al-Tawhid lil-Maqdisi
- Author died
- 600 AH
- Editions
- Dar al-Muslim li-l-Nashr wa-al-Tawzi'
al-Tawhid (Monotheism) is a theological treatise by the Hanbali traditionist Abd al-Ghani al-Maqdisi (541–600 AH / 1146–1203 CE) dedicated to setting forth and clarifying the creed of the early generations of Muslims (al-salaf al-salih) .
Method and Approach
In al-Tawhid, al-Maqdisi adhered to the traditional methodology of early traditionist scholars by citing theological texts and proofs with their full chains of transmission (isnad) . He presented these narrated evidences directly without appending speculative commentary or delving into explanations of their meanings, proceeding on the principle that the texts are clear in their indication and were treated by early authorities as established tenets to be affirmed as transmitted .
Context and Author's Doctrinal Works
The treatise forms part of a corpus of doctrinal writings compiled by al-Maqdisi in defence and exposition of traditionalist theology, which also includes works such as al-Iqtisad fi al-I'tiqad and al-Sifat . His strict adherence to traditionalist doctrinal positions in matters of theology and divine attributes was a central feature of his scholarly life, leading to doctrinal disputes with opponents in Damascus before his eventual relocation to Egypt, where he died in 600 AH .
Answer updated