polemical works of 'Ali al-Tabari, The
Book Description
This scholarly collection presents the influential religious writings of Ali ibn Rabban al-Tabari, a remarkable figure whose spiritual journey took him from Christianity to Islam in ninth-century Baghdad. Originally a distinguished physician and secretary to multiple caliphs, al-Tabari underwent a profound religious transformation at age seventy, prompting him to articulate his new understanding through two significant works.
The volume includes his "Radd ala l-Nasara," where he examines and critiques his former Christian beliefs, and "Kitab al-din wa-l-dawla," in which he presents a defense of Prophet Muhammad drawing extensively from biblical sources. These texts reveal the intellectual wrestling of a learned man who spent decades in one faith tradition before embracing another, offering readers insight into the theological arguments that shaped medieval Islamic thought.
What makes this collection particularly valuable for spiritual seekers is its demonstration of how religious conviction can evolve through careful study and reflection. Al-Tabari's approach of using biblical texts to support Islamic teachings shows how different faith traditions can engage in meaningful dialogue, even through disagreement.
The extensive scholarly introductions and studies included in this edition help readers understand the historical context and lasting influence of these works on Islamic scholarship. For those interested in interfaith dialogue, religious conversion narratives, or the intellectual foundations of Islamic thought, this collection provides a window into one man's transformative spiritual journey and its broader theological implications.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Long (> 400 pages) (~14 hours)
📄 Length: 500 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Controversial literature
- ✓ Explore Islam, history
- ✓ Explore Christianity
- ✓ Explore Prophecies
- ✓ Explore Messiah
- ✓ Explore Muhammad, prophet, -632
- ✓ Explore Prophetic office
- ✓ Explore Early works to 1800
