Anthropomorphic Descriptions of Allah in Islamic Texts

 Title: Anthropomorphic Descriptions of Allah in Islamic Texts: A Critical Examination

Author: Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Max Shimba Ministries Org ©2015

---

Introduction

Dear brothers and sisters,

I begin by addressing what I consider a significant theological dilemma for our Muslim friends, particularly those who, through the lineage of Adam, assert that Allah has no likeness. Today, I intend to provide several examples as evidence that Allah, as portrayed in Islamic texts, possesses anthropomorphic attributes akin to those of human beings. Let us embark on this inquiry together, examining this matter through the Quran, Hadith, and classical Islamic literature.

---

1. Allah Acknowledges Having a Face (Wajh)

The Quran explicitly refers to the 'face' of Allah:

"To Allah belong the East and the West. So wherever you turn, there is the Face of Allah. Indeed, Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:115)

In this verse, Allah is said to possess a 'face' (Arabic: wajh), which implies an anthropomorphic feature. Is having a 'face' not a characteristic of created beings?

Additionally:

"Everything will perish except His Face." (Surah Al-Qasas 28:88)

Again, Allah claims that only His 'face' will remain after the annihilation of all else. This explicit claim implies that Allah has a literal face.

---

2. Allah’s Eyes and Tears

Classical Islamic literature also attributes eyes and tears to Allah. In Al-Milal wa al-Nihal, it is reported:

"At one time, the Eyes of Allah ached, and the angels went to visit Him. Allah shed tears over the Flood of Prophet Nuh (Noah) until His Eyes became red." (Al-Milal wa al-Nihal, Volume 1, p. 141)

Although some Muslims may dismiss this narration as weak (da’if) and not found within the Quran, it still represents a documented claim in classical Islamic theology.

---

3. Allah’s Eyes and the 'Kafir' Inscription

Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"There was no Prophet sent but that he warned his people about the one-eyed liar (Dajjal). Behold! He is one-eyed, and your Lord is not one-eyed. And between his eyes is written 'Kafir' (disbeliever)." (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 245, Volume 9)

Here, Muhammad distinguishes between the Dajjal, who has one eye, and Allah, who does not have one eye, implying Allah has two.

---

4. Allah Hears and Sees

The Quran attributes hearing and sight to Allah:

"Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice. Excellent is that which Allah instructs you. Indeed, Allah is Ever-Hearing and Ever-Seeing." (Surah An-Nisa 4:58)

Having faculties such as hearing and sight are attributes of sentient beings, further indicating anthropomorphic qualities ascribed to Allah.

---

Conclusion

It is evident from the foregoing scriptural and classical citations that Allah is consistently described with anthropomorphic features — a face, eyes, the capacity to weep, and sensory faculties such as hearing and sight. This presentation poses a serious theological issue for those who deny any resemblance or likeness between Allah and His creation.

May the Lord bless you all abundantly.

In His Service,

Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Max Shimba Ministries Org ©2015

---

References:

1. Quran 2:115 (Surah Al-Baqarah)

2. Quran 28:88 (Surah Al-Qasas)

3. Al-Milal wa al-Nihal, Volume 1, p. 141

4. Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 245, Volume 9

5. Quran 4:58 (Surah An-Nisa)

Bibliography:

• Al-Shahrastani, Muhammad ibn Abd al-Karim. Al-Milal wa al-Nihal. Beirut: Dar al-Ma'arif.

• Al-Bukhari, Muhammad ibn Ismail. Sahih al-Bukhari. Cairo: Dar al-Turath.

• The Quran. Translations by Sahih International.

Everyone is permitted to copy and distribute verbatim copies of this document, but altering it is not allowed.