Takfir in the Theological Thoughts of Abu al-Thana al-Alusi, Based on a Comparative Study of His Approach to Salafi Thoughts

Jihadi Salafi’s unique definition of the concept of "Takfir"(accusing others of unbelief) and the attempts to spread it are rooted in the limited conceptual understanding of "faith", "unbelief" and the issues relating to them. One of the major efforts of Salafis efforts to reinforce their extreme views is attributing their ideas to great Sunni scholars, such as Abu al-Thana’ al-Alusi. However, when we compare Alusi’s ideology about “Takfir” with that of Salafism, we find that there is a basic contradiction between the two. Contrary to Salafism, Alusi, like Asharite theological school defines "faith" as "the very assent (tasdiq)" and attributes the strength and weakness of faith to assent. Expressing his determined opposition to the Salafi movement, he denies the particularity of action in the realization of the principle of faith and considers the marginality of action in the concept of "faith" as the very belief to which early pious Muslims adhered. He strongly criticizes the innumerable instances of "Takfir" among Sunni scholars and tries by citing evidence from the Quran, to point out the Takfiri interpretations presented by the Salafis. In order to confirm his hardline stance against Takfiri approach, Alusi establishes the principle of " using ignorance as an excuse " and "hermeneutics" while highlighting its conditions and legal impediments. Making a distinction between the type of "certain" Takfir and "absolute" Takfir and dividing "unbelief" into two kinds: "doctrinal" and "practical" are other examples of Alusi’s disagreement with Salafism about framing the concept of "Takfir". The present paper seeks to expound this subject and uses a descriptive- analytical method.