Correct spelling for the English word "Akhbari" is [akhbˈɑːɹi], [akhbˈɑːɹi], [a_k_h_b_ˈɑː_ɹ_i] (IPA phonetic alphabet).
Akhbari is a term that refers to a specific theological and legal school of thought within the Twelver Shia branch of Islam. Originating in the 17th century, this school of thought developed as a reaction to the prevailing Usuli school.
The Akhbari school advocates a more literalist approach to deriving religious rulings and beliefs. Adherents of this school reject the use of analogical reasoning (ijtihad) and emphasize reliance solely on the textual tradition (akhbar). They stress the importance of explicit and unambiguous Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad and his descendants as recorded by their companions) as authoritative sources of Islamic law.
Unlike the Usuli school, which values rational thinking and intellectual interpretation in deriving legal opinions, the Akhbari school opposes the practice of personal reasoning and considers it a source of potential error and deviation. Instead, Akhbaris rely on the narrations of the Imams (descendants of Prophet Muhammad) as the ultimate authority in matters of faith and law.
This school of thought gained popularity in the 18th century but experienced a decline in the 19th century due to various factors, including debates and criticisms from the Usuli school. Nevertheless, some adherents continue to exist today, particularly in Bahrain and Kuwait, although they are a minority within the broader Twelver Shia population.
In summary, Akhbari refers to a traditionalist school of thought within Twelver Shia Islam that emphasizes literal textual interpretation and rejects personal reasoning in deriving religious rulings.
The word "Akhbari" originated from Arabic. It is derived from the Arabic root word "akhbar" (singular form: khabar), which means "news" or "information". The term "Akhbari" specifically refers to a group within Shia Islam known as the Akhbaris, who follow a traditionalist approach to Islamic jurisprudence. The Akhbari school of thought emphasizes the reliance on hadiths (narrations or sayings of the Prophet Muhammad and his descendants) rather than independent reasoning (ijtihad). Hence, the term "Akhbari" denotes a person or adherent of this particular theological school.