The Efforts of Imam Ibn Qayyim's Jawziyya's in Establishing the Harmony between Sound Nature and Correct Belief

Abstract

The study looked into Imam Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah's claim that sound human nature (fitrah: Innate Knowledge) necessarily affirms and supports the correct Islamic doctrine, and that all people are naturally inclined toward Islam. The study consists of an introduction, four main sections, a conclusion, sources, and references. First Section: Definition and types of human nature (fitrah)discussed in three topics: o Topic 1: Linguistic definition of human nature (fitrah). o Topic 2: Technical definition of human nature (fitrah). o Topic 3: Types of human nature (fitrah). - Second Section: The significance of human nature (fitrah) in matters of creed. - Third Section: The efforts of Imam Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah in establishing that sound fitrah indicates and supports the correct creed and affirms that all people are naturally inclined toward Islam. - Fourth Section: Issues demonstrating the efforts of Imam Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah in confirming the role of sound fitrah in affirming the correct creed and the natural inclination toward Islam, consisting of two topics: - Topic 1: The existence of Allah Almighty. o Topic 2: Allah's care for His creation. Key Findings: - Linguistic Definitions of human nature (fitrah): The term fitrah in the Arabic language carries several meanings, including creation, splitting, cracking, initiation, origination, and innovation. - Technical Definition: The preferred and most accurate technical definition, according to the (pious predecessors), is that fitrah refers to religion or Islam, a view widely accepted among scholars. - Types of human nature (fitrah): There are two types: human nature (fitrah)of the Heart: This involves the knowledge of Allah, love for Him, and prioritizing Him above all else. It is the foundation of the soul and the essence of the heart. Practical human nature (fitrah) These are the natural dispositions mentioned in prophetic traditions, which manifest in physical actions. Both types support and strengthen one another. - Innate Knowledge of Allah: Belief in Allah is deeply ingrained in human nature. The human soul is naturally inclined to the correct creed, and deviations occur only when external influences divert a person from their innate disposition. - Efforts of imam Ibn Qayyim: Imam Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah, may Allah have compassion on him, emphasized the need of sound fitrah as a main source when resolving theological issues, which is consistent with the methodology of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah.