Features of the Fundamentalist Critical Approach in Imam Shawkani’s 'Leading the Wise'

Abstract

This paper aims at identifying the critical approaches features in Elm al-Usul ‘Fundamentalism’ of The Yemeni scholar Imam Al-Shawkani (May mercy of Allah be upon him) through his book lrshad al-Fuhul 'Leading the Wise', which has been written to explore the original sources of fundamentalism, knowing its points of criticism and fixating its advantages. The opening chapter of this paper highlights important points like the biography of Al-Shawkani, his critique and his testimony, and clarifies some critical examples from his instructive book on fundamentalism. The paper also states Al-Shawkani's critical remarks presented in the points under scrutiny. Through investigating these remarks, the researcher has noticed numerous positive characteristics that distinguish the critical approach of Al-Shawkani and prove to be an area of concern. Towards the end of this paper, the researcher sheds light on some negative characteristics of Al-Shawkani’s approach and urges for more investigation, survey, and reconsideration by other scholars and researchers.