Islamic Theology and Philosophy
Presented by:
Jenny Runner
Josh Runner
Theology
Theology that derived from the Qur’an and
the Prophetic traditions called Hadiths
Basis of faith in Islam: No god but Allah and
Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah
Allah is indivisible and absolutely
transcendent; He is almighty, the Creator
and Sustainer of the universe
Shia Islamic Theology
Five Basic Elements: 4. Imamah – Leadership;
1. Tawhid – Oneness of Allah has appointed specific
Allah leaders to lead and guide
2. Adalah – Justice of Allah mankind
– Shia believes in 12 Imams;
3. Nubuwwah – 11 have been killed but
Prophethood; Allah has believe the twelfth is still
appointed perfect and alive
infallible prophets and 5. Qiyamah – Day of
messengers to teach Judgment
mankind the religion – There will be a resurrection
– Muhammad the most of souls where human
important of the Prophets deeds will be judged by
Allah – will be rewards and
punishments
Islamic Philosophy الفلسفه
Main sources of classical or early Islamic
philosophy are the religion of Islam itself (the
Qur’an) and Greek philosophy.
In early Islamic thought, there were two main
currents: Kalam and Falsafa.
Schools of Dogmatic Theology - Sunni
(Kalam) نظام الالهوت
1. Mu’tazilah School
2. Ash’ariyyah School
3. Maturidiyyah School
1. Mu’tazilah School
Arose in the early part of the 8th century CE
Emphasize human free will over predestination and
God's justice over God's omnipotence
Believe in the use of logic to deduct the true
meanings of the Qur’an
When combined with the principle of ljtihad, it allows
for the Dynamic Fiqh (taking time, location into
account) when making religious laws.
2. Ash’ariyyah School
In the 10th century CE, in reaction against the
Mu’tazilah, the Sunni movement arose.
It drastically changed the direction of Islamic
theology and helped to separate it from the theology
of the Christians.
Its major figure was Abu al-Hasan al-Ash’ari.
– His school, the Ash’ari school, came to dominate
the orthodox position in the Sunni Muslim world.
2. Ash’ariyyah School (cont.)
Followers attempted to demonstrate the existence
and nature of God through rational argument, while
affirming the eternal, uncreated nature of the Qur’an
Comprehension of unique nature and characteristics
of Allah were beyond human capability
They were accused by the Mu'tazilah of believing in
predestination because they claimed the human
capacity for action was only acquired at the very
moment of action.
3. Maturidiyyah School
Named after Abu Mansur Muhammad al-Maturidi, its
founder
Characterized by reliance on the Qur’an with minimal
reasoning and little scope for interpretation
Emphasize human free will over predestination
Believed in the use of logic to deduct the true
meanings of the Qur’an
Asserted that a Muslim who sincerely performed all
religious duties as prescribed in the Qur'an was
assured of a place in heaven
Differences between Shia and Sunni
Doctrines
Unlike (most) Sunni, Shia believe that the Prophet
Muhammad and the 12 Imams are immaculate from sin
Shia also believe that faith has an outer meaning
accessible to all through study of commentaries and an
inner meaning is accessible only through the Prophet
and Imams
A difference also comes with the hadith; they both pray
5x a day. Shia sometimes worship 2x consecutively;
they do not perform non-obligatory prayers in
congregation
Falsafa
Ibn Sina – Iranian During Abbasid caliphate, a
scientist and number of thinkers and
scientists played a role in
philosopher who transmitting Greek, Hindu,
founded the school of and other pre-Islamic
Avicennism knowledge to the Christian
From 9th c. CE and world.
onward, Greek Persians al-Farabi and
Avicenna and the Arab, al-
philosophy was Kindi combined
introduced among the Aristotelianism and
Persians and Arabs Neoplatonism with other
ideas introduced through
Islam
Contemporary Islamic Philosophy
Teaching of hikmat has continued and flourished
– Entered the world through Greek cultural diffusion in 8th and
9th c.
– Arabic word meaning “wisdom”
Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal (1877-1938) – notable
Muslim philosopher, poet and scholar from Pakistan
– He helped to reshape and revitalize Islamic philosophy
amongst the Muslims in the 20th c.
The Five Pillars of Islam
1. Creed-Shahadah
2. Prayer-Salat
3. Charity to the Poor-Zakat
4. Fasting During Ramadan
5. Pilgrimmage to Mecca
Creed-Shahadah
There is no God, but Allah and Muhammad
is his Prophet.
Prayer-Salat
Pray 5 times a day towards Mecca (the
Kabba)
– Before dawn, midday, mid-afternoon, sunset,
nighttime
Announced by a muezzin from a minaret
Ritual cleansing
Friday is the public day of prayer
Charity to the Poor-Zakat
Giving 2.5% of income to the poor
Perform acts of charity everyday to those in
need
Fasting During Ramadan
Abstain from eating during daylight hours
No sex at night
– Discipline
– Develop sympathy for poor
– Devotion to Allah
Muhammad receives his revelations
Pilgrimage to Mecca-Hajj
Birthplace of Muhammad
Should make trip at least once during lifetime
Only Muslims can visit city
Greatest month is dhu’l-Hijjah
Purification process includes uniforms for
clothing and special prayers
Bibliography
www.islamfortoday.com
www.muslimphilosophy.com
www.falsafa.com
www.uga.edu/islam/faith.html
Dr. Lyons notes