The Book of Beliefs and Opinions in the context of "Saadya Gaon"

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⭐ Core Definition: The Book of Beliefs and Opinions

The Book of Beliefs and Opinions (Judeo-Arabic: כתאב אלאמאנאת ואלאעתקאדאת; Arabic: كتاب الأمانات والاعتقادات, romanizedKitāb al-Amānāt wa l-Iʿtiqādāt) is a book written by Saadia Gaon (completed 933) which is the first systematic presentation and philosophic foundation of the dogmas of Judaism.

The work was originally in Judeo-Arabic in Hebrew alphabet with quotations from the Torah. The first Hebrew translation was done in 1186 by Judah ben Saul ibn Tibbon, titled Emunot ve-Deot (Hebrew: אמונות ודעות Beliefs and Opinions). An unabridged translation into English by Samuel Rosenblatt was published in 1948.

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The Book of Beliefs and Opinions in the context of Saadia Gaon

Saʿadia ben Yosef Gaon or Said bin Yusuf al-Fayyumi (892–942) was a prominent rabbi, gaon, Jewish philosopher, and exegete who was active in the Abbasid Caliphate.

Saadia is the first important rabbinic figure to write extensively in Judeo-Arabic. Known for his works on Hebrew linguistics, Halakha, and Jewish philosophy, he was a student of the philosophical school known as "Jewish Kalam". In this capacity, his philosophical work entitled The Book of Beliefs and Opinions represents the first systematic attempt to integrate Jewish theology with components of ancient Greek philosophy. Saadia was also very active in opposition to Karaite Judaism in defense of Rabbinic Judaism.

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