Ibn Duufayl’s Hayy ibn Yaqthan: A Mission for Certainty

Abstract

Hayy ibn Yaqthan, as a literary character, has become a very popular and philosophical figure in the Arabic societies and has caught the attention of many reviewers, critics, and thinkers all over the years. Consequently, this study tracks some useful information about a controversial hero who became a legend among a huge number of critics and of literary figures not only Arabs but also universally. It attempts to shed light on the profound philosophical and religious notions of the author represented by his hero. The study gives some connected evidence about the thoughts of both novelist Ibn Duufayl and the character Hayy ibn Yaqthan. The paper applies the analytical-critical-descriptive method as a suitable technique for a literary study. The study commences with an introduction; then, it moves to the first point which deals with the philosophy of the novelist Ibn Duufayl as a thinker and philosopher. After that, the point shifts to the novel and hero Hayy Ibn Yaqthan who tries to quest faith and belief, then it is followed by a brief conclusion