Imam Abu Mansur al-Māturīdī was a central figure in the development of Islamic theology who grounded religious belief in reason, advocated for tolerance, and promoted moderation.

His teachings emphasized the compatibility between revelation and rational thought, positioning the intellect as a key instrument in understanding divine guidance. He upheld the principle that faith must be supported by understanding rather than blind imitation. To him, human beings are morally responsible agents capable of ethical reasoning.

Al-Māturīdī, one of the greatest theologians of Sunni Islam and a native son of Samarkand, was celebrated as a paragon of rational faith, epistemic humility, and doctrinal balance. One of the most distinctive features of al-Māturīdī’s tradition is its emphasis on contextual understanding, that Islamic teachings must be understood and practiced in ways that are meaningful and relevant to the cultures and societies in which Muslims live.

This approach has historically facilitated peaceful coexistence, particularly in multi-ethnic and multi-religious environments. Guided by the al-Māturīdī’s spirit, early Muslim communities integrated respectfully within society, preserving their identity while contributing to the public good. Leaders trained in al- Māturīdī’s thought have been equipped to uphold Islamic values while respecting local customs and legal frameworks.

Why this Legacy Matters for Today and Tomorrow?

Al-Māturīdī’s living legacy centers on reason, tolerance, and integration. The al-Māturīdī’s tradition offers a timeless model of faith grounded in intellect, moderation, and coexistence, all of which are relevant for today's pluralistic and polarized world.

In a world increasingly marked by ideological conflict and cultural fragmentation, the al-Māturīdī’s tradition offers a framework that promotes unity without demanding uniformity. It enables Muslims to engage constructively with broader society while remaining true to Islamic principles.

The al-Māturīdī’s tradition provides a theological and ethical foundation for living with dignity, integrating peacefully, and contributing meaningfully to pluralistic societies. It encourages Muslims to avoid isolationism and instead participate actively and responsibly in civic life.

By emphasizing rational inquiry and rejecting literalist or reductionist interpretations of sacred texts, al-Māturīdī’s methodology safeguards religion from distortion and supports a vision of Islam consistent with human rights, peace, and justice. The future of human civilization depends on intellectual models that are both robust and inclusive.

Al-Māturīdī balance between reason and revelation provides a sustainable framework for ethical action, intercultural respect, and socially responsible development. Al-Māturīdī’s legacy is more than a historical achievement as it is a living intellectual and spiritual resource.

His rational, tolerant, and moderate approach offers essential tools for shaping ethical individuals and resilient communities in today’s interconnected world. By reviving and applying his insights, contemporary Muslim leaders, educators, and thinkers can help build a civilization rooted in truth, guided by wisdom, and committed to the common good.

Al-Māturīdī’s legacy also encourages constructive dialogue across different theological and cultural backgrounds, advocating for mutual respect and understanding over conflict. His principles helped minimize ideological polarization by promoting sincerity (ikhlāṣ), knowledge-seeking (ṭalab al-ʿilm), and a balanced worldview grounded in both spiritual and rational insights.

Samarkand Reclaims its Intellectual Glory: A Global Tribute to Imam Al-Māturīdī’s Legacy

In the heart of Central Asia, the ancient city of Samarkand recently hosted a landmark event that signaled a renewed commitment to the principles of rational theology within the Muslim world. The International Scientific and Practical Conference, titled "Maturidiyya – The Doctrine of Tolerance, Moderation, and Knowledge", gathered scholars, religious leaders, and statesmen from over 30 countries on April 29–30, 2025. 

This gathering stood out as a remarkable effort to revive and honour a theological tradition that remains deeply relevant in guiding societies toward harmony and shared values. The conference aimed to explore and celebrate the enduring legacy of Imam Abū Manṣūr al-Māturīdī (d. 333 AH / 944 CE), a seminal figure in Islamic theology whose teachings continue to resonate in contemporary discourse.

It was organized by the Government of Uzbekistan in conjunction with the 1155th anniversary of the birth of Imam Abu Mansur al-Māturīdī, whose mausoleum is located in the historic city of Samarkand. Throughout the conference and their stay in Samarkand, participants had the opportunity to contribute to the strengthening of international friendships and to elevate global cooperation to a new level.

