RISE Islamic Studies | Review of Islamic Studies and Endeavors
RISE Islamic Studies | Review of Islamic Studies and Endeavors
The book Tan, Tarjumān-i Jān: Taʾammulātī Falsafī dar Bāb-i Taʿāmul-i Nafs wa Badan (The Body: An Expression of the Soul: Philosophical Reflections on the Interaction of Soul and Body), authored by Dr. Ahmad Shahgoli, Associate Professor at the Research Institute for Islamic Culture and Thought, has been published in Persian by the Sadra Research Center […]
Abstract
SUBJECT AND OBJECTIVES: Throughout history, the concept of human identity has been a challenging topic in philosophy, with the responses of philosophers influencing various branches of science. In contemporary Western philosophy, there has been a shift towards viewing humans solely as physical beings. However, Islamic philosophy takes a different approach, rooted in rationality and the teachings of Islam. One prominent Muslim philosopher who contributed greatly to the field and shed light on many philosophical issues is the late Allamah Misbah Yazdi. Misbah Yazdi derived the concept of human identity from Islamic philosophy, enriching it with Islamic teachings and offering a solution to the puzzle of human identity. Rather than simply considering humans as a combination of body and soul, he defines human beings based on their soul.
METHOD AND FINDING: This research adopts a qualitative approach with a critical analysis methodology. The primary result of this article is to elucidate the key differences between Western philosophy and Islamic philosophy, focusing on Misbah Yazdi’s perspective.
CONCLUSION: The fundamental disparity between Western Philosophy and Islamic Philosophy concerning human identity lies in the concept of the soul. The soul, according to Islamic philosophy, is what defines an individual’s uniqueness, providing them with a clear and stable personality and identity. In contrast, Western philosophy leaves the identity of human beings shrouded in deep ambiguity. Allamah Misbah Yazdi presents a distinctive approach to this topic, offering insights and solutions that warrant further exploration.
