The understanding of divinity in Ibn Fūrek and al-Qushayrī

In this study, the concept of tawḥīd is first examined in its essence. In this context, the meaning and position of tawḥīd in the pre-Islamic period and within the tradition of Islamic thought are briefly discussed. The main theme of the study focuses on providing certain information about the lives, teachers, students, and works of the theologians Ibn Fūrak and Qushayrī. The study also explores the intellectual influences they received during their lifetimes and the individuals they, in turn, influenced both during and after their lives. Taking a broad perspective on the concept of tawḥīd, the study addresses the definition of tawḥīd in Islamic theology, its historical development, and the interpretations of different Islamic theological schools. The issue of divine attributes in relation to tawḥīd is evaluated under the categories of essential (dhātī) and affirmative (ṣubūtī), active (fiʿlī) and transmitted (khabarī) attributes. Finally, the views of Ibn Fūrak and Qushayrī on dıvınıty are examined under general themes such as the existence of God and its proofs, the evidence for the oneness of God, and the attributes of God. The essential, affirmative, active, and transmitted attributes are analyzed under the broader heading of divine attributes. Their evaluations in their works and their perspectives on related concepts are explored in detail. In the conclusion, the tawḥīd understandings of the two scholars are comparatively analyzed. Based on their works, their views on tawḥīd and divine attributes, their methodological approaches, and their use of evidences are assessed. Moreover, attention is given to how the historical and intellectual conditions they lived in were reflected in their thought. The analyses in this section are presented within a critical and comparative framework.