Author outlines the contributions of scholars and their impact on Islamic jurisprudence, and examines the subsequent decline of rationalist thought in the Islamic world after the thirteenth century
Nazarul Islam | USA
In the Islamic intellectual history, few contributions have been as profound and far-reaching as those of rationalist scholars who shaped the development of Islamic natural law theories. They stand out not only for their philosophical insights but also for their commitment to reason as a guiding principle in understanding morality and justice.
My article seeks to briefly outline the contributions of these scholars and their impact on Islamic jurisprudence, while also examining the subsequent decline of rationalist thought in the Islamic world after the thirteenth century and how contemporary progressive Muslim scholars are reviving Islamic natural law theories.
What is Islam’s rational dimension?
The rationalist tradition in Islamic philosophy emerged in a context where diverse intellectual currents were converging. Philosophers such as Abū Bakr al-Rāzī and Ibn al-Hasan al-Tūsī engaged deeply with the works of Greek philosophers, particularly Aristotle and Plato, while simultaneously addressing the unique challenges posed by Islamic theology. This synthesis of Hellenistic philosophy and Islamic thought laid the groundwork for a rich discourse on natural rights and the moral foundations of law.
Among the notable figures is Ibn Bāja (d. 533/1139), who emphasized the importance of reason as a means to understand the divine order.
His writings reflect a belief that human beings, endowed with reason, can discern natural laws that govern both the cosmos and human conduct. Similarly, Ibn Rushd(d. 595/1198), known in the West as Averroes, championed the harmony between religion and philosophy. His commentaries on Aristotle were pivotal in promoting rational inquiry as a legitimate path to understanding religious truths.
Another significant thinker, Ibn Tufayl(d. 581/1185), explored the implications of natural law through his philosophical novel Hayy ibn Yaqdhan.
The story illustrates how a human being, through reason and observation, can arrive at knowledge of God and moral truths without the need for religious texts. This notion of self-discovery through reason underscores a broader rationalist perspective that transcends dogma.
Emergence of Natural Rights in Islam:
The contributions of these scholars culminated in the classical natural rights thesis, which establishes that rights are inherent to human beings and can be discerned through reason. This idea resonates with contemporary discussions on human rights, highlighting a historical precedent for the recognition of individual dignity and moral agency within Islamic thought.
Rationalist jurists such as Ibn ‘Aqīl (d. 581/1185) and Fakhr al-Dīn al-Rāzī (d. 606/1209) further enriched this discourse by engaging with the ethical implications of natural law. They argued that justice is not merely a reflection of divine command but can be understood through rational deliberation. This perspective laid the groundwork for a more nuanced interpretation of Sharia that incorporated ethical reasoning alongside traditional jurisprudence.
Why did rationalist influence decline?
Despite these significant contributions, the influence of rationalist scholars began to wane after the thirteenth century. A combination of political, social, and intellectual factors contributed to this decline. The rise of more dogmatic interpretations of Islam, particularly in the context of the Sunni-Shi‘i divide, led to a diminishing space for rationalist discourse.
The establishment of orthodox schools of thought, which prioritized textual authority over philosophical inquiry, further marginalized the rationalist tradition.
During the Ottoman and Safavid periods, while some scholars made noteworthy contributions, their works often remained isolated achievements in an otherwise inhospitable intellectual environment. This is particularly evident in the writings of figures like Mullā Sadrā (d. 1641), who, despite his innovative synthesis of philosophy and theology, struggled to find a broader audience within a predominantly conservative milieu.
Revival of Natural Law traditions:
In recent decades, a new generation of progressive Muslim scholars has emerged, seeking to revive and expand upon the rationalist tradition of Islamic natural law. Figures such as Ebrahim Moosa, Hassan Hanafi, Muhammad Abed al-Jabiri, and Mohsen Kadivar are at the forefront of this intellectual revival, each contributing unique perspectives that reflect a commitment to reason, ethical inquiry, and social justice.
In the Islamic intellectual history, few contributions have been as profound and far-reaching as those of rationalist scholars who shaped the development of Islamic natural law theories. They stand out not only for their philosophical insights but also for their commitment to reason as a guiding principle in understanding morality and justice.
What is rationalist tradition in Islamic thought?
The rationalist tradition in Islamic philosophy emerged in a context where diverse intellectual currents were converging. Philosophers such as Abū Bakr al-Rāzī and Ibn al-Hasan al-Tūsī engaged deeply with the works of Greek philosophers, particularly Aristotle and Plato, while simultaneously addressing the unique challenges posed by Islamic theology.
Among the notable figures is Ibn Bāja (d. 533/1139), who emphasized the importance of reason as a means to understand the divine order. His writings reflect a belief that human beings, endowed with reason, can discern natural laws that govern both the cosmos and human conduct.
Similarly, Ibn Rushd(d. 595/1198), known in the West as Averroes, championed the harmony between religion and philosophy. His commentaries on Aristotle were pivotal in promoting rational inquiry as a legitimate path to understanding religious truths.
Another significant thinker, Ibn Tufayl(d. 581/1185), explored the implications of natural law through his philosophical novel Hayy ibn Yaqdhan. The story illustrates how a human being, through reason and observation, can arrive at knowledge of God and moral truths without the need for religious texts.
How did Islamic Natural Rights evolve?
The contributions of these scholars culminated in the classical natural rights thesis, which posits that rights are inherent to human beings and can be discerned through reason. This idea resonates with contemporary discussions on human rights, highlighting a historical precedent for the recognition of individual dignity and moral agency within Islamic thought.
Rationalist jurists such as Ibn ‘Aqīl (d. 581/1185) and Fakhr al-Dīn al-Rāzī (d. 606/1209) further enriched this discourse by engaging with the ethical implications of natural law.
They argued that justice is not merely a reflection of divine command but can be understood through rational deliberation. This perspective laid the groundwork for a more nuanced interpretation of Sharia that incorporated ethical reasoning alongside traditional jurisprudence.
The School of Illumination, founded by al-Suharwardy (d. 587/1191), introduced a mystical dimension to rationalism, suggesting that intellectual illumination could lead to a deeper understanding of divine truths. This integration of mysticism with rational thought provided a holistic approach to natural law, suggesting that moral truths could be accessed through both reason and spiritual insight.
We need to explore the new avenues for dialogue between Islamic philosophy and Western thought. The principles articulated by rationalist scholars resonate with contemporary debates on universal human rights, challenging the perception that Islamic thought is inherently opposed to rationalism or individual rights.
Do scholars see a brighter future?
The rationalist scholars of the Islamic tradition laid the intellectual groundwork for a robust understanding of natural law and human rights in the contemporary period as exemplified by progressive Muslim scholars. Their contributions underscore the importance of reason in ethical deliberation and legal jurisprudence, offering a perspective that remains relevant in today’s discussions on morality and justice.
The challenge now lies in fostering an intellectual environment that allows for the flourishing of reasoned discourse, ensuring that the legacy of these scholars continues to inform and enrich the moral landscape of contemporary Islamic civilization.
The efforts of progressive Muslim scholars today further this legacy, demonstrating that the principles of natural law and ethical governance can thrive within the framework of Islam, ultimately contributing to a more just and equitable society.
Read: The Rise and Fall of Ottoman Empire
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The Bengal-born writer Nazarul Islam is a senior educationist based in USA. He writes for Sindh Courier and the newspapers of Bangladesh, India and America. He is author of a recently published book ‘Chasing Hope’ – a compilation of his articles.
