Islamic Theology and Philosophy

Presented by:

Jenny Runner

Josh Runner

Theology

Theology that derived from the Qur’an and the Prophetic traditions called Hadiths

Basis of faith in Islam: No god but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah

Allah is indivisible and absolutely transcendent; He is almighty, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe

Shia Islamic Theology

Five Basic Elements: 1. Tawhid – Oneness of

Allah 2. Adalah – Justice of Allah 3. Nubuwwah –

Prophethood; Allah has appointed perfect and infallible prophets and messengers to teach mankind the religion

– Muhammad the most important of the Prophets

4. Imamah – Leadership; Allah has appointed specific leaders to lead and guide mankind

– Shia believes in 12 Imams; 11 have been killed but believe the twelfth is still alive

5. Qiyamah – Day of Judgment

– There will be a resurrection of souls where human deeds will be judged by Allah – will be rewards and punishments

Islamic Philosophy

Main sources of classical or early Islamic philosophy are the religion of Islam itself (the Qur’an) and Greek philosophy.

In early Islamic thought, there were two main currents: Kalam and Falsafa.

الفلسفه

Schools of Dogmatic Theology - Sunni (Kalam)

1. Mu’tazilah School

2. Ash’ariyyah School

3. Maturidiyyah School

الالهوت نظام

1. Mu’tazilah School

Arose in the early part of the 8th century CE Emphasize human free will over predestination and

God's justice over God's omnipotence Believe in the use of logic to deduct the true

meanings of the Qur’an When combined with the principle of ljtihad, it allows

for the Dynamic Fiqh (taking time, location into account) when making religious laws.

2. Ash’ariyyah School

In the 10th century CE, in reaction against the Mu’tazilah, the Sunni movement arose.

It drastically changed the direction of Islamic theology and helped to separate it from the theology of the Christians.

Its major figure was Abu al-Hasan al-Ash’ari.– His school, the Ash’ari school, came to dominate

the orthodox position in the Sunni Muslim world.

2. Ash’ariyyah School (cont.)

Followers attempted to demonstrate the existence and nature of God through rational argument, while affirming the eternal, uncreated nature of the Qur’an

Comprehension of unique nature and characteristics of Allah were beyond human capability

They were accused by the Mu'tazilah of believing in predestination because they claimed the human capacity for action was only acquired at the very moment of action.

3. Maturidiyyah School

Named after Abu Mansur Muhammad al-Maturidi, its founder

Characterized by reliance on the Qur’an with minimal reasoning and little scope for interpretation

Emphasize human free will over predestination Believed in the use of logic to deduct the true

meanings of the Qur’an Asserted that a Muslim who sincerely performed all

religious duties as prescribed in the Qur'an was assured of a place in heaven

Differences between Shia and Sunni Doctrines

Unlike (most) Sunni, Shia believe that the Prophet Muhammad and the 12 Imams are immaculate from sin

Shia also believe that faith has an outer meaning accessible to all through study of commentaries and an inner meaning is accessible only through the Prophet and Imams

A difference also comes with the hadith; they both pray 5x a day. Shia sometimes worship 2x consecutively; they do not perform non-obligatory prayers in congregation

Falsafa

Ibn Sina – Iranian scientist and philosopher who founded the school of Avicennism

From 9th c. CE and onward, Greek philosophy was introduced among the Persians and Arabs

During Abbasid caliphate, a number of thinkers and scientists played a role in transmitting Greek, Hindu, and other pre-Islamic knowledge to the Christian world.

Persians al-Farabi and Avicenna and the Arab, al-Kindi combined Aristotelianism and Neoplatonism with other ideas introduced through Islam

Contemporary Islamic Philosophy

Teaching of hikmat has continued and flourished – Entered the world through Greek cultural diffusion in 8th and

9th c.– Arabic word meaning “wisdom”

Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal (1877-1938) – notable Muslim philosopher, poet and scholar from Pakistan

– He helped to reshape and revitalize Islamic philosophy amongst the Muslims in the 20th c.

The Five Pillars of Islam

1. Creed-Shahadah

2. Prayer-Salat

3. Charity to the Poor-Zakat

4. Fasting During Ramadan

5. Pilgrimmage to Mecca

Creed-Shahadah

There is no God, but Allah and Muhammad is his Prophet.

Prayer-Salat

Pray 5 times a day towards Mecca (the Kabba)– Before dawn, midday, mid-afternoon, sunset,

nighttime

Announced by a muezzin from a minaret Ritual cleansing Friday is the public day of prayer

Charity to the Poor-Zakat

Giving 2.5% of income to the poor Perform acts of charity everyday to those in

need

Fasting During Ramadan

Abstain from eating during daylight hours No sex at night

– Discipline– Develop sympathy for poor– Devotion to Allah

Muhammad receives his revelations

Pilgrimage to Mecca-Hajj

Birthplace of Muhammad Should make trip at least once during lifetime Only Muslims can visit city Greatest month is dhu’l-Hijjah Purification process includes uniforms for

clothing and special prayers

Bibliography

www.islamfortoday.com www.muslimphilosophy.com www.falsafa.com www.uga.edu/islam/faith.html Dr. Lyons notes