On the probability of the creation of the ibn taymiyya school of ottoman thought via birgiwī mehmed efendī: A Critical Approach

Abstract

Ottoman religious thought is divided into two essential schools named after Fakhr al-Dīn al-Rāzī and Ibn Taymiyya. The Fakhr al-Dīn al-Rāzī School is identified with Māturīdism, whereas Ottoman scholar Birgiwī Mehmed Efendī (929-981/1523-1573) is considered a disciple of the Ibn Taymiyya School. Birgiwī's madhhab is often described as Salafī, Hanbalī, Ash'arī, or Māturīdī. This study assesses such claims using evidence from the sources whose attribution to Birgiwī is indisputable. An analysis of Birgiwī's works clearly shows that he is a member of the Māturīdī School. Nevertheless, the study reveals the necessity of reviewing certain classifications, denominations, and generalizations. Based on Birgiwī's extant works, this paper makes several objections to his being considered a representative or member of the Ibn Taymiyya School and demonstrates that Birgiwī is completely aligned with Māturīdī with regard to theological issues.