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A summary of the concepts of the Ahl al-Sunnah.

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The definition of 'aqidah (creed) and its content.

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Linguistically, the term 'aqidah is derived from the concepts of binding, authentication, firmness, and strong connection.

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As for 'aqidah in Islamic legal terminology:

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It is the firm belief that admits no doubt in the heart of the believer.

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Thus, the Islamic 'aqidah:

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Is that which the heart binds itself to in terms of affirmation and acknowledgment of Allah the Exalted and His Oneness,

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And the obligation of obeying Him,

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And belief in His angels, His books, His messengers,

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And the Last Day, and the Divine Decree.

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These are the six pillars of faith.

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Also included under 'aqidah are the issues of faith, disbelief, and hypocrisy,

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As well as loyalty and disavowal (al-wala' wa al-bara').

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Branching from this is the discussion regarding sects, denominations, and groups.

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Therefore, the concepts in the chapter of 'aqidah will revolve around all these issues.

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The sources of 'aqidah.

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The sources from which the correct 'aqidah is known:

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Are the Book of Allah the Exalted,

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And the authentic Sunnah of His Messenger, peace be upon him.

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Even if they are solitary hadiths (ahad).

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And the consensus of the salaf of the Ummah,

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Meaning that upon which the righteous salaf of the first three generations agreed,

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Which are the preferred generations,

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About whom the Messenger, peace be upon him, informed us when he was asked:

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"Which people are best?"

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He replied:

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"My generation,

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Then those who follow them,

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Then those who follow them."

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Narrated by al-Bukhari.

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As for inspiration, true and righteous visions, and true insight (firasah),

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All these matters are considered nothing more than karamat (divine favors) and glad tidings,

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Provided they conform to the Shari'ah.

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They are not a source for 'aqidah nor for legislation.

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The Islamic 'aqidah is ingrained in human nature (fitrah).

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The correct 'aqidah is ingrained in a person's nature from the moment of birth,

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As the Prophet, peace be upon him, said:

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"Every newborn is born upon the fitrah."

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"Then his parents make him a Jew, a Christian, or a polytheist."

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Agreed upon.

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And in a narration by Muslim:

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"No child is born except upon this religion (millah)."

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"Then his parents make him a Jew or a Christian."

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In the first narration,

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Islam was not mentioned alongside Judaism, Christianity, and polytheism,

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Which indicates that the fitrah upon which the newborn is born is Islam,

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As explicitly stated in the second narration by Muslim:

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"No child is born except upon this religion."

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And in the Qudsi hadith:

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"I created My servants all as monotheists (hunafa')."

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"Then the devils came to them and diverted them from their religion,"

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"And forbade for them what I had made lawful for them,"

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"And commanded them to associate with Me that for which I have sent down no authority."

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The hadith was narrated by Muslim.

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That which indicates from the Noble Qur'an that the Islamic 'aqidah

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Is ingrained in the nature of all humans,

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Is the saying of Allah the Exalted:

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“And (remember) when thy Lord brought forth from the Children of Adam, from their reins, their seed, and made them testify of themselves, (saying): Am I not your Lord? They said: Yea, verily. We testify. (That was) lest ye should say at the Day of Resurrection: Lo! of this we were unaware;” (7:172)

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“And (remember) when thy Lord brought forth from the Children of Adam, from their reins, their seed, and made them testify of themselves, (saying): Am I not your Lord? They said: Yea, verily. We testify. (That was) lest ye should say at the Day of Resurrection: Lo! of this we were unaware;” (7:172)

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“And (remember) when thy Lord brought forth from the Children of Adam, from their reins, their seed, and made them testify of themselves, (saying): Am I not your Lord? They said: Yea, verily. We testify. (That was) lest ye should say at the Day of Resurrection: Lo! of this we were unaware;” (7:172)

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“And (remember) when thy Lord brought forth from the Children of Adam, from their reins, their seed, and made them testify of themselves, (saying): Am I not your Lord? They said: Yea, verily. We testify. (That was) lest ye should say at the Day of Resurrection: Lo! of this we were unaware;” (7:172)

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“Or lest ye should say: (It is) only (that) our fathers ascribed partners to Allah of old and we were (their) seed after them. Wilt Thou destroy us on account of that which those who follow falsehood did?” (7:173)

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“Or lest ye should say: (It is) only (that) our fathers ascribed partners to Allah of old and we were (their) seed after them. Wilt Thou destroy us on account of that which those who follow falsehood did?” (7:173)

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“Or lest ye should say: (It is) only (that) our fathers ascribed partners to Allah of old and we were (their) seed after them. Wilt Thou destroy us on account of that which those who follow falsehood did?” (7:173)

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This is what is known among exegetes and scholars of 'aqidah

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As the covenant taken from the progeny in the loins of the children of Adam.

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This covenant is the fitrah and the 'aqidah ingrained in the human soul before its birth.

