A Review and Analysis of the Seven Theories about the Khabariyyh Attributes

Amongst the important challenges in the divine attributes are the attributes known as the “khabariyyah attributes” (narrated attributes). Implication of resemblance is the most important point of distinction and challenge in these attributes in comparison to the other attributes. Our goal in this article is a review and analysis of the important views in interpreting the khabariyyah attributes. There had been various views about these attributes during history. The implication of resemblance in the khabariyyah attributes led some Islamic sects to “tashbīh” (anthropomorphism) and some other to “tafwīḍ” (leaving the meaning to God). But most of the Muslims believe that, regardless of various understandings around its application, the theory of ta’wīl (allegorical interpretation) is the easiest way to exit the dilemma of an anthropomorphic understanding of God. Nevertheless, there are other more exact views that can solve the problem without ta’wil. After examination of six theories in this article, a seventh theory named “tajride Ma’na” (making the meaning bare) is offered as the best theory among the existent theories. According to this theory, the words primarily allocated to material meanings, but gradually, by putting aside the material specifics, applied in the spiritual and immaterial meanings in a real way.