The Transmitted Attributes Between the Affirmers and the Metaphorical Interpreters.

NahedYousefRizq., NahedYousefRizq.

doi:10.21608/bfsgm.2024.401261

The Transmitted Attributes Between the Affirmers and the Metaphorical Interpreters.

Author

NahedYousefRizq. NahedYousefRizq.

10.21608/bfsgm.2024.401261

Abstract

This paper focuses on the divine attributes that Allah (Almighty) and His Messenger (peace be upon him) informed us about in the Qurʾān and Sunna, which can be attributed to the Divine Being to enhance human understanding of their Lord. These are referred to as the Transmitted Attributes(ṢifātKhabariyya),as they are known through revelation in the Qurʾān and Sunna. Due to the sensitive nature of discussing these attributes—since their apparent meaning might suggest anthropomorphism—Islamic sects have differed in their approach to attributing these characteristics to the Divine Essence. Some have taken the attributes literally, while others have interpreted them metaphorically to avoid any notion of anthropomorphism, aiming to achieve the highest level of divine transcendence and holiness. Thus, theological views have varied between those who affirm and those who interpret these attributes metaphorically.
The study is divided into an introduction, four sections, and a conclusion. The introduction outlines the significance of the topic, the rationale behind choosing it, the methodology employed, and the nature and problem of the research. It concludes with an outline of the study. The first section is dedicated to defining key concepts, such as the nature of attributes and their relation to the Divine Essence, as well as the notion of metaphorical interpretation (taʾwīl) so that each group can understand the terms used by the other and thereby resolve conflicts and clarify the points of contention between the various sects. The second section addresses the efforts made by Islamic sects in affirming the Transmitted Attributes. The third section presents the efforts of those who interpret these attributes in accordance with the well-known principles of interpretation among Muslim thinkers. The fourth section provides examples of specific Transmitted Attributes and how their interpretation reflects the approaches of those who advocate for metaphorical meanings based on linguistic sources and other transmitted evidence or to avoid accusations of either anthropomorphism or negation of Allah’s attributes.
The conclusion of this research paper highlights the key findings. It notes that all Islamic sects have affirmed the Transmitted Attributes mentioned in the Qurʾān and Sunna. However, their views on whether to attribute these qualities to Allah (Almighty) in a literal sense, affirm them with a delegation of their exact meaning, or affirm them while interpreting them have led to diverse theological positions. These variations reflect an overarching effort to venerate and exalt Allah.

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