A Comparative Study of the "Methodological Foundations" of Monotheism and Polytheism in the Theological Views of Maturidiyyah and Deobandiyyah

Deobandiyyah is a school that originated from the theological denomination of Maturidiyyah about two centuries ago. The claim of following Maturidi theology is the most important theological feature of Deobandiyyah. However, comparing theological opinions shows that Deobandiyyah took a different view on the issues of monotheism and polytheism. Some of these discrepancies go back to the different methodological foundations of the Deobandis. In response to the question of the extent of Deobandi's evolution, considered in the subject of research, it is concluded that Deobandis are more inclined to the narrative method and emphasize on such issues as prioritizing narrations over reason, delegating the meaning of God's narrative attributes to Him (instead of interpreting them as the Maturidis do) and the certainty of texts (in contrast to the skepticism of texts in Maturidiyyah's view). Some other theological views, for example the emphasis on exaltation in understanding the attributes of God, the negation of tashbih (anthropomorphism) and tatil (divesting God of His attributes) are quite similar between the Maturidis and the Deobandis in terms of methodological principles. The only difference is that the mentioned issues are summarized in Maturidiyyah and elaborated in Deobandiyyah.