Abstract

Abū al-Ḥusayn al-Baṣrī is among one of the most important theologians of the late period Muʿtazila. He is the representative of a pioneering circle regarding kalām-philosophy dialogue, as well as someone who enabled Muʿtazilī thought to evolve into a different dimension after his death. Unfortunately, most of al-Baṣrī’s work have not reached to the present day. However, they have been quoted and constantly referenced by his followers and scholars from various sects and schools. In particular, his works have become the source texts for following generation of Muʿtazilī scholars. In addition, quotations of al-Baṣrī by Fakhr al-Dīn Rāzī who is considered to be as one of the essential figures who have carried the kalām-philosophy merge to its peak, has created a distinct awareness in the later period (mutaʾaḫḫirūn) of kalām tradition. This study aims to explore the thought system of Abū al-Ḥusayn al-Baṣrī. Al-Baṣrī’s available works, his followers’ works, and the references given to al-Baṣrī’s works by the upcoming generation of scholars are to be traced. The fact that there is a diversity in the sources, and hence collecting the citations and compiling them in detail is a challenge for this study. Although there is a need for an extensive literature review in this way, it is also advantageous that of the majority of the sources content with al-Baṣrī’s general opinions. This research takes off by firstly explicating the literature about al-Baṣrī, and then goes on the explore his life, works, teachers, and finally his network of interaction. Later, examines al-Baṣrī’s opinions on knowledge, existence, tawhid, justice, prophecy and samʿiyyāt in four different chapters.