Creed- Creed and Quran Inimitability- Lesson (30-36): Free will (3), Man is predestinated and has the free will (3)- Divine predestination and preordainment (Kada’a and Kadar).
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Creed- Creed and Quran Inimitability- Lesson (30-36): Free will (3), Man is predestinated and has the free will (3)- Divine predestination and preordainment (Kada’a and Kadar).
من طرف Admin الثلاثاء يناير 02, 2018 4:36 pm
“Fatalism” is a corrupted Aqidah:
In previous lessons, we talked about the elements of the Divine assignment which are the universe, the reasoning, the Fitrah (human nature), the desires and the free will. Also in the past two lessons we learned that man has a free will, and he, who assumes that Allah preordained his shortcomings, is in fact corrupting his Aqidah, and this new corrupted theology is called: “Fatalism” (the reason behind recent Muslims’ bad condition), as they mistakenly assume that they are helpless despite the clear, obvious and evidence-based Ayahs from the Quran which indicate that man has a free will after he was assigned by Allah, and allow me to remind you of some of those Ayahs:
"Verily, We showed him the way, whether he be grateful or ungrateful.”
[Al-Insan, 3]
“For every nation there is a direction to which they face (in their prayers). So hasten towards all that is good. “
[Al-Baqarah, 148]
“Then whosoever wills, let him believe, and whosoever wills, let him disbelieve.“
[Al-Kahf, 29]
“Those who took partners (in worship) with Allah will say: "If Allah had willed, we would not have taken partners (in worship) with Him, nor would our fathers, and we would not have forbidden anything (against His Will)." Likewise belied those who were before them, (they argued falsely with Allah's Messengers), till they tasted of Our Wrath. Say: "Have you any knowledge (proof) that you can produce before us? Verily, you follow nothing but guess and you do nothing but lie." “
[Al-An’am, 148]
Assumptions should be based on the Quran and Sunnah:
mage" class="center" /> In this meeting I want to make clear the fact that any behavior is not but the outcome of an assumption, whether that assumption is right or wrong.
Therefore, it is wrong to believe that you have nothing to do with your own guidance after assuming that it will occur only when Allah wills, let alone that this assumption prevents you from seeking the truth and the right faith.
Hence, man should review his assumptions and value them in the light of Quran and Sunnah, for leaving any wrong assumptions which were sneaked to him through a mistaken interpretation or a wrong call, will make him pay a high price.
To elaborate, consider the example of a student who wrongly assumed, since the first day of school, that the teacher will give him the exam’s questions two days before the exams start, after receiving a gift from this student, so do you think he will study at all?
No! He will spend the entire year playing. His behavior is based on the assumption that he will be given the questions and will study their answers only in order to pass the exam, moreover, he thinks that he is more brilliant than the other students who spend the year studying, so why did he not study? That is because of his wrong assumption, but to his surprise and two days before the exam, his gift to this teacher was rejected and instead of getting the questions of the exam he got two slaps on the face and a kick and he was forced to leave the teacher’s house, and thus he flunk the year because of being trapped in his own delusion.
Don’t build your triumph on wrecking others:
Dear brothers, I want all of you to be aware of the following fact: man might adopt notions in his subconscious not because they are right but because they give him comfort, and I will prove that to you right away.
If two men want to buy a car, one of them bought it and the other didn’t. A rumor spreads in the country that says: a new law will be enacted about reducing the customs duties by half, so what will be the reaction of those two men? The one who bought the car will refute the rumor without any proof, research or investigation (because refuting the rumor gives him comfort), while the one, who didn’t buy a car, will believe the rumor without any proof (because it gives him hope to buy a car).
Therefore, people sometimes reject something without any proof and sometimes believe in something without any proof either.
Consider another accurate example: Darwinism is a theory of biological evolution developed by Charles Darwin who said: “My theory is wrong if science won’t be able to prove it”, and in his book “Origin of Species" he assumed that a genetic mutation is enough to create a living cell out of lifeless substance, and accordingly he believed that frogs are created from mud, rats are created from worn clothes mixed with wheat seeds (which is funny) and some worms are created from rotten meat.
Though science made fun of this theory, which is scientifically unaccepted and unreasonable, the entire world supported it and adopted his theory in all universities, encyclopedias and in every country on earth, why?
Because believing, that the human being is not but an evolution creature which comes from a single cell, establishes the ground of denying the existence of Allah.
Hence, why is the entire world still adopting this theory? The answer is simple: that is because this theory excuses man from responsibilities, and since the western world has the power in this era, then they can claim the truth, whereas Muslims are weak and can’t claim it.
This is the attitude of the powerful people who care less about values, let alone that this sort of thinking gives comfort to those who intend to build their triumph on the wrecking of other nations, who want to get wealthy by impoverishing other countries, who build their life style at the expense of putting other nations to death and who feed their glory by humiliating other nations, and this sort of thinking is manifested in the crimes committed in our regions by the westerns.
Every sin is a reflection of a wrong assumption:
Hence, some people believe in groundless theories, while others refuse accurate, real and evidence-based theology.
All I am asking is that each one of us makes a general review before giving up and saying: “I am helpless and unless Allah decrees guidance upon us we will not be guided”. These assumptions are groundless, Allah says:
“Truly! Ours it is (to give) guidance, “
[Al-Lail, 12]
When the Arabic word “Ala” (on) is mentioned next to the word Allah, it means Divine commitment to guide people.
As a matter of fact, Allah guided us, end of the story, as the entire universe is but a manifestation of the existence, oneness and perfection of Allah. This universe indicates that Allah is Great, Merciful, Ever-Wise and Ever-Powerful. Therefore beware of adopting a corrupted Aqidah, as this will reflect on one’s uprightness.
The corrupted beliefs might come from a misunderstanding of a Hadith such like the following one:
((My intercession is assured for the sinners of my nation))
which might be misinterpreted by a lecturer in the mosque, and it might be heard by a grocer who attended that lecture, and this wrong interpretation went as follows: “Do major sins and you will not be punished, as your salvation will be in the prophet’s Shafa’a (Intercession)”, so accordingly, this grocer will not hesitate to add water to milk or to sell an expired can because of this sick interpretation of the previous Sahih Hadith.
Let me stress again on the fact that every wrong behavior or action is an outcome of a wrong assumption.
Why do you think the thief steals?
The answer is because he assumed that he would get lots of money without any effort after refusing to believe that he might be busted or punished.
He had the fantasy of living in prosperity spending the millions he had stolen, but it is out of question that what goes around comes around, and this thief will be arrested a week later, locked in prison and the money he had stolen will be restored.
Fatalism paralyzed the nation:
Dear brothers, I invite all of you in this blessed meeting to eradicate every wrong assumption you might have, so make a general review to all your assumptions lest you live in delusion, and be aware that “Fatalism” and the assumption: “we are helpless” paralyzed this nation, Allah says:
“Then whosoever wills, let him believe, and whosoever wills, let him disbelieve.“
[Al-Kahf, 29]
“Verily, We showed him the way, whether he be grateful or ungrateful.”
[Al-Insan, 3]
One might be surprised that his Aqidah is corrupted:
“Those who took partners (in worship) with Allah will say: "If Allah had willed, we would not have taken partners (in worship) with Him, nor would our fathers, and we would not have forbidden anything (against His Will)." Likewise belied those who were before them, (they argued falsely with Allah's Messengers), till they tasted of Our Wrath. Say: "Have you any knowledge (proof) that you can produce before us? Verily, you follow nothing but guess and you do nothing but lie." “
[Al-An’am, 148]
Allah guides us to his Glorified Entity through:
1- The universe:
Allah has guided us through His universe to His Divine Entity, as everything in this universe is but a manifestation of the existence, oneness and perfection of Allah.
2- The noble Quran:
Allah also has guided us through this noble Quran, as the Quran gets us acquainted with our mission in life, with the message to convey to others and with the trust we bore by Allah.
