Introduction: In this vast universe, humans hold many beliefs, convictions, and tendencies; but which belief is valid before Allah Almighty and can be a source of honor for the servant in His sight? To answer this, we must refer to the Quran and Sunnah to see how much these beliefs align with them and the practices of the noble Sahaba, Tabe’een, and true scholars. For this reason, we have dedicated this part of the research to defining belief, identifying the correct belief, and summarizing the various issues surrounding beliefs between the Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah and the Jahmiyyah sect.
The Levels of the Jahmiyyah Sect
Research indicates that the Jahmiyyah group is not homogeneous; rather, the individuals within this sect and its sub-sections differ among themselves. Some members are very violent and extremist, while others may be moderate to some extent, and some only share a few beliefs and convictions with the rest. Consequently, the rulings applicable to each group differ. Scholars have issued strict rulings for the first group, while opting for a middle path for the others.
The Jahmiyyah sect has three levels:
1. The Extremist Jahmiyyah: This group denies the attributes of Allah Almighty and considers Him to be devoid of any names or attributes. They claim that Allah has no names and attributes. Sometimes, to mask their fallacious beliefs, they might say that Allah has names, but these names do not convey the intended meanings. They may also assert that Allah has attributes, yet those attributes are not what is meant. This form of Jahmiyyah is the most condemned and pernicious.
2. The Mu’tazila Jahmiyyah: This group consists of the Mu’tazila who have adopted some of the beliefs of the Jahmiyyah. The principles of this faction align with the five principles of the Mu’tazila. However, it is important to note that this group has also strayed from the path of truth, leaning toward deviation and misguidance. Various issues pertaining to this group and the rulings related to them are discussed in literature on the subject.
3. Jahmiyyah Sifatiyah: The third group is known as the Jahmiyyah Sifatiyah. They acknowledge names and attributes for Allah Almighty, stating that they affirm these attributes. For instance, they cite the verse:
«ید الله فوق أیدهم» (*”The hand of Allah is above all hands,”*) but interpret “hand” as meaning strength. While they establish attributes for Allah, their interpretations are ultimately incorrect.
Allama Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him, categorized the degrees of Jahmiyyah and the extent of their influence into three groups:
1. The Most Esteemed Jahmiyyah: This group denies the names and attributes of Allah Almighty. When they occasionally refer to Allah by one of His blessed names, they claim it does not reflect the original meaning but is merely metonymy.
2. The Mu’tazila and Their Likes: This group accepts the names of Allah in general but deny the attributes.
3. People of Attributes and Proof: This group believes in the names and attributes of Allah Almighty generally but rejects and interprets some of these names and attributes, both predicative and non-predicative.
In this section, we will explain the differing beliefs and issues between Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah and the Jahmiyyah. In subsequent sections, we will try to elaborate on each of these issues in detail, stating the rationale for each sect’s stance and using reliable sources.
1. Their opinions about monotheism (Tawheed) include the denial of all the names and attributes of Allah Almighty, viewing His attributes as metonymy.
2. They assert beliefs in predestination and destiny.
3. They deny various matters related to the Day of Judgment, such as the bridge of the Sirat, the scale, meeting Allah in Paradise, and the torment of the grave, claiming that both Paradise and Hell will eventually be annihilated.
4. They reject the notion that Allah Almighty is a speaker and claim that the Quran is created.
5. They believe faith consists solely of knowledge.
6. They deny that Allah Almighty exists in the direction of elevation.
7. They hold that Allah is close to everyone in His essence and is with everyone by His essence, a view upheld by the followers of unity and harmony.
8. They believe disbelief is merely ignorance and nothing more.
9. They assert that actions truly belong to Allah Almighty but may sometimes be attributed to servants metaphorically, as in their claims that “the tree moved, the sky rotated, and the sun disappeared.”
Before further elaborating on the Jahmiyyah group’s beliefs and providing the Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah’s responses, it is essential first to define belief both in terms of vocabulary and terminology to understand what constitutes correct beliefs.
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