Al-Raghib al-Isfahani
11th-century Sunni Muslim scholar of later Abbasid era
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Abul-Qasim al-Hussein bin Mufaddal bin Muhammad, better known as Raghib Al-Isfahani (Persian: ابوالقاسم حسین ابن محمّد الراغب الاصفهانی), was an eleventh-century Muslim scholar of Qur'anic exegesis and the Arabic language.[1][4]
Abul-Qasim al-Hussein bin Mufaddal bin Muhammad | |
|---|---|
| Personal life | |
| Died | 502 AH (1108/1109 CE)[1] |
| Era | Later Abbasid era |
| Main interest(s) | Muslim scholar of Qur'anic exegesis, Arabic language scholar |
| Notable work | Al-Mufradat fi Gharib al-Quran |
| Religious life | |
| Religion | Islam |
| Denomination | Sunni |
| Jurisprudence | Shafi'i |
| Creed | Ash'ari[2][3] |
| Muslim leader | |
Influenced by | |
Biography
Al-Raghib Al-Isfahani - was born in Isfahan as his name suggests, though his exact date of birth is not known.[5]
He died in the Hijri year 502, corresponding to 1108 on the Gregorian calendar.[5][6][7]
Views
Al-Raghib was suspected as Shia sympathizer,[8] due to his statement for his love of Ahl al-Bayt. Meanwhile, some thought he was a Mu'tazilite.[9]
However, one of his works entitled al-I'tiqadat, al-Raghib attacks both the Mu'tazila and the Shi'a showing that questions about his adherence to either of these positions is groundless.[10][11][12]
al-Raghib was opposed to the emanationism of the Brethren of Purity, preferring creationism instead.[13] The concept of justice, according to al-Raghib's definition, is "equal retaliation" for wrongdoing.[14]
Works
His work covered topics ranging from ethics to linguistics to Muslim philosophy.[15] He authored a commentary on the Quran, Mufradāt alfāẓ al-Qurʾān.[16] One of his most famous works was Al-Mufradat fi Gharib al-Quran.
As a man of letters, al-Raghib was also well-versed in Arabic literature. His literary anthology, which was carefully organized by topic, carried much weight and respect in intellectual circles.[17][18] He was also noted as an early Muslim writer on the topic of blending religious and philosophical ethics.[19]
