Senarai: Journal of Islamic Heritage and Civilization
Vol. 1 No. 3 (2025): Islamic Heritage and Civilization

A Methodological Exploration of Reason and Mysticism in Defining Divine Revelation: The Perspectives of Ibn Sīnā and Al-Ghazālī

Ibrahim, Erdogan (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
05 May 2025

Abstract

This article delves into the contrasting conceptions of divine revelation as articulated by two significant figures in Islamic thought, Ibn Sīnā and Al-Ghazālī, within the framework of metaphysical and epistemological processes. Ibn Sīnā views divine revelation as a metaphysical process situated at the apex of intellect. He posits it as an abstract reflection of divine knowledge conveyed to the prophet's imaginative faculty through the Active Intellect, a process philosophically grounded in the maturation of human intellectual capacity. Conversely, Al-Ghazālī understands divine revelation as a mystical experience, a divine encounter that surpasses the boundaries of human reason. For Al-Ghazālī, divine revelation manifests as an expression of God's speech, occurring solely through divine volition and inherently resistant to full rational comprehension. His Sufi-oriented perspective considers divine revelation integral to spiritual development. Through a comparative analysis of these two thinkers' understandings of divine revelation and metaphysics examining the points of convergence and divergence between Ibn Sīnā's rational approach and Al-Ghazālī's intuitive and inspirational Sufi approach this study offers an in-depth exploration of the evolution of the concept of divine revelation within Islamic theology and philosophy, underscoring the distinct contributions of each thinker to this intellectual tradition.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

senarai

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities Social Sciences

Description

Senarai: Journal of Islamic Heritage and Civilization (ISSN: 3089-2864) is dedicated to the scholarly examination of the intricate intersections between Islamic philosophical thought, historical development, and the rise and evolution of civilizations. The journal aims to provide a comprehensive ...