Free Will and Predestination in Islamic Thought: Theoretical Compromises in the Works of Avicenna, al-Ghazālī and Ibn ’Arabī

The subject of "human free-will" versus "divine predestination" is one of the most contentious topics in classical Islamic thought. By focusing on a theme of central importance to any philosophy of religion, and to Islam in particular, this book offers a critical study of the intellectual contributions offered to this discourse by three key medieval Islamic thinkers: Avicenna, al-Ghāzālī and Ibn ʿArabī. Through investigation of primary sources, __Free Will and Predestination in Islamic Thought__ establishes the historical, political and intellectual circumstances which prompted Avicenna, al-Ghāzālī and Ibn ʿArabī’s attempts at harmonization. By analysing the theoretical and linguistic ‘techniques’ which were employed to convey these endeavours, this book demonstrates that the three individuals were committed to compromise between philosophical, theological and mystical outlooks. Arguing that the three scholars’ treatments of the so-called __qaḍā wa’l-qadar__ (decree and destiny) and __ikhtiyār__ (free-will) issues were innovative, influential and fundamentally more complex than hitherto recognized, this book contributes to a fuller understanding of Islamic intellectual history and culture and will be useful to researchers interested in Islamic Studies, Religion and Islamic Mysticism. The Subject Of Human Free Will Versus Divine Predestination Is One Of The Most Contentious Topics In Classical Islamic Thought. By Focusing On A Theme Of Central Importance To Any Philosophy Of Religion, And To Islam In Particular, This Book Offers A Critical Study Of The Intellectual Imports Offered To This Discourse By Three Key Medieval Islamic Scholars: Avicenna, Ghāzālī And Ibn Arabī-- The Subject Of Human Free-will Versus Divine Predestination Is One Of The Most Contentious Topics In Classical Islamic Thought. By Focusing On A Theme Of Central Importance To Any Philosophy Of Religion, And To Islam In Particular, This Book Offers A Critical Study Of The Intellectual Contributions Offered To This Discourse By Three Key Medieval Islamic Thinkers: Avicenna, Ghāzālī And Ibn Arabī. Through Investigation Of Primary Sources, Free Will And Predestination In Islamic Thought Establishes The Historical, Political And Intellectual Circumstances Which Prompted Avicenna, Ghāzālī And Ibn Arabī Attempts At Harmonization. By Analysing The Theoretical And Linguistic 'techniques' Which Were Employed To Convey These Endeavours, This Book Demonstrates That The Three Individuals Were Committed To Compromise Between Philosophical, Theological And Mystical Outlooks. Arguing That The Three Scholars' Treatments Of The So-called Qaḍaʼ Wa'l-qadar (decree And Destiny) And Ikhtiyar(free-will) Issues Were Innovative, Influential And Fundamentally More Complex Than Hitherto Recognized, This Book Contributes To A Fuller Understanding Of Islamic Intellectual History And Culture And Will Be Useful To Researchers Interested In Islamic Studies, Religion And Islamic Mysticism-- Maria De Cillis. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. "The subject of "human free-will" versus "divine predestination" is one of the most contentious topics in classical Islamic thought. By focusing on a theme of central importance to any philosophy of religion, and to Islam in particular, this book offers a critical study of the intellectual contributions offered to this discourse by three key medieval Islamic thinkers: Avicenna, Ghāzālī and Ibn Arabī. Through investigation of primary sources, Free Will and Predestination in Islamic Thought establishes the historical, political and intellectual circumstances which prompted Avicenna, Ghāzālī and Ibn Arabī attempts at harmonization. By analysing the theoretical and linguistic 'techniques' which were employed to convey these endeavours, this book demonstrates that the three individuals were committed to compromise between philosophical, theological and mystical outlooks. Arguing that the three scholars' treatments of the so-called qaḍaʼ wa'l-qadar (decree and destiny) and ikhtiyar(free-will) issues were innovative, influential and fundamentally more complex than hitherto recognized, this book contributes to a fuller understanding of Islamic intellectual history and culture and will be useful to researchers interested in Islamic Studies, Religion and Islamic Mysticism"-- Résumé de l'éditeur "The subject of "human free will" versus "divine predestination" is one of the most contentious topics in classical Islamic thought. By focusing on a theme of central importance to any philosophy of religion, and to Islam in particular, this book offers a critical study of the intellectual imports offered to this discourse by three key medieval Islamic scholars: Avicenna, Ghāzālī and Ibn Arabī"-- Résumé de l'éditeur The subject of “human free will” versus “divine predestination” is one of the most contentious topics in classical Islamic thought. By focusing on a theme of central importance to any philosophy of religion, and to Islam in particular, this book offers a critical study of the intellectual imports offered to this discourse by three key medieval Islamic scholars: Avicenna, Ghāzālī and Ibn ʿArabī.