Principles of Religion by Rabban Daniel Ibn al-Ḥaṭṭāb: A 13th-Century Synopsis of Syriac Orthodox Belief

Simon Luke Robinson Burke, PhD, studied Arabic, Classical Hebrew, and Syriac at the University of Sydney. He has published works relating to Syriac Studies.

"Burke’s volume represents a substantial and important contribution to the study of Daniel ibn al-Ḥaṭṭāb’s Principles of Religion and to West Syriac intellectual history more broadly. He persuasively demonstrates that the text aims not only to defend West Syriac Orthodoxy but also to shape the ethical conduct of its readers through a deeper understanding of religious principles. By combining apologetic and didactic functions, the work reflects both literary artistry and theological sophistication." Bishara Ebeid, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, in: Journal of Near Eastern Studies, Volume 85, Number 1, April 2026

• AcknowledgementsAbbreviationsPreface1 Introduction1.1 The Origin of The Principles of Religion1.2 The Life of Daniel b. al-Ḥaṭṭāb1.3 Historical Context1.4 The Literary Output of Daniel b. al-Ḥaṭṭāb2 Description of the Principles of Religion2.1 Title2.2 Purpose2.3 Form2.4 Sources3 Synopsis of the Work4 Manuscripts of the Work4.1 Sigla of Manuscripts4.2 Description of Manuscripts Used in the Critical Edition4.3 Relationships between Manuscripts of the Work4.4 Method of the Edition4.5 Language of the Manuscripts5/6 Text and Translation5/6.0 Representation of Manuscript Readings in the Critical Edition[.1 Preface][.2 First Chapter][.3 Second Chapter][.4 Third Chapter][.5 Fourth Chapter][.6 Fifth Chapter][.7 Sixth Chapter][.8 Seventh Chapter][.9 Eighth Chapter][.10 Ninth Chapter][.11 Tenth Chapter][.12 Eleventh Chapter][.13 Twelfth Chapter][.14 Thirteenth Chapter][.15 Fourteenth Chapter][.16 First Procedure][.17 Second Procedure][.18 Third Procedure][.19 Chapter on the Demonstration of the Real and Unreal Passions][.20 Chapter in Reply Against the Muslims’ Denial of the Crucifixion, Death, and Burial of the Messiah][.21 Chapter on the Establishment of Proof for the Belief of Christians][.22 Chapter on Problems and Issues]Commentary on the Work.1 Purpose of the Commentary.2 Preface.3 First Chapter.4 Second Chapter.5 Third Chapter.6 Fourth Chapter.7 Fifth Chapter.8 Sixth Chapter.9 Seventh Chapter.10 Eighth Chapter.11 Ninth Chapter.12 Tenth Chapter.13 Eleventh Chapter.14 Twelfth Chapter.15 Thirteenth Chapter.16 Fourteenth Chapter.17 First Procedure.18 Second Procedure.19 Third Procedure.20 Chapter on the Demonstration of the Real and Unreal Passions.21 Chapter in Reply Against the Muslims’ Denial of the Crucifixion, Death, and Burial of the Messiah.22 Chapter on the Establishment of Proof for the Belief of Christians.23 Chapter on Problems and IssuesConclusionsBibliographyIndex