The Methodology of Ibn XAzm in Comparative Religion with Special Reference to His Master Piece Al-Fasl Fi Al-Milal Wa Al-Ahwa' Wa Al-Nihal

Abstract

This paper seeks to study the methodology of Ibn Hazm, a classical Andalusian Muslim theologian and jurist from the eleventh-century C.E. (Christ Era), in the field of comparative religion with special reference to his master piece entitled al-Fasl fi al-Milal wa al-Ahwa’ wa al-Nihal - the Decisive Word on Sects, Heterodoxies, and Denominations. This study examines Ibn Hazm’s original contribution to the development of the science of comparative religion and discusses his methodology in dealing with theological doctrines of Christianity. To achieve the main goal in this study, the descriptive method has been employed to present the right information about Ibn Hazm and his contribution to the field of comparative religion. On the other hand, the analytical method has been employed to analyze the approach of Ibn Hazm towards the study of Christianity and some of its major doctrines. The findings of this research will enrich the perspective of modern comparative religion with the insights of one of the most original Muslim treaties in theology and improve our understanding of contemporary Muslim approaches to the study and undertaking of comparative religious studies.