A Landmark Contribution to Islamic Theology
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We are honoured to mark a moment of profound significance in the academic life of The Classical Institute.
A major scholarly monograph authored by our Founding Dean, Dr Badreldeen Ismail, has been published by De Gruyter–Brill, one of the world’s most esteemed academic publishers. Titled Al-Qushayri’s Teleological Theology, this work represents a landmark contribution to Islamic theology and intellectual history.
Though widely remembered for his Sufi legacy, Abu al-Qasim al-Qushayri (d. 465/1072) is here revisited in his full theological depth. Drawing on three core texts - al-Lumaʿ fi al-iʿtiqad, al-Fusul fi al-usul, and al-Risala - Dr Ismail’s study brings al-Qushayri’s theological voice to the forefront. Through rigorous analysis, the monograph challenges reductive interpretations of Ashʿarism and presents a compelling re-reading of al-Qushayri’s theological method as one deeply oriented around telos - purpose, meaning, and divine intentionality.
Far from being a mere transmitter of established doctrine, al-Qushayri emerges as a theological reformulator who forged a synthesis between kalam and tasawwuf. Dr Ismail demonstrates how al-Qushayri’s approach to divine attributes, human agency, and epistemology was both rooted in tradition and consciously responsive to the intellectual and spiritual concerns of his age.
This monograph thus bridges a long-standing gap between classical theology and mysticism. It invites readers to see Ashʿari kalam not as a static system, but as a dynamic and living tradition - capable of renewal, adaptation, and principled expansion. The work not only deepens our understanding of al-Qushayri himself, but also contributes to broader conversations in contemporary Islamic thought, comparative theology, and intellectual history.
Importantly, this publication is a reflection of the academic ethos of The Classical Institute. It exemplifies the kind of research we are committed to: rigorous, enduring, and grounded in the classical tradition while speaking meaningfully to our times.
We warmly invite you to read more about this major contribution via De Gruyter–Brill.