3- Calamities:
Calamities are Allah’s means to guide us:
“Say (O Muhammad): "Travel in the land and see what was the end of those who rejected truth."“
[Al-An’am, 11]
Importance of having a right aqeeda:
The actions of Allah support what is mentioned in the noble Quran, and this is the precise meaning of the following Ayah:
“Nay, they deny that; the knowledge whereof they could not compass and whereof the interpretation has not yet come unto them.“
[Yunus, 39]
“Interpretation” in this Ayah means the inevitability occurrence of Allah’s promises and menaces. Namely, the money of the usurer (for example) will definitely be perished according to the following Ayah:
“And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allah and His Messenger.“
[Al-Baqarah, 279]
Also it is inevitable that the believer should live in prosperity according to the following Ayah:
“Whoever works righteousness, whether male or female, while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision) “
[An-Nahl, 97]
On the other hand, it is also inevitable that the one who turns away from Allah will live in hardship according to the following Ayah:
"But whosoever turns away from My Reminder (i.e. neither believes in this Qur'an nor acts on its orders, etc.) verily, for him is a life of hardship, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection."
[Ta-Ha, 124]
This is why Aqidah is a serious matter. As a matter of fact, Islam is akin to a pyramid sliced to four sections, and Aqidah makes the top one amongst them, as its uprightness will reflect in upright deeds which lead man to safety, but on the other hand, its corruption will reflect in corrupted deeds which lead man to wretchedness and complete destruction.
Allah created man to bestow happiness and mercy upon him:
Having a right Aqidah is crucial. Man has the free will and this fact is supported in the Islamic biography (Sirah), as a man who drank wine was brought to our Master Umar Ibn Al Khattab, so Umar ordered him to be whipped (for wine abuse), the man said: Allah decreed that I do that, so Umar ordered that he should be whipped twice, once for drinking wine and the other for falsely accusing Allah for his sin, and he said: “woe unto you man, Allah’s decree will never take away your free will”.
When you believe that you don’t have the free will and everything you do is predestined (By Allah), you will stop striving and fighting your own desires. There isn’t more corrupted Aqidah than believing that Allah doesn’t decree for someone to be guided (to Him), that the Almighty Allah doesn’t permit someone to offer Salah and that this person is preordained by Allah to be disobedient:
“Except him on whom your Lord has bestowed His Mercy (the follower of truth - Islamic Monotheism) and for that did He create them. “
[Hud, 119]
He created them to bestow happiness and mercy upon them.
Allah bestowed mankind with free will:
“Go, both of you, to Fir'aun (Pharaoh), verily, he has transgressed (all bounds in disbelief and disobedience and behaved as an arrogant and as a tyrant).”
[Ta-Ha, 43]
The one who said:
“Saying: "I am your lord, most high",”
[An-Nazi’aat, 24]
“Fir'aun (Pharaoh) said: "O chiefs! I know not that you have an ilah (a god) other than me”
[Al-Qasas, 38]
“"Go, both of you, to Fir'aun (Pharaoh), verily, he has transgressed (all bounds in disbelief and disobedience and behaved as an arrogant and as a tyrant). "And speak to him mildly, perhaps he may accept admonition or fear Allah."“
[Ta-Ha, 43-44]
Man has the free will.
I proved to you in the past two lessons that man has the free will and my proofs were decisive, realistic, rational and scientific.
If Allah forced his creations to obey Him, rewarding would be meaningless, if He forced them to sin, punishment would be invalid and if He neglected them, this would indicate a lacking in omnipotence.
Allah commanded mankind after giving them the free will, and deterred them after warning them. Allah also assigned mankind with which they are capable of offering, and He rewarded abundantly for slightest deeds.
Paradise is the price for trusting in Allah:
Again, Aqidah should be corrected, assumptions should be reviewed, and one should stop repeating thousands of words said by the common such like: “Allah hasn’t ordained guidance to such and such person” forgetting that this phrase means that this person should not be called to account since his sins were not his fault. Why would he be punished?
He tied him and threw him in the sea and said:
“don't you dare get wet”
***
When you assume that you are devoid of the free will and you don’t have choice, you are actually paralyzing your movement and putting an end to offering any deeds, however on the other hand, things will be different when you believe beyond doubt that you have the free will and that Allah is waiting for you as mentioned in the following Hadith:
((If only, those who turned away from me, know that I wait for them and long for their abandonment of sins, they will melt in loving Me and die yearning to meet Me, this is my decree for those who turned away from Me, so what would My decree be for those who are approaching me?))
[Mentioned in the tradition]
Beware of repeating the words of the common such like: “Allah didn’t ordain guidance for such and such person” “Allah misguided such and such person” “We ask Allah not to misguide him”.
The Almighty Allah puts facts between people’s hands, guides to the upright path and Allah committed His Divine Entity to guide people, and keep in mind that paradise is the price for trusting in Allah.
The right Aqida should be based on the noble Quran not on words of the common, and thus I invite you to read the noble Quran attentively in order to adopt the right Aqida which is only taken from the noble Quran not from the words of the common. Allah says:
“For every nation there is a direction to which they face (in their prayers). So hasten towards all that is good.”
[Al-Baqarah, 148]
‘They’ refers to the human being and the proof is:
“So hasten towards all that is good.”
[Al-Baqarah, 148]
You would better feel the responsibility of your deeds and that one day you will be called to account instead of being hypnotized by groundless delusion, take for example the following Ayah:
“And if We had willed, surely! We would have given every person his guidance“
[As-Sajdah, 13]
This Ayah means: My slaves, if I were to cancel your free will, cancel your assignment and take back the trust you bore, and If I (Allah) were to force anything upon you, guidance would be the only thing I would enforce:
“And if We had willed, surely! We would have given every person his guidance“
[As-Sajdah, 13]
Your shortcomings are not divine predestination and preordainment, rather they are your own choices by your free will and you will be called to account for them.
Blaming others or the Divine predestination for one’s sins:
Dear brothers, believing, that you have the free will and that despite your setbacks you can take your faith to a better level, is the right thinking based on The Almighty Allah’s words and this thinking motivates you to seek the truth, to believe in it, to act according to it and to sacrifice the cheap, the valuable and the soul in that cause.
Unfortunately, according to psychologists, man subconsciously tends to point the finger of blame for his sins towards others. People also tend to accredit their success to their hard work and to blame Allah for their failure. Why does the student accredit his success to his studying, to his effort, to his comprehension, to doing his homework and to using references, whereas in case he fails he blames Allah for his failure?
Again, man subconsciously tends to point the finger of blame for his shortcomings towards others.
We, as a nation, feel comfortable in pointing the finger of blame, for our backwardness, to colonialism and Zionists, while we were outshined by other nations, as old as our nation in terms of civilization, who set themselves free, developed themselves, excelled and gained the power.
Hence, man tends to point the finger of blame, for his shortcomings, to others or to preordainment and predestination.
Nothing happens in the universe without Allah’s Will:
By the way dear brothers, let me make this crystal clear, for believing in Kada’a and Kadar doesn’t cancel your responsibility (for your deeds) and the proof of that fact is in the incident of Ifk (fabrication), Allah says:
“Verily! Those who brought forth the slander (against 'Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) the wife of the Prophet) are a group among you. Consider it not a bad thing for you. Nay, it is good for you.”
[An-Nur, 11]
Why is it good? It is good because nothing happens but according to Allah’s will, and it is inappropriate, irrational, and unacceptable to believe that anything might happen in His kingdom without His Divine will.
Hence, nothing happens but according to Allah’s will, and anything Allah decrees should happen, furthermore, Allah’s will is based on a profound wisdom which leads to the absolute goodness.
Wisdom behind the incident of al-Ifk (fabrication):
“Verily! Those who brought forth the slander (against 'Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) the wife of the Prophet) are a group among you. Consider it not a bad thing for you. Nay, it is good for you.”
[An-Nur, 11]
This is how we should comprehend Kada’a and Kadar. Since Allah permitted for the incident of Ifk to happen and allowed accusing Mrs Aysha, May Allah be pleased with her, then there must be a profound wisdom behind all that, whether we knew it or not.
