Theology in Thirty-Six Dialogues (and Sixty Lessons) : A Cultural Translation of Abu Yusr Al-Pazdawi's Kitab Usul Al-Din

Late in the 11th century, renowned Hanafi scholar Abu Yusr al-Pazdawi wrote a theological treatise that became one of the most celebrated books in Muslim history.This book is the first English translation of that manuscript, Kitab Usul al-Din. Written in a highly accessible style, Kitab Usul al-Din introduces readers to theology through conversations on some of the most important theological issues in history: Why did God create us?Where do we go when we die? What makes someone a good person? Does God love us? Al-Pazdawi situates central issues in Islamic thought within a series of dialogues and debates, and challenges readers to draw their own conclusions.Presented here for the first time in English, Theology in Thirty-Six Dialogues (and Sixty Lessons) offers al-Pazdawi’s text as a foundational introduction to Islamic theology for English speakers.Islamic studies professor Rumee Ahmed begins each dialogue with brief contextualizing notes that familiarize readers with the topics under discussion.Staying true to al-Pazdawi’s call-and-response style, Ahmed’s translation is presented as a series of acts and Socratic dialogues that preserve the performative nature of the original and engage the reader in a dynamic way. Putting forth a reflective and unprecedented translation, this book invites readers of all backgrounds to engage with the most vital issues in Islamic thought.