First of all, there is only One God who created the Universe and all of mankind. Throughout history, people have created false gods in their minds and come up with false ideas about Almighty God, but regardless of this there is still only One True God – and He alone is worthy of worship. Unfortunately, some non-Muslims have come to incorrectly believe that Muslims worship a different God than Jews and Christians. This might be due to the fact that Muslims sometimes refer to God as “Allah”, but also because over the centuries there have been many lies and distortions spread by the enemies of Islam. In actuality, Muslims worship the God of Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus — the same God as Christians and Jews. The word “Allah” is simply the Arabic word for Almighty God and it is the same word that Arabic-speaking Christians and Jews use to refer to God. If you pick up an Arabic translation of the Christian Bible, you will see the word “Allah” where “God” is used in English. For more information on the word “Allah”, please read: Who is Allah? But even though Muslims, Jews, and Christians believe in the same God, their concepts about Him differ quite a bit. For example, Muslims reject the idea of the Trinity or that God has become “incarnate” in the world. Also, the teachings of Islam do not rely on or appeal to “mystery” or “paradox” — they are straightforward and clear. Islam teaches that God is Merciful, Loving, and Compassionate and that He has no need to become man (nor do humans need for Him to). One of the unique aspects of Islam is that it teaches that man can have a personal and fulfilling relationship with Almighty God without compromising the transcendence of God. In Islam there is no ambiguity in Divinity — God is God and man is man. Muslims believe that God is the “Most Merciful”, and that he deals directly with human-beings without the need of any intermediary. Actually, the phrase “In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful” is one of the most repeated verses in the Holy Qur’an. Additionally, the pure and straightforward teachings of Islam demand that Almighty God be approached directly and without intermediaries. This is because Muslims believe that God is completely in control of everything and that He can bestow His Grace and Mercy on His creatures as He pleases – no Atonement, Incarnation or blood sacrifice is necessary. In summary, Islam calls people to submit to the One True God and to worship Him alone.
TAG: Allah Almighty
Servants Of Allah: Humble And Sedate
‘And the faithful servants of the Most Gracious Allah are those who walk on the earth in humility and sedateness.’
This final chapter of Surah Furqaan refers to those special servants of Allah who conform to the will of Allah and his Messenger and follow the Shari’ah: ‘And the faithful servants of the Most Gracious Allah are those who walk on the earth in humility and sedateness.’
The characteristics of the servants of the All-Merciful Allah are that they are the slaves of Allah. Generally, a slave becomes the property of the master and becomes completely subservient to his commands, and will do everything to please his lord.
Here, only such a person can claim to be Allah’s slave whose views and beliefs are completely in accordance with the pleasure of his lord. For a person to attain the pleasure of his lord, he needs to carry out the commands that Allah has made obligatory for him as and when he is required to do so.
‘They walk on the earth in humility and sedateness.’
Humbly does not mean slowly, it means to walk with modesty and free from arrogance. The Holy Prophet did not walk slowly; it is recorded in a Hadith that ‘He used to walk as if the earth was shrinking away from him.’ (Ibn Kathir) Our past predecessors have regarded walking slowly without reason as Makrooh because it resembles the walk of a sick person.
Hazrat Hasan Basri has mentioned that the organs of the believers are always humble to Allah so much so that one who is not familiar with them feels sick or disabled, while they are fit and healthy. It is the fear of the hereafter that has caused the humble servants of Allah to refrain from acts that oppose humility.
Arrogance and pride are called the root of all sicknesses of the heart. Prophet Muhammad warned that a person having even an iota of it in his heart will never enter paradise. The deadliest of all sins is arrogance.
We never like a person who is haughty, too proud, or condescending. We detest a person who belittles us and has a huge ego. Similarly, we love people who are humble, polite, and easy to talk to. We love people who give us respect and honor. Thus if we follow the principle of treating others the way we like to be treated, most of these problems might be cured.
We need to appreciate the difference between manners, and morals on the other. While manners deal with one’s external disposition, morals are dealt with our inner thoughts, feeling, and attitudes. In a healthy personality, manners and morals are in harmony. But it is also possible to have the former without having the latter. The first concerns itself with how a person deals with others. The second is concerned with what a person thinks of himself. Two persons showing humbleness in their dealings with others may have exactly opposite ideas in their minds. One may do it out of his or her “generosity”; the other may do it because he genuinely thinks that he is not better than the other person. The first person only has a shell of humbleness, which will crumble when tested. It is the second person who is really free of arrogance.
