Definition
Affirming everything that Allah affirmed for Himself — and that His Messenger ﷺ affirmed for Him — of names and attributes, in a manner befitting His majesty, without distortion (taḥrīf), denial (ta‘ṭīl), how-questioning (takyīf), or likening to creation (tamthīl).
Pronunciation: taw-HEED al-AS-mā' was-si-FĀT
Etymology & Root
Asmā' (أسماء) is the plural of ism (name); ṣifāt (صفات) is the plural of ṣifah (attribute). The category combines what Allah is called by and what He is described with.
Usage in the Qur'an
'There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.' (ash-Shūrā 42:11) — this single verse establishes both negation of likeness (against tashbīh) and affirmation of attributes (against ta‘ṭīl).
Scholarly Notes
The methodology of Ahl us-Sunnah, as articulated by Imām Mālik regarding Allah's istiwā': 'The istiwā' is known, the how is unknown, belief in it is obligatory, and asking about it is an innovation.'
Common Misconceptions
Some deviant groups (Jahmiyyah, Mu‘tazila, Ash‘arīs) deny or reinterpret Allah's attributes — claiming literal affirmation entails likening Him to creation. The Salaf affirmed without likening and negated likeness without denying.
Practical Application
Learn the meanings of Allah's names — al-‘Afuww, ar-Razzāq, al-Ḥakīm — and worship Him through them: seek pardon from al-‘Afuww, sustenance from ar-Razzāq, wisdom from al-Ḥakīm.
Further Reading
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Related Terms
More from Aqeedah Terms
Stripping Allah of His attributes.
The pious predecessors — first three generations.
The way of the Prophet ﷺ — words, actions, approvals.
Singling Allah out for worship.
An innovation in religion not from the Prophet ﷺ.
Worshipping Allah as if you see Him.