The rules of knowledge of the objectives of faith - the method of Sheikh Al-Shanqeeti as a model

Abstract

      This study discusses the principles through which the objectives of Islamic creed (maqāṣid al-ʿaqīdah) are identified, taking Shaykh al-Shanqīṭī as a model, based on an inductive examination of his writings. Among the aims of the study are identifying the principles governing the science of the objectives of creed according to Shaykh al-Shanqīṭī, and highlighting his efforts in employing various disciplines to elucidate the objectives of creed.

      The study concludes that Islamic creed encompasses a great number of objectives, which are dispersed throughout the texts of the two revelations (the Qurʾān and the Sunnah). It also finds that these objectives are closely connected to the attributes of Allah the Exalted, especially the attribute of wisdom, which gives these objectives great significance due to their connection with the divine attributes. Moreover, Shaykh al-Shanqīṭī combined many diverse sciences and was distinguished by strong mastery of uṣūlī methodology, which facilitated his use of these sciences in extracting creedal objectives. The study further shows that Shaykh al-Shanqīṭī supports creedal objectives with abundant evidence, particularly from the Noble Qurʾān, which strengthens his derivation of such objectives.