Inquiries on the Science of the Objectives of Sharia (Part 13)
B: The Arguments of Those Who Deny the Ta’lil
As stated, those who deny the use of reason are divided into two groups, and we will explain and analyze their arguments in the same order:
1. The Arguments of the Ash’arites
The Ash’arites have argued for their claim that the Sharia rulings are not based on reason with several rational arguments:
A. One of the Ash’arites’ arguments in this case is to deny and oppose the Mu’tazilite view. The Mu’tazilites consider goodness and ugliness to be inherent in things, and this issue is considered a rational matter in their opinion. The Ash’arites, in opposing them, have also rejected the inherent goodness and ugliness of things and have not considered Allah’s actions to have a purpose.
B. Not every command of Allah is based on a cause; therefore, it is necessary to say that the Sharia rulings are also not related to goals and purposes, such as: torturing children, animals, etc. on the Day of Judgment.
C. The claim of attribution requires Allah to reach perfection through something else, and this is also impossible, because Allah Almighty has no deficiency that He can compensate for with something else. The purpose of Allah’s actions requires Allah’s deficiency and need, which is impossible and Allah is needless.
A: Criticism and Examination of the Ash’ari Arguments
Regarding the denial of attribution of rulings, the Ash’ari opinion is contrary to their doctrine, because they accept analogy, and the basis of analogy is based on cause.
The Ash’ari do not connect Allah’s action with the ultimate purpose and cause; but they believe that Allah’s actions include benefits and judgment.
Denial of attribution means that there is no necessity in every act of Allah Almighty; if the issues of theology are free from attribution and do not require the appearance of a cause.
The reason that there does not seem to be benefits or corruption in every ruling of the Sharia does not imply the absence of wisdom; because not everyone can access the secrets of Allah, and this is considered a gift from Allah.
Allama Ibn Al-Hammam (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “Those who accept analogy consider the relevance of the cause to be a condition, and in their view, the foundation of the rules is on the benefits, because the cause without relevance is not the cause.” Then he added: The difference in the issue of attribution is a verbal difference that arises from the meaning of “purpose.” Those who said that the purpose is the benefit that applies to the agent have not accepted the attribution of the rules, and those who said that the purpose is the benefits that apply to the servants of Allah have ruled on the attribution of the rules.
