Bila Kayfa
Overview
Bila Kayfa is an Islamic theological concept entailing acceptance of divine attributes and actions “without asking/knowing how.” This phrase, deeply rooted in classical Islamic thought, is pivotal in avoiding anthropomorphic readings of divine nature and properties. It serves as a safeguard, emphasizing that God’s mode of existence and actions are beyond the realm of human comprehension.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: بـِلَا كَيْفَة (Bila Kayfa)
- Turkish: Nasılsız olarak
The term combines “Bila” (بـِلَا) meaning “without” and “Kayfa” (كَيْفَة) meaning “how”. Thus, together it translates directly to “without how.”
Theological Context
Anthropomorphism in Islamic Theology
- Rejection of Anthropomorphism: Rooted in the creed of the early Muslim theologians, particularly the Ash’ari and Maturidi schools, Bila Kayfa asserts that human qualities and characteristics cannot be ascribed to Allah (God).
- Qur’anic Basis: This principle is derived from the Qur’an, where attributes of Allah are stated; however, their qualitative nature is meant to transcend human experience. For example, “The Hand of Allah is over their hands” (Qur’an 48:10) is affirmed without questioning the ‘how’ of Allah’s hand.
Historical Implementation
- Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal: Most notably, Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal invoked Bila Kayfa during theological disputes, reiterating belief without delving into the existential nature of divine attributes.
- Qur’anic Exegesis: In response to groups like the Mu’tazila, who allegorize such attributes to avoid anthropomorphism, traditional Sunni orthodoxy preferred an approach of affirming the text while denying any human likeness to God.
Islamic Intellectual History
The principle of Bila Kayfa developed within the broader narrative of Islamic intellectual history, particularly during the formative centuries of Islamic thought.
- Early Schools of Thought: Divisions among theological schools were partly characterized by responses to scriptural descriptions of God.
- Debates and Clarifications: Scholars through centuries like Al-Baqillani (d. 1013 AD) and Al-Juwayni (d. 1085 AD) debated and clarified the applications of this concept.
Books for Further Study
For a deeper understanding of Bila Kayfa, the following books are recommended:
- “The Creed of Imam al-Tahawi” by Imam Al-Tahawi, translated by Hamza Yusuf
- “The Theology of al-Ashʿari” by Richard J. McCarthy
- “A Classical Primer on Tawhid” by Al-Barbahari
- “Introduction to Islamic Theology and Law” by Ignaz Goldziher
Key Takeaways
- Preservation of Integrity: Bila Kayfa ensures the purity of Islamic monotheism by reaffirming divine transcendence.
- Unwavering Belief: Encourages deeper faith without recourse to speculative theology.
- Historical Significance: Played a crucial role in the development and consolidation of Islamic orthodoxy.
Conclusion
The concept of Bila Kayfa remains a cornerstone of Sunni Islamic theology, underlining a profound commitment to divine transcendence and serving as a significant example of how Islamic thought navigates complex theological issues. By affirming belief without delving into the modus operandi of God’s actions and existence, it guards against reductionist and anthropomorphic tendencies while encouraging piety and humility in the face of divine mystery.
