WEBVTT 00:00:00.240 --> 00:00:08.640 A Summary of the Fundamentals of Ahl al-Sunnah 00:00:08.640 --> 00:00:19.789 Belief in divine decree (al-Qadar) is the sixth pillar of faith, 00:00:19.789 --> 00:00:22.789 as stated in the hadith of Jibril (peace be upon him), 00:00:22.789 --> 00:00:26.789 when he asked the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) about faith, 00:00:26.789 --> 00:00:28.789 and he replied: 00:00:28.789 --> 00:00:32.789 "It is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, 00:00:32.789 --> 00:00:34.789 the Last Day, 00:00:34.789 --> 00:00:37.789 and to believe in divine decree, both its good and its evil." 00:00:37.789 --> 00:00:39.789 Narrated by Muslim. 00:00:39.789 --> 00:00:41.789 His saying, "both its good and its evil," 00:00:41.789 --> 00:00:47.789 means believing that both good and evil are entirely decreed by Allah, Mighty and Majestic, 00:00:47.789 --> 00:00:49.789 as Allah Almighty said: 00:00:49.789 --> 00:00:53.789 “He unto Whom belongeth the Sovereignty of the heavens and the earth, He hath chosen no son nor hath He any partner in the Sovereignty. He hath created everything and hath meted out for it a measure.” (25:2) 00:00:53.789 --> 00:00:55.789 And He said: 00:00:55.789 --> 00:01:01.789 “Wheresoever ye may be, death will overtake you, even though ye were in lofty towers. Yet if a happy thing befalleth them they say: This is from Allah; and if an evil thing befalleth them they say: This is of thy doing (O Muhammad). Say (unto them): All is from Allah. What is amiss with these people that they come not nigh to understand a happening?” (4:78) 00:01:01.789 --> 00:01:06.790 “Wheresoever ye may be, death will overtake you, even though ye were in lofty towers. Yet if a happy thing befalleth them they say: This is from Allah; and if an evil thing befalleth them they say: This is of thy doing (O Muhammad). Say (unto them): All is from Allah. What is amiss with these people that they come not nigh to understand a happening?” (4:78) 00:01:06.790 --> 00:01:09.790 “Wheresoever ye may be, death will overtake you, even though ye were in lofty towers. Yet if a happy thing befalleth them they say: This is from Allah; and if an evil thing befalleth them they say: This is of thy doing (O Muhammad). Say (unto them): All is from Allah. What is amiss with these people that they come not nigh to understand a happening?” (4:78) 00:01:09.790 --> 00:01:15.790 "What is [the matter] with these people that they can hardly understand a statement?" 00:01:15.790 --> 00:01:21.819 Therefore, it is obligatory to believe in the predetermination and decree of Allah, Mighty and Majestic, for all things. 00:01:21.819 --> 00:01:25.819 None can repel His decree, and none can overturn His judgment. 00:01:26.859 --> 00:01:31.859 Allah’s Qadar is that which He, Exalted is He, has decreed and judged regarding all matters. 00:01:31.859 --> 00:01:35.859 And al-Qada' means settling, deciding, and judging. 00:01:35.859 --> 00:01:39.859 For this reason, one of the two terms is frequently used to denote the other— 00:01:39.859 --> 00:01:42.859 namely, al-Qada' and al-Qadar. 00:01:42.859 --> 00:01:45.859 However, when the two terms are paired together, 00:01:45.859 --> 00:01:47.859 as when it is said "al-Qada' wa-l-Qadar," 00:01:47.859 --> 00:01:50.859 a nuanced distinction is observed in al-Qadar: 00:01:50.859 --> 00:01:54.859 it is the predetermination of things according to the knowledge and wisdom of Allah, 00:01:54.859 --> 00:01:59.859 and their occurrence in a precise measure, without excess or deficiency. 00:01:59.859 --> 00:02:02.859 For precise measure (miqdar) is among the core meanings of Qadar. 00:02:02.859 --> 00:02:07.859 One says, "He measured the thing precisely," meaning he determined its exact quantity. 00:02:07.859 --> 00:02:11.860 As for al-Qada', it is the actual execution and enactment of the decree. 00:02:11.860 --> 00:02:16.389 The levels of divine decree are four: 00:02:16.389 --> 00:02:22.389 Realizing faith in divine decree requires believing in its four levels: 00:02:22.389 --> 00:02:27.710 divine knowledge, the writing, the divine will, and creation. 00:02:27.710 --> 00:02:30.710 The first level is divine knowledge (al-'Ilm): 00:02:30.710 --> 00:02:38.710 It means believing that Allah Almighty has knowledge of all things before they occur, both generally and in specific detail, 00:02:38.710 --> 00:02:43.710 whether concerning His own actions, Exalted is He, such as creating and providing, 00:02:43.710 --> 00:02:47.710 giving life, causing death, and so forth, 00:02:47.710 --> 00:02:50.710 or concerning the actions of created beings. 00:02:51.710 --> 00:02:55.710 "And Allah is ever Knower of all things." 00:02:55.710 --> 00:03:00.710 His saying "all things" is general and encompasses everything knowable. 00:03:00.710 --> 00:03:06.710 “Allah it is who hath created seven heavens, and of the earth the like thereof. The commandment cometh down among them slowly, that ye may know that Allah is Able to do all things, and that Allah surroundeth all things in knowledge.” (65:12) 00:03:06.710 --> 00:03:13.780 This divine knowledge of Allah was never preceded by ignorance, nor is it followed by forgetfulness, 00:03:13.780 --> 00:03:18.780 as Allah Almighty said: "[Pharaoh] said, 'What then was the case of the former generations?'" 00:03:18.780 --> 00:03:25.780 “He said: The knowledge thereof is with my Lord in a Record. My Lord neither erreth nor forgetteth,” (20:52) 00:03:25.780 --> 00:03:29.840 His saying, "does not err," means He is never ignorant; 00:03:29.840 --> 00:03:35.840 and His saying, "nor forgets," means He never forgets anything previously known. 00:03:35.840 --> 00:03:40.840 This is unlike the created being, whose knowledge is preceded by ignorance 00:03:40.840 --> 00:03:43.840 and afflicted by forgetfulness. 