Author: Bekhzodiy, Sh.; Abdunabiev, S.

Annotation: This research investigates humanism in the medieval Islamic world (VIII–XIII century) revealing a neglected gap in scholarship and demonstrating how humanism was expressed through the harmonious functioning of ethics, reason, and faith throughout the Middle East, North Africa, Persia, and Central Asia. While earlier scholars have primarily limited their definition of humanism to European traditions, this study uncovers many of the contributions made by Islamic scholars to the development of the concept of human dignity through the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and the writings of Islamic philosophers such as Al-Farabi, Ibn Sina and Al-Ghazali, as well as the literary works of poets (Rumi, Saadi, and Al-Mutanabbi), and the establishments of Bayt al-Hikmah. Using methods of textual analysis of primary source material and a synthesis of historical documentation. This research shows that humans have always been viewed as moral actors who are actively involved in the pursuit of moral excellence, reasoned thinking (including the pursuit of knowledge), and responsible participation in society as both a spiritual obligation and a social responsibility. From this research it has been determined that Islamic humanism should not be considered as contradictory to Islam, but rather as a humanism that is centered on faith placing الإنسان (human), at the centre of intellectual and cultural life.

Keywords: Islamic humanism; medieval Islamic thought; Al-Farabi; Ibn Sina; Al-Ghazali; Rumi; Saadi; Bayt al-Hikma

Pages in journal: 142 - 152