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Then this 'aqidah is renewed by the messengers whom Allah sends,

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Not to establish another independent 'aqidah,

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But rather to renew the ancient 'aqidah by reminding people of it,

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Detailing its content,

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And manifesting its requirements of servitude to Allah alone,

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And disavowal of servitude to anything other than Him,

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Along with righteous deeds and upright conduct,

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And directing all of that to Allah alone,

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The Owner of the ancient covenant and pledge.

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Then, based upon this covenant and pledge with Allah,

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All covenants and pledges with humans follow.

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For whoever upholds the first covenant,

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Upholds all other covenants,

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Because upholding them is an obligation by virtue of the first covenant.

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The harmony of human nature with the law of the universe.

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This human nature,

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Is in its origin in harmony with the law of the universe,

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Submitting to its Lord, just as everything and every living thing submits.

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And when a human deviates in their life system from that law,

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They do not merely clash with the universe,

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But they clash first with the nature that is within them,

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So they become miserable, torn, confused, and anxious.

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For Allah, the Creator of the human soul,

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Is the One who sent down this religion and this 'aqidah to it,

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To govern its actions in the universe,

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And He is the Most Knowing of whom He created.

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“Should He not know what He created? And He is the Subtile, the Aware.” (67:14)

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And the fitrah is fixed and does not change.

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The fitrah of Allah upon which He has created people.

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“So set thy purpose (O Muhammad) for religion as a man by nature upright - the nature (framed) of Allah, in which He hath created man. There is no altering (the laws of) Allah's creation. That is the right religion, but most men know not -” (30:30)

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And the religion with Allah is fixed and one.

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“Lo! religion with Allah (is) the Surrender (to His Will and Guidance). Those who (formerly) received the Scripture differed only after knowledge came unto them, through transgression among themselves. Whoso disbelieveth the revelations of Allah (will find that) lo! Allah is swift at reckoning.” (3:19)

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So if souls are distorted away from the fixed fitrah,

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Nothing can restore them except this fixed religion,

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Which is in harmony with the fitrah,

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The fitrah of humans and the fitrah of existence.

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'Aqidah between reason and revelation.

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Clear reason must be in agreement with authentic revelation,

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The Noble Qur'an and the authentic Prophetic Sunnah,

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Since two definitive proofs can never contradict each other.

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And if a contradiction appears between reason and revelation,

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Then either the reason is corrupt and not clear,

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Or the revelation is not authentic.

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And when a contradiction is imagined, revelation is given precedence,

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So it is obligatory to believe what the revelation establishes,

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Even if the intellect is bewildered in understanding it,

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As 'aqidah may come with matters that baffle the intellect,

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But it never comes with what the intellect deems impossible.

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And nothing from the Book or the authentic Sunnah,

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Even if they are solitary hadiths,

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Is contradicted by reason, analogy, intuition, or unveiling (kashf),

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Nor by the statement of a sheikh or an imam,

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And the like.

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Adherence to Islamic terminology in 'aqidah.

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It is obligatory to adhere to Islamic terminology in 'aqidah,

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And to avoid innovated terms,

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And ambiguous terms in 'aqidah,

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Which are susceptible to both truth and falsehood.

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One must inquire about the intended meaning of such terms;

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Whatever is true is affirmed by its Islamic term, and whatever is false is rejected.

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Among the terms circulated by philosophers and those who negate the attributes of Allah,

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Which did not appear in the Book or the Sunnah, are:

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"Body" (jism), "substance" (jawhar), and "spatial location" (hayyiz).

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The duty regarding such terms is to say:

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They did not appear in the Book nor in the Sunnah.

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Rather, we affirm what Allah affirmed for Himself or what His Messenger, peace be upon him, affirmed for Him,

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And we negate what Allah negated and what His Messenger, peace be upon him, negated.

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Just as we negate everything that implies deficiency and declare Allah free from it.

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The perceptions generated by 'aqidah.

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The correct 'aqidah was not ingrained in human nature,

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Except because the human needs it to populate their heart,

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And from it, their perceptions and actions emanate,

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And it provides them with a comprehensive explanation of their life and destiny,

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And of the universe around them,

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And of their relationship and the relationship of the universe to Allah, the Supreme Creator.

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The first perception this 'aqidah generates,

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Is the realization of the reality of the Lord,

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And the reality of the universe in which the human lives,

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Both what they witness in it and what is hidden from them,

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And the reality of the life to which they belong, in its present and its unseen aspects,

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And finally, their realization of the reality of their own self,

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And the purpose of their existence and their destiny.

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Among the most vital perceptions generated by 'aqidah,

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Is taking Allah alone as God,

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And negating divinity from anything other than Allah the Exalted.

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Thus, servitude is to Allah alone, not to anyone else.

