The World Organization for al-Azhar Graduates held a workshop for a number of international students from various nationalities, during which Prof. Abdullah Mohi Azab, Professor of ‘Aqeedah and Philosophy at al-Azhar University, lectured on: ” Texts Misinterpreted as Attributing Anthropomorphism and Corporealism“.
He explained that this is a purely doctrinal matter related to the essence of Allah Almighty, emphasizing that the interpretation of Quran and Sunnah should not be based solely on the literal meaning, warning against the methodology of those who follow their own whims or extremists.
He pointed out that the Arabic language is divided into literal (Haqiqah) and figurative (Majaz) meanings, and that the Quranic verses are definitive in their authenticity, but not all are definitive in their interpretation, which requires deep understanding and the use of reason within the context of the texts.
He also addressed the methodology of the Righteous Predecessors (al-Salaf al-Salih) and their followers (al-Tabi’un) in the delegation (Tafwid) and interpretation (Ta’wil) of the meanings according to specific guidelines. At the conclusion of the workshop, he affirmed that al-Azhar’s approach combines text and reason, and balances authenticity with contemporaneity, reflecting the universal message of Islam and its validity for all times and places.
