The deviations in the belief of al-Asmāʾ waṣ-Ṣifāt + the correct approach

//matter of aqeedah

Ways People Deviate in Regards to the Names and Attributes of Allāh (al-Asmāʾ waṣ-Ṣifāt)

In matters related to the Names and Attributes of الله (al-Asmāʾ waṣ-Ṣifāt), the correct approach is to affirm what Allāh and His Messenger ﷺ affirmed for Him without distortion, negation/denial, delving into the ‘how’, or likening Him to His creation. Any deviation from this methodology falls into one or more of the following erroneous approaches:

•Ta’ṭīl (تعطيل)- Denying them. It's to negate or reject some or all of Allāh’s Names or Attributes in any way. This was the approach of the Jahmiyyah and those influenced by their creed.

•Taḥrīf (تحريف)- Distorting the meaning altering the apparent and true meanings of Allāh’s Names or Attributes to meanings other than what was revealed without any evidence. Such as substituting the intended meaning with a figurative or philosophical one. This was the practice of the Muʿtazilah and others.

•Ta’wīl (تأويل)- Metaphorically interpreting the Attributes of Allāh opposing the apparent meaning intended in the Qur’ān and Sunnah, often under the claim of “freeing Allāh from resemblance.” This method was not known among the early generations.

•Takyīf (تكييف)- Going into the howness/modality This refers to attempting to describe or define the “how” (kayfiyyah) of Allāh’s Attributes -something that no one has knowledge of except Allāh. The Salaf would affirm the Attribute, but say that we do not know its kayf (modality).

i.e. From authentic Ḥadīth we know the Prophet ﷺ informed us about the descent of Allāh in the last third of the night —The Salaf affirmed this as is, without asking how (bilā kayf).

Same is believed about Istiwā, “Istiwā is known, the ‘how’ is unknown, belief in it is obligatory, and asking about it is a bidʿah.” -Al-Imām Mālik

•Tashbīh/Tamthīl (تشبيه/تمثيل)- Likening Allāh to His creation in any way.

There's nothing like unto Him and There is none comparable to Him.

لَيْسَ كَمِثْلِهِ شَيْءٌ ۖ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ البَصِيرُ

—

وَلَمۡ يَكُن لَّهُۥ كُفُوًا أَحَدُۢ

The correct methodology in regards to al-Asmāʾ waṣ-Ṣifāt following the approach of the salaf:

The understanding of Allāh’s Names and Attributes is affirmed in line with the clear Qur’ānic ayat and prophetic reports without deviation.

➡️ Affirming what Allāh affirmed for Himself, and what His Messenger ﷺ affirmed for Him, without distortion, denial, asking how, or resemblance with creations.

We believe in all of His beautiful Names and Attributes as they came, upon the apparent meaning, without resembling Him to any creation and without delving into the how.

و الله اعلم