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AhmadKhan

Heresy and the Formation of Medieval Islamic Orthodoxy: The Making of Sunnism, from the Eighth to the Eleventh Century

Heresy and the Formation of Medieval Islamic Orthodoxy: The Making of Sunnism, from the Eighth to the Eleventh Century

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  • More about Heresy and the Formation of Medieval Islamic Orthodoxy: The Making of Sunnism, from the Eighth to the Eleventh Century


Medieval Sunnism was formed around the belief in the unimpeachable orthodoxy of four eponymous founders and their schools of law. This book explores the history and cultural memory of one of these founders, Abū Ḥanīfa, who evolved from being the object of religious exclusion to a pillar of Sunni orthodoxy. It demonstrates that orthodoxy and heresy were impacted by law, politics, society, and culture, and were not fixed theological categories.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 13 April 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press


Between the eighth and eleventh centuries, a significant transformation occurred within classical Sunni Islam, leading to the emergence of medieval Sunnism. This movement was centered around the belief in the unimpeachable orthodoxy of four eponymous founders and their respective schools of law. In this groundbreaking study, Ahmad Khan delves into the history and cultural memory of one of these founders, Abū Ḥanīfa. Through his exploration, Khan reveals how Abū Ḥanīfa transitioned from being the subject of intense religious exclusion to a pivotal pillar of Sunni orthodoxy.

Khan examines the concepts of orthodoxy and heresy, exploring their evolving meanings over four centuries. He demonstrates that these categories were not fixed theological constructs but rather were shaped by a multitude of factors, including law, politics, society, and culture. This book sheds light on the profound yet often overlooked transformations in Islamic social, political, and religious thought during this vibrant period.

By examining the life and teachings of Abū Ḥanīfa, Khan provides a valuable insight into the development of Sunni orthodoxy and its relationship with other religious and intellectual movements. His work contributes to our understanding of the complex and dynamic nature of Islamic thought and its enduring impact on the world.

Weight: 862g
Dimension: 158 x 237 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009098373

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