ABSTRACT
The formation of a madhhab was a long process that spanned severalgenerations. It was certainly not the creation of one individual or even one generation. The processes of doctrinal articulation and social dissemination depended upon many scholars and local leaders who could adapt ideas and modes of conduct to their community's changing needs. Thus, this inquiry into Ibn I:Ianbal's influence on I:Ianbalism should not be understood as an attempt to ignore the contributions of his disciples. It is rather an attempt to study one form of religious leadership and place it in a broad historical context.
