Introduction

Sharh al-Aqeedah at-Tahawiyyah is among the most studied commentaries on creed in the Islamic scholarly tradition. The original text, al-Aqeedah at-Tahawiyyah, was composed by Imam Abu Jafar Ahmad ibn Muhammad al-Azdi al-Tahawi (239–321 AH / 853–933 CE), a Hanafi jurist from Egypt who studied under students of Imam Abu Hanifah's companions. In approximately one hundred and ten concise statements, al-Tahawi articulated the creed of Ahl us-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah in a form that transcended madhab boundaries, and his text became a foundational reference across the four major schools of fiqh.

The commentary examined in this volume is the work of 'Ali ibn 'Ali ibn Muhammad ibn Abi al-'Izz al-Hanafi al-Dimashqi (731–792 AH / 1331–1390 CE), a Damascene scholar trained in Hanafi fiqh and deeply influenced by the theological framework of Ibn Taymiyyah and Ibn al-Qayyim. Ibn Abi al-'Izz studied under prominent Syrian scholars of his era and held judicial positions in Damascus. His commentary was composed as an exposition of al-Tahawi's statements, drawing on the Quran, the authenticated Sunnah, and the transmitted positions of the Salaf to explain each point of doctrine in depth.

The book's importance rests on several factors. First, the underlying text by al-Tahawi enjoys near-universal acceptance — Sunni scholars from all four madhabs have regarded it as a sound expression of orthodox creed. Second, Ibn Abi al-'Izz's commentary brought an Athari theological lens to that universally accepted text, making it a bridge between the broad Sunni consensus on creed and the specific methodological concerns of those who follow the transmitted approach of the Salaf regarding the divine attributes. Third, the commentary treats disputed questions — the vision of Allah, intercession, predestination, the nature of faith — with a thoroughness that makes it a practical reference for students and scholars.

Readers approaching this work should be aware of its dual character. On one level it is an explanation of al-Tahawi's statements, which are themselves carefully worded to be broadly acceptable. On another level, the commentary reflects Ibn Abi al-'Izz's own theological commitments, particularly his adherence to the approach of affirming the divine attributes as they appear in the texts without ta'wil (figurative reinterpretation) or tashbih (anthropomorphism). Some classical scholars noted that certain expansions in the commentary go beyond what al-Tahawi himself intended, and readers benefit from keeping this distinction in mind.

The work is organized as a running commentary, taking each of al-Tahawi's numbered statements in sequence. The original Arabic statement is cited, followed by Ibn Abi al-'Izz's explanation, which varies in length from brief clarification to extended doctrinal discussion depending on the complexity of the subject. Chapters treating the divine attributes, prophethood, eschatology, and the principles of faith tend to be the most substantial. Students of Islamic theology will find this text an essential companion to any serious study of Sunni creed.