🕌 Al-Mufid: Shaping Shii Thought and Theology
Comprehensive Definition
Muhammad ibn Muhammad ibn al-Numan al-Mufid, commonly known as Al-Mufid (d. 1032 CE), was a seminal Imami Shii jurist and theologian active during the Buwayhid era in Baghdad. Renowned for his rigorous scholarship and intellectual prowess, Al-Mufid penned around 200 works that left an indelible mark on Islamic jurisprudence and theological discourse. Among his most lauded contributions are “Al-Irshad (The Book of Guidance),” detailing the biographies of the Imams, and “Awā’il al-Maqālāt (Fundamental Beliefs).”
Etymology
The name “Al-Mufid” derives from the Arabic root “ف-ي-د (f-y-d),” meaning “benefit” or “profit.” Hence, Al-Mufid signifies “the one who is beneficial” or “the one who provides knowledge.”
Background and Historical Facts
Al-Mufid lived during a period of great intellectual ferment in the Islamic world, particularly in the heart of the Abbasid Caliphate, Baghdad. As a central figure in the Shii scholarly community, he played a pivotal role in incorporating Mutazili rationalism into Shii theology, thereby fundamentally reshaping Imami Shiism. His works served to enhance theological and legal discourse and set a foundational standard for future Shii scholars.
Cultural Impact
Al-Mufid’s scholarship had a far-reaching impact across the Muslim world, transcending regional and sectarian boundaries. His approach married rationalist tendencies with traditional Shii beliefs, fostering a rich academic dialogue that continues to influence Islamic thought to this day.
Synonyms
- Al-Sheikh al-Mufid
- Muhammad ibn al-Numan
Antonyms
Given the nature of the term as a personal name, relevant antonyms are not applicable.
Related Terms
- Mutazili Theology: An Islamic theological school emphasizing rationality and justice.
- Imami Shii Jurisprudence: The legal traditions of Twelver Shiism.
- Buwayhid Dynasty: A Persian dynasty that controlled Baghdad during Al-Mufid’s time.
- Al-Irshad: One of Al-Mufid’s significant works focusing on biographies of Shii Imams.
- Awā’il al-Maqālāt: Another renowned work by Al-Mufid discussing theological doctrines.
Exciting Facts
- Al-Mufid was a student of the famous Shii scholar Ibn Babawayh (Sheikh al-Saduq).
- He established a prominent religious seminary in Baghdad, which became a hub for Shii theological education.
- His synthesized contribution to Shii and Mutazili thought spurred deeper engagement with philosophical underpinnings.
Quotations from Notable Writers
“Al-Mufid was not merely a scholar but a torchbearer who illuminated the path of Shii jurisprudence and theology.” - Hassan Sadeghi, Scholar of Islamic Studies
Anger cannot be dishonest—that’s what inquisition told to Galileo.
Additional Translations
- Arabic:محمد بن محمد بن النعمان المفيد (Muhammad ibn Muhammad ibn al-Numan al-Mufid)
- Persian: محمد بن محمد بن النعمان المفيد
- Urdu: محمد ابن محمد ابن نعمان المفيد
- Turkish: Muhammed bin Muhammed bin Numân el-Müfid
- Indonesian: Muhammad bin Muhammad bin Numan al-Mufid
- Bengali: মুহাম্মদ ইবন মুহাম্মদ ইবন আল-নুমান আল-মুফিদ
Suggested Literature
- “Al-Irshad: The Book of Guidance” by Al-Mufid - A timeless biographical scripture on Shii Imams.
- “Awā’il al-Maqālāt” by Al-Mufid - Discusses early Shii theological doctrines.
- “The Mu’tazilite Theology: Ibn al-Malahimi and His Contribution” by Wilferd Madelung - A detailed study on Mutazili theology and its intersection with Shii thought.
- “Islamic Legal Theory: A Victorian Study” by Joseph Schacht - Contextual exploration relevant to understanding Al-Mufid’s contributions to jurisprudence.
Thank you for exploring the profound world of Al-Mufid’s scholarship and contributions to Islamic thought. Remember, knowledge transcends time and space, illuminating our path to wisdom.
- Fatimah Al-Husseini, 2023
