Free Will and Predestination in Islamic Thought Culture and Civilization in the Middle East
Book Description
One of the most profound questions that has captivated spiritual seekers across centuries emerges at the intersection of human agency and divine sovereignty: Do we truly choose our path, or does a higher power determine our destiny? Maria De Cillis explores this timeless dilemma through the lens of Islamic intellectual tradition, examining how three influential medieval scholars grappled with reconciling free will and predestination.
This scholarly investigation delves into the philosophical contributions of Avicenna, Ghāzālī, and Ibn Arabī, three towering figures who each sought to bridge the apparent contradiction between human choice and divine decree. Rather than accepting this as an irreconcilable paradox, these thinkers developed sophisticated approaches that harmonized philosophical reasoning, theological doctrine, and mystical insight.
Through careful analysis of original texts and historical context, De Cillis reveals how these scholars employed innovative theoretical frameworks to address what Islamic tradition calls qaḍaʼ wa'l-qadar (decree and destiny) and ikhtiyar (free-will). Their solutions prove far more nuanced and complex than previously understood, offering fresh perspectives on questions that remain relevant to contemporary spiritual inquiry.
For readers interested in the philosophical foundations of religious thought, this work provides valuable insights into how great minds have approached one of spirituality's most challenging questions. The book demonstrates how intellectual rigor and spiritual wisdom can work together to illuminate the mysterious relationship between human freedom and divine will.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~7 hours)
📄 Length: 260 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore SOCIAL SCIENCE / Regional Studies
- ✓ Explore History
- ✓ Explore Religious aspects
- ✓ Explore timeless philosophical wisdom
- ✓ Explore Histoire
- ✓ Explore Islam, doctrines
- ✓ Explore Philosophie islamique
- ✓ Explore Doctrines