There are nice indications by the scholars of interpretation with regard to the Ifk incident, for some of them said: “Had it not been for her necklace which fell to the ground (and because of that she went back to look for it) the entire Ifk incident would never have occurred”, while others said: “If only the two companions who held her Hawdaj (a seat for two or more, with a canopy, for riding on the back of a camel) felt its light weight (which indicates that she was not in it), the entire Ifk incident would never have occurred”, and the scholars went on in mentioning ten “if only” odds that which only one of them was enough to cancel the occurrence of the Ifk incident, but for a profound wisdom, Allah allowed this incident to happen in order to test the souls, so the believers had good thoughts of themselves, whereas the hypocrites pulled off their masks and showed their grudge, spread the word of Ifk (fabrication) and added lies to the news, therefore, this incident was a trial for the two parties and a test for them.
“Allah will not leave the believers in the state in which you are now, until He distinguishes the wicked from the good. “
[Aal-‘Imran, 179]
“Verily! Those who brought forth the slander (against 'Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) the wife of the Prophet) are a group among you. Consider it not a bad thing for you. Nay, it is good for you.”
[An-Nur, 11]
Divine preordainment does not waive responsibility:
The rest of the Ayah is:
“And as for him among them who had the greater share therein, his will be a great torment. “
[An-Nur, 11]
After we understood Kada’a and Kadar in the Ifk incident, the question to be asked is: Did the way we perceive Kada’a and Kadar excuse those who spread the news of Ifk from their responsibility?
Absolutely not!
Consider the example of an doctor in the emergency ward who is chatting with a nurse in a way that is displeasing Allah. He was told that there is a patient who is about to die, but he answered: “wait a minute” and he continued his chat, but 15 minutes later he was told that the patient died upon which he said:”Glory be to Allah, this is his hour decreed by Allah”, so do not you think that this doctor should be punished? Yes he should be, and despite the fact that death definitely is appointed to a certain time for each person, yet this Doctor should be punished severely by Allah for the 15 minutes delay he spent chatting with the nurse instead of rushing to save the dying patient.
Please keep in mind this fact: Believing in Kada’a and Kadar will never excuse anyone from responsibility.
The same goes for an unfinished building with an empty elevator shaft and no safety precautions on the elevator doors openings, so in case someone falls down the elevator shaft and is killed, it is unacceptable to refer the accident to Kada’a and Kadar by the owner of the building, for it is his fault that he didn’t secure the openings with bars which caused the death of that person.
Difference between preordainment and predestination:
Dear brothers, Kada’a and Kadar is the most crucial issue in Aqidah, yet it is unacceptable and irrational to refer all our shortcomings and carelessness to Kada’a and Kadar pointing the finger of blame towards it.
We should confront our faults and admit our carelessness.
It is out of boldness and heroism to admit your mistakes whether you were a father, a teacher or a ruler, so be a man and admit your mistake and stop blaming Kada’a and Kadar.
Let me give you another example to differentiate between Kada’a and Kadar and between the outcomes of carelessness.
A student who never studied the entire year and who failed his exams might say: Allah didn’t decree for me to pass this year, it is all His Mighty arrangement and He didn’t permit that I pass the exams yet.
Well this is nonsense, and instead this student should say: “I didn’t pass the exams because I didn’t study”, and don’t you dare blame the Kada’a and Kadar for your failure.
On the other hand, another student might study the entire year very well, but two days before the exams he was very sick and he missed the exams, this very student is entitled to say: “It is the Almighty Allah’s decree that I didn’t pass the exams”.
((Allah, Most High, blames for falling short, but apply intelligence, and when the matter gets the better of you, say; For me Allah sufficed, and He is the best disposer of affairs))
[Abu Dawood and Ahmad, by Aof Ibn Malik]
One shouldn’t wait for the job to knock at his door; instead he should go out, travel and read newspapers employment classified advertising in order to get a job. Unfortunately, Muslims nowadays are waiting for a miracle to happen instead of striving, endeavoring and seeking means to become better, and while our enemies are preparing themselves, we, Muslims, are waiting for a miracle from Allah like an earthquake to doom our enemies, well let me tell you that these are but crazy dreams.
Allah’s victory is restricted to two conditions:
1- Believing in Allah the Almighty:
The Almighty Allah says:
“And make ready against them all you can of power “
[Al-Anfal, 60]
We didn’t prepare ourselves to face them. By the way, there are laws within the Quran which you can find when you read it, one of which is the law of victory, Allah says:
“And there is no victory except from Allah. “
[Al-Anfal, 10]
Victory is exclusively granted by Allah alone, but it has a price that should be paid, the first price is:
“And (as for) the believers it was incumbent upon Us to help (them). “
[Ar-Rum, 62-63]
Are you a true believer? Will your faith grant you salvation?
“Verily, We will indeed make victorious Our Messengers and those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism) in this world's life “
[Ghafir, 51]
Victory is granted exclusively by Allah:
But what kind of faith? It is the faith which makes you obey Allah and prevents you from disobeying Him, and this kind of faith fulfills one of the two conditions required for victory:
“And (as for) the believers it was incumbent upon Us to help (them). “
“Verily, We will indeed make victorious Our Messengers and those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism) in this world's life “
[Ghafir, 51]
2- Preparation:
The second condition is preparation:
“And make ready against them all you can of power, including steeds of war (tanks, planes, missiles, artillery, etc.) to threaten the enemy of Allah and your enemy”
[Al-Anfal, 60]
The price for victory is not that easy, it requires uprightness, discipline and applying Islam within the soul, in the house, at work and making ready all the power we can against the enemies.
It is not but daydreams of the ignorant to wait for a miracle without applying Islam in our houses, at work and without holding tight to the purposes of this religion.
This is the law of victory, for everything must have a reason and is controlled by a law.
Most Muslims’ problems are resulted from wrong assumptions:
Dear brothers, I refer the problems, Muslims are suffering from, to our wrong assumptions and corrupted Aqida, take for example the following Hadith:
((The Jews collected for Abdullah Ibn Rawaha pieces of their women's jewellery as a bribe, but Abdullah ibn Rawaha said, "O tribe of Jews! What you have offered as a bribe is forbidden. By Allah, I came to you from the most beloved to me of Allah’s creation, and you are among the most hateful to me of Allah's creation, but it does not prompt me to deal unjustly with you.” and accordingly they said: This is what supports the heavens and the earth and with this we were outpowered.))
We, Muslims, refer all our troubles to the conspiracy theory, well the enemies are plotting no doubt about it, but where do you stand as a Muslim? Why are you making this conspiracy easier for your enemy? Why did you not stand up against them?
It is easy for us, as individuals, groups or as a nation, to blame another party for our mistakes, for this brings us comfort, however we are committing a huge mistake, and by adopting this attitude we will never progress, become stronger or achieve any of our great goals.
Aqidah is a very serious matter in faith:
Hence dear brothers, any mistake starts with a wrong assumption, and this is why Aqida is the most crucial issue in faith, for its uprightness will reflect in upright deeds.
Take for example those who offer Hajj, the majority of them assume that offering Hajj is enough to expiate their sins as the day their mothers gave birth to them, though they might have unpaid debts, or might have violated other’s rights in the past, like taking a house by force, claiming a company by force, or one might be a big brother who claimed the whole inheritance leaving his younger brothers and sisters with nothing, yet he says: “offering Hajj will make me free from sin as the day my mother gave birth to me”, to the like of this person I say: “You are absolutely wrong, for Hajj will never forgive you but for sins you committed between you and Allah, however sins that involve other people will never be forgiven unless you pay back their rights in order to acquire their forgiveness, and here is the proof:
“He (Allah) will forgive you of your sins”
[Nuh, 4]
The same goes for the following Hadith:
((Whoever observes fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven.))
[Agreed upon by Abu Huraira]
The sins that shall be forgiven are only the ones between him and Allah, but wronging people will never be forgiven unless he pays them back their rights in order to acquire their forgiveness:
((Whoever performs salah (prayers ) by night during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, he returns (free from sin) as the day his mother bore him.))
