Tawhid of Allah's Most Beautiful Names and Lofty Attributes

149 Pages·2008·4.21 MB·English

Tawhid of Allah's
Most Beautiful Names
& Lofty Attributes
The of BeliefAhl al-Sunnah ah
by
Muhammad Dm Khalifah al-Tamimi
Translated by
Abu Safwan Farid Haibatan
Contents
Transliteration Table 9
Translator's Note 11
Preface 13
Introduction - The Importance of Tawhid al-Asma wa 17
This Tawhid Represents Half of Iman in Allah 18
Tawhid al-Asma wa l-Sifat is Without Exception the Most Noble
and Most Important Branch of Knowledge. 21
Tawhid al-Asma wa l-Silat is the Origin of all Religious Knowledge 23
Knowledge of Allah's Names and Attributes is a Great and
Important Tenet Within the Methodology of the Salaf 24
Knowledge of the Names and Attributes of Allah Opens the Door
for the Servant to Knowing Allah 26
The Basis of Sound Knowledge is Iman in Allah and in His
Names and Attributes 28
Knowledge of Allah's Names and Attributes is Life to the Hearts 30
The Fruits of Knowing and Understanding Allah's Names and
Attributes 32
The Importance of Steering Clear of Falsehood and not Opposi
the Way of Truth in this Domain 35
Chapter 1
The Definition of Tawhid al-Asma wa 1-$ifat and its
Relationship to the Other Categories of Tawhid 39
The Definition of Tawhid al-Asma wa 41
The Relationship Between the Categories of Tawhid 55
Categories of Tawhid 55
Tawhid of Allah's
The Relationship Between the Categories of Tawhid 59
Most Beautiful Names
& Lofty Attributes All of the Qur'an is an Invitation to Tawhid 62
The Belief Ahl at-Sunnah mei-Jam/1 ah
Contents
Transliteration Table 9
Translator's Note 11
Preface 13
Introduction - The Importance of Tawhid al-Asma wa 17
This Tawhid Represents Half of Iman in Allah 18
Tawhid al-Asma wa l-Sifat is Without Exception the Most Noble
and Most Important Branch of Knowledge. 21
Tawhid al-Asma wa l-Silat is the Origin of all Religious Knowledge 23
Knowledge of Allah's Names and Attributes is a Great and
Important Tenet Within the Methodology of the Salaf 24
Knowledge of the Names and Attributes of Allah Opens the Door
for the Servant to Knowing Allah 26
The Basis of Sound Knowledge is Iman in Allah and in His
Names and Attributes 28
Knowledge of Allah's Names and Attributes is Life to the Hearts 30
The Fruits of Knowing and Understanding Allah's Names and
Attributes 32
The Importance of Steering Clear of Falsehood and not Opposi
the Way of Truth in this Domain 35
Chapter 1
The Definition of Tawhid al-Asma wa 1-$ifat and its
Relationship to the Other Categories of Tawhid 39
The Definition of Tawhid al-Asma wa 41
The Relationship Between the Categories of Tawhid 55
Categories of Tawhid 55
Tawhid of Allah's
The Relationship Between the Categories of Tawhid 59
Most Beautiful Names
& Lofty Attributes All of the Qur'an is an Invitation to Tawhid 62
The Belief Ahl at-Sunnah mei-Jam/1 ah
Chapter 2 The Foundations on which the Belief ofAhl al-Sunnah in the
The Definition of al-Salaf al-.541a and Ahl al-Sunnah wa Wawa' ah, Names and Attributes of Allah are Based 90
an Explanation of their Belief in the Attributes and Names of Allah A Clarification of these Foundations 103
and the Foundations that this Belief is Based Upon 65 The First Foundation: to Possess 'man in all the Names
and Attributes that have been Mentioned in the Qur'an
The Definition of al-Salaf & Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jamd ah 67
and the Authentic Sunnah by way of Affirming and Negating
Definition of al-Salaf .J■1 67
where Appropriate 103
• Lexical Meaning of the Word Salaf 67
One: The Seeking of Knowledge in Divine Matters
• The (legal) Meaning of the Term is Only Acquired by Way of the Book, Sunnah and
al-Salaf al-Salib 67 Statements of the Salaf of this Ummah 103
• Principles of the Salafi Methodology 69 Two: Revelation is Placed Before the Intellect 105
• Proofs for the Obligation to Follow the Salaf Three: To Believe in the Meanings and Rulings
