Egypt and the Later Ashʿarite School

Abstract

This chapter discusses the development and contours of late Ashʿarism in Egypt, with reference to some of the key texts, scholars, and concepts that are representative of Egyptian Ashʿarism. Evidence of a vibrant intellectual endeavour can be gleaned from the (a) continued study, development, and nuanced discussion of the rational sciences by Egyptian Ashʿarīs, (b) the prominent role that post-thirteenth-century Persian and Maghribī scholars play in the discourse, and (c) the continued discussions of philosophy, Sufi metaphysics, comparative theology, and various interpretive methodologies found in the often dismissed commentary tradition. From this vital synthesis of Maghribī, Persian, and local influences with which Egyptian scholars critically engaged, the continued vibrancy and diversity of thought is evident, thereby contributing to the growing body of literature challenging the popular theory of intellectual decline and stagnation in the Muslim world.