Al-Asma Wa Al-Sifat

Al-Asma wa al-Sifat (The Names and Attributes) is one of the three branches of "Tawheed." It involves believing in the Names and Attributes of Allah as they are mentioned in the Quran and "Sahih" Sunnah, without "Tahrif" (distortion), "Ta'til" (denial), or "Tashbih" (comparison to creation). This knowledge is the key to "Marifa" (knowing Allah). By understanding His "Sifat," the believer develops a heart filled with "Mahabbah" (love), "Khawf" (fear), and "Raja" (hope). The Names and Attributes of Allah are revealed in the Quran and Sunnah. The Quran says: "To Allah belong the best names (al-asma al-husna), so call upon Him by them" (7:180). There are 99 names commonly listed, though scholars note there may be more. The attributes (sifat) of Allah include His life, knowledge, power, hearing, sight, speech, will, and others. These are affirmed as they appear in revelation. The correct methodology regarding the names and attributes is to affirm what Allah affirms for Himself without: tahreef (distorting the meaning), ta'teel (denying the attribute), takyeef (asking how), and tashbeeh (comparing to creation). For example, Allah says He "rose over the Throne" (20:5). Muslims affirm this without comparing it to human rising (tashbeeh) and without denying it (ta'teel). The attributes are not like human attributes. The Quran says: "There is nothing like unto Him" (42:11). His hearing is not like human hearing; His seeing is not like human seeing; His rising is not like human rising. The names and attributes are essential for knowing Allah. By understanding that He is Ar-Rahman (the Most Merciful), the believer hopes in His mercy. By understanding that He is Al-Qahhar (the Irresistible), the believer fears His punishment. By understanding that He is Al-Latif (the Subtle), the believer trusts His hidden kindness. The names and attributes also guide worship. The believer calls upon Allah by His names. They praise Him with His attributes. They love Allah because of His perfection. The early scholars affirmed the attributes without delving into how. Imam Malik said when asked about Allah's rising: "The rising is known, the how is unknown, belief in it is obligatory, and asking about it is an innovation." For believers, knowledge of the names and attributes is essential for correct faith. It protects from deviation,from those who deny Allah's attributes (like the Mu'tazila) and those who compare Him to creation (like the anthropomorphists). The believer learns the names and attributes, reflects on them, calls upon Allah by them, and lives in awareness of Allah's perfection. The ultimate knowledge of Allah is not in this life, but the believer strives to know Him as much as possible, loving Him, fearing Him, and hoping in His mercy.