A Doctrinal Debate about the Obligation of Generality or the Obligation of Detail In Controversial Issues, Including the Issues of the Attributes of Our Lord, the Majestic: A Debate, Published for the First Time, between Ibn Al-Salah and Al-Ezz Ibn Abd Al-Salam

Abstract

This paper aims to publish a scholarly debate published in its entirety for the first time between two prominent Ash’ari scholars, Ibn Al-Salah (d. 643) and Al-Ezz Ibn Abd Al-Salam (d. 660), which arose in response to a question posed to Abu Amr Ibn Al-Salah regarding a doctrinal issue that is considered one of the branches of theology, which is the issue of letter and sound. This issue, despite its intricacy, has occupied an important place in doctrinal disputes since its emergence. The paper places their text in the context of scientific debate, meaning that it came as a response from each of them to the other on a single question and issue, not disconnected texts as one might believe. This context reveals the importance of this debate and reflects a pattern of scholarly interaction and intellectual engagement, not between different sects, but rather between adherence of the same school who agreed on its principles and sometimes disputed its branches. This includes discussions on determining the origin of the issue, choosing the predominant view or determining what is obligatory for those who are obligated to believe. Is general faith sufficient for a person - as is the position of Ibn Al-Salah - or is it necessary to have detailed belief - which is the position of Al-Ezz ibn Abd Al-Salam? These fatwas also reveal a chapter in the history of scientific thought in general, and theological history in particular.