Definition and Meaning: Amr ibn Ubayd
Amr ibn Ubayd (ุนูู ูุฑู ุจูู ุนูุจูููุฏโ, d. 761 CE) was a prominent early Islamic theologian and one of the foremost leaders of the Mutazili school of thought. Known for his rationalist approach, Amr ibn Ubayd studied under Hasan al-Basri and led the Mutazilis during the initial years of the Abbasid caliphate. Despite his theological activism, he maintained a quietist stance towards the political regime of the time.
Etymology and Background
The Arabic name “Amr” (ุนูู ูุฑู) originates from the root “ุนูู ูุฑ” which means to live long or thrive. “Ibn Ubayd” translates to “son of Ubayd,” a common form of naming that identifies an individual through their lineage.
Historical Context and Dates
- Born: Early 8th century
- Died: 761 CE
Amr ibn Ubayd’s life and intellectual activities were primarily conducted during the Umayyad and early Abbasid periods. His leadership of the Mutazilis coincided with a shift from the Umayyad to the Abbasid Caliphates, marked by significant sociopolitical and theological developments.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
The Mutazili approach, championed by Amr ibn Ubayd, emphasized the use of reason in theological discourse. This contrasts with the more traditionalist perspectives that relied heavily on the Hadith and Qurโanic literalism. His quietist political stance fostered a cautious engagement with the prevailing Abbasid political order, reflecting a significant distinction in response to state power compared to other theological movements.
Synonyms and Related Terms
- Mutazili (ุงูุฅูุนูุชูุฒุงู): Pertaining to the rationalist Islamic school.
- Rationalism (ุงูุนููููุงููุฉ): Philosophical principle emphasizing reason and evidence.
- Hasan al-Basri (ุญุณู ุงูุจุตุฑู): Early Islamic theologian, teacher of Amr ibn Ubayd.
Antonyms
- Traditionalism (ุงูุชูููููุฏ): Adherence to traditional methods and interpretations.
- Literalism (ุงูุญูุฑููููููุฉ): Strict adherence to the exact wording of scriptural texts.
Related Terms with Definitions
- Abbasid Caliphate (ุงูุฎููุงูุฉ ุงูุนุจููุงุณูุฉ): The third Islamic caliphate, ruling from 750 to 1258 CE, known for its intellectual and cultural advancements.
- Kalam (ุงููููุงู ): Islamic scholastic theology focusing on the study of divine subjects through rational arguments.
Exciting Facts
- Amr ibn Ubayd’s rationalist views contributed significantly to the intellectual climate that flourished under the Abbasid Caliphate.
- Despite his rationalist inclinations, he stressed the importance of maintaining one’s faith in God, aligning scholarly discourse with religious piety.
Quotations
โKnowledge is a light; it illuminates the ‘aql (intellect) and leads it towards an understanding of the divine.โ - Amr ibn Ubayd
References and Suggested Literature
- Al-Nadim, Ibn. “Al-Fihrist.” This bibliographic work contains references to many early Islamic scholars, including Amr ibn Ubayd.
- “The Cambridge History of Islam,” edited by P.M. Holt, Ann K.S. Lambton, and Bernard Lewis, provides broader historical context for the period in which Amr ibn Ubayd lived.
- Martin, Richard C. “Defenders of Reason in Islam: Mu’tazilism from Medieval School to Modern Symbol.”
“The pursuit of knowledge is a journey that illuminates our paths and bridges our souls closer to understanding the divine.”
- Ibrahim Al-Kareem, reflecting on Amr ibn Ubayd’s intellectual legacy.
