The Book of the Correction of the Negligence Found in the Books of the Head of the Academy, al-Fayyūmī: Criticisms

The Book of the Correction of the Negligence Found in the Books of the Head of the Academy, al-Fayyūmī (Kitāb istidrāk al-sahw al-mawjūd fī kutub ra’s al-mathība al-Fayyūmī) is a book criticizing Se‘adya Ga’on—who was often referred to as the Fayyūmī, as he was born in the Fayyūm region of Egypt. Citing Se‘adya’s writings, one at a time, Mubashshir provides Se‘adya’s view and then offers his own opposing position. Mubashshir’s critiques typically lack the rancor of other intellectual exchange in this period, perhaps an indication of his relationship with Se‘adya or a concern that any public disagreement might have unwanted effects in the broader community. Instances where Mubashshir criticizes Se‘adya’s polemical writings against Ḥīwī al-Balkhī and ‘Anan ben David are particularly significant because they constitute the earliest reception of these texts among Se‘adya’s Rabbanite community.