The Methodology of Imam al-Ubbi in Interpreting the Divine Attributes (Sifat Khabariyya) through His Commentary on Sahih Muslim Entitled: Ikmal Ikmal al-Mu'allim

Abstract

This study investigates the creedal methodology of Imam Al-Ubayy al-Mālikī (d. 827 AH) concerning the Divine Descriptive Attributes (Sifāt Khabariyya) within his commentary, Ikmāl Ikmāl al-Muʿallim. Through an analytical survey of key attributes (Descent, Hand, etc.), the research determines that Al-Ubayy, influenced by the Ashʿarī school prevalent in his era, primarily adopted the methods of Tafwīd (delegation) and Ta’wīl (allegorical interpretation). His approach often favoured symbolic interpretation to harmonize the textual references with the theological concept of divine transcendence (Tanzīh).