Abai’s Epistemology

Abstract

This work examines the intellectual and spiritual heritage of Hakim Abai through a hermeneutic method of textual analysis. The author deliberately moves away from generalized and ideological interpretations, focusing instead on close readings of individual poetic lines and passages from Abai’s Words of Edification. The central argument challenges the commonly used notion of the “Doctrine of Abai,” proposing instead the concept of “Abai’s science” as a more accurate reflection of his worldview. The study systematically explores key categories of Abai’s thought, including science, scholar, hakim, faith, knowledge (ilm), love, zhuanmärtlik (moral generosity), and the concept of the complete human being, situating them within Islamic intellectual tradition, Kazakh cultural context, and secular rational inquiry. Abai is presented not as a theological authority or prophetic figure, but as a thinker who attained the level of iman yaqin –deep, conscious faith grounded in reason and moral responsibility.

The author demonstrates that Abai’s worldview fundamentally contradicts Marxist and atheistic ideologies, interpreting “Abai’s Science” as a holistic humanistic system based on harmony rather than contradiction, and on love for humanity as a guiding principle. The work is intended for scholars of Abai studies, philosophy, religious studies, and for readers seeking a profound understanding of Abai’s intellectual legacy.

Keywords: Abai’s Science, Hakim Abai, hermeneutic analysis, three loves, the complete human being, Islamic worldview, spiritual cognition, Abai studies.