Athari (Textualist)

Mainstream

أثرية

Overview

The creed of accepting the apparent meaning of Quran and Sunnah regarding divine attributes without ta'wil (metaphorical interpretation), takyeef (asking how), or tamtheel (comparison to creation). The methodology of the Salaf al-Salih (pious predecessors). Also called the creed of the Ahl al-Hadith. Championed by Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal and later by Ibn Taymiyyah and Ibn al-Qayyim.

Key Beliefs

Affirming all of Allah's attributes as they appear in text without interpretation
Tafwid al-Kayfiyyah — entrusting the 'how' to Allah without asking 'how'
Strict adherence to the methodology of the Companions and Tabi'un
Rejecting kalam (speculative theology) as a methodology for aqeedah

Scholarly Evaluation

The primary aqeedah position of Ahl us-Sunnah. The methodology of the early Muslim community (Salaf). Championed by Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal in his refutation of the Mu'tazilah during the Mihna (833 CE). Later systematized by Ibn Taymiyyah (d. 728 AH) in his works al-Aqeedah al-Wasitiyyah, al-Aqeedah al-Hamawiyyah, and Minhaj al-Sunnah.

Key Figures

Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (780–855 CE)
Ibn Taymiyyah (1263–1328 CE)
Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah (1292–1350 CE)
Al-Dhahabi (1274–1348 CE)

Sources

Al-Aqeedah al-Wasitiyyah (Ibn Taymiyyah)
Al-Aqeedah al-Hamawiyyah (Ibn Taymiyyah)
Ijtima al-Juyush al-Islamiyyah (Ibn al-Qayyim)
Sharh Usul Itiqad Ahl al-Sunnah (al-Lalikai)

Parent Group

Ahl us-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah