The Creed of Imam Abu 'Amr Al-Dani (A Critical Analytical Study)

Abstract

This research deals with the creed of a Muslim scholar, whom people knew his interest with Qur’an and its readings, hadith and its narration. He was not known for the science of speech and logic, and his doctrinal writings indicate his adoption of the approach of the predecessors in general. Nevertheless, he did not survive from being influenced by the Ash'aris in refuting some of the facultative attributes, saying that consideration should be given with proof of instinct, denying the ability of the servant's ability, saying by earning, and other sayings. Thus, this research is conducted to reveal the truth about the reality of this Imam creed and to display the places where he was influenced by theological opinions.

Research Aims:

• Stating the views of Imam Abu 'Amr Al-Dani, in which he agreed with the belief of the righteous predecessors.
• Stating his opinions in which he agreed with the Ash'aris, and verifying the extent of his agreement and disagreement with them.
• Criticizing his views in which he contradicted the methodology of the righteous predecessors.
• Clarifying the extent of the close affinity of the Imam with the Ash'ari creed.

Research Methodology: Inductive Approach, The Analytical Method, The critical approach.

Research Results:

• Abu 'Amr Al-Dani set out to establish belief from the legal texts, and he did not distort them with rational arguments, nor did he underestimate the denotations of the texts as the theologians did.
• Al-Dani agreed with the predecessors in the chapters on creed related to the unseen things, the Last Day, the Imamate and the Companions, and vilified heresies such as the Jahmiyyah and the Mu'tazila.
• Al-Dani was influenced by the Ash’aris in his opinions that consideration is the first duty, faith is merely attestation, the interpretation of optional attributes, the denial of a servant’s ability to do his deed, the saying of "loyalty", and that the name is what it is called.