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One instance where it was accepted for teaching, explanation, and praise, and a second where it was met with objection, criticism, and rejection. Between these two, there was a dialogue and debate concerning whether this creed was correct or corrupt. Both rejection and acceptance indicate the extent of the spread of this creed and its progression among the people.
As mentioned by Al-Subki, it was taught in a school near the Haram. Ibn Asakir accepted and taught this creed because of its Ash'ari coloring, as he was a follower of the Ash'ari school of thought.
Khalil ibn Kaykladi al-Alai (d. 759 AH / 1359 CE) mentioned, as narrated by Al-Subki from his handwriting, that he said: "The author of this creed, Al-Murshida, followed the correct path and adhered to the straight creed and the upright belief, and was guided by the Great and Exalted God." Al-Alai also mentioned that he greatly praised Al-Murshida and disparaged those who criticized it and believed it to be corrupt.
However, Al-Alai was skeptical about attributing this creed to Ibn Tumart. Al-Subki narrated his statement on this matter: "I came across a response from Ibn Taymiyyah, who was asked about it. He mentioned that it is attributed to Ibn Tumart, but this is far from the truth or is false, because it is well-known that Ibn Tumart was a Shafi'i jurist. He was the imam of his time in his knowledge and religion. He taught in Damascus and Jerusalem. Many scholars graduated from him, and he was sound in his fatwas. He died in the month of Rajab in the year 620 AH and was buried in Damascus."
See his biography in: Ibn Khallikan - Wafiyat al-A'yan, Vol. 2, p. 135; Al-Subki - Tabaqat al-Shafi'iyyin, Vol. 7, p. 177 (Al-Halabi edition).
Al-Subki - Tabaqat al-Shafi'iyyin, Vol. 7, p. 203 (Al-Halabi edition).
A Shafi'i jurist and hadith scholar, born and educated in Damascus. He then resided in Jerusalem as a teacher. Among his works are "Al-Majmu' al-Muzahhab fi al-Fiqh al-Shafi'i" and "Kashf al-Niqab 'amma Ruwiya al-Shaykhan li al-Ashab."
See his biography in: Al-Subki - Tabaqat al-Shafi'iyyin, Vol. 10, p. 35 (Al-Halabi edition).
See: Al-Subki - Tabaqat al-Shafi'iyyin, Vol. 7, p. 205.
Same source and page.
Same source and page.
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