00:03:43.840 --> 00:03:47.060 The second level is the writing (al-Kitabah): 00:03:47.060 --> 00:03:53.060 It means believing that Allah Almighty recorded the destinies of all creation 00:03:53.060 --> 00:03:58.060 fifty thousand years before He created the heavens and the earth. 00:03:58.060 --> 00:04:01.099 Allah Almighty has said: 00:04:01.099 --> 00:04:06.099 “Naught of disaster befalleth in the earth or in yourselves but it is in a Book before we bring it into being - Lo! that is easy for Allah -” (57:22) 00:04:06.099 --> 00:04:11.099 “Naught of disaster befalleth in the earth or in yourselves but it is in a Book before we bring it into being - Lo! that is easy for Allah -” (57:22) 00:04:11.099 --> 00:04:14.099 "Indeed, that is easy for Allah." 00:04:14.099 --> 00:04:16.100 And He said: 00:04:16.100 --> 00:04:21.100 “Hast thou not known that Allah knoweth all that is in the heaven and the earth? Lo! it is in a record. Lo! that is easy for Allah.” (22:70) 00:04:21.100 --> 00:04:27.100 “Hast thou not known that Allah knoweth all that is in the heaven and the earth? Lo! it is in a record. Lo! that is easy for Allah.” (22:70) 00:04:27.100 --> 00:04:31.350 The third level is the divine will (al-Mashi'ah): 00:04:31.350 --> 00:04:36.350 It means believing that everything that was, and everything that will be, 00:04:36.350 --> 00:04:40.350 occurs solely by the will of Allah, Mighty and Majestic, 00:04:40.350 --> 00:04:42.350 just as Muslims say: 00:04:42.350 --> 00:04:47.350 "Whatever Allah wills occurs, and whatever He does not will does not occur." 00:04:47.350 --> 00:04:52.350 This applies equally to what is an act of Allah, Mighty and Majestic, 00:04:52.350 --> 00:04:54.350 and to what is an act of the creation, 00:04:54.350 --> 00:04:56.350 as Allah Almighty said: 00:04:56.350 --> 00:05:02.350 “Of those messengers, some of whom We have caused to excel others, and of whom there are some unto whom Allah spake, while some of them He exalted (above others) in degree; and We gave Jesus, son of Mary, clear proofs (of Allah's Sovereignty) and We supported him with the holy Spirit. And if Allah had so wiled it, those who followed after them would not have fought one with another after the clear proofs had come unto them. But they differed, some of them believing and some disbelieving. And if Allah had so willed it, they would not have fought one with another; but Allah doeth what He will.” (2:253) 00:05:02.350 --> 00:05:05.350 Fighting is an action performed by the servants, 00:05:05.350 --> 00:05:09.350 yet Allah, Mighty and Majestic, brought it about through His will. 00:05:09.350 --> 00:05:11.379 And He said: 00:05:11.379 --> 00:05:14.379 “Thus have We appointed unto every prophet an adversary - devils of humankind and jinn who inspire in one another plausible discourse through guile. If thy Lord willed, they would not do so; so leave them alone with their devising;” (6:112) 00:05:14.379 --> 00:05:17.379 "So leave them and what they invent." 00:05:17.379 --> 00:05:20.579 The fourth level is creation (al-Khalq): 00:05:20.579 --> 00:05:24.579 It means believing that Allah Almighty 00:05:24.579 --> 00:05:29.579 is the One Who created what He knew, recorded, and willed. 00:05:29.579 --> 00:05:31.579 For He is the Creator of all things, 00:05:31.579 --> 00:05:34.579 and the verses testifying to this are numerous, 00:05:34.579 --> 00:05:36.579 among them the words of the Almighty: 00:05:36.579 --> 00:05:39.579 "Allah is the Creator of all things, 00:05:39.579 --> 00:05:43.579 and He is, over all things, Disposer of affairs." 00:05:43.579 --> 00:05:45.579 And His saying, Mighty and Majestic: 00:05:45.579 --> 00:05:49.579 “Lo! We have created every thing by measure.” (54:49) 00:05:49.579 --> 00:05:53.579 This also includes the actions of the servants; 00:05:53.579 --> 00:05:57.579 their actions are created by Allah, Mighty and Majestic, 00:05:57.579 --> 00:05:59.579 as He said: 00:05:59.579 --> 00:06:03.579 “When Allah hath created you and what ye make?” (37:96) 00:06:04.699 --> 00:06:07.699 Allah, Exalted is He, has two types of will: 00:06:07.699 --> 00:06:10.790 First: 00:06:10.790 --> 00:06:12.790 The legislative will (al-Iradah al-Shar'iyyah), 00:06:12.790 --> 00:06:14.790 which consists of His commands, Mighty and Majestic, 00:06:14.790 --> 00:06:19.790 and His religious obligations that He loves and is pleased with for His servants; 00:06:19.790 --> 00:06:21.790 it is described as being ease-giving, 00:06:21.790 --> 00:06:23.790 as Allah Almighty said: 00:06:23.790 --> 00:06:27.790 “The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the Criterion (of right and wrong). And whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, (let him fast the same) number of other days. Allah desireth for you ease; He desireth not hardship for you; and (He desireth) that ye should complete the period, and that ye should magnify Allah for having guided you, and that peradventure ye may be thankful.” (2:185) 00:06:27.790 --> 00:06:29.889 Second: 00:06:29.889 --> 00:06:32.889 The universal, determinative will (al-Iradah al-Kawniyyah al-Qadariyyah), 00:06:32.889 --> 00:06:36.889 which is Allah's decree and predetermination that He brings to pass in the universe. 00:06:36.889 --> 00:06:40.889 What Allah decrees universally may sometimes be legislatively desired by Him, 00:06:40.889 --> 00:06:43.889 and sometimes it may not, 00:06:43.889 --> 00:06:46.889 as in the real-world existence of disbelief. 00:06:46.889 --> 00:06:48.889 Allah Almighty said: 00:06:48.889 --> 00:06:52.889 “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) 00:06:52.889 --> 00:06:55.889 “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) 00:06:55.889 --> 00:06:57.949 In summary: 00:06:57.949 --> 00:06:59.949 The legislative will 00:06:59.949 --> 00:07:01.949 is what Allah wills from us, 00:07:01.949 --> 00:07:03.949 which He loves and is pleased with; 00:07:03.949 --> 00:07:05.949 while the universal will 00:07:05.949 --> 00:07:07.949 is what Allah wills upon us, 00:07:07.949 --> 00:07:11.949 which He does not necessarily love or approve of religiously. 