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Also among these perceptions,

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Is the realization that judgment belongs to Allah alone,

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And does not belong to any of His servants.

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The 'aqidah also draws for the person goals greater than their own self,

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Broader than their generation,

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And higher and more elevated than their reality.

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It links these goals to the Essence of Allah the Most High,

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From whom the person receives their life system,

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Their methodology of thought and behavior,

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And their rituals of worship.

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And they realize that Allah has surveillance and control over them.

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With all of this, the person,

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Loves their Lord, the Owner of this system, surveillance, and control,

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And shows loyalty for His sake and enmity for His sake,

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And fears Him and guards against His wrath,

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And seeks His pleasure,

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And asks Him for His help in goodness and righteousness,

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And feels shy to confront Him with evil,

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And hopes for His just reward,

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Which compensates them for what they miss in their struggle against evil in this worldly life.

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Also among what 'aqidah generates,

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Is the realization that desires and emotions are governed by 'aqidah,

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Not the other way around.

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Finally,

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This 'aqidah establishes the reality of submission to Allah's choice in every matter,

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As the Exalted said:

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“Thy Lord bringeth to pass what He willeth and chooseth. They have never any choice. Glorified be Allah and Exalted above all that they associate (with Him)!” (28:68)

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“Thy Lord bringeth to pass what He willeth and chooseth. They have never any choice. Glorified be Allah and Exalted above all that they associate (with Him)!” (28:68)

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So no one has the right to suggest anything to Allah,

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Nor to add or subtract,

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Or to amend or alter anything in His creation.

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For Allah is the One who chooses from His creation whom He wills for whatever functions, tasks,

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Duties, and stations He wills.

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If this reality were to settle in the souls of humans,

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People would not be discontent with anything that befalls them,

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Nor would they be arrogant about anything they attain with their own hands,

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Nor would they be saddened by anything they miss.

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For they are not the ones who choose,

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Rather, Allah is the One who chooses.

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This does not mean,

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That they should nullify their intellects, wills, and activities,

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Nor that they should not take the lawful means.

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But it means,

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That they should accept what happens after they have exerted their utmost effort in thinking, planning, and choosing,

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Thus receiving everything that happens to them with contentment, submission, and acceptance.

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For they are only responsible for what is within their capacity,

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And the command and the choice belong to Allah alone.

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Teaching 'aqidah and educating upon it.

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Teaching 'aqidah is not merely providing students with theoretical information,

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To be memorized in the mind until the students present it on exam papers,

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Only to be folded away and forgotten thereafter,

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With no impact on reality.

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For taking 'aqidah in this manner,

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Does not require more than a few months,

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During which the minds are filled with information,

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And the matter ends at that point.

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Rather, teaching it should be a rooting of a creed that the hearts bind themselves to,

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A person is nurtured upon it.

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Through it, deeds and stances are distinguished.

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One strives in its path.

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Until souls are transformed.

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“And fight them until persecution is no more, and religion is all for Allah. But if they cease, then lo! Allah is Seer of what they do.” (8:39)

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Such education,

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Requires a long time and great patience.

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This is what the Prophets and Messengers, peace and blessings of Allah be upon them, undertook.

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As the Almighty said:

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“And verily We have raised in every nation a messenger, (proclaiming): Serve Allah and shun false gods. Then some of them (there were) whom Allah guided, and some of them (there were) upon whom error had just hold. Do but travel in the land and see the nature of the consequence for the deniers!” (16:36)

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"That we worship Allah and avoid the false deities."

222
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We have in them an excellent example.

223
00:14:41,340 --> 00:14:45,340
In that they began by calling people to the creed (aqidah).

224
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And they strove to firmly root it in their hearts.

225
00:14:49,340 --> 00:14:53,340
Until, once the hearts were filled with the love of Allah and His glorification,

226
00:14:53,340 --> 00:14:56,340
And with fear of Him and reverence for Him,

227
00:14:56,340 --> 00:14:58,340
The commands and prohibitions came,

228
00:14:58,340 --> 00:15:01,340
As well as the lawful and the forbidden.

229
00:15:01,340 --> 00:15:07,340
They encountered hearts prepared for submission, obedience, and compliance.

230
00:15:07,340 --> 00:15:11,019
The connection between conduct, ethics, and the creed.

231
00:15:11,019 --> 00:15:15,940
If a person is nurtured upon the creed as previously mentioned,

232
00:15:15,940 --> 00:15:21,940
Their conduct in this worldly life becomes linked to this creed upon which they were raised.

233
00:15:21,940 --> 00:15:25,940
Wherein singling out Allah in worship and receiving guidance from Him,

234
00:15:25,940 --> 00:15:28,940
Is followed by benevolence toward humanity,

235
00:15:28,940 --> 00:15:31,940
Seeking the Countenance of Allah and His pleasure,

236
00:15:31,940 --> 00:15:34,940
And attachment to His reward in the Hereafter.

