MUSHABBIHAH (مشبهة)
Comprehensive Definition
Mushabbihah (مشبهة) is an Islamic term referring to those who attribute human characteristics to God, asserting that God resembles His creation in certain aspects. The name “Mushabbihah” translates literally to “The Assimilators” or “The Comparers,” indicating their belief that God possesses physical attributes similar to humans, such as limbs or the capacity for locomotion.
Etymology
The term “Mushabbihah” derives from the Arabic root “ش-ب-ه” (sh-b-h), meaning “to resemble” or “to liken.” Thus, it appropriately characterizes the sect’s primary doctrine of comparing God to human attributes.
Background
This belief system emerged as an offshoot within the Islamic tradition, contrasting sharply with the mainstream Sunni theological stance which emphasizes the transcendence (tanzīh) and incomparability (tawḥīd) of God. The Mushabbihah sect postulates a corporeal nature for God, implying that divine essence can take a tangible form or have parts. This perspective has been largely debated and refuted by other Islamic scholars, including both Sunnis and certain Shīʿahs who advocate for God’s utter uniqueness and indefinability.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Cultures of Belief
- Mainstream Islam: Predominantly views God as transcendent, incomparable, and free from physical forms, emphasizing the verse, “There is nothing like Him” (Qur’an 42:11).
- Mushabbihah: Include literal interpretations of Qur’anic verses that metaphorically describe God’s attributes (e.g., His “Hand” or “Face”), seeing these as physical traits.
Similarities:
- Call to Monotheism: Both Mushabbihah and mainstream sects uphold the belief in one God.
- Scriptural Reference: Both derive their beliefs from Islamic scripture, though with divergent interpretations.
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Related Terms
Synonyms
- Anthropomorphists
- Corporealists
Antonyms
- Non-anthropomorphists
- Transcendentalists
Related Terms with Definitions
- Tanzīh: Theological concept emphasizing God’s transcendence and the denial of any likeness to His creation.
- Tawḥīd: Oneness of God, fundamental principle of Islam asserting the unique and indivisible nature of God.
- Shīʿah: A major branch of Islam that sometimes intersects with Mushabbihah beliefs; however, mainstream Shīʿah theology often refutes anthropomorphism.
Exciting Facts
- Historical Debate: The concept of anthropomorphism initiated intense debates among early Islamic theologians, influencing the development of Islamic philosophy and theology.
- Prominent Opponents: The famous scholar Al-Ash’arī vehemently argued against anthropomorphic theology, laying the foundations for classical Sunni orthodoxy.
- Theological Implications: Mushabbihah beliefs highlight the theological challenges of interpreting metaphysical concepts from sacred texts.
Quotations from Notable Writers
- “To think of God as resembling any of His creation is to diminish His divine majesty.” – Al-Ghazālī
- “He is not our kind; there is nothing comparable to Him.” – Ibn Taymiyyah
References and Suggested Literature
Scholarly References
- Al-Ghazālī, “Iḥyā’ ‘Ulūm ad-Dīn” (Revival of Religious Sciences)
- Ibn Taymiyyah, “Al-‘Aqeedah Al-Waasitiyyah”
Suggested Literature for Further Studies
- Richard Frank, “Philosophy and Theology in the Middle Ages”
- Louis Massignon, “Essay on the Origins of Islamic Mysticism”
Quizzes
Journey with curiosity and immerse yourself in the profound theological discussions within Islam! Each belief, no matter how divergent, offers a window into human comprehension of the Divine.
With intellectual abundance and a seeker’s heart, Zara Abdallah
