ہیومنزم کی فکری تشکیل:نشاۃِ ثانیہ سے مسلم معاشرے تک

The Intellectual Formation of Humanism: From the Renaissance to Muslim Societies

Abstract

This article offers a critical examination of the intellectual and historical development of Humanism and its impact on Muslim societies. It starts by defining Humanism as a philosophical orientation and explores its relationship with religion, particularly Christianity. The study situates the emergence of Humanism within the broader context of the Renaissance, highlighting the decline of ecclesiastical authority, the rise of rationalism, and the increasing emphasis on human autonomy. Special attention is given to the French Revolution as a pivotal moment in the consolidation of secular Humanism and the marginalisation of religion in public life. The article further analyses the major factors contributing to the rise of modern Humanism, including dissatisfaction with religious institutions, scientific progress, and the elevation of human reason as the ultimate source of knowledge and morality. Additionally, it examines the channels through which Humanist ideas entered the Muslim world and assesses their intellectual, ethical, and socio-cultural effects on Muslim societies. Finally, the article provides a critical evaluation of Humanism in light of the Islamic concept of the human being, arguing that while Humanism emphasises human dignity and moral responsibility, its anthropocentric and secular foundations are fundamentally at odds with the Islamic worldview, which is grounded in divine guidance, servitude to God, and the centrality of revelation. The study concludes by stressing the need for a balanced intellectual response within Muslim societies that engages with modern philosophical challenges without compromising core Islamic principles.