Sharh Tahawiyyah Page 288 May 2026
The Shaytan often uses Qadr as a tool to create despair. He whispers: “Your faith is not your doing; it was forced. Your sin was written for you, so why repent?” Page 288 of Sharh al-Tahawiyyah provides the antidote. Al-Qari explicitly states that such whispers are from the path of destruction. The believer’s duty is to act, repent, and leave the ultimate reality of divine decree to Allah.
Page 288 is famous for highlighting a rift between Ibn Abi al-'Izz (a Hanafi by fiqh) and the mainstream Maturidi theologians of the Hanafi school. While Imam al-Tahawi avoided explicit mention of "direction," Ibn Abi al-'Izz accuses the later Maturidis (like Abu al-Mu'in al-Nasafi) of going too far in their ta'wil (metaphorical interpretation), essentially negating Allah's attribute of elevation.
On this page, he writes:
"Whoever claims that Allah is not above the heavens is not following al-Tahawi, but rather the Jahmites. The Salaf all agreed that Allah is above the Throne, and that the Throne is not a container for Him."
This statement is often cited in modern intra-Sunni debates. Critics of Ibn Abi al-'Izz argue that he forced a Salafi reading onto a classical Maturidi text.
Al-Qari explains why Qadr is called “Allah’s secret.” He argues that it is a secret of the Unseen (ghayb) that even archangels and prophets cannot fully grasp. However, he moves beyond mere mystification. He clarifies:
Sharh Tahawiyyah page 288 is not merely a pagination reference; it is a symbol of the ongoing, vibrant, and necessary theological discourse within Sunni Islam. It forces the reader to engage with profound questions: Where is Allah? How do we balance the literal texts with the transcendence demanded by reason? And can two sincere Sunni scholars read the same page and arrive at different conclusions?
Whether you are a student of 'aqidah, a debater, or simply a Muslim seeking clarity, this page demands careful, respectful study. It reminds us that our pious predecessors did not shy away from difficult questions—they tackled them with the Qur'an, Sunnah, and sound intellect, leaving behind a rich heritage for us to navigate.
As you turn to page 288 of Sharh Tahawiyyah, remember: you are not just reading a commentary; you are stepping into a 1,200-year-old conversation about the majesty of the Creator, a conversation that remains as relevant today as ever.
Further Reading Recommendation: Compare Ibn Abi al-'Izz’s commentary on page 288 with the original text of al-Tahawi. Also, consult a traditional Maturidi commentary, such as Al-Maydan’s Sharh al-Tahawiyyah or Qari al-Harawi’s Sharh, to see the alternative interpretive tradition.
In the commentary on Sharh al-Aqeedah at-Tahawiyyah (Ibn Abi al-Izz), page 288 addresses Allah's transcendence (Al-'Ulu) and transcendence above the Throne. It specifically highlights a report from Imam Abu Hanifah regarding the necessity of believing Allah is in the heavens, refuting the view that Allah is physically everywhere. For more details, visit Luton Islamic Centre ashabulhadeeth.com
Searching for “Sharh Tahawiyyah page 288” is not an exercise in pedantry. It is a practical need. It represents the moment where the student of ‘Aqidah navigates the most difficult strait in Islamic theology. Al-Qari, on that page, does not offer a new theology. He restores the reader to the ancient path: the path of the Companions, the Followers, and the Four Imams.
Whether you are a university student writing a paper on Islamic determinism, a seeker trying to reconcile God’s power and human choice, or a layman seeking spiritual peace, refer to this page. However, remember its lesson: The key to understanding Qadr is not more logic—it is trust (tawakkul) and submission (taslim).
So, open your copy of Sharh al-Tahawiyyah (the authenticated edition by Shu‘ayb al-Arna’ut, or the standard Maktabah al-Bushra print). Turn to page 288. Read al-Qari’s warnings. And thank Allah for a creed that respects both revelation and reason—and knows exactly where the line between them lies.
