The methodology of Sheikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah in evaluating those who oppose in creed

The book "The Methodology of Sheikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah in Correcting Deviations in Creed" is an applied study written by Dr. Ahmed bin Abdulrahman Al-Qadi and published by Dar Ibn Al-Jawzi. The book discusses Ibn Taymiyah's approach in responding to those who oppose in creed in a scientific and methodological manner, with a focus on justice and mercy in dealing with opponents. Sheikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah is considered a pivotal figure in the history of Islamic creed, due to his renewal of religion at the beginning of the eighth Hijri century across various Islamic sciences, especially creed. Sheikh Al-Islam lived amidst turbulent waves, with opposing religious and political leaderships, yet he was not deterred from clarifying the truth and proclaiming it through affirmation, classification, and conduct. He endured physical and spiritual harm in the cause of Allah, similar to the followers of the messengers, and he was patient and sought reward. Allah endowed him with extensive knowledge and deep understanding. This research highlights his vast knowledge and strength in truth, along with his justice in criticizing the statements of many philosophers and theologians. It shows that Sheikh Al-Islam relied in his evaluation of men and judgment of those who oppose in creed on knowledge of their conditions, good perception, and understanding of their statements, while adhering to justice, which is an intrinsic trait in religion and a high value in dealing with people. Sheikh Al-Islam applied this noble meaning in the best manner with his opponents. It also clearly demonstrated Sheikh Al-Islam's ability to distinguish between ambiguities, to equate similar things, and to differentiate between different matters, as Allah granted him a precise balance and a straight standard by which he distinguished between different statements, measuring their proximity or distance from the straight path. Allah blessed Sheikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah with a generous and tranquil soul, at peace with all his Muslim opponents. He also approached addressing the innovators with wise guidance, speaking to them kindly and peacefully, and did not seek to humiliate or insult, as Allah has disciplined His believing servants. He affirmed that the style of mockery, cursing, and shouting is invalid and does not cancel the truth. The research also shows Sheikh Al-Islam's awareness of many facts, statements, mistakes, and errors that no one is immune from. However, he viewed these within the context of their virtues and precedents, and his noble soul prompted him to seek excuses and offer explanations rather than justifications, out of concern for the rights of Muslims. The aim of this research is to make Sheikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah's methodology a good example for the people of this time, so that they do not follow their desires and thus lose trustworthiness, fall into injustice, or ignorance.