00:07:11.949 --> 00:07:15.949 Rather, He may forbid it and hate it in terms of religion and legislation, 00:07:15.949 --> 00:07:19.949 yet He willed its existence according to His wisdom and justice for the purpose of testing, 00:07:19.949 --> 00:07:23.949 and for beneficial reasons unknown to us but known to Him. 00:07:23.949 --> 00:07:27.949 This is encapsulated in a famous allegorical exchange 00:07:27.949 --> 00:07:30.949 that took place between a Mu'tazili who denied divine decree 00:07:30.949 --> 00:07:34.180 and a Sunni who affirmed Allah's decree. 00:07:34.180 --> 00:07:36.180 The Mu'tazili said: 00:07:36.180 --> 00:07:39.180 "Exalted is He Who is above committing wickedness!"— 00:07:39.180 --> 00:07:44.240 hinting that Allah does not decree evil and sins. 00:07:44.240 --> 00:07:46.240 The Sunni replied: 00:07:46.240 --> 00:07:50.240 "Exalted is He in Whose dominion nothing occurs except what He wills!"— 00:07:50.240 --> 00:07:55.240 indicating that both good and evil occur by the decree of Allah. 00:07:55.240 --> 00:07:57.269 The Mu'tazili then asked: 00:07:57.269 --> 00:08:00.269 "Does our Lord love to be disobeyed?" 00:08:00.269 --> 00:08:03.269 So the Sunni silenced him, saying: 00:08:03.269 --> 00:08:06.269 "Is our Lord disobeyed against His will?" 00:08:06.269 --> 00:08:12.500 The legislative will and the universal will: convergence and divergence. 00:08:12.500 --> 00:08:19.459 The legislative will and the universal will have several scenarios: 00:08:19.459 --> 00:08:20.459 First: 00:08:20.459 --> 00:08:22.459 Both wills may converge, 00:08:22.459 --> 00:08:25.459 as in the case of the obedient person— 00:08:25.459 --> 00:08:27.459 the faith of the believer: 00:08:27.459 --> 00:08:31.459 Allah, Mighty and Majestic, legislatively wills faith from him, 00:08:31.459 --> 00:08:34.649 and He decrees it for him universally. 00:08:34.649 --> 00:08:35.649 Second: 00:08:35.649 --> 00:08:38.649 Both wills may be absent, 00:08:38.649 --> 00:08:41.649 as in the absence of disbelief from a believer: 00:08:41.649 --> 00:08:46.649 Allah, Mighty and Majestic, does not legislatively will that the believer disbelieve, 00:08:46.649 --> 00:08:49.649 nor did He decree or determine it upon him universally. 00:08:49.649 --> 00:08:51.840 Third: 00:08:51.840 --> 00:08:54.840 One of the two wills may be present while the other is absent, 00:08:54.840 --> 00:08:56.840 and this occurs in two scenarios: 00:08:56.840 --> 00:08:57.840 The first: 00:08:57.840 --> 00:09:00.840 The absence of faith in a disbeliever: 00:09:00.840 --> 00:09:04.840 Allah, Mighty and Majestic, legislatively wills faith from the disbeliever, 00:09:04.840 --> 00:09:07.840 yet He did not decree it for him universally, 00:09:07.840 --> 00:09:11.840 as Nuh (peace be upon him) said to his people: 00:09:11.840 --> 00:09:19.840 “My counsel will not profit you if I were minded to advise you, if Allah's will is to keep you astray. He is your Lord and unto Him ye will be brought back.” (11:34) 00:09:19.840 --> 00:09:23.940 “My counsel will not profit you if I were minded to advise you, if Allah's will is to keep you astray. He is your Lord and unto Him ye will be brought back.” (11:34) 00:09:23.940 --> 00:09:24.940 The second: 00:09:24.940 --> 00:09:26.940 The disbelief of the disbeliever: 00:09:26.940 --> 00:09:31.940 Allah, Mighty and Majestic, does not legislatively will disbelief from the disbeliever, 00:09:31.940 --> 00:09:35.940 yet He decrees it upon him universally. 00:09:35.940 --> 00:09:40.100 The will of the servant is subject to the will of Allah: 00:09:40.100 --> 00:09:43.120 Allah Almighty said: 00:09:43.120 --> 00:09:48.120 “Unto whomsoever of you willeth to walk straight.” (81:28) 00:09:48.120 --> 00:09:55.120 “And ye will not, unless (it be) that Allah willeth, the Lord of Creation.” (81:29) 00:09:55.120 --> 00:09:57.250 And Allah said: 00:09:57.250 --> 00:10:00.250 "So whoever wills may remember it." 00:10:00.250 --> 00:10:05.250 “And they will not heed unless Allah willeth (it). He is the fount of fear. He is the fount of Mercy.” (74:56) 00:10:05.250 --> 00:10:10.500 Thus, He, Exalted is He, affirmed a real will and volition for the servant, 00:10:10.500 --> 00:10:15.500 but made it subordinate to and beneath His own will, Mighty and Majestic; 00:10:15.500 --> 00:10:19.500 it cannot come into effect unless Allah wills and intends it, 00:10:19.500 --> 00:10:23.500 because He, Exalted is He, is the Creator of the servant and the Creator of his will. 00:10:23.500 --> 00:10:27.659 The root of misguidance regarding free will and predestination 00:10:27.659 --> 00:10:30.659 is the failure to differentiate between the two types of will, 00:10:30.659 --> 00:10:34.659 and the failure to grasp this relationship between them. 00:10:34.659 --> 00:10:36.659 Whoever understands this, 00:10:36.659 --> 00:10:40.659 his heart finds peace, and he is not bewildered by this issue. 00:10:40.659 --> 00:10:45.950 The will of Allah is inextricably linked to His knowledge and wisdom, Mighty and Majestic: 00:10:45.950 --> 00:10:54.100 Every believer must be certain that the will of Allah Almighty contains no injustice; 00:10:54.100 --> 00:11:02.100 rather, Allah wills and decrees for each individual what He knows they deserve of guidance or misguidance, 00:11:02.100 --> 00:11:07.100 executing that upon them in accordance with His wisdom and justice, Mighty and Majestic. 