Abstract
The aim of this thesis, as its title indicates, is to
investigate the differences between az-Zamakhshari (d. 1144
A.D.) and al-Baydawi (d. 1286 A.D.?) in respect of Muslim
theological doctrines and the extent which al-Baydawi
manages to refute az-Zamakhsharl's views.
The significance of az-Zaraakhshari and al-Baydawi. in
Muslim theology is that their works al-Kashshaf and
Anwar at-TanzH respectively, represent the views of the two
famous schools of Islamic thoughts called the Mu'tazilites
and the Ash'arites.
Az-Zamakhshari as a Mu'tazilite, gave Reason priority
to Revelation. Al-Baydawi as an Ash'arite maintained that
Revelation is prior to Reason
Chapter one describes the historical backgrounds of
the two scholars and the different environments in which
they were brought up.
Chapter two illustrates how the two scholars discuss
the concept of the attributes of God, in particular the
visibility of God and the speech of God.
Chapter three considers the relation of Reason and
Revelation in az-Zamakhshari and al-Baydawi. Topics
discussed include the question whether God always does
"the best", the question of good and evil, the question
whether angels or prophets are superior, the nature of
the karamat (miracles) of the saints, and God's giving of
sustenance.
Chapter four deals with a number of topics concerning
faith (iman), unbelief (kufr)t repentance (tawba), and
Muhammad's intercession (shafa'a).
Chapter five discusses the concept of God's justice
and the associated question of man's free will.
