Fakhr al-Dīn al-Rāzī’s Account of Metaphysical Certainty in terms of Ta’wīl

This paper examines Fakhr al-Dīn al-Rāzī’s understanding of metaphysical certainty in terms his theory ta’wīl (interpretation) while showing optimism attaining certainty. Rāzī, also known as the leader skeptics (shaykh al-mushakkikīn) Shiʻi sources, thoroughly criticizing philosophical and kalam traditions before him, remains a controversial figure among scholars. His critical thinking confounded subsequent thinkers, thus, various ways reading about Rāzī have emerged. Some evaluated agnostic who believed that intellect cannot attain theological knowledge. study positions Rāzī’s account relation to ta’wīl. The first part article focuses on history relationship between the debates over transmission knowledge  offers historical context which developed idiosyncratic approach. second identifies principles reason through interpretation concept istiwā’. does not aim fully investigate However, it analyzes how intellectual truths, one main components ta’wīl, become certainties. Muʻtazilī mutakallimūn made certainties, are transformed from yardstick interpreting religion. On other hand, what some might call their obsession with reliance upon certainties became an intolerant attitude towards different interpretations religion, grew into oppressive ideology political power, ultimately fueled resistance by non-Muʻtazila scholars against rationality (or even rationalism itself). As natural consequence, rational development doctrines was slowed down reaction influence. article, discussing Kalam schools, especially Ashʻarī school theology, revelation, charts crystallization (ta’wīl) process inversely correlated presence Muʻtazila. process, somewhat ambivalent until reaches its ultimate form Rāzī. is foundation revelation (al-ʿaql aṣl al-naql). becomes decisive factor only authentication but (ta’wīl). Focusing Tafsīr, last treatises left incomplete, this argues claim toward end life, he inclined agnosticism, falling epistemic pessimism respect takes firm stance probability works written throughout life. transmitted sources necessarily leads principle transmission. Especially theology maintains