Ṣifātīyah (صفاتية‎)

Ṣifātīyah (صفاتية‎)

Definition and Significance

Ṣifātīyah (Arabic: صفاتية‎) is a doctrinal school of thought in Islamic theology that focuses on the attributes (ṣifāt) of God. Unlike a distinct religious sect, it represents an important theological stance within Sunni Islam. The core belief of the Ṣifātīyah is that God’s attributes are eternally inherent in His essence without separation or change.

Etymology

The term “Ṣifātīyah” derives from the Arabic word “Ṣifāt” (صفات), meaning “attributes.” In Turkish, this concept may be referred to as “Sıfatçılık.”

Core Beliefs

1. Attributes of God: Ṣifātīyah adherents maintain that the attributes of God—such as life, knowledge, power, will, and hearing—are eternally inherent in His essence.
2. Eternal Attributes: Every attribute is conjoined with God, akin to how life is with knowledge, or knowledge with power. These attributes are neither created nor separate from God but are part of His intrinsic nature.
3. Qur’anic Interpretation: When it comes to Qur’anic verses that attribute human-like qualities to God, such as “hands” or “face,” these expressions are accepted literally without delving into metaphorical interpretations. The verses are understood as they stand, emphasizing the divine mystery and transcendence of God.

Contrasts with Muʿtazilah

The Ṣifātīyah view is opposed to that of the Muʿtazilah, another major theological school in Islam. The Muʿtazilah rejects the notion of God’s attributes being eternal and insists that attributing eternal qualities to God compromises His unity (tawhid). They hold that God’s attributes are His essence and do not exist separately. This fundamental disagreement marks a significant theological divergence within Islamic thought.

Key Related Concepts

• Mutashābih: Verses of the Qur’ān that are ambiguous or have allegorical meanings. While Ṣifātīyah accept these verses at face value, other schools may interpret them metaphorically.
• Tawḥīd: The principle of monotheism in Islam, emphasizing the oneness of God, central to both Ṣifātīyah and Muʿtazilah beliefs, albeit differently interpreted.

Books for Further Studies

1. “Deliverance from Error” by Al-Ghazāli - Provides in-depth understanding of Sunni theological principles.
2. “The Theology of al-Ash’ari” by Richard J. McCarthy - Examines Ash’arite theology, closely connected to Ṣifātīyah doctrine.
3. “Islamic Theological Themes: A Primary Source Reader” edited by John Renard - Includes primary sources from various theological schools, including Ṣifātīyah and Muʿtazilah.

Takeaways

• Intrinsic Attributes: Ṣifātīyah emphasizes that the divine attributes are inherently part of God’s essence.
• Literal Acceptance: Interprets Qur’anic references to God’s attributes literally, without metaphorical reading.
• Theological Debate: Highlights significant theological debates within Islam, particularly with the Muʿtazilah.

Conclusion

Ṣifātīyah represents a foundational perspective in Islamic theology concerning the attributes of God. By insisting on the eternal and inherent nature of these attributes, it distinguishes itself from other theological schools, especially the Muʿtazilah. Understanding Ṣifātīyah is key to grasping the broader spectrum of Islamic intellectual history and the complexities of theological debates that continue to shape Muslim thought.