In the vast ocean of Islamic scholarship, few contemporary works have sparked as much discussion, reverence, and controversy as the Mukhtasar (abridged compendium) authored by the late Ethiopian-Lebanese scholar, (1910–2008). Officially known as Al-Mukhtasar al-Mufid fi 'Ilm al-Tawhid ("The Useful Compendium on the Science of Divine Oneness"), this text serves as the primary doctrinal textbook for the Association of Islamic Charitable Projects (AICP) and followers of the Tarīqa Al-Alawiyya .
A major theological battleground is the fate of a Muslim who commits a major sin without repentance. Al Harari follows the Ash'ari view: The sinner remains a believer (not a disbeliever, as the Kharijites claim, nor in a suspended state, as the Mu'tazila claim). He argues that such a person is under God’s will: He may be forgiven or punished temporarily in Hell before eventually entering Paradise.
The heart of the Mukhtasar is the discussion of the 13 necessary attributes of Allah: Mukhtasar Abdullah Al Harari
The Mukhtasar is a short text, typically spanning fewer than twenty pages, but it systematically covers the essentials of faith. Its key tenets include:
He cites Quranic verses such as "Everything will perish except His Face" (28:88) and argues that "Face" here means "His Essence" or "His Reward," not a literal face with eyes and a nose. This methodology of metaphorical interpretation ( Ta'wil ) is the book’s signature doctrine. In the vast ocean of Islamic scholarship, few
If you are a student of theology or a researcher, here is how to approach Mukhtasar Abdullah Al Harari :
The Mukhtasar Abdullah Al Harari is famous for its aggressive refutation of Tajsim (corporealism). Al Harari was deeply alarmed by the rising popularity of Ibn Taymiyyah’s works, which he believed promoted a literal understanding of God's "Hand," "Face," and "Shin." Al Harari follows the Ash'ari view: The sinner
: Practical guides on prayer, fasting, and other obligations. Sins of the Heart and Limbs
Note: This article is for informational and academic purposes. Readers are encouraged to consult qualified scholars from multiple traditions (Ash'ari, Maturidi, Salafi) before forming a conclusive theological stance.
The book shifts to discuss the attributes of Prophets: Truthfulness, Trustworthiness, and Conveyance. It also details what is impossible for them (e.g., lying, stupidity) and what is permissible (human acts like eating or sleeping).