Jurnal Studi Sosial Keagamaan Syekh Nurjati
Vol 6 No 1 (2026)

Human Acts in Ḍirār’s Theology: Continuous Divine Creation and Human Responsibility

Azad Raouf Qazaz (Faculty of Arts, KU Leuven, Belgium)



Article Info

Publish Date
21 Jul 2026

Abstract

Purpose ̶ This article examines Ḍirār b. ʿAmr’s (d. c. 193/809) doctrine of khalq afʿāl al-insān (the createdness of human acts) and its relationship to divine omnipotence, human moral responsibility, and tawḥīd. Although Ḍirār is recognized as one of the formative theologians of early kalām, his theology has largely been reconstructed from later heresiographical sources because his own writings were long considered lost. Design/methods/approach ̶ Drawing on the recently rediscovered Kitāb al-Taḥrīsh (The Book of Provoking), together with reports preserved by later theologians, this study reconstructs his theology through a comparative analysis of the surviving primary sources and their later reception. Findings ̶ It examines al-istiṭāʿa (ability), kasb (acquisition), causality, perception (idrāk), and the createdness of the Qurʾān as interconnected elements of a unified theological system. It argues that these doctrines form an integrated theological architecture grounded in God’s continuous creative activity. Conclusion ̶ Accordingly, God alone is the Creator of all acts, while human beings acquire moral responsibility through kasb. Research Implication ̶ By reconstructing Ḍirār’s theology in this way, the article offers a new framework for understanding his thought and contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the formative development of early Islamic kalām.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

sejati

Publisher

Subject

Religion Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences

Description

Syekh Nurjati: Jurnal Studi Sosial Keagamaan is a scientific journal that focuses on the publication of research results in field studies on sociology, anthropology, history, mysticism, Sufism, theology, and other topics are offered. Syekh Nurjati: Jurnal Studi Sosial Keagamaan contains articles ...