One of the important and widely debated issues between Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah and the Mutazilites is the issue of the Sirat Bridge. Since the principles and rules of the Mutazilites are based on reason, they deny many actions and issues regarding the Day of Judgment, one of which is the Sirat Bridge.
In this article, we aim to present the views of both Ahl al-Sunnah and the Mutazilites, along with the reasons behind each view. To better understand the Sirat Bridge and its nature, we will first explore its linguistic and terminological definitions, and then present the opinions of each group separately.
Linguistic and Terminological Definition of Sirat
The Lexical meaning of Sirat:
The word “Sirat” is derived from the root “ṣarṭa” with the forms ṣiraṭan. This word can be pronounced in three correct ways: with ṣād (ص):
Ṣirāṭ; with sīn (س): Sirāṭ; and with zāy : Zirāṭ. All three forms convey the same meaning.
Al-Jawhari writes: “Al-Ṣirāṭ, al-Sirāṭ, and Zirāṭ all mean ‘the path.'”
Ibn Faris writes: “Al-Ṣirāṭ: Ṣād, Rā’, and Ṭā’—this form is of the type of substitution and also comes with sīn meaning ‘the path.'”
Al-Firuzabadi writes: “Al-Ṣirāṭ with kasra means ‘the path,’ and with sīn (س), it is a different word.”
Al-Zuhri writes: “Ṣirāṭ with ṣād (ص) was the language of the early Quraysh, and it has also been used in the Qur’an. The majority of Arabs pronounce it with sīn (Sirāṭ).”
Sirat in Terminology:
Scholars have presented various definitions for Sirat, a few of which are mentioned here:
Imam al-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) writes in defining it: “It is a bridge over Hell through which all people will pass.”
Al-Saffarini (may Allah have mercy on him) writes: “It is a bridge placed over Hell, and all creatures will pass over it.”
Dr. Ziyab bin Madhil Alawi writes: “It is a bridge erected over Hell; whoever Allah Almighty wills will pass over it and enter Paradise.”
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