الآراء المذهبية العقدية لابن بطة في كتابه الشّرح والإبانة

The Hanbali school, attributed to Ahmad ibn Hanbal, while being one of the four Sunni schools of jurisprudence, is also distinguished by its unique theological and political views. Ibn Batta al-Akbari (d. 387/997), is one of the leading scholars of the Hanbeli and played a significant role in disseminating and strengthening this school through his students who learned from him, in addition to his numerous works, most notably his book al-Sharh wal Ibanah 'ala Usûl al-Sunnah wal Diyanah (The Explanation and Clarification of the Principles of the Sunnah and Religion). In this Book, Ibn Batta discusses the Hanbali school's theological views and supports them with evidence from the Quran, Sunnah, and the sayings of the early scholars. He also adopts a sharp style in refuting heretical beliefs and sects that he considers deviant, particularly the Shia, Kharijites, Mu'tazila, Jahmiyya, and Murji'a. He directs scathing criticism at prominent figures in these sects, such as Ma'bad al-Juhani, Gaylan al-Dimashqi, Ja'd Ibn Dirham, Jahm Ibn Safwan, Abu Hanifa, Bishr al-Marisi and Qarabisi. This thesis provides an overview of the Hanbalis and their scholars, as well as the life of Ibn Batta and the political and cultural context at his time. It focuses on Ibn Batta's theological and jurisprudential views, as well as his opinions on other schools of thought and figures. This analysis is conducted using the methodology of the history of Islamic sects, aiming for an unbiased presentation.