Manhaj al-Shaykh 'Abd al-Razzaq 'Afifi wa-Juhuduhu fi Taqrir al-'Aqida wal-Radd 'ala al-Mukhalifin

Manhaj al-Shaykh 'Abd al-Razzaq 'Afifi wa-Juhuduhu fi Taqrir al-'Aqida wal-Radd 'ala al-Mukhalifin (The Methodology of Shaykh 'Abd al-Razzaq 'Afifi and His Efforts in Establishing Creed and Refuting Dissenters) is an academic study by Ahmad bin Ali al-Zamali 'Asiri, presented in 1431 AH (2010 CE) as a Master's thesis in theology and contemporary schools of thought at the Faculty of Usul al-Din at Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University in Riyadh under the supervision of 'Abd al-Rahman bin 'Abd Allah al-Turki Manhaj al-Shaykh 'Abd al-…+1.

Background and Purpose

The work was composed to examine the theological views and critical methodology of the prominent jurist and scholar Abd al-Razzaq Afifi (1323–1415 AH) Manhaj al-Shaykh 'Abd al-…+1. The author noted that while 'Afifi had exerted significant influence on generations of Saudi scholars, his theological contributions were scattered across dispersed publications, fatwas, audio recordings, and unpublished manuscripts Manhaj al-Shaykh 'Abd al-…+1. The study aimed to systematically collect, categorize, and analyze 'Afifi’s doctrines, sources of evidence, and responses to doctrinal opponents Manhaj al-Shaykh 'Abd al-…+1.

Structure and Contents

The book is structured into an introduction, a biographical prelude, two main parts, and a conclusion Manhaj al-Shaykh 'Abd al-…+1:

• Prelude (Tamhid): Surveys 'Afifi’s personal life and scholarly career in two chapters Manhaj al-Shaykh 'Abd al-….
• Part One (al-Bab al-Awwal): Details 'Afifi’s methodology and efforts in affirming Islamic creed across five chapters:
  1. Methodology of Affirmation and Evidence: His sources and modes of textual and rational deduction in matters of belief Manhaj al-Shaykh 'Abd al-….
  2. Affirmation of Tawhid: Treatment of the categories of monotheism (divine lordship, worship, and names and attributes) Manhaj al-Shaykh 'Abd al-…+1.
  3. Nullifiers of Tawhid: Analysis of beliefs and practices that contradict or undermine each branch of Tawhid Manhaj al-Shaykh 'Abd al-….
  4. The Remaining Articles of Faith: Belief in angels (alongside jinn), divinely revealed scriptures, prophets and messengers (including miracles), the Day of Judgment (and intermediate life in the barzakh), and divine decree (qadar) and human action Manhaj al-Shaykh 'Abd al-…+1.
  5. Companions, Governance, and Theological Status: Doctrine concerning the Prophet's Companions, the Imamate, definitions of faith, major sins, excommunication (takfir), and allegiance and disavowal (al-wala' wa-l-bara') Manhaj al-Shaykh 'Abd al-…+1.
• Part Two (al-Bab al-Thani): Analyzes 'Afifi’s responses to divergent groups and figures across three chapters:
  1. Methodology of Refutation: His historical and theological sources, descriptive framing, and argumentative techniques when addressing dissenting sects Manhaj al-Shaykh 'Abd al-….
  2. Critiques of Sects and Modern Trends: Refutations of historical sects—such as the Kharijites, Shi'a, scholastic theologians (Ahl al-Kalam), the Batiniyya, and Sufis—along with modern secular and ideological trends, including nationalism Manhaj al-Shaykh 'Abd al-….
  3. Critiques of Notable Works and Individuals: Detailed examinations of his corrections to theological positions found in Tafsir al-Jalalayn, the writings of Sayf al-Din al-Amidi, and other scholars Manhaj al-Shaykh 'Abd al-….