Gazzâlî’nin Düşünce Sisteminde Havasın Bilgiye Ulaşmada Kullandığı Metafizik Metotlardan İlham ve Müşâhede
Ilhām and Mushāhada Among the Metaphysical Methods Used by the Khawās to Attain Knowledge in al-Ghazālī’s System of Thought

Summary/Abstract: This article investigates, from the perspective of al-Ghazālī, the possibility of acquiring knowledge through ilhām and mushāhada, which may be described as metaphysical methods. Although al-Ghazālī does not treat this issue in depth in his works on Usul al-Fiqh or Kalām, he addresses it extensively in his Sufi writings, particularly the Ihya, Kimya, Munqidh, and Mishkat. The study reviews these works using document analysis, primarily adopting a descriptive approach and applying content analysis where appropriate. Al-Ghazālī’s dual identity as a theologian and Sufi gives special weight to his views. The article first examines how al-Ghazālī classifies people in terms of attaining metaphysical knowledge, drawing a distinction between “ordinary” (ʿawām) and “elite” (khavās) within the Sufi tradition. This classification is important for the present study. Indeed, ilhām and mushāhada may serve as means of attaining certain knowledge for the khavāṣ. Al-Ghazālī systematically holds that spiritual insights can be granted to anyone who purifies their soul, and in this context, knowledge should not be confused with delusion (waswasa). Regarding the means of acquiring such knowledge, al-Ghazālī refers to “metaphysical hearing” (ilhām) and “metaphysical seeing” (mushāhada) as main approaches. He clearly states that saints can attain knowledge by these means. According to him, knowledge acquired through a metaphysical method is more reliable than knowledge attained by an ordinary method. However, since this type of knowledge is subjective, al-Ghazālī avoids using it as evidence in theological or fiqh matters. He accepts such methods only if they conform to divine approval and does not consider metaphysical intuitions obtained outside of Islam as valid knowledge.

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