[Agreed upon by Abu Huraira]
Only the sins between him and Allah, but sins against other people will never be forgiven unless he pays them back their rights in order to acquire their forgiveness:
((Every sin of a martyr shall be forgiven except debt.))
[Ahmad in his Mosnad and Muslim by Ibn Amro]
Though giving the soul in the cause of Allah is the utmost sacrifice one can offer, one will not be forgiven unless he pays his debts:
((Every sin of a martyr shall be forgiven except debt.))
Ignorants build their Aqidah on delusions:
The prophet PBUH went to a noble companion’s house after his death, and before offering Janazah Salah he PBUH asked as narrated in the following Hadith:
((After a man once died, he was washed, shrouded, embalmed, and placed where the funerals are usually placed for the prayer. The Prophet (s.a.w) was invited to perform the funeral prayer. He came in, took a few steps, stopped and asked: "Perhaps your friend owes some debt?" He was told: "Yes, two dinars." So he moved back and said: "You pray for your friend." Abu Qatadah (r.a) said: "O Messenger of Allah, I will take care of the two dinars."… The Prophet (s.a.w) prayed the funeral prayer for him. The following day, the Prophet (s.a.w) met Abu Qatadah and asked him: "What happened with the two dinars?" He replied, "O Allah's Messenger, he only died yesterday." On the next day, he (s.a.w) asked him the same and was informed that they had been paid off. So the Prophet (s.a.w) said: "It is now only that his skin has cooled down (i.e. from the punishment.))
[Ahmad by Jabir]
How many Muslims adopt the assumption that all their sins will be forgiven after Hajj, fasting or a sincere repentance? They are in millions and they are all committing the same mistake.
These acts of worship, which are included in the prophet’s promise that they shall be forgiven, are not enough to forgive violating other’s rights, paying back is the only way to attain forgiveness, and these mistaken assumptions are but delusions.
Let us correct our assumptions, review our Aqida and reestablish it on Quran and Sunnah only, and let us forsake the foolish delusions for which Allah has sent down no authority.
Allah orders us to reflect on water:
Water is one of the graces we were commanded by Allah the Almighty to reflect on, Allah says:
“And it is not you who are the owners of its stores [i.e. to give water to whom you like or to withhold it from whom you like].”
[Al-Hijr, 22]
Location of the Springwater Lodge:
Who designed the water lodges on earth? We are living in Damascus where we drink water from a spring (called Fijeh), but the storage lodge of that spring under the ground reaches the middle of Lebanon (southward), Hums (northward) and Al Badiya (eastward), who designed this huge underground container? Who made this spring (which in the rainy season gives an average of 36 cubic meters per second) give enough water around the year? The water is stored in mountains and this is one of the many functions of the mountains
Take for example a very small island in Syria called Arwad (55 kilometers away from Tartoos). This island has a drinking water spring in it, but the question to be asked is: is rain water enough to feed this spring? No it isn’t, so where does the water come from? It comes from the mountains of Tartoos, therefore the storage of this water is located in Tartoos and it feeds the spring in Arward with water through routes under the sea. Actually I believe beyond doubt that every island (on earth) has a drinking water spring in it. Indonesia consists of 13 thousand islands, and each one of them has a drinking water spring, given the surface area of each island is not enough to provide the spring (which gives water around the year) with rain water, there must be another place where the water is stored, like a mountain. Believe it or not, the lodges of the water springs in some mountains (like Himalaya), where mule deers drink from, are located in higher mountains, and the physic of “Communicating vessels” supports this theory, and according to this physical fact, the drinking water of every town should come from higher places, even the man-made water storage tanks are placed in a very high location, for according to physics, there must be a distance between the source of water and the place where it is used.
Therefore, the storage of the drinking water spring of any island in the world is located in a higher and wider place, Allah says:
“And it is not you who are the owners of its stores [i.e. to give water to whom you like or to withhold it from whom you like].”
[Al-Hijr, 22]
Allah stored water in mountains:
Storing water: if everyone were to store his own annual need of drinking water, he would be in need of a water tank as big as his house, Allah says:
“And it is not you who are the owners of its stores [i.e. to give water to whom you like or to withhold it from whom you like].”
[Al-Hijr, 22]
Allah took upon His Entity to store water for you, and He stored it in mountains.
Be sure that the drinking water in any town on earth must come from a higher place in order to flow from one place to another.
Reflecting on Allah’s creation shows His Greatness:
Dear brothers, Allah said:
“ Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, there are indeed signs for men of understanding. Those who remember Allah (always, and in prayers) standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and think deeply about the creation of the heavens and the earth, (saying): "Our Lord! You have not created (all) this without purpose, glory to You! (Exalted be You above all that they associate with You as partners). Give us salvation from the torment of the Fire.”
[Aal-‘Imran, 190-191]
The issues subject to contemplation are countless.
And there is a sign in everything,
indicates He is the oneness
* * *
Allah has mentioned so many universal signs in the noble Quran, so we would better use these Ayahs as a method for us in order to reflect on the universe, Allah said for example:
“Have We not made for him a pair of eyes? “
[Al-Balad, 8]
Hence, the eye is a subject of contemplation, Allah also said:
“And it is not you who are the owners of its stores [i.e. to give water to whom you like or to withhold it from whom you like].”
[Al-Hijr, 22]
Therefore, water and storing it is a subject of contemplation.
If only each one of us ponders over the Ayahs wherein Allah has mentioned universal signs, he/she will be face to face with Allah’s greatness.
Water is a sign of Allah’s Greatness:
Water expands as its temperature falls below 4 Celsius, and had it not been for this physical phenomenon, there won’t be a living soul on earth.
Water is the only liquid on earth that expands instead of shrinking at low temperatures, without which phenomenon there will be no life on earth.
The physical qualities of water make it unique, for it has no color, taste or odor, its evaporation and liquidity makes it penetrate in the smallest pores and it evaporates at 24 degrees C. Losing any of water qualities turns man life to a living hell, so if water were to evaporate only at 100 degrees C, nothing will get dry, if water has a color, all food that uses water in it will take that color and if water has an odor, all our food will smell and life will be unbearable. This is why Allah puts all these unique qualities in the water the mainstay of our lives:
“And We have made from water every living thing.”
[Al-Anbiya’, 30]
Who stored it for us? That will be Allah the Almighty:
“And it is not you who are the owners of its stores [i.e. to give water to whom you like or to withhold it from whom you like].”
[Al-Hijr, 22]
We should contemplate:
When they started to design a storage tank (man-made one) underground for drinking water in Damascus, how deep was it do you think? Imagine, in order to make a tank akin to the natural one, it has to be 400 meters under the surface of the ground to keep it drinkable and avoid contamination. Therefore, it takes such a huge project (like this one) if man were to simulate natural tanks in order to keep the water drinkable, away from contamination and algae lest people get hurt.
So let us ponder over the Quran’s Ayahs hoping that Allah will give us means for our own benefit, Allah says:
“Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, there are indeed signs for men of understanding. Those who remember Allah (always, and in prayers) standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and think deeply about the creation of the heavens and the earth, (saying): "Our Lord! You have not created (all) this without purpose, glory to You! (Exalted be You above all that they associate with You as partners). Give us salvation from the torment of the Fire.”
[Aal-‘Imran, 190-191]
Benefits of meditation:
One should ponder over any Ayah he reads in Quran in which graces such as food and drinks are mentioned:
“Then let man look at his food”
[Abasa, 24]
“So let man see from what he is created! He is created from a water gushing forth “
[At-Tariq, 5-6]
So let man beholds things around him:
“Say: "Behold all that is in the heavens and the earth,"“
[Yunus, 101]
This Ayah should be taken as a base for contemplation, so may Allah bestow man with knowledge which will be his means to obey Allah and to draw close to Him
In previous lessons, we talked about the elements of the Divine assignment which are the universe, the reasoning, the Fitrah (human nature), the desires and the free will. Also in the past two lessons we learned that man has a free will, and he, who assumes that Allah preordained his shortcomings, is in fact corrupting his Aqidah, and this new corrupted theology is called: “Fatalism” (the reason behind recent Muslims’ bad condition), as they mistakenly assume that they are helpless despite the clear, obvious and evidence-based Ayahs from the Quran which indicate that man has a free will after he was assigned by Allah, and allow me to remind you of some of those Ayahs:
"Verily, We showed him the way, whether he be grateful or ungrateful.”
