ON THE PROBABILITY OF THE CREATION OF THE IBN TAYMIYYA SCHOOL OF OTTOMAN THOUGHT VIA BIRGIWI MEHMED EFENDI - A Critical Approach -

Abstract

Ottoman religious thought is divided into two essential schools named after Fakhr al-Din al-Razi and Ibn Taymiyya. The Fakhr al-Din al-Razi School is identified with Maturidism, whereas Ottoman scholar Birgiwi Mehmed Efendi (929-981/1523-1573) is considered a disciple of the Ibn Taymiyya School. Birgiwi's madhhab is often described as Salafi, Hanbali, Ash'ari, or Maturidi. This study assesses such claims using evidence from the sources whose attribution to Birgiwi is indisputable. An analysis of Birgiwi's works clearly shows that he is a member of the Maturidi School. Nevertheless, the study reveals the necessity of reviewing certain classifications, denominations, and generalizations. Based on Birgiwi's extant works, this paper makes several objections to his being considered a representative or member of the Ibn Taymiyya School and demonstrates that Birgiwi is completely aligned with Maturidi with regard to theological issues.