Akhbaris
Etymology
The term “Akhbari” is derived from the Arabic word “أخباري” (pronounced: akh-baa-ree), which comes from “أخبار” (pronounced: akh-baar), meaning “reports” or “news”. It refers to those who rely strictly on reports or traditions (“akhbar”) in religious matters rather than independent reasoning.
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: أخباري (Akhbari)
- Turkish: Ahbari
Definition
Akhbaris is a Twelfth-century Twelver Shii school of thought originating in Iran. This school primarily stresses the literal interpretation of the Quran and hadith of both Prophet Muhammad and the Twelve Imams as sources of religious authority. It restricts the authority of individual scholars for interpretation, declaring ijtihad (independent reasoning) to be an unsound and unnecessary innovation. Consequently, the role of the mujtahid (practitioner of ijtihad) is denied in guiding Shii society. They see the role of ulama as reviewers of fundamental sources for answers to problems rather than developers of new solutions.
Historical Context
The Akhbari movement arose prominently in the Twelfth century and became especially dominant in Shii intellectual circles in holy cities such as Najaf and Karbala. The Akhbaris engaged in major debates with the Usulis, another Shii school of thought that accords greater authority to mujtahids and support the interpretation of the law based on individual reasoning.
Key Beliefs and Practices
- Literal Interpretation: Emphasis is placed on a literal reading of the Quran and hadith, considering these sources as sufficient for providing religious guidance and solving societal issues.
- Rejection of Ijtihad: The practice of independent reasoning in deriving legal verdicts (ijtihad) is seen as an innovation (bid’ah) that is both unnecessary and erroneous.
- Role of Ulama: Scholars (ulama) in the Akhbari tradition are tasked with the diligent review of existing sources rather than developing new jurisprudence.
Major Figures
- Mullah Muhammad Amin al-Astarabadi (d. 1626/1627): A pivotal figure in Akhbari thought who solidified many of the doctrines of the Akhbari movement.
- Mohammad bin Hassan Al-Hurr Al-Aamili (d. 1693): Another prominent Akhbari scholar renowned for his works on hadith literature.
Debates with Usulis
The Akhbaris were involved in significant ideological conflicts with the Usulis, another jurisprudential camp within Shia Islam. The central point of contention was the scope of ijtihad and the role of mujtahids, with Usulis advocating the necessity of independent scholarly reasoning to address modern and evolving issues.
Further Readings
- “Preferring the Akhbari Hanaq” by Robert Gleave
- “Shaykh Murtada and the Transition to Usuli Thought in the Twelver Shia Community” by L. Clarke
- “The Shi’i Clergy of Iran” by Shawkat Toorawa
Key Takeaways
- The Akhbari school emphasizes strict adherence to the Quran and hadith, rejecting the contemporary application of independent reasoning known as ijtihad.
- Akhbaris played a significant role in shaping the religious, intellectual landscape of Twelver Shii Islam during the late medieval period.
- Sharp debates between Akhbari and Usuli scholars illustrate the dynamic and often contentious nature of Shia Islam’s development.
Conclusion
The Akhbari movement represents a critical chapter in the history of Shii Islam that underscores the importance and tension between tradition and interpretation. While their strict adherence to primary sources distinguished them in their time, the ongoing discourse with Usuli thought continues to shape contemporary Islamic jurisprudence and thought.
