Monotheism
General: It comprises all creatures as He facilitates their affairs and interests. Allah Almighty says:
{…Surely my Lord is All-Preserver over everything.}
[Surat Hūd: 57]
Special: It is a better status than the former category. It only includes the close servants of Allah as He preserves them in terms of their worldly interests, health, children, and properties. He has, thus, appointed angels to preserve them. He also preserves for them their religion from suspicions and vain inclinations and from their enemies among the humans and jinn. Then, He makes them die as believers.
Allah Almighty says:
{For each person there are successive angels in front of him and behind him, guarding him by the command of Allah…}
[Surat ar-Ra‘d: 11]
Moreover, Allah Almighty undertakes to preserve His noble Book from distortion and alteration throughout the ages. He says:
{It is We Who have sent down the Reminder, and it is We Who will preserve it.}
[Surat al-Hijr: 9]
He preserves the Ka‘bah and sustains its existence, though it was only a building made of stones and based in an uncultivated valley. He preserved it so that it remains a witness to His great preservation and to His perfect power and ability.
There is no refuge from God except to Him!
he Qur’anic verse “There is no refuge from God except to Him” have always been on my mind growing up. But I did not fully understand it until a funny situation occurred with my son around 20 years ago. He was playing in the kitchen and wanted to touch the stove, while it was hot. He was very stubborn, and I had to hit his hand to prevent him from trying to touch it again. He cried and started to wander around from one place to another, not knowing where to go. His father tried to calm him down and cheer him up, but the surprise was that he ran directly back to me and cried on my lap. His father laughed and said: Glory be to God.
As for me I remembered the words of God Almighty “There is no refuge from God except to Him”, and now that I understood the verse. I said to myself that God Almighty reminds us when we are subjected to some difficulties, to always return to Him whenever we find ourselves far away from Him. I felt great joy after this incident.
Corona virus and the wisdom of God:
The catastrophes that occur in Earth that affect humans, such as diseases, volcanoes, earthquakes and floods, are manifestations of the names and attributes of the divine majesty.
These catastrophes are at the same time a trial and test for person; if the person assists and helps in these situations, that person will be rewarded. If the person gets directly affected by these situations and shows patience, the person will know the majesty of his Lord through this affliction, just as he recognizes Gods attributes through the good that God provides to him. Seeing Gods attributes in the good and in the bad situations gives you clearer understanding of Gods attributes, and in that they say that if a person only knew the attributes of divine beauty, it is as if he did not know God Almighty.
One atheist asked me one day about those who had been plagued by disasters, diseases and similar disasters, so I simply said to him:The worldly life is only a moment if you compare it with eternal life, and that is, a dip in heaven can make them forget any pain or distress, as said by prophet Muhmmed. Continue reading
This question has to be evaluated on its merits and restated according to Islamic understandings.
First and foremost, Muslims do not compare Allah to His creation. Therefore, the question can be answered as such due to the fact that Allah is completely Exalted and far above mortal description; He is not “like” His creation.
Allah tells us in His Book that He is “As-Samad” (The eternally Besought of all). He is also the “Al-Awwal” (First) and the “Al-’Akhir” (Last) He is without beginning or end. This is how He always was and always is, and always will be, so to speak.
Second, Islam is clear on the issue of asking questions about Allah, warning people against being influenced by such question which could plant doubt into someone’s mind or drive him away from the Right Path.
Let us consider the Hadith of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) wherein he mentioned that the Shaytan (Satan) will come to you and trouble you with questions like: “Who created this or that?” To which you would logically respond: “Allah.” Until he would come to the question: “Then who created Allah?” At which point the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) instructed us to say: “I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed devil.” And then leave off this train of thought. (Reported by Muslim)
You might also consider similar questions that the enemies of Islam have used for centuries to weaken one’s faith in the existence of Allah.
It is the belief (‘Aqeedah) of deen that after death, mankind will enter a realm before the day of resurrection, which is known as Aalam-e-Barzakh. There are many sects in Islam who claim to be Muslims but do not believe in Aalam-e-Barzakh.’ This is a grave misunderstanding on behalf of these people. Death is the ultimate reality that no human can escape. It awes people and challenges all of their false claims of deviant beliefs. It puts an end to their hopes for prosperity and success in this life. Once there, they have no way of returning to this life.
Allah say’s in the noble Qur’aan:
“Until, when death comes to one of them (those who join partners with Allah), he say’s, “My lord! Send me back. Perhaps I may do good in that which I have left behind,” Indeed no! It is but a word that he speaks, and behind them is a Barzakh until the day when they are raised up.”