00:11:07.100 --> 00:11:09.100 For the words of Allah Almighty: 00:11:09.100 --> 00:11:15.100 “And We never sent a messenger save with the language of his folk, that he might make (the message) clear for them. Then Allah sendeth whom He will astray, and guideth whom He will. He is the Mighty, the Wise.” (14:4) 00:11:15.100 --> 00:11:17.100 "and He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise," 00:11:17.100 --> 00:11:22.259 just as they affirm that the will of Allah, Mighty and Majestic, can never be overcome— 00:11:22.259 --> 00:11:25.259 which is signified by His saying: 00:11:25.259 --> 00:11:27.259 "and He is the Exalted in Might"— 00:11:27.259 --> 00:11:32.259 they also affirm that this will is executed in accordance with His wisdom, 00:11:32.259 --> 00:11:36.259 which is signified by His saying, "the Wise." 00:11:36.259 --> 00:11:40.259 Likewise, the unrestricted mention of will in the verse must be interpreted 00:11:40.259 --> 00:11:43.259 in light of other verses that qualify it. 00:11:43.259 --> 00:11:47.259 His saying, "Allah sends astray whom He wills," 00:11:47.259 --> 00:11:51.259 is explained and qualified by His words: 00:11:51.259 --> 00:11:54.259 "and Allah sends astray the wrongdoers." 00:11:54.259 --> 00:11:57.259 “Allah confirmeth those who believe by a firm saying in the life of the world and in the Hereafter, and Allah sendeth wrong-doers astray. And Allah doeth what He will.” (14:27) 00:11:57.259 --> 00:12:03.259 His will, Exalted is He, is to misguide those whom He knows to be wrongdoers deserving of that, 00:12:03.259 --> 00:12:06.259 just as Allah Almighty also said: 00:12:06.259 --> 00:12:10.259 “And (remember) when Moses said unto his people: O my people! Why persecute ye me, when ye well know that I am Allah's messenger unto you? So when they went astray Allah sent their hearts astray. And Allah guideth not the evil-living folk.” (61:5) 00:12:10.259 --> 00:12:13.259 The same applies regarding guidance: 00:12:13.259 --> 00:12:15.259 His saying, Exalted is He: 00:12:15.259 --> 00:12:18.259 "and guides whom He wills," 00:12:19.259 --> 00:12:21.259 is explained by His words, Mighty and Majestic: 00:12:21.259 --> 00:12:24.259 “Those who disbelieve say: If only a portent were sent down upon him from his Lord! Say: Lo! Allah sendeth whom He will astray, and guideth unto Himself all who turn (unto Him),” (13:27) 00:12:24.259 --> 00:12:26.259 In conclusion: 00:12:26.259 --> 00:12:29.259 Allah, Exalted is He, is All-Wise and All-Knowing; 00:12:29.259 --> 00:12:31.259 He does not decree upon anyone 00:12:31.259 --> 00:12:33.259 except what was already established in His knowledge, Exalted is He, 00:12:33.259 --> 00:12:38.259 that they deserve what He decreed for them of guidance or misguidance. 00:12:38.259 --> 00:12:41.259 Through this, the believer remains safe from futile debate 00:12:41.259 --> 00:12:44.259 regarding the issue of predestination and free will— 00:12:44.259 --> 00:12:46.259 that ancient question 00:12:46.259 --> 00:12:51.259 that has been endlessly debated by philosophers in every age. 00:12:51.259 --> 00:12:53.519 Divine decree and predestination 00:12:53.519 --> 00:12:56.519 is the secret of Allah Almighty within His creation. 00:12:56.519 --> 00:13:00.769 The tree of faith in divine decree cannot stand 00:13:00.769 --> 00:13:02.769 within the heart of a believing servant 00:13:02.769 --> 00:13:04.769 except upon the trunk of total submission 00:13:04.769 --> 00:13:07.769 to the fact that Allah, Mighty and Majestic, is the Just Judge 00:13:07.769 --> 00:13:09.769 Who wrongs no one, 00:13:09.769 --> 00:13:11.769 and that His is the profound wisdom 00:13:11.769 --> 00:13:14.769 in whatever He decrees within His creation. 00:13:14.769 --> 00:13:16.769 And whenever His wisdom is not apparent to us 00:13:16.769 --> 00:13:18.769 in what He, Exalted is He, decrees, 00:13:18.769 --> 00:13:23.830 it is solely due to our intellects' deficiency in grasping the secrets of His divine decree. 00:13:23.830 --> 00:13:26.830 Imam al-Tahawi, may Allah have mercy on him, said: 00:13:26.830 --> 00:13:28.830 "The origin of divine decree 00:13:28.830 --> 00:13:31.830 is the secret of Allah Almighty within His creation; 00:13:31.830 --> 00:13:34.830 no angel brought near has been granted access to it, 00:13:34.830 --> 00:13:36.830 nor any prophet sent. 00:13:36.830 --> 00:13:38.830 Delving deeply into it and obsessively probing it 00:13:38.830 --> 00:13:40.830 a cause of abandonment, 00:13:40.830 --> 00:13:42.830 a ladder to deprivation, 00:13:42.830 --> 00:13:44.830 and a step toward transgression. 00:13:44.830 --> 00:13:46.830 Therefore, beware, beware of doing so— 00:13:46.830 --> 00:13:49.830 whether through speculation, contemplation, or whispered doubts. 00:13:49.830 --> 00:13:52.830 For Allah Almighty has hidden the knowledge of destiny 00:13:52.830 --> 00:13:53.830 from His creation, 00:13:53.830 --> 00:13:55.830 and forbidden them from seeking it out, 00:13:55.830 --> 00:13:58.830 just as He, Exalted is He, said in His Book: 00:13:58.830 --> 00:14:00.830 "He is not questioned about what He does, 00:14:00.830 --> 00:14:02.830 but they will be questioned." 00:14:02.830 --> 00:14:04.830 So whoever asks, "Why did He do [that]?" 00:14:04.830 --> 00:14:06.830 has rejected the judgment of the Book, 00:14:06.830 --> 00:14:08.830 and whoever rejects the judgment of the Book 00:14:08.830 --> 00:14:10.830 is among the disbelievers. 00:14:10.830 --> 00:14:12.860 And Allah, Glorified and Exalted is He, 00:14:12.860 --> 00:14:14.860 is not questioned about what He does, 00:14:14.860 --> 00:14:16.860 because He does not act 00:14:16.860 --> 00:14:18.860 except with ultimate wisdom. 00:14:18.860 --> 00:14:21.149 Transmitted traditions 00:14:21.149 --> 00:14:23.149 on contentment with destiny: 00:14:23.149 --> 00:14:25.980 On the authority of Muhammad ibn Ka'b, 00:14:25.980 --> 00:14:26.980 he said 00:14:26.980 --> 00:14:28.980 that Moses, peace be upon him, said: 00:14:28.980 --> 00:14:30.980 "O my Lord, 00:14:30.980 --> 00:14:32.980 which of Your creation commits the greatest sin?" 00:14:32.980 --> 00:14:33.980 He said: 00:14:33.980 --> 00:14:35.980 "The one who doubts Me." 00:14:35.980 --> 00:14:37.980 Moses said: 00:14:37.980 --> 00:14:38.980 "O my Lord, 00:14:38.980 --> 00:14:40.980 does anyone doubt You?" 00:14:40.980 --> 00:14:41.980 He said: "Yes, 00:14:41.980 --> 00:14:43.980 the one who seeks My guidance (Istikharah), 00:14:43.980 --> 00:14:45.980 yet is not pleased with My decree." 