model in contemporary   discussions on religion and science.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jios

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities Social Sciences Other

Description

Journal of Islamic and Occidental Studies (JIOS) is published by Centre for Islamic and Occidental Studies, University of Darussalam Gontor twice a year in June and December on the development of Islamic and Occidental Studies. Editors accept scientific articles (especially qualitative study) in ...