Sharh Tahawiyyah Page 288 ✧ 〈Verified〉

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:

Before turning to page 288, understanding the text’s nature is crucial. Imam al-Tahawi wrote his creed as a response to the theological disputes of his time, primarily between the Mu'tazilites and the anthropomorphists. His work is a masterful summary of the beliefs of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah, particularly through the lens of the Hanafi school.

Ibn Abi al-'Izz's commentary, however, is unique. While he was a Hanafi jurist, his theological inclinations leaned heavily towards the Salafi methodology, particularly the doctrines of Ibn Taymiyyah (d. 728 AH). Thus, Sharh Tahawiyyah by Ibn Abi al-'Izz is not a pure Hanafi-Maturidi commentary; rather, it’s a text that often critiques the Ash'ari and Maturidi schools while upholding a literal, Athari approach to the divine attributes. sharh tahawiyyah page 288

Page 288 (the exact page number varies slightly by edition—Cairo 1955, Mu'assasat al-Risalah, or modern printings like Dar al-Salam) typically falls within the section discussing Allah’s Attributes (Sifat), specifically the debate around al-Jihah (direction) and al-Hayyiz (space or place).

The core of the discussion on this page revolves around the Quranic statement: "The Most Merciful rose over the Throne" (Taha, 5). If you open the Dar al-Salam edition (1997)

Ibn Abi al-‘Izz addresses the historical conflict regarding the interpretation of this verse. He strongly argues against the interpretative methodology of the Jahmiyyah and Mu'tazilah (rationalist sects) who interpreted Istawa to mean "conquering" or "dominating" (Istawla).

Instead, the author reaffirms the position of the Salaf (the Pious Predecessors). He posits that Istawa means a literal "rising" or "ascension," but one that is: Thus, page 288 is a battlefield of hermeneutics

Page 288 attempts to tread a razor’s edge: affirming "above" without "body." Critics from both sides attack this position:

Thus, page 288 is a battlefield of hermeneutics.