Ibn Kathir some aspects

Abstract

The study purposes to review and analyse the subject. Its object is: (a) to examine Ibn Kathir's role in scholastic theology and his position among the theologians, (b) to provide the reader with the information extant in the 14th century about an essential branch of Muslim scholarship, (c) to stimulate further interest in scholastic theology and Qur'anic exegesis. The first chapter contains the history of the development of tafsir and scholastic theology. Chapter two includes the salient features of the biographical details of Ibn Kathir's life and a list of his works. Chapter three is concerned with the doctrine of God, the starting point in Muslim theology. God has two aspects: His essence and His attributes. God's essence is interpreted as light which signifies His close relation to man's spiritual and physical needs. God is Transcendental, Unique, Eternal, Omnipresent Omniscient and Omnipotent. He is everlastingly Unique in His essence and His attributes. God is Living, Powerful, Wilier, Speaker, Hearer, and Seer. But. all His attributes are different from man's. God's attributes of action embrace and encompass mercy. God's creation, Guidance, and provision of food are the manifestations of His mercy. Chapter four deals with the existence of angels who play the significant role of mediator between God and man, for the betterment of mankind. Chapter five examines belief in the Prophets. They are chose: men of God. They are endowed with extra-ordinary qualities. By virtue of their endowed qualities they receive revelation and perform miracles. They possess infallible character. Chapter six involves the study of the Scriptures. These were revealed to the Prophets. The last scripture is the Qur'an revealed to the last Prophet, Muhammad. In chapter seven we find that Predestination is of two kinds: (a) Mubram (settled or confirmed) (b) Mua llaq (suspended). The former is for all creatures whereas the latter is especially meant for man. It provides some freedom to man if he works according to God's laws. The limit of this freedom has not been explored. Chapter eight deals with the Hereafter. It is found that there is a resemblance in the present life, the barzakh, and life after resurrection with regard to pleasures and pains of body and soul. But the methods of reward and retribution are slightly different. Last of all comes life in Paradise and Hell which is described in metaphors. Paradise is assumed to be perfect life, having no signs of worldly sensual pleasure.