International Seminar Highlights Islamic Theology and the Maturidi School of Thought

The Imam Bukhari International Scientific Research Center, in cooperation with the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), organized another international academic seminar as part of the ongoing online seminar series entitled “Central Asia – A Cradle of Islamic Culture and Art.”

The seminar brought together more than 30 participants, including representatives of IRCICA, scholars from the National University of Uzbekistan, researchers from the Imam Maturidi International Scientific Research Center, faculty members and students of the School of Hadith Studies, representatives of the Samarkand Branch of the Institute for Advanced Training and Retraining in the Religious and Educational Sphere under the Committee on Religious Affairs, and academics from the Tashkent Islamic Institute.

The event focused on the study of the rich intellectual heritage of prominent Islamic scholars, with particular emphasis on Ibrahim al-Saffar al-Bukhari, an eminent theologian who made significant contributions to the development of Islamic scholastic theology (kalam) and the Maturidi school of thought.

During the seminar, Tohir Evadullayev, a research fellow at the Imam Bukhari International Scientific Research Center, delivered a presentation entitled “The Role of Ibrahim al-Saffar al-Bukhari in the Development of Maturidi Theology.”

The discussions highlighted the growing relevance of the Maturidi theological tradition in an era marked by globalization, increasing information-related challenges, and ideological confrontation. Participants emphasized that the intellectual legacy of Maturidi scholars provides a strong foundation for developing spiritual resilience against ideological threats and theological divisions.

Reference was also made to the remarks of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who has emphasized the Maturidi tradition’s profound respect for human reason, intellectual inquiry, and tolerance. It was noted that these principles demonstrate the enduring relevance and importance of Maturidi teachings in contemporary society, just as they have throughout Islamic intellectual history.

The presentation explored the life, scholarly achievements, and intellectual legacy of Ibrahim al-Saffar al-Bukhari, a distinguished representative of the Hanafi-Maturidi theological tradition.

Particular attention was devoted to his renowned work, Talkhis al-Adilla li-Qawa’id al-Tawhid (“A Concise Presentation of the Proofs for the Principles of Divine Unity”), examining its content, methodological foundations, and significance in the development of Islamic theology.

The speaker explained that the treatise is particularly valuable for its systematic use of both rational (‘aqli) and transmitted (naqli) evidence in responding to the theological positions of various heterodox movements and sects.

The work also addresses fundamental questions of Islamic belief, including the Beautiful Names of Allah (al-Asma’ al-Husna), the concept of extraordinary spiritual gifts granted to the righteous (karamat), punishment in the grave, and questioning after death. These theological issues are examined through rigorous scholarly argumentation, reflecting the author’s profound command of Islamic doctrinal sciences.

At the conclusion of the seminar, participants acknowledged that Ibrahim al-Saffar al-Bukhari was not merely a defender of the Maturidi theological tradition but also an outstanding Muslim theologian (mutakallim) who played a vital role in preserving, systematizing, and transmitting its fundamental principles to subsequent generations.

It was particularly emphasized that his intellectual legacy remains highly significant for cultivating sound religious understanding, protecting young people from extremist and destructive ideologies, and nurturing morally responsible, intellectually mature, and spiritually well-rounded individuals.

The online seminar generated considerable interest among participants and featured a lively question-and-answer session, accompanied by constructive scholarly exchanges.

The organizers reaffirmed their commitment to continuing this series of international academic dialogues, aimed at promoting the study of Central Asia’s rich Islamic intellectual heritage and strengthening scholarly cooperation among research institutions and academic communities worldwide.

Imam Bukhari International Scientific Research Center
Press Service