Al-Hassani, Ismail. “The Rationale of Creedal Doctrine and the Objectives of Shariʿah in Ibn Rushd’s Discourse,” Year 10, Issues 37-38 (Summer-Fall 1425 AH/ 2004 CE), Pp. 19-52.

Abstract

Ismail al-Hassani’s article poses the question, “What is offered by traditional thought that contemporary scholars and hadith scholars are most in need of?” The utility of the question is highlighted as the article discusses the multi-faceted character and personality of Ibn Rushd (Averroes), who was versed in various disciplines including fiqh, law, philosophy, and medicine. Al-Hassani discusses how Ibn Rushd combined the characteristics of the objectivity and integrity of a judge, the scruples of a jurist, and the astuteness of a doctor. His article captures two main aspects of Ibn Rushd’s thought: that which pertains to ʿaqīdah (creedal doctrine), and that which pertains to maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah (the objectives of Shariʿah).