Al-Ghazali's Perspective on the Interrelation of Science and Religion

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Ph.D (Corresponding Author)

2 . Associate Professor of the Iranian Research Institute of Philosophy.

Abstract

The contemporary discourse surrounding the relationship between science and religion remains a pivotal and often contentious subject among scholars from both Muslim and Western traditions. Central to this dialogue are four theoretical frameworks: "interference, divergence, distinction, and conflict," which have elicited a spectrum of interpretations from both Muslim and non-Muslim academics, each influenced by distinct ideological perspectives. This paper focuses on the insights of Al-Ghazali, a notable Muslim thinker, regarding the nexus of science and religion. Grasping Al-Ghazali's interpretation of this vital and debated topic is both crucial and imperative. The central research inquiry is: What is Al-Ghazali's position on the interplay between science and religion? Does he perceive this relationship as one of interference, conflict, divergence, or distinction? This investigation adopts a descriptive-analytical approach; it first delineates and clarifies Al-Ghazali's stance, followed by a critical analysis and assessment of his views. Ultimately, drawing upon Al-Ghazali's intellectual heritage, the study concludes that he supports the notion of interference and Integration between science and religion, asserting that all scientific knowledge is rooted in the Quran and contending that any perceived conflicts are merely superficial rather than substantive.

Keywords

References

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The Quran and Science
Volume 18, Issue 34 - Serial Number 34
September 2024
Pages 111-142

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History

  • Receive Date: 16 March 2023
  • Revise Date: 12 April 2023
  • Accept Date: 14 February 2024

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