Real greatness belongs only to Allah, our Lord, Creator, and Master. Human beings are just a creation of Allah and very small creation in comparison to the unimaginably vast universe. Anyone who understands this will realize that our proper status is only that of servants of Allah. In fact, for a Muslim, the real human model is none other than Prophet Muhammad, who is the greatest of all human beings. His greatness lies in being the humblest of all servants of Allah. It is impossible for any person who has this consciousness to entertain any notions of his own greatness.
This leads us to the definition of arrogance, given in a famous Hadith: “Arrogance is to knowingly reject the truth and to belittle other people.”
This Hadith exposes two strains of this deadly disease, both dealing with our exaggerated ideas of self-importance. The first suggests that I am more important than the truth. The second suggests that I am more important than other people.
The Quraish and Jews of Arabia, who had come in contact with Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), knew in their heart of hearts that he indeed was the Messenger of Allah. Their arrogance created an obstacle for them to accept it. History has recorded statements from some of them who said we know he is the Promised Prophet but we will keep on opposing him to maintain our leadership.
While that was the most manifest form of arrogance, we can witness the same attitude on a smaller scale in our discussions and arguments. A person realizes that he was wrong, but then his pride keeps him from admitting it. No matter how polite or “humble” that person may appear to be ordinarily, this test shows the presence of arrogance in his heart.
The second strain involves our feeling of superiority with respect to other people. Islam’s teaching is that one should never consider oneself greater than other people, because that Judgment will come from Allah, and Allah alone, on the Day of Judgment. None of us knows what our end will be, whether we will end up being a winner or loser over there. The person, who appears to be nobody, may end up with eternal bliss because of his goodness that only Allah knew. On the other hand, the person who was of a supposedly high rank here may end up among the sinners who will be punished because of his evil that only Allah knew.
Islam does not ask us to reject reality and imagine we don’t have what we really do. Rather it asks us to take a deeper look at reality and not be misled by a superficial perception of it. And the simple reality that escapes many is that our health, wealth, talents, and power are not of our own creation. Allah gave those to us as a test and He can take them back whenever He wills. For those who are conscious of this reality, their blessings will produce gratitude in them; those who are blind to it will develop pride and arrogance.
Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi says: “Some forms of arrogance are subtle. If a person is embarrassed to bow to Allah in the presence of non-believers, that is a case of arrogance in the face of Allah.” The truth is that problems arise when we turn away from reality. A humble person is a happy, content, grateful person who thanks God for his blessings and has no notions of his own superiority. False notions of superiority or of one’s entitlements in life, on the other hand, lead to frustrations and complexes.
Al-Khaliq: The Creator
Allah created every animal from water. Some of them go on their bellies, some of them on two legs, and some on four. Allah creates whatever He wills … Allah has power over all things. (Surat an-Nur, 24:45)
Bees accomplish their tasks perfectly. Worker bees construct the hive, ventilate it, and maintain a constant temperature in it. They also bring in the nutrients they collect from flowers. The queen bee, on the other hand, remains in the hive and ensures the community’s continuity. The gnat larva changes its skin four times before it fully completes its development. Toward the end of the pupa period, the pupa cocoon, which is covered with a special viscous liquid that protects the gnat’s head from contact with water, is torn at the top and the adult gnat climbs onto the water with only its feet touching it.
Bees and gnats are the only two types of living beings on this planet. Yet, as is the case with all other living beings, Allah determines when they will be born, live, and die. From the time they are born, they live as Allah considers proper for them and commands them to live. Never do they transgress the boundaries of their assigned duties. This holds true for lizards that survive in deserts where the temperature reaches 50° Celsius (122° Fahrenheit), as well as for penguins living in polar regions where the temperature can drop far below -50° Celsius (-58° Fahrenheit) or sponges whose habitat is thousands of meters below the ocean’s surface. The earlier ones also lived in the same way and the latter ones will continue to do so, for Allah determines a way of life for each living being. Therefore, no living being can determine how it will live, for this determination lies only with Allah, to Whom they all submit.
