The memory remains vivid in the author’s mind when a son of the scholars of Pondok Pesantren Annuqayah decided to pursue a philosophy major. Some guardians expressed hesitation towards this choice, each having their reasons. Nevertheless, despite initial reservations, the son proceeded with his philosophy studies. This occurred decades ago, during the author’s active years as a student at Pesantren Annuqayah. Today, the study of philosophy is widely accepted and embraced, even within the pesantren environment.
Certain scholars, such as Imam Nawawi, have argued against the study of philosophy, deeming it religiously impermissible. This viewpoint has contributed to resistance towards philosophy among certain circles within pesantren communities.
Dr. Bahrur Rozy, a lecturer of Introduction to Philosophy at a private university, likens philosophy to a very sharp knife. When wielded by an adult proficient in its use, the knife yields benefits. Conversely, in the hands of a child unfamiliar with its use, it poses dangers—not due to the knife itself, but due to the user’s lack of skill.
Similarly, philosophy, when studied by individuals firm in their faith, strong in their beliefs, and committed to adhering to religious teachings, can be beneficial and worthy of study, including for students.
“Filsafat will prove beneficial when studied, as its concepts form the foundation of all knowledge,” explains Bahrur Rozy, an alumnus of Pesantren Annuqayah who received his certificate from KH A Warits Ilyas (late) for translating logical sciences, a subject taught at the secondary level.
Definition of Philosophy
Plato defines philosophy as the pursuit of genuine and pure truth. He further posits that philosophy delves into the ultimate causes and principles of everything that exists (from the book Introduction to Philosophy from Classical to Postmodern Eras, by Dr. Ali Maksum). The term ‘ultimate’ signifies that philosophy serves as the final tool in mapping out the causes and principles of any field of knowledge or science.
Aristotle, in the same book, describes philosophy as the science that seeks the principles and causes of existing reality. The sought-after principles are truths, while the causes referred to are the pinnacle of practical wisdom (wisdom). Thus, the principles and causes of truth form the basis for philosophical development.
Numerous other scholars provide varying definitions of philosophy. However, collectively, these definitions center around truth, the pursuit of truth, and the connection between principles of truth and wisdom. The concept involves seeking absolute truths beyond a reality often obscured by falsehoods—Al-akhdzu bil haqaiq, wal ya’su bil khalaiq (take what is true and discard what is false).
Understanding the principles and essence of philosophy leads to an awareness of using logic to attain truth. Human reason, created by God, is meant to be employed as a tool to achieve personal sanctity—not as a tool disconnected from truth and wisdom.
As stated by Pythagoras (circa 6th century BC) when asked, “Are you a wise man?” Pythagoras humbly responded, “I am only a philosopher, a lover of wisdom.” Or, in another version, “I am merely someone who loves knowledge.”
Scope of Philosophy
Philosophy is a process of thinking radically, systematically, and universally about everything that exists or could exist. It encompasses all aspects comprehensively and universally. The study of philosophy knows no bounds, covering every major element and intricate detail that leads to true truths.
Due to its expansive scope, philosophy is considered the foundation of all fields of knowledge. In other words, philosophical truths, based on scientific logic, can be substantiated. Philosophical thinking involves using reason to discover the essence of truth, which is logical and scientifically factual—every material’s logic should be scientifically analysed to find the mass type and material content, to get the benefit of life.
Philosophy covers the universe. It also addresses the manifestation of nature to the existence of God. Thus, the essence of truth becomes a fundamental study in all aspects of its investigation. Philosophy’s concept is that truth must be scientifically understood and logicalized.
Philosophical Dialectics
Imam Nawawi and Ibn Sholah explicitly stated that studying philosophy and logic (the science of logic) was religiously forbidden. As mentioned earlier, this prohibition was associated with the condition of those studying philosophy.
