Advanced search
Visit
12814
Last Updated: 2014/05/14
Summary of question
What are the meanings of the informative attributes of Allah? What are the Sunni and Shia viewpoints in this regard?
question
What is the difference between Shia and Sunni in translating khabaria or informative attributes of God. Please explain with some examples?
Concise answer
Khabariyah or informative attributes refer to attributes which have been mentioned in the Quran and narrations and have no proofs other than textual evidence. Among those attributes, "yadullah" (Hand of Allah) and "'ainullah" (Eye of Allah) are examples contained in the Quran. The Shia school following the Household (Ahlul-Bayt), peace be upon them, believe that God, the Glorified, is free from matter and that He cannot be likened to any material object. A careful look at the Quranic verses and the likes will reveal their true purport to us. For instance, Shia scholars unanimously state that the word "yad" (hand) in the Quran refers to God's power. Thus it means that God is Almighty and All-Powerful.
 
Detailed Answer
Khabariyah or informative attributes, the definitions and the views expressed concerning them are some of the most contentious issues among various Islamic theological schools. Khabariyah or informative attributes refer to attributes which have been mentioned in the Quran and narrations and that they are not supported by any proofs other than textual evidence.[1] Some examples of the Quranic verses which refer to these attributes are the following:
1. Hand of Allah (Yadullah):
«إِنَّ الَّذِینَ یُبایِعُونَکَ إِنَّما یُبایِعُونَ اللَّهَ یَدُ اللَّهِ فَوْقَ أَیْدِیهِمْ»[2]
"Surely those who swear allegiance to you do but swear allegiance to Allah; the hand of Allah is above their hands."
2. Face of Allah (Wajhullah):
«وَ لِلَّهِ الْمَشْرِقُ وَ الْمَغْرِبُ فَأَیْنَما تُوَلُّوا فَثَمَّ وَجْهُ اللَّهِ»[3]
"Unto Allah belong the East and the West, and whithersoever ye turn, there is Allah's Countenance (face). Lo! Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing."
3. Eye of Allah (Ainullah):
«وَ اصْنَعِ الْفُلْکَ بِأَعْیُنِنا وَ وَحْیِنا»[4]
"And make the ark before Our eyes and (according to) Our revelation, and do not speak to Me in respect of those who are unjust."
4. Being Established on the Throne:
«الرَّحْمنُ عَلَى الْعَرْشِ اسْتَوى‏»[5]
"(Allah) Most Gracious is firmly established on the throne (of authority)."
Keeping in view that these verses signify that God, the Glorified is physical and corporeal, it has been agreed by all Muslim scholars that while ascribing such attributes to God, we must suffice to what has been mentioned in the Quran and reliable traditions.  However, different Muslim sects have fallen into dispute concerning the interpretation and meaning of these attributes. Some have likened God to material entities and human beings in the sense that He has eyes and hands like human beings. Some others have denied these attributes with regard to Allah saying that there is no resemblance between God and human beings. However, Shiite theologians relying on traditions and sayings of the Household of the Holy Prophet (S), have their own viewpoint as shall be mentioned.
A) Shia Perspective
The Shia school following the Household (Ahlul-Bayt), peace be upon them, believe that God, the Glorified, is free from matter and that He cannot be likened to anything on the surface of the earth. A careful look at the Quranic verses and the likes will reveal their true purport to us. For instance, Shia scholars unanimously state that the word "yad" (hand) in the Quran refers to God's power. Thus it means that God is Almighty and All-Powerful.  What is meant by 'wajh' is God, the Almighty Himself. That is to say, everything is mortal except God.  As for being establishing on throne, it also means that God is All-Knowing and All-Powerful in contriving and running the world.  Not only should we believe in the denial and likeness and resemblance of Allah to any other things, rather the principle that God is purified of all likeness applies to all divine attributes.  For instance, God's knowledge  cannot be considered as acquired and external to His essence. God's knowledge is identical with His essence. It is by presence and infinite. The position is the same with God's power and life which are infinite and identical with His very essence.
Imam Reza (A.S) has been reported as having said: "In the subject of tawhid (divine unity), people are of three tendencies: "Negation (of the attributes); likening (God's attributes to physical attributes) and substantiation of the attributes without likening. It is not permissible to deny the attributes nor is it permissible to liken them. And what is the right path and the correct method, is the establishment of the attributes without likening."[6] That is to say we should believe in these attributes in such a way that we do not end up likening them to physical attributes.
B) The Sefatiyah Viewpoint
Sefatiyah had been one of the theological sects with many sub-divisions including Ash'arites, Mushabbeha and Karamiyah[7]. They did not differentiate between the attributes of essence and the attributes of action. At least, some of them considered certain khabariyah (informative) attributes like "face", and "yad" (face and hand) as proven for God without any esoteric or anagogical interpretation.  They went as far as to liken divine attributes to those of humans.[8]
C) The Mu'attilah Perspective
Contrary to Sefatiyah sect, the Mu'tazilites were the ones who have denied some of the names and attributes of God and it was for the same reason that they were called "mu'attilah"[9]. In the beliefs, the resemblance between God and His creatures has been negated with regards to Allah the Glorious and Majestic. No one from the creation is similar to Him.[10] This was a short account on the existing viewpoints regarding the attributes of Allah especially the informative ones under question.
 

