The Journey of ‘Akl to Perfection: The Tarbiyah of ‘Akl in Hārith al-Muhāsibī (d. 243/857)

Abstract

The basic element that makes a human human is the ‘akl. ‘Akl is also the basis of human belief, worship and moral responsibilities of man. The correct execution of the functions of the ‘akl is directly related to the fulfillment of its responsibilities in the mentioned areas. In this respect, ‘akl has been the common subject of scientific disciplines such as philosophy, theology, fiqh and sufism. ‘Akl-will, ‘akl-belief, ‘akl-nafs, the relationship between knowledge and sense, types of ‘akl, what the ‘akl can or will not know, correct ‘akl, the nature and possibility of correct thinking are some of the subjects that are emphasized. However, the approaches of the aforementioned sciences to the mind regarding these issues are different from each other. For example, putting out the views and methods to be equipped with virtues after disgrace that hinders correct thinking/reasoning distinguishes sufism from others. In this context, Hārith al-Muhāsibī (d. 243/857) was also primarily concerned with providing correct thinking by educating the heart and mind, which are the source of habits/character and actions. While the subject of correct/healthy thinking is God/Allah and all kinds of relations between a person and God/Allah, its method is to follow the morals of God/Allah and to obey his laws (ar-ri‘âya li-hukûkillâh/taqwā) by fulfilling the deeds for which he is held responsible. ‘Akl is a faculty that needs to be developed by being trained in the direction of foresight and ingenuity in Muhāsibī, making it functional in terms of contemplation, consider, reflection and thought. In this respect, education can be regarded as an effort to use the ‘akl correctly and appropriately. In addition, the ‘akl’s perfection by being disciplined; the subject is also important in terms of religious education, as it requires the unity of the fields of faith, worship and morality. This study deals with Muhāsibī’s understanding of ‘akl. Its aim, is to deal with the definition, scope and perfection process of ‘akl (its tarbiyah) in the case of Muhāsibī. The research was handled by the method of examining written documents. According to this, the data were set out on the basis of Muhāsibī’s different works, especially Mā(h)iyetü’l-‘akl, and descriptive analysis and content analysis techniques were used in their analysis. Although Muhāsibī includes some definitions of ‘akl and makes opinions about them, he doesn’t enter into detailed theoretical discussions about ‘akl. He basically divides the ‘akl into two as innate (gharīzī) and acquired later (muktasab). Muhāsibī focused on the development of the ‘akl in the direction of perfection by focusing on its relationship with belief and morality. Therefore, in his thought, faith, morality and ‘akl/to reason are inseparable fields. In the context of the perfection of the ‘akl, he especially emphasized the unity of fear of Allah (havf), strength of certainty, and foresight and tafakkuh in religion/Islām. In the ‘akl-moral relationship, however, he prioritized morality over reason, and linked the maturation of the mind through training to being freed from disgrace and equipped with religious/moral virtues.