Ninth in descent from the Companion of the Prophet, Abu Musa al-Ash`ari, founder of the school that bears his name, Abu al-Hasan `Ali b. Isma`il al-Ash`ari was born in Basra (260/873-4). After a traditional education, he joined the circle of disciples of the Mu`tazili teacher Abu `Ali al-Jubba’i. In 300/912-3, a breach occurred between him and his teacher and al-Asha`ri joined the traditionalists (ahl al-sunnah).
