Mushabbiḥah (مشبهة)
Definition
Mushabbiḥah (مشبهة): A term used to describe a theological sect within Islam, known for their belief in anthropomorphism, attributing human-like qualities or physical attributes to God. This group is often identified with certain factions within the Shīʿah community, although their views have been widely rejected by mainstream Sunni and other Shīʿah theologians.
Etymology
The term “Mushabbiḥah” is derived from the Arabic root “ش ب ه” (sh-b-h), which means to resemble or to be like. Hence, “Mushabbiḥah” translates literally to “the Assimilators” or “those who liken God to His creatures.”
- Arabic: مشبهة (Mushabbiḥah)
- Turkish: Mişâbihe
Theological Significance
The Mushabbiḥah are particularly controversial within Islamic theology due to their anthropomorphic view of God. They hold the belief that God possesses a form comparable to human beings and can be understood through physical attributes. Specifically, they affirm that God is composed of members or parts and is capable of local motion. This stands in stark contrast to the mainstream Islamic tenet of Tanzih (تنزيه), which emphasizes the absolute transcendence and incomparability of God.
Historical Context
The Mushabbiḥah beliefs emerged during the early Islamic period and were often associated with, but not limited to, certain elements within the Shīʿah community. Throughout Islamic history, they have faced significant opposition from mainstream Sunni and Shīʿah scholars who advocated for God’s utter transcendence and incorporeality, drawing heavily on Qur’anic verses and Hadiths that stress God’s uniqueness and incomparability.
For Further Study
To gain a deeper understanding of the Mushabbiḥah and their place within Islamic theological discourse, the following texts are highly recommended:
- “Divine Unity: A Study of the Doctrine of Tawhid in Classical Islamic Theology” by William C. Chittick
- “The Doctrine and History of Muslim Theology” by Ignacio Sánchez de Mora
- “Anthropomorphism and Interpretation of the Qur’an in the Theology of the Mu’tazilah” by Harry Austryn Wolfson
- “God and Logic in Islam: The Caliphate of Reason” by John Walbridge
Takeaways
- The Mushabbiḥah are known for anthropomorphic beliefs, attributing human-like features to God.
- The term originates from the Arabic root meaning “to resemble.”
- These beliefs have been largely rejected by mainstream Islamic scholars in favor of the doctrine of God’s transcendence.
- Their views provide a crucial point of debate and reflection in the historical development of Islamic theology.
Conclusion
The study of the Mushabbiḥah and their interpretations offers valuable insight into the broader discourse on the nature of God within Islamic thought. Their anthropomorphic views, while controversial, highlight the diversity and complexity of theological perspectives within the Muslim intellectual tradition.
