Beyond theology: Mu'tazilite scholars and their authority in al-Rummani's tafsir

Beyond theology: Mu'tazilite scholars and their authority in al-Rummani's tafsir

Author: 
Kulinich, Alena
Publisher: 
Cambridge University Press
Date published: 
2015
Record type: 
Journal Title: 
Bulletin of the school of Oriental and African studies
Source: 
Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, Vol. 78, No. 1, February 2015, pp. 135-148
Abstract: 

Mu tazilite exegetical tradition has been defined primarily by reference to the theological dimensions of the tafsir works authored by the Mu tazila. This article is an attempt to go beyond this focus by exploring the significance of an exegete's affiliation to the tradition that is implicit in his selection of interpretations and his references to authorities. Focusing on the tafsir of the tenth-century Mu tazilite scholar Ali ibn Isa al-Rummani, the article analyses al-Rummani's references to his three Mu tazilite predecessors: Abu Ali al-Jubba i, Abu l-Qasim al-Balkhi and Ibn al-Ikhshid. The content of these references indicates that, for al-Rummani, the authority of these Mu tazilite scholars extended beyond their views on the theological implications of the Quranic verses. The context suggests that the scholars were part of a distinct exegetical tradition that allowed for certain differences of opinion.

Language: 

CITATION: Kulinich, Alena. Beyond theology: Mu'tazilite scholars and their authority in al-Rummani's tafsir . : Cambridge University Press , 2015. Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, Vol. 78, No. 1, February 2015, pp. 135-148 - Available at: https://library.au.int/beyond-theology-mutazilite-scholars-and-their-authority-al-rummanis-tafsir-2