BookGreen Open Access2026en
AL-FIQH AL-AKBAR AND KITAB AL-TAWHID: An Integrated Commentary on the Essential Teachings of Imam al-Azam Abu Hanifah and Imam al-Maturidi
Dr Yusof Mutahar
Authors
DM
Yükleniyor…
Yükleniyor…
Dr Yusof Mutahar
Dr Yusof Mutahar
ORCID: 0009-0006-0035-1662Al-Fiqh al-Akbar and Kitab al-Tawhid: An Integrated Commentary on the Essential Teachings of Imam al-Aʿẓam Abu Hanifah and Imam al-Maturidi represents a landmark contribution to Islamic theology and the study of Sunni creed. For the first time in history, this volume presents a fully integrated analysis of the two most influential theological works of the Hanafi-Maturidi tradition—al-Fiqh al-Akbar of Imam al-Aʿẓam Abu Hanifah (d. 150 AH) and Kitab al-Tawhid of Imam Abu Mansur al-Maturidi (d. 333 AH)—demonstrating the organic unity, methodological continuity, and intellectual harmony that bind these two towering authorities of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jamaʿah. Although these classical masterpieces have long been studied independently, no previous work has systematically synthesised them into a single, coherent exposition of orthodox Sunni theology. This book bridges that historical gap by demonstrating that Imam al-Maturidi did not establish a new theological school, but rather expanded, defended, and systematically codified the foundational principles articulated by Imam Abu Hanifah. The result is a unified presentation of the Hanafi-Maturidi creed that highlights the inseparable relationship between these two great Imams and the enduring continuity of their theological legacy. Organised around the six pillars of faith, the work guides the reader through the essential doctrines of Islam: belief in Allah, His angels, His revealed books, His messengers, the Last Day, and Divine Decree, before concluding with the protective boundaries of Sunni orthodoxy concerning the Ahl al-Bayt, the noble Companions, and the Rightly Guided Caliphs. Throughout, the discussion is firmly grounded in the Qur'an, authentic Prophetic traditions, and the classical teachings of the Hanafi-Maturidi tradition, presenting theology as it has been understood and preserved by the scholars of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jamaʿah for over fourteen centuries. Written as a multi-layered work, the book is intentionally accessible to a broad readership. For the ordinary Muslim, it provides a clear and systematic introduction to the foundational beliefs of Islam. For students of knowledge, it offers a structured curriculum through the principal doctrines of Sunni creed. For teachers and scholars, it incorporates detailed discussions of Hanafi epistemology, the principles governing theological evidence, and the advanced metaphysical analyses that distinguish the Maturidi tradition. In this way, the volume functions simultaneously as an introductory guide, a structured textbook, and an advanced theological reference. Particular emphasis is placed upon the harmonious relationship between revelation and sound reason—a defining characteristic of the Hanafi-Maturidi school. Complex discussions concerning Divine transcendence (tanzīh), the Divine attributes, human free will and Divine decree, the nature of faith (īmān), revelation, prophethood, and the unseen are presented with clarity while remaining faithful to the depth and precision of the classical sources. The work also explores the sophisticated epistemological framework developed by Imam Abu Hanifah and Imam al-Maturidi, demonstrating how certainty in creed is established through the combined authority of the Qur'an, the Sunnah, and disciplined rational inquiry. In an age characterised by theological confusion, sectarian polemics, and widespread misconceptions concerning classical Sunni theology, this book seeks to reintroduce readers to the authentic creed of the Hanafi-Maturidi tradition in a manner that is academically rigorous, historically grounded, and spiritually enriching. It demonstrates that orthodoxy is neither the product of blind imitation nor speculative philosophy, but a carefully preserved intellectual tradition rooted firmly in revelation and refined through centuries of scholarly scholarship. Combining rigorous scholarship with clarity and accessibility, this volume serves simultaneously as an introduction for the general Muslim, a structured textbook for students of knowledge, and a comprehensive theological reference for teachers and scholars. By uniting the foundational teachings of Imam al-Aʿẓam Abu Hanifah and Imam Abu Mansur al-Maturidi within a single integrated commentary, it seeks to revive a deeper appreciation of the Hanafi-Maturidi tradition and to make the timeless creed of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jamaʿah accessible to a new generation of readers.