The problem of prophethood and the understanding of prophethood of Abul Yusr Al-Pezdevi and Ghazali

The issue of prophethood (prophecy) has been a subject of debate throughout history, both among different religions and within the same religion in the differences of sect and thought, with is multifaceted dimensions such as its definition, position, necessity and proof. Although limited information was given about prophethood in the early works of theology, especially in the following centuries, it became one of the most fundamental issues of theology under the infuluence of both internal dynamics and external factors. In Islamic belief, prophethood has maintained its importance as one of the most basic and indispensable elements of the principles of faith until today. Islamic thinkers have developed different approaches to the issue of prophethood. In this context, prophethood has been at the center of discussions within the disciplines of theology and philosophy; each school of thought has tried to make sense of prophethood through its own ontological, epistemological and theological foundations. In this study, the views of Abu al-Yusr al-Pezdevî (d.493/1100), one of the leading representatives of the Mâturîdî school who grew up in the Transoxiana region, which has an important place in the history of Islamic culture, on prophethood are discussed. As a follower of Abu Mansur al-Pazdavi, who systematized the views of Imam Âzam Abu Hanifa (d.150/767) on the principles of faith, Pezdevî made significant contributions to the development and spread of Mâturîdî thought. In addition, in this study, the understanding of prophethood of Imam Ghazzâlî (d.505/1111), who has left a deep impact on Islamic thought and attracted attention both in the Islamic world and in the West with his works, is also examined and evaluated comparatively with Pezdevi's views. Thus, an attempt was made to reveal the similarities and differences in the approaches of these two scholars, who are representatives of two different schools, to the subject. This study consists of an introduction, three main headings and a conclusion. In the first part, Pezdevi's life, students, works and theological views are included. In the second part, the meanings of concepts related to prophethood such as rasul, nebi, risalet, prophecy, revelation, obedience and the differences between them are mentioned. This section is the basis for introducing the issue of prophethood and understanding other issues. In the third chapter, topics such as the possibility, necessity, proof of prophethood, miracles and intercession are included in the context of the examples of Pezdevî and Ghazzâlî. Finally, a general evaluation was made by comparing Pezdevi's and Ghazzâli's understanding of prophethood.