al-Malati, Abu al-Husayn
- Died
- 377 AH
- Born in
- -
Abu al-Husayn al-Malati (d. 377 AH / 987 CE) was a Shafi'i jurist, Qur'an reciter, and theologian who settled in Ascalon, best known for his polemical heresiography al-Tanbih wa al-Radd 'ala Ahl al-Ahwa' wa al-Bida' (The Warning and Refutation against the People of Passions and Innovations).
Life and Education
His full name was Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Abd al-Rahman, Abu al-Husayn al-Malati, originating from the frontier city of Malatya. Biographical authorities such as al-Dhahabi and Ibn al-Jazari explicitly distinguish him from his contemporary namesake, Muhammad ibn Ali ibn Abi Farwa Abu al-Husayn al-Malati, who was also a reciter but resided in Damascus and died later, in 404 AH.
In the science of Qur'anic recitation, al-Malati studied directly under leading masters, reciting the Qur'an by presentation ('ardan) to Ibn Mujahid and Ibn al-Anbari. In Hadith, he heard and transmitted from teachers including Khaythama ibn Sulayman al-Tarabulusi, Adi ibn Abd al-Baqi, and Ahmad ibn Mas'ud al-Wazzan.
He subsequently took up teaching recitation and Hadith in Ascalon, where he attracted numerous students. Among those who studied recitation under him was al-Hasan ibn Mula'ib al-Halabi, while Ubayd Allah ibn Salama al-Mukattib transmitted variant readings from him. His Hadith students included Ismail ibn Raja' al-Asqalani, Umar ibn Ahmad al-Wasiti, Dawud ibn Musahhah al-Asqalani, and Ubayd Allah ibn Salama.
Scholarly Standing and Reception
Biographers characterized al-Malati as a reliable, meticulous jurist and reciter. Abu 'Amr al-Dani recorded that he was renowned for trustworthiness and precision. His student Ismail ibn Raja' reported that al-Malati possessed vast knowledge, authored extensive legal treatises within the Shafi'i school, and composed poetry. Among his poetic works was a didactic ode on the rules and characteristics of Qur'anic recitation composed in emulation of the famous poem by Abu Muzahim al-Khaqani. In theology, his reputation rested primarily on his early polemical survey of sects and heresies, al-Tanbih wa al-Radd 'ala Ahl al-Ahwa' wa al-Bida.
Death
Al-Malati died in Ascalon in 377 AH (987 CE).
Answer updated
List of Works
Al-Tanbih wa al-Radd 'ala Ahl al-Ahwa' wa al-Bida' (The Warning and Refutation against the People of Passions and Innovations) is a theological and heresiographical treatise that examines and refutes various heterodox sects and their doctrines. Originating from the fourth century AH tradition of Islamic polemics, it identifies unorthodox trends and articulates orthodox positions against groups such as the Khawarij, Rafida, Mu'tazila, and Murji'a.