In Islamic theology, the attributes of Allah (Sifat) can be categorized into two main types: Sifat al-Dhat (the attributes of His essence) and Sifat al-Fi’l (the attributes of His actions).
- Sifat al-Dhat (Attributes of Essence): These are inherent qualities of Allah that define His being and existence. They include attributes like life, knowledge, power, and will. These are eternal and unchanging, representing Allah’s intrinsic nature.
- Sifat al-Fi’l (Attributes of Action): These attributes describe what Allah does. They are related to His actions and interventions in the world, such as creation, providing sustenance, guiding, punishing, and rewarding. These attributes are connected to His will and are manifested in time.
Importance of Sifat al-Dhat and Sifat al-Fi’l:
- Understanding these distinctions helps Muslims avoid anthropomorphizing Allah, maintaining His transcendence.
- They reinforce the Islamic belief in Allah’s absolute power and sovereignty over creation.
- They form the foundation for understanding the nature of God and His interaction with the world.
Written by AI. A more correct, God given, explanation can be found here.