The Role of Reason in Establishing Civilization: Insights from Classical Muslim Perspectives

Fadi Zatari

Article Details

The Role of Reason in Establishing Civilization: Insights from Classical Muslim Perspectives

Authors:

Fadi Zatari

Publisher:

ISRA Academy

Journal:

Australian Journal of Islamic Studies Vol.9 Issue 2, pp.1-18

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

8/2024

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001948077

pISSN:

2207-4414

Keywords:

Abstract:

 The role of reason in initiating and maintaining civilisation, as elucidated by Abū al-Ḥasan al-Māwardī (d. 1058), is pivotal, serving as the faculty for distinguishing good from bad and guiding behaviour. Al-Māwardī divides reason into two stages: natural and acquired. This understanding of reason is shared by other scholars, such as al-Muḥāsibī (d. 857) and Ibn abi al-Dunyā (d. 894). Hawá or desire is seen as antithesis to reason, serving as a manifestation of ethical corruption and instigating perpetual conflict. To build any society, reason takes a central role at individual and societal levels. This article argues that there are no possibilities for a civilisation to be constituted and maintained without a central role for reason. This article analyses al- Māwardi’s conception of reason in relation to civilisation. Al-Māwardī contends that reason not only serves as the cornerstone for societal development, but also facilitates understanding of religion, an essential aspect in his ideology. This article concludes that deep understanding of reason’s role in civilisation provides an appropriate direction for understanding civilisation and how reason can enhance and improve people’s decent conduct and manners.

Article Details

The Role of Reason in Establishing Civilization: Insights from Classical Muslim Perspectives

Authors:

Fadi Zatari

Publisher:

ISRA Academy

Journal:

Australian Journal of Islamic Studies Vol.9 Issue 2, pp.1-18

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

8/2024

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001948077

pISSN:

2207-4414

Al-Māwardī

Reason

Civilisation

Ethics

Islamic thought

Ibn Abi al-Dunyā

al-Muḥāsibī

Islamic civilisation

Issues

Article Details

Authors: Fadi Zatari

Publisher: ISRA Academy

Journal: Australian Journal of Islamic Studies Vol.9 Issue 2, pp.1-18

Document Type: Article

Publication Date: 8/2024

Document Language: English

Document ID (Org No.): 2001948077

pISSN: 2207-4414

Issues

Authors:

Fadi Zatari

Publisher:

ISRA Academy

Journal:

Australian Journal of Islamic Studies Vol.9 Issue 2, pp.1-18

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

8/2024

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001948077

pISSN:

2207-4414