Saadia Gaon: The First Jewish Philosopher

Saadia Gaon is the first Jewish philosopher to systematize the Jewish teachings and beliefs. This makes him different from Philo of Alexandria, Isaac Israeli ben Solomon, and David ibn Merwān al-Mukkamas al-Rakki who preceded Gaon. He drew inspiration from Mu’tazilah school of Kalām; still, he did not follow the Muslim scholars blindly. In fact, he tapped Mu’tazilah doctrines to resolve the paradoxes of the Holy Scriptures and justify the Jewish beliefs. Among his numerous works, Kitāb al-Sharā’i (Book of the Commandments of Religion) is of critical importance. The present article covers his life and works and sheds some light on his status in Jewish philosophy. Gaon’s views about cognition and its sources, God and the universe and intellect and inspiration are also addressed. Moreover, his views about the mankind and the end of the world are discussed.