ʿIlm
Definition
ʿIlm is the Arabic word for knowledge, encompassing everything from empirical observation to revealed certainty. In al-Ghazali's framework, not all knowledge is equal: ʿilm that leads to awareness of Allah and correct action is the highest form, while knowledge pursued for worldly prestige or debate is condemned. He categorizes knowledge along several axes — obligatory and recommended, religious and worldly, salvific and corrupting — to help the reader understand what to seek and what to guard against. Al-Ghazali opens the Ihya with the chapter on knowledge to establish that every subsequent chapter depends on knowing why it matters.
As understood in the classical tradition of Imam al-Ghazali and the scholars of his school.
Appears in
1 book in the library
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