SOAS Research Online

Abstract

The thesis presents a critical edition of the first volume of Abu Bakr al-Khallal's "K. al-Musnad min Masa'il Ahmad b. Hanbal" accompanied by an introduction. In this work, the author collected in great detail the teachings and opinions of Imam Ibn Hanbal on religio-political and dogmatic controversies of early Islam, which the Imam left with a great number of disciples. Supported by the Qur'an and the Sunna, the work depicts in great detail the Sunni viewpoints of the problems relating to the institution of Khilafa, the first five Caliphs, the Companions in general, the Khawarij, the Rawafid, the Murji'a, Iman and Islam, Jabr and Qadar, the Jahmiya and the doctrine of the Creation of the Qur'an. Although the work is named as al-Musnad min Masa'il Ahmad, this is actually the K. al-Sunna of of al-Khallal frequently quoted by Ibn Taimiya and Ibn al-Qayyim in their theological works. The work contains, besides those ascribed to Ibn Hanbal, many statements from other doctors as well. As the MS. is unique, the text has been collated with other sources so far it has been possible, instead of other MSS. of the same work. In the glossary, besides indicating variations and mistakes, notes on important points have been provided. The introduction consists of six parts. In part I, a detailed discussion on the MS. has been made. Parts II and III deal with the life and works of Ibn Hanbal and al-Khallal respectively. In part IV, the background of the present work has been explained in which the development of early Islamic theology is discussed. Part V deals with the work itself, wherein Ibn Hanbal's opinions are discussed in relation to the theological problems of the time as well as to other relevant questions. Finally, the impact of Hanbalism on later development of Muslim theology and the value of our work are discussed.