Abdel Rahman Badawi and His Contributions to Islamic Philosophy
Abdel Rahman Badawi (1917-2002) is a contemporary philosopher known for his significant contributions to both Arab and Islamic philosophy. He is widely regarded as a prominent figure in the modern period of Arab philosophy and is recognized as a pioneer of existentialism within Islamic thought. With his extensive cultural background and linguistic proficiency in more than ten languages, Badawi is considered an encyclopedic scholar. He spent the majority of his life in France, dedicating himself entirely to scientific research, during which he published approximately 150 works. His oeuvre encompasses a broad range of subjects, including Islamic philosophy, Greek philosophy, modern and contemporary philosophy, and existentialism. Badawi’s works have become essential resources for researchers and academics interested in philosophical studies. The book in your possession aims to compile Badawi’s views on Islamic philosophy and present them analytically and descriptively. It explores Badawi’s philosophical journey, thought processes, and fundamental philosophical concepts. In addition to themes such as time, existence, nothingness, logic, ethics, emotion, will, religion, atheism, subjectivity, freedom, knowledge, and truth, it also addresses Badawi’s perspectives on existentialism and metaphysics, divine attributes, types of intellect, varieties of the soul, the universe, and the knowledge of God and the hereafter. Moreover, the book examines Badawi’s stance on Orientalist thought, his approach to Islamic mysticism, his defense of Islam and the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), and his logical and in-depth responses to Orientalist criticisms. It also provides a comprehensive analysis of his views on legal and political philosophy, and his perspective on the relationship between Islamic philosophy and other philosophical traditions, particularly Greek and Western philosophies.
Keywords: Abdel Rahman Badawi; Philosophy; Islamic philosophy; Philosophical concepts; Existentialism