Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya's Philosophy of Beauty

Abstract

This study explores the aesthetic philosophy of Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah as a foundational element of his broader intellectual and ethical framework. Using an analytical–inductive methodology, the research examines his major works—Miftāḥ Dār al-Saʿādah, Madārij al-Sālikīn, and al-Rūḥ—alongside recent academic studies that address his aesthetic thought. The findings indicate that Ibn al-Qayyim regards beauty as a universal value grounded in divine wisdom, evident in both the sensory world and the inner spiritual domain. His conception of beauty extends beyond physical appearance to encompass moral harmony, emotional balance, and the refinement of the soul, The study also reveals that Ibn al-Qayyim integrates aesthetic appreciation into ethical formation, considering beauty a pathway to deeper faith, elevated consciousness, and virtuous behavior. His approach blends scriptural reasoning with experiential insight, offering a holistic framework in which beauty functions as both an epistemological tool and a spiritual catalyst. This integrated vision positions his writings as a significant contribution to the development of Islamic aesthetics, particularly in contemporary debates on the relationship between values, spirituality, and human flourishing, The research concludes that Ibn al-Qayyim’s aesthetic theory provides a comprehensive model that highlights the interconnectedness of beauty, morality, and spiritual growth. It underscores the importance of cultivating aesthetic awareness as part of ethical education and personal development, and suggests that his insights remain relevant to modern discussions on aesthetics within Islamic thought.