The Innovation of Tajseem in the Hanbali Maslak

 

At the end of the third Hijri century, and afterwards, some of the Athari 'Ulama had compiled the sifat mutashabihat (which total about 35) in a separate book, they took yad, wajh, qadam etc. that are ascribed to Allah Ta'ala - in their literal sense. They began to make an analogy of the attributes of Allah Ta'ala with the creation. They established limbs for Allah Ta'ala. They tried to appease the masses by saying that these are not as they are understood. 

    The majority of the Hanbali Scholars of that time classified the above-mentioned belief to be innovation. They refuted it severely. Due to this effort, this innovation had been almost wiped away.  

    Then, about 150 years later, Ibn Taymiyyah (661 - 728 AH) had enlivened this innovation. The Hanbali 'Ulama had opposed it severely. Subsequently, this innovation had almost ended once again. However, it remained in the books. 

    Then, 400 years later, Shaykh Muhammad bin 'Abdul Wahhab (d.1206 AH), who was an adherent of the teachings of Ibn Taymiyyah had enlivened this innovation once again. Because Shaykh Muhammad bin 'Abdul Wahhab acquired power from the Saudi government, that is why this particular innovation has spread around the world, due to their efforts of the last 200 years. Now, many other innovations have come about in addition to this innovation.

    May Allah Ta'ala keep us all on the straight path, save us from innovation and heresy, and keep us within the Ahl-us-Sunnah wal Jama'ah until we leave this world, and beyond, into the Akhirah. Ameen