Within the diverse branches of Islamic sciences, many have emerged and matured before their principles were documented. Only after some time did the codification and documentation begin, giving birth to disciplines such as the science of jurisprudential principles, which came into existence after the widespread study of Fiqh. This tradition extended to the four main Sunni schools and others, including the Shia Imami and Ibadi branches.
The Hanafi scholars, particularly under the guidance of Abu Tahir al-Dabbas, spearheaded the development of this discipline. Each school subsequently began documenting its principles, both jurisprudential and foundational. Although widely covered across different schools, the area of Islamic theology, despite its significance, has seen a notable absence of similar codification efforts. This gap persists despite the intricacies tied to faith, and the risks of creed disputes leading to grave misjudgments, such as unjust accusations of infidelity and permissibility of fratricide.
In his book, al-Shafi'i explores the history of jurisprudential principles and the significance of establishing work on theological rules. Yet, despite its publication ten years prior, he has yet to complete this undertaking, with no known progress.
Heritage Attempts
Little is known about previous attempts within our heritage to systematize the theological aspect of Islamic jurisprudence. Al-Subki, in his work "Al-Ashbah wa al-Nazair," devotes a chapter to jurisprudential principles that have dialectical foundations. Both Dr. Jamal al-Din Atiya and Dr. Hassan al-Shafi'i have emphasized the importance of these principles in their books, "The Jurisprudential Theory" and "Introductory Foundations to the Science of Theological Principles," respectively.
Before al-Subki, Imam Abu Hamid al-Ghazali addressed the foundations of belief in his "Revival of Religious Sciences," while Imam al-Zarkashi initiated a tradition of arranging principles alphabetically in his work, "al-Manthoor fi al-Qawa'id."
First Scholarly Work on Theological Principles
After al-Ghazali's time and among contemporaries like Ibn Abd al-Salam and al-Qarafi, Sham al-Din al-Asfahani penned what is considered the first work on theological principles, titled "The Comprehensive Principles in Various Scholarly Disciplines." Recently published by the Turkish Religious Foundation, it includes a section devoted to the overarching principles related to the foundations of religion—that is, theology.
Dr. Hassan al-Shafi'i's Contribution
In recent times, Dr. Hassan al-Shafi'i is the only scholar known to earnestly approach the subject. He has written multiple papers, shedding light on the gaps and proposing a structured approach. His book, "Introductory Foundations to the Science of Theological Principles," further explores these issues.
Taking on the Challenge
Collaborative work by significant Islamic institutions or academic entities specialized in Islamic studies seems vital for such an extensive project. Colleges of theology and study centers with the necessary resources and infrastructure could play a pivotal role in fostering this scholarly endeavor.
Sources for These Principles
Dr. al-Shafi'i has suggested potential sources where theological principles could be gleaned. Past works of jurisprudence, prophetic tradition, and the principles of exegesis hold a wealth of knowledge that could serve as theological principles. Furthermore, contemporary efforts in scientific research and editing of classic works have facilitated the identification of theological benefits and principles.
A Desired Encyclopedia
The envisioned goal is to initiate a comprehensive encyclopedia of theological principles and criteria, which would not only list the principles but also establish important distinctions among theological terms. This encyclopedia would parallel the grandeur of "Ma'lamet Zayed," the prestigious collection of jurisprudential rules by the Islamic Fiqh Assembly, and would serve as a testament to the importance of systematizing Islamic theological knowledge.
The impact of creating such a comprehensive compendium of creedal knowledge could be far-reaching, providing clarity and guidance on matters integral to Islamic belief and potentially preventing misinterpretation and discord. As the Islamic Fiqh Assembly took on the task of jurisprudence, it is hoped that similar dedication will be directed toward creating this significant work in theology, awaiting those who are willing to take on its curation and development.