Humanity is a tiny part of life, a being Allah created from a drop of water and granted a way of life. Thus, only He can determine when a person will be born or die, control the aging process, or will one to be immune or susceptible to any weakness or disease. The unprecedented nature of His power and His control over everything is related in the Qur’an, as follows:
He is the Originator of the heavens and Earth… How could He have a son when He has no wife? He created all things and has knowledge of all things. (Surat al-An‘am, 6:101)
Say: “Who is the Lord of the heavens and Earth?” Say: “Allah.” Say: “So why have you taken protectors apart from Him who possess no power to help or harm themselves?” Say: “Are the blind and the seeing equal? Or are darkness and light the same? Or have they assigned partners to Allah, Who creates as He creates, so that all creating seems the same to them?” Say: “Allah is the Creator of everything. He is the One, the All-Conquering.” (Surat ar-Ra‘d, 13:16)
They will ask their skins: “Why did you testify against us?” and they will reply: “Allah gave us speech, as He has given speech to everything. He created you in the first place, and you will be returned to Him.” (Surah Fussilat, 41:21)
The Universal Message Of Quran
[1:1] In the name of GOD, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
[7:35] O children of Adam, when messengers come to you from among you and recite My revelations to you, those who take heed and lead a righteous life, will have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.
Peace be upon you:
The message of the Quran is universal. According to the Quran, God Almighty rewards any righteous believer irrespective of the name of the religion:
[2:62] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.
God Almighty decrees the same religion for all the people:
[42:13] He decreed for you the same religion decreed for Noah, and what we inspired to you, and what we decreed for Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: “You shall uphold this one religion, and do not divide it.” The idol worshipers will greatly resent what you invite them to do. GOD redeems to Himself whomever He wills; He guides to Himself only those who totally submit.
The name of the religion does not count. The submission to God Alone is the only factor that counts.
[2:111] Some have said, “No one will enter Paradise except Jews or Christians!” Such is their wishful thinking. Say, “Show us your proof, if you are right.”
[2:112] Indeed, those who submit themselves absolutely to GOD alone, while leading a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord; they have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.
[2:113] The Jews said, “The Christians have no basis,” while the Christians said, “The Jews have no basis.” Yet, both of them read the scripture. Such are the utterances of those who possess no knowledge. GOD will judge them on the Day of Resurrection, regarding their disputes.
A righteous Jew or a Christian believes in the message of the Quran:
[3:199] Surely, some followers of the previous scriptures do believe in GOD, and in what was revealed to you, and in what was revealed to them. They reverence GOD, and they never trade away GOD’s revelations for a cheap price. These will receive their recompense from their Lord. GOD is the most efficient in reckoning.
A righteous Jew uphold Torah:
[5:44] We have sent down the Torah, containing guidance and light. Ruling in accordance with it were the Jewish prophets, as well as the rabbis and the priests, as dictated to them in GOD’s scripture, and as witnessed by them. Therefore, do not reverence human beings; you shall reverence Me instead. And do not trade away My revelations for a cheap price. Those who do not rule in accordance with GOD’s revelations are the disbelievers.
[5:45] And we decreed for them in it that: the life for the life, the eye for the eye, the nose for the nose, the ear for the ear, the tooth for the tooth, and an equivalent injury for any injury. If one forfeits what is due to him as a charity, it will atone for his sins. Those who do not rule in accordance with GOD’s revelations are unjust.
A righteous Christan upholds Gospel:
[5:46] Subsequent to them, we sent Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming the previous scripture, the Torah. We gave him the Gospel, containing guidance and light, and confirming the previous scriptures, the Torah, and augmenting its guidance and light, and to enlighten the righteous.
[5:47] The people of the Gospel shall rule in accordance with GOD’s revelations therein. Those who do not rule in accordance with GOD’s revelations are the wicked.
A righteous Muslim upholds the Quran:
[5:48] Then we revealed to you this scripture, truthfully, confirming previous scriptures, and superseding them. You shall rule among them in accordance with GOD’s revelations, and do not follow their wishes if they differ from the truth that came to you. For each of you, we have decreed laws and different rites. Had GOD willed, He could have made you one congregation. But He thus puts you to the test through the revelations He has given each of you. You shall compete in righteousness. To GOD is your final destiny – all of you – then He will inform you of everything you had disputed.
