Redefining Rational (Aqlī) and Revelation (Naqlī) into a Concept of Islamic Systemology

Abstract

The way of thinking held by most Muslims has nowadays shifted away from Allah-centred to logical and empiricism. The separation line of Islam from ways of life can be seen clearly as the majority of Muslims hold secular thoughts. The paper aims to redefine ‘aqlī and naqlī way of thinking into the Islamic systemology concept. It is a concept that puts Allah as an agent of everything, with Him as the head of the system. Besides, the paper also discusses the process of the evolution of Greek philosophy deeply, how it became a phenomenon in the Muslim world. The application of rational and reasoning, which is championed by Aristotle, is slowly degrading Muslims’ faith, as Muslims start to verify everything based only on logical answers. The article is also strengthening the position of Abū Ḥāmid al-Ghazālī and supporting his arguments on the rejection of the Western philosophy by outlining the importance of yaqīn (strong inner faith) in taking action and making a better judgment. The Islamic systemology concepts are very important to make Muslims aware of the balancing between ‘aqlī and naqlī, as both of them are interconnected and complementary. Ignoring naqlī means Muslims put more emphasis on the world (dunyā) and put less belief in Allah. Hence they jeopardize the equilibrium of thinking.