An Introduction to the Meaning and Feasibility of the Philosophy of Islamic Religion

The purpose of this article is to examine the nature of the philosophy of Islamic religion, and discover the feasibility of its realization. For this purpose, I have made an attempt to determine the differences and distinctions between the philosophy of Islamic religion and the present philosophy of religion, in terms of subject, method, purpose, and source of inspiration, using a descriptive-analytical method and relying on library resources; and have defined four conceivable and achievable meanings for the philosophy of Islamic religion. According to its first definition - which is based on the distinction of the subject - the philosophy of Islamic religion is a religious philosophy in which the subject of philosophical thought is the religion of Islam. The second definition is based on the distinction of method, according to which the philosophy of Islamic religion is a religious philosophy that deals with philosophical thinking in the field of religion, based on the method of Islamic philosophy and its foundations; similar to the philosophy of analytic religion and the philosophy of continental religion which are the same. The third meaning, mentioned above, is based on the output of philosophical activity, according to which the philosophy of Islamic religion is a religious philosophy such that the results of philosophical thinking on religion are in accordance with Islamic teachings; even if that philosophical activity is not based on the principles and methods of the present Islamic philosophy. The fourth meaning of the philosophy of Islamic religion is a religious philosophy that, inspired by the Qur'an and Islamic hadiths, reconstructs Islamic teachings about religion according to philosophical methods, and deals with philosophical thinking in the field of religion. This article also tries to critique the reasons for the opposition to add the qualification of ‘Islamic’ to the philosophy of religion.