السنن الإلهية وأثرها في فهم
Let's break down its significance:
"الاستواء معلوم" (The 'istiwa' is known): This refers to the verses in the Quran that mention Allah's "istiwa" upon the Throne (e.g., Surah Al-A'raf 7:54, Surah Ta-Ha 20:5). The tafwid school acknowledges the literal meaning of the word "istiwa," which generally implies establishment, settling, or ascending. They don't deny the textual evidence.
"والكيف مجهول" (But the 'kayf' is unknown): This is the crucial part. "Kayf" refers to the "how" or the manner in which this "istiwa" occurs. The tafwid scholars assert that the precise nature of Allah's "istiwa" is beyond human comprehension. Our minds, being finite and limited to the created realm, cannot grasp the reality of the Divine.
"تقرير لتفويض المعنى لا لإثباته" (It is a confirmation of the meaning, not a determination of its manner): This clarifies the intent of their statement. They affirm the meaning conveyed by the word "istiwa" in the Quran, acknowledging it as one of Allah's attributes. However, they explicitly refrain from delving into or speculating about the specific mode or modality of this attribute. They "delegate" (يُفَوِّضُ - yufawwidu) the precise understanding of the "how" to Allah alone.
In essence, this statement encapsulates the approach of the tafwid school, which emphasizes:
Acceptance of the literal text: They take the Quranic verses at face value without distorting their apparent meaning.
Acknowledgement of human limitation: They recognize that our intellect has boundaries when it comes to understanding the Divine essence and attributes.
Rejection of anthropomorphism (تشبيه - tashbih) and likening Allah to creation: By stating that the "kayf" is unknown, they distance themselves from any attempt to describe Allah's attributes in a way that resembles the attributes of created beings.
Emphasis on submission and reverence: They believe that the appropriate response to such divine pronouncements is acceptance, faith, and entrusting the deeper understanding to Allah.
This approach stands in contrast to other theological schools that engage in more detailed interpretations (ta'wil) of such verses. The quote you provided, attributed to Hatim, likely echoes this sentiment of tafwid, emphasizing the acceptance of the revealed meaning while humbly acknowledging the unknowable nature of its precise manner. It's a powerful statement that balances faith in the divine word with a recognition of human intellectual constraints.
السنن الإلهية وأثرها في فهم
The concept of "السنن الإلهية" (divine laws or the ways of Allah) is fundamental to understanding the world and our place within it from an Islamic perspective. These are the consistent patterns, principles, and decrees that Allah has established to govern the universe, history, and human affairs. Recognizing and understanding these laws has a profound impact on how we perceive and interact with reality.
Here's a breakdown of the significance of divine laws in shaping our understanding:
1. Provides a Framework for Understanding Reality:
Causality and Consequence: Divine laws highlight the principle of cause and effect in all aspects of life. Actions, whether by individuals or societies, inevitably lead to consequences, as stated in the Quran: "So whoever does an atom's weight of good will see it, And whoever does an atom's weight of evil will see it." (Quran 99:7-8). Understanding this encourages us to be mindful of our choices and their potential outcomes.
