Al-Sifat al-Salbiyah – Negating Attributes

The salbi (lit. negating) attributes are five and express the fact that Allah (swt) is exalted from any deficiency and imperfection that does not befit Him. For example “Allah (swt) does not depend on anything”, “He did not beget nor is begotten”. Expressions such as “being dependent”, “begetting” and “being born” are qualities of created things. Attributing such expressions to the Creator means to attribute him with deficiencies and inability, which is not correct. 

“The salbi attributes establish that there is no comparison between creation and Creator, and that He is unique in His essence and attributes, Thereby rejecting every kind of polytheism and aiming to establish monotheism. The attributes of the Creator are as follows:

a. Exist without beginning (Qidam): All beings came into existence. In this sense, all things have a beginning. This is not the case for Allah (swt). He is pre-eternal without a beginning.

b. Exist without ending (Baqa): All beings have an end, they are all ephemeral. Allah (swt), however, is eternal without an end.

c. Self-sufficient in His existence (Qiyam bi-nafsihi): Allah’s existence is from himself. He does not need anything else to exist. All other beings are dependent on Him to come into existence and to continue existing. “O mankind, you are those in need of Allah, while Allah is the Free of need, the Praiseworthy.” (Fatir, 35/15)

d. Oneness (Wahdaniyyah): Allah (swt) does not have a partner or equal in His names and attributes.

e. Dissimilarity from creation (al-Mukhalafatu lil-hawadith): Allah (swt) does not resemble His creation, not in His essence and not in His other qualities, He is peerless.