Definition 📔
al-ʿIlmu ʾl-Ilāhī (العلم الالهى): Literally translating to “The Science of God,” it is an umbrella term in Islamic tradition encompassing different branches of theological study. It aims to foster an inclusive understanding of the Divine as presented in the Qur’ān and the Hadith—the recorded sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad.
Etymology 📜
- Arabic Origin: Derived from “عِلْم” (ʿIlm) meaning knowledge, specifically referring to spiritual and religious insight.
- Components: “الإلهي” (al-Ilāhī) means divine, combining to form the divine knowledge or theology.
Background 🕰️
Islamic theology is a rich, comprehensive field categorized into various disciplines developed over centuries by scholars aiming to interpret and understand the core tenets of Islam. It encompasses:
- ʿIlmu ʾt-Tafsīr 📝: Knowledge of the Qurʾān and its commentaries.
- ʿIlmu ʾl-Hadīs̤ 🌟: Traditional understanding and knowledge of the Hadith.
- ʿIlmu ʾl-Uṣūl ⚖️: Knowledge of the roots and foundations of Islamic law.
- ʿIlmu ʾl-Fiqh ⚜️: Islamic jurisprudence covering moral, civil, and ceremonial laws.
- ʿIlmu ʾl-ʿAqāʾid 📘: Scholastic theology based on the six articles of Islamic creed.
Cultural Differences & Similarities 🌍
Islamic vs. Christian Theology: Both study divinity, but Islamic theology tends to rely heavily on rationalism and the interpretation of scriptures through various traditional chains of transmission (Sanad). Christian theology often incorporates creeds developed through ecumenical councils and includes a range of philosophical models.
Cultural Influence: Across different Muslim populations, theological emphasis may vary. For instance, jurisprudence (ʿIlmu ʾl-Fiqh) plays a predominant role in daily life in some cultures, whereas in Sufism, more mystical interpretations are given prominence.
Synonyms & Related Terms 🔄
- Islamic Studies: Holistic educational domain encompassing scriptural studies, laws, and philosophical discourse.
- Aqidah: Islamic creed or belief system forming part of ʿIlmu ʾl-ʿAqāʾid.
- Tafsir: Qurʾānic exegesis.
- Hadith Studies: Branch analyzing the sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad.
Exciting Facts 💡
- The Qurʾān has interpretations spanning centuries, with major works by scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir.
- Islamic Jurisprudence or Fiqh, is so comprehensive that different Madhabs (schools of thought) such as Hanafi, Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali have developed, each interpreting Islamic law uniquely.
Notable Quotations 📜
- “Knowledge enlivens the soul.” - Prophet Muhammad
- “Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave.” - Traditional Muslim Proverb
Recommended Literature 📚
- “An Introduction to Islamic Theology” by Muhammad Iqbal al-Faruqi (2022) - A modern introduction providing insights into the foundational concepts of al-ʿIlmu ʾl-Ilāhī.
- “The Foundations of Islamic Knowledge” by Amina Al-Mustafa (2020) - Explores the traditional branches of Islamic theological studies.
- “A History of the Development of Tafsir” by Thana Ali (2019) - Detailed history and evolution of Qurʾānic exegesis.
In this vast universe of knowledge, let your study of al-ʿIlmu ʾl-Ilāhī enrich your understanding and guidance. Remember, the pursuit of knowledge is not only a quest but a virtue. 📚🌟🌙
Written by Aisha Al-Mustafa, October 2023
