Concept of Wisdom in the Qur’ān

Abstract

This chapter examines those verses of the Qur’ān which talk about ḥik’mat or wisdom. It is argued that elements of wisdom for the Qur’ān are knowledge, understanding, and best possible ways to argue, as they combine to lead us to overall righteousness. For the Qur’ān wisdom is some form of knowledge and understanding that produce comprehensive righteousness in one’s life. It is a virtuous state that the Qur’ān takes to be a product of knowledge and understanding but also involves best possible argument or reasoning. Wisdom looks like an epistemic or cognitive state, but a state that produces overall righteousness or virtue; hence it might be taken as both a cognitive state and an acquired disposition or virtue. It is noted that understanding as it reflects upon itself to sharpen our taqwā (or epistemic and moral conscience) produces wisdom in us. It strengthens our conscience for living well. This position is elaborated through noting some linkages between episteme and wisdom in Plato and Aristotle as well as through the views of contemporary writers like Sharon Ryan and Jason Baehr.