ABOUT PHILOSOPHICAL- THEOLOGICAL TEACHINGS OF THE IMAMU-L-HARAMAIN AL-JUWAYNI

Abstract

UDK 28-1:111

The article analyses some philosophical-theological teachings of Al-Juwayni, known by the title Imamu-l-Haramain (leading master in Mecca and Medina) of whom until now nothing has been written. He was a great theologian, open towards various affinities of human spirit. His theological-philosophical thought is characterised by a thorough and deep analysis of the main theological issues that were in the focus of discussions within two philosophical-theological schools of Islam – Mut’azila and Ash’ariyya. He provides a deeper support for the teachings of Al-Ashari, like Baqilani, Fakhrud-din Razi and Gazali. Metaphysical, ethical and epistemological issues are overlapping in his teachings. He advocates rational cognition and rational theology whose chief subjects are the main religious teachings, like arguments for the existence of God, the relation between God’s being and His attributes, creation of the world and man’s free will. Elaborating on the teachings on these issues of Al-Ashari school, Juwayni, under the influence of teachings of Ibn Sina’ and his disciples in Persia, introduces some thoughts that are by large shrouded in a metaphysical form. Juwayni’s work demonstrates consistent theological teachings which in their metaphysical, epistemological, ethical and legal aspects are truly worthy of serious analysis.