[5:49] You shall rule among them in accordance with GOD’s revelations to you. Do not follow their wishes, and beware lest they divert you from some of GOD’s revelations to you. If they turn away, then know that GOD wills to punish them for some of their sins. Indeed, many people are wicked.
God loves righteous humans irrespective of the name of their religion:
[5:69] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the converts, and the Christians; any of them who (1) believe in GOD and (2) believe in the Last Day, and (3) lead a righteous life, have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.
[7:26] O children of Adam, we have provided you with garments to cover your bodies, as well as for luxury. But the best garment is the garment of righteousness. These are some of GOD’s signs, that they may take heed.
[7:27] O children of Adam, do not let the devil dupe you as he did when he caused the eviction of your parents from Paradise, and the removal of their garments to expose their bodies. He and his tribe see you, while you do not see them. We appoint the devils as companions of those who do not believe.
[7:31] O children of Adam, you shall be clean and dress nicely when you go to the masjid. And eat and drink moderately; Surely, He does not love the gluttons.
[7:35] O children of Adam, when messengers come to you from among you and recite My revelations to you, those who take heed and lead a righteous life, will have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.
[17:70] We have honored the children of Adam and provided them with rides on land and in the sea. We provided for them good provisions, and we gave them greater advantages than many of our creatures.
[36:60] Did I not covenant with you, O Children of Adam, that you shall not worship the devil? That he is your most ardent enemy?
[22:40] They were evicted from their homes unjustly, for no reason other than saying, “Our Lord is GOD.” If it were not for GOD’s supporting of some people against others, monasteries, churches, synagogues, and masjids – where the name of GOD is commemorated frequently – would have been destroyed. Absolutely, GOD supports those who support Him. GOD is Powerful, Almighty.
God decrees a set of rites for each congregation. The righteous must uphold those rites.
[22:67] For each congregation, we have decreed a set of rites that they must uphold. Therefore, they should not dispute with you. You shall continue to invite everyone to your Lord. Most assuredly, you are on the right path.
The majority of people including Jews, Christians, and Muslims are idol worshipers. Idol worship is the only unforgivable sin if maintained until death:
[12:106] The majority of those who believe in GOD do not do so without committing idol worship.
[4:48] GOD does not forgive idolatry, but He forgives lesser offenses for whomever He wills. Anyone who sets up idols beside GOD has forged a horrendous offense.
[4:116] GOD does not forgive idol worship (if maintained until death), and He forgives lesser offenses for whomever He wills. Anyone who idolizes any idol besides GOD has strayed far astray.
Never Underestimate Anyone Or Any Reminder
There are moments in life, unexpected, that unfold before our eyes, leaving us in wonder over the Power of the Almighty. Sometimes, Allah sends forth a person who speaks words, few in number, weighty in sincerity, that forever changes our lives.
Sheikh Saleh Al-Meghamisi (may Allah preserve him), Imam of Masjid Quba, went through such a humbling, lesson-laden moment that leaves us with much to reflect on. He relates his story saying:
I was in the intensive care unit, just beginning to regain consciousness after undergoing a 24-hour open-heart surgery when the nurse in charge of me noticed a change in the blood.
He informed a doctor, who informed another. A third doctor was then called, until 14 people, among them doctors and professionals, had gathered to discuss what they should do regarding my case.
They were reading the signals from the devices over my head, and although I had no idea what the situation was, I could read fear in their faces. It seemed that the signals were not pleasant.
They called Dr. Adam, a successful Sudanese doctor, to come and see. He studied the monitor and concluded that there was congealed blood on the heart and that it had to be removed. The news came down on me like a thunderbolt. The doctor sought my permission, and although fear began to overwhelm me, Allah guided me to utter the Shahadah, followed by my head nodding in agreement.
I was disconnected from the devices around me, and the doctor left to prepare for the operation.
At that same moment, there stood to my left a Lebanese nurse who seemed to feel sorry for me due to the situation I was in. Allah guided her to gently remind me:
“Listen. Salli ‘ala al-Naby (send blessings on the Prophet), and your Lord will relieve it.”
