An Exposition of the Various Forms of Deviation in His Names and Attributes

Twentieth: This comprehensive principle gathers together all the preceding points: it is to know what constitutes deviation (ilḥād) in His Names so that one does not fall into it. Allah, the Exalted, says, “To Allah belong the Most Beautiful Names, so call upon Him by them, and leave those who deviate concerning His Names; they will be repaid for what they used to do.” 2

Ilḥād in His Names is to turn those Names—or their realities and meanings—away from the established truth that belongs to them. The term is derived from the notion of inclination, as indicated by its root letters l-ḥ-d. From the same root comes laḥd, the niche dug in the side of a grave, which is inclined away from the center; and from it also comes mulḥid, one who deviates in religion, inclining from truth to falsehood. Ibn al-Sikkīt said, “A mulḥid is someone who inclines away from the truth.”