Note for readers: Page numbers vary slightly between printings. This article refers to the standard modern Arabic edition (Dar al-Basha’ir al-Islamiyyah / Maktabah al-Bushra). Ensure you have a verified, annotated edition.
📚 Focus: Sharh at-Tahawiyyah (Page 288) sharh tahawiyyah page 288
Have you ever wondered why some people accept the truth while others reject it, even though the Message is clear?
On page 288 of the explanation of Al-‘Aqidah at-Tahawiyyah, Ibn Abi al-‘Izz delves into one of the most delicate and crucial discussions in theology: The distinction between the Universal Will (Al-Iradah Al-Kawniyyah) and the Legislative Will (Al-Iradah Ash-Shar’iyyah).
🔹 The Two Types of Will
🔹 The Key Insight from Page 288
The author explains that the confusion for many lies here: Does Allah want disbelief to exist?
The answer requires distinguishing the two:
🔹 Guidance and Misguidance
This page clarifies that Guidance (Hidayah) is in the hand of Allah alone. He guides whom He wills by His bounty, and He leads astray whom He wills by His justice.
The people of truth (Ahl us-Sunnah) affirm:
"Whatever Allah wills, is; and whatever He does not will, is not."
This reality humbles the heart. It reminds the believer that their faith is not merely a result of their own intellect or status, but a gift from Allah’s Generosity.
💡 Lesson: Understanding this distinction saves a person from falling into two extremes:
The Balance: We act and choose, but our ability to act is created and willed by Allah.
🤲 Dua: O Turner of hearts, make our hearts firm upon Your religion.
Tags: #Aqeedah #Tahawiyyah #IslamicTheology #Qadar #DivineWill #Tawheed #IslamicKnowledge #SharhTahawiyyah #Guidance The Shaytan often uses Qadr as a tool to create despair
Finding Clarity: A Deep Dive into Page 288 of Sharh al-Aqidah at-Tahawiyyah
If you are a student of Islamic creed (Aqidah), you know that Ibn Abi al-Izz’s Sharh al-Aqidah at-Tahawiyyah
is a cornerstone text. While the entire work is vital, page 288 (in standard editions like those based on the Dar al-Salam or Al-Risalah prints) is particularly famous because it tackles one of the most significant questions in theology: Where is Allah? The Core Discussion: Allah’s Transcendence (al-’Ulu)
On this page, the commentary explains the concept of Allah being above His Throne (al-’Arsh). The discussion isn't just about location; it’s about the Grandeur and Transcendence of the Creator. Key points often highlighted on page 288 include:
The Position of the Salaf: Ibn Abi al-Izz cites early scholars like Imam Abu Hanifa to clarify that believing Allah is above the heavens is part of the original Fitrah (natural inclination) of a believer.
The Famous Statement of Abu Hanifa: A central feature of this page is the report from Abu Muti’ al-Balkhi. When asked about someone who says, "I do not know whether my Lord is in the heavens or on earth," Abu Hanifa is quoted as saying such a person has strayed, because Allah Himself says, "The Most Merciful rose over the Throne" (Quran 20:5).
Knowledge vs. Essence: The text carefully distinguishes between Allah's Essence (Dhat), which is above the Throne, and His Knowledge, which encompasses everything and is everywhere. Why This Matters for Us Today
Understanding this section helps bridge the gap between complex theological debates and simple, devotional faith. It teaches us that:
Allah is Unique: He does not resemble His creation nor is He contained by it.
A Balanced Approach: We affirm what Allah and His Messenger affirmed without falling into tashbih (comparing Allah to creation) or ta'til (denying His attributes). Digging Deeper
If you are following along in your own copy, look for the section titled "The Throne and the Footstool" or the discussion on "Fawqiyyah" (Highness). For a deeper look at the Arabic text and its various translations, you can explore the full text on Archive.org or check out the English-Arabic parallel version provided by Abu Amina Elias. Full text of "Sharh Aqeedah Tahawiyyah" - Internet Archive
Page 288 of Ibn Abi al-Izz's commentary on the Tahawiyyah creed covers the transcendence of
and the location of the Throne, quoting Imam Abu Hanifah regarding the belief that
is above the heavens. The passage emphasizes that Allah's essence is above the Throne while His knowledge is ubiquitous, and it addresses the theological implications of denying the Throne's location.
