Dualism

Dualism

Etymology and Translations

• Arabic: ثنائية (thanawiyyah)
• Turkish: İkilik

Dualism is a worldview or doctrine that upholds two fundamental principles or divinities, often in opposition to each other, such as light and darkness.

Historical Influence

Dualism entered the Islamic intellectual tradition primarily through the mass conversion of Persians following the rise of the Abbasid Caliphate in 750 CE. Though often regarded as heretical within mainstream Islamic theology, dualistic ideas found their way into various scholarly works.

Early Proponents

The influence of dualistic thought is noticeable in the works of prominent figures such as:

• Ibn al-Muqaffaʿ (d. circa 760): Known for his contributions to Arabic literature and translations of Persian texts, Ibn al-Muqaffaʿ played a role in introducing dualistic ideas to the Islamic world.
• Ibn Sīnā (Avicenna, d. 1037): While primarily known for his contributions to philosophy and medicine, some interpret his assertions about the independence of the material substratum as influenced by dualism.
• Al-Jāḥiẓ (d. 868): His musings on the indestructibility of material bodies have also been seen in a dualistic light.

Tawhid: The Central Doctrine of Islamic Theology

In stark contrast to dualism, Islam’s core theological principle is Tawhid (توحيد). Tawhid emphasizes the unicity and transcendence of Allah, making the concept of dualism inherently antithetical to Islamic beliefs. The Qur’an and various Islamic theological writings consistently reinforce the oneness and omnipotence of Allah:

• Surah Al-Ikhlas (112:1-4): “Say, ‘He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.’”

Rejection of Dualism in Islam

Due to the emphasis on Tawhid, all forms of dualism are categorically rejected and viewed with contempt in Islamic theology. The singularity and omnipotence of Allah are central tenets that leave no room for the existence of two opposing fundamental forces or deities.

Further Studies

To delve deeper into the intersection between dualistic thought and Islamic theology, consider the following books:

• “The Incoherence of the Philosophers” (Tahāfut al-Falāsifah) by Al-Ghazālī
• “Islam and the Divine Comedy” by Miguel Asín Palacios
• “History of Islamic Philosophy” edited by Henry Corbin

Takeaways

1. Dualism is fundamentally incompatible with Islamic theology due to the doctrine of Tawhid.
2. Historical influencers like Ibn al-Muqaffaʿ, Ibn Sīnā, and Al-Jāḥiẓ brought dualistic thought into Islamic discourse, though often interpreted through a unique lens.
3. Islamic doctrine remains staunchly monotheistic, emphasizing the unity and preeminence of Allah.

Conclusion

Dualism serves as a fascinating study within Islamic intellectual history but stands in direct conflict with the essential Islamic principle of Tawhid. Through engaging with the theological writings and critical examinations of figures who navigated these philosophical terrains, one can better understand the complexities and nuances of Islamic thought.

Readers are encouraged to explore further materials for a more comprehensive understanding of this multifaceted concept.