Imam Al-Shafi'i's Endeavors in Advocating Monotheism

Abstract

This study aims to highlight the efforts of Imam Al-Shafi'i in advocating and calling for monotheism, while rejecting invented heresies, elucidating his warnings against means leading to polytheism and his emphasis on the authority of the Sunnah and the necessity of adhering to it. The inductive approach was employed by examining Imam Al-Shafi'i's works on prominent Sunni scholars such as Al-Bayhaqi and Ibn Abi Hatim Al-Raazi, among others. The study focuses on Imam Al-Shafi'i's endeavors in advocating monotheism, warning against means of polytheism, warning against invented heresies, debates with heretics, and his clarification of the necessity of following the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH). The study key findings revealed that Imam Al-Shafi'i adhered to the creed of the righteous predecessors: Companions and their followers. It was revealed that Imam Al-Shafi'I was diligent in advocating monotheism, warning against anything contrary to it, such as polytheism, invented heresies and their proponents. He emphasized that adhering to the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) was an essential aspect of faith in the Prophet (PBUH). It was concluded that Al-Shafi'i was stern in his denunciation of those who opposed this principle.