๐ Definition and Etymology
Hikmat al-Ishraq (ุญูู ุฉ ุงูุฅุดุฑุงู): Derived from Arabic, translating to “Wisdom of Illumination.” The term refers to the mystical and philosophical tradition emphasizing the apprehension of truth through divine light emanating from God, the “Light of the heavens and the earth” (Quran 24:35).
๐ Background and Historical Context
Hikmat al-Ishraq emerged as a profound component of Islamic philosophy, finding roots in the works of Ibn Sina (Avicenna), who saw the ultimate philosophical pursuit as a transcending, nondiscursive stage grounded in mystic Eastern wisdom.
The concept was substantially developed by Shihab al-Din Yahya al-Suhrawardi (d. 1191), who established the philosophy as a key pivot in his acclaimed treatise Hikmat al-Ishraq. Al-Suhrawardi blended Neoplatonism with ancient Persian wisdom, distancing from pure rationalism and steering towards experiential, illumination-based knowledge.
The tradition flourished especially under the philosophical contributions of Sadr al-Din al-Shirazi, also known as Mulla Sadra (d. 1641), lauded as the pinnacle theologian of Ishraqi thought. His interpretations accentuated that true knowledge transcends mere reason, manifesting through divine illumination.
๐ Cultural Significance and Global Influence
Hikmat al-Ishraq has preserved a formidable influence, particularly within Persian culture and broader Islamic philosophy. Its appeal extends into contemporary Iranian philosophy and Sufi practices, underpinning the interplay of mysticism and rationality.
Renowned across diverse Islamic communities, the conceptual framework of illumination culturally varies but synchronizes in pursuit of spiritual enlightenment, tying closely to the allegories inscribed within the Quranic dogma.
๐ Translations
- Arabic: ุญูู ุฉ ุงูุฅุดุฑุงู (Hikmah al-Ishraq)
- Persian: ุญฺฉู ุช ุงุดุฑุงู (Hekmat-e Eshraq)
- Urdu: ุญฺฉู ุช ุงูุงุดุฑุงู (Hikmat al-Ishraq)
- Turkish: Iลrak Hikmeti
- Indonesian: Hikmat Pencerahan
- Bengali: เฆนเงเฆเฆฎเฆพเฆค เฆเฆฒ เฆเฆถเฆฐเฆพเฆ (Hekmat al-Ishraq)
๐ Related Terms
- Neoplatonism: A philosophical system drawing from Plato, emphasizing ideal forms.
- Sufism: The mystical Islamic belief system aiming at direct experience of God.
- Falsafa: The Arabic term for philosophy, signifying the pursuit of wisdom.
๐ Synonyms
- Illuminative Wisdom
- Enlightenment Philosophy
โ Antonyms
- Darkness of Ignorance
- Discursive Rationalism
๐ Suggested Literature
- “The Wisdom of the Throne” by Mulla Sadra - A foundational text exploring Hikmat al-Ishraq.
- “The Philosophy of Illumination” by Suhrawardi - Al-Suhrawardi’s canonical treatise on Ishraqi thought.
- “Islamic Philosophy, Science, Culture, and Religion” by Henry Corbin - An in-depth look into the interplay of mysticism and rationalism.
๐ Exciting Facts
- The Ishraqi philosophy integrates welfare aspects within ethics, akin to both Eastern and Western traditions.
- Al-Suhrawardi’s influence extended beyond Islamic spheres, even impacting medieval Christian mysticism.
โ Quotations โ
“Illumination is the truest path to wisdom, where light and knowledge merge into one divine reality.” - Mulla Sadra
๐ Further Studies
- “The Shape of Light” by John Walbridge: Detailed explorations of Neoplatonic and Islamic illuminated visions.
Dear Reader,
Philosophical pursuits lead to deeper understandings beyond the seen and measured world. Let the divine illumination of wisdom guide your thoughts.
With light and knowledge, Fatima Al-Sadiq
2023-10-05
