ما المقصود بالحلول والاتحاد؟

"Hulool" (Incarnation/Indwelling) and "Ittihad" (Union/Unification) are terms found in books of creed that originate from Sufism, Batinism (esotericism), and false religions.

Firstly: Hulool (Incarnation/Indwelling): Its meaning: That one of two things indwells or incarnates in the other, like the indwelling of rosewater in a rose (pervasive indwelling - sarayaani), or the indwelling of water in a pitcher (localized indwelling - jawari). It refers specifically to the belief that Allah indwells in His creations or some of them, thus positing the existence of two entities. Its types: General Hulool: The belief that Allah has indwelled in everything, yet remains separate. This is the view of the Jahmiyyah. Specific Hulool: The belief that Allah has indwelled in some of His creations, such as the Christians' belief concerning Jesus, and some extremist Rafidah's belief concerning Ali ibn Abi Talib.

Secondly: Ittihad (Union/Unification): Its meaning: That two things become one, and it refers specifically to the union of Allah with His creations or some of them, meaning that the existence of creatures is identical to the existence of Allah. Its types: General Ittihad (Unity of Existence - Wahdat al-Wujud): The belief that existence itself is Allah, and that the Creator is unified with all creations. Those who hold this view are the Ittihadiyyah. Specific Ittihad: The belief that Allah united with some creatures but not others, such as prophets or righteous people, as some Christians believe regarding the union of divinity (lahut) with humanity (nasut) in Jesus.

Thirdly: The difference between them: Hulool: Posits the existence of two entities and accepts separation. Ittihad: Posits the existence of a single entity and does not accept separation. Example: Sugar in water without stirring is Hulool; with stirring, it is Ittihad (due to its inability to be separated).

Fourthly: Their ruling: Both are among the greatest forms of disbelief (kufr) and atheism (ilhaad). Ittihad is more severe than Hulool because it posits a single essence. The belief in Hulool and Ittihad is false and originates from polytheistic doctrines and philosophies based on charlatanism and superstition.