DefinePK

Abstract

Abu’l-Fa╔l Mu╒ammad b. ‘Umar, known as Fakhr al-D┘n al-R┐zi was born in Rayy/Ray/Rey in northern Persia in 543/1149 to a family originating from ║abaristan. Al-R┐zi enjoys a celebrated position amongst the galaxy of scholars and is considered a master of all sciences of his time.[i] His tafs┘r work Maf┐t┘╒ al Ghayb (The Keys to the unknown) is considered an encyclopedia in the field of Islamic studies generally and in the field of tafs┘r particularly. One of the main distinctiveness of his tafs┘r is playing of a major role in the attack against the rationalists in the 5th/11th century. The flavor of debating over theological issues, common in his time is dominant in his exegetical methodology by defending Ash’arite thought against Mu’tazilites, Zahirites and ╓ashawiyyah among others.
Fakhr al-D┘n al-R┐zi is also called Im┐m al- Mushakkik┘n [the Imam of Doubters]. He was given this title because he criticized and doubted so many views of earlier philosophers and even of theologians. His methodology in tafs┘r is unique as he arises very challenging questions about the verses of Qur┐n. The same is the case with the incident of the Prophet’s frowning where Im┐m R┐zi doubted and questioned many points, but he provided very rock-solid answers to that questions.
 
[i] Ibn Khallik┐n in his Wafay┐t al-A‘y┐n writes that Imam Razi was the greatest authority on the Greek sciences in his time. The best sources for the biography of Razi are Ibn Abi U╖aybi‘ah, ‘Uy┴n al Anb┐’, Ibn al-Qif═i, T┐r┘kh al-╓ukam┐’, Ibn Khallik┐n, Kit┐b Wafay┐t al-A‘y┐n, Shams al-Din Shahrazuri, Nuzhat al-Arw┐h wa Rau╔at al-Afr┐╒, and Ibn Taqi al-Din al-Subki, ║abaq┐t al-Sh┐fi’iyyat al-Kubr┐.