Imam As-Shahrastani: Master Of Schools Comparation

 

Today, we will discuss about As-Shahrastani, one scholar who became master of schools comparation and write one encyclopedia about schools comparation and religions, Al-Milal wa an-Nihal. He praised by Historian Imam Dhahabi as scholar who has many works and also  priorities. Please read this article until end and subscribe my blog for more informations about this topic. It is easy verb for yoy, but have big role for develop our blog that focuss educated people about Islamic History and Civilizations. And, dont forget for read this article until end and support our blo that focuss at Islamic History and Civilization s education.

Shahrastani, has original name Muhammad ibn Abd Karim ibn Ahmad as-Shahrastani and titled Abu al-Fath. He born at Shahrastan (Kahkha) ,  Afghanistan at 479  (1086 AD) Hijriyya and die at 548 H (1153 AD),  and also burried  at Shahrastan. According Imam Dhahabi, Shahrastani studied Fiqh ( Islamic law) to Imam Ahmad al-Khawafi as-Shafii,  Islamic Judge at Thus, Iran. And he also  studied Islamic basic at Ab Nashr al-Qushayri and Abu Qasim al-Anshari.  At Nishapur, Iran, he studied to Abu Hassan ibn al-Akhram.  And, Imam Shahrastani also mastered literatures and history.

And, also, Shahrastani is adherent from School of Shafii at Fiqh and Ashari at Theology.  Imam Shahrastani, other studied to several scholars above, also teach at Madrasa Nizhamiyya, one big Islamic University at Baghdad. From his students are  Abu Hassan ibn Hamuwayh, Al-Baihaqi, Muwaffiq ad-Din Ahmad al-Laythi, Shihab ad-Din al-Waizh, and other scholars.  Imam Shahrastani get praised for Muslim and Western Scholars. Yaqut al-Hamawi, said that  Imam Shahrastani is master at theology and philosophy.  Ibn Thagribirdi, said that Imam Shahrastani is leader atIslamic theology at this age who has many students that will became scholars at future.

Many his works as scholars, such as Tarikh al-Hukama, Talkhis al-Aqsam li Madhahib , Daqaiq al-Awham, and his bigger work, is Al-Milal wa an-Nihal who discuss about Islamic Schools and  thinkings. And, according Al-Milal wa an-Nihal s editor, Abd al-Aziz Muhammad al-Wakil, only An-Nihayat fi al-Aqdam fi Ilm al-Kalam and Al-Milal wa an-Nihal. And, Al-Milal wa an-Nihal,  is masterpiece from Imam Shahrastani that discuss about many sects at Islamic History and also Abrahamic Faiths, such as Christiant and Judaism.

At his book, he discuss Islamic Sects and Thinks at his era, such as Mutazila, Jabriyya, Shia, Murjia, and other. At part of Judaism, he discuss about Judaism s Sects, such as Ananiyya, Isawiyya, Muqariba, Yudghaniyya, and Samaritans. And also sects from Christiants at his age, such as Melkita, Jacobite, and Nestorianism. He also discuss about Greek Philosophy,Hinduism, Buddhism,  and Zoroastrianism. Several scholars, such as Ibn Arselan and As-Samani critize him because he busy with philosophy. And, Al-Wakil said that Imam Shahrastani, when discuss about Islamic Sects and Schools, take moderate attitude. Imam Shahrastani said he doesnt attack  and defend one sect, only discuss how ideology from this sect. He die at 1153 AD and also burried at Shahrastan. May Allah Subhanahuwataala bless him.

Refrences:

Imam ad-Dzahabi: Siyar Alam an-Nubala: Mutiara Kisah Pilihan Orang orang Cemerlang Dalam Sejarah Islam ( edisi ringkas oleh DR.Sulaiman al-Asyqar), Penerbit al-Kautsar, 2019 M.

Ansary, Tamim: Dari Puncak Bagdad:Sejarah Dunia Versi Islam, Penerbit Serambi, 2017 M.

Al-Imam Abu al-Fatah  Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Ibnu Abu Bakrin Ahmad asy-Syahrastani: Peta Keberagaman Agama, Madzhab, dan Pemikiran Dunia. Editor Abd al-Aziz Muhammad al-Wakil. Penerbit Jim dan Zam. 2025.

Anonymous: The Site of Ancient Town of Shahristan (Kahkakha) - UNESCO World Heritage Centre, accesed 12 November 2025, 22: 12 PM.