An Examination and Critique of Abdel Fattah al-Khalidi’s Objections to the Shiite Monotheistic View in Uṣūl al-Kāfī

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD student, Shiite Studies, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran

2 Associate professor, Department of Wahhabi Studies, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran

3 Assistant professor, Department of Shiite Studies, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran

10.22034/jid.2022.283660.2197

Abstract

In his book titled (al-Kulaynī wa-taʾwīlātuh al-bāṭiniyya (Al-Kulaynī and his exoteric interpretations), Abdel Fattah al-Khalidi presents a critical analysis of Shiite perspectives. One particular aspect that he identifies as a source of deviation within Shiism is their understanding of monotheism. Al-Khalidi argues that Shias have made an error regarding the unity of divinity, worship, Lordship, and attributes, as they perceive the Ahl al-Bayt (the Prophet's Household) as intermediaries for receiving God's grace. Furthermore, by offering exoteric interpretations of Quranic verses, they construe the divine names as their own Imams, treating them as equivalent to their Imams. In this article, we aim to present an overview of the fundamental concepts of monotheism as understood by both Shiite and Wahhabi perspectives, where the latter is the framework employed by al-Khalidi. Subsequently, we conduct a critical analysis of the principles espoused by Wahhabi ideology. Furthermore, we meticulously scrutinize al-Khalidi's criticisms outlined in his book, revealing that Shiite beliefs are not deviant but rather harmonious with reason and supported by Quranic verses. Consequently, we refute al-Khalidi's allegations against the Shiite viewpoint and his critique of the book al-Kāfī. The claim made by Wahhabis lacks justification as it demonstrates a failure to comprehend the Shia beliefs, or it may be based on a fallacious reasoning. In this study, we employ a method of theological discourse, presenting theoretical and textual arguments to counter al-Khalidi's criticisms.

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