Book Review: Mukhtasar al-‘Uloow

This is an abridged version of al-Haafith Shams-ud-Deen adh-Dhahabee’s Kitaab-ul-‘Arsh verified by ash-Shaykh Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen al-Albaanee. It was published by al-Maktab al-Islaamee and was the third printing of the text printed in 1993. There is an introduction by both Ustadh Zuhayr ash-Shaawayish and Shaykh al-Albaanee. This book corrects the belief held since the time of the Mu’tazilah regarding the ‘Uloow of Allah above His creation using evidences from the Book and the Sunnah. There is also a section within Shaykh al-Albaanee’s intro that covers three most misunderstood issues concerning Allah the Almighty: at-Tashbeeh (Likening Him to creation), al-Jihaah (His direction), and al-Makaan (His position).

It starts with the statements of the Prophet- peace be upon him- then goes on to the statements of the Companions, then their students, and then those who followed them. One area in particular that caught my eye was the section of the statement of Aboo Haneefah: It was related by us from Aboo Mutee’ al-Hakam bin ‘Abdillah al-Balkhee, author of al-Fiqh al-Akbar who said: I asked Aboo Haneefah about the one who says, ‘I don’t affirm that my Lord is in the heavens or upon the earth.’ He (Aboo Haneefah) said: “He has disbelieved because Allah the Most High has said {ar-Rahmaan (the Most Merciful) established Himself above the throne} and His throne is above the heavens.” I said to him, “He also says that I affirm that He established Himself upon the throne but I don’t know if the throne is in the heavens or upon the earth!” He said: “If he denies that He is upon the heavens then he has disbelieved.”

Shaykh al-Albaanee goes on to mention that in this Athar there are many benefits and from them is the proof that the well known text al-Fiqh al-Akbar was not actually written by Imaam Aboo Haneefah but rather by Aboo Mutee’ who was one of the major students of Aboo Haneefah as he was mentioned in al-Meezaan and it was attributed to Aboo Mutee’ and not Aboo Haneefah as we find the later blind followers of Aboo Haneefah claiming today.

All of the quotes are referenced along with their chains of transmission proving their authenticity and soundness amongst the scholars of Islam.