[1] Subhani, Ja'far, Simai Aqaed Shia, translated by Muhaddethi, Jawad, p. 66, Mash'ar Publications, Tehran, 1386 A.H.
[2]  Fath (48): 10
[3] Al-Baqarah (2): 115
[4] Hud (11): 37
[5] Ta-ha (20): 5
[6]  The Arabic version of the narration is as such:
«للناس فی التوحید ثلاثة مذاهب: نفی، و تشبیه، و اثبات بغیر تشبیه، فمذهب النفی لا یجوز، و مذهب التشبیه لا یجوز، و السبیل فی الطریقة الثالثة، اثبات بلا تشبیه»
Sheikh Saduq, al-Tawhid, researched and corrected by Hussein, Hashem, p. 101, Islamic Publications Office, Qom, first edition, 1398 A.H.
[7] Mashkoor, Muhammad Jawad, Glossary of Islamic Sects, p. 301, Astaan Quds Razawi, Mashad, second edition, 1372.
[8] Shahristani, Al-Melal wa al-Nehal, researched by Badran, Muhammad, vol.1, p. 105, Al-Sharif al-Razi, qom, 1364.
[9]  Rizwani, Ali Asghar, Shiatology and Answer to Spurious Questions, vol.2, p. 513, Nashr Mash'ar Publication, Tehran, 1384.
[10] Ibn Attiyah, Jamil Hamood, Abha al-Murad, fi Sharh Mu'atmar Ulama Baghdad, vol.2, p. 152, Al-A'alami Institute, Beirut, 1423.
Question translations in other languages
Comments
Number of comments 0
Please enter the value
Example : Yourname@YourDomane.ext
Please enter the value
Please enter the value

Thematic Category

Random questions

  • Why didn’t Allah miraculously prevent the killing of Imam Hussein (A.S.)?
    16391 The infallibles 2010/05/27
    Everything takes place under Allah's will and according to His traditions and the same way Allah had the power to prevent Prophet Ibrahim's blade from cutting he could have also disabled all of the enemies' weapons, and miraculously saved Imam Hussein, but such a miracle did not happen ...
  • Who is Zaid bin Haretha?
    8074 برخی صحابیان 2013/04/18
    When still a child, Zaid bin Haretha, accompanied by her mother (Sa’ada bint Tha’laba bin ‘Abd Âmer), was going to Tha’laba bin Âmer tribe, to visit his relatives. On the way to his destination, Zaid bin Haretha was attacked and his property was confiscated by Bani ...
  • What is the Islamic law about women going out with makeup?
    8744 Laws and Jurisprudence 2011/12/01
    Office of Grand Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi (may Allah grant him long life): There is no objection to women wearing light makeup on their faces and hands up to the wrists provided that it does not entail any evil or corruption but it is necessary for ...
  • Is it permissible to invest in non-Muslim countries?
    8607 Laws and Jurisprudence 2009/04/21
    In response to your inquiry, the grand Ayatullah Khamenei says: “Investing in the banks of countries with non-Islamic governments is permissible per se, given that it doesn’t strengthen them politically and economically such that they will use it against Muslims and Islam, and in ...
  • What is the meaning of the word "Allah"?
    15252 Traditional 2011/11/17
    The word "Allah" which is translated into God is a particular and the most comprehensive name of God. Hazrat Ali (a.s.) explaining the meaning of "Allah" said, "Allah means the worshipped one, by Whom people are bewildered, and to Whom they are submissive. Allah is ...
  • Can a woman have an extended relationship with others over the internet without her husband’s permission?
    8296 Laws and Jurisprudence 2012/04/19
    The following is the response of the maraji’ to your question: 1. Khamenei: If it doesn’t entail using his wealth/belongings [without his consent], there is no need for permission, but please do remember that it is impermissible to develop a relationship with a non-mahram which ...
  • Was the Fadak usurped before or after the burning of Lady Zahra’s home?
    9666 تاريخ بزرگان 2010/07/31
     This question doesn’t have a brief answer. Please click on the detailed answer. ...
  • What is the Mus’haf of Fatimah? Did the prophet and his household know about this book?
    14937 Traditional 2011/04/20
    The Mus’haf of Fatimah is the name of a book that was written by Imam Ali during Lady Fatimah's lifetime. The content of this book was communicated to Lady Fatimah through the special angel Gabriel. This book consists of future prophecies, the secrets of the Prophet's household and ...
  • Why is it permissible in Islam to marry female captives?
    9538 Philosophy of Religion and Law 2011/01/02
    Given that we have already dealt with the political and social aspects of slaveholding in our previous answers, here we will study two more issues concerning the subject matter: 1. The reason and philosophy behind the legality of conjugal relations with female captives 2. Why doesn’t this ...
  • How should one go about identifying the most learned Mujtahid, if the testimonies of the witnesses contradict each other?
    8354 Laws and Jurisprudence 2011/01/15
    All grand jurists have said in their edicts that there are three ways of identifying a Mujtahid, and the A'alam:First: when a person is certain that a particular person is a Mujtahid, or the most learned one. For this, he should be a ...

Popular