Meanwhile, Imam Ghazali’s stance on the legal aspects of studying philosophy is more moderate. He said that studying philosophy is permissible as long as the students have a strong foundation of faith, as well as a good understanding of the Quran and Hadith. Deep religious understanding is essential to avoid falling into liberalism.
Adz-Dzahabi ra said, “There are hardly any people who delve into philosophy but their ijtihad will lead them to opinions that contradict the purity of the Sunnah. Therefore, the salaf scholars criticize the study of ancient knowledge because philosophy emerged from philosophers who were secular in thinking. Whoever, with his intelligence, wishes to compromise between the knowledge of the Prophets and the knowledge of the philosophers, will surely contradict the Prophets and also oppose the philosophers.” (Mizaanul I’tidaal 3/144).
This paragraph excerpt serves as a justification for some to prohibit the study of philosophy. However, according to many references, studying philosophy can provide clear guidance and direction. Using logic, a standard approach in philosophical studies, is essential in all fields.
Respect must be given to those who deem philosophy forbidden, as they are entitled to their opinions. However, it should be understood that all religious laws (Islam) are contextual and must be logically comprehended. This ensures the continuity of the thread of truth, without asserting personal opinions as eternal and true.
Azis Anwar Fachrudin, a researcher at the Centre for Religious and Crosscultural Studies (CRCS) at Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, clarified this viewpoint. His explanation on Facebook on July 27, 2020, explained that studying philosophy is not only permissible but also a duty. Learning philosophy means seeking genuine truth, and the essence of truth can be discovered through philosophical inquiry. The memoir above is a process of discovering real truths.
Wisdom of Philosophy
Characteristics of a philosopher include radical thinking. Literally, radical thinking means going to the root. This means attempting to find the truth until it is understood that it is the essence of truth. Searching for its scientific logic, arguments and supporting bases, so that it is clear that it is the truth.
Another characteristic of philosophical thinking is being critical, i.e., responsive to emerging issues known or even incoming. Then, conceptual, rational, and reflective, are also the hallmarks of those who think philosophically. (Nurani Soyomukti, 2011, General Introduction to Philosophy).
Coherent and consistent (sequence) means the thinking process until it gives birth to products (truths) that are logical in accordance with scientific principles. Comprehensive, systematic, and methodical, is also a characteristic of a philosopher. A thought that is not partial, but comprehensive on various aspects of life.
Ahmad Hafidz, in an article, explained that there are some benefits to studying philosophy. First, a person can interpret the meaning of the essence of human life, both personally and socially.
Second, by studying philosophy, people are always trained and educated to think universally, multidimensional, comprehensive, and deep. Thus, it will make people intelligent, critical, systematic, and objective in viewing and solving various life problems, so that they can achieve quality, excellence, and happiness in life.
Third, achieving policy and value. Value is obtained by deep thinking. Values are important for organizing life. Fourth, reaching the truth. Philosophy is a way to reach the truth because the process of deep thinking is basically to explain what actually happens and how a reality can happen. If we don’t understand reality based on reality, it’s a mistake, and this usually happens when people are not philosophizing, or when people judge something arbitrarily.
Fifth, understanding oneself and one’s community: eliminating egoism, enhancing collective consciousness. Sixth, philosophy for changing life. In other words, with philosophy, people will be encouraged to change everything that has strayed far from the values of truth. In this case, it means that philosophy also cannot be separated from the work of changing life.
If the author notices from the wisdom of studying philosophy, it can be explained that it really is in accordance with the character of a santri. Where, santri always seeks the truth with scientific logic. Santri is also accustomed to being independent and performing all activities in accordance with syari rules. That means, since the beginning in the pesantren, the values of philosophy have been taught to become habits in thinking critically and logically.
Not just carrying out daily activities without using logic. But get used to being systematic according to scientific principles. Thus, from the beginning, santri did not separate from philosophical principles. Realized or not, philosophy has been intertwined around the pesantren environment. Wallahu A’lam!
Translated from here.