OverviewA scholar whose name became attached to a major tradition of Islamic theology.CategoryScholarPeriodc. 874 – c. 936 CE
Life and settingAl-Ash‘ari was trained in the theological debates of Basra. He later departed from his earlier Mu‘tazili affiliation and defended a different approach to doctrine.Source: TDV Encyclopaedia of Islam
Work and legacyHis writings address disputed questions about divine attributes, belief and religious reasoning. Later theologians developed the Ash‘ari school from this foundation.Source: TDV Encyclopaedia of Islam
SourcesOriginal concise biography based on the cited references. Historical reports, later devotional traditions and uncertain dates are distinguished where relevant.TDV Encyclopaedia of Islam
