Early Muslim Polemic against Christianity
Abu Isa al-Warraq's 'Against the Incarnation'

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

David Thomas (Edited and translated by)

9780521811323, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 29 August 2002

328 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 2.2 cm, 0.65 kg

'… 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

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.

Introduction
1. Christians and Muslims
2. Abu 'Isa al-Warraq and the study of religions
3. The doctrine of the Incarnation in the time of Abu 'Isa
4. Abu 'Isa's refutation of the Incarnation
Al-Radd 'Ala Al-`Ittihad: Al-Juz' Al-Thani Min Kitab Al-Radd 'Ala Al-`Thalath Firaq Min Al-Nasara: The Refutation of the Uniting: The second part of the refutation of the three Christian sects
Concluding arguments against the three denominations.

Subject Areas: Islam [HRH]