Ibn Hazm on Christianity: An Analysis to His Religious Approaches

• Main Authors: Ahmad, Mahmud, Zainan Nazri, Mohd Khairul Nizam, Mat Ishak, Mardiana, Mohd Nor, Mohd Roslan, Mohd Yusuff, Mohd Yakub Zulkifli, Suliaman, Ishak, Mohd Khambali, Khadijah, Hamat, Mohd Fauzi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: IDOSI 2011
• Subjects: BM Judaism; BP160 General works on Islam; BP171 Relation of Islam to other religions; BR Christianity
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/16069/1/4.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/16069/; http://idosi.org/wjihc/wjihc1%284%2911/4.pdf
• Institution: Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia

Abstract: Ibn Hazm al-Zahiri stood out as a critical analyst of Christian scriptures, however without giving any justification (ta’lil). Thus, his analysis methodology is known as the al-Zahiri’s Methodology. This paper seeks to introduce his methodology, analyze the approaches, his objections and critiques adopted by him in his study of Christianity. The interaction between Muslims and Christians in al-Andalus (Spain) stimulated Ibn Hazm to master Christianity and its scriptures. His book al-Fasl is an outcome of the continuous friction between Islam and Christianity in al-Andalus. Kitab al-fasl fi al-milal wa al-ahwa wa al-nihal continues to be considered a work of monumental significance in comparative religion, the first of its kind to systematically study of the religious doctrines of Islam, Judaism and Christianity. Key words: Ibn Hazm % Al-Zahiri’s Methodology % Inter-religious relation % Islam % Judaism % Christianity