The phenomenon of sin and punishment in Imam Maturidi and Zamakhshari

The notions of sin and punishment are present in all religious traditions, each offering distinct definitions and interpretations. Within the context of Islamic intellectual history, however, these concepts acquire a deeper and more complex significance beyond their lexical meanings. In the aftermath of the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) passing, the emergence of political turmoil and ensuing events in the Islamic world significantly influenced the theological discourse surrounding sin, positioning it within the broader framework of faith (īmān) and action (ʿamal).Imam al-Māturīdī, a prominent representative of the Sunnī tradition, conceptualizes faith and deeds as ontologically distinct, asserting that individuals who commit major sins (kabīra) do not forfeit their status as believers. Conversely, al-Zamakhsharī, aligning with the foundational doctrines of the Muʿtazilite school, contends that such individuals occupy an intermediate state between belief and disbelief, and—absent repentance—are destined for eternal damnation in Hell.The question of whether divine forgiveness is possible without repentance remains a matter of considerable theological divergence. Al-Māturīdī, appealing to both rational inquiry and scriptural evidence, posits that the vastness of God's mercy allows for the possibility of forgiveness without explicit repentance. In contrast, al-Zamakhsharī underscores God's uncompromising justice, maintaining that forgiveness is attainable solely through genuine repentance.This study seeks to critically evaluate and comparatively analyze the perspectives of these two seminal scholars—both renowned for their rationalist methodologies—on the issue of sin and its implications. Despite their affiliations with distinct theological schools, it is noteworthy that Māturīdī and Zamakhsharī exhibit converging views on certain key points. Nevertheless, the intellectual milieus in which they were nurtured, along with the scholars and traditions that shaped their thought, contributed meaningfully to the divergences in their respective theological conclusions.