The Position of Religion and Mysticism in the Process and Model of Ibn Abi Jumhur Ahsa’ei Dialogical Philosophy

Philosophy has consistently maintained a relationship with the two domains of religion and mysticism. This relationship has at times manifested as opposition and at other times as dialogue and intellectual interaction. In the latter case, these interactions between philosophy, religion, and mysticism have given rise to distinct processes and models of philosophizing. The present research, employing documentary methods alongside logical and deductive analysis, examines the position of religion and mysticism within the process and model of the dialogical philosophy of Ibn Abī Jumhur Ahsa’ei, a prominent Shia intellectual of the medieval Islamic period. It demonstrates how these two elements shaped his intellectual structure. The process of Ibn Abī Jumhur's philosophizing unfolds as follows: Upon 1. encountering the opposition among philosophers, religious scholars, and Sufis, he seeks to resolve this antagonism. Consequently, 2. he endeavors to discover and understand the nature of the relationships between the science of philosophy and the sciences of theology and mysticism. He realizes that philosophy shares a unity of subject matter with theology and mysticism, while simultaneously, discursive philosophy differs methodologically from theology and mysticism. Therefore, 3. by comparing philosophy with religion and mysticism, he seeks to identify the strengths and weaknesses of philosophical reason. He concludes that philosophical reason is limited and weak at certain levels, and also that philosophical reason evolves through establishing dialogue with religion and mysticism and making use of them. Hence, to resolve the conflict and opposition among philosophers, religious scholars, and mystics, and considering the relationships of philosophy with theology and mysticism as well as the strengths and weaknesses of philosophy, it becomes necessary to 4. present a dialogical philosophy. Furthermore, the model of Ibn Abī Jumhur's dialogical philosophy comprises six components: Resolving the overarching problem of the conception of opposition among philosophy, theology, and Sufism. Utilizing revelatory and intuitive epistemic sources. Being influenced by and utilizing the viewpoints of mystics and illuminationist philosophers. Employing a religious approach to confirm and strengthen the rational method. Using transmitted and intuitive methods alongside the rational method. Establishing a comparative study between philosophy, religion, and mysticism to demonstrate the unity of purpose and perspective among the three distinct sciences of philosophy, theology, and mysticism.