Understanding Political Science as a Subsidiary of Islamic Studies for Resolving Crises in Contemporary Muslim Societies: The Nigerian Experience

    Abstract: Islam is a universal religion whose influence has continued to expand from the moment of the first revelation to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the Seal of the Prophets, through the classical period and into the contemporary era. Islamic Studies has served as a fundamental medium for understanding Islam, which, by extension, represents a comprehensive way of life encompassing all aspects of human endeavor. This underscores the relevance of Political Science, particularly its sub-field of Political Philosophy, as a significant component of Islamic sciences that merits scholarly attention for the survival and development of human societies. The primary aim of this paper is to examine Political Science as a subsidiary discipline within Islamic Studies. The specific objectives are to: define the concepts of Political Science and Islamic Studies; assess Political Philosophy as a sub-field of Political Science from an Islamic perspective; and explain the relevance of Islamic Political Philosophy in addressing socio-economic and political crises in contemporary Muslim societies. The paper adopts content analysis as its methodological approach. Primary and secondary sources, including the Holy Qur’an, Hadith literature, textbooks, academic journal articles, and relevant online resources, are utilized for data collection and analysis. The findings reveal that Political Science and Islamic Studies are conceptually interconnected, with Islamic Political Thought constituting a significant component of Islamic Studies, Islamic Political Thought provides a comprehensive ethical framework for governance through principles such as Tawīd, Shūrā, ʿAdl, Amānah, and Maqāid al-Sharīʿah, distinguishing it from modern Political Science through its foundation in divine sovereignty and moral accountability and the integration of Political Science and Islamic Studies offers contextually relevant approaches to addressing contemporary governance, leadership, and socio-political challenges, particularly in Muslim societies such as Nigeria.The paper concludes with recommendations aimed at enhancing the application of Islamic political thought in resolving contemporary challenges facing Muslim societies.

    Keywords: Political Science, Islamic Studies, Islamic Political Philosophy, Crisis Resolution, Muslim Societies

    DOI: 10.36349/atij.2026.v02i01.003

    author/Mohammed, A., Haruna, A., Kagara, L.M., Lawal, M. & Alkali, M.M.

    journal/Al-Takamul IJ 2(1) | July 2026 |

    Pages