The Necessity of the Science of Kalām
The lesson under review emphasizes that the science of Kalām is not an absolute necessity for every believer, but is rather of the nature of a "remedy" to be resorted to in certain situations.
The lesson under review emphasizes that the science of Kalām is not an absolute necessity for every believer, but is rather of the nature of a "remedy" to be resorted to in certain situations. It states that the true aim is knowledge of God (maʿrifat Allāh), and that this knowledge can be reached not only through rational processes but also through heart, intuition, and revelation. The document also details that the Meccan society to which the Qur'an spoke was not an atheist society; the fundamental problem was not God's existence but distorted perceptions regarding His attributes and intermediaries (idols/angels). Finally, it treats the law of "duality" in social and natural structure and the necessity of managing these differences within a circle of usul (the usul of disagreement).
Key concepts
- Defense System
- Kalām is a defense mechanism that protects faith when doubts arise in a person's mind.
- Instrument of Intervention
- Just as a physician gives medicine to combat diseased cells, kalām is necessary only for people whose minds are confused and who have fallen into doubt.
- Limitation
- It has been adopted as a principle that the common people should be kept away from the science of Kalām so as not to put questions into their minds for no reason and not to spoil their pure belief.
- Its Difference from Knowledge of God (*ʿilm Allāh*)
- Knowledge (*maʿrifa*) is not a rational or mathematical knowledge (*ʿilm Allāh*) reached only through reason and logic. It is a kind of knowledge whose foundation rests on revelation and in which heart, intuition, and inspiration accompany.
- Polishing of the Heart
- For divine inspirations to be reflected in the heart, the heart must be cleansed of worldly stains and polished.
- Devotions and Remembrances
- The continuous repetition of certain remembrances (glorifications) trains the human soul and brings it to a certain maturity.
- The Skeleton of Prayer
- If the outward requirements of prayer (bowing, prostration, standing) are a shell, the glorifications and recitation within it are the skeleton of that worship.
- Symphony of Belief
- The belief of the polytheists is not of one type; it contains different philosophical and moral elements.
- The Nature of Idols
- Idols were viewed not as gods in themselves but as beings representing the forms of angels that served as intermediaries between God and the servant.
- Kalām
- A defense-oriented science that defends the foundations of Islamic belief with rational proofs and removes doubts.
- Knowledge of God (*maʿrifat Allāh*)
- The state of knowing God not only rationally but through heart and intuition, in the light of revelation.
- Devotions and Remembrances (*awrād wa-adhkār*)
- Remembrances and supplications read regularly in a fixed order and number.
- Yawm al-Furqān
- The expression used for the Battle of Badr, meaning the day truth and falsehood were separated in practice.
- Dichotomy
- The dual structure in the universe and in social organization; the fact that everything was created in pairs.
- Polishing
- The heart's reaching a purity that can reflect divine truths by being cleansed of spiritual stains.
- Manliness (*murūʾa*)
- In pre-Islamic Arabia, the whole of moral qualities such as generosity, protecting kin, and courage that were prominent.
- Causes of Rebellion
- Causes of rebellion and deviation; in the text, knowledge sometimes refers to the risk of corrupting a person's nature.
Study questions
Why is the science of Kalām described as a "remedy" rather than a "vitamin"?
Because a vitamin is a general supplement, whereas kalām is necessary only for constitutions experiencing doubt and mental confusion. Putting doubt into the mind of someone who has no problem does harm rather than benefit.
What is the role of remembrance in reaching knowledge of God?
Remembrance and devotions train the soul by repeating word distilled from essence and polish the heart so that it becomes open to divine inspirations.
Why are not many proofs of God's existence presented in the Qur'an?
Because in the Meccan society to which the Qur'an was revealed there was no group denying God (atheists); the fundamental problem was God's attributes, intermediary deities, and the Hereafter.
What is "division into two" (dichotomy) as a sociological law?
The view that absolute unity in societies lasts only a very short time and that structures must naturally divide into two at the most basic level (such as male-female, night-day).
What are the three fundamental turning points in Islamic history and the time periods in which they occurred?
1. The Descent of Revelation (Ramadan 27) 2. The Battle of Badr — Yawm al-Furqān (Ramadan 17) 3. The Conquest of Mecca (Ramadan 13) ---