Al-Ibana

Al-Ibana an Usul al-Diyana (), or simply Al-Ibana, is a 10th-century theological work attributed to Abu al-Hasan al-Ash'ari, the founder of the Ash'ari school. Scholars debate both its authorship and timing, as the book follows a traditional approach rather than the Ash'ari kalam method. Some suggest it was written soon after al-Ash'ari left the Mu'tazilism, representing a new declaration, while others argue it was composed later in his life, possibly showing a shift from his established kalam method.

== Authorship == Scholars hold differing views on the authorship and date of composition of al-Ibana. Some suggest that al-Ashari wrote the work immediately after his separation from the Mu'tazilism, while others believe it was produced toward the end of his life. Fawkiyya Husayn Mahmud argued that the book was written during the early stage of his transition as a declaration of his affiliation with the Sunni school. Bekir Topaloglu and Hammuda Zeki Ghuraba also considered al-Ibana earlier than al-Luma, which reflects a continuation of the kalam method. Hikmet Yagli Mavil (2016) similarly concluded that al-Ibana preceded al-Luma, though neither represented al-Ashari's final work.