237
00:15:34,940 --> 00:15:38,940
Knowing that the servant attains nothing except from the bounty of Allah,

238
00:15:38,940 --> 00:15:42,940
And spends nothing except from His provision, may He be glorified and exalted.

239
00:15:42,940 --> 00:15:47,580
Whereas disbelief in Allah and the Last Day is accompanied by,

240
00:15:47,580 --> 00:15:51,580
Arrogance, pride, stinginess, and greed.

241
00:15:51,580 --> 00:15:54,580
And the concealment of Allah’s favor and the denial of His blessings.

242
00:15:54,580 --> 00:16:00,580
Thus, its effects do not appear in benevolence, giving, or spending.

243
00:16:00,580 --> 00:16:04,580
Because they do not hope for Allah or the Last Day.

244
00:16:04,580 --> 00:16:08,620
Thus, the creed defines the ethics of faith,

245
00:16:08,620 --> 00:16:10,620
And the ethics of disbelief.

246
00:16:10,620 --> 00:16:13,620
Among the clear practical examples,

247
00:16:13,620 --> 00:16:16,620
Of the connection between the conduct of the believers and the creed,

248
00:16:16,620 --> 00:16:21,620
Is what Allah the Almighty recounted regarding the followers of the Prophet of Allah, Dawud, peace be upon him,

249
00:16:21,620 --> 00:16:24,620
And King Talut.

250
00:16:24,620 --> 00:16:30,620
Those who were certain that they would meet Allah said:

251
00:16:30,620 --> 00:16:34,620
"How many a small company,

252
00:16:34,620 --> 00:16:37,620
A small company,

253
00:16:37,620 --> 00:16:41,620
Has overcome a large company,

254
00:16:41,620 --> 00:16:43,620
By the permission of Allah."

255
00:16:43,620 --> 00:16:47,620
And Allah is with the patient.

256
00:16:47,620 --> 00:16:52,620
“And when they went into the field against Goliath and his hosts they said: Our Lord! Bestow on us endurance, make our foothold sure, and give us help against the disbelieving folk.” (2:250)

257
00:16:52,620 --> 00:17:01,620
They said, "Our Lord, pour upon us patience,

258
00:17:01,620 --> 00:17:07,619
And plant firmly our feet,

259
00:17:07,619 --> 00:17:13,619
And give us victory over the disbelieving people."

260
00:17:13,619 --> 00:17:16,900
It is as if they, while on the battlefield,

261
00:17:16,900 --> 00:17:19,900
Were explaining the text of the creed,

262
00:17:19,900 --> 00:17:23,900
And clarifying how to connect with Allah the Almighty,

263
00:17:23,900 --> 00:17:26,900
And how to call upon Him and rely upon Him.

264
00:17:26,900 --> 00:17:28,900
So Allah made their utterances good.

265
00:17:29,900 --> 00:17:37,059
Focusing on the creed does not mean neglecting what is besides it.

266
00:17:37,059 --> 00:17:41,990
The call for the necessity of focusing on the creed,

267
00:17:41,990 --> 00:17:44,990
Does not mean neglecting other aspects of the religion.

268
00:17:44,990 --> 00:17:51,990
Rather, they must also have a share of attention, teaching, and nurturing.

269
00:17:51,990 --> 00:17:55,990
For there must be enjoining good and forbidding evil,

270
00:17:55,990 --> 00:18:00,990
And teaching people the rulings of their religion regarding acts of worship and transactions,

271
00:18:00,990 --> 00:18:05,990
And warning them against corrupt morals and behaviors,

272
00:18:05,990 --> 00:18:08,990
And urging them toward virtues.

273
00:18:08,990 --> 00:18:16,990
All of this proceeds side by side with teaching the creed and nurturing upon it.

274
00:18:16,990 --> 00:18:20,470
Freedom of belief.

275
00:18:20,470 --> 00:18:23,400
The saying of Allah the Almighty:

276
00:18:23,400 --> 00:18:25,400
“Say: (It is) the truth from the Lord of you (all). Then whosoever will, let him believe, and whosoever will, let him disbelieve. Lo! We have prepared for disbelievers Fire. Its tent encloseth them. If they ask for showers, they will be showered with water like to molten lead which burneth the faces. Calamitous the drink and ill the resting-place!” (18:29)

277
00:18:25,400 --> 00:18:30,400
“Say: (It is) the truth from the Lord of you (all). Then whosoever will, let him believe, and whosoever will, let him disbelieve. Lo! We have prepared for disbelievers Fire. Its tent encloseth them. If they ask for showers, they will be showered with water like to molten lead which burneth the faces. Calamitous the drink and ill the resting-place!” (18:29)

278
00:18:30,400 --> 00:18:33,400
Does not mean permission for disbelief.

