Description
In this pioneering biography, Christopher Melchert examines the forefather of the fourth of the four principal Sunni schools of jurisprudence, the Hanbali. Upholding the view that the Qur'an was uncreated and the direct word of God, Ahmad ibn Hanbal (780-855) thought that the holy text should be read literally, rejecting any possibility for metaphorical or revisionist interpretation. Showing that even in his own lifetime, ibn Hanbal's followers were revising his doctrines in favour of a more commodious Islam, Melchert assesses the importance of ibn Hanbal's teachings and analyses their relevance in modern Sunni Islam.
About the Author
Dr Christopher Melchert is a lecturer in Arabic and Islam at the Oriental Institute, Oxford University. He has written numerous published articles on Islam and specifically Ahmad ibn Hanbal.
Book Information
ISBN 9781851684076
Author Christopher Melchert
Format Hardback
Page Count 143
Imprint Oneworld Academic
Publisher Oneworld Publications
Weight(grams) 345g
Dimensions(mm) 216mm * 135mm * 17mm