and to Adhere to their Methodology 70 Indicated by the Texts of the Names and Attributes 111
Definition ofAhl al-Sunnah 75 Four: Rejection of Tahrtf and Ta' til of the Texts of
An Explanation of Belief ofAhl al-Sunnah in the Names and the Names and Attributes 113
Attributes of Allah 77 The Second Foundation: to Exalt and Elevate Allah
Explanation of the Declaration ofAhl al-Sunnah `...Without (Julia wa Ala) Over and Above the Matter of any of
any Tabrif nor Ta'til and Without any Takyif nor Tamthil' 81 His Attributes Ever Resembling Attributes of His Creation 114
The Meaning of `...Without any Tabrif nor Ta` ' 81 One: Shari'ah Proofs which Relate the Elevation
and Exaltation ofAllah Above any Resemblance to
• The Meaning of Tahrif and its Types 82
His Creation 114
• The Meaning ofTa`ti1 86
Two: The Indication of the Intellect Towards the Falsity
The Meaning of `...Without any Takyif nor Tamthil' 88
of any Resemblance Between the Attributes of the Creator
• The Meaning of Takyif 88 and the Attributes of Creation 117
• The Meaning of Tamthil 90 Three: Conformity in Names does not Necessitate a
EveryMu affil is a Mumaththil and every Mumaththil is a Mu' attil 92 Likeness Between the Named 119
r
• Explanation of how the Mu' attilah Commit Both Ta` til Four: An Explanation of this Point from a Language
and Tamthil 92 Perspective, then from the Angle of the Shari ah 122
• Explanation of how the Mushabbihah Commit Both Five: The Decisive Factor that Sets Apart the Belief of
Ta til and Tamthil 93 Ahl al-Sunnah in this Foundation from the Belief of the
r
People of Ta til and People of Tamthil 132
r
Chapter 2 The Foundations on which the Belief ofAhl al-Sunnah in the
The Definition of al-Salaf al-.541a and Ahl al-Sunnah wa Wawa' ah, Names and Attributes of Allah are Based 90
an Explanation of their Belief in the Attributes and Names of Allah A Clarification of these Foundations 103
and the Foundations that this Belief is Based Upon 65 The First Foundation: to Possess 'man in all the Names
and Attributes that have been Mentioned in the Qur'an
The Definition of al-Salaf & Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jamd ah 67
and the Authentic Sunnah by way of Affirming and Negating
Definition of al-Salaf .J■1 67
where Appropriate 103
• Lexical Meaning of the Word Salaf 67
One: The Seeking of Knowledge in Divine Matters
• The (legal) Meaning of the Term is Only Acquired by Way of the Book, Sunnah and
al-Salaf al-Salib 67 Statements of the Salaf of this Ummah 103
• Principles of the Salafi Methodology 69 Two: Revelation is Placed Before the Intellect 105
• Proofs for the Obligation to Follow the Salaf Three: To Believe in the Meanings and Rulings
and to Adhere to their Methodology 70 Indicated by the Texts of the Names and Attributes 111
Definition ofAhl al-Sunnah 75 Four: Rejection of Tahrtf and Ta' til of the Texts of
An Explanation of Belief ofAhl al-Sunnah in the Names and the Names and Attributes 113
Attributes of Allah 77 The Second Foundation: to Exalt and Elevate Allah
Explanation of the Declaration ofAhl al-Sunnah `...Without (Julia wa Ala) Over and Above the Matter of any of
any Tabrif nor Ta'til and Without any Takyif nor Tamthil' 81 His Attributes Ever Resembling Attributes of His Creation 114
The Meaning of `...Without any Tabrif nor Ta` ' 81 One: Shari'ah Proofs which Relate the Elevation
and Exaltation ofAllah Above any Resemblance to
• The Meaning of Tahrif and its Types 82
His Creation 114
• The Meaning ofTa`ti1 86
Two: The Indication of the Intellect Towards the Falsity
The Meaning of `...Without any Takyif nor Tamthil' 88
of any Resemblance Between the Attributes of the Creator
• The Meaning of Takyif 88 and the Attributes of Creation 117
• The Meaning of Tamthil 90 Three: Conformity in Names does not Necessitate a
