Theology in Islam
Introduction
Islamic Theology, known as ‘Ilm al-Kalam (علم الكلام), consists of philosophical, rational, and mystical explorations of divine truths as revealed in Islamic tradition. The term kalam which has roots in the Arabic phrase “science of discourse” (علم الكلام, ʿilm al-kalām), directly translates as “speech” or “word”. During the history of Islamic thought, theological debates addressed seven primary issues essential for religious orthodoxy and practice.
Key Issues in Islamic Theology
Concept of God (Allah)
The discussion centers on Tawhid (توحيد), the divine oneness and absolute monotheism which forms the bedrock of Islamic belief. Islamic theologians explore God’s attributes avoiding anthropomorphism while sustaining His transcendence.
Ontological and Cosmological Proofs of God’s Existence
Islamic philosophers and theologians like al-Farabi, Avicenna (Ibn Sina), and al-Ghazali crafted sophisticated arguments purporting to prove God’s existence both ontologically and cosmologically.
Cosmology: God’s Relationship to the World
Understanding the nature of creation, theologians discuss how God interacts with His creation, emphasizing concepts like Qadar (قدر, divine predestination) and the types of divine intervention.
Ethics and Theodicy
The problem of Evil (الشر, al-Sharr) and why a beneficent and omnipotent God allows suffering has spurred significant theological discourse. Ethical discussions also delve into free will versus predestination (الفعل والإرادة الحرة, al-Fi’l wal-Irada al-Hurrah) and reward and punishment.
Religious Language and Imagination
Interpreting the scriptures (Qur’an and Hadith) goes beyond mere literalism to understand the pragmatics and functions of religious language while appreciating the imaginative faculties attributed to prophets and mystics.
Reason and Revelation
Balancing Aql (عقل, reason) and Naql (نقل, revelation), scholars examine the compatibility and points of contention between human rationality and divine scriptures.
Application of Divine Rule
Fiqh (فقه, jurisprudence) represents how divine laws are interpreted and implemented within Muslim communities, involving political, social, and individual ethics shaped by theological principles.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: Theology (علم الكلام, Ilm al-Kalam)
- Turkish: Theology (İlm-i Kelâm)
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Cambridge Companion to Classical Islamic Theology” by Tim Winter
- “The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- “Islamic Theology and Philosophy: Studies in Honor of George F. Hourani” edited by Michael E. Marmura
- “A History of Islamic Philosophy” by Majid Fakhry
Takeaways and Conclusion
Islamic Theology (kalam) serves as a foundational discipline for understanding and articulating the numerous dimensions of the Islamic faith. By systematically addressing core theological issues through diverse lenses such as philosophy, mysticism, and reason, Islamic scholars provide robust frameworks and insights that guide Muslims in their spiritual and worldly endeavors. Integral figures and seminal works maintain a legacy of profound inquiry into the divine, fostering a rich tapestry of intellectual tradition in the Islamic world.
Conclusion
Islamic Theology or Ilm al-Kalam encompasses extensive and multifaceted discussions crucial to core Islamic doctrines. It underscores the synthesis of rational thought and spiritual insights, forming an essential pillar within the larger Islamic intellectual tradition.
