A Critical Assessment of Ibn Taymiyyah's Opinion in Ascribing Anthropomorphism to Heshāmain

Ibn Taymiyyah has regarded Shia's prominent scholars such as Heshām b. Hakam and Heshām b. Sālim as the early Shia scholars advocating anthropomorphism i.e. the act of giving human qualities to God. He claims there is consensus among the authors of al–Milal wa al-Nihal (lit. the books of sects and creeds).  It should be noted, however, that firstly, Heshām b. Hakam and Heshām b. Sālim cannot be considered as the first of scholars believing in anthropomorphism because there have been others before these scholars who had anthropomorphic views. Secondly, not only is there no consensus as to the anthropomorphic belief of Heshām b. Hakam and Heshām b. Sālim but there are some scholars who have considered these two as free of such beliefs. Thirdly, those scholars who have authored books on sects and creeds are deeply polarized in this regard. In fact, the allegation that Heshām b. Sālim had anthropomorphic beliefs can be seen in the works authored by recent writers only, not the early scholars. Fourthly, some Sunni scholars like Ash'ari and Shahristani, who have written books on sects and creeds, have justified Heshām b. Hakam's anthropomorphic words saying his statements are devoid of any objections.
As well, Ibn Taymiyyah has claimed that Shia is known for its belief in anthropomorphism saying there are more scholars in Shia believing in anthropomorphism than there are in any other Muslim sects. However, the truth of the matter is that attributing anthropomorphism to Shia is not in harmony with Shia's semantic interpretation (ta'vil). It is more consistent with the traditionists' literalism in this area.