The doctrine of al-Safarini al-Hanbali regarding the apparent meaning of the texts on divine attributes, and his stance towards the Sunni schools of thought.

Abstract

Research presented by: Gillaume Soulay, PhD candidate, Department of Religious Sciences – Faculty of Islamic Sciences – Al-Madinah International University. This research explores the views of Imam Shams al-Din Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Salim al-Saffarini (d. 1188 AH), one of the prominent figures of the Hanbali school. His influence on subsequent theological thought—particularly in the field of creed ('aqīdah)—is evident, especially through his renowned work, "Lawāmiʿ al-Anwār al-Bahiyyah wa Sawāṭiʿ al-Asrār al-Athariyyah", in which he compiles the opinions of Hanbali scholars and other doctrinal schools. This work reflects the scholarly attention given to him and his significant contribution to Islamic theology. One of the main objectives of this study is to identify al-Saffarini’s theological stance regarding the apparent (ẓāhir) meanings of the divine attributes, and to examine his position concerning the different Sunni doctrinal schools on this matter. The research aims to clarify the theological differences among these schools and to analyze the underlying causes of such divergences. The study concludes that al-Saffarini generally adheres to the positions of his Hanbali predecessors in matters of creed, and that the issue of interpreting or affirming the apparent meaning of divine attributes is central to understanding the doctrinal disagreements among Sunni schools. The research also highlights al-Saffarini’s broad knowledge, intellectual integrity, and his deep respect for the scholars of Islam, regardless of their doctrinal or legal affiliations.