English Pdf: Al-milal Wa Al-nihal
Title: A Cartographer of Belief: A Review of Al-Milal wa al-Nihal (English Editions)
Author: Muhammad ibn 'Abd al-Karim al-Shahrastani (d. 1153 CE) Subject: Comparative Religion and Islamic Heresiology Availability: Available in English PDF format primarily via the landmark 2-volume translation by A.K. Kazi and J.G. Flynn.
For modern researchers, the work remains a vital primary source for understanding the intellectual landscape of the medieval Islamic world. al-milal wa al-nihal english pdf
- The Sects (within Islam): It details the history and doctrines of the Kharijites, Shi’ites, Murji'ites, and Mu'tazilites. It traces their splits, sub-sects, and the specific theological arguments that led to their divergence from Sunni orthodoxy.
- The Religions (non-Islamic): This is perhaps the most fascinating section for modern readers. It chronicles the "People of the Book" and beyond, covering Jews, Christians, Zoroastrians, Sabians, and even "Star-Worshippers" and ancient philosophers.
Al-Milal: This section covers the "religions" or those who possess a revealed scripture (such as Muslims, Jews, and Christians) as well as those who have "quasi-scriptures" (like Zoroastrians). Title: A Cartographer of Belief: A Review of