AN EVALUATION OF MUTAZILA’S DEFINTION OF ABU HANIFA IN LINE WITH MURJITE PERCEPTION

As an example of inter-sectarian interaction, it is possible to mention some social manifestations of the Hanafite-Mu‘tazilite interaction as well as political and doctrinal manifestations. It is seen that some famous figures are counted from different sects in order to reinforce sectarian belonging and to increase the prestige or number of the sect, and thus there are some problems regarding the sectarian belonging of these figures. In this study, we set out from the existence of a problem that the Maturidite and Mu‘tezilite tendencies, especially the Mu‘tazilite figures who were Hanafite in fiqh adopted the sectarian identity of Abu Hanifa. This study aims to reveal the Mu‘tazilite perception of Abu Hanifa. The study started with the assumption that Abu Hanifa was considered a Mu‘tazilite by the Mu‘tazilite scholars. At this point, different trends that emerged in Murjia’s view of Abu Hanifa are identified. In this context, we encountered different tendencies in Mu‘tazila that focused on the jurist identity of Abu Hanifa, indirectly associated Abu Hanifa with Mu‘tazila, and considered Abu Hanifa a Murjite. During our study, contrary to our assumption that Mu‘tazila considered Abu Hanifa a Mu‘tazilite, we found it appropriate to give priority to the point of view which considered Abu Hanîfe a Murjite because of the serious literature that Mu‘tazilite scholars considered Abu Hanîfe a Murjite. In this respect, primarily Mu‘tazila’s perception of Murjia has been identified so that the perception of Abu Hanifa could be built on a correct ground. In the light of these findings, the subjects such as the position Murjia gave to Abu Hanifa who was regarded by Mutazila as a Murjite, the views associated with Abu Hanifa are dealt with in our study.

Keywords

Mu’tazila, Murjia, Hanefite-Mutezilite, Abu Hanifa, Hanefite-Maturidite.