If you open the Dar al-Salam edition (1997) or the Mu'assasat al-Risalah printing (1988), page 288 will likely contain the following actionable insights:
While translations and editions differ, page 288 consistently addresses one of the most sensitive topics in Islamic theology: "Is Allah above the Heavens in a literal, physical sense, or is that understanding a form of anthropomorphism?"
Here are the three core themes from this page:
Page 288 emphasizes that Allah is not everywhere in essence. The commentary clarifies that Allah’s "Highness" (Uluww) is an attribute of His Essence (Dhat). He is above the seven heavens, above His Throne.
To support this, the text usually cites a battery of scriptural proofs found on this page:
Ibn Abi al-‘Izz argues that this Hadith establishes the validity of asking "Where is Allah?" and that the answer ("In the heaven/Above the Throne") is a pillar of faith.
For the student of theology, page 288 is a lesson in intellectual humility. It teaches that the human mind is not the arbiter of truth; rather, the Revelation is the judge. The Highness of Allah is a matter of divinely reported truth that inspires awe—He is above the Throne, controlling the affairs of the universe, yet closer to the believer than their jugular vein through His knowledge and mercy.
This page stands as a testament to the balance of the Ahl as-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah: affirming what Allah
This blog post focuses on the commentary (Sharh) of Imam Ibn Abi al-Izz al-Hanafi
on the Aqeedah al-Tahawiyyah, specifically around page 288 of common editions (like the Al-Risalah or Dar al-Salam prints).
Exploring the Unseen: Insights from Sharh al-Tahawiyyah Page 288 sharh tahawiyyah page 288
At this point in the text, the commentary typically delves into the Realities of the Afterlife, specifically focusing on the creation and eternity of Paradise and Hell. 🌟 Key Themes on Page 288
The discussion centered on this page often addresses the fundamental Sunni belief that Paradise and Hell are already created and will never perish.
Existence is Now: Unlike some philosophical groups that claim they will only be created on the Day of Judgment, the text affirms they exist at this very moment.
The Prophetic Vision: Reference is often made to the Mi’raj (Night Journey), where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) described seeing the dwellers of both realms.
Eternal Nature: The commentary refutes the idea of the "extinction of Hell" (Fana al-Nar), emphasizing that Allah’s justice and mercy are eternal. 🛡️ Why This Matters Today
Understanding these specific pages helps a student of knowledge ground their faith in revelation over pure rationalism.
Refuting Innovations: It clarifies the stance of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah against historical deviations.
Building Certainty: Knowing these realms are already created strengthens a believer's Yaqeen (certainty) in the unseen.
Motivation for Deeds: The vivid descriptions cited in the Sharh serve as a spiritual "carrot and stick" for the soul.
💡 Quick Fact: Imam Ibn Abi al-Izz was a 14th-century Hanafi scholar who sought to return the Hanafi school to the creed of the early Salaf through this very commentary. If you'd like to dive deeper, let me know: If you open the Dar al-Salam edition (1997)
Which edition or publisher are you using? (The page numbers can shift slightly between Dar al-Salam, Mu'assasah al-Risalah, etc.)
If you have ever been asked, “If Allah has written everything, then why punish someone for what Allah made them do?”—you will find the classical answer on page 288. The answer is not a logical syllogism to satisfy the philosopher. Instead, it is:
To give a taste of al-Qari’s direct commentary, imagine reading the following on this page:
“Do not delve into the ‘how’ of the decree. If you think about the Divine Essence, stop. If you think about the modality of predestination, stop. The Salaf would pass the verses and ahadith of Qadr as they came, without asking ‘how.’ The disease of ‘how’ is the disease of Iblis who asked ‘how’ when commanded to prostrate to Adam. Hold firmly to the rope of submission. Say: ‘We believe in the decree, its good and its evil, its sweet and its bitter, as coming from Allah.’”
Page 288 of Sharḥ al-Ṭaḥāwiyyah is not a dry philosophical exercise — it is a pastoral and theological defense of divine justice. Ibn Abi al-‘Izz shows that affirming Allah’s complete power does not erase human responsibility; rather, it deepens humility and obedience. The page stands as a timeless corrective to both excessive rationalism and careless predestinarianism, embodying the Sunni creed that “all is from Allah” yet “to us is our deeds.”
If you can share the exact text (or a photo/scan) of page 288 from your edition, I will rewrite this essay to directly quote and analyze that specific content.
In the widely studied English translation and commentary of Sharh al-Aqida al-Tahawiyya Ibn Abi al-Izz (published by the Ministry of Higher Education, Riyadh), falls within the critical section discussing Sin, Faith, and Salvation Core Theme: Faith (Iman) and Works
The content on and around this page primarily addresses the definition of
(faith) and whether physical actions/works are considered an essential part of its definition, a major point of debate between the Ahl al-Hadith Degrees of Kufr (Disbelief): The text explains that
mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah exists in varying degrees. Some types of disbelief are "major" and justify excommunication ( Ibn Abi al-‘Izz argues that this Hadith establishes
), while others are "minor" and do not take a person out of Islam. The Position on Sinners:
It reinforces the Sunni stance that a Muslim does not become a (disbeliever) simply by committing a major sin ( ), provided they do not believe that sin to be lawful. Relationship between Iman and Islam: The commentary explores the nuances of being a (believer) versus a
, noting that one remains within the fold of Islam as long as they bear witness to what the Prophet brought. Contextual Significance
This page is part of a broader effort by Ibn Abi al-Izz to reconcile the creed of Imam al-Tahawi with the views of early scholars of the Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jama’ah . It serves to refute the views of: The Islam Shop The Khawarij:
Who claimed that committing a major sin automatically makes one a disbeliever. The Murji'ah:
Who claimed that actions have no impact on faith whatsoever. For further study, you can access the full Sharh Al-Aqidah At-Tahawiyyah on the Internet Archive or check specialized retailers like The Islam Shop Hanafi versus Ahl al-Hadith
arguments regarding the increase and decrease of faith mentioned in this section? Full text of "Sharh Aqeedah Tahawiyyah" - Internet Archive
In the vast ocean of Islamic theological literature, few texts command the reverence of Al-'Aqidah al-Tahawiyyah by Imam Abu Ja'far al-Tahawi (d. 321 AH). This concise yet profound exposition of Sunni orthodoxy has been the subject of countless commentaries. Among them, the Sharh al-'Aqidah al-Tahawiyyah by Ibn Abi al-'Izz al-Hanafi (d. 792 AH/1390 CE) stands as one of the most widely read and debated.
For students of theology, a specific reference often echoes in study circles and academic footnotes: "Sharh Tahawiyyah page 288." But what is so significant about this particular page? What arguments, proofs, or theological nuances does it contain that make it a cornerstone for discussion? This article unpacks the content, context, and controversies surrounding this pivotal page.