The Historical Process and Critism of Classifying Tawḥīd in the Form of Ulūhiyyah, Rubūbiyyah and the Divine Names and Attributes of Allah

Abstract

In the scientific sources of Kalām, the topic of tawḥīd has been shaped around the existence and unity of Allah. Over time it is seen that tawḥīd has been examined by being divided it into parts in the form of ulūhiyyah, rubūbiyyah, the divine names and attributes of God and that it has differed from classical sources in terms of its content. Although concepts such as ulūhiyyah and rubūbiyyah were used in the sources from the first periods while the topic of tawḥīd was studied, it is stated that Ibn Taymiyyah was the first person to systematically address them as the sub-topics of tawḥīd. Subsequently, studying tawḥīd under these classifications was continued to this day especially by the Salafi understanding. Over time, studying tawḥīd by dividing it into such parts led to the birth of radical theological ideas, and tawḥīd ceased to be an issue of faith and affected social life. In fact, this understanding has made tawḥīd go beyond the field of faith and included deeds in the content of tawḥīd. Therefore, shortages in terms of deeds became a reason for accusing people of infidelity. So much so that some negative effects have been achieved in society that have discriminated, excluded and marginalized some people and especially believers. It is seen that the theological basis on which such approaches are based is that the division of tawḥīd is divided into parts in the form of ulūhiyyah and rubūbiyyah. However, just as tawḥīd requires to believe in the existence and unity of Allah, it also requires treating all people with respect and compassion on the basis of peace, trust and unity. Based on these thoughts, in our study, first, the historical process of classifying Tawḥīd in the form of ulūhiyyah and rubūbiyyah, the divine names and attributes of God will be discussed, and then it will be analyzed perspective of the science of kalām.