Humanism and Islam
Definition
Humanism and Islam explore the relationship between the principles of Humanism and traditional Islamic teachings. Humanism emphasizes the value of human beings, individual liberty, and rational inquiry, often rejecting the notion that moral values are derived from divine sources. In contrast, Islamic philosophy teaches that God (Allah) is the ultimate source of all moral values.
Etymology and Translations
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Humanism: Derived from the Latin “humanitas”, meaning human nature, kindness.
- Arabic: الإنسانية (Insaniyya)
- Turkish: Hümanizm
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Islam: Derived from the Arabic root “Salema” which means peace, purity, submission, and obedience.
- Arabic: الإسلام (Al-Islam)
- Turkish: İslam
Philosophical Premise
Muslim scholars often reject the fundamental premise of Humanism that suggests humans are the measure of all things and that moral values are derived solely from human desires and needs. Islamic theology proposes that God is the ultimate source of all moral values and that human beings are His vicegerents (Khalifah).
Compatibility with Islamic Worldview
Some modern Muslim scholars argue that despite philosophical differences, the core values of Humanism align with the ethical principles in Islam:
Dignity of Each Human Being
Both Humanism and Islam affirm the intrinsic dignity and worth of every individual. The Qur’an states:
<p>“We have certainly honored the children of Adam” (Quran 17:70).</p>
Individual Liberty and Freedom of Choice
Islam grants considerable freedom to individuals as long as their choices do not conflict with the common good. References to free will and accountability are prevalent in Islamic teachings:
<p>“There shall be no compulsion in religion” (Quran 2:256).</p>
Participatory Democracy
Islamic principles support Shura (consultation) in governance, resembling participatory democracy:
<p>“And those who have responded to their lord and established prayer and whose affair is [determined by] consultation among themselves” (Quran 42:38).</p>
Social Justice
Both worldviews emphasize social justice and equity. Islam places significant importance on Al-Adl (justice):
<p>“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah” (Quran 4:135).</p>
Rational Inquiry
Islamic tradition has a rich history of embracing rational inquiry and scientific exploration:
<p>“Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding” (Quran 3:190).</p>
Divergence from Secular Humanism
Muslim humanism diverges from secular humanism in rejecting secularization of values, where morals and ethics are derived independently of divine revelation. This difference forms the crux of the philosophical discord between the two paradigms.
Suggested Readings
- “Islam and Secularism” by Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas
- “The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam” by Muhammad Iqbal
- “Islamic Humanism” by Lenn E. Goodman
- “Human Rights in Islam” by Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi
Takeaways
- Islamic philosophy fundamentally points to God as the source of all moral and ethical values.
- There is significant overlap between the core values of Humanism and Islamic teachings.
- Divergences primarily arise from Humanism’s secular foundations, which are not acceptable within an Islamic framework.
Conclusion
While the principles of Humanism and Islamic ethics converge on many social and moral issues, their foundational philosophies differ markedly. Modern Muslim scholars argue that it is possible to embrace the quest for a just, compassionate, and rational society consistent with Humanism while adhering to the Islamic worldview.
