[ms] The Position of al-Ash’ari and al-Maturidi’s Thoughts in the Ahli Sunnah Waljamaah School

Abstract

Off late, there has been an organized movement to deny the position of al-Ashcari and al-Maturidi in the overall framework of the Ahli Sunnah Waljamaah School. This is caused by the thinking of faith of these two great figures which are seen as involving the use of reason, hence being labeled as members of the Mutakallimun group, which is categorized by this movement as not being part of the Ahli Sunnah Waljamaah School. Though the status and position of these two characters as the main figures of the Ahli Sunnah Waljamaah School is evident in the history of Islamic thoughts, threats from certain parties that wish to deny the position of these two figures are smoothly on track, through the publications of books containing accusations against these two great figures; labeling them as Ahl Bidcah and Ahl al-Ahwa’ that are equal with the likes of the al-Jahmiyyah, al-Muctazilah, al-Murjicah, Shiites, al-Karamiyyah, al-Mushabbihah and other classes that have deviated from Islam. In actual fact, these two great figures accept in total the Salaf ‘s method that holds on to the Qur’anic text in matters relating to faith; apart from using their reason to support and strengthen the Qur’anic text. The al-Ash’ari and al-Maturidi method in discussing issues relating to faith is the best approach, as it is a middle ground between two extremes: The use of Qur’anic text alone or the use of the reason alone, that both have their own respective weaknesses. The method of these two great figures is clearly more authoritative as the Qur’an itself acknowledges and promotes the use of the reason to strengthen the faith; apart from the fact that the Salaf al-Salih themselves, including al-Sahabah uses the reason to debate and uphold the faith. Therefore, threats by certain parties that question the position of al-Ashcari and al-Maturidi in the Ahli Sunnah Waljamaah School are rogue acts which are not beneficial and needs to be eradicated.