Huwiyyah
Huwiyyah - often translated as “identity” or “it-ness” in modern Arabic. In classical Islamic philosophy, it functioned as a technical term designating a thing’s ability to subsist on its own or to possess existence. This term also highlighted something’s essential identity, as distinct from its quiddity (mahiyyah). In mystical thought, huwiyyah differentiated the identity of the divine being (God) from the “I-ness” (aniyyah) of the mystic’s ego.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: هُويّة (huwiyyah)
- Turkish: Hüviyet
The term “huwiyyah” is derived from the Arabic word “هو” (hu) meaning “he,” used here to refer to the concept of “it-ness” or “the essence that it is.”
Classical Islamic Philosophy
In classical Islamic philosophy, huwiyyah represented the intrinsic identity of an entity, permitting it to exist independently. Philosophers like Avicenna (Ibn Sina) and Al-Farabi utilized this term to demarcate the true essence of beings as contrasted with their possible attributes or contingencies, also known as quiddity (mahiyyah).
Islamic Mysticism (Tasawwuf)
In the realm of Islamic mysticism, or Tasawwuf, huwiyyah becomes significant in the context of the relationship between the divine and the human soul. Here, the term contrasts the divine identity with the personal “I-ness” (aniyyah) of the mystic. Prominent Sufi thinkers like Ibn Arabi explored the concept deeply, discussing how the awareness of one’s huwiyyah can lead to deeper spiritual realizations and a closer relationship with the divine.
Key Concepts
- Mahiyyah (ماهية): Quiddity, or what a thing is, highlighting its characteristics and possible attributes.
- Aniyyah (أنية): “I-ness”, the personal identity and ego of a human being.
- Existence vs. Essence: Huwiyyah often deals with the essence of something (its core, unchanging nature) as distinct from its existence (presence in the actual world).
Books for Further Study
- “The Metaphysics of The Healing” by Avicenna
- “The Bezels of Wisdom” by Ibn Arabi
- “Al-Farabi on the Perfect State” by Al-Farabi
Takeaways
- Huwiyyah is a multifaceted term representing core identity and essence in both philosophical and mystical contexts.
- It serves to distinguish between the essential nature of a being and its attributes or quiddities.
- It is a central concept in understanding the nature of God and the human soul within Islamic metaphysical and spiritual frameworks.
Conclusion
Understanding huwiyyah offers profound insights into the identity and existential frameworks of classical Islamic thought. It not only contributes to discussions in philosophy concerning the nature of being but also delves into mystical experiences, fostering a bridge between the finite human self and the infinite divine essence.
