Journal of Islamic Thought and Philosophy
Vol. 4 No. 2 (2025): December

The Concept of the Soul (Nafs) in Islamic Philosophy: A Comparative Study of Ibn Sina’s and Ibn Bajjah’s Thought

Muslih, Mohammad Kholid (Unknown)
Kamal, Aria Nur (Unknown)
Faturrahman, Mochammad Eka (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Dec 2025

Abstract

This study examines and compares the concept of nafs in the works of two prominent Paripatetic Muslim philosophers: Ibn Sina and Ibn Bajjah. Both philosophers played important roles in developing the theory of the soul in the Islamic philosophical tradition. Though their views are often considered to be influenced by Greek philosophy, particularly Aristotelianism, this study seeks to demonstrate that their concept of nafs is an original contribution with a strong foundation in the Qur'an and Sunnah. Using a qualitative approach, the study collects data from the primary works of both figures as well as relevant secondary literature. The analysis reveals key differences between the two philosophers. First, Ibn Sina divides the types of nafs into three: the vegetable soul, the animal soul, and the human soul. In contrast, Ibn Bajjah analyzes the nafs more simply, focusing on its power. Second, regarding the immortality of the nafs, Ibn Sina's view is more comprehensive than Ibn Bajjah's, which limits immortality to the mind and the nafs natiqah. Third, regarding the perfection of the nafs, Ibn Sina emphasizes its perfection as a whole, whereas Ibn Bajjah limits it to the context of active reason.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JITP

Publisher

Subject

Religion Arts Humanities Social Sciences

Description

Journal of Islamic Thought and Philosophy is a peer-reviewed journal by the Master of Aqidah and Islamic Philosophy Study Program at UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya. This journal provides scientific publications for research related to the themes of Islamic thought and philosophy. Taking a broad view of ...