Faith, Reason, and Civilization: Revisiting the Medieval Islamic Philosophical Legacy

Abstract

The medieval Islamic world bore witness to a profound intellectual movement wherein faith and reason coalesced, giving rise to a rich philosophical legacy that deeply influenced global civilization. This paper revisits the contributions of prominent Islamic philosophers such as Al-Farabi, Ibn Sina, Al-Ghazali, and Ibn Rushd, analyzing their attempts to reconcile rational inquiry with religious belief. By examining key philosophical discourses on metaphysics, ethics, epistemology, and politics, this study emphasizes the enduring relevance of medieval Islamic thought in contemporary intellectual and civilizational frameworks. The paper also explores how these thinkers interacted with and transmitted Greek philosophy while developing distinct Islamic epistemologies. This re-evaluation not only offers insights into the Islamic golden age but also fosters dialogue between civilizations on the harmonization of reason and revelation.