Generally, most deviant and misguided groups have taken their beliefs from outdated laws and false teachings of the past and have largely chosen their paths based on them; for this reason, many of their beliefs are in conflict with the laws and principles of Islam. The Jahmiyyah sect is one of these groups. Islamic scholars and theologians believe that the Jahmiyyah sect derived many of its beliefs from Jews, Christians, and polytheists.
In the previous part, a brief biography of the founder of the Jahmiyyah sect was presented. In this part, we will discuss his knowledge and understanding, his influence from the Semniyyah group, and the similarities between this group and Jews and Christians.
Jahm bin Safwan’s Knowledge
Whether Jahm bin Safwan was truly a scholar or not is a matter of differing opinions among scholars and writers. Some argue that through his travels to various cities, meetings with the scholars of his time, and engagement with the Quran and Islamic beliefs, he developed his own opinions and theories, thereby initiating a significant movement. However, another group of scholars, including the elders and Salaf Salih, asserts that Jahm bin Safwan lived during the early days of Islam when numerous Tabi’in and scholars were abundant. Despite this, Jahm rejected knowledge in general, favoring philosophy and theology over the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah.
Many knowledgeable individuals have testified to his ignorance and lack of scholarly credentials, stating that he never attended meetings with esteemed scholars and authoritative sheikhs. Abdul Aziz bin Abi Salma, may Allah have mercy on him, said: “The statements of Jahm bin Safwan are attributes without meaning, a structure without a foundation; he was never regarded as a scholar.” Once, when he was asked about a person who divorces his wife before consummating the marriage, Jahm replied: “The waiting period after divorce is necessary for her.” This ignorant statement contradicted the words of Almighty Allah, who says: «ثم طلقتموهن من قبل أن تمسوهن فما لکم علیهن من عدة تعتدونها» “Then you divorced them before you touched them, so they will have no waiting period to be observed.”
It is reported that Jahm bin Safwan once sought to engage Imam Abu Hanifah, may Allah have mercy on him, in debate. Upon meeting him and inviting him to a discussion, Imam Abu Hanifah replied: “Engaging you in conversation is shameful, and entering into a debate with you is like stepping into a fire that blazes… I have heard things from you that no Muslim would say.”
Muqatil bin Suleiman, may Allah have mercy on him, asserted: “I swear by Allah, Jahm bin Safwan never made the pilgrimage to Makkah nor associated with scholars. He was a person whom Almighty Allah gifted with eloquence; that is, he deceives people with his fluent language and persuasive words, drawing them into his false sect.”
Due to his ignorance, when he debated with the Semniyyah group, he was swayed by their arguments to the extent that he refrained from praying for forty days, believing that worship and prayer should be directed toward someone who can be seen. This misguided idea was borrowed from the same Semniyyah group, and he was influenced by their rhetoric.
