Religion and reason

Averroes vs. European Philosophy: A Philosophical Review of the Conflict between Religion and Reason

There are few thinkers in history who have managed to carve out a niche for themselves in the three-dimensional terrain of science, religion, and philosophy. Among them, Averroes is a unique exception. He played an unforgettable role in the renaissance of knowledge not only in the Islamic world, but also in Christian Europe. Averroes was a philosopher who sought to prove that rationalism and religious faith are not contradictory—but complementary.

His thought was so profound and influential that he was called “The Commentator” during the European Renaissance, as the interpreter of Aristotle. Yet his own civilization, the Muslim world, largely rejected his rationalist philosophy, especially when religious fundamentalism rose to power. In this article, we will try to understand the characteristics of Ibn Rushd's thought, his influence on European philosophers, and how he bridged a delicate conflict between religion and reason.

A historical conflict between religion and reason

Before we can understand the context of Ibn Rushd's thought, we must go back to 12th-century Andalusia, where Cordoba was a unique beacon of Islamic civilization. This city was a symbol not only of knowledge but also of coexistence, where Muslims, Christians, and Jews lived and practiced knowledge together.

During this period, a group of radical Islamic groups, especially the Almohad dynasty, emerged as a symbol of religious conservatism. Ibn Rushd, who was a physician, judge, and philosopher at the same time, became a dangerous liberal in their eyes. He believed that there was no fundamental conflict between the wisdom (Aql) given by Allah and the guidance (Naql) of the Quran. He sought to understand religion through reason and believed that true philosophy provided a deeper interpretation of the Quran. This view put him in a difficult position in both worlds—on the one hand, fundamentalists denounced him as a 'heretic', and on the other, the Roman Catholic Church in Europe viewed him with suspicion.

Ibn Rushd and Aristotle: Two Philosophers, One Path

The philosophical philosophy of Ibn Rushd was the foundation of his thought. Aristotle made a remarkable contribution to the rule of reason, the investigation of nature, and the explanation of reality. Ibn Rushd read, interpreted, and in many cases criticized his writings. He showed how religious texts and philosophy do not contradict each other but rather explain the underlying truths.

Ibn Rushd's most influential work, "Tahafut al-Tahafut" ("The Incoherence of the Incoherence"), was essentially a response to Imam al-Ghazali's "Tahafut al-Falasifa" ("The Incoherence of the Philosophers"). Al-Ghazali showed how philosophical thought falsified Islamic faith. In response, Ibn Rushd argued through logic that philosophy, rather than being rejected, could be used to understand the deeper truths of the Quran.

With this logical reinterpretation, he opened up a new horizon in the interpretation of Islam, which later influenced the stagnant intellectualism of Christian Europe.

The rebirth of Ibn Rushd in Europe

In the 12th century, Ibn Rushd's writings were translated into Latin through the Toledo Translation Movement. His philosophy became part of the curriculum in European universities. Thomas Aquinas, considered the father of European Catholic philosophy, was also deeply influenced by the thought of Averroes, although he later developed some philosophical differences.

Averroes's rationalism, free thought, and religious interpretation formed the basis for the early European Renaissance. A separate school of thought emerged around him—Averroism—which promoted the freedom of reason beyond religious authority. This philosophy sowed the seeds of rebellion against the medieval church authority in Europe and helped establish freedom of thought.

Averroes' Challenges and Current Relevance

While Averroes was building a bridge between religion and reason in the intellectual world, his own society was busy resisting him. His books were burned, he was exiled, and the discussion of philosophy in the Muslim world was silenced for almost a century. But in Europe, he became a symbol of rationalism.

In today’s world, where religious fundamentalism and blind faith are once again on the rise, Ibn Rushd’s thoughts are newly relevant to us. He showed that religious faith is not blind obedience; rather, it is an intellectual quest, a path of understanding, where reason, philosophy, and experience work together.

Conclusion

Ibn Rushd is a philosopher who has transcended the boundaries of the Islamic world and has made his place in European history. He has shown how religious interpretation can coexist with reason. His thought was not about a conflict between religion and science, but rather about building bridges.

Ibn Rushd’s legacy reminds us today that when we discuss religion, philosophy, or science, true enlightenment occurs only when we follow the path of reason with an open mind, beyond fear or inhibition. His life and thought still raise the question: are we seeking that light, or are we falling back into darkness?