The influence of Beliefs on the Interpretation of Divine Names and Attributes in the Quran: An Analytical Comparative Study with a Focus on Tafsir Al-Kashaf, Al-Tibyan, and Mafatih Al-Ghaib

Abstract

Names and attributes of God are among the topics discussed by Muslim scholars, particularly within the three prominent theological schools of thought: Imami, Mu'tazili, and Ash'ari, each with different approaches and sometimes conflicting perspectives. These approaches are naturally reflected in the interpretations attributed to them. This article adopts a descriptive-analytical method and utilizes library research to investigate the names and attributes of God in three well-known and significant interpretations associated with these three schools: Tafsir al-Tabayan by Tusi from the Imami school, Tafsir al-Kashaf by Zamakhshari from the Mu'tazili school, and Tafsir Mafatih al-Ghayb by Fakhr al-Razi from the Ash'ari school. The article explores how these interpretations address the interpretation of the names and attributes mentioned in the Holy Quran and how they perceive these names and attributes.In order to strengthen the findings of this research, additional interpretive and hadith sources related to these three schools have been consulted. Based on the results of this investigation, it can be concluded that Tafsir al-Kashaf, Tafsir al-Tabayan, and Tafsir Mafatih al-Ghayb exhibit differences and similarities in interpreting and expressing the divine names and attributes. However, it can generally be stated that none of these interpretations adhere to the concept of God having a physical form.