23.2.3 THE PEOPLE OF TAJHEEL [THOSE WHO ATTRIBUTE IGNORANCE TO THE SALAF].

They belong to many of those who claim adherence to the Sunnah and the Salaf. The essence of their way is:

23.2.3.1 The Texts Dealing with the Attributes are Unknown Words with unknown meanings such that the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) spoke about the Attributes without knowing the meanings.

On top of this, they say that the mind has no scope concerning the Attributes, hence they conclude that the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) , his Companions and the Salaf had no textural or intellectual knowledge of this matter. And this is one of the most baseless of all sayings!

23.2.3.2 Hence Concerning the Attributes: They pass by the words doing Tafweedh - resigning knowledge of the meaning to Allaah.

But some then contradict themselves by adding that the meaning is something different to what is most apparent from the texts. So they first claim only Allaah knows the meaning, and then say "but the meaning is different to the most apparent meaning"!!

23.2.3.3 Their False Proof for Engaging in Tafweedh.

They use (3):7, saying:
(1) That the aayaat dealing with the Attributes are amongst those unclear matters mentioned in the above aayah.
(2) That the hidden meanings mentioned in the above aayah are those resulting from diverting the meaning away from the most apparent one.
Hence they conclude that the aayaat of the Attributes have meanings which only Allaah knows, where the meanings are different to what's most apparent.

23.2.3.4 The Arguments that Refute Their Belief.

(1) When they say the meaning [Ma'naa] is in doubt, they are wrong, for the meanings of the Attributes are clear. As for the full reality [Haqeeqah] and how [Kayfeeyah] the Attributes are, then none knows this except Allaah.
(2) Their claim that the hidden meaning [Ta-weel] mentioned in the above aayah, is that it's a meaning that differs from what's most apparent, is wrong. For the Ta-weel mentioned in the above aayah has two meanings:

(a) It could mean Tafseer - i.e. an explanation of the meaning. Ibn 'Abbaas said that he was on of those firmly grounded in knowledge, who knew the Ta-weel. Hence with this meaning many of the Salaf paused after {and those who are firmly grounded in knowledge.} in the above aayah.

 

(b) It could mean the Haqeeqah and Kayfeeyah - i.e. the full reality and how something is. And none knows this except Allaah. Hence with this meaning, most of the Salaf paused after {and none knows the meaning [Ta-weel] except Allaah} in the above aayah.

(3) Allaah sent the Quraan to be pondered over, and so the people are to contemplate all of its meaning. Hence the aayaat dealing with the Attributes (and other matters) do have meanings that can be arrived at through contemplation. And those who had the closest understanding of this was the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) and his Companions.
(4) Abu Abdir-Rahmaan As-Sulamee narrated how the Companions, and they themselves would learn ten aayaat and not go further until they had learned them in terms of knowledge and action. And all this can not be possible if they were ignorant of the meanings, especially those concerning the Attributes which are the most important of matters.
(5) What the people of Tajheel say, implies that in the Book are hollow words, which don't clearly convey the Truth, while all this contradicts Allaah's Wisdom in sending the Book.

23.3 THE MEANING OF TA-WEEL.

It has two meanings:

23.3.1 IT MEANS TAFSEER

- i.e. an explanation of the meaning [See 23.4 also]. And this is used by most of the Mufassirs [those who present explanations of the meanings of the Quraan]. And this Ta-weel is known by the scholars.

This meaning of Ta-weel is found in the hadeeth where the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) prayed for Ibn 'Abbaas saying: ((O Allaah, give him understanding of the Religion and knowledge of Ta-weel.))

23.3.2 IT MEANS THE HAQEEQAH AND KAYFEEYAH

- i.e. the full reality and how something is. When concerning the Attributes, then none knows this Ta-weel except Allaah.

This meaning for Ta-weel is found in (7):53; (4):59; etc.

23.4 THE MEANING OF TAFSEER.

Ibn 'Abbaas explained that Tafseer is of four kinds:

23.4.1 THE TAFSEER WHICH IS KNOWN THROUGH THE ARABIC LANGUAGE.

23.4.2 THE TAFSEER WHICH ALL ARE OBLIGED TO KNOW.

Such as knowing the tafseer of Allaah's Names & Attributes, Salaah, Zakaah, etc.

23.4.3 THE TAFSEER WHICH IS KNOWN BY THE SCHOLARS

Because they have access to the relevant knowledge and understanding.

23.4.4 THE TAFSEER WHICH NONE BUT ALLAAH KNOWS.

Such as concerning the Haqeeqah and Kayfeeyah of Allaah's Attributes or of the Hereafter.

23.5 THE 'MEANING' AND THE 'TRUE REALITY'.