The relationship between God and man in Haris al-Muhâsibî

The relationship between human beings and God has been one of the most fundamental issues throughout the history of thought. This study examines the views of Haris al-Muhâsibî (d. 243/857)—one of the prominent figures of Islamic intellectual history—on the relationship between God and humanity through the concepts of reason, heart, and soul, from both philosophical and mystical perspectives. His Qur'an-centered approach, psychological depth, and emphasis on moral responsibility make his thought significant not only for his own period but also for universal philosophical inquiry.The thesis consists of three main chapters: The first chapter discusses the historical, cultural, and intellectual context of Muhâsibî's era, focusing on his orientation within theological and mystical debates.The second chapter analyzes in detail the concepts of reason, heart, and soul, and how these notions form the foundation of the God–human relationship.The third chapter evaluates the metaphysical unity of this triadic structure, with special emphasis on marifetullah (knowledge of God) and moral responsibility, and offers comparative insights with Western philosophy.This study demonstrates how Muhâsibî's conception of the human being as a multi-layered entity shaped his understanding of the relationship with God. Core elements such as the reckoning of the intellect, the purification of the heart, and the discipline of the self constitute not only a path of individual refinement but also a process of knowing and becoming directed toward divine truth.