Humanism in the scales of Islamic thought

Al-Ameer Mahfoudh Muhammad

Abstract

The subject of (humanism) is still a theoretical thought creeping like a swarm of ants in its actions, but it is like the sound of thunder in its effects and results. However, the problem lies in the variegation and ambiguity that surrounds the thought of humanism. By variegation, the truth is falsified due to its change from time to time, and by obscurity, an observer and researcher would not be able know the reality of humanism. In the Age of Enlightenment, humanism meant the rationalization of scientific religion and spreading it among people. Humanism, in terms of science, is related to humanities that take man as its subject, and in terms of history, humanism studies the religious texts, while having nothing to do with the sacred. In this study, I have followed the analytical descriptive approach, taking into mind the chain of historical events; in order to refer to the statements of early humanists, and the different quiddities that the theorists of humanism pursued throughout history, passing by the age of enlightenment and later on until today. I have got to some conclusions, the most important of which is that humanism as an idea free of materialism, atheism and excessiveness is not opposite to Islam. Yet, with its depth in Western philosophies, it may change; and therefore, the Islamic judgment on it may change too. Moreover, we should ponder on what have come about man in the Islamic Mission. In the Holy Qur’an, it is highly focused on the dignity of man in particular. It is necessary to stand against the thought of humanism if it would mislead man and make him submit to fancies, materialism, empirical knowledge, pleasures, whims, and lusts.

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