Instantly, as anyone would respond, I said: “Allahumma sallee ‘ala Muhammad wa ‘ala Aali Muhammad.” Just like that, I said it.
I said it and all the blood came down.
The signals indicated by the machines differed, and they were unsure as to what had occurred. They called the doctor back. He arrived, looked at the screen, and said, “Sheikh Saleh, what we wanted to do and rid you of, Allah rid you of it from above the seven heavens.”
This story is not about Saleh (the Sheikh). It is about that woman whom Allah granted Tawfeeq to speak these simple words of reminder. And this is based on the teaching of the Prophet (peace be upon him), when Ubayy Bin Ka’b said, “I’ll devote all of my prayers to sending blessings on you.” The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “In that case, it will protect you from your worries.”
And Allah saved us from this distress with the sending of peace and blessings on his Prophet.
But again, this is not about me personally, it is about the success of this woman so that we do not think poorly of the Muslim women. If someone were to see her guise and dress, they would not assume that she knew Allah even for a moment. While I, known as the Imam and Khateeb of (Masjid) Quba, it did not cross my mind to say those words.
Sheikh’s story carries messages that we ought to reflect on for a moment. From the advice of the nurse, we are brought back to the teaching of the Prophet (peace be upon him) to his companion, Ubayy Bin Ka’b (may Allah be pleased with him).
Ubayy Bin Ka’b narrates: I asked, “O Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), I send much blessings on you. What proportion of my prayer should I devote to (sending blessings on) you?” He said, “As much as you like.”
I said, “A quarter?” He said, “As much as you like, and if you increased it would only be better for you.”
I said, “Then a half?” He said, “As much as you like and if you increased then it would only be better for you.”
I said, “Then two thirds?” He said, “As much as you like and if you increased it would only be better for you.”
I said, “I’ll devote all of my prayers to sending blessings on you.” The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “In that case, it will free you from your worries and your sins will be forgiven.” (Jami’ Tirmidhi)
From the Sheikh, we find an example of humbling oneself and accepting the advice of others, regardless of the position we hold. Although he is a person of knowledge, this did not prevent him from heeding the advice of the nurse, responding with immediate action.
Finally, we should never underestimate the value of a simple word of advice. Whatever we know, an effort should be made to teach it to others.
Do not belittle a sincere reminder, of appropriate timing, to your Muslim brother and sister. It may have a dramatic effect on their spiritual well-being; on their heart. Perhaps even literally.
– by Mariam E.
The Attributes Of Almighty Allah
Allah Ta’ala is One. There is no one equal to Allah Ta’ala, either in being, qualities, actions, commands, or names. Allah Ta’ala is “Waajibul Wujood”, in other words, His Existence is compulsory. His destruction is impossible. Allah Ta’ala always was and always will be. The term used to define the continuous existence of Allah Ta’ala is “Qadeem”. “Qadeem” means “that which always existed and will always exist”.
Allah Ta’ala is not dependent upon anyone or anything. The entire universe depends on Allah Ta’ala. Like Allah Ta’ala, His Qualities are also “Qadeem”. With the exception of Allah Ta’ala and His Qualities, everything else is “Haadith”. “Haadith” means “a creation or that which was created by Allah Ta’ala”. Any person who says that Allah Ta’ala’s Qualities are “Haadith” or says that any creation is “Qadeem” is a misled person.
Allah Ta’ala is neither anyone’s father, not is He anyone’s son. Allah Ta’ala does not have a wife. Anyone who shows Allah Ta’ala to have a father or for Him to be anyone’s son or to prove that Allah Ta’ala has a wife is a Kaafir (non-believer). If anyone thinks or imagines this to be possible, then that person he is misled and irreligious.
Allah Ta’ala is present and in existence. The term used to define this is “Hai”. Everyone’s life and existence is in the control of Allah Ta’ala. He gives life and causes death to whomever He pleases.
It is also not necessary that everything in the power of Allah Ta’ala should come into existence even though it is possible for it to come into existence. An example of this is that if Allah Ta’ala wills, He may create a mountain made from solid gold, but there is no such mountain. However, if Allah Ta’ala wishes, then it will exist even though it does not exist at present.
