Understanding ḤISS (حس): The Quintessence of Understanding and Sense in Islam
Comprehensive Definition
In Islamic terminology, ḥiss (حس) refers to “understanding” or “sense.” This multifaceted term encompasses several dimensions of human perception and cognition, including:
- Ḥiss bātin (حس باطن) - Internal sense, which refers to inner perceptions, feelings, and the intuition of the soul.
- Ḥiss z̤āhir (حس ظاہر) - External sense, which relates to the physical and sensory input received from the external environment.
- Ḥiss mushtarik (حس مشترک) - Common sense, representing a shared understanding or general consensus among people.
Etymology
The word ḥiss (حس) derives from classical Arabic, with roots deeply embedded in pre-Islamic poetry and prose. It signifies the faculties of sensation, perception, and comprehension, much of which have been developed and interpreted within the Islamic intellectual tradition.
Background
The concept of ḥiss is widely examined in Islamic psychology (known as Ilm al-Nafs in Arabic), epistemology, and philosophy. Classical Islamic scholars, such as Al-Farabi, Ibn Sina (Avicenna), and Al-Ghazali, have explored the nuances of human perception, suggesting that understanding arises from a combination of internal impressions and external stimuli. They believed that human intellect integrates these impressions through a common sense, creating a cohesive understanding of the world.
Internal Sense (Ḥiss bātin)
Internal sense pertains to the intuitive and spiritual understandings beyond the physical senses. It can involve a higher level of spiritual awareness, shaped by divine guidance and personal spiritual experiences.
External Sense (Ḥiss z̤āhir)
External sense deals with perceiving the world through the five physical senses: sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell. These notions were merged with Greek and Hellenistic ideas during the Islamic Golden Age, enhancing the understanding of human perception.
Common Sense (Ḥiss mushtarik)
The idea of common sense aligns with the ability to judge or decide rationally. It’s the faculty that collates and interprets sensory data, leading to shared understandings among individuals or communities.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Similarities with Western Concepts
The Western philosophical tradition also explores senses in terms of internal and external perceptions, especially in the works of Aristotle and later philosophers like Descartes and Kant. The idea of a “common sense” is paralleled in the notion of a unifying cognitive faculty that integrates different sensory impressions for coherent thought.
Cultural Nuances in Islam
In Islamic thought, there is a stronger emphasis on the spiritual implications of ḥiss, integrating it with concepts of divine wisdom, moral understanding, and the inner struggles within the soul (nafs). The ultimate aim is to achieve a balance between external realities and internal spiritual awareness, which informs ethical behavior and personal growth.
Synonyms
- Perception (إدراك - idrāk)
- Understanding (فهم - fahm)
- Insight (بصيرة - basīra)
Antonyms
- Ignorance (جهل - jahl)
- Misunderstanding (سوء الفهم - suw’ al-fahm)
- Confusion (التشوش - at-tashawwush)
Related Terms
- Nafs (نفس) - The self or soul, essential for understanding human desires and spiritual inclinations.
- Fitra (فطرة) - The natural disposition or innate nature of humans to worship Allah.
- Aql (عقل) - Intellect or reason, often connected with the use of common sense.
Exciting Facts
- Multidimensional Concept: Unlike the typical dichotomy in Western thought (body vs. mind), Islamic philosophy presents a triadic understanding incorporating body, mind, and soul.
- Integration with Other Fields: Ḥiss has been discussed alongside concepts in metaphysics and epistemology, underscoring its centrality to understanding Islamic concepts of knowledge and being.
Quotations from Notable Writers
“The senses are means of perception, and when illuminated by the light of faith, they can elevate one’s understanding to the apprehension of divine truths.” - Al-Ghazali
References and Suggested Literature
- “The Concept of Human Nature in Islam” by Muhammad Farzam
- “Islamic Philosophy: An Introduction” by Oliver Leaman
- “The Incoherence of the Incoherence” by Ibn Rushd (Averroes)
- “The Study Qurʾān: A New Translation and Commentary” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- “Islamic Psychology and Human Development” edited by Salman Sayyid
Quizzes
Farewell Thought: As you embark on understanding ḥiss (حس), may you find a deeper connection to the intricate balance of internal and external perceptions, an endeavor that not only sharpens the mind but illuminates the soul.
— Khadijah Al-Mubarak, October 2023
