Philosophy of Language in the Construction of Islamic Epistemology: A Study of the Thought of Mohammad Abed Al-Jabiri

Abstract

The understanding of Islamic epistemology should ideally evolve over time, allowing for a more dynamic and critical interpretation of religious texts. However, in reality, many interpretations remain trapped in rigid and dogmatic textual reasoning, hindering the renewal of thought in a modern context. This study aims to explore the contribution of Mohammad Abed Al-Jabiri in building Islamic epistemology through the philosophy of language, focusing on his critique of the textualist bayani reasoning and his proposal to integrate burhani rationality to renew methods of interpreting religious texts. The research method employed in this study is a descriptive-analytical qualitative approach, analyzing Al-Jabiri’s thought and its application within the context of Islamic epistemology. The results indicate that Al-Jabiri’s ideas are relevant in addressing the challenges of globalization and modernity within Islamic discourse. By emphasizing the importance of a rational and contextual understanding of language, Al-Jabiri offers a new approach that can renew perspectives on religious texts, making them more progressive and open to contemporary developments. This study contributes to efforts to enrich Islamic epistemological discourse in a more flexible and dynamic direction.