Author Profile

Dr. Joshua Moore is a distinguished scholar of comparative religion and an acclaimed authority on classical Islamic thought, currently serving as a Senior Professor of Islamic Studies and Near Eastern Civilizations. With over two decades of rigorous academic research, field studies across the Middle East and North Africa, and an extensive background in classical Arabic philology, Dr. Moore has dedicated his career to bridging the historical traditions of Islamic thought with contemporary theological discourse. His unparalleled expertise culminates in the seminal work, the Handbook of Islamic Theology, which stands as a definitive guide for scholars, students, and theologians worldwide. Dr. Moore’s academic foundation is rooted in a profound mastery of text and tradition. He earned his Ph.D. in Islamic Studies from Oxford University, specializing in the development of early Islamic scholastic theology (Kalam) and jurisprudence (Fiqh). Prior to his doctoral work, he completed his dual Master’s degrees in Middle Eastern Studies and Classical Philology, allowing him to engage directly with foundational medieval manuscripts in their original languages. Over the years, his field research has taken him from the historic libraries of Cairo and Istanbul to the academic circles of Fez and Amman, establishing him as a deeply respected voice within the international Islamic studies community. What sets Dr. Moore apart as the definitive voice behind the Handbook of Islamic Theology is his rare ability to synthesize complex, centuries-old debates into accessible, precise, and profound theological frameworks. His analytical approach does not merely catalog historical events; instead, it untangles the intricate evolutions of major schools of thought—including the Ash'arite, Maturidite, and Mu'tazilite traditions—and examines how they continue to shape modern Islamic philosophy and worldview. His previous publications on Islamic epistemology and divine justice have been widely praised for their meticulous textual fidelity and objective, nuanced scholarship.

About The Book

Handbook of Islamic Theology stands as the definitive, most comprehensive assessment of Islamic intellectual history. It uncovers a dynamic world of speculative reasoning (kalām), intense polemics, and cross-cultural exchanges that shaped global philosophy. For scholars, researchers, and advanced students, the handbook serves as both an authoritative reference architecture and an active intellectual map, pointing toward new, unexplored horizons in Islamic studies. The volume is meticulously organized in a diachronic (historical progression) order, capturing the fluid evolution of Islamic thought from its earliest foundational cracks to its modern manifestations. The Formative and Early Middle Periods charts the emergence of initial theological factions, meticulously analyzing the friction and shared frameworks between early rationalist movements (like the Muʿtazilites) and scripturalist/traditionalist strands (such as the Ẓāhirīs and the early precursors to the Ashʿarī and Māturīdī schools). Rather than viewing schools of thought in isolation, this book presents specialized case studies demonstrating how distinct theological doctrines developed precisely because of fierce, polemical rivalries. It shows that Islamic theology was never static; it was forged in the heat of debate. This text highlights the brilliant, growing amalgamation of classical theology with Peripatetic and Illuminationist philosophy, as well as mystical (Sufi) theological thought. It follows the geographic dispersion of these ideas, including crucial intellectual revivals in regions like Mughal India. It tracks how political and social realities shaped dogma, concluding with assessments of the shifts leading up to the modern era.

Table of Contents

Preface
Chapter 1. Foundations of Islamic Theological Thought
Islamic Theology Defined by Divine Revelation and Reason
Quran as Divine Revelation
Vision of Allah in the Afterlife
Theological Methodology and Sources
Chapter 2. Concept of Tawhid Oneness of God
Tawhid Defined as Foundational Islamic Doctrine
Tawhid and Divine Unity of Action
Tawhid and Purification of Intention
Chapter 3. Divine Attributes in Islamic Belief
Divine Attributes in Islamic Theology
Attributes of Power and Will
Anthropomorphic Verses and their Interpretation
Contemporary Discussions on Divine Attributes
Chapter 4. Prophethood and Messengers Role
Linguistic and Theological Meaning of Prophethood
Universality of Prophetic Mission
Miracles Granted to Prophets
Finality of Prophethood in Muhammad PBUH
Role of Prophets in Purifying and Teaching
Seal of Prophethood and its Significance
Role of Prophets in Warning against Disbelief
Intercession of Prophets on the Day of Judgment
Chapter 5. Revelation and Scripture Authority
Revelation as Foundational Source in Islamic Theology
Prophethood and Transmission of Revelation
Revelation and Eschatological Realities
Revelation and Divine Justice
Chapter 6. Angels and their Functions
Nature and Creation of Angels
Archangels and their Primary Functions
Number of Angels
Angels and Human Free Will
Angels and Divine Transcendence
Angels and Worship
Angels and Animals
Angels and the Purpose of Creation
Chapter 7. Day of Judgment Eschatology
Reality of Death and the Intermediate State of Barzakh
Major Signs Preceding the Day of Judgment
Intercession and Divine Mercy on the Day of Judgment
Quranic Purposes of Eschatological Descriptions
Justice of God in Final Judgment
Certainty of Death and Urgency of Preparation
Chapter 8. Predestination and Free Will Debate
Theological Significance of Predestination and Free Will in Islam
Divine Decree and Human Responsibility in Traditionalist Thought
Predestination and Divine Attributes in Theological Discourse
Predestination and Moral Responsibility in Islamic Law
Divine Decree and Human Supplication or Dua
Question of Taklif or Moral Obligation
Chapter 9. Ash’ari Theological School
Abu al-Hasan al-Ash’ari: Life and Intellectual Development
Divine Transcendence and Anthropomorphic Descriptions
Status of Grave Sinners
Al-Ghazali’s Synthesis of Theology, Philosophy, and Sufism
Ash’ari Methodology in Contemporary Context
Ash’ari Theology and Environmental Ethics
Ash’ari Theology and Intra-Muslim Relations
Chapter 10. Maturidi School of Theology
Abu Mansur al-Maturidi Life and Intellectual Context
Maturidi Position on Divine Attributes
Maturidi Position on Eschatological Questions
Maturidi School and Creedal Formulations
Maturidi School and Modern Challenges to Faith
Maturidi School and Modern Reform Movements
Chapter 11. Mu’tazila Rationalist Approach
Divine Unity as Foundational Principle
Human Capacity and the Creation of Actions
Nature of Faith and its Definition
Chapter 12. Athari Creed Traditionalist View
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal and Traditionalist Legacy
Salaf and Primacy of Early Generations
Refutation of Rationalist Theology and Kalam
Athari Critique of Philosophical Influences
Chapter 13. Shia Theological Perspectives
Doctrine of Tawhid in Shia Thought
Shia Approaches to Quranic Interpretation
Shia Theology on Good and Evil
Chapter 14. Sufi Contributions to Theology
Relationship between Sufism and Mainstream Theology
Concept of Wilayah and the Hierarchy of Saints
Relationship between Shariah and Haqiqah
Contributions of Sufi Theologians to Islamic Thought
Concept of Spiritual Poverty
Relationship between Sufi Theology and other Islamic Sciences
Chapter 15. Faith Iman Components Explained
Six Pillars of Faith Explained
Belief in Scriptures and Divine Revelation
Faith in the Unseen as Core Attribute
Faith and Gratitude Connection
Chapter 16. Sin Major and Minor Categories
Concept of Sin in Islamic Theology
Factors that Elevate Minor Sins
Relationship between Major and Minor Sins
Repentance and its Conditions
Sins and their Effects on the Soul
Sins and Divine Justice
Sins and the Human Condition
Sins and the Concept of Mahabbah
Sins and the Concept of Dua
Bibliography
Index