An Introduction to Islamic Theology: Imam Nur al-Din al-Sabuni’s Al-Bidayah fi usul al-din

by أحمد بن محمود الصابوني البخاري, Faraz A. Khan (Translator), Hamza Yusuf Hanson (Foreword)

Al- Bidayah fi usul al-din (An Introduction to Islamic Theology) is a classical text on Maturidi theology authored by Imam Nur al-Din al-Sabuni (d.580/1184), a prominent Muslim theologian from Bukhara. It is a concise yet thorough manual of key doctrinal issues that were historically debated in early Islamic history. The text explains the central tenets of the Islamic creed and refutes erroneous positions of alternative theologies. The discussions are uncomplicated and unencumbered by technical terminology, and the positions of orthodoxy are presented with rational and scriptural evidence.

This text includes the original Arabic script, concise translation, and comprehensive notes by translator Faraz A. Khan, providing a rare rendering into the English language of the extraordinary richness and enduring relevance of the kalam commentary tradition. Finally, an insightful foreword by Dr. Hamza Yusuf and a valuable appendix on the kalam cosmological argument provide enhanced support of this remarkable text.

Genres: Islam, Religion

482 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2020

Reviews

[Mustafa Maher Tawfik · Rating 4 out of 5]

كتاب في العقيدة علي مذهب السادة الماتريديه ( الاحناف ) يمتاز بسهوله العباره و لطيف الاشاره مع احتواؤه دقائق تصلح للمبتدئين و فيه استدلالات عقليه برهانيه علي مذهب اهل السنه و الجماعه في العقائد و كذلك مذهب الساده الماتريديه في المسائل التي خالفوا فيها الاشاعره
يصلح للمبتدئين و اظنه افضل بدايه , جزا الله خيرا من اقترحه علي

[Hanif Salim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives a thorough introduction to the field of Islamic Theology from the classical theology work of Imam Nur Al-Din's Al-Bidayah fi Usul al-Din. The provision of the original Arabic text side by side makes it a good reference.

The book also has extensive notes and annotations that further provides explanations, other primary and secondary sources. The content of the book may not be suitable for many so it is advisable to get a knowledgeable teacher or sheikh for sharh that can further add value to understanding kalam.

[Mehmet Çevik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elhamdülillah.

I agree with @Hanif Salim.

This is not a book that you read on the fly, but one that is demanding, challenging and enriching at the highest level.

It's a hard transition and struggle to get on the level of the topic, but once you have that understanding it provides you with essential keys and reasoning to have a different access's and approach to both daily and academic life.

I – a layman in things theology and Islamic knowledge, have finished this book after intense phases. At the same time, I am aware that I will always return to this timeless work.

If you are reading this book without a teacher, or do not have a humanities background - like me - then I recommend you during or after studying this book, to attend the on-demand theology lectures/programs available on DeenStream or other platforms such as Seekersguidance etc.

Overall, this book along with its commentary and footnotes helps a lot to deepen and understand the content of the subject. It definitely provides more than an introduction to Islamic theology.
The additional references and literature opens (for me) a partly unknown cosmos of possibilities to further knowledge and insight.

May all be blessed who worked on this important companion.

[Nauman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book was well worth the read. It allowed me to really understand all the different creedal points of the Maturidi school. It also touches on the Ashari school for the various different points discussed. It provides a logical and textual evidence to each point. Many of the areas I wasnt even aware of or ever thought of. It covers the attributes of God, time, space, what is logically possible, impossible, Necessary, Prophethood, revelation, and much much more. It enhances our understanding of Islamic theology.