EveryMu affil is a Mumaththil and every Mumaththil is a Mu' attil 92 Likeness Between the Named 119
r
• Explanation of how the Mu' attilah Commit Both Ta` til Four: An Explanation of this Point from a Language
and Tamthil 92 Perspective, then from the Angle of the Shari ah 122
• Explanation of how the Mushabbihah Commit Both Five: The Decisive Factor that Sets Apart the Belief of
Ta til and Tamthil 93 Ahl al-Sunnah in this Foundation from the Belief of the
r
People of Ta til and People of Tamthil 132
r
The Third Foundation: to Relinquish all Hope of Transliteration Table
Comprehending how Allah is Actually Characterised
by Those Attributes 134
One: Allah has not Afforded His Creation any
Knowledge or Sight of His Essence nor did He Make
Knowledge of that Incumbent upon Them 134
Two: Limitation of the Mind in Fathoming the Nature Consonants,
of Allah's Attributes 136
Three: The Understanding Behind the Statement of the
Salaf, 'Without any Kay! 138
d ,lo d 11 k
Four: Ignorance of the Reality does not Undermine
Imän in the Attributes or Knowledge of their Meanings 140 ,..a b dh $ t J 1
Conclusion 142 .:..., t ) r .6 z e m
Bibliography 147 th j z e o n
r i .0 s gh ci h
r h. sh iif .1 w
t kh s, s 3 q s Y
Q
Vowels, diphthongs, etc.
Short: ..:.. a _ i L. u
Long: t_ a t —r
diphthongs: aw
. .
ay
cs--
The Third Foundation: to Relinquish all Hope of Transliteration Table
Comprehending how Allah is Actually Characterised
by Those Attributes 134
One: Allah has not Afforded His Creation any
Knowledge or Sight of His Essence nor did He Make
Knowledge of that Incumbent upon Them 134
Two: Limitation of the Mind in Fathoming the Nature Consonants,
of Allah's Attributes 136
Three: The Understanding Behind the Statement of the
Salaf, 'Without any Kay! 138
d ,lo d 11 k
Four: Ignorance of the Reality does not Undermine
Imän in the Attributes or Knowledge of their Meanings 140 ,..a b dh $ t J 1
Conclusion 142 .:..., t ) r .6 z e m
Bibliography 147 th j z e o n
r i .0 s gh ci h
r h. sh ii f .1 w
t kh s, s 3 q s Y
Q
Vowels, diphthongs, etc.
Short: ..:.. a _ i L. u
Long: t_ a t —r
diphthongs: aw
. .
ay
cs--
Translator's Note
All praise is for Allah alone and may He exalt and send peace and
blessings upon our beloved Prophet and upon those who follow his
way.
The author of this work is Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Khahfah Ibn 'Ali
al-Tamimi. He was born in al-Madinah in the year 1374H (1959). He
graduated from the Islamic University there and subsequently obtained
his Masters (1406H) and Doctorate (1410H) at the University, spe-
cialising in agfdah. At present he is an associate professor at the Uni-
versity in the faculty of Da'wah and Usill al-Din and he is also the
head of the Academic Research section at the University. The Shaykh
has a number of works that have been published ranging from verifi-
cations of classical works, articles for various magazines as well as a
number of works he himself has authored.
This particular book of his is by far one of the best in its field as an
introduction into the subject area of the tauthtd of Allah's Names and
Attributes, and Allah knows best. Some of its features are:
• The explanation of the fundamentals and principles of Ahl al-
Sunnah in this area along with a clarification of some specific
detailed matters.
• Clarification of the deviant methodologies in a clear manner
whilst explaining the truth in this regard.
• The stages of the book have been set out in a well structured
manner as the author begins with the importance of the sub-
ject. He then moves on to definitions, then relationships, ex-
planations and rulings and then a further deeper clarification.
• The clarity of his expression and discussion of this subject.
• An emphasis on the practical issues that pertain to this subject
as mentioned in a number of points under the topic of the im-
portance of this category of tatvbfd.
