Abstract

This article examines the concepts of existence and knowledge as developed by the Islamic thinker Al-Ghazali (d. 1111). Al-Ghazali’s metaphysical framework is built upon the distinction between necessary and contingent existence, positioning God as the necessary being while categorizing all created beings as contingent. He elaborated on the hierarchical structure of existence and used this classification as a foundational reference in interpreting religious texts. In terms of epistemology, Al-Ghazali adopted a balanced approach between intuition (kashf) and reason. At the core of his epistemology lies the concept of ma’rifatullah, or the knowledge of God. Al-Ghazali maintained that there is no conflict between science and religion, advocating for the correct interpretation of religious texts to ensure harmony with established scientific facts. This study analyzes Al-Ghazali’s perspectives on existence and knowledge within the framework of classical Islamic thought and contemporary debates. His approaches provide significant references in the fields of metaphysics and epistemology while offering a reconciliatory perspective on the relationship between religion and science. Ultimately, Al-Ghazali’s views establish a theoretical foundation capable of bridging diverse disciplines concerning concepts of knowledge and existence.