Philosophy in Islamic Thought

Etymology and Translations

• Arabic: فلسفة (falsafah)
• Turkish: Felsefe

Historical Overview

Philosophy in Islam, known in Arabic as falsafah (فلسفة), refers to the integration and adaptation of Greek philosophical thought within the Islamic intellectual framework. This amalgamation led to the development of distinct schools of thought, contributing significantly to both Islamic and global intellectual traditions.

Early Development

• Al-Kindi (d. 873): Often considered the first significant Islamic philosopher, Al-Kindi founded the early Peripatetic school. He skillfully integrated Aristotelian and Neoplatonic elements, pioneering the Islamic discourse that seeks to harmonize faith (iman) and reason (aql).

Major Figures and Schools

• Al-Farabi (d. 950): Known as the “Second Teacher” (Aristotle being the first), Al-Farabi was pivotal in synthesizing Plato’s political philosophy with Islamic principles. His contributions laid the foundation for Islamic political philosophy and formal logic.
• Ibn Sina (Avicenna, d. 1037): A towering figure in both Islamic and Western philosophy, Ibn Sina’s works on metaphysics, particularly his differentiation between necessary and contingent existents, became a keystone in Islamic thought and influenced medieval Judeo-Christian philosophies.

Reaction and Critique

• Al-Ghazali (d. 1111): While highly influential in Islamic theology, Al-Ghazali composed Tahafut al-Falasifah (The Incoherence of the Philosophers), criticizing the rationalist methods of the philosophers, which initiated a decline in the prominence of Peripatetic philosophy in the Islamic world.
• Ibn Rushd (Averroës, d. 1198): A formidable Aristotelian philosopher, he authored Tahafut al-Tahafut (The Incoherence of the Incoherence) in response to Al-Ghazali, defending the role of philosophy. While his works had limited impact in the Islamic world, they profoundly influenced Western thought.

Subsequent Developments

• Ibn Khaldun (d. 1406): Recognized for his groundbreaking work, Muqaddimah, which laid the foundations for the philosophy of history and social sciences in Islam.
• Persian Philosophical Ascendancy (12th-16th centuries): Philosophy flourished in Persia, with important contributions from Suhrawardi (d. 1191), the proponent of hikmat al-ishraq (the wisdom of illumination), and Mulla Sadra (d. 1641), who reconciled various schools of thought into a dynamic intellectual discourse that continues to resonate in contemporary Iranian thought.

Contemporary Relevance

Islamic philosophy remains influential, particularly in Iran’s intellectual life, reflecting its profound historical legacy and adaptability to modern issues.

Suggested Further Studies

• “The Incoherence of the Philosophers” by Al-Ghazali
• “The Incoherence of the Incoherence” by Ibn Rushd (Averroës)
• “The Philosophy of Illumination” by Suhrawardi
• “An Introduction to Islamic Philosophy” by Massimo Campanini
• “History of Islamic Philosophy” edited by Seyyed Hossein Nasr and Oliver Leaman

Takeaways and Conclusion

Philosophy in Islam represents a rich tapestry of intellectual inquiry seeking to reconcile faith with reason. Pioneers like Al-Kindi and Ibn Sina imported and adapted Greek philosophies, while the reactions from figures such as Al-Ghazali and Ibn Rushd reflect a dynamic discourse. As it persisted through the centuries, notably in Persian thought, Islamic philosophy continues to inform contemporary discussions, showcasing its enduring significance.