279
00:18:33,400 --> 00:18:39,400
Rather, it is a threat and a warning of otherworldly punishment for whoever chooses it after the truth has been made clear.

280
00:18:39,400 --> 00:18:42,589
As evidenced by His saying thereafter:

281
00:18:42,589 --> 00:18:48,589
“Say: (It is) the truth from the Lord of you (all). Then whosoever will, let him believe, and whosoever will, let him disbelieve. Lo! We have prepared for disbelievers Fire. Its tent encloseth them. If they ask for showers, they will be showered with water like to molten lead which burneth the faces. Calamitous the drink and ill the resting-place!” (18:29)

282
00:18:48,589 --> 00:18:54,589
“Say: (It is) the truth from the Lord of you (all). Then whosoever will, let him believe, and whosoever will, let him disbelieve. Lo! We have prepared for disbelievers Fire. Its tent encloseth them. If they ask for showers, they will be showered with water like to molten lead which burneth the faces. Calamitous the drink and ill the resting-place!” (18:29)

283
00:18:54,589 --> 00:18:58,589
“Say: (It is) the truth from the Lord of you (all). Then whosoever will, let him believe, and whosoever will, let him disbelieve. Lo! We have prepared for disbelievers Fire. Its tent encloseth them. If they ask for showers, they will be showered with water like to molten lead which burneth the faces. Calamitous the drink and ill the resting-place!” (18:29)

284
00:18:58,589 --> 00:19:01,690
It is explicit in its warning and threat.

285
00:19:01,690 --> 00:19:06,690
And it contains a declaration that disbelief is an injustice to the wrongdoers.

286
00:19:06,690 --> 00:19:11,690
And Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, does not permit disbelief nor is He pleased with it.

287
00:19:11,690 --> 00:19:13,779
The Almighty said:

288
00:19:13,779 --> 00:19:17,779
“If ye are thankless, yet Allah is Independent of you, though He is not pleased with thanklessness for His bondmen; and if ye are thankful He is pleased therewith for you. No laden soul will bear another's load. Then unto your Lord is your return; and He will tell you what ye used to do. Lo! He knoweth what is in the breasts (of men).” (39:7)

289
00:19:17,779 --> 00:19:20,779
“If ye are thankless, yet Allah is Independent of you, though He is not pleased with thanklessness for His bondmen; and if ye are thankful He is pleased therewith for you. No laden soul will bear another's load. Then unto your Lord is your return; and He will tell you what ye used to do. Lo! He knoweth what is in the breasts (of men).” (39:7)

290
00:19:20,779 --> 00:19:23,980
However, the lack of permission for disbelief,

291
00:19:23,980 --> 00:19:28,069
Does not mean compulsion into faith and the true religion.

292
00:19:28,069 --> 00:19:30,069
For Allah the Almighty has said:

293
00:19:30,069 --> 00:19:35,099
“There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is henceforth distinct from error. And he who rejecteth false deities and believeth in Allah hath grasped a firm handhold which will never break. Allah is Hearer, Knower.” (2:256)

294
00:19:35,099 --> 00:19:37,099
And the Almighty said:

295
00:19:37,099 --> 00:19:42,099
“And if thy Lord willed, all who are in the earth would have believed together. Wouldst thou (Muhammad) compel men until they are believers?” (10:99)

296
00:19:42,099 --> 00:19:47,099
Compulsion into believing in the truth is not even conceivable,

297
00:19:47,099 --> 00:19:50,099
Because the place of belief is the heart,

298
00:19:50,099 --> 00:19:54,140
Which none knows except Allah, may He be glorified.

299
00:19:54,140 --> 00:19:56,140
Just as part of honoring the human being,

300
00:19:56,140 --> 00:20:00,140
Is distinguishing them from animals through intellect and will,

301
00:20:00,140 --> 00:20:05,140
And leaving their affair to themselves regarding guidance and misguidance in belief,

302
00:20:05,140 --> 00:20:10,140
While holding them responsible for their actions and reckoning them in the Hereafter.

303
00:20:10,140 --> 00:20:12,140
If it is good, then it is good,

304
00:20:12,140 --> 00:20:14,200
And if it is evil, then it is evil.

305
00:20:14,200 --> 00:20:19,200
The absence of compulsion into faith does not conflict with fighting the disbelievers,

306
00:20:19,200 --> 00:20:24,200
Which is commanded in more than one verse of the Book of Allah the Almighty,

307
00:20:24,200 --> 00:20:26,200
Such as His saying, may He be glorified and exalted:

308
00:20:26,200 --> 00:20:30,200
"And fight the polytheists collectively,

309
00:20:30,200 --> 00:20:34,200
As they fight you collectively."

310
00:20:34,200 --> 00:20:36,200
And His saying:

311
00:20:36,200 --> 00:20:41,200
“O ye who believe! Fight those of the disbelievers who are near to you, and let them find harshness in you, and know that Allah is with those who keep their duty (unto Him).” (9:123)

312
00:20:41,200 --> 00:20:44,200
"And let them find in you harshness."

