امام ابو الفتح شہرستانی: حیات و افکار اور کتاب الملل و النحل کا تنقیدی جائزہ

Imam Abu al-Fath al-Shahrastani: Life, Thought, and a Critical Study of al-Milal wa al-Nihal

Abstract

Imam Abu al-Fath Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Karim al-Shahrastani (479 AH / 1086 CE – 548 AH / 1153 CE) is regarded as one of the most prominent scholars in the fields of theology, philosophy, and comparative religious studies in the Islamic intellectual tradition. His magnum opus, al-Milal wa al-Nihal, stands as a landmark contribution to the study of religions and sects, both within and beyond Islam. This research aims to critically analyze his life, intellectual background, and the significance of al-Milal wa al-Nihal as a pioneering text in the field of comparative religion. Al-Shahrastani received his early education in Khurasan and furthered his intellectual journey in Nishapur, gaining mastery over jurisprudence, theology, logic, and philosophy. His association with the Ash‘ari school of thought shaped his theological outlook, particularly on divine attributes, free will, and predestination. In al-Milal wa al-Nihal, al-Shahrastani demonstrates remarkable impartiality by presenting the views of various religious sects and philosophical schools in their own words without polemical judgment, a methodology that distinguishes his work from many of his predecessors and contemporaries. The book provides valuable insight into both Islamic sects—such as the Sunnis, Shias, Khawarij, and Mu‘tazila—and non-Islamic traditions, including Christianity, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, and Indian religions. This study further explores al-Shahrastani’s philosophical positions, his critique of Islamic philosophers, and his unique method of objective analysis. Ultimately, this research highlights the enduring importance of al-Milal wa al-Nihal as a cornerstone of Islamic scholarship that continues to influence contemporary studies in theology, interfaith dialogue, and comparative religion.