In fact, there has been little understanding of the concept of tajdid in Islam.
Since the publication of his Essay on the Social and Political Doctrines of Ibn Taymiyyah (1939), a few articles and books have appeared on Ibn Taymiyyah’s thought, but they are far from giving any clear idea of his overall contribution to Islam, even less of assessing his role in its revival and renewal (tajdid). Henri Laoust in France was the first to take serious notice of him. This makes the appreciation of his contribution somewhat difficult. Most of his writings are short or long responsa (fatawa) to particular questions, often recurring, put to him by different men at different times, rather than planned, systematic works on particular subjects.
His way of writing has also been to an extent responsible. His criticism of Ash’ari Kalam, Greek logic and philosophy, monistic Sufism, Shi’i doctrines, and Christian faith have proved great obstacles to appreciating his contribution. For various reasons the West has not been able to appreciate Ibn Taymiyyah’s place in Islam.
