Traditional Sunni Kalam is a paradigm of thinking that aligns with truth and provides rational explanations for theological concepts. It arose in response to heretical beliefs and groups.

The scholars of the Farangi Mahall and the Khairabadis held a deep reverence for al-Shaykh al-Akbar ibn Arabi. Mullā Nizāmuddīn, the namesake for the Dars-i-Nizāmī curriculum and a follower of the Chishti Sufi order, was known to teach the Fusus al-Hikam of Shaykh Muhyiddin Ibn Arabi.

The scholars of the Farangi Mahall and their later offshoot, the Khairabadis, hail from a distinguished lineage of Islamic scholarship. Interestingly, despite being Maturidis (followers of Imam Maturidi), their chain of transmission ultimately leads back to al-Qadi al-Imam ‘Aḍud-Dīn Al-Ījī, a prominent Ashari scholar (follower of Imam al-Ash'ari). Imam Al-Ījī's intellectual lineage connects with the Imam of the Ahl-Sunnah, Imam Abu l-Hassan al-Ash'ari, through Imam Razi and Imam Ghazali.

Traditional works of Islamic Theology serve as a treasure trove for contemporary defenders of Islam's pure Creed. Early Sunni Mutakallimun (theologians) were masters at deconstructing philosophies of their time and earlier periods. They directly engaged with these ideas using sound & rational arguments against them while fiercely defending the purity of Islamic beliefs.

The Farangi Mahall tradition takes immense pride in its illustrious lineage of scholars. Recognising these influential figures helps us understand the foundation for the remarkable heights achieved by the Farangi Mahallis over the next three centuries.

The Ulama of Farangi Mahall were a remarkable family tracing their lineage back to the time of the Holy Prophet (Salutations & Peace be upon him), specifically to Hz. Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, who is acknowledged among the fuqaha & qurra of the Companions (Allah be pleased with them all).

As we commemorate the 20th death anniversary of Sayyid Muhammad b. ʻAlawī al-Makkī, a renowned Islamic scholar, this essay explores his unexpected yet profound connection to the Farangī Mahall lineage.

Allama Fazl-e-Haq Khairabadi was not only an Imam in the transmitted and rational sciences, but also a Chishti Sufi in his spiritual practice (suluk). A profound defender of the concept of wahdat al-wujud, he wasn't a mere follower (muqallid) in this matter.

The scholars of the Farangi Mahall were undoubtedly great Fuqaha and Jurists. Among the esteemed scholars who were spiritual successors of the Farangi Mahalli tradition was Allama Abd al-Hayy Lucknowi.

The Indian Subcontinent produced some of the greatest experts of the Islamic Sciences over the course of centuries. A significant contributor to this chain of prestige scholarship, especially in the last few centuries has been the Dars-e-Nizami curriculum, designed by one of the leading scholars of his age, Mulla Nizam al-Din Sihalwi (d. 1747 CE), after whom the curriculum is named.