Auction 61 - Rare and Important Items

Parchment Manuscript Leaf - Remnant of an Islamic Philosophical Composition - The Kalam Theology - Judeo-Arabic - 11th Century

Opening: $1,000
Sold for: $1,875
Including buyer's premium
Parchment manuscript leaf, remnant of a philosophical composition (Kalam theology) in Judeo-Arabic. [Oriental countries, ca. 11th century].
Ancient Oriental script on parchment.
The Kalam (کلام) is a theological-philosophical approach defending the tenets of the Islamic faith. The Kalam had significant impact on the Jewish philosophy of the Middle Ages and R. Sa'adia Gaon is known to have been greatly influenced by it. The Kalm also influenced R. Yehuda HaLevi, however, he criticized its negative aspects as well. In his book Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed), the Rambam rejects this philosophy and expends time and effort in contradicting the "speakers", i.e. the Kalam scholars (the Arabic term kalam means speech and the Kalam scholars are called mutakallimun (i.e. speakers).
This is an ancient remnant of a Kalam composition, written in Arabic in Hebrew letters (Judeo-Arabic), before the Rambam's era.
This manuscript was dated by NLI experts. See enclosed leaf.
[1] leaf, approximately 19 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Coarse tears affecting text.