00:14:45.980 --> 00:14:48.500 Sufyan al-Thawri and 00:14:48.500 --> 00:14:50.500 Yusuf ibn Asbat differed 00:14:50.500 --> 00:14:52.500 regarding what they would wish for 00:14:52.500 --> 00:14:54.500 during times of tribulation. 00:14:54.500 --> 00:14:56.500 Sufyan al-Thawri wished 00:14:56.500 --> 00:14:58.500 for death to flee from it, 00:14:58.500 --> 00:15:00.500 while Yusuf ibn Asbat responded 00:15:00.500 --> 00:15:02.500 that he did not dislike a long life, 00:15:02.500 --> 00:15:04.500 in the hope that he might be granted success 00:15:04.500 --> 00:15:06.500 in repenting or performing righteous deeds. 00:15:06.500 --> 00:15:08.529 Thereupon, 00:15:08.529 --> 00:15:10.529 Wuhayb ibn al-Ward said: 00:15:10.529 --> 00:15:12.529 "I choose nothing; 00:15:12.529 --> 00:15:14.529 the dearest of that to me 00:15:14.529 --> 00:15:16.529 is whichever is dearest to Allah." 00:15:16.529 --> 00:15:18.590 So al-Thawri kissed him between 00:15:18.590 --> 00:15:20.590 his eyes and said: 00:15:20.590 --> 00:15:22.590 "True spirituality, by the Lord of the Ka'bah!" 00:15:22.590 --> 00:15:25.100 And among the sayings 00:15:25.100 --> 00:15:27.100 of contemporary scholars, 00:15:27.100 --> 00:15:29.100 Mustafa al-Siba'i said: 00:15:29.100 --> 00:15:31.100 "Perhaps that relief from pain and sickness 00:15:31.100 --> 00:15:33.100 which you are hasty to seek 00:15:33.100 --> 00:15:35.100 would only expose you to a trial 00:15:35.100 --> 00:15:37.100 that is harsher and an affliction that is more severe. 00:15:37.100 --> 00:15:39.100 So do not deem 00:15:39.100 --> 00:15:41.100 your Lord slow in granting mercy, 00:15:41.100 --> 00:15:43.100 for He has promised you what He sees 00:15:43.100 --> 00:15:45.100 as a mercy for you, 00:15:45.100 --> 00:15:47.100 not what you perceive 00:15:47.100 --> 00:15:49.100 to be a mercy; and Allah 00:15:49.100 --> 00:15:51.100 knows, while you know not." 00:15:51.100 --> 00:15:53.330 Knowing 00:15:53.330 --> 00:15:55.330 the Most Beautiful Names of Allah and worshiping Him 00:15:55.330 --> 00:15:57.330 through them aids in achieving 00:15:57.330 --> 00:16:00.480 contentment with destiny. 00:16:00.480 --> 00:16:02.480 Indeed, knowing the Most Beautiful Names of Allah, 00:16:02.480 --> 00:16:04.480 their effects, 00:16:04.480 --> 00:16:06.480 and their implications in both creation and command, 00:16:06.480 --> 00:16:08.480 and worshiping Allah, 00:16:08.480 --> 00:16:10.480 Glorified is He, accordingly, 00:16:10.480 --> 00:16:12.480 assists a person in being content 00:16:12.480 --> 00:16:14.480 with the decree and destiny of Allah Almighty, 00:16:14.480 --> 00:16:16.480 especially His Most Beautiful 00:16:16.480 --> 00:16:18.480 Names: the All-Knowing (al-'Alim), 00:16:18.480 --> 00:16:20.480 the All-Wise (al-Hakim), 00:16:20.480 --> 00:16:22.480 the Most Subtle (al-Latif), the All-Aware (al-Khabir), 00:16:22.480 --> 00:16:24.480 the Entirely Merciful (al-Rahman), the Especially Merciful (al-Rahim), 00:16:24.480 --> 00:16:26.480 the Most Kind (al-Ra'uf), 00:16:26.480 --> 00:16:28.480 and the Most Loving (al-Wadud). 00:16:28.480 --> 00:16:30.700 The necessity of keeping the heart free 00:16:30.700 --> 00:16:32.700 from objection against those calamities 00:16:32.700 --> 00:16:34.700 that cannot be averted: 00:16:34.700 --> 00:16:37.820 When calamities and decreed hardships 00:16:37.820 --> 00:16:39.820 befall a person 00:16:39.820 --> 00:16:41.820 that cannot be repelled, 00:16:41.820 --> 00:16:43.820 despite exhausting all possible means, 00:16:43.820 --> 00:16:45.820 it is incumbent upon him at that point 00:16:45.820 --> 00:16:47.820 to submit to the decree 00:16:47.820 --> 00:16:49.820 and destiny of Allah, to bear patiently 00:16:49.820 --> 00:16:51.820 what was ordained, and to possess certainty 00:16:51.820 --> 00:16:53.820 in His wisdom regarding whatever He ordained and decreed. 00:16:53.820 --> 00:16:55.860 People vary 00:16:55.860 --> 00:16:57.860 in their response to calamities, 00:16:57.860 --> 00:16:59.860 and regarding this, they fall into 00:16:59.860 --> 00:17:01.860 four states: 00:17:01.860 --> 00:17:03.860 The first is a prohibited 00:17:03.860 --> 00:17:05.859 state, which is panic, 00:17:05.859 --> 00:17:07.859 discontent, and lack of patience; 00:17:07.859 --> 00:17:09.859 this contradicts faith in divine destiny. 00:17:09.859 --> 00:17:11.950 The second 00:17:11.950 --> 00:17:13.950 is an obligatory state, 00:17:13.950 --> 00:17:15.950 which is exercising patience over what has been decreed. 00:17:15.950 --> 00:17:17.950 The third 00:17:17.950 --> 00:17:19.950 is a recommended state, 00:17:19.950 --> 00:17:21.950 which is contentment with this decreed 00:17:21.950 --> 00:17:23.950 occurrence and harboring no resentment toward it. 00:17:23.950 --> 00:17:25.950 This differs 00:17:25.950 --> 00:17:27.950 from being content with the act of decreeing itself, 00:17:27.950 --> 00:17:30.079 which is obligatory. 00:17:30.079 --> 00:17:32.079 The fourth is the state of perfection, 00:17:32.079 --> 00:17:34.079 which is showing gratitude to Allah 00:17:34.079 --> 00:17:36.079 for His decree 00:17:36.079 --> 00:17:38.079 and what He has decreed. 00:17:38.079 --> 00:17:40.400 Contentment with the decree of Allah 00:17:40.400 --> 00:17:42.400 which the soul may dislike: 00:17:42.400 --> 00:17:45.809 That which the human soul 00:17:45.809 --> 00:17:47.809 may dislike 00:17:47.809 --> 00:17:49.809 is either a legal obligation 00:17:49.809 --> 00:17:51.809 or an ordained destiny. 