The great Muslim Philosopher

"The Great Muslim Philosopher" is an Urdu translation of "History of the Philosophers of Islam" by the renowned Egyptian intellectual and philosopher, Dr. Lotfi Juma. Dr. Mir Wali-ud-Din, an esteemed member of Dar-ul-Tarjuma Hyderabad Deccan (India) and an astute observer of philosophy, has skillfully translated this valuable work into Urdu. Within the pages of this book, Dr. Lotfi Juma meticulously explores the biographies, thoughts, and philosophies of eminent Muslim philosophers. The narrative endeavors to underscore the significant role played by Muslim philosophers in the scientific advancements during the Middle Ages.

The featured philosophers include Abu Yusuf Yaqub Ibn Ishaq Kundi, Abu al-Nasr Muhammad ibn Muhammad, Uzlagh ibn Tarkhan al-Farabi, Abu Ali Hussain ibn Abdullah ibn Sina, Abu Hamid Muhammad Ghazali, Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Yahya alias Ibn Baja, Abu Bakr ibn Abdul Malik ibn Tufail Andalsi, Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Rashid Ibn Muhammad Khaldun, Ikhwan al-Safa, Abu Ali Muhammad ibn al-Hasan ibn al-Haytham, Mohi-ud-Din ibn al-Arabi, and Abu Ali Khazan Ahmad ibn Muhammad Ya'qub Muskwiyah.

Dr. Lotfi Juma asserts that Muslim philosophers dedicated their efforts to advancing philosophy in both Islamic cities of the Arab world and the West. He questions the motivation behind their pursuit, pondering whether it stemmed from their belief originating in the Arabian desert through the pure language of Muhammad (pbuh).

The author contends that, predating Kant, Nitish, Schopenhauer, Stuart Mill, August Gomte, and Renan, Muslim philosophers contemplated the universe. Dr. Lotfi Juma laments that the scholarly accomplishments of Muslim philosophers have been overlooked by the Ummah, while Europe (Aghyar) has effectively utilized these philosophies. He highlights the significant contributions of numerous authors who documented the lives and ideas of these philosophers, emphasizing that their work was instrumental in the West's progress, contrasting with the dependence of Muslim nations on the West.

According to Dr. Lotfi Juma, the ideas of Muslim philosophers were inherently in harmony with Islam. He contends that had these thinkers been allowed to work openly, the world, particularly Muslim nations, might have attained higher levels of development. The author addresses accusations against philosophers like Ibn Sina, refuting claims of book burning and opportunism, while acknowledging the complexities of historical events.

The author sheds light on Farabi's early life, noting his passion for learning in Baghdad, and questions why he studied by the light of street lamps. Additionally, Dr. Lotfi Juma discusses the paradoxical perception of Imam Ghazali as a philosopher while Mohi-ud-Din Ibn Arabi, despite his prominence in philosophy, is not recognized as such by some.

ploration of Muslim philosophers' lives and ideas, portraying them as pioneers of science and art who tirelessly worked to expand knowledge. Dr. Mir Wali-un-den's translation, while occasionally utilizing complex Urdu words of Arabic origin, stands as a valuable resource on Muslim philosophers for the Urdu-speaking community.

Reference:

Muhammad Lutfi Juma, Translator: Dr. Mir Wali-un-deen, (2006), Azeem Musalman Falsafi, Da-e-Shaoor, Lahore, Pakistan.