For centuries, Muslims have wrestled with one of theology’s most important questions: How do we affirm the divine attributes without likening God to His creation?
In this Part II of our ongoing conversation, Imam Rashad Abdur-Rahmaan continues his interview with Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali, building upon the foundations laid in Part I. This second discussion moves beyond introduction and into a more focused exploration of key theological terminology and concepts related to Islamic creed (‘aqīdah).
Drawing from the newly released translation, The Attributes of God—the first English rendering of Imam Ibn al-Jawzi’s Dafʿ Shubah al-Tashbīh bi-Akaff al-Tanzīh—Dr. Abdullah provides deeper clarity on:
- the precise meanings of foundational terms used in classical theology
- how misunderstandings of terminology lead to confusion about creed
- the role of interpretation (ta’wīl) in Sunni orthodoxy
- how the early scholars (Salaf) approached ambiguous texts with nuance and restraint
- why careful language is essential when discussing the divine attributes
Where Part I introduced the historical and intellectual context, Part II sharpens the lens, helping viewers better understand the language, frameworks, and methodological precision that underpin orthodox Sunni belief.
This continuation is especially valuable for students, educators, and anyone seeking to move beyond surface-level debates toward a more grounded, principled understanding of Islamic theology.
In an age where discussions on creed are often oversimplified or misrepresented, this conversation offers a much-needed return to clarity, balance, and scholarly depth.
We encourage our readers, students, and supporters to watch the full interview and secure their copy of The Attributes of God, a landmark publication now available through Lamppost Education Initiative.
