Lot 250
Manuscript Parchment Leaf – Fragment of an Islamic Philosophical Composition – The Kalam Theology – Judeo-Arabic – 11th Century
Manuscript parchment leaf, remnant of a philosophical composition (Kalam theology) in Judeo-Arabic. [The Middle East, 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 Kalam 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 Kalam scholars.
This is an early fragment of a Kalam composition, written in Arabic in Hebrew letters (Judeo-Arabic), presumably before the Rambam's era.
[1] leaf. Approx. 19 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Large tears affecting text.