[Al-Insan, 3]
“For every nation there is a direction to which they face (in their prayers). So hasten towards all that is good. “
[Al-Baqarah, 148]
“Then whosoever wills, let him believe, and whosoever wills, let him disbelieve.“
[Al-Kahf, 29]
“Those who took partners (in worship) with Allah will say: "If Allah had willed, we would not have taken partners (in worship) with Him, nor would our fathers, and we would not have forbidden anything (against His Will)." Likewise belied those who were before them, (they argued falsely with Allah's Messengers), till they tasted of Our Wrath. Say: "Have you any knowledge (proof) that you can produce before us? Verily, you follow nothing but guess and you do nothing but lie." “
[Al-An’am, 148]
Assumptions should be based on the Quran and Sunnah:
mage" class="center" /> In this meeting I want to make clear the fact that any behavior is not but the outcome of an assumption, whether that assumption is right or wrong.
Therefore, it is wrong to believe that you have nothing to do with your own guidance after assuming that it will occur only when Allah wills, let alone that this assumption prevents you from seeking the truth and the right faith.
Hence, man should review his assumptions and value them in the light of Quran and Sunnah, for leaving any wrong assumptions which were sneaked to him through a mistaken interpretation or a wrong call, will make him pay a high price.
To elaborate, consider the example of a student who wrongly assumed, since the first day of school, that the teacher will give him the exam’s questions two days before the exams start, after receiving a gift from this student, so do you think he will study at all?
No! He will spend the entire year playing. His behavior is based on the assumption that he will be given the questions and will study their answers only in order to pass the exam, moreover, he thinks that he is more brilliant than the other students who spend the year studying, so why did he not study? That is because of his wrong assumption, but to his surprise and two days before the exam, his gift to this teacher was rejected and instead of getting the questions of the exam he got two slaps on the face and a kick and he was forced to leave the teacher’s house, and thus he flunk the year because of being trapped in his own delusion.
Don’t build your triumph on wrecking others:
Dear brothers, I want all of you to be aware of the following fact: man might adopt notions in his subconscious not because they are right but because they give him comfort, and I will prove that to you right away.
If two men want to buy a car, one of them bought it and the other didn’t. A rumor spreads in the country that says: a new law will be enacted about reducing the customs duties by half, so what will be the reaction of those two men? The one who bought the car will refute the rumor without any proof, research or investigation (because refuting the rumor gives him comfort), while the one, who didn’t buy a car, will believe the rumor without any proof (because it gives him hope to buy a car).
Therefore, people sometimes reject something without any proof and sometimes believe in something without any proof either.
Consider another accurate example: Darwinism is a theory of biological evolution developed by Charles Darwin who said: “My theory is wrong if science won’t be able to prove it”, and in his book “Origin of Species" he assumed that a genetic mutation is enough to create a living cell out of lifeless substance, and accordingly he believed that frogs are created from mud, rats are created from worn clothes mixed with wheat seeds (which is funny) and some worms are created from rotten meat.
Though science made fun of this theory, which is scientifically unaccepted and unreasonable, the entire world supported it and adopted his theory in all universities, encyclopedias and in every country on earth, why?
Because believing, that the human being is not but an evolution creature which comes from a single cell, establishes the ground of denying the existence of Allah.
Hence, why is the entire world still adopting this theory? The answer is simple: that is because this theory excuses man from responsibilities, and since the western world has the power in this era, then they can claim the truth, whereas Muslims are weak and can’t claim it.
This is the attitude of the powerful people who care less about values, let alone that this sort of thinking gives comfort to those who intend to build their triumph on the wrecking of other nations, who want to get wealthy by impoverishing other countries, who build their life style at the expense of putting other nations to death and who feed their glory by humiliating other nations, and this sort of thinking is manifested in the crimes committed in our regions by the westerns.
Every sin is a reflection of a wrong assumption:
Hence, some people believe in groundless theories, while others refuse accurate, real and evidence-based theology.
All I am asking is that each one of us makes a general review before giving up and saying: “I am helpless and unless Allah decrees guidance upon us we will not be guided”. These assumptions are groundless, Allah says:
“Truly! Ours it is (to give) guidance, “
[Al-Lail, 12]
When the Arabic word “Ala” (on) is mentioned next to the word Allah, it means Divine commitment to guide people.
As a matter of fact, Allah guided us, end of the story, as the entire universe is but a manifestation of the existence, oneness and perfection of Allah. This universe indicates that Allah is Great, Merciful, Ever-Wise and Ever-Powerful. Therefore beware of adopting a corrupted Aqidah, as this will reflect on one’s uprightness.
The corrupted beliefs might come from a misunderstanding of a Hadith such like the following one:
((My intercession is assured for the sinners of my nation))
which might be misinterpreted by a lecturer in the mosque, and it might be heard by a grocer who attended that lecture, and this wrong interpretation went as follows: “Do major sins and you will not be punished, as your salvation will be in the prophet’s Shafa’a (Intercession)”, so accordingly, this grocer will not hesitate to add water to milk or to sell an expired can because of this sick interpretation of the previous Sahih Hadith.
Let me stress again on the fact that every wrong behavior or action is an outcome of a wrong assumption.
Why do you think the thief steals?
The answer is because he assumed that he would get lots of money without any effort after refusing to believe that he might be busted or punished.
He had the fantasy of living in prosperity spending the millions he had stolen, but it is out of question that what goes around comes around, and this thief will be arrested a week later, locked in prison and the money he had stolen will be restored.
Fatalism paralyzed the nation:
Dear brothers, I invite all of you in this blessed meeting to eradicate every wrong assumption you might have, so make a general review to all your assumptions lest you live in delusion, and be aware that “Fatalism” and the assumption: “we are helpless” paralyzed this nation, Allah says:
“Then whosoever wills, let him believe, and whosoever wills, let him disbelieve.“
[Al-Kahf, 29]
“Verily, We showed him the way, whether he be grateful or ungrateful.”
[Al-Insan, 3]
One might be surprised that his Aqidah is corrupted:
“Those who took partners (in worship) with Allah will say: "If Allah had willed, we would not have taken partners (in worship) with Him, nor would our fathers, and we would not have forbidden anything (against His Will)." Likewise belied those who were before them, (they argued falsely with Allah's Messengers), till they tasted of Our Wrath. Say: "Have you any knowledge (proof) that you can produce before us? Verily, you follow nothing but guess and you do nothing but lie." “
[Al-An’am, 148]
Allah guides us to his Glorified Entity through:
1- The universe:
Allah has guided us through His universe to His Divine Entity, as everything in this universe is but a manifestation of the existence, oneness and perfection of Allah.
2- The noble Quran:
Allah also has guided us through this noble Quran, as the Quran gets us acquainted with our mission in life, with the message to convey to others and with the trust we bore by Allah.
3- Calamities:
Calamities are Allah’s means to guide us:
“Say (O Muhammad): "Travel in the land and see what was the end of those who rejected truth."“
[Al-An’am, 11]
Importance of having a right aqeeda:
The actions of Allah support what is mentioned in the noble Quran, and this is the precise meaning of the following Ayah:
“Nay, they deny that; the knowledge whereof they could not compass and whereof the interpretation has not yet come unto them.“
[Yunus, 39]
“Interpretation” in this Ayah means the inevitability occurrence of Allah’s promises and menaces. Namely, the money of the usurer (for example) will definitely be perished according to the following Ayah:
“And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allah and His Messenger.“
[Al-Baqarah, 279]
Also it is inevitable that the believer should live in prosperity according to the following Ayah:
“Whoever works righteousness, whether male or female, while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision) “
[An-Nahl, 97]
On the other hand, it is also inevitable that the one who turns away from Allah will live in hardship according to the following Ayah:
"But whosoever turns away from My Reminder (i.e. neither believes in this Qur'an nor acts on its orders, etc.) verily, for him is a life of hardship, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection."
