Note: Click my “personal” link to view more questions. 

Q. ) Salaam :) one of my friends, who wants to study philosophy at university, was told that there’s no place for philosophy in Islam because the two are mutually exclusive. I don’t know too much about philosophy myself to judge, although it’s always seemed like an interesting subject, so I was wondering what your view is on it? :) (as a philosopher lol)

Asslamu Alaikum,

Firstly, I would like to clarify that I am only a self-proclaimed philosopher, and the following are only my personal views. 

Philosophy is a beautiful subject, and it is not limited to one area. There are many branches of philosophy; epistemology, ethics, philosophy of religion, logic etc. 

I have been interested in philosophy for a while now, but at one point it was the reason why I began to doubt my faith. 

Personally, I see no problem with studying the subject. If you believe it may cause you to doubt your own beliefs, then you ought to ask yourself how strong your Iman is in the first place. Why do you believe what you believe? Are you only a cultural Muslim?

I am currently studying philosophy at university, and while I do not agree with many of the theories and ideas covered, it has led me to expand my understanding and has led me to learn about Islamic philosophy and contrast it with western viewpoints. 

That said, it is not an area for everyone. If she is studying this in a western country, then she will no doubt come across secular views and theories. She may find some views offend her belief’s as a Muslim, however, this is inevitable and bound to happen to everyone throughout their lives. There is nothing wrong with looking at different viewpoints, and expanding our knowledge. Our prophets and Imam’s were the most knowledgable of people, they were constantly questioned on their beliefs, and they never failed to respond. 

If you would like to learn more about the subject, then I suggest you begin by learning about Islamic Philosophy to help you build a foundation on what we believe as Muslims. I can recommend you some great works if you are interested. As Muslims we should have at least a basic understanding of our beliefs, and should not be following on blind faith.

I hope that answers your question.

Q. ) Assalamu alaikum! How are you? You seem very interesting from your “Abouts.” Where are you from?

Walaikum Assalam,

I am great, Alhamdulliah. Thank you for your kind words.

I am from Australia. 

Q. ) I think you should post a little more about your own personal views. I find them very interesting.

Thank you. 

I don’t usually post, unless someone asks, but I may do that sometime in the near future. 

Q. ) Your blog is nice and think you’re nice, too :)) but then, may i ask how do you feel about Muslims being stereotyped?

Thank you, it means a lot. 

I do not approve of any sort of stereotyping, nor should anyone for that matter. As a Muslim it hurts to see others portray false and negative messages about my religion and it’s followers. I hope that one day such people will become less ignorant and more understanding of Islam and Muslims. From experience, I have found that communication can do wonders, as the majority of those who tend to stereotype are usually just uneducated or have been mislead into forming such ideas. 

For now though, all I can do is try my best to falsify and defy all the wrong stereotypes that are there against us. 

Again, thank you for your kind words!

Q. ) Hey its me, i just wanted to ask two questions. Firstly what or who got you into philosophy, secondly I wanted to ask what do you think of religion in general and what religion you are? So there are my two questions, reply whenever u want.

Great questions. 

I have always been greatly fascinated by religion, and for a long time my focus was to study and learn about as many religions as possible. I think it was through studying religion that I discovered philosophy. I really enjoyed studying theology, so I began by reading the works of Mohammed Baqr Al-Sadr (a Muslim philosopher), and from there I started studying western philosophy. I am currently studying philosophy at university, but most of what I have learnt is through self-teaching and reading. Mostly though, I study philosophy because it challenges my beliefs. I do not believe in blind faith. I really enjoy learning about different ideologies and beliefs, so philosophy was the perfect field for me.  

I think religion for me has always been a way of understanding the world around me. I believe that science and religion go hand in hand. To understand the world, we need science to explain the physical, and religion to explain the metaphysical. Contrary to popular belief, I do not think the two are mutually exclusive, or that the two oppose each other, but the very opposite. They compliment each other. 

When you study so many religions, you begin to realise how many similarities there are between them. I believe religion in general has a lot to teach us about brotherhood and love. I don’t think that religion is ever the source of destruction, however, followers of religion can and have before used religion to commit horrendous acts in the name of religion. 

I am a Muslim. 

Q. ) It would be great if you would post more personal issues. Whenever I read something about you, only you, I’m instantly more interested. :) I like personal blogs anyhow. The way you’re approaching questions in the Q&A section makes me want to read more about your personal opinions. And your style of writing is very beautiful. Just saying. :) Have a nice day!

Thank you for this lovely message. I am considering starting a new blog dedicated to my personal posts, so I can blog about subjects I am passionate about: Islam, Philosophy, Literature, Religion, Interfaith etc. 

Right now though, I’m very busy with university, work and other obligations. 

Q. 8) You seem to be very mysterious, is that how you like it?

I am pretty selective about what I choose to reveal on here, I prefer my privacy. However, if you would like to know more, you only have to talk to me. 

Q. 10) If you were down to your last breaths (like dying) and you were to give one piece of advice, what would it be? And why?

This is a very good question!

I would probably quote Albert Camus, and say ”Don’t wait for the Last Judgment. It happens every day.” 

Why? because it’s true. None of us know when death will reach us, we don’t even know if we will be alive to take our next breath. Life is short, and I think many tend to forget that. They engage in idle pursuits, they waste time, they forget how limited our time is here. 

I also like the quote because it resonates with me on a spiritual level. As a Muslim, I believe that every action I take, I will have to account for on the day of judgement. 

In the Holy Quran it says:

“That day mankind will issue forth in scattered groups to be shown their deeds.

And whoso doeth good an atom’s weight will see it then,

And whoso doeth ill an atom’s weight will see it then.”

I don’t believe our existence is meaningless, every action we take, no matter how small, is important. We should all be striving to build our moral character, to helping others, to easing the pains that exist in our society. I believe in the universal message of Islam. The very core values of the religion ask and encourage us to do good and forbid evil. 

I hope I have answered your question adequately. Thank you for sending it in! 

Q. ) Who are some of your favorite philosophers?

Ah, I have many whom I greatly admire. My two current favourites are both Muslim philosophers. Murtaza Mutahhari and Mohammed Baqr Al-Sadr. 

Q. ) What are your thoughts on atheism?

I respect all beliefs, including lack of belief. As long as one doesn’t follow blindly. 

Q. ) Do you follow back, or do promo’s?

I will follow back if the blog is quality and I like the content, but otherwise no. I don’t do promotions. 

Q. ) If I were to read the Quran, which english translation would you recommend? Many thanks!

Assalamu Alaikum,

I think the Shakir translations is a good one, which is available here. Also, please check out the English translation on Al-Islam.org here. 

I hope your endeavour is a successful one. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Q. ) I’ve noticed that you rarely (re)-blog pictures of people. Is that a concious thing and if so are there any reasons for it?

Nice observation.

It is a conscious decision. I try to keep most of my images faceless (excluding some of the paintings). I think, in a way, it adds to the feeling of anonymity. I also feel that due to this, people will be able to relate better to my posts. 

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If you have a question to ask me, please click here. 

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Contact Information:

Email Address: thelittlephilosopher@hotmail.com