Ashari, Abu-al-Hasan Ali ibn Ismail al-

Ashari, Abu-al-Hasan Ali ibn Ismail al-

Introduction

Ashari, Abu-al-Hasan Ali ibn Ismail al- (873–935 CE) was a preeminent Muslim theologian and the founder of Ash’arism, a major theological school in Sunni Islam. He is renowned for reconciling traditionalist interpretations of Islamic texts with rationalistic methods, thereby forging a middle path between strict literalism and excessive rationalism.

Etymology

The name al-Ashari (Arabic: الأشعري) comes from the Arabic root word “a-sha-’a,” meaning “to resume” or “start again.” This can be seen as symbolic of his effort to rejuvenate theological thought. The Turkish term for al-Ashari is Ebu’l-Hasan Ali el-Eş’ari, maintaining similar meanings and implications.

Theological Contributions

Bridging Literalism and Rationalism

Al-Ashari’s theological work primarily aimed to bridge the gap between the Mu’tazilite rationalists and the traditionalist scholars who held a literal, legalistic interpretation of the Quran and hadith (Prophetic traditions). By integrating rational arguments into theological discourse, he facilitated a synthesis wherein faith and reason could coexist constructively.

Uncreated Quran Doctrine

One of al-Ashari’s significant theological stands is his position on the nature of the Quran. He asserted that while the Quran as divine revelation is uncreated (Arabic: غير مخلوق, ghayr makhluq), any physical copy of the Quran is created. This differentiation aims at preserving the sanctity of divine revelation while acknowledging the mundane nature of physical artifacts.

Divine Omnipotence and Human Acts

Al-Ashari staunchly held that all human acts are decided, created, and governed by God, underscoring the omnipotence and omniscience of the divine. Nevertheless, he introduced the concept of “kasb” (acquisition), positing that while God creates actions, humans “acquire” them, thus participating in decision-making and action without contravening divine sovereignty.

Role of Reason

Al-Ashari emphasized that reason has an essential role in understanding the meanings of the Quran and hadith. He encouraged the use of rational faculties:

1. To defend the truth of religious doctrines against scepticism and critiques.
2. To persuade others of the validity of Islamic revelation.
3. To deduce appropriate interpretations that align with the spirit of Islamic teachings.

Suggested Books for Further Studies

1. “The Ash’arites: The Development of Sunni Theology” by Richard Frank
2. “Ash‘arism Encountered: Reformist Responses to Ash‘ari Creeds in the Maghrib, c. 724–1285 H/1324–1868 C” by Duncan Wiseman
3. “The Theology of Al-Ash‘ari” by Walter Montgomery Watt
4. “Kitab al-Luma” by Abu-al-Hasan al-Ash’ari

Takeaways

• Al-Ashari’s theological approach offers a balance between literalism and rationalism.
• His doctrine of the uncreated Quran while recognizing the created nature of its physical copies maintained a nuanced stance.
• The concept of “kasb” highlights human participation in divine governance without undermining God’s omnipotence.
• Reason and rational inquiry are essential tools for understanding and defending Islamic theology.

Conclusion

Abu-al-Hasan Ali ibn Ismail al-Ashari’s contributions continue to hold significant influence in Sunni Islam to this day. His efforts in amalgamating reason with tradition created a robust framework for theological discourse, offering insights that remain relevant across generations. His balanced approach provides a valuable legacy for contemporary Islamic thought, combining the integrity of faith with the application of rational inquiry.

References

• Frank, R. M. “The Ash’arites.” Variorum Reprints, 1983.
• Wiseman, D. “Ash‘arism Encountered.” Islamic Encounters in North-African Thought, 1975.
• Watt, W. M. “The Theology of Al-Ash‘ari.” Oxford University Press, 1998.