Theology and Tafsir in the major works of Fakhr Al-Din Al-Razi

Abstract

Fakhr aI-Din al-Razi was the most celebrated scholar of the sixth Islamic century, famous throughout the Muslim world as a philosopher, theologian and exegetist. However despite this undisputed eminence his contribution to Islamic thought has not yet been properly evaluated.

This thesis aims at exposing some of his ideas by a systematic analysis of his thoughts as presented in his major works.

This thesis first presents what little biographical information we have for his life (Chapter I) and proceeds to the study of his major work, his tafsir (Chapter II). Then follows a detailed analysis of five major problems which occupied al-Razi's mind throughout his scholarly life: Creation (Chapter III), God's existence and Divine Attributes (Chapter IV), Free Will and Predestination (Chapter V), Prophethood (Chapter VI) and finally Resurrection (Chapter VII). These topics are also major issues which have concerned Islamic theologians in all ages. . The thesis offers a brief conclusion in which al-Razi's distinctive views on these issues are summed up.