solomon7 said:
But, since you bring it up, please, read the essay, "Can Allah Be Seen?"
I read the essay...I have several comments. Mr. TrueIslam states that
"there are a few verses is the Qur’an which modern exegesis presents as the strongest proof of the non-anthropomorphic, transcendental nature of Allah. Upon closer examination, however, these verses prove not to be anti-anthropomorphic at all. Most of them, when understood in their original context, could just as easily be cited as evidence of an anthropomorphic God..."
In religion and mythology, "anthropomorphism" refers to the attribution of a human body or of human qualities generally, to a divine being or beings. Many mythologies are almost entirely concerned with anthropomorphic deities who express human characteristics such as jealousy, hatred, or love. The Greek gods, such as
Zeus and
Apollo were often depicted in human form exhibiting both commendable and despicable human traits.
"...The first is found in Sura 2:3 where Allah is referred to as Ak-Ghayb..." The correct spelling of the word is "al-ghaib" or "al-ghayb" (not "Ak-Ghayb"). Here is Sura 2:3-5:
"This is a perfect Book; there is no doubt in it; it is a guidance for the righteous, who believe in the unseen and observe prayer and spend out of what We have provided for them; and who believe in that which has been revealed to thee, and that which was revealed before thee, and they have firm faith in the Hereafter." (Sura Al-Baqarah 3:1-5)
Al-ghaib means anything hidden or invisible; anything unseen, absent or far away. God, the angels and the Last Day are all
al-ghaib. Moreover, the word, as used in the Qur'an, does not mean imaginary and unreal things, but real and verified things, though unseen. It is, therefore, wrong to suppose that Isoam forces upon its followers some mysteries of faith and invites them to believe in them blindly. The word
al-ghaib signifies things which, though beyond the comprehension of human senses, can nevertheless be proved by reason or experience. The super-sensible need not necessarily be irrational. Nothing of "the unseen" in which a Muslim is called upon to believe is outside the scope of reason. There are many things in the world which, though unseen, are yet proved to exist by invincible arguments, and nobody can deny their existence.
Mr. TrueIslam states:
"The second standard 'anti-anthropomorphic' verse cited by modern Muslim exegetes is 6:104, which reads: 'la tudrikuha al-absar,' 'Vision comprehends Him not, and He comprehends all vision.' Though this verse is usually cited as proof that God cannot be seen with the eyes, the actual Arabic word proves otherwise."
Here is Al-An'am, ayat 102-104:
"The Originator of the Heavens and the Earth. How can He have a son when He has no consort, and when He has created everything and has knowledge of all things? Such is Allah, your Lord. There is no god but He, the Creator of all things; so worship Him. And He is guardian over everything. Eyes cannot reach Him, but He reaches the eyes. And He is Incomprehensible, the All-Aware."
This verse means that human reason alone, unaided by Divine revelation, is incapable of comprehending God. He cannot be seen with physical eyes, but reveals Himself to man through His Prophets or through the working of His attributes. He is also perceived by spiritual eyes...
