Filsafat Haram?

Summary

Husein Jakfar Al Haddad, a graduate in Islamic philosophy, explores the misconceptions surrounding philosophy in Islam. He critiques the tendency to label activities as 'haram' without proper evidence, stressing the importance of sound reasoning in religious discourse. Husein traces the roots of philosophy to ancient Greece and discusses its compatibility with Islamic teachings, highlighting the contributions of prominent scholars like Imam Al Ghazali and Imam Syafi'i. He advocates for the significance of philosophy in enhancing critical thinking and understanding, asserting that it is essential for the advancement of knowledge and civilization.

Takeaways

• 😀 Philosophy is an integral part of Islamic tradition, emphasizing wisdom and understanding.
• 😀 The concept of halal and haram should be grounded in clear evidence and reasoning, as warned in the Quran.
• 😀 Philosophical inquiry can coexist with religious teachings and is essential for deeper understanding.
• 😀 Historical figures in Islamic philosophy, such as Ibn Sina and Al-Ghazali, demonstrate the importance of critical thought.
• 😀 There is a misconception that philosophy leads to atheism, while it can actually enhance one's understanding of faith.
• 😀 Imam Syafi'i's views on philosophy and theology show that engagement with philosophical discourse is not inherently negative.
• 😀 The relationship between different branches of knowledge, like philosophy and jurisprudence, is complex but valuable.
• 😀 Education in philosophy should not be avoided; it fosters critical thinking and deepens knowledge across disciplines.
• 😀 Philosophy helps in addressing existential questions and understanding the nature of knowledge and belief.
• 😀 The decline in interest in philosophy within Muslim communities reflects a broader misunderstanding of its role in education and faith.

Q & A

Who is Husein Jakfar Al Haddad?

Husein Jakfar Al Haddad is a scholar of Islamic philosophy from UIN Syarif Hidayatullah, Jakarta.

What criticism does Husein make regarding the labeling of things as 'haram'?

Husein criticizes the arbitrary labeling of various activities as 'haram' without clear evidence, referencing Quranic verses that caution against this practice.

What does Husein say about the relationship between philosophy and wisdom in Islam?

Husein explains that philosophy, derived from the Greek words for love and wisdom, aligns with the concept of 'hikmah' (wisdom) in the Quran, emphasizing the importance of both in understanding knowledge.

How does Husein interpret Imam Al-Shafi'i's views on philosophy?

Husein clarifies that Imam Al-Shafi'i's opposition was not to philosophy itself, but to certain aspects of kalam (theology) that he believed distorted the understanding of God.

What is the significance of hikmah in Islamic thought according to Husein?

Hikmah is described as a great blessing in the Quran, and philosophy is seen as a means to pursue this wisdom, fulfilling the prophetic mission to teach both the Quran and hikmah.

What does Husein say about the perception of philosophy in contemporary Muslim society?

Husein notes that there is a prevalent fear and misunderstanding of philosophy in the Muslim community, leading to its avoidance in academic settings despite its importance.

What role does doubt play in philosophy according to Husein?

Husein describes doubt as a positive force in philosophy, serving as a bridge to deeper understanding and higher truths, rather than a destination.

How does Husein view the relationship between philosophy and other sciences?

He argues that philosophy is foundational to all sciences, providing critical thinking skills necessary for rigorous inquiry and understanding.

What does Husein suggest about the historical contributions of Islamic philosophers?

He highlights that significant figures like Ibn Sina and Ibn Rushd not only contributed to philosophy but also to fields like medicine and economics, demonstrating the interdisciplinary nature of knowledge.

What example does Husein give to illustrate the misunderstanding of philosophy in Islamic education?

He points out that despite philosophy being a recognized discipline in Islamic universities, it is often marginalized, leading to a lack of interest and misconceptions about its value.