[Ta-Ha, 124]
This is why Aqidah is a serious matter. As a matter of fact, Islam is akin to a pyramid sliced to four sections, and Aqidah makes the top one amongst them, as its uprightness will reflect in upright deeds which lead man to safety, but on the other hand, its corruption will reflect in corrupted deeds which lead man to wretchedness and complete destruction.
Allah created man to bestow happiness and mercy upon him:
Having a right Aqidah is crucial. Man has the free will and this fact is supported in the Islamic biography (Sirah), as a man who drank wine was brought to our Master Umar Ibn Al Khattab, so Umar ordered him to be whipped (for wine abuse), the man said: Allah decreed that I do that, so Umar ordered that he should be whipped twice, once for drinking wine and the other for falsely accusing Allah for his sin, and he said: “woe unto you man, Allah’s decree will never take away your free will”.
When you believe that you don’t have the free will and everything you do is predestined (By Allah), you will stop striving and fighting your own desires. There isn’t more corrupted Aqidah than believing that Allah doesn’t decree for someone to be guided (to Him), that the Almighty Allah doesn’t permit someone to offer Salah and that this person is preordained by Allah to be disobedient:
“Except him on whom your Lord has bestowed His Mercy (the follower of truth - Islamic Monotheism) and for that did He create them. “
[Hud, 119]
He created them to bestow happiness and mercy upon them.
Allah bestowed mankind with free will:
“Go, both of you, to Fir'aun (Pharaoh), verily, he has transgressed (all bounds in disbelief and disobedience and behaved as an arrogant and as a tyrant).”
[Ta-Ha, 43]
The one who said:
“Saying: "I am your lord, most high",”
[An-Nazi’aat, 24]
“Fir'aun (Pharaoh) said: "O chiefs! I know not that you have an ilah (a god) other than me”
[Al-Qasas, 38]
“"Go, both of you, to Fir'aun (Pharaoh), verily, he has transgressed (all bounds in disbelief and disobedience and behaved as an arrogant and as a tyrant). "And speak to him mildly, perhaps he may accept admonition or fear Allah."“
[Ta-Ha, 43-44]
Man has the free will.
I proved to you in the past two lessons that man has the free will and my proofs were decisive, realistic, rational and scientific.
If Allah forced his creations to obey Him, rewarding would be meaningless, if He forced them to sin, punishment would be invalid and if He neglected them, this would indicate a lacking in omnipotence.
Allah commanded mankind after giving them the free will, and deterred them after warning them. Allah also assigned mankind with which they are capable of offering, and He rewarded abundantly for slightest deeds.
Paradise is the price for trusting in Allah:
Again, Aqidah should be corrected, assumptions should be reviewed, and one should stop repeating thousands of words said by the common such like: “Allah hasn’t ordained guidance to such and such person” forgetting that this phrase means that this person should not be called to account since his sins were not his fault. Why would he be punished?
He tied him and threw him in the sea and said:
“don't you dare get wet”
***
When you assume that you are devoid of the free will and you don’t have choice, you are actually paralyzing your movement and putting an end to offering any deeds, however on the other hand, things will be different when you believe beyond doubt that you have the free will and that Allah is waiting for you as mentioned in the following Hadith:
((If only, those who turned away from me, know that I wait for them and long for their abandonment of sins, they will melt in loving Me and die yearning to meet Me, this is my decree for those who turned away from Me, so what would My decree be for those who are approaching me?))
[Mentioned in the tradition]
Beware of repeating the words of the common such like: “Allah didn’t ordain guidance for such and such person” “Allah misguided such and such person” “We ask Allah not to misguide him”.
The Almighty Allah puts facts between people’s hands, guides to the upright path and Allah committed His Divine Entity to guide people, and keep in mind that paradise is the price for trusting in Allah.
The right Aqida should be based on the noble Quran not on words of the common, and thus I invite you to read the noble Quran attentively in order to adopt the right Aqida which is only taken from the noble Quran not from the words of the common. Allah says:
“For every nation there is a direction to which they face (in their prayers). So hasten towards all that is good.”
[Al-Baqarah, 148]
‘They’ refers to the human being and the proof is:
“So hasten towards all that is good.”
[Al-Baqarah, 148]
You would better feel the responsibility of your deeds and that one day you will be called to account instead of being hypnotized by groundless delusion, take for example the following Ayah:
“And if We had willed, surely! We would have given every person his guidance“
[As-Sajdah, 13]
This Ayah means: My slaves, if I were to cancel your free will, cancel your assignment and take back the trust you bore, and If I (Allah) were to force anything upon you, guidance would be the only thing I would enforce:
“And if We had willed, surely! We would have given every person his guidance“
[As-Sajdah, 13]
Your shortcomings are not divine predestination and preordainment, rather they are your own choices by your free will and you will be called to account for them.
Blaming others or the Divine predestination for one’s sins:
Dear brothers, believing, that you have the free will and that despite your setbacks you can take your faith to a better level, is the right thinking based on The Almighty Allah’s words and this thinking motivates you to seek the truth, to believe in it, to act according to it and to sacrifice the cheap, the valuable and the soul in that cause.
Unfortunately, according to psychologists, man subconsciously tends to point the finger of blame for his sins towards others. People also tend to accredit their success to their hard work and to blame Allah for their failure. Why does the student accredit his success to his studying, to his effort, to his comprehension, to doing his homework and to using references, whereas in case he fails he blames Allah for his failure?
Again, man subconsciously tends to point the finger of blame for his shortcomings towards others.
We, as a nation, feel comfortable in pointing the finger of blame, for our backwardness, to colonialism and Zionists, while we were outshined by other nations, as old as our nation in terms of civilization, who set themselves free, developed themselves, excelled and gained the power.
Hence, man tends to point the finger of blame, for his shortcomings, to others or to preordainment and predestination.
Nothing happens in the universe without Allah’s Will:
By the way dear brothers, let me make this crystal clear, for believing in Kada’a and Kadar doesn’t cancel your responsibility (for your deeds) and the proof of that fact is in the incident of Ifk (fabrication), Allah says:
“Verily! Those who brought forth the slander (against 'Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) the wife of the Prophet) are a group among you. Consider it not a bad thing for you. Nay, it is good for you.”
[An-Nur, 11]
Why is it good? It is good because nothing happens but according to Allah’s will, and it is inappropriate, irrational, and unacceptable to believe that anything might happen in His kingdom without His Divine will.
Hence, nothing happens but according to Allah’s will, and anything Allah decrees should happen, furthermore, Allah’s will is based on a profound wisdom which leads to the absolute goodness.
Wisdom behind the incident of al-Ifk (fabrication):
“Verily! Those who brought forth the slander (against 'Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) the wife of the Prophet) are a group among you. Consider it not a bad thing for you. Nay, it is good for you.”
[An-Nur, 11]
This is how we should comprehend Kada’a and Kadar. Since Allah permitted for the incident of Ifk to happen and allowed accusing Mrs Aysha, May Allah be pleased with her, then there must be a profound wisdom behind all that, whether we knew it or not.
There are nice indications by the scholars of interpretation with regard to the Ifk incident, for some of them said: “Had it not been for her necklace which fell to the ground (and because of that she went back to look for it) the entire Ifk incident would never have occurred”, while others said: “If only the two companions who held her Hawdaj (a seat for two or more, with a canopy, for riding on the back of a camel) felt its light weight (which indicates that she was not in it), the entire Ifk incident would never have occurred”, and the scholars went on in mentioning ten “if only” odds that which only one of them was enough to cancel the occurrence of the Ifk incident, but for a profound wisdom, Allah allowed this incident to happen in order to test the souls, so the believers had good thoughts of themselves, whereas the hypocrites pulled off their masks and showed their grudge, spread the word of Ifk (fabrication) and added lies to the news, therefore, this incident was a trial for the two parties and a test for them.