313
00:20:44,200 --> 00:20:48,259
The absence of compulsion into faith does not conflict with this fighting,

314
00:20:48,259 --> 00:20:53,259
Because the purpose of fighting them is to prevent polytheism from appearing in public,

315
00:20:53,259 --> 00:20:55,259
And to prevent it from being exalted.

316
00:20:55,259 --> 00:21:00,259
And to enforce the rule of Islam and its laws in the reality of life.

317
00:21:00,259 --> 00:21:02,259
If the disbelievers comply with that,

318
00:21:02,259 --> 00:21:06,259
And restrict their polytheism to themselves and do not call others to it,

319
00:21:06,259 --> 00:21:11,259
And perform their rituals in their temples without display or proclamation,

320
00:21:11,259 --> 00:21:13,259
And submit to the rule of Allah,

321
00:21:13,259 --> 00:21:15,259
Then they are not prevented from that,

322
00:21:16,259 --> 00:21:18,259
Except in the Arabian Peninsula,

323
00:21:18,259 --> 00:21:21,259
Where they are forbidden from settling.

324
00:21:21,259 --> 00:21:23,259
And upon them is the jizya (tribute),

325
00:21:23,259 --> 00:21:25,259
And their reckoning is with Allah.

326
00:21:25,259 --> 00:21:31,329
It is not hidden that Muslims cannot apply this ruling with this detail,

327
00:21:31,329 --> 00:21:34,329
Except in a state of might and empowerment.

328
00:21:34,329 --> 00:21:39,329
As for when they are weak, humiliated, and their rule has vanished in reality,

329
00:21:39,329 --> 00:21:44,329
Then the dominance will be for disbelief and its misguided methodologies,

330
00:21:44,329 --> 00:21:49,329
Some of which may allow Muslims to perform their devotional rituals,

331
00:21:49,329 --> 00:21:53,329
And establish their laws in personal status matters only,

332
00:21:53,329 --> 00:21:57,460
Without the rest of the affairs of governance and politics.

333
00:21:57,460 --> 00:22:03,460
The matter of disbelief may intensify, and its followers may be obeyed in different times and places,

334
00:22:03,460 --> 00:22:07,460
So they may even forbid the devotional rituals of the Muslims,

335
00:22:07,460 --> 00:22:10,460
And their rulings in personal status matters,

336
00:22:10,460 --> 00:22:12,460
As happened before,

337
00:22:13,460 --> 00:22:18,460
And the Christians' establishment at that time of what is called the Inquisition,

338
00:22:18,460 --> 00:22:23,460
Where they tracked the Muslims and searched for what was in their hearts,

339
00:22:23,460 --> 00:22:26,460
And forced them to embrace Christianity,

340
00:22:26,460 --> 00:22:32,460
Otherwise, they would face terrible torture, death, and genocide.

341
00:22:32,460 --> 00:22:36,460
And as the Communists did during the Bolshevik Revolution,

342
00:22:36,460 --> 00:22:39,460
In the former Soviet Union,

343
00:22:39,460 --> 00:22:43,460
And what many Hindus and Sikhs are currently doing in India,

344
00:22:43,460 --> 00:22:46,460
And the Buddhists in Myanmar,

345
00:22:46,460 --> 00:22:51,769
And the Chinese Communists in the Uyghur region.

346
00:22:51,769 --> 00:22:55,759
Moderation in the creed.

347
00:22:55,759 --> 00:23:02,759
First: The creed of the Muslims is a middle path between what the Jews believe and what the Christians believe,

348
00:23:02,759 --> 00:23:05,819
In many matters.

349
00:23:05,819 --> 00:23:11,819
First: The Muslims believed in the Messengers, supported them, honored them, and loved them,

350
00:23:11,819 --> 00:23:17,819
Without worshipping them or taking them and the righteous as lords besides Allah,

351
00:23:17,819 --> 00:23:19,819
As the Christians did,

352
00:23:19,819 --> 00:23:22,819
Nor did they treat them with disdain as the Jews did,

353
00:23:22,819 --> 00:23:25,819
Who belied the Prophets and killed them,

354
00:23:25,819 --> 00:23:29,819
And killed those who enjoin justice among the people.

355
00:23:29,819 --> 00:23:34,859
Second: The Muslims are moderate regarding the lawful and the forbidden,

356
00:23:34,859 --> 00:23:39,859
They permit what Allah has permitted and forbid what He has forbidden.