In the Sharh al-Aqida al-Tahawiyya by Ibn Abi al-Izz al-Hanafi, the discussion surrounding page 288 (specifically in the standard English translation by Muhammad ‘Abdul-Haqq Ansari) primarily focuses on the nature of Iman (faith) and Islam, and specifically whether Iman includes outward actions or is limited to internal belief and verbal testimony. Core Theological Debate "Whoever claims that Allah is not above the
The content on and around page 288 addresses a pivotal point of difference between the Salaf (early scholars of Hadith) and the Hanafi school regarding the definition of faith:
Definition of Iman: The text explores the question: "Does Iman include works (a'mal) or not?".
Hanafi Position: Following Imam Abu Hanifa, the commentary notes that Iman is defined as "testimony by the tongue and belief by the heart," effectively excluding outward deeds from the definition of faith itself.
Position of Hadith Scholars: Conversely, many scholars of Hadith and other jurists argue that actions are an integral part of Iman.
Reconciliation: Ibn Abi al-Izz argues that this difference is largely semantic or "verbal" (lafzi), rather than a fundamental disagreement on the necessity of performing good deeds, as both groups agree that those who neglect their duties deserve punishment. Key Themes on Page 288
Iman and Islam Relationship: The text examines whether Iman and Islam are the same or different. It posits that when used singly, they mean the same thing, but when mentioned together in a text, they carry distinct meanings (Islam referring to outward submission and Iman to internal conviction).
Increase and Decrease of Faith: The commentary addresses whether Iman can increase or decrease. While the Salaf affirmed this based on Quranic verses, the early Hanafi view often held that faith is a singular, unchanging entity (in terms of its essence), though it may vary in terms of strength and "light".
Brotherhood of Believers: The section transitions into the concept that all believers are "friends" (awliya) of God, and that their superiority over one another is based on their level of Taqwa (piety) and obedience. Summary Table: Iman vs. Islam in Tahawiyyah Hanafi View (Tahawi) Salaf/Hadith Scholars View Components Heart belief & tongue testimony Heart, tongue, and physical deeds Increase/Decrease Essence is stable; "light" varies Increases with obedience, decreases with sin Relationship Often used interchangeably Distinct when mentioned together
For further study, you can access the full translated text on Kalamullah.com or browse the archive at Internet Archive. Full text of "Sharh Aqeedah Tahawiyyah" - Internet Archive
Page 288 of the Sharh al-Aqeedah at-Tahawiyyah commentary by Ibn Abi al-Izz addresses the theological decree of God, emphasizing that all occurrences are written in the Preserved Tablet. It outlines that Divine foreknowledge and the decree are immutable, distinguishing between fatalism and trust in God's providence. For a review of this text, visit Internet Archive Full text of "Sharh Aqeedah Tahawiyyah" - Internet Archive
By page 288, al-Qari positions the reader between two extremes:
Al-Qari, following the Ahl al-Sunnah, writes that both are misguided. The correct path (from page 288 onward) is that Allah is the Creator of all actions, but the human being is the acquirer and is genuinely responsible. The “secret” is how these two truths coexist—and demanding a rational explanation beyond what the Salaf accepted is an innovation (bid‘ah).
Page 288 of Sharh at-Tahaawiyyah is a microcosm of the Athari (textual) creed. It represents a rejection of:
Instead, Ibn Abi al-‘Izz offers the middle path: Affirmation without resemblance. We affirm Allah is above the Throne because the text says so; we deny that He resembles creation because the text also says, "There is nothing like unto Him."