“Allah will not leave the believers in the state in which you are now, until He distinguishes the wicked from the good. “
[Aal-‘Imran, 179]
“Verily! Those who brought forth the slander (against 'Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) the wife of the Prophet) are a group among you. Consider it not a bad thing for you. Nay, it is good for you.”
[An-Nur, 11]
Divine preordainment does not waive responsibility:
The rest of the Ayah is:
“And as for him among them who had the greater share therein, his will be a great torment. “
[An-Nur, 11]
After we understood Kada’a and Kadar in the Ifk incident, the question to be asked is: Did the way we perceive Kada’a and Kadar excuse those who spread the news of Ifk from their responsibility?
Absolutely not!
Consider the example of an doctor in the emergency ward who is chatting with a nurse in a way that is displeasing Allah. He was told that there is a patient who is about to die, but he answered: “wait a minute” and he continued his chat, but 15 minutes later he was told that the patient died upon which he said:”Glory be to Allah, this is his hour decreed by Allah”, so do not you think that this doctor should be punished? Yes he should be, and despite the fact that death definitely is appointed to a certain time for each person, yet this Doctor should be punished severely by Allah for the 15 minutes delay he spent chatting with the nurse instead of rushing to save the dying patient.
Please keep in mind this fact: Believing in Kada’a and Kadar will never excuse anyone from responsibility.
The same goes for an unfinished building with an empty elevator shaft and no safety precautions on the elevator doors openings, so in case someone falls down the elevator shaft and is killed, it is unacceptable to refer the accident to Kada’a and Kadar by the owner of the building, for it is his fault that he didn’t secure the openings with bars which caused the death of that person.
Difference between preordainment and predestination:
Dear brothers, Kada’a and Kadar is the most crucial issue in Aqidah, yet it is unacceptable and irrational to refer all our shortcomings and carelessness to Kada’a and Kadar pointing the finger of blame towards it.
We should confront our faults and admit our carelessness.
It is out of boldness and heroism to admit your mistakes whether you were a father, a teacher or a ruler, so be a man and admit your mistake and stop blaming Kada’a and Kadar.
Let me give you another example to differentiate between Kada’a and Kadar and between the outcomes of carelessness.
A student who never studied the entire year and who failed his exams might say: Allah didn’t decree for me to pass this year, it is all His Mighty arrangement and He didn’t permit that I pass the exams yet.
Well this is nonsense, and instead this student should say: “I didn’t pass the exams because I didn’t study”, and don’t you dare blame the Kada’a and Kadar for your failure.
On the other hand, another student might study the entire year very well, but two days before the exams he was very sick and he missed the exams, this very student is entitled to say: “It is the Almighty Allah’s decree that I didn’t pass the exams”.
((Allah, Most High, blames for falling short, but apply intelligence, and when the matter gets the better of you, say; For me Allah sufficed, and He is the best disposer of affairs))
[Abu Dawood and Ahmad, by Aof Ibn Malik]
One shouldn’t wait for the job to knock at his door; instead he should go out, travel and read newspapers employment classified advertising in order to get a job. Unfortunately, Muslims nowadays are waiting for a miracle to happen instead of striving, endeavoring and seeking means to become better, and while our enemies are preparing themselves, we, Muslims, are waiting for a miracle from Allah like an earthquake to doom our enemies, well let me tell you that these are but crazy dreams.
Allah’s victory is restricted to two conditions:
1- Believing in Allah the Almighty:
The Almighty Allah says:
“And make ready against them all you can of power “
[Al-Anfal, 60]
We didn’t prepare ourselves to face them. By the way, there are laws within the Quran which you can find when you read it, one of which is the law of victory, Allah says:
“And there is no victory except from Allah. “
[Al-Anfal, 10]
Victory is exclusively granted by Allah alone, but it has a price that should be paid, the first price is:
“And (as for) the believers it was incumbent upon Us to help (them). “
[Ar-Rum, 62-63]
Are you a true believer? Will your faith grant you salvation?
“Verily, We will indeed make victorious Our Messengers and those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism) in this world's life “
[Ghafir, 51]
Victory is granted exclusively by Allah:
But what kind of faith? It is the faith which makes you obey Allah and prevents you from disobeying Him, and this kind of faith fulfills one of the two conditions required for victory:
“And (as for) the believers it was incumbent upon Us to help (them). “
“Verily, We will indeed make victorious Our Messengers and those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism) in this world's life “
[Ghafir, 51]
2- Preparation:
The second condition is preparation:
“And make ready against them all you can of power, including steeds of war (tanks, planes, missiles, artillery, etc.) to threaten the enemy of Allah and your enemy”
[Al-Anfal, 60]
The price for victory is not that easy, it requires uprightness, discipline and applying Islam within the soul, in the house, at work and making ready all the power we can against the enemies.
It is not but daydreams of the ignorant to wait for a miracle without applying Islam in our houses, at work and without holding tight to the purposes of this religion.
This is the law of victory, for everything must have a reason and is controlled by a law.
Most Muslims’ problems are resulted from wrong assumptions:
Dear brothers, I refer the problems, Muslims are suffering from, to our wrong assumptions and corrupted Aqida, take for example the following Hadith:
((The Jews collected for Abdullah Ibn Rawaha pieces of their women's jewellery as a bribe, but Abdullah ibn Rawaha said, "O tribe of Jews! What you have offered as a bribe is forbidden. By Allah, I came to you from the most beloved to me of Allah’s creation, and you are among the most hateful to me of Allah's creation, but it does not prompt me to deal unjustly with you.” and accordingly they said: This is what supports the heavens and the earth and with this we were outpowered.))
We, Muslims, refer all our troubles to the conspiracy theory, well the enemies are plotting no doubt about it, but where do you stand as a Muslim? Why are you making this conspiracy easier for your enemy? Why did you not stand up against them?
It is easy for us, as individuals, groups or as a nation, to blame another party for our mistakes, for this brings us comfort, however we are committing a huge mistake, and by adopting this attitude we will never progress, become stronger or achieve any of our great goals.
Aqidah is a very serious matter in faith:
Hence dear brothers, any mistake starts with a wrong assumption, and this is why Aqida is the most crucial issue in faith, for its uprightness will reflect in upright deeds.
Take for example those who offer Hajj, the majority of them assume that offering Hajj is enough to expiate their sins as the day their mothers gave birth to them, though they might have unpaid debts, or might have violated other’s rights in the past, like taking a house by force, claiming a company by force, or one might be a big brother who claimed the whole inheritance leaving his younger brothers and sisters with nothing, yet he says: “offering Hajj will make me free from sin as the day my mother gave birth to me”, to the like of this person I say: “You are absolutely wrong, for Hajj will never forgive you but for sins you committed between you and Allah, however sins that involve other people will never be forgiven unless you pay back their rights in order to acquire their forgiveness, and here is the proof:
“He (Allah) will forgive you of your sins”
[Nuh, 4]
The same goes for the following Hadith:
((Whoever observes fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven.))
[Agreed upon by Abu Huraira]
The sins that shall be forgiven are only the ones between him and Allah, but wronging people will never be forgiven unless he pays them back their rights in order to acquire their forgiveness:
((Whoever performs salah (prayers ) by night during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, he returns (free from sin) as the day his mother bore him.))
[Agreed upon by Abu Huraira]
Only the sins between him and Allah, but sins against other people will never be forgiven unless he pays them back their rights in order to acquire their forgiveness:
((Every sin of a martyr shall be forgiven except debt.))
[Ahmad in his Mosnad and Muslim by Ibn Amro]
Though giving the soul in the cause of Allah is the utmost sacrifice one can offer, one will not be forgiven unless he pays his debts:
((Every sin of a martyr shall be forgiven except debt.))
