Tanzih

Tanzih

Definition

Tanzih: Doctrine of divine exemption emphasizing that God (Allah) is unique and bears no resemblance whatsoever to anything created. This theological concept underscores the prohibition of anthropomorphism (tashbih) and is crucial in asserting the transcendence and incomparable nature of God in Islamic thought.

Etymology

The term “Tanzih” originates from the Arabic word تنزيه (Tanzīh), which means “to declare purity” or “to eliminate anthropomorphic qualities from God.” This term accentuates the idea that God is beyond human comprehension and attributes.

Arabic and Turkish Translations

• Arabic: تنزيه (Tanzīh)
• Turkish: Tenzih

Overview

In Islamic philosophy, the doctrine of Tanzih is foundational to understanding the concept of tawhid (الْتَوْحيد‎), which is the oneness and uniqueness of God. The Tanzih principle insists that no worldly or physical attributes can be ascribed to God, hence maintaining His absolute transcendence over the created universe.

Role in Sufism

Sufis (Islamic mystics) interpret Tanzih as requiring practitioners to purge all images and preconceived notions about God from their minds. This purification is deemed essential for attaining a mystical experience that seeks to reveal God’s essence beyond worldly imagery.

Anthropomorphism and Tashbih

Tanzih sits in opposition to Tashbih (تشبيه), which allows comparative attributions to God and His creation. While Tanzih insists on the idea that God is entirely unlike his creation, Tashbih acknowledges some attribute alignments, albeit metaphorical. The strict observance of Tanzih rules out any anthropomorphism, reinforcing the belief that God’s essence and entities are beyond human imagination.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the 18th century, the principle of Tanzih influenced the Sufi practices and initiated a focus on union with the spirit of the Prophet Muhammad rather than God Himself. This was based on the understanding that union between two fundamentally different entities (creator and creation) is impossible. Some earlier mystics, however, claimed that some form of communion was possible due to the special relationship between the creator and created being.

Related Concepts

• Tawhid (التوحيد): The oneness and indivisibility of God.
• Tasawwuf (تصوف): Sufism, Islamic mysticism.
• Tashbih (تشبيه): Anthropomorphism in theological discourse.

Further Reading

• “Islamic Theology and Philosophy” by Frank Griffel
• “Sufism: An Introduction to the Mystical Tradition of Islam” by William C. Chittick
• “Creed of Taḥāwī: Commentary by al-Azhar Scholars”

Takeaways

1. Tanzih emphasizes the transcendence and divine purity of God, rejecting any form of anthropomorphism.
2. Integral to Sufism, Tanzih necessitates a mental purification to comprehend God.
3. The concept forms a core part of Islamic theology and serves as a counter-point to Tashbih.

Conclusion

Tanzih is crucial in Islamic tradition, serving as a doctrinal safeguard against anthropomorphism and underscoring the incomparability of God’s nature. It structures the Sufi endeavor toward spiritual enlightenment, emphasizing the need to transcend human attributes in the quest for divine understanding.