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| Author | Abu Mansur Al-Baghdadi |
|---|---|
| Language | Arabic |
| Subject | Aqidah |
Publication date | ~1037 CE |
| Pages | 366 |
Al-Farq bayn al-Firaq is a book by theShafi'i scholarAbu Mansur al-Baghdadi (d. 1037 CE) outlining the doctrinal positions of various sects and schisms in Islam.[1] Written as an explanation of thehadith regarding the division of the Muslimummah into 73 sects, the book explains the hadith, lays out the various beliefs of 72 "misguided" sects and ends by explaining the beliefs of OrthodoxSunni Islam, according to the author, in 15 points.[1] The book also outlines the doctrinal positions of sects which are not deemed to be included under the hadith.[1]
Abu Mansur lists 3 narrations of the hadith. Regarding the first he writes, after listing his chain of narrators toAbu Hurairah,Muhammad said:[1]
The Jews are divided into 71 sects, and the Christians are divided into 72 sects and my people will be divided into 73 sects.
This part of the book is split into 8 sections and is divided as follows:[1]
A number of sects are outlined under each section.[1]
The book ends by explaining the beliefs of OrthodoxSunni Islam in 15 points. These points span several subjects.[1]
Abu Mansur writes that the Orthodox sect confirms, "realities and knowledge, particularly and generally." He also write that it confirms the knowledge regarding the creation of the Universe, its atoms and accidents, i.e. God is the creator of both.[2]
Abu Mansur outlines the various beliefs of the Orthodox sect regarding God.[2]
Abu Mansur outlines the position of the Orthodox sect regarding the veracity of Prophethood and its attributes. He also outlines the distinction between Prophets and Messengers.[2]
Abu Mansur outlines various points he believed the Muslimummah agreed upon.[2]
Abu Mansur outlines various events the Orthodox sect confirmed will happen in the future, such as the everlastingness of Paradise and Hell.[2]
Abu Mansur outlines the position of the Orthodox sect regarding theFirst Fitna.[2] He writes,
They confirm the [Caliphate] ofAbu Bakr the Righteous after the Prophet... They affirm the loyalty ofUthman and they steer clear of anyone who calls him an infidel. They recognize the Caliphate of Ali in its time. They judge 'Ali right in his wars... and they assert thatTalha andal-Zubair repented and withdrew from warfare against 'Ali... RegardingSiffin they rule that the right was on the side of 'Ali, whileMu'awiya and his supporters were in the wrong due to an error in their interpretation and they did not disbelieve due to their error.
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