Islamic Theology, Philosophy and Law

244 Syamsuddin Arif

2.3.2. Ibn Nizar, Tamar Jaya:

Pemikiran Kalām Ibn Qayyim al-Jauziyyah

(The Theological Thought (kalām) of Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya)^41

The chief aim of this analytical study of Ibn al-Qayyim’s theological
writings is to expose his stance on issues such as human reason versus
revelation, the attributes of God, free-will and predestination and the
problem of taʾwīl. According to the author, Ibn al-Qayyim preferred
the method of rapprochement (al-jamʿ) when the sacred text seems to
contradict reason. God’s acts are concomitants of His attributes, and
His attributes are concomitants of His essence. All this must be accept-
ed as it is, without implying anthropomorphism nor making allegorical
interpretation. Ibn al-Qayyim distinguished two kinds of volition with
respect to God, one pertaining to nature (irāda kawniyya), the other
to one’s relationship to God’s religion (irāda dīniyya). God’s justice
should be understood in connection with His wisdom (ḥikma) for His
creatures’ benefit (maṣlaḥa). Man is granted freedom to choose and
act within the constraint of and in accordance with God’s rule (sun-
nat allāh). Ibn al-Qayyim believed in the eternality of Paradise but he
denied the eternality of the Hell.^42 The author finally observed that Ibn
al-Qayyim’s approach to theological issues differed from most Sunni
mutakallimūn in several respects. He was able to provide logical argu-
ments in support of his theses while at the same time holding fast to the
revealed text and tradition.

2.3.3. Ibrahim, Mohammad: Konsep Tauhid dan Sifat-sifat Allah

Menurut Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya (The Concept of tawḥīd and

the Divine Attributes According to Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya)^43

This study consists of six chapters, including a general introduction,
a bio-bibliography and a conclusion. The main discussion is found
in chapter four, where Ibn al-Qayyim’s distinction between tawḥīd
al-ʿilm and al-tawḥīd al-qaṣdī al-irādī and their negation are eluci-
dated. The subsequent chapter deals with Ibn al-Qayyim’s views on

41 Ph. D. thesis (IAIN, Syarif Hidayatullah University), Jakarta 1999.
42 On the question of hellfire and its eternality see the article by Jon Hoover in this
volume.
43 M. A. thesis (Academy of Islamic Studies, University of Malaya), Kuala Lum-
pur 1999.

Brought to you by | Nanyang Technological University

Authenticated