Anthropomorphism in Islamic Context
Definition
Anthropomorphism refers to the assignment of human physical attributes to God. In the Islamic tradition, especially among orthodox Muslims, this is forbidden as it implies equating the Divine nature of God with the finite nature of human beings or created entities. This concept is expansively detailed in theology and is crucial for understanding the distinctiveness of God in Islam.
Etymology
The word “Anthropomorphism” comes from the Greek words ‘ánthrōpos’, meaning ‘human’, and ‘morphḗ’, meaning ‘form or shape’. It has been borrowed into theological contexts to describe assigning human traits to the divine.
Background and Cultural Contexts
Quranic Perspective:
In the Quran, God is described using attributes like knowledge, power, life, will, speech, hearing, and sight. These descriptions serve as metaphors, aimed at helping humans comprehend aspects of the Divine without ascribing physical human-like traits to Him. For instance, statements like “the Hand of Allah” or “the Face of Allah” in the Quran are to be understood metaphorically.
Sufi View:
Sufis often employ poetic metaphors and allegories to express their mystical longing and relationship with God. The intent is not literal similarity but to evoke a deeper understanding and connection.
Historical Facts and Dates
- 9th Century: The emergence of theological debates among Islamic scholars regarding the nature of God’s attributes. The Mu’tazilah, a rationalist school, insisted that God’s attributes are creations, stressing divine unity (tawhid).
- 10th-11th Century: Development of Ash’arites and Maturidites who argued that God’s attributes are eternal and not separate from His essence.
Theological Debates
Key Debate:
Orthodox scholars argue about whether God’s essence (dhat) and attributes (sifat) are identical and eternal or distinct. The consensus is that metaphorical language is necessary due to God’s incomprehensible nature.
Synonyms
- Symbolism
- Metaphorical Description
- Allegorism
Antonyms
- Literalism
- Physicalism
Related Terms
- Tawhid: The principle of monotheism in Islam emphasizing God’s oneness and uniqueness.
- Tasbih: Declaring God’s transcendence and glory, often used in contexts discussing divine attributes.
- Sifat: Attributes or qualities, particularly of God in Islamic theology.
Exciting Facts
- Sufi poets like Rumi: They used anthropomorphic language as emotional and spiritual metaphors rather than literal descriptions.
- Ibn Taymiyyah: An Islamic scholar who opposed the idea of humanizing God but also criticized the rationalist approach of completely disjointing God’s attributes from human understanding.
Quotations from Notable Writers
- Ibn al-Jawzi: “It is blasphemy to attempt to encase the All-Mighty in the frame of our mortal bodies.”
- Rumi: “Lose yourself completely; return to the root of the root of your own soul.”
Inspirational Literatures and Further Studies
- Books:
- “The Tawhidic Experience: Sufism and the Oneness of Being” by Dr. Mevlevi Irshad
- “The Essence of Islamic Philosophy” by Dr. Ali Shariati
- Articles:
- “Metaphorical Theology in the Quran” by Imam Anas El-Shiekh
- “Sufism and Its Influence through Allegory” by Layla Habib
- Online Courses:
- “Introduction to Islamic Theology” offered by reputable Islamic institutions.
Farewell Note: As we journey through the many facets of theological concepts in Islam, remember that seeking knowledge is a way of seeking God. Just as the stars guide travelers through the night, may the wisdom we’ve explored today guide you to a deeper understanding and reverence. — Zayd Ali Khan
