Abd al-Aziz ibn Yahya al-Kinani

عبد العزيز بن يحيى الكناني

Abd al-Aziz ibn Yahya al-Kinani al-Makki al-Mutakallim, the one who debated Bishr al-Marisi before al-Ma'mun on the denial that the Qur'an is created ¹. Dawud ibn Ali said he was one of al-Shafi'i's companions: he took from him, kept his company for a long time, and went out with him to Yemen ¹. Al-Khatib mentions that he came to Baghdad in the days of al-Ma'mun, when a debate on the Qur'an took place between him and Bishr al-Marisi; that he was the author of the book al-Hayda and had other works; and Dawud ibn Ali ascribed to him an understanding of the meanings of the Qur'an. When he entered upon al-Ma'mun, his appearance was unsightly and laughter broke out, and he said: 'O Commander of the Faithful, why is this man laughing? God did not choose Joseph for his beauty, but chose him for his religion and his eloquence' ².