The Comparative Analysis of the Methodologies of Ibn Ḥazm and Shahrastānī on Christianity

Abstract

This research paper presents a comparative analysis of the research and methods of two central encyclopaedic works of Muslim Comparative Religion.  These are the books of “al-Fiṣal fi al-Milal wa al-Ahwāʾ wa al-Niḥal” (The Distinctions between Religions, Heresies, and Sects) by Ibn Ḥazm Zahiri (d. 1064) and “al-Milal wa al-Niḥal” (Religions and Sects) by Shahrastānī (d. 1163). Ibn Ḥazm was considered a strong critic of Christian religious scriptures, and his book, al-Fiṣal is considered a work of great significance in Muslim comparative religion. On the other hand, Shahrastānī distinguished himself by describing the universal religious history of humanity in the most objective way. His book, “al-Milal wa al-Nihal” presents the doctrinal points of view of all the religions and philosophies which existed up to his time. This paper seeks to introduce and compare Ibn Ḥazm and Shahrastānī’s research findings and methodologies and analyse the approaches and critiques they adopted in their study of Christianity. The paper will examine the interaction between the two scholars' works. The research will contribute to the understanding of Muslim views of Christianity in the medieval period and the comparative study of religions. The findings of this research will enrich the perspective of modern Comparative Religion with the insights of two of the most original Muslim treaties in theology and improve our understanding of contemporary Muslim approaches to the study and undertaking of comparative religious studies.

Keywords: Al-Fiṣal fi al-Milal wa al-Ahwāʾ wa al-Niḥal, al-Milal wa al-Niḥal, Ibn Ḥazm Zahirī, Shahrastānī, Christianity