Etymology and Translations
- Etymology: The term “Ash’arī” is derived from the name of its founder, Abu al-Hasan al-Ash’ari.
- Arabic: الأشاعرة (Al-Ashā’irah)
- Turkish: Eşarîler
Origins
The Ash’arī tradition was established around the 10th century CE by Abu al-Hasan al-Ash’ari (874-936). Dissatisfied with the rationalist Mu’tazili school in which he was initially trained, al-Ash’ari developed his own theological approach.
Key Principles and Contributions
Rational and Scripture-Based Theology
- Middle Ground: The Ash’arī school serves as a middle ground between the rationalism of the Mu’tazilis, who emphasized reason, and the literalism of the Hanbalis, who adhered strictly to scriptural texts.
- Rational Approach: Although the Ash’arītes acknowledge the importance of reason in understanding faith, they assert that the scriptural revelation (Qur’an and Hadith) holds ultimate certainty.
- Role of Reason: While preserving scripture’s pre-eminence, they admit reason’s role in defending faith, persuading others, and moral discourse.
Moral Actions and Divine Sovereignty
- Divine Sovereignty: The Ash’arītes argue that all moral actions are governed by God, and human reason should acknowledge this divine oversight.
- Human Actions: Human beings have a form of agency but it is ultimately God who creates actions.
Relationship with Islamic Law Schools
The Ash’arī theological tradition is closely associated with the Shafi’i school of Islamic jurisprudence but also found acceptance within the Maliki school during the tenth century. Conversely, it endured opposition from the Hanbali school, particularly during the eleventh century.
Recommended Readings
- “Theology and Creed in Sunni Islam: The Muslim Brotherhood, Ashʿarism, and Political Sunnism” — by John Hoover
- “The Ashʿarites: The Classical School of Ascendancy” — by Richard M. Frank
- “Islamic Theological Themes: A Primary Source Reader” — Edited by John Renard
Takeaways and Conclusion
The Ash’arī tradition played a critical role in classical Sunni theology by integrating rationalist approaches while holding firmly to scriptural supremacy. Its influence persists, balancing the intellectual engagement of reason with the devotion to divine revelation, serving as an important intermediary within Islamic thought.
By integrating reason with scriptural sovereignty, the Ash’arī tradition provides a balanced theological perspective within Sunni Islam that continues to resonate through its historical and contemporary interpretations.