Ignorants build their Aqidah on delusions:
The prophet PBUH went to a noble companion’s house after his death, and before offering Janazah Salah he PBUH asked as narrated in the following Hadith:
((After a man once died, he was washed, shrouded, embalmed, and placed where the funerals are usually placed for the prayer. The Prophet (s.a.w) was invited to perform the funeral prayer. He came in, took a few steps, stopped and asked: "Perhaps your friend owes some debt?" He was told: "Yes, two dinars." So he moved back and said: "You pray for your friend." Abu Qatadah (r.a) said: "O Messenger of Allah, I will take care of the two dinars."… The Prophet (s.a.w) prayed the funeral prayer for him. The following day, the Prophet (s.a.w) met Abu Qatadah and asked him: "What happened with the two dinars?" He replied, "O Allah's Messenger, he only died yesterday." On the next day, he (s.a.w) asked him the same and was informed that they had been paid off. So the Prophet (s.a.w) said: "It is now only that his skin has cooled down (i.e. from the punishment.))
[Ahmad by Jabir]
How many Muslims adopt the assumption that all their sins will be forgiven after Hajj, fasting or a sincere repentance? They are in millions and they are all committing the same mistake.
These acts of worship, which are included in the prophet’s promise that they shall be forgiven, are not enough to forgive violating other’s rights, paying back is the only way to attain forgiveness, and these mistaken assumptions are but delusions.
Let us correct our assumptions, review our Aqida and reestablish it on Quran and Sunnah only, and let us forsake the foolish delusions for which Allah has sent down no authority.
Allah orders us to reflect on water:
Water is one of the graces we were commanded by Allah the Almighty to reflect on, Allah says:
“And it is not you who are the owners of its stores [i.e. to give water to whom you like or to withhold it from whom you like].”
[Al-Hijr, 22]
Location of the Springwater Lodge:
Who designed the water lodges on earth? We are living in Damascus where we drink water from a spring (called Fijeh), but the storage lodge of that spring under the ground reaches the middle of Lebanon (southward), Hums (northward) and Al Badiya (eastward), who designed this huge underground container? Who made this spring (which in the rainy season gives an average of 36 cubic meters per second) give enough water around the year? The water is stored in mountains and this is one of the many functions of the mountains
Take for example a very small island in Syria called Arwad (55 kilometers away from Tartoos). This island has a drinking water spring in it, but the question to be asked is: is rain water enough to feed this spring? No it isn’t, so where does the water come from? It comes from the mountains of Tartoos, therefore the storage of this water is located in Tartoos and it feeds the spring in Arward with water through routes under the sea. Actually I believe beyond doubt that every island (on earth) has a drinking water spring in it. Indonesia consists of 13 thousand islands, and each one of them has a drinking water spring, given the surface area of each island is not enough to provide the spring (which gives water around the year) with rain water, there must be another place where the water is stored, like a mountain. Believe it or not, the lodges of the water springs in some mountains (like Himalaya), where mule deers drink from, are located in higher mountains, and the physic of “Communicating vessels” supports this theory, and according to this physical fact, the drinking water of every town should come from higher places, even the man-made water storage tanks are placed in a very high location, for according to physics, there must be a distance between the source of water and the place where it is used.
Therefore, the storage of the drinking water spring of any island in the world is located in a higher and wider place, Allah says:
“And it is not you who are the owners of its stores [i.e. to give water to whom you like or to withhold it from whom you like].”
[Al-Hijr, 22]
Allah stored water in mountains:
Storing water: if everyone were to store his own annual need of drinking water, he would be in need of a water tank as big as his house, Allah says:
“And it is not you who are the owners of its stores [i.e. to give water to whom you like or to withhold it from whom you like].”
[Al-Hijr, 22]
Allah took upon His Entity to store water for you, and He stored it in mountains.
Be sure that the drinking water in any town on earth must come from a higher place in order to flow from one place to another.
Reflecting on Allah’s creation shows His Greatness:
Dear brothers, Allah said:
“ Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, there are indeed signs for men of understanding. Those who remember Allah (always, and in prayers) standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and think deeply about the creation of the heavens and the earth, (saying): "Our Lord! You have not created (all) this without purpose, glory to You! (Exalted be You above all that they associate with You as partners). Give us salvation from the torment of the Fire.”
[Aal-‘Imran, 190-191]
The issues subject to contemplation are countless.
And there is a sign in everything,
indicates He is the oneness
* * *
Allah has mentioned so many universal signs in the noble Quran, so we would better use these Ayahs as a method for us in order to reflect on the universe, Allah said for example:
“Have We not made for him a pair of eyes? “
[Al-Balad, 8]
Hence, the eye is a subject of contemplation, Allah also said:
“And it is not you who are the owners of its stores [i.e. to give water to whom you like or to withhold it from whom you like].”
[Al-Hijr, 22]
Therefore, water and storing it is a subject of contemplation.
If only each one of us ponders over the Ayahs wherein Allah has mentioned universal signs, he/she will be face to face with Allah’s greatness.
Water is a sign of Allah’s Greatness:
Water expands as its temperature falls below 4 Celsius, and had it not been for this physical phenomenon, there won’t be a living soul on earth.
Water is the only liquid on earth that expands instead of shrinking at low temperatures, without which phenomenon there will be no life on earth.
The physical qualities of water make it unique, for it has no color, taste or odor, its evaporation and liquidity makes it penetrate in the smallest pores and it evaporates at 24 degrees C. Losing any of water qualities turns man life to a living hell, so if water were to evaporate only at 100 degrees C, nothing will get dry, if water has a color, all food that uses water in it will take that color and if water has an odor, all our food will smell and life will be unbearable. This is why Allah puts all these unique qualities in the water the mainstay of our lives:
“And We have made from water every living thing.”
[Al-Anbiya’, 30]
Who stored it for us? That will be Allah the Almighty:
“And it is not you who are the owners of its stores [i.e. to give water to whom you like or to withhold it from whom you like].”
[Al-Hijr, 22]
We should contemplate:
When they started to design a storage tank (man-made one) underground for drinking water in Damascus, how deep was it do you think? Imagine, in order to make a tank akin to the natural one, it has to be 400 meters under the surface of the ground to keep it drinkable and avoid contamination. Therefore, it takes such a huge project (like this one) if man were to simulate natural tanks in order to keep the water drinkable, away from contamination and algae lest people get hurt.
So let us ponder over the Quran’s Ayahs hoping that Allah will give us means for our own benefit, Allah says:
“Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, there are indeed signs for men of understanding. Those who remember Allah (always, and in prayers) standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and think deeply about the creation of the heavens and the earth, (saying): "Our Lord! You have not created (all) this without purpose, glory to You! (Exalted be You above all that they associate with You as partners). Give us salvation from the torment of the Fire.”
[Aal-‘Imran, 190-191]
Benefits of meditation:
One should ponder over any Ayah he reads in Quran in which graces such as food and drinks are mentioned:
“Then let man look at his food”
[Abasa, 24]
“So let man see from what he is created! He is created from a water gushing forth “
[At-Tariq, 5-6]
So let man beholds things around him:
“Say: "Behold all that is in the heavens and the earth,"“
[Yunus, 101]
This Ayah should be taken as a base for contemplation, so may Allah bestow man with knowledge which will be his means to obey Allah and to draw close to Him
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تاريخ التسجيل : 29/03/2014
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مواضيع مماثلة» Creed- Creed and Quran Inimitability- lesson (19-36): Difference between pleasure and happiness
» Creed- Creed and Quran Inimitability- Lesson(00-36): Preface
» Rules of the Noble Quran- Lesson (06-21): The Good Life VS the Life of Hardship
» Laws of the Noble Quran- Lesson (02-21): The Law of Security- Security is Granted to Man When He is Righteous and Fear is Casted into His Heart When He is corrupted.
» Laws of the Noble Quran- Lesson (02-21): The Law of Security- Security is Granted to Man When He is Righteous and Fear is Casted into His Heart When He is corrupted.
» Creed- Creed and Quran Inimitability- Lesson(00-36): Preface
» Rules of the Noble Quran- Lesson (06-21): The Good Life VS the Life of Hardship
» Laws of the Noble Quran- Lesson (02-21): The Law of Security- Security is Granted to Man When He is Righteous and Fear is Casted into His Heart When He is corrupted.
» Laws of the Noble Quran- Lesson (02-21): The Law of Security- Security is Granted to Man When He is Righteous and Fear is Casted into His Heart When He is corrupted.
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