Scripturalist Islam: The History and Doctrines of the Akhbārī Shīʿī School

This book is the first in-depth study of the intellectual development and historical influence of the Akhbārī School.

The Akhbārī School dominated the intellectual landscape of Imāmī Shiʿism between the Seventeenth and early Nineteenth Centuries. Its principal doctrines involved a reliance on scripture (primarily the sayings or akhbār of the Shiʿite Imams) and a rejection of the rational exegetical techniques which had become orthodox doctrine in Imāmī theology and law. However, the Akhbārīs were not simple literalists, as they are at times portrayed in secondary literature. They developed a complex theory of exegesis in which texts could be interpreted, whilst at the same time remaining doggedly committed to the ability of the revelatory texts to provide answers to theological and legal questions arising within the Shīʿī community. This book is the first in-depth study of the intellectual development and historical influence of the Akhbārī School.

About the Author

Robert Gleave is Professor of Arabic Studies and Principal Investigator on the Law, Authority and Learning in Imami Shi’ite Islam. He is a member of the Centre for the Study of Islam (CSI), and was its director from 2011 until 2018. The CSI organises regular seminars and workshops, bringing together staff, researchers and students studying topics related to Islam. His research interests include Islamic legal theory, particularly legal hermeneutics, and the history of Shi’ite legal thought and institutions. Click here to see his principal publications. His Project Administrator and PA is Ms Sarah Wood.

Bibliographic Information

Title: Scripturalist Islam: The History and Doctrines of the Akhbārī Shīʿī School

Author: Robert Gleave

Publisher: Brill

 Language: English

Length: 344 pages

ISBN: 978-90-47-42162-7

Pub. Date: 30 Oct 2007

Scripturalist Islam The History and Doctrines of the Akhbārī Shīʿī School