The discussion regarding Al-Barzakh is only based on authentic text from Allah’s book and his messengers Sunnah. It has been mentioned in the Qur’aan and has been established by numerous Ahaadeeth. Continue reading
If you feel that your life is in danger, or that disease threatens your precious health, or your son is away from you and you’re afraid for him from losing his way or being with bad company, or that the money you’ve collected is on the brink of loss and wastefulness, be sure that you are in a bad need to learn about this name of Allah—Al-Hafiz. You are also in need of renewing your belief with this great name, and the proper time has come to think deeply and meditate on it.
He is the only One to preserve your life, your health, your sons, your money, and everything in this life!
Heart, Feel at ease…
Sheikh Al-Saadi, may Allah have mercy on him, says: “The Ever-Preserving means that He has preserved what He has created, and His knowledge has encompassed what He brought into existence, and He preserves with care His believing servants from committing sins and falling into jeopardy, and He has mercy on them throughout the ups and downs.”
The ultimate protection, care, and security shall be for you when you come underneath His wing and His preservation. Continue reading
The problem of evil has troubled humankind since time immemorial. This article gives the Islamic perspective on it in a simple and logical way.
In addition to contrasting our limited wisdom with God’s, this story also provides key lessons and spiritual insights. The first lesson is that in order to understand God’s will, one has to be humble. Moses approached Khidr, and knew that he had some Divinely inspired knowledge that God had not given to Moses. Moses humbly asked to learn from him, yet Khidr responded by questioning his ability to be patient; nevertheless, Moses insisted and wanted to learn. (The spiritual status of Moses is very high according to the Islamic tradition. He was a prophet and messenger, yet he approached the man with humility.) The second lesson is that patience is required to emotionally and psychologically deal with the suffering and evil in the world. Continue reading
One Should Know That Allah’s Highness In Rank Is What Is Manifested In His Names: The Sublime Holy, The Peace, The Ever-Great, And The Supremely High, Etc. And It Is Also What Is Required By All The Attributes Describing His Perfection And Glory. No One Can Share Him His Dominion Or Part Thereof. No One Can Be Held As Partner, Supporter, Or Even Intercessor Before Him Except With His Leave And Permission. He Is The One Who Is Free From All Imperfections And Defects That Are Attributed To His Creatures. He Is The One Who Is Free From Imperfection, His Attributes Free From Deficiency And His Dealings Free From Blemish. All Perfection Is Attributed To Him Alone. He Is The One Whose Pride And Utmost Perfection Are Continue reading
This Statement Has Been Differently Interpreted. Some Have Interpreted It As To Commit The Most Beautiful Names To One’s Heart, To Invoke Allah The Almighty Thereof, And To Glorify Him Thereof.
Others Deemed That They Can Be Divided Into Various Types. Some Of Which Can Be Held As Exemplary, Such As, The Most Merciful And The Ever Generous. Man Can Practice Himself To Achieve Some Degree Of The Connotation Of Such Divine Names. Some Others Of Allah’s Most Beautiful Names Are In Toto His Almighty-Bounded. Allah Makes Them Particular To Himself, Such As, The Sublime Potentate, The Ever Magnificent, And The Supremely Proud. Regarding This Type, Man Can Only Submit Himself And Declare His Complete And Perfect Subjection To Allah. Some Of The Most Beautiful Names Of Allah Denote Promise, Such As, The Ever Forgiver, The Ever Thankful, The Ever Clement, The Ever Compassionate, The All-Forbearing, And The Ever Kindly. Man Should Stand Himself At The Gate Of Desire And Wish. Some Of The Most Beautiful Names Denote Intimidation, Such As, Exalted In Might, Lord Of Retribution, Strict In Punishment, And Quick In Account. Man Should Stand Himself At The Gate Of Fear And Submission. Continue reading
Using Profanity In Allah’s Names And Attributes Contradicts Observing And Respecting The Oneness Of His Names And Attributes. This Is Of Three Types:
First: [Ilhad Al-Mushrikin] Atheism Of The Polytheists: Those Who Attributed Allah’s Names After Distorting Them -To Their Idols; They Derived Al-Lat From Ilah (God), Al-`Uzza From Al-`Aziz (The Almighty), And Manah From Al-Mannan (The Benefactor).
Second: [Ilhad Al-Mushabihah] Atheism Of The Likening Ones: Those Who Adapt Allah’s Attributes And Liken Them To The Qualities Of His Creation. These Are The Other Face Of The Coin, As They Likened Him To The Created Beings, While The First Type Elevated Their Idols And Set Them As Equals To The Lord Of The `Alamin(Mankind, Jinn And All That Exist).
Third: [Ilhad An-Nufah Al-Mu`Attilah] Atheism Of The Negators, The Suspenders (I.E. Those Who Say That Allah’s Names And Attributes Are Created): These Are Of Two Types: Continue reading