Definition of Hikmat al-Ishraq
Hikmat al-Ishraq (Arabic: حكمة الإشراق, Turkish: Işık Felsefesi) refers to a significant strand within Islamic philosophy, often translated as the “Wisdom of Illumination.” This term emerges from a tradition that places emphasis on gaining truth through divine illumination rather than purely rational or discursive methods.
Etymology
The term “Hikmat al-Ishraq” derives from Arabic—Hikmat (حكمة) translates to “wisdom,” and Ishraq (إشراق) means “illumination” or “to be illuminated by light.” Thus, the term broadly embodies the concept of gaining wisdom or enlightenment through a divine or sacred light.
Philosophical and Mystical Context
Qur’anic Roots
In the Islamic faith, light holds significant metaphorical and theological importance. The Quran verse 24:35 describes God as “the Light of the heavens and the earth.” This serves as a foundational metaphor for the later elaboration of Ishraqi wisdom where divine light plays a crucial role in illuminating the seeker’s path toward truth.
Early Contributions
For earlier mystically inclined philosophers, such as Ibn Sina (Avicenna), gaining higher truth ultimately necessitates transcending discursive reasoning. Avicenna hints at this nondiscursive stage where illumination guides the philosophical journey, emphasizing a turn toward the East (al-sharq) for insights.
Al-Suhrawardi and the Philosophical Revival
The pivotal figure in the Hikmat al-Ishraq tradition is Shahab al-Din Suhrawardi (d. 1191), who systematized this approach in his famous treatise Hikmat al-Ishraq (“The Wisdom of Illumination”). Through his work, Suhrawardi sought to go beyond the rational methodologies dominant in Hellenistic philosophy by synthesizing and enriching these approaches with direct, experiential awareness rooted in ancient Eastern—especially Persian—spiritual traditions.
Mulla Sadra and the Ishraqi Tradition’s Apogee
The Ishraqi tradition saw its zenith in the works of Sadr al-Din al-Shirazi, also known as Mulla Sadra (d. 1641). Mulla Sadra is widely considered the greatest exponent of the philosophy of illumination. His synthesis of earlier Ishraqi thought with broader currents of Islamic philosophy has ensured that Ishraqi ideas continue to exert influence, particularly within contemporary Iranian philosophical circles.
Further Reading
For a deeper understanding of Hikmat al-Ishraq, consider these scholarly works:
- “Islamic Philosophy from its Origin to Present: Philosophy in the Land of Prophecy” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- “The Philosophy of Illumination” by Suhrawardi, translated by John Walbridge and Hossein Ziai
- “The Transcendent Philosophy of Mulla Sadra” by Sadr al-Din al-Shirazi (Mulla Sadra), translated by Fazlur Rahman
Takeaways
- Hikmat al-Ishraq emphasizes gaining wisdom through divine illumination.
- It goes beyond traditional rational philosophy incorporating elements of mystical and experiential insight.
- Key figures are Avicenna, Shahab al-Din Suhrawardi, and Mulla Sadra.
- The tradition uniquely intertwines Persian mystical heritage with Islamic philosophical discourse.
Conclusion
Hikmat al-Ishraq represents a rich and influential tradition within Islamic thought, fostering a harmonious interplay between rational inquiry and mystical illumination. Its continued relevance and profound insights echo significantly within both historical and contemporary Islamic philosophy.
