Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides a contextual study and supplies a summary of the historical, political and cultural environment in which the three scholars developed their thoughts. It provides a detailed bibliography for each of the three thinkers. The book treats the assistance of God through the concept of lutf in the theology of ‘Abd al-Jabbar. It explores the relationship of knowledge and love in the philosophy of Ibn Sina. The book examines the relationship with God through the mystical ascent which leads to self-annihilation, fana’, according to al-Ghazali.