00:17:51.809 --> 00:17:53.809 Believers ought 00:17:53.809 --> 00:17:55.809 to know that whatever Allah wills 00:17:55.809 --> 00:17:57.809 for them, whether by legislation or destiny, 00:17:57.809 --> 00:17:59.809 is better for them than if He had not 00:17:59.809 --> 00:18:01.809 sent it upon them, 00:18:01.809 --> 00:18:03.809 and it is a subtle kindness and benevolence toward them. 00:18:03.809 --> 00:18:05.809 For Allah, Glorified is He, is All-Knowing, 00:18:05.809 --> 00:18:07.809 All-Aware, 00:18:07.809 --> 00:18:09.809 and He is the Most Just of judges 00:18:09.809 --> 00:18:11.869 and the Most Merciful of those who show mercy. 00:18:11.869 --> 00:18:13.869 Among what Allah has prescribed for the believers, 00:18:13.869 --> 00:18:15.869 which they might dislike, 00:18:15.869 --> 00:18:17.869 or some of them might dislike, 00:18:17.869 --> 00:18:19.869 is jihad in the cause of Allah. 00:18:19.869 --> 00:18:21.869 He, Exalted is He, said: 00:18:21.869 --> 00:18:23.869 "Fighting has been enjoined upon you 00:18:23.869 --> 00:18:25.869 while it is hateful to you. 00:18:25.869 --> 00:18:27.869 “Warfare is ordained for you, though it is hateful unto you; but it may happen that ye hate a thing which is good for you, and it may happen that ye love a thing which is bad for you. Allah knoweth, ye know not.” (2:216) 00:18:27.869 --> 00:18:29.869 But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; 00:18:29.869 --> 00:18:31.869 and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. 00:18:31.869 --> 00:18:33.869 And Allah knows, 00:18:33.869 --> 00:18:35.869 while you know not." 00:18:35.869 --> 00:18:37.869 And the expression of hope ('asa) from Allah 00:18:37.869 --> 00:18:39.869 denotes certainty. 00:18:39.869 --> 00:18:41.869 So the intended meaning 00:18:41.869 --> 00:18:43.869 is that what you dislike 00:18:43.869 --> 00:18:45.869 of the hardship of jihad 00:18:45.869 --> 00:18:47.869 results in what is good for you, 00:18:47.869 --> 00:18:49.869 as you will be victorious, gain spoils, 00:18:49.869 --> 00:18:51.869 be rewarded, make the truth prevail, 00:18:51.869 --> 00:18:53.869 aid it, 00:18:53.869 --> 00:18:55.869 and subdue falsehood and its faction; 00:18:55.869 --> 00:18:57.869 and whoever among you is killed 00:18:57.869 --> 00:18:59.869 is a martyr. 00:18:59.869 --> 00:19:01.869 Conversely, 00:19:01.869 --> 00:19:03.869 what you love of ease 00:19:03.869 --> 00:19:05.869 and abandoning fighting 00:19:05.869 --> 00:19:07.869 results in evil for you, 00:19:07.869 --> 00:19:09.869 in that you would be defeated and humiliated, 00:19:09.869 --> 00:19:11.970 and your power would vanish. 00:19:11.970 --> 00:19:13.970 Contentment with divine legislation 00:19:13.970 --> 00:19:15.970 and submission to it is an obligation; 00:19:15.970 --> 00:19:17.970 faith cannot be complete without it, 00:19:17.970 --> 00:19:19.970 and a believer has no choice in the matter. 00:19:19.970 --> 00:19:21.970 He, Exalted is He, said: 00:19:21.970 --> 00:19:23.970 "It is not for a believing man 00:19:23.970 --> 00:19:25.970 or a believing woman..." 00:19:25.970 --> 00:19:27.970 “And it becometh not a believing man or a believing woman, when Allah and His messenger have decided an affair (for them), that they should (after that) claim any say in their affair; and whoso is rebellious to Allah and His messenger, he verily goeth astray in error manifest.” (33:36) 00:19:27.970 --> 00:19:29.970 “And it becometh not a believing man or a believing woman, when Allah and His messenger have decided an affair (for them), that they should (after that) claim any say in their affair; and whoso is rebellious to Allah and His messenger, he verily goeth astray in error manifest.” (33:36) 00:19:29.970 --> 00:19:32.190 As for innate, instinctive dislike, 00:19:32.190 --> 00:19:34.190 coupled with the heart's submission 00:19:34.190 --> 00:19:36.190 and obedience to the command, 00:19:36.190 --> 00:19:38.190 a person is not held accountable 00:19:38.190 --> 00:19:40.420 for it. 00:19:40.420 --> 00:19:42.420 And among what Allah may decree 00:19:42.420 --> 00:19:44.420 for a believer that he dislikes 00:19:44.420 --> 00:19:46.420 is marrying a woman who displays 00:19:46.420 --> 00:19:48.420 toward him traits he finds distasteful. 00:19:48.420 --> 00:19:50.480 Allah Almighty said regarding that: 00:19:50.480 --> 00:19:52.480 "And live with them 00:19:52.480 --> 00:19:54.480 in kindness. 00:19:54.480 --> 00:19:56.480 For if you dislike them— 00:19:56.480 --> 00:19:58.480 perhaps you dislike a thing 00:19:58.480 --> 00:20:00.480 “O ye who believe! It is not lawful for you forcibly to inherit the women (of your deceased kinsmen), nor (that) ye should put constraint upon them that ye may take away a part of that which ye have given them, unless they be guilty of flagrant lewdness. But consort with them in kindness, for if ye hate them it may happen that ye hate a thing wherein Allah hath placed much good.” (4:19) 00:20:00.480 --> 00:20:02.480 and Allah makes therein much good." 00:20:02.480 --> 00:20:04.480 Thus He said, 00:20:04.480 --> 00:20:06.480 "perhaps you dislike a thing," 00:20:06.480 --> 00:20:08.480 and He did not say, 00:20:08.480 --> 00:20:10.480 "perhaps you dislike a woman." 00:20:10.480 --> 00:20:12.480 This generalization guides us 00:20:12.480 --> 00:20:14.480 to a universal rule 00:20:14.480 --> 00:20:16.480 that holds true for all things, 00:20:16.480 --> 00:20:18.480 not women alone. 00:20:18.480 --> 00:20:20.480 This rule 00:20:20.480 --> 00:20:22.480 is that some of what a human being dislikes 00:20:22.480 --> 00:20:24.480 may contain good for him. 00:20:24.480 --> 00:20:26.480 Wise people recognize 00:20:26.480 --> 00:20:28.480 the truth of this from life's experiences. 00:20:28.480 --> 00:20:30.480 For the Noble Qur'an 00:20:30.480 --> 00:20:32.480 It captivates the human soul. 00:20:32.480 --> 00:20:34.480 so that you may believe. 