Ibn Ḥazm’s theory of prophecy of women: Literalism, logic, and perfection

Authors

  • M. Zakyi Ibrahim Comparative Religion Department, California State University, Fullerton

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31436/id.v23i1.656

Abstract

Stopping short of declaring a specific number, the Qur’ān states that God has sent many prophets/messengers to various nations. Among the names listed in the Qur’ān, none is clearly identified as a woman. Nevertheless, on numerous occasions the Qur’ān states that certain female figures have received inspiration from God. Ibn Ḥazm (d. 456/1064) argues that, by virtue of their reception of authentic inspiration, these female figures were prophets. They were the mothers of the prophets Isḥāq, Mūsā, and ‘Īsā, as well as the wife of Fir‘awn. The study identifies philological, God’s inspiration, logical, and perfection concept as four approaches Ibn Ḥazm used for his arguments. Upon critical analysis, we conclude that, although logically presented in accordance to his ẓāhirī (literalist) dispensation, Ibn Ḥazm’s theory of the prophecy of women lacks sufficient Qur’ānic support. Beginning with Ibn Ḥazm’s brief background and his ẓāhirī tendency, the study critically engages Ibn Ḥazm’s own theory, and comprehensively analyses the four approaches employed for his conclusions.

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Author Biography

M. Zakyi Ibrahim, Comparative Religion Department, California State University, Fullerton

Associate Professor in Comparative Religion Department at California State University, Fullerton.

Editor: American Journal of Islamic Social Social Sciences (AJISS).

Published

2015-06-30

How to Cite

Ibrahim, M. Z. (2015). Ibn Ḥazm’s theory of prophecy of women: Literalism, logic, and perfection. Intellectual Discourse, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.31436/id.v23i1.656

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Articles