The Status of Faithful World-Building in Islamic Civilization: An Aesthetic Explanation of the Relationship Between Faith and the World Based on the Theory of Existential Proportion

Articles in Press

Document Type : The Quarterly Jornal

Author

Islamic Sciences and Culture Academy

10.22081/jpt.2025.63562.2229

Abstract

To identify the essential characteristics ofIslamic civilization, it is necessary to examine the proper faith approach to the world. Regarding the relationship between faith and the world, two major approaches can be distinguished: (1) the purely instrumental and non-value-based approach according to which the world has no intrinsic value or authenticity and serves merely as a tool for attaining otherworldly salvation; world- avoidance is inherent in this view. (2) The intrinsically value approach which considers the various manifestations of the world as fundamental aspects of the beauty of creation and holds that a believer in full harmony with the afterlife has a duty to employ his God-given talents and capacities to realize the beauties of this world; this approach rejects world-avoidance and affirms faithful world-building. The theory of existential proportion provides the theoretical foundation for this axiological perspective. In this article, the theory of existential proportion is employed to explain this approach, and religious teachings are used to support it. The conclusion is that, in Islamic civilization, neither worldliness detached from the hereafter nor otherworldliness detached from theworld has any place; rather, a key feature of a civilized Islamic society is engaging with theworld through a faith-based and eschatological orientation.

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Philosophia and Theologia: Dialogues in Criticism and Reflection

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 12 June 2025

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