11
Translator's Note
All praise is for Allah alone and may He exalt and send peace and
blessings upon our beloved Prophet and upon those who follow his
way.
The author of this work is Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Khahfah Ibn 'Ali
al-Tamimi. He was born in al-Madinah in the year 1374H (1959). He
graduated from the Islamic University there and subsequently obtained
his Masters (1406H) and Doctorate (1410H) at the University, spe-
cialising in agfdah. At present he is an associate professor at the Uni-
versity in the faculty of Da'wah and Usill al-Din and he is also the
head of the Academic Research section at the University. The Shaykh
has a number of works that have been published ranging from verifi-
cations of classical works, articles for various magazines as well as a
number of works he himself has authored.
This particular book of his is by far one of the best in its field as an
introduction into the subject area of the tauthtd of Allah's Names and
Attributes, and Allah knows best. Some of its features are:
• The explanation of the fundamentals and principles of Ahl al-
Sunnah in this area along with a clarification of some specific
detailed matters.
• Clarification of the deviant methodologies in a clear manner
whilst explaining the truth in this regard.
• The stages of the book have been set out in a well structured
manner as the author begins with the importance of the sub-
ject. He then moves on to definitions, then relationships, ex-
planations and rulings and then a further deeper clarification.
• The clarity of his expression and discussion of this subject.
• An emphasis on the practical issues that pertain to this subject
as mentioned in a number of points under the topic of the im-
portance of this category of tatvbfd.
11
This last point in reality is the end objective of this subject area; the Preface
manner in which Allah's Names and Attributes are to be understood
and how they are to have an impact in the iman and behaviour of a
All praise is for Allah. We praise Him and seek His help and forgive-
person. However, this book does not cover this aspect in a detailed
ness. We turn to Him in repentance and seek refuge in Allah from the
manner. The scope of this book precedes this and is much more tech-
evil of our selves and the wickedness of our own deeds. Whomsoever
nical, concerning itself with the means towards this objective. It is re-
Allah guides, cannot be led astray and whomsoever Allah misguides,
lated to the issue of the correct belief towards Allah's Names and At-
none can guide him. I bear witness that none has the right to be wor-
tributes. For one to be truly affected by Allah's Names and Attributes ,
shipped except Allah, alone without any partner. To Him belong the
the goal, as necessitated by the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His
most beautiful Names and the most exalted Attributes.
Messenger (*) he has to possess the correct belief - the means - in
these Names and Attributes. I bear witness that Muhammad is His Slave, Messenger and His trusted
one with the revelation. Allah sent him with the guidance and religion
Please note that certain areas of this book relate more to a textbook
of truth. He conveyed the message, rendered the trust placed upon
than to a book for casual reading. As such, one needs to read over
certain sections more than once and it may, in fact, be of greater ben- him, sincerely advised the ummah, made jihad in the cause of Allah in
efit to read the entire book more than once. its truest sense and worshipped His Lord until he met the inevitable
certainty. May Allah praise him and send peace upon him and his
• The Arabic original Mu' taqad Ahl al-Sunnah wa l-fama" ah ft
household.
Tauraid al-Asma wa l-Sifeit is published by Adwa Al-Salaf,
Riyadh, K.S.A. (New Print), 1999. This study is the first of the series, Studies on the subject areas of Tawhid
al-Asma wa l-Sifat, and its title is, The belief of Ahl al-Sunnah wa
• Any footnote terminated with a [t] is from the translator.
affamil ah in Tawrad al-Asrna wa
• Translation of the Qur'an is based on The Noble Qur'an by Dr.
Allah willing, the following studies will succeed it:
Muhammad Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali and Dr. Muhammad
Muhsin Khan with slight modification when necessary. The second study: The belief of Ahlal-Sunnah wa allamd ah
in the most beautiful Names of Allah
May Allah reward all those who have helped in this transla-
The third study: The belief of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-lama` ah
tion and with Him lies all success. May He make our actions
in the most exalted Attributes of Allah
sincerely for His Face and not let anyone have a share in them.
The fourth study: The principles of Ahl al-Sunnah wa
llama` ah in understanding the texts
which contain the Names and Attributes of Allah
'i.e. death. [t]
12 13