Methodology of Interpreting the Divine Attributes Between the Salaf and Khalaf
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61086/jstiudh.v12i2.104Keywords:
Divine attributes, Salaf, KhalafAbstract
Debates surrounding divine attributes (sifāt dzātīyah) in Islamic thought often trigger sectarian polemics due to a literal reading of revelation. This study examines the tafsir methodology used to interpret Allah's dzātīyah attributes between Salaf and Khalaf, framing both not as chronological periods but as methodological orientations. Using a qualitative library research approach with a comparative analysis (muqāran) of classical tafsir and theological works, the discussion focuses specifically on three Qur'anic expressions: istiwā’, yad, and wajh. The findings demonstrate that the Salaf methodology affirms the textual wording of revelation (itsbāt), strictly rejects modal re-engineering (takyīf), physical resemblance (tasybīh), anthropomorphic modeling (tamtsīl), and textual negation (ta'thīl), while entrusting the ultimate modality (kaifīyah) entirely to Allah. Conversely, the Khalaf methodology employs disciplined linguistic interpretation (ta’wīl) driven by contextual semantical analysis whenever literal readings risk implying physical corporealism (tajsīm). The primary contribution of this research lies in systematically mapping the internal epistemological logic of both traditions in balancing absolute commitment to divine revelation with the foundational principle of divine transcendence (tanzīh). Furthermore, this study explicitly demonstrates that both traditions share an identical theological objective through distinct interpretative mechanisms, establishing a rational baseline for contemporary Qur'anic hermeneutics.
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