Ibn al-Jawzi: the main stages of life and creative path of the Baghdad scholar (12th century)

Introduction. The article examines the life and work of the famous Arab thinker of the 12th century Ibn al-Jawzi. The study of individuals is of great importance for understanding the era. Creative individuals who left behind memories that can be used to recreate the real picture of the era and the experiences and difficulties they had to go through are of particular importance for historiography. The work of Ibn al-Jawzi is a striking example of the development of classical Islamic thought and a special genre of the 11th-12th centuries – criticism (naqd). More than one generation of Islamic scholars grew up on the basis of his works. Many of his works on history and polemical theology are relevant to this day.
Materials and Methods. The works of Ibn al-Jawzi, as well as bibliographic and critical works of early and late scholars served the material base of the study. The author used such general scientific principles as historicism and objectivism, without which it is impossible to come to the desired result in historical works. It is impossible to study a historical phenomenon in isolation from the main events of the studied era. To solve this problem, the author used a systematic approach. Also, the comparative historical method was used in the work.
Analysis. Ibn al-Jawzi went through a rather long and difficult path to becoming a scientist. Subsequently, he received universal recognition. Not only ordinary people, but also rulers reckoned with him. Among the corrupt and greedy judges and “scholars” of that era, he stands out for his steadfastness, courageously enduring the blows of fate. In his works, he boldly criticizes the vices of society, points out the reasons for their occurrence and gives recommendations for their correction. He left behind a great intellectual legacy in such areas as poetry, critical understanding of the religious trends of the era, history and sociology.
Results. The work shows the importance of studying the intellectual heritage and life path of the scholars of the medieval Arab East in order to understand the deep contradictions of this era. The critical works of Ibn al-Jawzi, by which one can understand the internal contradictions in society, are of special significance. The clarification of these works helps to draw the right conclusions and understand the patterns of historical development of this society.

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