Early Muslim Polemic against Christianity

Abu Isa al-Warraq's 'Against the Incarnation'

David Thomas editor

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Cambridge University Press

Published:29th Aug '02

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Early Muslim Polemic against Christianity cover

A 2002 edition of the refutation of the doctrine of Incarnation by the ninth-century Muslim theologian, Abu 'Isa al-Warraq.

The Muslim thinker, Abu 'Isa al-Warraq, lived in ninth-century Baghdad. He is remembered for his extensive knowledge of non-Muslim religious communities and his unorthodox views on Islam itself. This 2002 book represents an edition and translation of Abu 'Isa's Against the Incarnation, the second and last part of his Refutation of the Three Christian Denominations. It is edited and translated by David Thomas and contains the Arabic text alongside the English translation, together with explanatory notes. Dr Thomas' full introduction outlines the pluralist and multifaith society of medieval Baghdad, and places Abu 'Isa in the context of both Muslim theological argument and Christian-Muslim discussions. In this way it demonstrates the author's originality and his influence on later Muslim authors. The book will serve as a companion to the editor's earlier volume, Anti-Christian Polemic in Early Islam: Abu 'Isa al-Warraq's 'Against the Trinity' which was published in 1992.

'… a fine companion piece to his 1992 work, Antichristian Polemic in Early Islam …'. Islalmica
'… one applauds the evident scholarship that has given the work a new lease of life on its own.' Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations
'… there is much to be gained from Thomas' careful work. It provides the reader with both a greater appreciation of the essence of Islamic kalam and the Islamic theological critique of Christianity.' Journal of the American Oriental Society

ISBN: 9780521811323

Dimensions: 229mm x 152mm x 22mm

Weight: 650g

328 pages