🌗 Understanding Thanawiyyah: The Concept of Dualism in Islam
Dualism, or Thanawiyyah (ثَنَوِيَّة) in Arabic, refers to the belief in two fundamental, often opposing, principles. Generally viewed as heretical in the Islamic world, this doctrine supports the existence of dual divinities or substrata—typically symbolic of forces such as light and darkness.
Etymology and Background
The term “Thanawiyyah” derives from the Arabic root “ث ن ي” (th-n-y), which implies duality. The concept entered the Islamic world significantly during the Abbasid era (750 onwards) following the mass conversion of Persians, bringing along influences from Zoroastrianism and various pre-Islamic Persian beliefs.
Historical Context
- Ibn al-Muqaffa (d. ca. 760): A pivotal figure in the translation and adaptation of Persian and other cultural texts into Arabic. His works subtly introduced dualistic notions, influenced by his Zoroastrian heritage.
- Ibn Sina (d. 1037): Known as Avicenna in the West, professed the independence of the material substratum, indirectly promoting a form of dualism. However, his keen focus on monotheism essentially aligned with Islamic Tawhid.
- Al-Jahidh (d. 868): An influential philosopher who discussed the indestructibility of matter, still intertwined with Islamic monistic views.
The Concept of Tawhid
At the heart of Islamic theology is Tawhid (توحيد), the doctrine of the Indivisible Oneness of God. Islam inherently rejects all forms of dualism as contradictory to the absolute monotheism expressed unequivocally by the Qur’an.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
- Zoroastrianism (Persia): Believes in two opposing principles, Ahura Mazda (good) and Angra Mainyu (evil).
- Christianity: Certain Gnostic sects held dualistic views, believing in the existence of two coeternal religious principles (usually light and darkness).
- Islam: Unwaveringly monotheistic, views any form of thanawiyyah as heresy.
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Related Terms
- Synonyms: Dichotomy, Binary opposition
- Antonyms: Tawhid, Monism, Unity
- Related Terms: Shirk (ضاله)—associated with polytheism and considered anathema within Islam
Exciting Facts
- Dualism was particularly noted during the Abbasid period (750–1258), which was a golden age for intellectual endeavors and translations.
- Classical Islamic scholars engaged with dualistic conceptions to counteract them more effectively in their works on Tawhid and monotheism.
Quotations
“Ibn al-Muqaffa’s works exhibit a quiet but profound influence of dualistic thought, molded so artfully into Islamic philosophy that one could nearly obscure its original contours.” — Prof. Aziz al-Jabiri, Comparative Islamic Studies
Suggestion for Further Studies
Books:
- “God’s Shadow: The Divine in Persian and Islamic Thought” by Dr. Ali Reza
- “Avicenna and the Visionary Recital” by Henry Corbin
- “The Unseen Face of Islam” by M. Riddell
Farewell Thought: “As we explore the intersections of diverse philosophies and the unwavering spirit of Tawhid, let us find unity in diversity and depth in knowledge. Dive deeper, not to accept without question, but to understand past beyond present.”
— Zainab Al-Mansoori, 2023
