The Names and Attributes of Allah (Exalted be He)

Abstract

Belief in the Names and Sublime Attributes of Allah (Exalted be He) constitutes a fundamental pillar of faith and the consummation of monotheism (Tawhid). Historically, this subject has garnered profound theological interest, leading to divergent views among various Islamic sects regarding the affirmation or negation of these names and attributes. Derived from a doctoral dissertation, this research examines this pivotal doctrinal issue through a comparative approach, reviewing and analyzing the arguments of different Islamic theological schools.

The study comprises an introduction and several detailed sections, wherein the linguistic and terminological definitions of "Name" (Ism) and "Attribute" (Sifah) are established, alongside an elucidation of the subtle distinctions between them. It outlines the doctrine of Ahl al Sunnah wa al Jama'ah, which is predicated on affirming the Divine Names and Attributes exactly as transmitted in the Quran and the Prophetic Tradition (Sunnah), while concurrently negating any imperfections from Allah (Glory be to Him). Conversely, the paper reviews the doctrines of other theological sects, such as the Jahmites, who rejected both the Names and Attributes, and the Mu'tazilites, who acknowledged the Names but negated the Attributes. Furthermore, it clarifies the classification of attributes according to the scholars of Hadith and Tradition (Ahl al Hadith wa al Athar) and the theologians (Mutakallimun), including essential (Dhatiyyah), active (Fi'liyyah), and scriptural/transmitted (Khabariyyah) attributes.

The research concludes with significant findings, most notably: that the Names of Allah (Exalted be He) are proper nouns indicating His Divine Essence and the attributes of perfection inherent to Him, and that belief in them is a religious obligation. It also underscores the necessity of distinguishing between Names and Attributes, as Names can imply attributes but not vice versa, and they diverge regarding the rulings of supplication (Du'a) and worship.

Ultimately, the study emphasizes that the safest path for a Muslim is to rely solely on what is established in the Holy Quran and the authentic Sunnah regarding this matter, while obligatory maintaining the transcendence of Allah above any anthropomorphism (Tashbih) or deficiency. This entails a firm conviction in His attributes of perfection that befit His Majesty and Greatness, thereby achieving the absolute completion of monotheism.