Heresy in Allah’s Names and Attributes

by Shaykh Saalih bin Fawzaan al-Fawzaan may Allah preserve him 

The shaykh mentions this point of benefit in his explanation of “al-Aqeedatul Wasateeyah” under the statement, “They do not deviate with regard to Allah’s Names and His signs”

Ilhaad in regards to Allah’s Names and signs is deviating and turning away from their realities and true meanings to something false. There are many types of ilhaad:

The First Type: giving a derivative of Allah’s name to an idol.

For example, the name of al-Laat was taken from al-Ilaah, al-‘Uzza from al-‘Azeez, and al-Munaah from al-Mannaan.

The Second Type: naming Allah, who is freed from all imperfections, with something that does not befit Him.

For example like the Christians who give Him the name “Father”. Also the philosophers who call Him “The Causer” or “Prime Mover”.

The Third Type: describing Him with a deficiency that He is free from.

For example: just as the Jews who say:

“Indeed Allah is poor (needy) and we are rich” [Surah Aali Imraan: 181]

and their statement:

“The hand of Allah is tied” [Surah Maaidah: 64]

also their statement that he rested on the sabbath, and He is freed from what they say.

The Fourth Type: denying the meanings and realities

For example: the saying of the Jahmeeyah: these attributes are but mere words which do not compromise characteristics or meanings. So the name as-Samee’ doesn’t compromise hearing, al-Baseer doesn’t compromise seeing, al-Hayy does not give evidence to life, and other examples like that.

The Fifth Type: likening His Attributes with the attributes of His creation.

For example: (saying) Allah’s hand is like my hand and other similar statements. Allah, the Most High, is freed from these things. Allah has threatened those who commit ilhaad in His Names and Signs with a severe warning. He said:

“And to Allah belong the Most Beautiful of Names therefore, call upon Him with them and leave alone those who deny and utter false imputations against His Names. Soon will they be requited for what they used to do.” [Surah ‘Araaf: 180]

He also said:

“Verily those who turn away from Our Sings (by attacking, distorting and denying them) are not hidden from Us” [Surah Fussilat: 40]

Translated by: Michael AbdusSalaam Deonarain

الفقير الى الله