Taymiyyah

Ibn Taymiyyah, full name Taqi al-Din Ahmad ibn Taymiyyah (1263–1328), was a medieval Sunni Muslim scholar and prolific writer associated with the Hanbali school. Born in Harran (in present-day Turkey) and based for much of his life in Damascus, he became one of the most influential orthodox theologians of his era, promoting a return to the Qur’an and the Sunnah as understood by the early generations of Muslims.

Theology and jurisprudence: Ibn Taymiyyah was a traditionalist in creed, aligned with the Ahl al-Sunna wa’l-Jama’a, and a rigorous critic of speculative theology and philosophical kalam. He argued for a scripturalist approach to doctrines of God, the attributes of God, and creed, resisting metaphorical or allegorical readings that he deemed unsupported by the text. In fiqh, he remained within the Hanbali framework but emphasized the primacy of revelation, supported cautious use of analogical reasoning, and urged adherence to the practices of the early Muslim community. He also stressed moral reform, obedience to legitimate rulers, and the obligation to promote good and deter wrong.

Works and influence: Ibn Taymiyyah authored a vast body of work, including the fatwas compiled as Al-Fatawa and various treatises on creed, jurisprudence, and refutations of philosophy, astrology, and certain Sufi practices. His insistence on returning to primary sources and his critique of speculative theology influenced later scholars, notably his student Ibn al-Qayyim, and became foundational for modern reformist and Salafi currents in the Sunni world.

Legacy and reception: While his positions are debated among contemporary scholars, Ibn Taymiyyah’s emphasis on scripturalism and communal reform left a lasting imprint on Sunni thought, shaping both traditionalist scholarship and later reform movements.