One of the significant issues in jurisprudence between the Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah and the Jahmiyyah sect is the matter of Olov (elevation) and Estewa (ascending) of Allah Almighty over the Arsh (Throne). This issue has been extensively discussed and debated by scholars and writers. Many scholars have authored books on this subject, affirming the attribute of ascending for Allah Almighty; however, the Jahmiyyah sect views this attribute as merely one of Allah Almighty’s other characteristics and denies it. In this part of our research, we intend to discuss and examine this issue.
Note:
Before addressing the topic of Olov (elevation) and Estewa (ascending) and the distinctions between Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama’at and the Jahmiyyah sect, it is necessary to understand the difference between these two terms and what they entail in this research. Scholars have identified at least three differences between these two words, which we will discuss below:
1. Nature of Attributes: Estewa is an active attribute, while Olov is an intrinsic attribute. Active attributes depend on will and free choice; for example, Allah’s anger, satisfaction, and descent occur at His discretion. Thus, Allah may ascend upon the Throne at times and not at others. Before the creation of the heavens and the earth, He had not ascended upon the Throne, but afterward, He did. Conversely, intrinsic attributes are inseparable from Allah Almighty; for instance, Olov means that He is always elevated and superior to His servants.
2. Purpose of Attributes: Each of these two attributes—Estewa and Olov—serves to demonstrate the magnificence of Allah Almighty. Estewa signifies a specific type of elevation: elevation over the Throne, which Allah Almighty knows best. In contrast, the attribute of elevation affirms Allah’s superiority over His creatures, especially regarding the Throne.
3. Basis of Evidence: The attribute of Estewa is supported by textual sources and narrations; intellect alone does not substantiate it. If Allah Almighty had not informed us in His Book and through the words of His Prophet, peace be upon him, that Allah is elevated over the Throne, we would never have known this. This differs from the attribute of elevation, which is indicated by text, intellect, and nature. Allah has created creatures in such a way that they recognize His Highness, as evidenced by animals and cattle lifting their heads toward the sky.
The explanation of the differences between these two attributes is provided for clarity. After this brief introduction regarding the two terms central to this research, we will discuss the differences between Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah and the Jahmiyyah sect concerning this attribute.
The Jahmiyyah Viewpoint
The Jahmiyyah sect posits that the meaning of elevation and superiority of Allah is metaphorical, akin to saying, “Gold is superior to silver” or “A leader is superior to his deputy.” Some members of this group have denied the existence of Allah Almighty in the sky, rejecting the Korsi and asserting that Allah Almighty is not above the Throne or higher than the sky. They claim that Allah Almighty is everywhere and, in every place, even in impure locations (تعالی الله عما یقولون علوا کبیرا Translation: “Allah Almighty is much higher than what they say.”). Some members say, “We do not claim that Allah Almighty is separate from His creatures or not, nor do we say that He is higher than them or lower than them, and we do not assert that He is to their right or left.”
In summary, the Jahmiyyah school of thought denies the attributes of Allah Almighty.
The Reasons of the Jahmiyyah
As previously mentioned in the discussion of names and attributes, the primary reason for the Jahmiyyah’s denial of the attributes of Allah Almighty is rooted in intellect. They reject the attributes of Allah Almighty to prevent any resemblance between Allah and His creatures.
Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah bless him, writes about the Jahmiyyah: “The Jahmiyyah are those who deny the attributes of Allah Almighty; they assert that Allah Almighty is neither inside the world nor outside it, nor above anything nor below it.” He further states, “All the people of Bida’h (innovation), such as the Khawarij, Shia, Qadriyyah, Rafizah, Murji’ah, and others, cling to textual sources to express their beliefs, except the Jahmiyyah, who lack a single word from the prophets themselves that aligns with their beliefs in negation. Consequently, Ibn Mubarak and Yusuf ibn Asbat, may Allah bless them, declare: ‘The Jahmiyyah are outside the seventy-three sects.’”
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