Ethics from the perspective of Ibn Miskawayh and its role in the historical course of Ta'ziyyah

Abstract

Ibn Miskawayh's thought and theories have an important contribution to the theoretical foundations of Islamic culture and civilization. An important part of his intellectual and theoretical foundations can be recognized in the historical course of Ta'ziyyah through a textual analysis of the concepts and components he expressed in this regard. A historical analysis of Ta'ziyyah can reveal important aspects of Ibn Miskawayh's thought that lie behind the apparent and obvious meaning of key concepts and terms. The findings show that during the Muharram ceremony, individuals leave their individualistic daily lives and reconnect with the social world and collective conscience (Zarchini, 2016), and for this reason, it strengthens and reproduces the social solidarity and moral authority that are inherent in these rituals. Participation in the Muharram mourning ceremony creates a sense of belonging to a collective identity and social distinction in individuals and, by setting aside their individuality, connects them to the collective conscience. This is especially evident in the first decade of Muharram, when the liberalism and freethinking inspired by the Ashura epic are on display throughout Islamic Iran.