Ibn al-Qayyim is a popular Islamic scholar who made historic contributions towards spirituality and the Islamic jurisprudence that is not going to be forgotten soon. This blog will be reviewing the extraordinary history of this distinguished personality, who was studying significant events that moulded his life as well as the lasting influence of his very philosophical heritage.
Ibn al-Qayyim, was more commonly referred to as Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya. He was born in the Damascus, Syria in 1292 CE and was a well-known Islamic philosopher as well as the jurist. His teachings as well as his very personality has left a lasting influence on the Islamic philosophy, and his writings also serve as an example to learners everywhere.
Early Life & Education
Shams ad-Din Abu ʿAbd Allah Muḥammad ibn Abi Bakr ibn Ayyub az-Zurʿi ad-Dimashqi al-Ḥanbali, aka Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyya or mostly Ibn al-Qayyim ( 29 January 1292 – 15 September 1350 CE /691 AH–751 AH). Because of his father, Abu Bakr Ibn Sa’d az-Zur’i, who served as the administrator (Qayyim) of the very Jawziyyah Madrasah, the Hanbali law college in the Damascus, he is also frequently referred as the Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah. He was born in 691 A.H./1292 C.E. in a very small agricultural town close to the Damascus, Syria.
His father, also the local attendant (Qayyim) of the al-Jawziyya school, was his first teacher. Later on, he also continued his pursuit of knowledge by studying under well-known scholars as well as the masters of his era, the most notable of whom was the Ibn Taymiyyah, as well as by studying the writings alongside the teachings of his well-known sufi masters of the day.
His education also focused mostly on the science of the hadith (prophetic traditions) as well as the Islamic law. He was also a well-known Sunni Islamic jurist, astronomer, chemist, psychologist, alongside a Qur’anic interpreter. Despite his very popular reputation as “the scholar of the heart,” Ibn Qayyim’s expertise was mostly in the very fields of Hadith alongside Fiqh, despite his extensive collection of the work on ethics as well as human behaviour.
The Impact of Ibn-Taymiyyah on his life:
His connection with the great scholar Ibn Taymiyyah was one of the most significant phase of Ibn al-Qayyim’s life. At the age of 21, he entered Imam Ibn Taimiyyah’s study circle in the year 712. Imam Ibn Taimiyyah kept him in his company as his closest follower and student, and he ultimately succeeded him as the most active propagator of his teachings. He adopted Ibn Taymiyyah’s principles and beliefs, becoming a devoted student of the scholar. Ibn al-Qayyim’s scholastic identity was shaped by this affiliation, which made him a strong supporter of “orthodox” Islamic doctrines.
As the leading defender and supporter of his religious principles and techniques, Ibn al-Qayyim was intensely devoted to his teacher. He also edited and collected the majority of his writings and imparted similar knowledge.
Challenges and Imprisonment:
Though Ibn al-Qayyim made significant contributions to the Islamic learning, yet his very uncompromising adherence to his beliefs frequently brought him a misfortune as well as persecution. A major obstacle he did encountered was being imprisoned as an outcome of his affiliation with the Ibn Taymiyyah as well as his ardent defence of a certain doctrinal beliefs.
Between 1326 to 1328, Ibn al-Qayyim and his mentor Ibn Taymiyyah were detained in the jail until Ibn Taymiyyah’s death. The historian al-Maqrizi stated that there was 2 reasons for his arrest: firstly, he agreed with Ibn Taymiyyah’s divorce-related viewpoint, which went against the very conventional opinion of the classical scholars, and the second, he was arrested after the Ibn al-Qayyim preached in the Jerusalem against the visiting of holy graves, including the very Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) grave in Medina.
Ibn al-Qayyim was imprisoned in an inhumane condition with no access to the writing supplies, literature, or even his basic necessities. He wrote as well as followed academic interests despite the difficulties he faced, creating some of his most popular works during this era.
Some famous and controversial views of Ibn al-Qayyim:
- Usually, in modern times he is portrayed as being against Islamic mysticism (Sufism) but on the contrary, he is considered a pillar in the Tahawwur of Hanbali school of fiqh, and has contributed a lot to science with his numerous works.
- He was generally opposed to the falsafah tradition (taking from Greek philosophy that aligned with Islamic metaphysics) and kalam (theological science) as those were opposed to his understanding of the “orthodox” Islam (he preferred naql (“Qur’an and Sunnah”) over ‘aql (rationality).
- He also believed, like his teacher Ibn Taymiyyah, that Hellfire will eventually come to an end.
His Works and Contributions:
Ibn al-Qayyim produced a very large as well as diverse body of intellectual work. He wrote several books and treatises on a wide range of topics, including the spirituality, law, and theology. His most renowned masterpieces include :
- Kitab al-Wabil al-Sayyib (The Invocation of God): A popular work on Islamic virtues of the prayer as well as emphasising their use in the daily life and their spiritual advantages.
- Zaad al-Ma’ad (Provisions for the Hereafter): In this book, Ibn al-Qayyim provides guidance on improving one’s life as a Muslim. He also discusses virtues like the kindness, correct prayer, and also adherence to Islamic beliefs.
- Ighathat al-Lahfan (Relief for Distressed): In times of the sadness or the distress, this book serves as a guidance. In order to gain strength during the difficult times, as well as maintain our religion, it also offers Islamic guidance.
- Madarij al-Salikin (The Stations of the Seekers): It is a masterpiece in the Islamic spirituality, guiding readers on the very path of the self-purification as well as closeness to God.
- Al-Jawab al-Kafi (The Sufficient Response): Ibn al-Qayyim responds to a variety of the inquiries concerning Islam in this work. He also helps people understand by giving simple explanations alongside providing instances from the Quran and tales about the Prophet.
Ibn al-Qayyim’s life was marked by the scholarly inquiry, spiritual enlightenment, and persistent devotion to the very quest of the knowledge. His works continue to influence Islamic philosophy, while serving as an inspiration to both the scholars alongside applicants, leaving an indelible mark.