The classification of knowledge based on Al-Ghazali's perspective and its relevance to Qur’anic exegesis

Akbar, Rizamul Malik and Soleh, Achmad Khudori ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5145-6046 (2025) The classification of knowledge based on Al-Ghazali's perspective and its relevance to Qur’anic exegesis. FiTUA: Jurnal Studi Islam, 6 (2). pp. 218-228. ISSN 2721-365X

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Abstract

This article studies Al-Ghazali’s system of knowledge classification and its relevance to Qur’anic exegesis within the framework of classical Islamic epistemology. The focus of this study is to explain the structure of Al-Ghazali’s epistemology, which includes the sources of knowledge, methods of acquisition, and legal-ethical rulings on seeking knowledge, while positioning tafsir as an integral part of this framework. This research employs a qualitative approach through library research, focusing on Al-Ghazali’s major works, such as Iḥyā’ ‘Ulūm al-Dīn and al-Risālah al-Ladunniyyah. The findings indicate that: (1) Al-Ghazali classifies knowledge based on its sources into revelatory knowledge (‘ilm al-shar‘i), rational knowledge (‘ilm al-‘aql), and intuitive knowledge (‘ilm al-kashf); (2) based on its method of acquisition, knowledge is divided into ḥuḍūrī (immediate) and ḥuṣūlī (acquired through learning), incorporating approaches such as bayānī, burhānī, ‘irfānī, and tajribī; (3) in terms of legal rulings, knowledge is
categorized as farḍ ‘ayn, farḍ kifāyah, mandūb, mubāḥ, or ḥarām; and (4) Qur’anic exegesis is positioned as a shar‘i science, falling under the category of farḍ kifāyah, specifically within the subcategory of almutammimāt, developed through ḥuṣūlī methods and integrating several epistemological approaches.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Keywords:	Classification of Knowledge; Al-Ghazali; Islamic Epistemology; Quranic Exegesis; Fard Kifayah
Subjects:	22 PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES > 2203 Philosophy
Divisions:	Faculty of Psychology
Depositing User:	Dr Achmad Khudori Soleh
Date Deposited:	30 Oct 2025 13:07

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