Imam al-Aqshahari’s Theological Refutations of Denials of Muhammad’s Prophethood and the Superiority of Saints in al-Intiqād bi-Sharḥ ʿUmdat al-Iʿtiqād

This study examines Imam al-Aqshahari (800AH), a distinguished figure of the Maturidi school, and his significant theological work, al-Intiqād bi-Sharḥ ʿUmdat al-Iʿtiqād. Renowned for its logical structure and argumentative rigor, the book addresses numerous theological issues, with this research focusing on two of the most critical. The first section introduces Imam al-Aqshahari, detailing his biography, teachers, students, and the attribution of the text. The second section analyzes two pivotal issues as treated in al-Intiqād. The first concerns the People of the Book who denied the prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him), arguing that prophethood is subject to abrogation and alteration. The second examines certain Sufi claims that the rank of the saint (walī) surpasses that of the prophet. Al-Aqshahari presents the views and evidences of these groups, followed by his theological refutation, grounded in sound reasoning and scriptural principles. The study concludes that these claims lack valid rational or textual support and rely on weak, inconsistent evidence. Al-Intiqād thus affirms al-Aqshahari’s authoritative position within the tradition of scholastic theology.