What is the difference between the doctrine of the corporealists (Mujassimah) and the doctrine of the anthropomorphists (Mushabbihah)?
The Corporealists (Mujassimah) are multiple sects, and Abu al- al-Ash'ari counted sixteen groups among them. Some believe that the Mujassimah affirm a body for God but deny His resemblance to His creation, while the Mushabbihah (Anthropomorphists) affirm a body for Him and liken Him to His creation. A Mujassim (Corporealizer) is one who portrays God with a body and an image, like the Hishamiyyah who say: "God is seven spans by His own span." A Mushabbih (Anthropomorphist) is one who likens God's attributes to the attributes of creation, and anthropomorphism leads to corporealization. Ahl al- (Sunnis) deny this and declare anyone who asserts it to be a disbeliever. They affirm for God what He has affirmed for Himself without similitude, as He (the Almighty) says: "There is nothing like Him, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing." Likening (Tashbih) and similitude (Tamthil) are forbidden in the Qur'an, the Sunnah, and the consensus of the predecessors. As for corporealization (Tajsim), denying or affirming it is an innovation (bid'ah). One must inquire about the intention of whoever uses the term "Tajsim" before passing judgment on them.
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