357
00:23:39,859 --> 00:23:44,859
As for the Jews, they forbade upon themselves the abrogation of religious obligations,

358
00:23:44,859 --> 00:23:48,859
And due to their injustice, the good things were forbidden to them,

359
00:23:48,859 --> 00:23:50,859
As the Almighty said:

360
00:23:50,859 --> 00:23:56,859
“Because of the wrongdoing of the Jews We forbade them good things which were (before) made lawful unto them, and because of their much hindering from Allah's way,” (4:160)

361
00:23:56,859 --> 00:24:00,859
“Because of the wrongdoing of the Jews We forbade them good things which were (before) made lawful unto them, and because of their much hindering from Allah's way,” (4:160)

362
00:24:00,859 --> 00:24:02,920
As for the Christians,

363
00:24:03,920 --> 00:24:07,920
Isa, peace be upon him, permitted for them, by revelation from Allah,

364
00:24:07,920 --> 00:24:10,920
Some of what had been forbidden to the Children of Israel,

365
00:24:10,920 --> 00:24:14,920
But they exceeded the limits and permitted many of the forbidden things,

366
00:24:14,920 --> 00:24:17,920
In obedience to their rabbis and monks,

367
00:24:17,920 --> 00:24:19,920
As the Almighty said about them:

368
00:24:19,920 --> 00:24:23,920
“Fight against such of those who have been given the Scripture as believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, and forbid not that which Allah hath forbidden by His messenger, and follow not the Religion of Truth, until they pay the tribute readily, being brought low.” (9:29)

369
00:24:23,920 --> 00:24:24,920
And He said:

370
00:24:24,920 --> 00:24:31,049
“They have taken as lords beside Allah their rabbis and their monks and the Messiah son of Mary, when they were bidden to worship only One Allah. There is no Allah save Him. Be He Glorified from all that they ascribe as partner (unto Him)!” (9:31)

371
00:24:31,049 --> 00:24:32,049
Third:

372
00:24:32,049 --> 00:24:35,049
Regarding the Names and Attributes of Allah the Almighty,

373
00:24:35,049 --> 00:24:39,049
The Muslims described their Lord with what He described Himself,

374
00:24:39,049 --> 00:24:44,049
And what His Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, described Him with,

375
00:24:44,049 --> 00:24:47,049
And they did not liken Allah the Almighty to His creation,

376
00:24:47,049 --> 00:24:50,049
Nor did they strip Him of His attributes, may He be glorified.

377
00:24:50,049 --> 00:24:55,049
While the Jews—may the curse of Allah be upon them as they deserve—

378
00:24:55,049 --> 00:24:57,049
Likened Allah to His creation,

379
00:24:57,049 --> 00:25:01,049
And described Him, may He be glorified, with poverty and stinginess,

380
00:25:01,049 --> 00:25:03,049
And weariness and fatigue.

381
00:25:03,049 --> 00:25:07,049
Exalted is Allah far above what they say.

382
00:25:07,049 --> 00:25:10,049
And the Christians likened the created to the Creator,

383
00:25:10,049 --> 00:25:13,049
So they deified Isa, peace be upon him,

384
00:25:13,049 --> 00:25:17,690
And attributed to him creation, provision, and forgiveness.

385
00:25:17,690 --> 00:25:18,690
Second:

386
00:25:18,690 --> 00:25:25,690
Just as the creed of the Muslims is a middle path between what the Jews believe and what the Christians believe,

387
00:25:25,690 --> 00:25:29,690
So too are the Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah among the Muslims,

388
00:25:29,690 --> 00:25:34,690
A middle path in matters of belief between the misguided sects in Islam.

389
00:25:34,690 --> 00:25:35,750
First:

390
00:25:35,750 --> 00:25:40,750
The Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah are a middle path regarding the Names and Attributes of Allah,

391
00:25:40,750 --> 00:25:43,750
Between the Mu'attilah (those who deny the attributes),

392
00:25:43,750 --> 00:25:48,750
And the Mushabbihah (those who liken Allah, may He be glorified, to His creation).

393
00:25:48,750 --> 00:25:52,750
They describe Allah the Almighty with what He described Himself,

394
00:25:52,750 --> 00:25:56,750
And what His Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, described Him with,

395
00:25:56,750 --> 00:26:03,750
Without denial, likeness, modality, interpretation, or distortion.

396
00:26:03,750 --> 00:26:04,849
Second:

397
00:26:04,849 --> 00:26:08,849
The Ahl al-Sunnah, regarding the issue of Divine Decree (Qadar) and Will,

398
00:26:08,849 --> 00:26:11,849
Are a middle path between the Qadariyyah (those who deny the decree),

399
00:26:11,849 --> 00:26:16,849
Who say that Allah does not know things before they happen,

400
00:26:16,849 --> 00:26:18,849
Or does not decree evil,

401
00:26:18,849 --> 00:26:23,849
Or deny the will of Allah and His creation of the actions of His servants,

402
00:26:23,849 --> 00:26:24,849
And the Jabriyyah (the determinists),

403
00:26:24,849 --> 00:26:28,849
Who deny the servant choice and will.

