What is ʿILMU ʾL-KALĀM?
Definition: ʿIlmu ʾl-Kalām (عـلـم الكلام), often referred to as Islamic scholastic theology, is a discipline that revolves around the proofs and discussions of Islamic belief. This field tackles intricate theological debates regarding the essence and attributes of God, the nature of prophecy, eschatological concepts like the Day of Judgment, and other components of Islamic doctrine.
Etymology: The term ʿIlmu ʾl-Kalām is derived from Arabic: عِـلْـم means ‘science’, and الكَـلَام means ‘speech’ or ‘word’, hence literally translating to ’the science of words’ or ’the study of speech’. Historically, it encompasses the study and systematic reasoning or logic over theological doctrines.
Background: The emergence of ʿIlmu ʾl-Kalām can be traced back to the early centuries of Islam when theological disputations about the finer nuances of Muslim creed started forming distinct schools of thought.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
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Islamic Tradition: Within Islam, Kalām is a divisive area, with some schools of thought (such as Mu’tazilites) embracing its rationalistic approach, while others (such as traditional Hanbalites) are more wary, fearing it may lead to speculative theology detached from the simplicity and firmness of Qur’anic revelation.
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Comparison to Christian Theology: Analogous to Scholasticism in Christian theology, ʿIlmu ʾl-Kalām served as a bridge for Islamic thoughts marrying rational reasoning with religious beliefs.
Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms:
- ʿIlmu ʾl-ʿAqāʾid (Science of Faith/Belief)
- Islamic Theology
- Tawḥīd (Monotheism)
Antonyms:
- Al-Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence)
- Secularism
- Irreligion
Related Terms
- Tawḥīd: The oneness and unity of God, the foundational concept in Islamic theology.
- Aqeedah: Creed or doctrine, encompassing the set of beliefs that all Muslims should affirm.
- Fiqh: Islamic jurisprudence relating to the practical aspects of a Muslim’s life.
- Mu’tazilites: A rationalist school mainly contributing to the development of Kalām.
- Ash’arites: Another prominent school known for its classical interpretation of Kalām.
Exciting Facts and Quotations
Fact: ‘Kalām’ also means ‘speech,’ which points to the discipline’s essence as dialogical and discursive. Notably, it predicates on rational arguments and dialogue to elucidate Islamic theology.
Quotes:
- “The essence of kalām is not merely to win disputes, but to search for the truth and to reach the essence of reality.” - Al-Ghazālī, one of the leading figures in Islamic thought.
- “Kalām is the discerning science that stands at the crossroads of reason and belief." - Fakhr al-Din al-Razi, a noteworthy scholar in Islamic theology.
Recommended Literature
For further studies and exploration of Kalām, here are some significant texts and books:
- “The Incoherence of the Philosophers” by Al-Ghazālī
- “The Book of Decisive Treatise” by Ibn Rushd (Averroes)
- “The Error of the Philosophers” by Ibn Taymiyyah
Quiz: Test Your Understanding of ʿILMU ʾL-KALĀM
“In our pursuit of knowledge, let our hearts be humble and our minds vast, resembling the skies that hold infinite wisdom.”
With a mind enlightened by the gleams of ʿIlmu ʾl-Kalām, may you always seek truth and reflection.
Sincerely,
Aaliyah Nuri
Publisher: Beacon of Faith Publishing
Publishing Date: 2023-10-10
