Philosophy of Religion in Islam

‘‘A remarkable and indispensable resource for those with an avid interest in the historical
development of Islamic philosophy. By meticulously compiling and translating key texts from
medieval Islamic scholars—many of which are being made available in English for the first time—
this work provides an unparalleled window into the rich intellectual traditions that shaped Islamic
thought during the classical period. Beyond its historical significance, this anthology is also highly
relevant to contemporary discussions, bridging past and present by offering insights that continue
to influence modern debates on faith, reason, and the philosophy of religion. It is an essential read
for historians, philosophers, and anyone engaged in the ongoing exploration of Islamic intellectual
heritage.’’

-- Shoaib Ahmed Malik * Lecturer in Science and Religion, University of Edinburgh, UK *

‘‘Rather than theorize about Islam’s relationship to such topics of central importance as God,
prophecy, death, ethics, miracles, scripture, and religious diversity, this anthology shows us how
many of the Islamic intellectual tradition’s foremost pre-modern representatives approached these
matters in their own language, and on their own terms . . . An unparalleled resource for the
classroom, as well as for those interested in expanding their horizons beyond the hackneyed
approach to philosophy of religion characteristic of much contemporary Anglo-American
philosophy.’’

-- Mohammed Rustom * Professor of Islamic Thought and Global Philosophy, Carleton University, Canada *

‘‘There is no such thing as a philosophy of religion in the Islamic intellectual tradition of the classical
period. This volume, however, shows that several topics discussed within this tradition belong to
what we know today as the ‘philosophy of religion’. . . Acar and Kaya provide an excellent anthology of
philosophical, theological, juridical, and Sufi texts that capture what can be called the ‘Philosophy of
Religion in Islam’.”

-- Luis Xavier López Farjeat * Professor of Philosophy, Panamerican University, Mexico *

‘‘This superbly curated anthology of excerpts from classical Islamic sources will allow Anglophone
readers a deeper insight into the debates, discussions, and arguments of various thinkers from the
classical period. A rich resource for students and instructors alike.’’

-- Lloyd Strickland * Professor of Philosophy and Intellectual History, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK *

‘‘This judiciously edited book succeeds in conveying the breadth and depth of Islamic reflection upon
the philosophy of religion. The editors not only show that classical Islamic scholars contended with
philosophical questions akin to ours, but that the answers they provided remain valuable to us today.’’

-- Ramon Harvey * Lecturer in Islamic Studies, Cambridge Muslim College,