404
00:26:28,849 --> 00:26:32,849
The Ahl al-Sunnah are a middle path between these two extremes.

405
00:26:32,849 --> 00:26:36,849
They believe in the perfect decree and will of Allah,

406
00:26:36,849 --> 00:26:41,849
And that He, may He be glorified, knows things before they happen,

407
00:26:41,849 --> 00:26:44,849
And decrees both good and evil.

408
00:26:44,849 --> 00:26:48,849
However, they do not attribute the description of "evil" to Allah, may He be glorified,

409
00:26:48,849 --> 00:26:53,849
Because He decrees it according to His perfect wisdom and knowledge.

410
00:26:53,849 --> 00:26:58,849
And they believe that nothing happens in His dominion, may He be glorified, except what He wills.

411
00:26:58,849 --> 00:27:05,980
Just as the Ahl al-Sunnah affirm for the servant a capacity, will, and choice for which they are held accountable,

412
00:27:05,980 --> 00:27:10,980
But all of it is under the power, will, and choice of Allah,

413
00:27:10,980 --> 00:27:14,980
Which is linked to His wisdom and knowledge, may He be glorified.

414
00:27:14,980 --> 00:27:16,390
Third:

415
00:27:16,390 --> 00:27:22,390
The view of the Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah regarding the sinful among the Muslims who commit major sins,

416
00:27:22,390 --> 00:27:28,390
Is a middle path between the Wa'idiyyah (the Khawarij and the Mu'tazilah) and the Murji'ah.

417
00:27:28,390 --> 00:27:34,420
According to the Ahl al-Sunnah, they are sinners due to their major sin as long as they do not repent,

418
00:27:34,420 --> 00:27:39,420
But they possess the essence of faith, some of it, each according to their state.

419
00:27:39,420 --> 00:27:44,420
They are not of complete faith, and they are under the will of Allah;

420
00:27:44,420 --> 00:27:48,420
If He wills, He punishes them, and if He wills, He forgives them.

421
00:27:48,420 --> 00:27:55,420
And if they enter the Fire, they are not eternal therein, and their final destination is Paradise.

422
00:27:55,420 --> 00:28:01,420
And if they repent in this world with a sincere repentance, Allah accepts their repentance,

423
00:28:01,420 --> 00:28:07,420
And replaces their bad deeds with good deeds, and they become like the righteous believers.

424
00:28:07,420 --> 00:28:11,420
While the Khawarij declare those who commit major sins to be disbelievers,

425
00:28:11,420 --> 00:28:15,420
And the Mu'tazilah place them in a position between the two positions,

426
00:28:15,420 --> 00:28:21,420
That is, between disbelief and faith, yet they share in the eternal punishment of the Fire.

427
00:28:21,420 --> 00:28:28,420
However, according to the Mu'tazila, they are in a level of the Fire that is less severe than the level of the disbelievers.

428
00:28:28,420 --> 00:28:35,549
As for the Murji'a, they claim that the faith of the corrupt is like the faith of the prophets.

429
00:28:35,549 --> 00:28:42,549
They hold that no sin or act of disobedience harms one alongside faith, just as no act of obedience benefits one alongside disbelief.

430
00:28:42,549 --> 00:28:46,549
This is because, in their view, faith is merely inward affirmation.

431
00:28:46,549 --> 00:28:53,970
Fourthly, Ahl al-Sunnah hold a middle position regarding the Companions of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

432
00:28:53,970 --> 00:28:58,970
They invoke Allah’s pleasure upon them all and affirm their virtue and precedence.

433
00:28:58,970 --> 00:29:03,970
They do so based on what the Messenger, peace be upon him, affirmed for them.

434
00:29:03,970 --> 00:29:09,970
They follow the order of merit he established for them and do not exaggerate regarding any one of them.

435
00:29:09,970 --> 00:29:16,970
As for the Shi'a Rawafid, they have prioritized Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, over all the Companions.

436
00:29:16,970 --> 00:29:23,970
They affirmed virtue for only five of the Companions and declared the rest of them disbelievers.

437
00:29:23,970 --> 00:29:30,970
Some of the Rawafid went to extremes regarding Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, elevating him above the rank of the prophets.

438
00:29:30,970 --> 00:29:34,000
And among them are those who deified him.

439
00:29:34,000 --> 00:29:39,000
As for the Khawarij, they declared Ali and Uthman, may Allah be pleased with them both, to be disbelievers.

440
00:29:39,000 --> 00:29:41,000
They deemed the shedding of their blood to be lawful.

441
00:29:41,000 --> 00:29:46,190
They did not see any virtue for the rest of the Companions over anyone else.

442
00:29:46,190 --> 00:29:55,190
In summary, Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah occupy a middle position in all matters of creed between all the deviant sects.

443
00:29:55,190 --> 00:29:59,829
A summary of the concepts of Ahl al-Sunnah.