Introduction
The Jahimīyah are followers of Jahim ibn Ṣafwān, a prominent figure in early Islamic theological thought. This group is known for its myriad beliefs that diverge significantly from mainstream Islamic doctrine. The term “Jahimīyah” stems from the name of its founder, Jahim ibn Ṣafwān.
Etymology
- Arabic: الجهميّة (al-Jahimīyah)
- Turkish: Cehmiyye
The term “Jahimīyah” is derived from the Arabic word “الجهميّة”, indicating the followers of Jahim ibn Ṣafwān.
Theological Divisions within Jahimīyah
The followers of Jahim ibn Ṣafwān are traditionally divided into twelve distinct groups:
1. Muʿat̤t̤alīyah
- Belief: The names and attributes of God are created.
- Arabic: المُعَطِّلِيَّة
- Turkish: Muattıliye
2. Mutarābiṣīyah
- Belief: The power, knowledge, and purpose of God are created.
- Arabic: المُتَرَابِصِيَّة
- Turkish: Mutarabisiyye
3. Mutarāqibīyah
- Belief: God has a place.
- Arabic: المُتَرَاقِبِيَّة
- Turkish: Mutarakibiye
4. Wāridīyah
- Belief: Those who enter hell will never escape from it, and a muʾmin (believer) will never enter hell.
- Arabic: الوَارِدِيَّة
- Turkish: Waridiye
5. Ḥarqīyah
- Belief: The inhabitants of hell will burn to the point of annihilation.
- Arabic: الحَرْقِيَّة
- Turkish: Harqiye
6. Mak͟hlūqīyah
- Belief: The Qurʾān, the Taurāt, the Injīl, and the Zubūr are created.
- Arabic: المَخْلُوقِيَّة
- Turkish: Mahlukiyye
7. ʿIbarīyah
- Belief: Muhammad was a learned man and philosopher, but not a prophet.
- Arabic: العِبَريَّة
- Turkish: İbariye
8. Fānīyah
- Belief: Both Paradise and Hell will be annihilated.
- Arabic: الفَانِيَّة
- Turkish: Faniye
9. Zanādiqīyah
- Belief: The Miʿrāj (the ascent of Muhammad to heaven) was only spiritual, the world is eternal, and there is no Day of Judgment.
- Arabic: الزَنَادِقِيَّة
- Turkish: Zenadikiye
10. Lafz̤īyah
- Belief: The Qurʾān is not an inspired writing, but its instructions are of God.
- Arabic: اللَّفْظِيَّة
- Turkish: Lafziyye
11. Qabrīyah
- Belief: There is no punishment in the grave.
- Arabic: القَبْرِيَّة
- Turkish: Kabriye
12. Wāqifīyah
- Belief: The status of the Qurʾān (created or uncreated) is uncertain.
- Arabic: الواقِفِيَّة
- Turkish: Vakifiye
Recommended Books for Further Study
- “Theology and Creed in Sunni Islam: The Muslim Brotherhood, Ash’arism, and Political Sunnism” by Jeffry R. Halverson.
- “Islamic Theology and Philosophy: Studies in Honor of George F. Hourani” by Michael G. Carter.
- “The Cambridge Companion to Classical Islamic Theology” edited by Tim Winter.
Key Takeaways
- Jahimīyah: Followers of Jahim ibn Ṣafwān, recognized for their distinctive theological perspectives.
- Diverse Beliefs: The group is divided into twelve factions, each with unique beliefs concerning the nature of God, the Qur’an, the afterlife, and the Prophet Muhammad.
- Significance: Understanding Jahimīyah and its subdivisions provides insight into the diversity of early Islamic theological thought.
Conclusion
The Jahimīyah, as a theological group, presents a fascinating study of early Islamic thought and the diversity of beliefs that existed within the early Muslim communities. By examining the various factions and their unique doctrines, we gain a richer understanding of the complexities and debates that shaped Islamic theology.
For more detailed analysis and discussion, consider exploring the recommended readings which delve deeper into Islamic theology and the historical context of these beliefs.