Allah Ta’ala is the possessor of all excellence and all good. Allah Ta’ala is pure and free of all those things, which have shortages (defects). In other words, for Him to possess any defect is “Muhaal”. “Muhaal” is “that which will never be possible, that which can never be”. Allah Ta’ala is free from lies, tyranny, ignorance, and shamelessness. These qualities are totally “Muhaal” for Allah Ta’ala. To accept that Allah Ta’ala has the power to lie is to show Allah Ta’ala to have a defect and to reject Allah Ta’ala.
Existence, Power, Hearing, Seeing, Speech, Knowledge and Intention, etc. are the Divine Qualities of Allah Ta’ala. The Hearing, Seeing, and Speech of Allah Ta’ala, however, does not depend on ears, eyes or tongue, since these are all human organs and Allah Ta’ala is free from all human forms. Allah Ta’ala hears the softest of softest sounds and sees the smallest of smallest objects. He sees even that which cannot be seen under the lens of a microscope, but His sight and Hearing are not only limited to these things. He Sees and Hears everything.
Like His other Qualities, His Speech is also “Qadeem” and not “Haadith”. Whosoever accepts the Quran-e-Azeem to be a creation, according to Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa (radi Allah anhu) and the other Imams (radi Allah anhum), such a person is a Kaafir (non-believer) and his infidelity is also proven from the Sahaba-e-Kiraam (radi Allah anhumul ajma’in).
Allah Ta’ala’s Speech is free from sound. The Holy Quran that we recite and write is “Qadeem” and without sound. Our recitation, our writing, and our voice is “Haadith”. In other words, our recitation is “Haadith” and that which we recite is “Qadeem.” Our writing is “Haadith” and that which we have memorized is “Qadeem.”
The Knowledge of Allah Ta’ala encompasses everything, be it partial, complete, existing, or non-existing. Allah Ta’ala always knew everything, knows everything, and will always know everything. Objects change, but the Knowledge of Allah Ta’ala does not change. He has knowledge of the trouble and the fears of the heart and there is no limit to His knowledge.
Allah Ta’ala is aware of all that which is hidden and apparent. “I’lm-e-Zaati” (Divine Knowledge) is His unique Quality. Any person who proves I’lm-e-Zaati, be it hidden or apparent for anyone accepts Allah Ta’ala is a Kaafir (non-believer) since such Divine Knowledge refers to that which was not given to anyone.
Allah Ta’ala is the Creator of everything, be it an object or its actions. He is the One who gives sustenance. Angels, etc. are only means.
Allah Ta’ala is free from space, place, time, shape, movement, and stoppage. Allah Ta’ala is free from everything which is Haadith.
If Allah Ta’ala wishes, then He can make small objects large and large objects small. He gives respect to whom He wills and disgraces whom He wills. He gives and takes whatever He wishes. Whatever He does is totally fair and just. He is free and pure of tyranny. He is the Most Exalted and High. He engulfs everything and nothing engulfs Him. To give benefit and loss is in His Power. He is the Lord of everything. He answers the call of the oppressed and He punishes the tyrants and oppressors.
Nothing takes place without His will. He becomes pleased with the good and displeased with the bad. His Mercy is such that He does not command any work that is not in the capacity of the servants. Allah Ta’ala is the Lord. He may do as He pleases and commands whatever He wishes.
Allah Ta’ala has promised Jannat (Paradise) to the Muslims, and He has promised Jahannum (Hell) to the Kufaar because of their disbelief. His promises never change. With the exception of polytheism (associating partners with Allah Ta’ala) and infidelity, He may pardon any major or minor sin as He wishes.
Allah Ta’ala’s every action consists of great wisdom whether we are aware of it or not. His actions are not dependent on any reason. He has, with His knowledge, created on the earth a means for everything.
