Nasir al-Qaffari
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Nasir ibn Abd Allah al-Qaffari is a contemporary Saudi scholar and academic specializing in Islamic theology and the study of contemporary sects .
Academic Background and Career
Nasir ibn Abd Allah ibn Ali al-Qaffari belongs to the al-Qaffari family of Burayda . He completed his higher education at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh, registering his master's thesis in Rajab 1398 AH (1978 CE), which he defended with distinction . During his research on inter-sectarian rapprochement, he traveled to Egypt to examine the institutions established for theological dialogue . He later obtained his doctorate from the Department of Creed and Contemporary Sects at the same university, receiving First Class Honors alongside a recommendation for publication and inter-university exchange .
He was appointed professor in the Department of Creed at the College of Sharia at Qassim University . In addition to teaching, he supervised dozens of graduate academic theses across Saudi universities and held memberships in several charitable bodies and institutions .
Scholarly Focus and Reception
Al-Qaffari is noted in contemporary Saudi scholarship for his specialized research on modern theological sects, particularly Twelver Shi'ism . His doctoral dissertation, Usul Madhhab al-Shi'a al-Imamiyya al-Ithna 'Ashariyya: 'Ard wa-Naqd ("Principles of the Twelver Imami Shia School: Presentation and Critique"), published in three volumes in 1414 AH (1993/1994 CE), provided an extensive systematic analysis of Twelver doctrines and primary sources, receiving widespread circulation through multiple editions . His earlier two-volume master's research, Mas'alat al-Taqrib bayna Ahl al-Sunna wa al-Shi'a ("The Question of Rapprochement between Sunni Muslims and the Shia"), evaluated historical and contemporary efforts at Sunni–Shia ecumenical rapprochement . He also authored Usul al-Din 'inda al-A'imma al-Arba'a Wahida ("The Principles of Religion According to the Four Imams are One") .
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List of Works
Masalat al-Taqrib bayna Ahl al-Sunna wa al-Shia (The Question of Rapprochement between Sunni Muslims and the Shia) is a two-volume theological study examining the doctrinal differences between Sunni Islam and Twelver Shia Islam and critically assessing historical and modern efforts at ecumenical rapprochement.
Usul Madhhab al-Shia al-Imamiyya al-Ithna Ashariyya: Ard wa Naqd ("Principles of the Twelver Shia Imami School: Presentation and Critique") is an extensive theological study and critique of Twelver Shia doctrines, offering a systematic exposition based on its own canonical and recognized literature.