Islamic philosophy approaches existence and creation through various perspectives:

*Key Concepts:*

1. Tawhid (Unity): Affirming Allah’s singularity and sovereignty.

2. Wahdat al-Wujud (Unity of Existence): Existence is a single, divine reality.

3. Khalq (Creation): Allah’s act of bringing existence into being.

4. Ibn Sina’s (Avicenna) concept of Necessary Being (Wajib al-Wujud).

*Philosophical Schools:*

1. Kalam (Theology): Focuses on Allah’s attributes and creation.

2. Falsafa (Philosophy): Integrates Greek and Islamic thought.

3. Sufism (Mysticism): Emphasizes spiritual experience and unity.

4. Ash’ari and Maturidi Schools: Theological perspectives on existence.

*Creation Theories:*

1. Ex Nihilo (Creation from nothing): Allah created existence from non-existence.

2. Emanationism: Existence emanates from Allah’s essence.

3. Eternalism: Existence co-eternal with Allah.

*Influential Thinkers:*

1. Al-Kindi (Alkindus): Early Islamic philosopher.

2. Al-Farabi (Alpharabius): Integrated Greek and Islamic thought.

3. Ibn Sina (Avicenna): Influential philosopher and physician.

4. Ibn Rushd (Averroes): Commentator on Aristotle.

5. Ghazali (Algazel): Theologian and mystic.

*Quranic References:*

– Quran 2:117: “He is the Originator of the heavens and the earth.”

– Quran 3:47: “He creates what He wills.”

– Quran 112:1-4: “Say, He is Allah, the One.”

*Hadith References:*

– “The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, ‘Allah existed when there was nothing.'” (Bukhari)

– “The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, ‘The first thing Allah created was the Pen.'” (Tirmidhi)

*Islamic Philosophy’s Unique Contributions:*

1. Integration of faith and reason.

2. Emphasis on Allah’s unity and sovereignty.

3. Distinction between necessary and contingent existence.

4. Concept of creation as an act of divine will.

*Influence on Western Philosophy:*

1. Thomas Aquinas’ concept of Necessary Being.

2. Scholasticism’s integration of faith and reason.

3. Influence on medieval European philosophy.

Islamic philosophy offers a rich and nuanced understanding of existence and creation, bridging faith and reason.

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