Definition
Twisting the words or meanings of the Qur'an or Sunnah away from their apparent intent. Two types: taḥrīf lafẓī (changing wording — as some Jews did to the Torah) and taḥrīf ma‘nawī (twisting meaning — as the Jahmiyyah and Ash‘arīs did to the verses of attributes).
Pronunciation: taḥ-RĪF
Etymology & Root
From the root ح-ر-ف (ḥ-r-f), meaning 'to swerve, to deviate.' Taḥrīf is to bend a meaning away from its straight path.
Usage in the Qur'an
'They distort words from their proper meanings.' (an-Nisā' 4:46)
Scholarly Notes
Ibn Taymiyyah documented how the deniers of attributes employed taḥrīf — e.g. interpreting Allah's 'Hand' as 'power' or His 'rising over the Throne' as 'conquering' — without textual or linguistic basis.
Practical Application
When confronted with an attribute of Allah, affirm the apparent meaning befitting His majesty. Reject any reinterpretation that strips the word of its real sense.
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Related Terms
More from Aqeedah Terms
Faith — statement, action, and belief.
Hypocrisy — concealing disbelief while showing Islam.
Submission to Allah with Tawheed.
Directing all worship to Allah alone.
Worshipping Allah as if you see Him.
Singling Allah out for worship.