Sharh Tahawiyyah Page 288
The text highlights that Muslims, when supplicating, intuitively raise their hands towards the heavens, not towards the earth, right, or left.
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Exploring the Unseen: Insights from Sharh al-Tahawiyyah Page 288
While the text vehemently asserts that Allah’s Essence is above the Throne, it also clarifies that Allah’s knowledge, power, and oversight encompass everything.
"Whoever claims that Allah is not above the heavens is not following al-Tahawi, but rather the Jahmites. The Salaf all agreed that Allah is above the Throne, and that the Throne is not a container for Him." sharh tahawiyyah page 288
Scholars and students of Islamic theology ( Aqidah ) frequently cite page 288 of the Sharh al-Aqida al-Tahawiyyah to prove that the early Hanafi masters held a creed consistent with the other three major schools of law regarding the attributes of Allah. It serves as a primary source for:
A recurring theme in this section of the text is the delicate balance between Tathbit (affirming what Allah has affirmed of Himself) and Tanzih (negating any resemblance between the Creator and the creation). Ibn Abi al-Izz uses this portion of the commentary to explain that affirming divine attributes—such as Allah's Knowledge, Will, Power, or His Ascendancy ( Al-Uluww )—does not imply comparing Him to human beings ( Tashbih or Tajsim ). 2. Refutation of the Jahmiyyah and Mu'tazilah
This is the Will related to Allah’s Law ( Shari’ah ). It pertains to what Allah loves and is pleased with—namely, acts of obedience. This Will does not necessitate that the act occurs; humans still have the choice to obey or disobey. Evidence: "And Allah wants for you to attain purity..." (Quran 2:185)—yet, impurity still exists because humans choose it.
In online forums and written debates, "page 288" is often cited as "proof" that even a Hanafi commentary affirms Allah’s literal elevation over the Throne. Salafi-oriented preachers use it to show that negation of direction ( ta'til ) is a deviation. Conversely, traditional Maturidi scholars argue that Ibn Abi al-'Izz's commentary is unrepresentative of Imam al-Tahawi’s original intent, pointing out that al-Tahawi himself said "He is free from directions." The Salaf all agreed that Allah is above
An Understanding of Islamic Creed: Insights from Sharh al-Aqeedah al-Tahawiyyah Page 288
In the standardized multi-volume and compiled English layouts (such as the prominent editions published via academic networks), serves as the precise gateway to the Arkan al-Iman (Articles of Faith). It handles:
This is the raw text. On page 288, al-Qari begins his surgical exposition of what this “secret” entails.
To understand the reference, it's essential to break down the title: On page 288
This page is part of a broader effort by Ibn Abi al-Izz to reconcile the creed of Imam al-Tahawi with the views of early scholars of the Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jama’ah . It serves to refute the views of: The Islam Shop The Khawarij:
In the widely circulated Maktabah al-Bushra edition (and its equivalents), page 288 falls within the commentary on the Qadr section. Here, ‘Ali al-Qari addresses three critical issues that often plague Muslim discussions of fate and free will:
This page is a signpost. It tells the student: You have reached the limit of the mind. From here, submit. It prevents the common intellectual disease of trying to “solve” Qadr as if it were a mathematical equation. Al-Qari’s tone on this page is pastoral and cautionary, guiding the student away from arrogance and toward humility.
Unlike some philosophical groups that claim they will only be created on the Day of Judgment, the text affirms they exist at this very moment.