A Summary of the Principles of Religion (Jumal Uṣūl al-Dīn)

Detailed Description

A Summary of the Principles of Religion (Jumal Uṣūl al-Dīn)

By Abū Salama Muḥammad b. Muḥammad al-Samarqandī

Annotated English Translation and Introduction by Ramon Harvey

Explore one of the earliest systematic presentations of Islamic theology in the Māturīdī tradition.

How can the core beliefs of Islam be understood through reason while remaining firmly rooted in revelation? A Summary of the Principles of Religion (Jumal Uṣūl al-Dīn) offers a concise yet profound answer to this enduring question, presenting one of the earliest surviving theological texts of the Māturīdī school.

Written by Abū Salama Muḥammad b. Muḥammad al-Samarqandī, a distinguished Ḥanafī jurist and theologian as well as a grand-student of Imām Abū Manṣūr al-Māturīdī, this remarkable work provides a clear and systematic exposition of the foundations of Islamic belief. Expertly presented with an annotated English translation and scholarly introduction by Ramon Harvey, the text is carefully situated within its historical and intellectual context, making it accessible to both students and specialists.

Bridging classical Islamic scholarship with contemporary academic study, this volume serves as an invaluable resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Islamic creed, rational theology, and the formative development of the Māturīdī tradition.

Inside This Book

This scholarly work explores the foundations of Islamic belief through:

• A translation of one of the earliest surviving Māturīdī theological texts.
• A systematic presentation of the principles of Islamic creed.
• Annotations that clarify key theological concepts and terminology.
• A scholarly introduction placing the work within its historical context.
• Insights into the intellectual legacy of Imām al-Māturīdī and his students.
• The relationship between reason, revelation, and orthodox Islamic theology.

Why Read This Book?

• Discover a foundational text of the Māturīdī theological tradition.
• Gain a deeper understanding of the principles of Islamic belief.
• Benefit from an expertly annotated English translation.
• Explore the historical development of Sunni theology.
• Ideal for students, academics, researchers, and seekers of Islamic knowledge.

About the Author

Abū Salama Muḥammad b. Muḥammad al-Samarqandī was a distinguished Ḥanafī jurist and theologian of fourth/tenth-century Samarqand and a prominent representative of the early Māturīdī school. As a grand-student of Imām Abū Manṣūr al-Māturīdī, he played an important role in preserving and articulating the theological principles of the tradition.

His Jumal Uṣūl al-Dīn is his only surviving work and remains an important source for understanding the formative development of Māturīdī theology and its enduring contribution to Sunni Islamic thought.

About the Translator

Ramon Harvey is Senior Lecturer in Islamic Studies at Cambridge Muslim College and a respected scholar of Islamic theology. Holding a doctorate from SOAS, University of London, along with traditional Islamic scholarly qualifications, he specialises in Māturīdī theology, Islamic creed, and contemporary Muslim thought.

His translation and commentary make this classical text accessible to modern readers while preserving its intellectual depth and theological precision.

Who Is This Book For?

Whether you are studying Islamic theology, researching the Māturīdī tradition, or seeking a deeper understanding of the rational foundations of Islamic belief, A Summary of the Principles of Religion is an indispensable resource.

Combining a faithful translation with insightful scholarly commentary, this volume is ideal for students of knowledge, academics, educators, researchers, and anyone interested in the rich intellectual heritage of Sunni Islam. It offers readers a rare opportunity to engage directly with one of the earliest surviving works of Māturīdī theology and appreciate its continued relevance in understanding Islamic creed today.