00:20:34.480 --> 00:20:36.480 and to submit concerning matters of the unseen that remain hidden, 00:20:36.480 --> 00:20:38.480 after you have exerted every effort 00:20:38.480 --> 00:20:40.480 Whatever you are able to do within your capacity. 00:20:40.480 --> 00:20:42.640 The open, undisguised endeavor 00:20:42.640 --> 00:20:44.640 Belief in divine decree (Qadar) 00:20:44.640 --> 00:20:47.470 And adopting the necessary means. 00:20:47.470 --> 00:20:49.470 It is among the established patterns of Allah, Almighty and Glorious, 00:20:49.470 --> 00:20:51.470 In terms of his being 00:20:51.470 --> 00:20:53.470 Linking effects to their causes 00:20:53.470 --> 00:20:55.470 Whatever decrees unfold upon the earth 00:20:55.470 --> 00:20:57.470 In origin, it is 00:20:57.470 --> 00:20:59.470 And generally speaking, 00:20:59.470 --> 00:21:01.470 It is bound to the causes that necessitate it. 00:21:01.470 --> 00:21:03.470 For this reason, he guided us. 00:21:03.470 --> 00:21:05.470 Allah commands us to utilize the appropriate means. 00:21:05.470 --> 00:21:07.470 In our worldly affairs 00:21:07.470 --> 00:21:09.470 And the affairs of our Hereafter. 00:21:09.470 --> 00:21:11.470 Just as Allah Almighty says: 00:21:11.470 --> 00:21:13.470 to Mary, peace be upon her, when the labor pains drove her. 00:21:13.470 --> 00:21:15.470 And shake toward yourself 00:21:15.470 --> 00:21:17.470 by the trunk of the palm tree 00:21:17.470 --> 00:21:19.470 “And shake the trunk of the palm-tree toward thee, thou wilt cause ripe dates to fall upon thee.” (19:25) 00:21:19.470 --> 00:21:21.470 And indeed, it was 00:21:21.470 --> 00:21:23.470 Able to send down upon her 00:21:23.470 --> 00:21:25.470 Fresh dates without any processing 00:21:25.470 --> 00:21:27.500 Among them is: 00:21:27.500 --> 00:21:29.500 And He commanded us to take precautions against the enemy. 00:21:29.500 --> 00:21:31.500 So he said, 00:21:31.500 --> 00:21:33.500 O you who have believed, 00:21:33.500 --> 00:21:35.500 "Take your precautions and advance..." 00:21:35.500 --> 00:21:37.500 “O ye who believe! Take your precautions, then advance the proven ones, or advance all together.” (4:71) 00:21:37.500 --> 00:21:39.500 and He is fully capable. 00:21:39.500 --> 00:21:41.500 on the condition that he deal with him on our behalf. 00:21:41.500 --> 00:21:43.500 without any effort on our part. 00:21:43.500 --> 00:21:45.500 And this applies to our worldly affairs. 00:21:45.500 --> 00:21:47.500 The same principle applies to matters of 00:21:47.500 --> 00:21:49.500 Our religion. 00:21:49.500 --> 00:21:51.500 The Almighty says: 00:21:51.500 --> 00:21:53.500 And as for those who have accepted guidance 00:21:53.500 --> 00:21:55.500 He increased them in guidance. 00:21:55.500 --> 00:21:57.500 And He granted them their piety. 00:21:57.500 --> 00:21:59.500 And the Almighty also says: 00:21:59.500 --> 00:22:01.500 So when they deviated, 00:22:01.500 --> 00:22:03.660 Allah has caused their hearts to deviate. 00:22:03.660 --> 00:22:05.660 Then Allah, the Almighty and Majestic, decreed it. 00:22:05.660 --> 00:22:07.660 Indeed, among the rewards for a good deed 00:22:07.660 --> 00:22:09.660 A good deed is followed by another. 00:22:09.660 --> 00:22:11.660 Just as one of the punishments for disobedience 00:22:11.660 --> 00:22:13.700 The sin that follows it. 00:22:13.700 --> 00:22:15.700 It is for this very reason that 00:22:15.700 --> 00:22:17.700 Thus, taking the necessary means is essential. 00:22:17.700 --> 00:22:19.700 Or the warding off of harm. 00:22:19.700 --> 00:22:21.700 This does not contradict belief in the divine decree. 00:22:21.700 --> 00:22:23.700 Rather, it is also a matter of divine decree (qadar). 00:22:23.700 --> 00:22:25.700 As 'Umar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, said: 00:22:25.700 --> 00:22:27.700 May Allah be pleased with him. 00:22:27.700 --> 00:22:29.700 At the time he refrained from entering the Levant. 00:22:29.700 --> 00:22:31.700 When he learned of the spread 00:22:31.700 --> 00:22:33.700 The plague within it. 00:22:33.700 --> 00:22:35.700 And it was said to him, "Are you fleeing?" 00:22:35.700 --> 00:22:37.700 From the decree of Allah 00:22:37.700 --> 00:22:39.700 He said, "Yes." 00:22:39.700 --> 00:22:41.700 We flee from the decree of Allah to the decree of Allah. 00:22:41.700 --> 00:22:43.789 to the decree of Allah 00:22:43.789 --> 00:22:46.140 Agreed upon by al-Bukhari and Muslim. 00:22:46.140 --> 00:22:48.140 Taking the necessary means. 00:22:48.140 --> 00:22:50.849 This does not mean becoming attached to them. 00:22:50.849 --> 00:22:52.849 Taking the necessary means. 00:22:52.849 --> 00:22:54.849 Based on the fact that one of the established ways of Allah 00:22:54.849 --> 00:22:56.849 The connection of effects to their causes. 00:22:56.849 --> 00:22:58.849 This does not mean attachment. 00:22:58.849 --> 00:23:00.849 through it, and by dedicating oneself entirely to Him. 00:23:00.849 --> 00:23:02.849 without the belief that 00:23:02.849 --> 00:23:04.849 The realization of the matter is by the will of Allah. 00:23:04.849 --> 00:23:06.849 Allah and His wisdom. 00:23:06.849 --> 00:23:08.849 That is to say, one should not believe 00:23:08.849 --> 00:23:10.849 Someone might say that as long as he has already 00:23:10.849 --> 00:23:12.849 He took the necessary means. 00:23:12.849 --> 00:23:14.849 It is inevitable that what He has willed must come to pass. 00:23:14.849 --> 00:23:16.849 without any need for the will of Allah 00:23:16.849 --> 00:23:18.849 In that regard 00:23:18.849 --> 00:23:20.849 This state of being preoccupied with worldly means 00:23:20.849 --> 00:23:22.849 In that form, it is considered shirk. 00:23:22.849 --> 00:23:24.849 Just as turning away 00:23:24.849 --> 00:23:26.849 regarding the causes in their entirety. 00:23:26.849 --> 00:23:28.849 It is a disparagement of the Shari'ah. 00:23:28.849 --> 00:23:30.849 And to deny their influence is contrary to the truth. 