Allah Ta’ala has created eyes to see, ears to hear, fire to burn and water to quench thirst. If Allah Ta’ala desires, then the eyes may hear, fire may quench thirst and water may burn. If He does not will, then a person may have a hundred thousand eyes and still not be able to see a mountain in bright daylight. There may be a million fires and even one straw of grass will not burn. An example of the above-mentioned statement is when Hazrat Ibrahim (alaihis salaam) was thrown into the fire. What a great fire that was which the Kaafirs had prepared to put him into! The heat of this fire was so intense that nobody could go near it and they had to use a catapult to throw him into it. It was then that Allah Ta’ala commanded: “O Fire! Become cold and peaceful on Ibrahim.” The fire immediately became cold on Hazrat Ibrahim (alaihis salaam).
To believe that Allah Ta’ala enquires from someone (His creation) is total Kufr and against the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Ahadith.
The Aqeeda of the Ahle Sunnat Wa Jama’at is that the Knowledge of Unseen which is possessed by Allah Ta’ala is His Personal Knowledge and He does not gain it from anyone.
Some persons believe that Allah Ta’ala has the power to speak a lie. (Allah forbid). The Aqeeda of the Ahle Sunnat Wa Jama’at is that Allah Ta’ala does not lie and He does not possess the power of lying. This is proven by the Quranic verse: “Whose word is more truthful than that of Allah”. (Part 5, Verse 15)
Imam Fakhrudeen Raazi (radi Allahu anhu) said that it is not permissible upon any Muslim to even think that Allah Ta’ala can speak a lie. He said that for one to think in this way would remove one from the folds of Imaan. (Tafseer Kabeer)
To tell a lie is a defect for the personality of Allah Ta’ala and for there to be a defect in the Power of Allah Ta’ala is “Muhaal” (Totally impossible). (Tafseer Kabeer) Allah Ta’ala is pure from all defects. (Tafseer Baidhawi) There is none more truthful than Allah Ta’ala and for Allah Ta’ala to tell a lie is impossible. (Tafseer Khazin) Any person who shows Allah Ta’ala to possess a certain quality which is not worthy of His Being, or to show Allah Ta’ala to have a defect or impatience, then he is a Kaafir. (Fatawa Alamgiri)
Hawa Allah Ki Nishani
Significance Of Performing Tawaf 7 Times
In Islam, there are symbolic acts that represent the Divine Wisdom. We are not required to search for this hidden wisdom. Acts like Tawaf or circumambulating around the Ka’bah are ta’budi in the sense that we must fulfill them regardless whether their immediate benefits are clear to us or not.
Acts like Tawaf, Sa’i, and others, which are related to the category of Ibadaat, are orders of Allah the Almighty.
We believe they have infinite wisdom, for Almighty Allah is the All-Wise. He does not order anything unwise, and yet in order for us not to disrespect Allah the Almighty, the scholars have classified them as ta’budi acts, which means that we cannot pinpoint one particular reason in the sense that if that reason is not there, we can dispense with the act. This cannot be done in case of ta’bud; they are rituals that we must fulfill regardless whether their immediate benefits are clear or not.
Having said this, however, the purpose of Tawaf is to symbolically represent the idea that our life should revolve around thinking and remembering Allah Almighty. The believer is the one who subsumes all his thoughts in one big thought, that is, Allah the Almighty.
The Ka’bah is the center and the focus that we are directed to turn to in our prayers. By making Tawaf we are re-enforcing the centrality of this spiritual focus in our life. It also connects us with the tradition of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) who was a perfect monotheist. By performing this rite consciously we are re-enforcing such ideals as Prophets Ibrahim, Ismail and Muhammad (peace be upon them all) manifested in their lives.
Imkan-E-Kizb Ka Radd
The Gatherings And Conversations Of The People Of Paradise
The people of Paradise will visit one another, in delightful gatherings where they will remember their lives in this world and how Allah (swt) has blessed them by admitting them to Paradise. Allah (swt) described the gatherings of the people of Paradise:
“And We shall remove from their breasts any lurking sense of injury, [they will be like] brothers, [joyfully] facing each other on thrones [of dignity].” [15:47]
Allah (swt) has also described some of the kinds of conversation that will take place in their gatherings:
“And some of them draw near to others, questioning, saying, “A fore time we were afraid with our families [of the punishment of Allah], but Allah has been gracious to us, and has saved us from the torment of the Fire. Verily, we used to invoke Him [Alone and none else] before. Verily He is Al-Barr, the All-Merciful.” [52:25-28]