What is the attribute of God that Al-Nawawi interpreted allegorically, and what else besides attributes did Al-Nawawi interpret allegorically?
"Imam Al-Nawawi made errors concerning the divine attributes, adopting the approach of those who interpret them allegorically, and he was mistaken in this. Therefore, he should not be emulated in this regard. The duty is to adhere to the قول (saying/view) of Ahlus-Sunnah, which is to affirm the Names and Attributes mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah, and to believe in them in a manner befitting Allah, without distortion (tahrif), negation (ta'til), asking how (takyeef), or likening Him to creation (tamtheel), acting upon His saying: {There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.} (Surat Ash-Shura 42:11). Among the attributes that Al-Nawawi interpreted allegorically are the khabari (reported) attributes like descent (nuzool), joy (farah), and laughter (dhahik). He also interpreted allegorically the issue of undertaking journeys (شد الرحال) to the graves of righteous people."
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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