TEXTUAL AND RATIONAL REFUTATIONS OF PSEUDO-SALAFI CLAIMS REGARDING THE CONCEPT OF “ISTAWA”
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.57033/mijournals-2026-7-0123Keywords:
istawa; divine attributes; Ahl al-Sunna; pseudo-Salafism; tashbih; tajsim; Maturidiyya; muhkam; mutashabih; Islamic theology.Abstract
In the contemporary context of globalisation, the literal and superficial
interpretation of theological terms found in Quranic verses and hadiths has become
increasingly prevalent, generating doctrinal confusion particularly around the question
of whether God possesses physical attributes. This article examines pseudo-Salafi claims
concerning the concept of “istawa” – God’s “settling upon the Throne” – and presents
comprehensive textual (naqliy) and rational (aqliy) refutations drawn from the Hanafi-
Maturidi theological tradition. The study analyzes the Quranic distinction between clear
(muhkam) and ambiguous (mutashabih) verses, examines the distorted use of classical
sources by Ibn Taymiyya and Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, and presents authentic
transmissions from Imam Malik and the early pious predecessors (salaf al-salih). The
findings affirm that the mainstream Ahl al-Sunna wa al-Jama‘a position – that God exists
without place, direction, or bodily attributec – is firmly grounded in Quranic exegesis,
sound hadith, and incontrovertible rational argument.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Sodiq Saminov (Author)
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Shahzod Islomov
Bahrom Abduhalimov
Mahmud Erol Qilich
