Manhaj al-Shaykh Muhammad Rashid Rida fi al-Aqida
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Manhaj al-Shaykh Muhammad Rashid Rida fi al-Aqida (The Methodology of Shaykh Muhammad Rashid Rida in Creed) is an academic treatise in Islamic theology by Tamer Muhammad Mahmoud Metwally, devoted to analyzing and evaluating the theological doctrine of the Islamic reformer Muhammad Rashid Rida (1282–1354 AH / 1865–1935 CE) in light of the Sunni Salafi tradition .
Origin and Scope
The book originated as a master's thesis submitted to the Department of Creed in the Faculty of Da'wah and Usul al-Din at the Islamic University of Madinah, taking more than three years to complete and spanning nearly 985 pages . It was published in Riyadh by Dar Majid 'Usayri in 1425 AH / 2004 CE .
The work investigates the conflicting assessments surrounding Rida's theological orientation—whether he was predominantly a Salafi reformer, an inheritor of the modern rationalist school of Muhammad Abduh, or influenced by Western thought . It examines allegations raised against him regarding rationalism, the authority of the prophetic Sunnah, and his positions on unseen realities such as angels, jinn, devils, sorcery, the creation of Adam, and the signs of the Day of Judgment . The author also notes a personal scholarly link (isnad) to Rida through his teacher Muhammad 'Ali 'Abd al-Rahim, the former head of Jam'iyyat Ansar al-Sunnah, who was a contemporary and follower of Rida .
Structure and Contents
The book consists of an introduction, a three-chapter preliminary division (tamhid), three main parts, and a conclusion :
- Preliminary Division (Tamhid): Covers Rida's historical context across the Ottoman Empire, Egypt, and the Levant; his biography, early upbringing, journey to Egypt, teachers, legal opinions, and impact; and his epistemological framework, including his sources of religious knowledge (the Quran, Sunnah, consensus, innate disposition [fitrah], and reason), his departure from early Ash'ari theology, and his engagement with the works of Ibn Taymiyyah .
- Part One: Belief in Allah: Discusses the definition of faith (iman), divine lordship (rububiyyah), proofs for the existence of God and the origination of the world, divine names and attributes (al-asma' wa-al-sifat), divine worship (uluhiyyah), refutation of polytheism (shirk) and religious innovations (bida'), and the divine decree (qadar) .
- Part Two: Belief in Angels, Revealed Books, and Messengers: Addresses the unseen beings (angels, jinn, and devils); the heavenly scriptures (the Quran, Torah, and Gospel); prophetic criteria, the companions of the Prophet, and the doctrines of the Caliphate and political leadership (imamah) .
- Part Three: Belief in the Last Day: Details Rida's positions on death, the intermediate realm (barzakh), physical and spiritual resurrection, the signs of the Hour, the Trumpet, the Scales, and the eternal nature of Paradise and Hellfire .
Method and Findings
Metwally bases his inquiry directly on a comprehensive survey of Rida's authored treatises and contributions in his periodical Tafsir al-Manar, evaluating each issue against the textual proofs of the Quran, the Sunnah, and the classical consensus of the Salaf .
The study concludes that although Rida was influenced at times by the rationalist approach of Muhammad Abduh—leading to certain non-traditional interpretations regarding the portents of the Hour or specific attributes—the overall methodology that predominated across his life, particularly in his later years, was the Sunni Salafi framework deeply aligned with the writings of Ibn Taymiyyah .
Reception
The treatise has been cited in later academic studies as a comprehensive and balanced appraisal of Rida's creedal stances . Subsequent researchers, such as Mishari Sa'id al-Mutarrafi, noted that while Metwally provided an exhaustive thematic survey of Rida's theological assertions, his scope did not extend to detailing the broader modern intellectual ramifications (al-athar al-fikriyyah) resulting from those positions .
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