Muslim Understanding of other Religions

The present work is the first in the series entitled Comparative Religion that we are launching with a view to highlight the ideas of Muslim scholars in their effort to understand other religions. This volume is devoted to the study of Kitab al Fasl fi al-Milal wa al-Ahwa wa al-Nihal, a monumental work in the field of comparative religion by Ibn Hazm. Ibn Hazm distinguished himself for his contributions to poetry and belles letters, to law and jurisprudence, to theology, sirah and history, and last, but not the least, to comparative Religion.  Aasi has produced a work of major significance in a relatively virgin field-Muslim contribution to comparative Religion. This book brings to light a great deal regarding the Muslim attitude(s) towards other religions. It also brings into sharp relief the serious and painstaking efforts of Muslim scholars to systematically study the religious traditions of others, the significance of Ibn Hazm as a pioneering figure in Comparative Religion, and his lasting impact on the development of that discipline.  One of the major contributions of Ibn Hazm was that he developed canons for a proper and critical study of religions. He not only spelled out these canons of criticism but also extensively used them in his study of other religions. What could be a better tribute to the greatness of Ibn Hazm as a Comparative Religionist than the fact that the critique of Christianity up until some seven centuries after him virtually remained confined to the points which he had raised.