Explain anachronisms (e.g., “Sumaniyya” = Buddhists), theological biases, and comparisons with modern scholarship.
What makes Al-Milal wa al-Nihal unique is Shahrastani's "neutral" methodology. While he was a committed Ash'ari theologian, he famously stated his intent to record the views of different sects exactly as they described them. This commitment to accuracy makes his work a primary source for groups that no longer exist today.
Explain anachronisms (e.g., “Sumaniyya” = Buddhists), theological biases, and comparisons with modern scholarship.
What makes Al-Milal wa al-Nihal unique is Shahrastani's "neutral" methodology. While he was a committed Ash'ari theologian, he famously stated his intent to record the views of different sects exactly as they described them. This commitment to accuracy makes his work a primary source for groups that no longer exist today. al-milal wa al-nihal english pdf
