Al-Bantānī and the Interpretation of Ṣifāt verses in Marāḥ Labīd

This article examines the stance held by a Meccan-Indonesian exegete in 13 AH or 19 AD century, Muḥammad Nawawī al-Bantānī (d. 1230–1314 H/1813–1897 AD), dealing with Ṣifāt verses his exegetical work, Marāḥ Labīd li Kashf Ma’nā al-Qur’ān al-Majīd. As an established term, refer to Quranic expressions that ostensibly ascribe anthropomorphic dimensions God. Interpretation of such ambiguous has been bitterly contended since 2/8th century and remains one most debated topics pre- postmodern era. study applies literature document analysis focused on many al-Bantānī’s works. The results show actively applied ta’wīl [figurative interpretation] without totally discarding amodality position [tafwīḍ].Contribution: Although never mentioned Wahhabism any works, interpretation Ṣifat alludes indirect response Wahhabi’s literalism anti-ta’wīl approach. In addition, accepting both tafwīḍ solutions, underpinned wasaṭī [moderate] stand, which later became distinctive tradition Malay–Islamic discourse.