The Attribution of Anthropomorphism and Personification to the Predecessors in the Books Al-Farrq Baina Al-Firaq by Al-Baghdādī and AlMilal Wa Al-Nihal by Al-Shahrastani: Comparative Critical Study 10.35781/1637-000-123-002

Abstract

The research aims to reveal the methods of distorting the doctrine of the Salaf through two of the approved and authentic models of writing in explaining the doctrines and sects, which are the books: “al-Farrq baina al-Firaq” by Al-Baghdādī and “al-Milal wa Niḥal by al-Shahrastani”, clarifying the reason of anthropomorphism and personification by them. Hence the research adopted an inductive in its two types the descriptive and analytical and the critical approach. The study concluded by revealing the most important findings, some of which are: The point of dispute between the Ahl al-Sunnah and the Ash’aris regarding the denial of anthropomorphism and personification concerns the voluntary and descriptive attributes. The Ash’aris label those who affirm these attributes as ‘mushabih’ (those who liken Allah to creation) and ‘mujassima’ (those who attribute physical forms to Allah). The doctrine of the Salaf was notably absent in Al-Shahrastani’s book ‘al-Milal’ and was heavily mixed, obscuring the truth with falsehood. This was due to his engagement in the study of theology and philosophy, which distracted him from seeking hadith and jurisprudence, leading to a significant ignorance of the Sunnah and the Salafi methodology, and causing him to conflate it with erroneous schools of thought”. Warning against the works that introduce the ‘mushabih’ and ‘mujassima’, as their authors are not knowledgeable in hadith nor adhere to the Salafi methodology in interpreting texts. Such writings can beautify falsehood and promote it, while distorting the truth and driving people away from it.