📚 The Jahimīyah: Exploring Divergent Thought in Early Islamic Theology
Introduction:
The Jahimīyah represents a notable sect in early Islamic theology, named after their progenitor, Jahim ibn Ṣafwān. Their influence stretched through intricate and often controversial theological debates that marked the formative years of Islamic thought. This lexicon entry delves into their various subsects and their unique ideological perspectives.
Definition:
The Jahimīyah is an Islamic sect originating in the 8th century, named after Jahim ibn Ṣafwān. Their doctrines challenged prevailing theological norms, earning them a contentious yet influential place in Islamic history.
Etymology:
- Jahimiyah (جهيمية): Derived from Jahim, the name of their seminal figure, Jahim ibn Ṣafwān.
- Ibn Ṣafwān: Early Islamic scholar and theologian.
Background:
The Jahimīyah emerged during a time of significant theological development, provoking debates on divine attributes, the nature of holy texts, and eschatology. Their radical interpretations questioned established doctrine, garnering both support and vehement opposition.
11 Subsects of Jahimīyah:
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Muʿat̤t̤alīyah:
- Belief: Names and attributes of God are created.
- Etymology: From Arabic “muʿaṭṭil” meaning “one who nullifies.”
-
Mutarābiṣīyah:
- Belief: The power, knowledge, and purpose of God are created.
- Etymology: From tarabbasa, meaning “to wait, assume.”
-
Mutarāqibīyah:
- Belief: God has a specific place.
- Etymology: From taraqab, meaning “to expect, anticipate.”
-
Wāridīyah:
- Belief: Those who enter hell will never escape, and a believer (muʾmin) will never enter hell.
- Etymology: From wārid, meaning “to come, to enter.”
-
Ḥarqīyah:
- Belief: The inhabitants of hell will ultimately be annihilated.
- Etymology: Related to ḥarq, meaning “burning.”
-
Mak͟hlūqīyah:
- Belief: The Qurʾān, Taurāt, Injīl, and Zubūr are created.
- Etymology: From k͟halq, meaning “creation.”
-
ʿIbarīyah:
- Belief: Muhammad was a learned man and philosopher, but not a prophet.
- Etymology: From ʿibrat, meaning “lesson, example.”
-
Fānīyah:
- Belief: Both Paradise and Hell will be annihilated.
- Etymology: From fanāʾ, meaning “cessation, perishing.”
-
Zanādiqīyah:
- Belief: The Miʿrāj was spiritual, the world is eternal, and there is no Day of Judgment.
- Etymology: From zanādiqa, used historically to refer to various heretics.
-
Lafz̤īyah:
- Belief: Qurʾān is not inspired writing; its instructions are from God.
- Etymology: From lafz̤, meaning “word, phrasing.”
- Qabrīyah:
- Belief: No punishment in the grave.
- Etymology: From qabr, meaning “grave.”
- Wāqifīyah:
- Belief: Uncertain on whether the Qur’an is created or uncreated.
- Etymology: From waqf, meaning “pause, delay.”
Cultural Differences and Similarities:
- Cultural Influence: These beliefs influenced Islamic jurisprudence, rational theology, and Sufism.
- Similarities: Many sects, like the Muʿtazilah, grappled with themes of divine justice and attributes.
- Differences: Rustling diametrically opposite views on eschatology and divine traits led to harsh rebuttals from more orthodox factions.
Synonyms:
- Rationalists
- Heterodox Thinkers
Antonyms:
- Orthodox Sunni
- Traditionalist Scholars
Related Terms with Definitions:
- Muʿtazilah: An Islamic sect emphasizing rationalism and human free will.
- Ashʿariyah: Followers of Abu al-Hasan al-Ashʿari, known for reconciling rationalism with traditionalism.
- Anthropomorphism: Attribution of human traits or emotions to God.
Exciting Facts:
- Jahimīyah thought laid groundwork for later theological explorations.
- Their debate on the Qurʾān’s creation informed the Mihna, an inquisition led by Abbasid Caliph al-Maʾmun.
Quotations from Notable Writers:
- Abu Hayyan al-Tawhidi: “The Jahimīyah, though controversial, forced us to think beyond the superficial and challenge the unseen bonds in our scriptural understanding.”
References:
- “Islam in Historical Perspective” by Alexander P. Gordon.
- “The Theology of Unity” by Muhammad Abduh.
- “The Formation of Islamic Thought” by Josef Van Ess.
- “Ensuring Salvation: Abū Hāshim al-Jubbāʾī and the Banūl-Ḥanīfa faction of the Ḥanābila.”
Suggested Literature and Further Studies:
-
“The Origins of Islamic Theology” by Margarete Ibrahim.
- This offers a comprehensive look at early intersections of diverse theological debates within Islam.
-
“Theological Debates and Islam’s Scholarly Tradition” by Hisham Al-Halabi.
- An exploration of how theological debates shaped the broader Islamic tradition.
-
“Creeds and Sects of Islam” by Albert Schneider.
- A deep dive into various Islamic sects, including their origins and beliefs.
Quizzes:
“May our journey in understanding unfold the tapestries of faith with wisdom as our dear companion.”
—Fareed Al-Ghazzali, 2023-10-04
