Bridging the Rift Between Divine Custom and Human Agency within the Three Realms: Al-Ghazali’s Perspective on Causality

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Department of Philosophy and Theology, Faculty of Humanities, Shahid Motahari University, Tehran, Iran .

2 MA Student in Islamic Philosophy and Theology, Department of Islamic Philosophy and Theology, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, University of Tehran, , Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

This research examines the interconnection between the fundamental pillars of Imam Muhammad al-Ghazali's thought across the three dimensions of theology, cosmology, and anthropology, aiming to elucidate how he reconciles the negation of causality in nature with the affirmation of a form of necessity within the structure of the human soul. In his cosmology, to preserve the concept of absolute Divine Omnipotence, al-Ghazali denies a necessary causal link between material phenomena, characterizing it instead as "Divine Habit" (adat allahiyyah). Conversely, in the realm of anthropology, to establish a coherent ethical system, he asserts the necessity of a causal hierarchy among the faculties of the soul and human intentions.
Within this intellectual framework, the process of thought (khatir), inclination (raghbah), and will (iradah) constitutes a systematic chain in which "knowledge" (ma'rifah), as the primary catalyst, shapes human ontological and identity shifts. This continuity culminates in his theology, as proximity to God is attainable only through the rectification of this internal system and the purification of the heart. Employing a descriptive-analytical method, this study demonstrates that al-Ghazali shifts the locus of causality from the physical world to the psychological realm to ensure that the path toward spiritual perfection remains governed by a structured order. Ultimately, the denial of external causality—intended to safeguard Divine Unity of Action (Tawhid al-Af`al)—does not contradict the affirmation of internal necessity for attaining divine gnosis; rather, this demarcation of realms prevents conceptual contradiction within his thought.

Within this framework, the process of thought (*khawatir*), inclination, and will is depicted as a systematic chain where "knowledge" acts as the primary mover, shaping changes in human identity. This continuity reaches its zenith in theology, as proximity to God is only possible through refining this internal system and polishing the mirror of the heart. The results of this study, conducted through a descriptive-analytical method, demonstrate that Ghazali shifts causality from the physical world to the psychological realm to ensure the path of spiritual perfection remains governed by order. Ultimately, negating external causality to preserve "Divine Unity of Action" does not conflict with affirming internal necessity for achieving divine knowledge; thus, this distinction between realms prevents any contradiction in his thought.

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References

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