Miracle and the approach of al-Mâtürîdî towards miracle

This study aims to explain the concept of miracle, and determine and analyse Imam Mâtürîdî`s approach to this concept. It examines al-Mâtürîdî views through its works, namely Kitāb al-Tawhd and Ta'wīlāt al-Qur`ān. Although this study relies extensively on induction method (istiqrā), it also uses the document screening method in order to determine the material relevant for the research in the aforementioned works. Additionally, throughout the research, the methods like classification, determination, analysis, critique, verification and preference are used. Although the word miracle does not appear in al-Qur`ān al-Karīm, a number of corresponding words is mentioned. al- Mâtürîdî conducts a profound examination of the concept of miracle in its works, i.e. Kitab al-Tawhid and Ta'wilat al-Quran. The matters on miracle are analysed in the second and third chapter of this study. According to the result of the analyses, Mâtürîdî attaches importance to miracles and he accepts miracles of prophets. When reporting about miracles, he remained committed to the verses of the Qur'an and did not go beyond the hadiths that he found authentic in particular. Mâtürîdî comes to the conclusion that even if there had not been miracles; prophets would have been recognised thanks to their particular characteristics in their deeds and akhlaq and believed by those who use their reason. He states that the God (Allah) sent miracles as a sign of his mercy (rahmah) and wisdom (hikmah). Mâtürîdî maintains that miracles are particularly significant for prophets themselves as they impressively support the psychology of prophets. It increases the faith of believers, while enabling those who persist in disbelieving deserve the punishment. Having reported the miracles of several prophets, Mâtürîdî provides that Moses (pbuh) is the most mentioned prophet in the Qur'an and his miracles were "sensory evidences" in nature, which he performed to both Pharaoh and Israelites. "Sensory evidences" of Jesus (pbuh), Mâtürîdî proceeds, lasted from his birth to his ascension to heavens. He will appear at the end of time. As for the Prophet Muhammad (saw), Mâtürîdî expounds that his miracles have been both sensible and sensory in nature, as the Qur'an being the greatest evidence which has been an ongoing miracle for ages and will remain to be so until the Hour (The Day of Judgement)