Athari (Textualist)
mainstreamأثرية
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). Also known as the creed of the Salaf. Championed by Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal and later by Ibn Taymiyyah.
Key Beliefs
- Affirming attributes as they appear in text
- Following the methodology of the Salaf
- Rejecting kalam (speculative theology)
- Quran is the uncreated speech of Allah