Approach of the Ahl-i Hadith to Theological Rationalism: A Reading over Ibn Taymiyya's Methodical Criticism against Razi

Abstract

The main element that differentiates Islamic disciplines is the method they use in an effort to understand metaphysics. the methodical attitude they adopted first led them to interpret religious texts then to exclude communities other than their followers. the latter effect may have stemmed from the assumption that each scientific discipline represents the absolute truth. Given the history of Islamic thought it can be suggested that method centered controversy has mostly been experienced between Ahl-i Hadith and theologians. Although it seems it was between people in fact it was a confliction between mentalities. This study aims to present a better understanding of this controversy over basic figures such as Ibn Taymiyya and Razi.