Features of the argumentation of the permissibility or prohibition of the use of certain names (الأسماء) and/or attributes (الصفات) in relation to the Almighty Allah

Abstract

The main purpose of the article is to reveal the features of Sharia argumentation when using any names (الأسماء) and attributes (الصفات) related to Allah. Particular attention is paid to the use of the Hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in explaining the issue under consideration. Based on the study of the positions of early and late Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama‘ah theologians, the paper reveals which of the Hadiths can and which cannot serve as an argument for approving a particular name and attribute to the Almighty. The very research substantiates the approach that the names (الأسماء) and attributes (الصفات) describing Allah, as well as the provisions of Sharia related to the prohibition or permission, should find the confirmation in the main sources of Sharia Law – in the Quran and Sunnah. However, not every Hadith can serve as an argument in the above-mentioned issues due to the degree of its authenticity. The problem of understanding the truth of the Hadiths is one of the topical and significant issues not only in Hadith Studies (ʻilm al-ḥadīth), but also in modern Islamic Theology, primarily due to the fact that basic issues of Islamic beliefs are reflected in it. The novelty of the study lies in the fact that it considers an attempt to systematize and generalize the statements of authoritative Sunni theologians on this issue.