Definition and Meaning: Tanzih (تنزيه) is a crucial concept in Islamic theology that signifies the doctrine of divine transcendence and exemption, asserting that God (Allah) is utterly unique and entirely dissimilar from anything in creation. Tanzih strongly opposes any form of anthropomorphism (Tashbih), which attributes human characteristics to God.
Etymology: The term originates from the Arabic root word “ن-ز-ه” (n-z-h), meaning “to declare something pure” or “to remove imperfections.” In the context of theology, Tanzih emphasizes God’s perfection and the notion that God is beyond all anthropomorphic qualities.
Background: Tanzih forms an essential part of the Islamic doctrine of Tawhid (the oneness of God). The emphasis is on pure monotheism and the transcendental nature of God, ensuring that God’s nature remains wholly incomprehensible and beyond human comparison.
Historical Facts and Dates:
- Early Islamic Thought: From the early days of Islam in the 7th century, Tanzih was integral as it defended monotheism against the anthropomorphic tendencies seen in other religious cultures.
- Sufism Development: By the 9th and 10th centuries, Sufis explored Tanzih deeply, often working to balance this concept with Tashbih (acknowledging God’s immanence).
- Eighteenth Century Shift: Sufi practices, particularly regarding union with the spirit of Muhammad rather than direct union with God, grew significantly due to Tanzih’s principles.
Cultural Differences and Similarities:
- Tanzih vs. Tashbih: In various Islamic cultures, discussions often contrast Tanzih (emphasizing divine transcendence) with Tashbih (emphasizing divine immanence) as different but interconnected ways to understand God.
- Interfaith Comparisons: Similar concepts exist in other monotheistic traditions, such as the Christian doctrine of God’s incomprehensibility and Judaic teachings about God’s transcendence.
Synonyms:
- Incomparability
- Divine Transcendence
Antonyms:
- Anthropomorphism
- Tashbih
Related Terms with Definitions:
- Tawhid (توحيد): The core Islamic belief in the oneness and uniqueness of God.
- Tashbih (تشبيه): The comparison or attribution of human-like qualities to God, often contrasted with Tanzih.
- Islamic Theology: The study of concepts related to God, faith, and practice in Islam.
Exciting Facts:
- Tanzih serves as a theological shield against idol worship and ensures worship is directed to the utterly unique and incomparable God.
- Early mystics like Al-Hasan al-Basri were steadfast advocates of Tanzih, cautioning against excessive mysticism that borders on anthropomorphism.
Quotations from Notable Writers:
- Al-Ghazali: “To truly know God is to understand His unlikeness to anything in creation.”
- Rumi: “In the silence of Tanzih, the heart finds its true place by knowing what it cannot behold.”
References:
- Gardet, L. “Islamic Theology: An Introduction”. Oxford University Press.
- Ibn ‘Arabi. “The Bezels of Wisdom”. The Classics of Western Spirituality.
Suggested Literature:
- “Principles of Islamic Theology” by A. N. Mir
- “Towards the Understanding of Islamic Theology” by Abdul Rahman
- “The Sufi Path of Knowledge: Ibn Arabi’s Metaphysics of Imagination” by William C. Chittick
- “Islamic Philosophy, Science, and Culture: An Epistemological Orientation” by Yazdi, M. Homa
Inspirational Thought:
“In recognizing Tanzih, we approach the divine presence with humility, appreciating that God’s majesty and being surpass our human faculties, reminding us of the infinite mystery of the Creator.”
Author: Fatimah Al-Azhary Date: 2023-10-04
