Sharh al-Aqida al-Tahawiya - Ibn Jibrin
- Author died
- 1430 AH
- Editions
- Sharh al-Aqida al-Tahawiya - Ibn Jibrin
Sharh al-Aqida al-Tahawiya (شرح العقيدة الطحاوية) is an Islamic theological commentary by the Saudi scholar Abdullah ibn Jibrin (d. 1430 AH / 2009 CE) on al-Aqida al-Tahawiyya, the foundational creedal treatise composed by Abu Ja'far al-Tahawi (d. 321 AH / 933 CE) .
Background and Context
The commentary originated from instructional lessons delivered by Ibn Jibrin covering the tenets of classical Islamic theology . In introducing the treatise, Ibn Jibrin addresses al-Tahawi's stated framing that the text reflects the creed of Abu Hanifa, Abu Yusuf, and Muhammad ibn al-Hasan al-Shaybani . Ibn Jibrin explains that al-Tahawi specifically addressed the text to his students who revered these three Hanafi authorities, while maintaining that the core theological points equally represent the creed of the broader Sunni tradition and major scholars such as Malik ibn Anas, al-Shafi'i, and Ahmad ibn Hanbal .
Key Themes and Method
The commentary examines core theological doctrines step by step, supporting Sunni orthodox positions through textual arguments and critical discussions of opposing scholastic sects:
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Tawhid and Divine Attributes: Ibn Jibrin underscores the obligation of tawhid al-ibadah (the oneness of worship) and explains how affirming God's lordship (tawhid al-rububiyyah) necessitates exclusive devotion in worship . In discussing the divine names and attributes, he critiques the influence of scholastic theology (kalam) for causing confusion regarding God's will and attributes. He positions Ahl al-Sunna between the extremes of anthropomorphism (tashbih) and complete or partial negation (ta'til) .
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Divine Decree (Qadar): The work details the six pillars of faith, emphasizing belief in divine decree, both its good and its evil aspects . Ibn Jibrin critiques both the Jabriyyah and the Qadariyyah, identifying the root of their errors as a failure to distinguish between God's cosmic decree (al-mashiah al-kawniyyah) and His legislative command (al-iradah al-shar'iyyah) .
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Definition of Faith (Iman): Ibn Jibrin clarifies the majority Sunni definition of faith as verbal declaration, heart conviction, and physical action, affirming that faith increases with obedience and decreases with sin . He addresses al-Tahawi's formulation—which limited faith to belief in the heart and speech of the tongue in accordance with the juristic Murji'ah (Murji'at al-Fuqaha')—and contrasts it with the positions of the Maturidiyyah (heart belief alone) and the Karramiyyah (verbal confession alone) .
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