According to Abū Manṣūr al-Māturīdī, the ways of acquiring knowledge and the importance of reasoning

This study, within the context of the enduring fundamental discussions throughout human history concerning the nature, means, and validity of knowledge, addresses the theory of knowledge acquisition of Abu Mansûr al-Mâtürîdî, a prominent figure in Islamic thought, and the significance he attributed to the method of istidlâl (reasoning). Mâtürîdî's versatile personality and works reveal how intellect, senses, and tradition (news) operate in an integrated manner as primary paths to knowledge. The limited in-depth analyses of Mâtürîdî's understanding of knowledge in existing literature have hindered a full comprehension of his original contributions in this field. This master's thesis aims to meticulously examine Mâtürîdî's ways of acquiring knowledge (istidlâl, senses, and tradition), analyzing their internal distinctions and their respective roles in attaining knowledge. Special emphasis will be placed on the central position of the concept of istidlâl in Mâtürîdî's thought and the importance of reasoning in reaching truth. The study seeks to delineate the epistemological foundations of Mâtürîdî's theory of knowledge, thereby deepening our understanding of his contributions to Islamic thought from an epistemological perspective. In doing so, it will demonstrate how Mâtürîdî's comprehensive approach to sources of knowledge can offer a valuable perspective for contemporary knowledge problems and epistemological discussions.