Al-Shahrastani divides his work into two major parts based on the origin of the belief system: Al-Diyanat wa-l-Milal (Religions):
The Islamic intellectual tradition is a vast ocean of philosophy, theology, and historiography, but few works have stood the test of time as remarkably as Al-Milal wa al-Nihal by Muhammad al-Shahrastani. For scholars, students, and those searching for an al-milal wa al-nihal english pdf, this text serves as the definitive medieval encyclopedia of world religions and philosophical schools. al-milal wa al-nihal english pdf
It remains a critical primary source for understanding the early internal divisions of Islam, such as the Mu'tazilites, Kharijites, and various Shi'a sects. Muslim Sects and Divisions - Google Books Al-Shahrastani divides his work into two major parts
In an era of religious polarization, al-Shahrastani’s insistence on before judgment is a model for modern interfaith studies. He famously wrote: "The truth is not known by men, but men are known by the truth." Muslim Sects and Divisions - Google Books In
The book is famous for its objective, non-polemical approach to recording the beliefs of different groups. It is generally divided into two main parts: