Characteistic Features of the “Other” in ͑Abdulkahir al- Bagḫdādī’s al-Farq

ʿAbd al-Qāhir al-Baghdādī is one of the most important representatives of maḳālāt tradition. His literary work al-Farḳ bayn al-firaq was used as one of the main sources in maḳālāt tradition for centuries. Systematic classification in his works was shaped in the centre of 73 side hadith. al-Farq influenced with his views and classification method in the following process, was also draws attention with his literary style. Author’s literary style preference while writing his works, gained content that can be seen beyond beliefs and ideas in the concept of Sunnah and Ahl al-Bidʿa. The main arguments used by al- Baghdādī to create his understanding and faith identity is to reveal characteristic features beside beliefs of people whom he considers to be members of Bidʿa sect which is called “other”. The type of narration preferred by al- Baghdādī while constructing Sunni imagery and boundaries created by this imagery is the self-definition through the “other” as well as negotiation of “other”. In al- Baghdādī’s work, it attracts attention that drawing the limits of the Sunni imagery clearly as possible. Describing the “other” which is not opponent or friend, on its characteristic features is one of the arguments that used to clarify the considered borders between Ahl al-Sunna and Ahl al-Bidʿa. In this study, it is aimed to be understood the codes of critical approach or characteristic features and physical features through beliefs and ideas of Ahl al-Bid ͑a in al-Baghdādī’s al-Farq.