Revitalizing Classical Islamic Kalam against Postmodern Ideologies: An Epistemological Analysis of Umm al-Barahin

Abstract

Umm al-Barahin authored by Imam al- Sanusi is a highly influential theological text of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al- Jamaa’ah and serves as a principal foundation in the tradition of Islamic creed (‘aqidah) studies in the Malay World. The book employs a systematic and accessible framework of Twenty Attributes of God (Sifat al- ‘Ishrin). In this postmodern era, the Muslim community faces waves of dangerous ideologies such as atheism, agnosticism and theological confusion propagated by extremist groups (Mu’attilah), literalists (Mujassimah) and (Musyabbihah), who corporealise sifat khabariyyah of Allah SWT. This qualitative study employs a critical analysis methodology of Umm al-Barahin text which focusing on the epistemological aspects of kalam, the application of logic (al-qiyas) and the classification of rational judgements (ahkam al-‘aql). The findings demonstrate the framework of Twenty Attributes of God presented in this book provides robust theological arguments for addressing these postmodern challenges. Specifically, the conclusive affirmation of the attribute of existence (wujud) effectively refutes the doubts raised by atheists and agnostics, while the affirmation of the attribute of pre-eternity (qidam) invalidates the argument of “Naturalism” concept, which claims that universe is self-exist. Furthermore, the method of theological discourse grounded in the muhkamat (unequivocal texts) successfully safeguards Muslims from the deviations of tashbih, tajsim and ta’til. In conclusion, this study establishes that Umm al-Barahin is not merely a historical theological text but remains steadfast, relevant and significant bastion for safeguarding the creed of Muslim community against the evolving dynamics of modern ideologies.