Sharh Tahawiyyah Page 288 [2021]

Why does a student of Islam need to study this page? The answer lies in the spiritual diseases that arise from misunderstanding divine decree:

Correction: No. Page 288 insists human power ( qudrah ) is real but contingent. You truly can choose to lift your hand. That power is a created attribute given by Allah, but its exercise is real.

Imam al-Tahawi said at the beginning of his creed: "This is the belief of the Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah." By the time Ibn Abi al-Izz finishes his commentary on page 288, the reader understands that this belief is not a simplistic slogan. It is a carefully calibrated theology where Allah’s sovereignty over all things and human accountability before Him are held in perfect tension—a tension that resolves into worship, gratitude, and sincere effort. sharh tahawiyyah page 288

Ibn Abi al-Izz cites a famous report from Abu Muti’ al-Balkhi, who asked Imam Abu Hanifa about a person who says, "I do not know whether my Lord is in the heavens or on earth". Abu Hanifa reportedly stated that such a person becomes an apostate because God has described Himself as being above the Throne ( al-Arsh ).

The commentary on this page reinforces the belief in Fawqiyyah (being above), a cornerstone of the Ahl al-Sunnah creed, asserting that God is distinct from His creation and elevated above it in essence and status. The Theological Significance Why does a student of Islam need to study this page

For students of theology, researchers, and the spiritually curious, specific page numbers become landmarks in a journey of discovery. One such critical landmark is . This page is not merely a numerical reference; it is a nexus where profound discussions on divine will, human agency, and the problem of predestination converge.

"Allah is the Creator of all things." (Quran 13:16) You truly can choose to lift your hand

: This is because Allah says in the Quran , "The Most Merciful rose over the Throne," and His Throne is above the heavens. Denying this is seen as denying the clear texts of revelation.

For contemporary students, reaching page 288 is an intellectual milestone. Here is a practical study guide:

For the student of theology, this page remains a timeless reminder: True tawhid does not negate human choice; it places it within the boundless ocean of Allah’s will, where every wave obeys only Him.

The text clarifies that if a person admits God is above the Throne but claims not to know if the Throne is above the heavens or on earth, they are still in error, as denying the Throne's position above the heavens is a denial of established revelation.