Fakhr Al-Din Al-Razi

Biography of Philosopher Fakhr Al-Din Al- Razi

Full Name: Fakhr al-Din Muhammad ibn Umar al-Razi Birthplace: Ray, Khorasan, Seljuk Empire (present-day Iran)

Birth Date: 1149 CE

Death Date: 1209 CE

Death Place: Herat, Khwarezmian Empire (present-day Afghanistan)

Early Life :

Fakhr al-Din al-Razi, often referred to simply as Al-Razi, was born in the city of Ray, located in the region of Khorasan in the Seljuk Empire (present-day Iran) in 1149 CE. He received an extensive and rigorous education in Islamic theology, jurisprudence (fiqh), philosophy, and the sciences. His early studies were influenced by prominent scholars of his time.

Personal Life: 

He was a devout Muslim and a highly dedicated scholar who made significant contributions to Islamic theology, philosophy, and intellectual thought.

Written Books:

Al-Razi was a prolific writer, and his works span various fields of Islamic scholarship. Some of his notable books include:

Al-Mahsul (The Summary): A comprehensive theological work that addresses various issues related to Islamic creed, including the attributes of God and the nature of prophethood.

Kitab al-Asas (The Grounds): A philosophical and theological work that explores concepts such as causality, substance, and the nature of God.

Al-Mabahith al-Mashriqiyya (Eastern Studies): A collection of philosophical and theological essays covering a wide range of topics, including metaphysics, ethics, and epistemology.

Kitab al-Zamakhshari (The Book of Zamakhshari): A critique of the theology of the famous Islamic scholar Al-Zamakhshari, highlighting Al-Razi's own theological perspective.

Legacy: Fakhr al-Din al-Razi's legacy is notable for several reasons:

Theological Influence: His theological writings, particularly "Al-Mahsul," played a significant role in the development of Ash'ari theology, one of the dominant theological schools in Sunni Islam.

Philosophical Contributions: Al-Razi made important contributions to Islamic philosophy, engaging with various philosophical issues and synthesizing Greek philosophical thought with Islamic theology.

Critical Thought: He was known for his critical and analytical approach to theological and philosophical questions, which influenced later Islamic scholars and philosophers.

Interfaith Dialogue: Al-Razi engaged in dialogues with scholars from other religious traditions, including Christians and Jews, contributing to interfaith discussions during his time.

Death: Fakhr al-Din al-Razi passed away in 1209 CE in Herat, which was part of the Khwarezmian Empire (present-day Afghanistan). His works continued to be studied and influential in Islamic theology and philosophy long after his death. His critical thinking and intellectual contributions left a lasting mark on Islamic scholarship and continue to be a subject of study and debate in contemporary Islamic philosophy and theology.