The Trinitarian doctrine of Ibn at-Tayyib: An interpretation of Babai the Great's metaphysical system in the World of Islam

The Trinitarian doctrine of Abū al-Faraǧ 'Abd Allah Ibn at-Tayyib (10th-11th c.) may be considered a good example of an interpretation of the Trinitarian theology and metaphysical system of Babai the Great (7th c.). Babai made an effort to discern between metaphysical terms, such as: substance (kyānā), hypostasis (qnōmā), and person (parşōpā), making a peculiar mixture of Cappadocian, Nestorian, i.e., East Syrian, and Antiochene theology. Ibn at-Tayyib, however, did not make use of Babai's terminology. Particularly, although he explained the Trinitarian dogma in a similar way to Babai, he did not apply the term person (parşōpā) to the Trinitarian theology. This paper aims to show the importance of the Trinitarian thought of Ibn at-Tayyib. It also answers the following questions: 1) how was he able to make an excellent interpretation of Babai's thought in the language and ambient of Islam, and 2) why did he consider it the best way to explain the Trinitarian dogma to the Muslims?