al-Manhaj al-Sahih
- Author died
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- Editions
- Maktabat al-Rushd li-l-Nashr wa-l-Tawzi'
al-Manhaj al-Sahih (The Sound Methodology) is a treatise on Islamic theological methodology and creed by the Saudi Hanbali scholar and theologian Abd Allah ibn Muhammad al-Ghunayman (b. 1352 AH / 1933 CE) . The work articulates the foundational principles of the methodology (manhaj) of early Muslim scholars (al-Salaf al-Salih) and Ahl al-Sunnah wa-l-Jama'ah in adhering to scriptural texts in matters of belief and conduct .
Author and Context
The author, Abd Allah ibn Muhammad ibn Abd Allah al-Ghunayman, was born in al-Shamasiyyah in the Al-Qasim Province of Saudi Arabia . After studying under local scholars, he pursued Islamic education in Riyadh, studying under Abd al-Aziz al-Murshid for seven years, and graduated from the College of Sharia in Riyadh in 1386 AH . He served as a professor and head of the Department of Graduate Studies (as well as head of the Department of Creed) at the Islamic University of Madinah, and held teaching circles in the Prophet's Mosque from 1405 AH to 1415 AH before retiring to Buraydah . Al-Ghunayman is widely recognized for his focus on Sunni theology, the heritage of Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Ibn Taymiyyah, and the Najdi scholarly tradition .
Subject and Methodology
al-Manhaj al-Sahih addresses the definition, boundaries, and application of sound religious methodology (al-manhaj al-sahih), centering on:
- Prioritizing textual revelation—the Quran and the Sunnah—over speculative theological argumentation (kalam) and human reason (aql) whenever rational conjecture conflicts with confirmed revelation .
- Following the consensus and understanding of the Prophet's Companions and the early generations in interpreting scriptural texts and deriving tenets of faith .
- Critiquing deviations from this approach, answering doctrinal objections raised by opposing philosophical and theological movements, and demonstrating the harmony between clear reason and authentic transmitted texts .
The treatise reflects al-Ghunayman's broader scholarly style, characterized by concise analysis and direct reliance on primary traditional sources .
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