The introduction of Greek philosophy into the Muslim world left an indelible mark on Islamic intellectual history. Philosophical discourse became a constant element in even traditionalist Islamic sciences. However, Aristotelian metaphysics gave rise to doctrines about God and the universe that were found highly objectionable by a number of Muslim theologians, among whom the fourteenth-century scholar Ibn Taymiyya stood foremost. Ibn Taymiyya, one of the greatest and most prolific thinkers in medieval Islam, held Greek logic responsible for the 'heretical' metaphysical conclusions reached by Islamic philosophers, theologians, mystics, and others. He therefore set out to refute philosophical logic, a task which culminated in one of the most devastating attacks ever levelled against the logical system upheld by the early Greeks, the later commentators, and their Muslim followers. His argument is grounded in an empirical approach that in many respects prefigures the philosophies of the British empiricists. Professor Hallaq's translation, with a substantial introduction and extensive notes, makes this important work available to a wider audience for the first time.

Wael B. Hallaq's profile page

Wael B. Hallaq is at McGill University.

'This work, Professor Hallaq's most recent, is almost unique to modern studies of Ibn Taymiyah and for this readon deserves our attention. Hallaq has proved an enormously capable writer in his field. ... His profound grasp of the discussions in medieval Arabic works on logic is evident here and in that regard it is an important book.' Mamluk Studies Review, 1, 1997

'A major survey of Ibn Taymiyyah and logic ... Hallaq'a volume is the ideal introduction to the whole field of Ibn Taymiyyah, logic and the philosophers ... a fluent, scholarly and well-organised translation ... a fresh and attractive addition to the growing corpus of literature on Islamic logic and its complexities.' Journal of Semitic Studies

'Hallaq has performed a valuable service in carrying out this translation...he has produced a clear, judicious and attractive version...This is in every way an excellent book. Hallaq has written what will surely be the standard work in the area for some time to come.' Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies.

'It is to the credit of Professor Wael B. Hallaq ... to have provided the English-speaking public with such a competent and readable translation of a key text of Islamic civilization. That the work carries the insignia of Clarendon Press, Oxford is a further testimony of its enduring value. Apart from students of Muslim thought, specialists in philosophies and historians of logic are sure to benefit from this sterling effort. Indeed, it should prove to be of equal interest to all the critics, Muslims or otherwise, of modern science.' S. Parvez Manzoor, Muslim World Book Review 15, no. 2, 1995