ʿIlmu ʾl-Ilāhīyāt (علم الالهيات) in Islam
Definition
ʿIlmu ʾl-Ilāhīyāt (علم الالهيات) is an Arabic term that translates to “the knowledge of divinity” or “the science of the divine.” In the context of Islamic studies, it is commonly referred to as Islamic theology, dealing with the study and understanding of the nature, attributes, and actions of God (Allah).
Etymology
- Arabic: علم الالهيات (ʿIlmu ʾl-Ilāhīyāt)
- ʿIlmu (علم): translates to “knowledge” or “science.”
- ʾl-Ilāhīyāt (الالهيات): derives from “ʾIlāh” (إله), meaning “god” or “deity,” with the suffix “-iyyāt” denoting a field of study.
- Turkish: İlahiyat
- This term is directly borrowed from Arabic and has the same connotations in the context of the academic study of theology.
Significance in Islam
Theology in Islam, or ʿIlmu ʾl-Ilāhīyāt, constitutes a foundational element of Islamic intellectual tradition, encompassing various schools of thought and theological debates aimed at understanding the divine. It addresses critical issues such as:
- Tawhid (Monotheism): The oneness of God
- Asma’ wa Sifat (Names and Attributes of God): Understanding the divine qualities
- Prophethood: Role and status of prophets
- Afterlife: Concepts of paradise and hell
- Qada’ wa Qadar (Divine Decree and Predestination): The nature of divine will and human agency
Key Areas of Study
- Scriptural Exegesis (Tafsir): Interpretations of the Qur’an and its theological implications.
- Hadith Studies: Examination of prophetic traditions to understand theological tenets.
- Kalam: Rational theology involving dialectical reasoning to defend and articulate tenets of faith.
- Sufism (Tasawwuf): Mystical dimensions focused on divine love and experiential knowledge of God.
Major Theologians
- Al-Ghazali (1058-1111): Known for integrating Sufism with mainstream Islamic theology.
- Ibn Taymiyyah (1263-1328): Renowned for his works on reforming Islamic thought.
- Ash’ari (874-936): Founder of the Ash’ari school of theology, which sought to reconcile rationalism with traditions.
Suggested Books for Further Study
- “The Incoherence of the Philosophers” (Tahafut al-Falasifah) by Al-Ghazali
- “Introduction to Islamic Theology and Law” by Ignaz Goldziher
- “Islamic Theology: Traditionalism and Rationalism” by Richard Frank
- “Theology and Mysticism in the Multiple Paths to God” by William Chittick
- “Ash’ari and the Ash’arites in Islamic Religious History” by W. Montgomery Watt
Takeaways and Conclusion
ʿIlmu ʾl-Ilāhīyāt (علم الالهيات) represents a significant and intricate domain within Islamic studies that seeks to understand the divine through scriptural, rational, and experiential means. Islamic theology has played a vital role in shaping Muslim intellectual history and continues to influence contemporary Islamic thought.
Understanding ʿIlmu ʾl-Ilāhīyāt equips scholars and students with deeper insights into the theological underpinnings of Islam and opens up avenues for interfaith dialogue and comparative religious studies.
In conclusion, the study of Islamic theology, like its counterparts in other religious traditions, provides essential tools for comprehending the spiritual, doctrinal, and ethical dimensions of faith.
