Ilm Kalam (preview)

We are Muslim. Do you know about Ilm Kalam? If you ever heard, should we study on Ilm Kalam? Do you know about this? Ilm kalam is the discipline of knowledge that appeared in 2th century of Hijriyyah following by the development of knowledge in the muslim’s world. There are lists of names to name Ilm Kalam such as Al-fiqh al-akbar, ‘ilm Ushuluddin, ‘ilm at-tawhid, and ‘Ilm al-‘aqaid. From the Muslim Scholars such al-Farabi (W.339 H), al-Ghazali (w. 505 H), al-Baydhawi (w.685), Ibn khaldun (w. 807), al-Jurjani (w. 816 H), they agreed that the objective of study Ilm kalam is to strengthen our belief toward God (Allah). I have the whole definition of each scholar that I cannot list them all here. Forgive me…

What is the objective of study Ilm kalam? And Why? Is it important?

a. Is it for Methodology of Ilm kalam?

b. Is it for Methodology to become Mutakallimun?

c. Is it for research in Methodology of Ilm kalam?

Which one do we prefer to choose?

If we choose “a” then, our objective to study ilm kalam is to become Muslim or Islam.

If we choose “b” then, our objective to study ilm kalam is to know Islam professionally. However, to know it doesn’t mean believing. Isn’t it?

If we choose “c” then, our objective to study ilm kalam is to study ilm kalam as an object of the study without and not necessarily following what is inside. In other word, discussion and talking about it without to be in it. It is like orientalists.

So, if we want to study about Ilm kalam please decide right away because it will affect our attitude.

Commonly, the method that has been used among scholars in Ilm kalam is rational method (Nazhar ‘aqli) or istidlal, ihtijaj (hujjah). And there are 3 things:

1. Syllogistic/Deductive Reasoning (qiyas)
2. Inductive Reasoning /Inference (istiqra’)
3. Analogical Reasoning/Method of Comparison (tamsil)

there are 5 foundations of syllogistic (qiyas):

1. Every/all B (every human being0 is A (can thing)

Every/some C (you) is (are) B (human being)

All C (you) is (are) A (Human Being)

or

Every B (Every monkey) is not A (Not Human Being)

All/Some C (You) is A (Human Being)

All/some C (You) is (are) A (Human Being)

2. All/some A (Muslims) is (are) B (performing sholat)

All/some C (Jhon) is not B (Not Performing sholat)

All/some C (Jhon) is not B (Not Muslim)

3. B (Pesantren Alumni) is (are) A (know religion well)

B (Pesantren Alumni) is (are) C (becoming Liberal Muslim)

Some C (some Liberal Muslim is (are) A (know religion well)

4. P is Q. Then, without Q is not P

5. P or Q it mean P is not Q or Q is not Q

The little I know..the little I can share for you.. :)