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Fatwa CenterAs-Subki's quote about Ibn Taymiyyah's debate with Al-Hindi
Question
Assalamu alikum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuhu I read a debate of Shaykh Ibn Tamiyah and Safi ud din al Hindy in al Bidaya wal Nihaya under the three majalis of shaykh ul Islam Ibn Tamiyah, wehere Ibn Kathir said the small stream of al Hindy tried to Push the Ocean (Ibn Tamiyah) But when we read as-Subki in his Tabaqat ash-Shafi'yah al-KubraWhen, he said al Hindy debated Ibn Taymiyya, who precipitated as was his habit moving from one issue to another (so much so that) al-Hindi said to him, 'O Ibn Taymiyya I do not see you except like a sparrow that I when I try to catch it at a place, it moves to another.'" why is that in one place Ibn Tamiyah is praised and in other place he was censured.? which one is authentic account?
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad 
is His slave and Messenger.
is one of the great scholars of Islam and the Imams of Ahlus-Sunnah Wal-Jamaa‘ah. He was known for his knowledge, religiosity, and righteousness – and we do not confirm anybody's good conduct before Allaah. He fought polytheistic practices, religious innovations, and superstitions. He also fought blind Taqleed (imitation) and the stillness and inactivity that had become widespread among Muslims of his time. He took upon himself the responsibility of refuting the misconceptions raised by different sects and stood up to face the bigoted fanatics who blindly followed their Shaykhs without seeking or investigating the clear evidence from the Quran and the Sunnah. This is why he had many enemies and envious opponents. However, this did not deter him from upholding and defending the truth until death.
Then, Allaah, The Exalted, inspired some of his followers to defend him and his call after his death; thus, truth has been revealed beyond any doubts. Scholars have praised and commended Ibn Taymiyyah as well as his fair opponents who conceded to his virtues after realizing the truth. This is noticeable in the biography of Ibn Taymiyyah in the book entitled Al-'Uqood Ad-Durriyyah written by his student Ibn ‘Abd Al-Haadi, and in Ar-Radd Al-Waafir by Ibn Naasir Al-Deen Ad-Dimashqi, and Al-A‘laam Al-‘Aliyyah by Abu Hafs ‘Umar ibn ‘Ali ibn Moosa Al-Bazzaar.
As for As-Subki (the son [Taaj-ud-Deen], not the father [Taqiyy-ud-Deen]), he cited this statement in his book Tabaqaat Ash-Shaafi‘iyah Al-Kubra. In fact, this is not surprising because he was one of those people who hated and fiercely criticized Ibn Taymiyyah. Mawsoo‘at Ar-Radd ‘ala Al-Mathaahib Al-Fikriyyah Al-Mu‘aasirah reads, “As-Subki, the son, did not follow the example of his father; he disparaged and fiercely criticised Ibn Taymiyyah using the most reprehensible language. People criticized him for that; Imaam As-Sakhaawi attributed him to utter bigotry as he (As-Subki, the son) wrote in his book At-Tabaqaat, 'Since when did the Hanbalis win a debate?' As-Sakhaawi commented, “This is very odd and reflects worst type of bigotry!” In fact, As-Subki even criticized his own teacher Ath-Thahabi.
As-Subki’s words underlined that Shaykh Safiyy Al-Deen Al-Hindi said that statement to Ibn Taymiyyah; perhaps this was his personal opinion, given that one may assume that his opponent is dodging his questions in a debate. Even if we assumed that Ibn Taymiyyah was dodging the questions in the debate, this does not necessarily mean that Al-Hindi had won the debate (and proved his argument stronger). Instead, what has been reported is that Ibn Az-Zamalkaani completed the debate with Ibn Taymiyyah and that he was convinced of the argument of Ibn Taymiyyah. Ibn Katheer commented on the cited statement, “Then, they agreed that Kamaal Al-Deen ibn Az-Zamalkaani whould debate Ibn Taymiyyah unbiasedly. They engaged in a debate and people commended the merits of Shaykh Kamaal Al-Deen ibn Az-Zamalkaani, his wittiness, and careful researching as he debated Ibn Taymiyyah and talked with him. Finally, he accepted Al-'Aqeedah (Al-Waasitiyyah) and Ibn Taymiyyah went home honored and revered.” [End of quote]
Allaah Knows best.
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