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(Redirected from Quranic literalism)
Arabic phrase
"Quranic literalism" and "Islamic literalism" redirect here. For other uses, see Literalism.
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The Arabic phrase Bila Kayf, also pronounced as Bila Kayfa, (Arabic: بلا كيف, romanized: bi-lā kayfa, lit. 'with-no (without) how') is roughly translated as "without asking how", "without knowing how or what", or "without modality" and refers to the belief that the verses of the Qur'an with an "unapparent meaning" should be accepted as they have come without saying how they are meant or what is meant, i.e. not attributing a specific meaning to them. Literally, the phrase is translated as "without how" but figuratively as "in a manner that suits His majesty and transcendence".
An example of a use of this approach is with regards to verses in the Quran and in hadith that use anthropomorphic and corporeal language to describe God. The attribution, in such texts, of a "hand" or "face" of God have been approached by some in a manner that seeks to accept such statements but without applying any consideration about what they may mean, Bila Kayf. In this context, Al-Ash'ari, the founder of the Ash'arism, originated the use of the term and concept of Bila Kayf in formulating his approach to such statements.
Another source credits Ahmad ibn Hanbal, founder of the Hanbali school of fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) as the original creator of the doctrine.