This conference marked a resounding return of Māturīdī’s teachings to the global stage, where they are not merely preserved but re-engaged as tools for reform, unity, and intellectual revival. The conference focused on three major themes:

1. The Role of Imam al-Māturīdī and His Followers in the Development of Islamic Sciences: This theme examined the socio-religious environment of the Muslim world, particularly in the region of Transoxiana (Mawaraʾ al-Nahr) during the 9th–10th centuries. It explored the importance of preserving the purity of faith, the academic institutions of Samarkand that shaped Imam al-Māturīdī’s intellectual development, and the contributions of al-Maturidi scholars to the advancement of Islamic sciences.
2. Interpretation of Universal Human Values in the al-Māturīdīyya Doctrine: This theme analyzed values such as tolerance, moderation, and the pursuit of knowledge as embedded in the intellectual heritage of al-Māturīdī scholars and their relevance in today’s world.
3. The Significance of the Maturidiyya School of Thought in the 21st Century: This theme highlighted the contemporary relevance of al-Maturidi’s teachings, especially in offering intellectual responses to extremist ideologies that misuse religion. It emphasized the importance of rational and ethical interpretations of Islamic texts in countering radicalism.

In a powerful congratulatory address at the conference, President Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan expressed deep pride that a thinker of such caliber was born on Uzbek soil. His message, read at the opening plenary by Presidential Advisor Ruslanbek Kuroltaevish Davletov, noted:

“We are paying particular attention to the in-depth study of Imam al-Māturīdī’s multifaceted life and intellectual legacy, and the contemporary significance of his doctrine. This cooperation with international institutions and globally respected scholars is vital for a meaningful revival of Islamic scholarly tradition.”

The president’s message highlighted Uzbekistan’s state policy of enlightened Islam, blending historical reverence with contemporary relevance, a model admired by many at the conference.

Al-Māturīdī’s intellectual emergence in 10th-century Mawaraʾ al-Nahr was contextualized through rigorous presentations on his training, the schools of Samarkand, and his efforts to defend Islamic orthodoxy against distortion. Scholars traced the influence of his seminal texts, Kitāb al-Tawḥīd, Taʾwīlāt Ahl al-Sunnah, across centuries and geographies.

There was a powerful reverberation of al-Māturīdī's theology that could be felt all the way from Cairo to Kuala Lumpur.

In his keynote lecture, Shaykh Usama Azhari, Minister of Religious Endowments (Awqaf) of the Arab Republic of Egypt, stated: “Standing in the homeland of Imam al-Māturīdī, one cannot help but feel the enduring truth of his message. His legacy shows that knowledge is not confined to books—it is a path to guidance, compassion, and civilization. A millennium later, al-Māturīdī continues to guide the ummah away from destruction and toward Harmony.”

Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General of ICESCO, eloquently summarized the heart of the opening ceremony session:

“In an era of ideological confusion, the tolerance and balance of Imam Maturidi provide a moral compass for humanity. His teachings are not relics; they are responses to today’s disunity, extremism, and ignorance. ICESCO is proud to support such scholarly efforts that rekindle unity and clarity.”

From Malaysia, Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Mohd Yusof Hj Othman, Deputy Director of the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia, highlighted the experiential power of the conference:

“To be in Samarkand, at the mausoleum of Imam al-Māturīdī, near the Registan, among peers from across the globe is to relive a golden age of Islamic scholarship. This visit inspired intellectual, spiritual, and historical reflections that go far beyond any conference. It reminded us that the spirit of Māturīdiyya is not only alive but also necessary.”

The conference's outcomes suggest a growing consensus on the need to revitalize Islamic education by incorporating al-Māturīdī's methodologies. By fostering an environment that encourages inquiry and rational discourse, educational institutions can equip students with the tools to navigate complex theological and ethical issues.

This approach aligns with broader efforts to promote a more nuanced and compassionate understanding of Islam, countering simplistic and often harmful interpretations.

The Samarkand conference represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing endeavor to reclaim the rich intellectual traditions of Islam. By revisiting and reaffirming the principles espoused by Imam al-Māturīdī, the Muslim world can chart a course toward a more enlightened and harmonious future.

This revival of rational and spiritual faith not only honors the legacy of a great theologian but also provides a robust framework for addressing the scientific and practical challenges of the intelligent age.

Shukran Abd Rahman is a professor of Industrial and Organisational Psychology in the Department of Psychology, AbdulHamid AbuSulayman Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia. His research areas include career development, change and development in higher education institutions, organizational behavior, academic culture, and the employability of students in higher learning institutions.

Muhammad Fawwaz Muhammad Yusoff is a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Quranic and Sunnah Studies, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia. His academic and research interests encompass Qurʾanic scholarship, Hadith sciences, and Muslim historiography. In addition to his scholarly work, he serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Maʿālim al-Qurʾān wa al-Sunnah and sits on the editorial boards of several national and international academic journals in the field of Islamic studies.