ISLAMIC WITTGENSTEINIAN FIDEISM?

Abstract

This paper examines recent deployments of Wittgenstein's thought, by Mustafa (2018) and Asad (2020), in defense of the Islamic "traditionalism"of Ibn Taymiyyah and the Hanbali school. I will briefly summarize the key features of Wittgenstein's thought crucial to this, and then examine their ramifications. I argue that Wittgenstein's position actually undermines any claim to interpretive authority, whether of the "rationalist"or salafi "traditionalist"sort. Secondly, the approach to religious language most commonly associated with Wittgenstein - so-called "Wittgensteinian Fideism"may pose bigger problems for traditionalists than the influence of classical philosophy or "rationalist"theological responses to modern skeptical challenges.