Is the attribute of the thigh affirmed for Allah the Exalted based on what is mentioned in the aforementioned narration, and are the attributes of the uvula and molars affirmed, and what is the meaning of "we affirm the attribute not as a limb"?
Allah Almighty is only described by what He describes Himself with in His Book, or by what His Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, described Him with. An attribute is not established merely by being narrated from one of the Tabi'in, especially if it is in the context of stories of the prophets, as it is possible that it is from the Isra'iliyyat (Jewish traditions). What has been mentioned about "lahawat" (uvulae) and "adras" (molars) is among the fabrications of the people of innovation. Among the best books on the attributes are: Al-Wasitiyyah and its commentaries, and Al-Qawa'id al-Muthla by Sheikh Ibn Uthaymin.
Sheikh Abdullah Al-Ghunayman said regarding the words of Qadi Abu Ya'la: His statement, "not in the manner of a limb or a part," and "not in the manner of connection or contact," is unsound and among the sayings of the people of innovation. It is not permissible to deny or affirm this generalized statement absolutely, as it may contain both truth and falsehood. Detailing it is preferable, or ignoring it, because the words of the Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, are free from it. The corrupted meaning does not appear from describing a creature, so how can it be claimed that it is the apparent meaning of the word in relation to Allah Almighty?!
The rule concerning the attributes is what Al-Hafiz Al-Khatib stated: affirming them and taking them according to their apparent meaning, while negating kayfiyyah (modality/how) and tashbih (resemblance) from them. The correct saying is to be in the middle ground between negating them and invalidating what Allah has affirmed, and between takyeef (speculating about the how) and tashbih (likening). Discussion about the attributes is a branch of discussion about the Essence. Just as affirming the existence of Allah Almighty is not an affirmation of kayfiyyah, so too, affirming His attributes is to clarify the affirmation of existence, not definition or takyeef. So, if we say: Allah has a Hand, Hearing, and Sight, these are attributes that Allah has affirmed for Himself. We do not say that their meaning is power or knowledge, nor that they are limbs, nor do we liken them to the hands, hearing, and sight of creatures; because the textual evidence has established them, and the negation of resemblance from them is due to His saying, the Almighty: (There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing) and (And there is none comparable to Him).
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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