Introduction
Among the vast ocean of Islamic jurisprudence and theology, few works stand as tall or as influential as Majmu' al-Fatawa by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (1263–1328 CE). This encyclopedic collection of fatwas (Islamic legal rulings) and scholarly writings reflects the intellectual depth and reformist vigor of one of Islam’s most controversial and impactful thinkers. Spanning over 35 volumes, Majmu' al-Fatawa covers an extraordinary range of topics—jurisprudence (fiqh), creed (aqidah), philosophy, logic, politics, mysticism, and social issues.
This article explores the background of the work, its structure and themes, and its continuing relevance in contemporary Islamic discourse.
Who Was Ibn Taymiyyah?
Born in Harran (modern-day Turkey) and later based in Damascus, Ahmad ibn Abd al-Halim ibn Taymiyyah lived during a period of major upheaval. The Muslim world was reeling from the Mongol invasions, the fall of the Abbasid Caliphate, and growing internal division between various theological and legal schools.
Ibn Taymiyyah was a Hanbali scholar, but he transcended traditional school boundaries. He is best known for his call to return to the Qur’an and Sunnah, his opposition to certain theological innovations (bid‘ah), and his critique of speculative philosophy and mysticism. His writings are marked by rigorous logic, deep knowledge of classical texts, and an intense desire to reform what he saw as a deviation from the original teachings of Islam.
What is Majmu' al-Fatawa?
The title Majmu‘ al-Fatawa means “The Collection of Fatwas.” However, the work is far more than just legal rulings. It is a compilation of Ibn Taymiyyah’s answers to various religious questions posed to him over his lifetime, as well as treatises he wrote on critical issues of theology, worship, governance, and more.
Origins of the Compilation
Ibn Taymiyyah himself did not compile Majmu‘ al-Fatawa in its current form. Rather, it was gathered by later scholars and students, notably during the 20th century by Abdurrahman ibn Qasim and his son Muhammad. Their 37-volume edition, often referred to simply as Majmu‘ al-Fatawa, has become the standard reference today.
Structure and Scope
Majmu‘ al-Fatawa is not organized like a conventional book but more like a thematic archive. Topics are grouped roughly, but not strictly, by subject. Each fatwa or treatise often answers a specific question and can span several pages or more.
Key Themes and Topics
Here are some of the major categories discussed:
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Theology (Aqidah)
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Extensive critique of Ash‘ari, Mu‘tazili, and Jahmi theological views.
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Defense of the attributes of Allah (sifat), emphasizing a literal but non-anthropomorphic understanding, based on the Qur’an and Sunnah.
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Affirmation of Tawhid al-Rububiyyah, Tawhid al-Uluhiyyah, and Tawhid al-Asma’ wa al-Sifat.
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Jurisprudence (Fiqh)
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Discussions on worship (ibadat) such as prayer, fasting, zakat, and hajj.
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Legal rulings on criminal law, marriage, trade, and oaths.
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Strong emphasis on the purpose and spirit of Islamic law, not just legal technicalities.
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Politics and Governance
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Clear articulation of Shariah-based governance and the responsibilities of rulers.
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Strong views against tyranny, bid‘ah, and corrupt religious authorities.
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Support for commanding the good and forbidding the evil (al-amr bil ma’ruf wal-nahy ‘an al-munkar).
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Sufism and Spirituality
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While critical of excesses in Sufism, Ibn Taymiyyah acknowledged and respected early ascetics like al-Junayd and al-Fudayl ibn ‘Iyad.
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He emphasized purification of the soul, sincerity (ikhlas), and reliance on Allah (tawakkul), but rejected esoteric practices with no basis in revelation.
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Philosophy and Logic
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Strongly refuted the use of Greek logic and speculative philosophy in theology.
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He argued for a Qur’an-and-Sunnah-centered epistemology, challenging philosophers like Avicenna (Ibn Sina) and al-Farabi.
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Interfaith Issues
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Wrote on Islam’s stance towards Christians, Jews, and other non-Muslims.
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Clarified issues of jizya, religious coexistence, and interfaith polemics.
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Innovations and Heresies
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One of his defining missions was to identify and combat what he saw as innovations (bid‘ah) in belief and practice, especially around grave worship, intercession, and exaggerated veneration of saints.
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Methodology of Ibn Taymiyyah
1. Returning to the Primary Sources
Ibn Taymiyyah always emphasized the authority of the Qur’an and authentic Hadith over later interpretations or philosophical frameworks.
2. Contextual Ijtihad
He believed in reasoned legal judgment (ijtihad) based on time, place, and circumstance, rather than blind adherence (taqlid) to the views of previous jurists.
3. Balancing Literalism and Spirit
Although he was a scripturalist, Ibn Taymiyyah wasn’t dogmatic. He aimed to harmonize textual fidelity with practical wisdom, especially in legal and social matters.
Influence and Legacy
Majmu‘ al-Fatawa has had a profound and long-lasting impact on Islamic thought, especially in the following areas:
1. Revivalist Movements
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Ibn Taymiyyah’s ideas influenced reformist scholars such as Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, who launched the Wahhabi movement in the Arabian Peninsula.
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Many 18th–20th century reformers across the Muslim world—such as Shah Waliullah, Jamal al-Din al-Afghani, and Rashid Rida—drew upon his methodology.
2. Modern Salafism
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Majmu‘ al-Fatawa is a key text for modern Salafi thinkers who advocate a return to the practices of the salaf al-salih (righteous early generations).
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It provides the intellectual foundation for Tawhid-centric theology, opposition to bid‘ah, and resistance to blind following.
3. Contemporary Scholarship
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Islamic scholars—both proponents and critics—frequently cite Majmu‘ al-Fatawa in debates about Islamic theology, politics, law, and social ethics.
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Its influence spans both traditional seminaries (madaris) and academic institutions.
Controversies and Criticism
Despite its impact, Majmu‘ al-Fatawa has not been without controversy:
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Critics argue that Ibn Taymiyyah was too harsh in his criticisms of certain scholars and schools of thought.
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His views on divine attributes were seen as anthropomorphic by Ash‘ari theologians.
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Some Sufi scholars regarded his anti-grave veneration stance as overly rigid and divisive.
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Several of his legal opinions were considered minority or isolated views, diverging from the mainstream scholarly consensus (ijma‘).
Nevertheless, even his opponents acknowledged his mastery of Islamic sciences, and many considered him a mujaddid (reviver of the faith).
Conclusion
Majmu‘ al-Fatawa stands as a monumental achievement in Islamic scholarship. It is not just a collection of legal opinions—it is a manifesto of Islamic reform, a theological encyclopedia, and a testimony to Ibn Taymiyyah’s bold, sometimes controversial, vision of Islam.
Today, more than 700 years after his death, Ibn Taymiyyah's Majmu‘ al-Fatawa continues to inspire, challenge, and provoke Muslim scholars and seekers of knowledge. Whether one agrees or disagrees with his positions, no serious student of Islamic thought can ignore this foundational work.
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