An-Najjārīyah (النجارية)
An-Najjārīyah (النجارية) is a significant theological sect that emerged within early Islamic thought. Founded by Muḥammad ibn Ḥusain an-Najjār, this sect is particularly notable for its unique stance on divine attributes and its divergence from the mainstream doctrines of the Muʿtazilah.
Etymology and Translation
- Arabic: النّجارية
- Turkish: Naccariye
The name “An-Najjārīyah” is derived from the founder’s surname, “an-Najjār,” which means “the carpenter” in Arabic.
Founder: Muḥammad ibn Ḥusain an-Najjār
Muḥammad ibn Ḥusain an-Najjār was an Islamic scholar whose teachings laid the groundwork for the An-Najjārīyah sect. His theological views were influential in shaping the sect’s doctrines.
Beliefs and Doctrines
Rejection of Eternal Attributes
An-Najjārīyah agrees with the Muʿtazilah in rejecting the concept of God’s eternal attributes. They reject anything that could imply a distinction of “persons” within God, a concept reminiscent of Christian Trinitarian theology.
Createdness of the Word of God
The sect holds that the Word of God (Kalam Allah) was created (makhluq) and consists of letters and sounds. This view contrasts with the orthodox belief in the eternal, uncreated nature of the Quran.
Vision of God in Paradise
An-Najjārīyah believes that God will not be seen in Paradise with corporeal eyes, diverging from the orthodox Muslim belief that the blessed will see God in the afterlife.
Predestination and Divine Decree
Despite their agreement with the Muʿtazilah on various issues, An-Najjārīyah rejects the Muʿtazilite view on predestination, aligning instead with the orthodox Sunni perspective that maintains a balance between divine decree and human free will.
Divisions within An-Najjārīyah
According to the authoritative Islamic text “Sharḥu ʾl-Muwāqif,” the An-Najjārīyah sect is further divided into three sub-sects:
- Burg͟hūs̤īyah
- Zaʿfarānīyah
- Mustadrikah
These sub-sects presumably arose from variances in interpretation and emphasis within the broader An-Najjārīyah framework.
Books for Further Studies
- Islamic Theological Themes: A Primary Source Reader by John Renard
- Theology and Creed in Sunni Islam: The Muslim Brotherhood, Ash’arism, and Political Sunnism by Jeffry R. Halverson
- The Cambridge Companion to Classical Islamic Theology edited by Tim Winter
- Islamic Intellectual History in the Seventeenth Century by Khaled El-Rouayheb
Takeaways and Conclusion
An-Najjārīyah presents a noteworthy chapter in the history of Islamic theology for its unique stance on divine attributes, the nature of the Qur’an, and eschatological beliefs. Despite its agreement with the Muʿtazilah on several issues, its divergence on predestination highlights the rich diversity within Islamic thought.
Understanding An-Najjārīyah allows for a more comprehensive grasp of the early Islamic theological landscape, reflecting the dynamic and nuanced discourse among Islamic scholars.
Through further study, one can appreciate the intricate theological debates and the profound commitment to preserving unity within the vast and diverse Islamic intellectual tradition.
