Analysis and Critique of Ibn Taymiyya’s Method of Establishing Doctrines Based on Transmitted Evidence

Document Type : The Quarterly Jornal

Author

PhD in Imami Theology, Faculty of Islamic Sciences and Teachings, University of Quran and Hadith, Qom, Iran

Abstract

Despite the extensive critiques of Ibn Taymiyya’s thoughts and doctrines, a methodological examination of his works remains largely absent. This study employs a descriptive-analytical approach to answer the question: What was Ibn Taymiyya’s method of establishing religious doctrines based on transmitted evidence (naql), and what criticisms can be made of it? In many cases, he relies on the statements of the Salaf in proving doctrines and interprets Sifāt Khabariyya (transmitted divine attributes) in their apparent meaning by appealing to their consensus. However, the major premise of relying on the statements of the Salaf lacks a solid foundation, and the minor premise—that the Salaf were unanimous in their approach to Sifāt Khabariyya—is flawed. Additionally, while Ibn Taymiyya, like others, upholds the authority of apparent meanings (ẓuhūr), his reliance on the literal meanings of words extends to the point of disregarding rational principles and contextual indicators (qarāʾin). Furthermore, his use of hadith in doctrinal proofs lacks a consistent method; in cases where hadiths highlight the virtues of the Ahl al-Bayt, he sometimes challenges their authenticity, and at times, even when the issuance of a hadith is unanimously accepted by scholars of Islamic sects, he dismisses it as fabricated.

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References

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