Islamic theology has been kept alive through centuries by scholars who devoted their lives to understanding and explaining the basic beliefs of the faith. The Ash’ari and Maturidi schools of Aqeedah have been the main theological frameworks followed by most of the Muslim Ummah. These two schools form the theological base of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama’ah and have played a key role in protecting the correct understanding of Islamic beliefs.
Proof that the Ashari and Maturidi Aqeedah is the Aqeedah of the Majority of the Ummah
Looking at the main works in Islamic law shows that the scholars who wrote and taught the most trusted texts were mostly Ash’ari or Maturidi in their beliefs. This is clear across three major Sunni Fiqh schools—Hanafi, Maliki, and Shafi’i.
Hanafi Madhhab
- Noor-ul-Idaah by Imam Ash-Shurunbulali – Maturidi
- Mukhtasar Al-Quduri by Imam Al-Quduri – Maturidi
- Al-Hidayah by Imam Al-Marghinani – Maturidi
- Hashiyat Ibn Abideen by Ibn Abideen – Maturidi
These texts are the core of Hanafi law and are still used by scholars and students today.
Maliki Madhhab
- Mukhtasar Khalil by Imam Khalil Ibn Ishaq – Ash’ari
- Aqrab-ul-Masalik by Imam Ahmad Al-Dardir – Ash’ari
- Sharh-ul-Sagheer by Imam Al-Sawi – Ash’ari
- Tabiyin-ul-Masalik by Imam Al-Shinqiti – Ash’ari
The Maliki school’s trust in these scholars shows how common Ash’ari theology was among Maliki experts.
Shafi’i Madhhab
- Tuhfat-ul-Muhtaj by Imam Ibn Hajar Al-Haytami – Ash’ari
- Nihayat-ul-Muhtaj by Imam Al-Ramli – Ash’ari
- Mughni-ul-Muhtaj by Imam Al-Sharbini – Ash’ari
- The Majmoo’ by Imam Al-Nawawi – Ash’ari
These are some of the most respected Shafi’i scholars. This proves that Ash’ari and Maturidi beliefs were standard in the scholarly tradition.
The Problem with Rejecting Ashari and Maturidi Scholars
Some people today claim that the Ash’ari and Maturidi schools are wrong. They dismiss their views as mistakes. But this view goes against the very scholars Muslims rely on for understanding Islamic law. It makes no sense to accept their rulings on Fiqh while rejecting their beliefs.
The scholars who wrote the most trusted Fiqh texts were experts in Islamic law and followed either the Ash’ari or Maturidi school of Aqeedah. If their understanding of Aqeedah was wrong, we would have to doubt all their other Islamic knowledge too. Yet scholars worldwide still study and use their works. This shows that their theology matched the teachings of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama’ah.
Major Schools and Their Theological Roots
Many of the world’s famous Islamic schools follow the Ash’ari and Maturidi traditions. For example:
- Al-Azhar University (Egypt) – One of the oldest and most respected centers for Islamic learning. It teaches mainly Ash’ari Aqeedah.
- Darul Uloom Deoband (India/Pakistan) – A major school following Hanafi law and Maturidi theology.
These schools have produced many scholars who carry on the legacy of traditional Islamic learning. This strengthens the role of Ash’ari and Maturidi theology in preserving Islamic beliefs.
Conclusion
The scholars of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama’ah have preserved Islamic theology. Most of these scholars followed either the Ash’ari or Maturidi school of Aqeedah. Their works form the base of Islamic law, theology, and scholarly tradition. It is not logical to claim these scholars misunderstood basic aspects of Aqeedah while correctly explaining Islamic law. This view ignores centuries of careful scholarly work.
Accepting these theological traditions is not just a personal choice. It means recognizing the scholarly agreement that has protected the beliefs of the Ummah. As Muslims, we should approach religious knowledge with humility. We should respect the experts who devoted their lives to preserving the correct understanding of Islam. The Ash’ari and Maturidi schools are not just opinions. They are the standard that the majority of the Ummah has relied on for generations. They ensure that the true message of Islam stays intact.
