Ustad Abdul Somad TTG Filsafat, Akidah, dan Ilmu Kalam

Summary

This video discusses the distinction between the science of faith and the science of kalam. The science of faith, grounded in aqidah, focuses on fundamental beliefs about Allah, angels, the afterlife, and divine punishment, while kalam involves debating and reasoning to defend or challenge religious principles. It explores the importance of using logic in these debates, especially when engaging with those who challenge Islamic beliefs. The speaker highlights the role of reason, rooted in the Quran and Sunnah, in addressing philosophical and theological questions, while also emphasizing the necessity of understanding faith before delving into complex debates.

Takeaways

• 😀 The science of faith (aqidah) deals with beliefs about Allah, the Prophet, angels, and concepts of heaven, hell, and punishment, forming the foundation of Islamic belief.
• 😀 The term 'tauhid' refers to the oneness of Allah, emphasizing that there is no deity but Allah, which is distinct from the concept of divinity in other religions such as Christianity and Hinduism.
• 😀 The science of kalam involves intellectual debates and discussions about religious matters, including the existence of Allah, the afterlife, and the unseen, often using logical arguments and philosophy.
• 😀 The term 'kalam' means discussion or debate, where scholars analyze and argue theological concepts, contrasting it with the straight approach of aqidah which avoids excessive argumentation.
• 😀 Kalam can be controversial and is considered haram by some scholars if not based on proper foundations of faith. It is essential to start with aqidah and then delve into kalam after grounding in religious knowledge.
• 😀 Kalam can also be seen as 'alfiqhul Akbar' (the great fiqh), as it deals with major theological topics like the existence of Allah, angels, heaven, hell, and the unseen aspects of Islamic belief.
• 😀 The use of philosophy in the science of kalam is a debated issue. Some argue that reasoning and logic, aligned with the Quran and Sunnah, can be useful in defending faith, particularly when engaging with non-believers.
• 😀 Engaging in debates with atheists or those with philosophical views requires reasoning that is tied to the Quran and Sunnah, with a focus on maintaining Islamic beliefs rather than using secular philosophy.
• 😀 Imam Hanafi's use of logic in debates about the existence and actions of God exemplifies how reason can be used to answer challenging questions about religion without compromising faith.
• 😀 The importance of interpreting religious concepts, like Allah's presence, within context is emphasized. For example, the Quran's reference to 'ainallah' (Allah's presence) should be interpreted as being in the sky, without implying a physical direction.
• 😀 There is a need for deeper engagement with Islamic texts and knowledge, as many people neglect reading and understanding important religious books that address common theological issues.

Q & A

What is the difference between the science of faith and the science of kalam?

The science of faith (Aqidah) focuses on the deep beliefs in Islamic doctrines, such as belief in Allah's oneness, angels, heaven, hell, etc. It is described as a knot in the heart that cannot be undone. The science of kalam, on the other hand, deals with intellectual debates and discussions, using reasoning and logic to explore theological topics like the existence of God and the nature of divine actions.

What does the term 'Aqidah' or 'science of faith' represent in Islamic thought?

Aqidah refers to the firm belief in Islamic principles, which are seen as unshakeable truths. It is called a 'knot' because it symbolizes a belief that is deeply tied to the heart and cannot be undone, no matter the circumstances.

Why is the science of kalam considered more argumentative in nature?

The science of kalam is considered argumentative because it focuses on discussions and debates, often involving logical reasoning. Scholars engage in these debates using reason to argue about theological issues, which distinguishes it from the firm and settled beliefs of Aqidah.

What is the role of reason in the science of kalam?

Reason plays a key role in the science of kalam as it is used to defend and debate theological positions, especially when dealing with philosophical or non-Islamic worldviews. However, reasoning in kalam must be based on the Quran and Sunnah to be valid.

Why are debates in the science of kalam considered dangerous for unqualified individuals?

Debates in the science of kalam can be dangerous for unqualified individuals because they may lack the proper foundation in Islamic teachings. Misusing reason without a deep understanding of the Quran and Sunnah can lead to incorrect or misleading conclusions about the faith.

How does the science of kalam relate to Islamic philosophy?

The science of kalam often intersects with Islamic philosophy, especially when defending Islam against philosophical challenges. Philosophers may use logic and reason in their arguments, but scholars of kalam maintain that these discussions must be aligned with Islamic teachings rather than relying solely on philosophical principles.

What does the term 'Tauhid' refer to in the context of Islamic theology?

'Tauhid' refers to the belief in the absolute oneness of Allah. It is derived from the Arabic word 'wahada,' which means to unify. It emphasizes the rejection of any form of polytheism or the attribution of divine qualities to anyone or anything other than Allah.

What is the significance of the debate about where Allah is located?

The debate about where Allah is located relates to understanding the nature of Allah's presence. According to Islamic theology, Allah existed before time and space, so it is not appropriate to ask where He is. However, some interpretations of hadith place Allah's presence in the sky, but this must be understood in a way that aligns with the deeper understanding of Allah's transcendence.

How does the science of kalam address the existence of the punishment of the grave?

The science of kalam addresses topics like the punishment of the grave through debates and logical reasoning. Scholars may argue about whether such punishments exist, but the general view within kalam is to explore these matters using Islamic sources, particularly when dealing with differing opinions or philosophies.

Why did the speaker reference Imam Hanafi's logic in defending Islamic beliefs?

The speaker referenced Imam Hanafi's logic to show how Islamic scholars use reasoning to defend the existence of God and the validity of Islamic teachings. Imam Hanafi used logical analogies to argue that everything that exists must have a purpose or direction, and this reasoning is used to understand God's actions and existence.