Theological methodolgy in Al-Juwayni and Abu Al-Muin Al-Nasafi

This study, which examines the methodologies of Juwaynī and Nasafī, who left a sig-nificant mark on the history of kalām, identifies three main components as theological met-hods: the concept of knowledge, types of reasoning (istidlāl), and the relationship between reason and revelation. Based on this framework, the study aims to analyze the contributions of both scholars to the methodological development of kalām by comparing their theological methods and exploring their approaches to the issue of divine vision (ru'yatullāh). Planned as a qualitative study, this research examines the works of Juwaynī and Na-safī, analyzing the data obtained through content analysis. It identifies the theological met-hods they employed and reveals the similarities and differences between them. Due to the methodological diversity they followed, Juwaynī and Nasafī proposed dif-fering views in their definitions of knowledge. However, it is noteworthy that both utilized principles of formal logic in constructing their theories of definition. Regarding sources of knowledge, they share certain commonalities, yet Juwaynī's evolving intellectual framework and emphasis on reasoning and logic become more pronounced. Both highlighted traditional methods and sources, such as mutawātir reports, while emphasizing reasoning and critical inquiry. In terms of reasoning methods, Nasafī followed a more static approach, whereas Juwaynī critically reinterpreted the method of division and elimination (sabr wa-taqsīm), rejec-ted other methods, and took significant steps in integrating logic into kalām. Nasafī, on the other hand, stood out with his use of analogical reasoning (qiyās) and linguistic inference (is-tidlāl lughawī). Concerning the relationship between reason and revelation, both scholars emphasized the role of reason in producing knowledge but prioritized revelation in transmitted matters. On the issue of divine vision, they argued for its intellectual possibility and supported its realiza-tion in the hereafter through transmitted sources. In conclusion, Juwaynī and Nasafī made significant contributions to the methodologi-cal diversity of Islamic theology through their ideas on theological methodology. By compa-ring their approaches, this study offers insights into understanding classical kalām and provi-des suggestions for further research in the modern era.