Al-Farabi and Ibn Rushd: Rational Philosophy that Shaped Human Thought
Al-Farabi: The Second Teacher and Founder of Islamic Philosophy
Abu al-Nasr al-Farabi was born between 870 and 950 AD, and was one of the most prominent philosophers and scientists in medicine and mathematics. He was greatly influenced by Aristotle's philosophy, as he considered God the "first cause" of existence, but he saw the external world as independent of supernatural powers.
Al-Farabi focused on the importance of the senses and reason as sources of knowledge, and tried to reconcile the ideas of Plato and Aristotle. He believed in the rational proof of the existence of God as presented by Aristotle, and made important contributions to the development of Islamic philosophical thought.
Ibn Rushd: The Philosopher of Cordoba and the Greatest Commentator on Aristotle
Abu al-Walid Muhammad Ibn Rushd was born in Cordoba in 1126 AD, and died in 1198 AD. He was a philosopher, jurist, physician, and judge who held the position of Chief Justice of Cordoba. He was famous for explaining and developing Aristotle's philosophy, so much so that his contemporaries said: "Ibn Rushd interpreted Aristotle as no one else had."
Ibn Rushd rejected the theological concepts of the creation of the world from nothing, but he did not deny the existence of God. He considered that God and nature existed eternally, and matter is the eternal basis of existence.
A rational philosophical vision
Ibn Rushd believed that matter and form are interdependent, and that movement is eternal and continuous. He also believed in reason as a tool to correct the course of Islamic thought, which was influenced by Sufi and Ash'ari ideas. In his book "The Incoherence of the Incoherence", he responded to Al-Ghazali's criticisms in "The Incoherence of the Philosophers", defending rational philosophy.
Ibn Rushd's influence in Europe
Ibn Rushd's philosophy had a profound impact on European thought, as his rational and secular ideas spread through his followers in France and Europe. This influence led to ecclesiastical condemnations of his philosophy in 1271 and 1277, as the church considered his ideas a threat to its doctrine because of:
His denial of the existence of the world.
His rejection of the idea of creation from nothing.
His denial of God's knowledge of particulars.
His rejection of the supernatural and miracles.
Conclusion
The philosophy of Al-Farabi and Ibn Rushd remains an immortal legacy that testifies to the role of reason in shaping human thought. Their contributions served as bridges between Islamic philosophy and Western thought.
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