The Use of Terminology in Ibn Taymiyyah’s Theological Refutations: A Linguistic Approach

Abstract

This study investigates the role of terminology as a linguistic construct in resolving theological (ʿaqīdah) disputes, with a focus on the methodological framework developed by Ibn Taymiyyah. It argues that terminological

clarity is essential for the coherence of scholarly disciplines, while ambiguity often leads to intellectual and doctrinal error. Ibn Taymiyyah

formulated explicit criteria—most notably necessity and semantic validity—for evaluating the proper use of terms, and applied them systematically in his critiques of philosophers and speculative theologians (mutakallimūn). Through his analysis of terms such as al-murakkab (the

composite), al-munqasim (the divisible), and al-iftiqār (dependence), he demonstrated their correct linguistic meanings and exposed how his opponents’ adoption of novel, technical definitions detached from their original usage formed the basis of their arguments for negating the divine attributes. from their original lexical roots—were used to construct invalid arguments against the divine attributes.