Asserting the "Self" in Relation to Allah, the Almighty: A Creed based Study

Abstract

 This research is about asserting the "Self" in relation to Allah, the Almighty, in accordance with what has been mentioned in the Quran and the consensus Sunnah, and with what has been proved by the righteous old scholars, may Allah be pleased with them. The researcher investigates proofs and sayings of Imams, related to this matter. The researcher also looks into the sayings of those who oppose the Sunnis in this matter, their proofs, and the response of the Righteous to them and to their false interpretations. Moreover, the researcher tackles some problematic issues about and in relation to this matter, and looks into the response of the Sunnis to these issues that clarifies the matter.

 The findings include asserting the “Self” for Allah, the Almighty, as mentioned in the Quran and the Sunnah not as viewed by those who oppose the Sunnah without asserting its Shari`a truth. The term “Self” when referred to Allah, the Almighty, means “Allah Himself (dhaat)” not an attribute of Him. In this sense, it comprises all attributes. Thus, if the “Self” is denied, all attributes are denied accordingly. Similarly, the use of the word “Himself” to mean attributes is a conventional usage of the word permitted by Sunni editors. They consider it a conventional term set for a certain concept for the purpose of making it comprehensible, on condition that it is not to be used according to the intentions of speakers but according to Shari`a meanings instead. This does not mean naming or describing Allah Himself, the Almighty, but it means informing about Him only. The topic of informing about Allah, the Almighty, is wider than naming and attributing as it is known to the Sunnis within its Shari`a provisions.