00:23:30.849 --> 00:23:32.849 For the intellect 00:23:32.849 --> 00:23:34.849 For causes have an effect upon their consequences. 00:23:34.849 --> 00:23:36.849 However, from that point onward 00:23:36.849 --> 00:23:38.849 The will and decree of Allah. 00:23:38.849 --> 00:23:40.849 Just as the servant has 00:23:40.849 --> 00:23:42.849 Divine will and decree. 00:23:42.849 --> 00:23:44.849 After the will of Allah. 00:23:44.849 --> 00:23:47.680 And His will. 00:23:47.680 --> 00:23:49.680 The absolute freedom of the Divine Will. 00:23:49.680 --> 00:23:51.680 And the stability of the universal laws established by Allah. 00:23:51.680 --> 00:23:54.700 Taking the necessary means. 00:23:54.700 --> 00:23:56.700 While remaining unattached to them. 00:23:56.700 --> 00:23:58.700 It is built upon the realization 00:23:58.700 --> 00:24:00.700 The absolute freedom of the Divine Will. 00:24:00.700 --> 00:24:02.700 Which may tear through. 00:24:02.700 --> 00:24:04.700 The constancy of the universal laws established by Allah. 00:24:04.700 --> 00:24:06.700 For a wisdom known only to Allah. 00:24:06.700 --> 00:24:08.700 Allah, glorified and exalted is He, is All-Powerful. 00:24:08.700 --> 00:24:10.700 Whenever He wills and however He wills. 00:24:10.700 --> 00:24:12.700 That he should violate these established practices of the Sunnah. 00:24:12.700 --> 00:24:14.700 For He is the Accomplisher of whatever He wills. 00:24:14.700 --> 00:24:16.700 And He is over all things capable. 00:24:16.700 --> 00:24:18.700 He is capable of all things. 00:24:18.700 --> 00:24:20.700 For Allah has forbidden the Fire. 00:24:20.700 --> 00:24:22.700 That the fire should burn Ibrahim, peace be upon him. 00:24:22.700 --> 00:24:24.700 Contrary to the established consensus. 00:24:24.700 --> 00:24:26.700 This is the universal law of Allah. 00:24:26.700 --> 00:24:28.769 Allah the Exalted says: 00:24:28.769 --> 00:24:30.769 “We said: O fire, be coolness and peace for Abraham,” (21:69) 00:24:30.769 --> 00:24:32.769 A coolness and peace upon 00:24:32.769 --> 00:24:34.799 Ibrahim 00:24:34.799 --> 00:24:36.799 And Allah granted provision to Zakariyya, peace be upon him. 00:24:36.799 --> 00:24:38.799 Yahya, peace be upon him. 00:24:38.799 --> 00:24:40.799 Despite his advanced age. 00:24:41.799 --> 00:24:43.799 Allah the Almighty says: 00:24:55.799 --> 00:24:57.930 In summary, 00:24:57.930 --> 00:24:59.930 The believer ought to take 00:24:59.930 --> 00:25:01.930 by whatever means he is able to employ. 00:25:01.930 --> 00:25:03.930 And he attaches his hope thereafter 00:25:03.930 --> 00:25:05.930 That is by Allah alone. 00:25:05.930 --> 00:25:07.930 Thus, he becomes balanced in that regard. 00:25:07.930 --> 00:25:09.930 Between those who are excessive in their scrutiny 00:25:09.930 --> 00:25:11.930 regarding the constancy of the universal laws established by Allah. 00:25:11.930 --> 00:25:13.930 And its inevitability. 00:25:13.930 --> 00:25:15.930 And its inherent inability to fail or be left unfulfilled. 00:25:15.930 --> 00:25:17.930 in any state, and whoever is negligent 00:25:17.930 --> 00:25:19.930 Regarding the necessity of taking practical means. 00:25:19.930 --> 00:25:21.930 claiming that he relies upon 00:25:21.930 --> 00:25:23.930 The will of Allah and its absolute freedom. 00:25:23.930 --> 00:25:25.930 An example of that moderation 00:25:25.930 --> 00:25:27.930 What the Muslims accomplished. 00:25:27.930 --> 00:25:29.930 During the Battle of Badr 00:25:29.930 --> 00:25:31.930 Where they adopted what they were capable of. 00:25:31.930 --> 00:25:33.930 by means of the causes available to him. 00:25:33.930 --> 00:25:35.930 They exhausted all their efforts in that regard. 00:25:35.930 --> 00:25:37.930 And they attached their hope to Allah. 00:25:37.930 --> 00:25:39.930 So He, glory be to Him, reinforced them with the angels. 00:25:39.930 --> 00:25:41.930 Those whom He established. 00:25:41.930 --> 00:25:43.930 From the victory, despite 00:25:43.930 --> 00:25:45.930 Their limited numbers and meager equipment. 00:25:45.930 --> 00:25:47.930 He is the one who opposes. 00:25:47.930 --> 00:25:49.930 According to what is customary in the view of people. 00:25:49.930 --> 00:25:51.930 Allah the Almighty says: 00:25:51.930 --> 00:25:53.930 When you were calling upon your Lord for help 00:25:53.930 --> 00:25:55.930 So He answered you. 00:25:55.930 --> 00:25:57.930 I will reinforce you with a thousand. 00:25:57.930 --> 00:25:59.930 with the angels arriving in succession 00:25:59.930 --> 00:26:02.410 Two forms. 00:26:02.410 --> 00:26:04.410 regarding the deviation in understanding 00:26:04.410 --> 00:26:07.430 The Divine Decree 00:26:07.430 --> 00:26:09.430 Firstly, 00:26:09.430 --> 00:26:11.430 Using the divine decree as an excuse for one's actions. 00:26:11.430 --> 00:26:13.430 Acts of disobedience and disbelief. 00:26:13.430 --> 00:26:15.430 And the Almighty has said concerning them: 00:26:15.430 --> 00:26:17.430 Those who associated partners with Allah will say 00:26:17.430 --> 00:26:19.430 “They who are idolaters will say: Had Allah willed, we had not ascribed (unto Him) partners neither had our fathers, nor had we forbidden aught. Thus did those who were before them give the lie (to Allah's messengers) till they tasted of the fear of Us. Say: Have ye any knowledge that ye can adduce for Us? Lo! ye follow naught but an opinion, Lo! ye do but guess.” (6:148) 00:26:19.430 --> 00:26:21.430 Nor our forefathers. 00:26:21.430 --> 00:26:23.430 “They who are idolaters will say: Had Allah willed, we had not ascribed (unto Him) partners neither had our fathers, nor had we forbidden aught. Thus did those who were before them give the lie (to Allah's messengers) till they tasted of the fear of Us. Say: Have ye any knowledge that ye can adduce for Us? Lo! ye follow naught but an opinion, Lo! ye do but guess.” (6:148) 00:26:23.430 --> 00:26:25.430 Likewise, they denied. 00:26:25.430 --> 00:26:27.430 those who were before them 00:26:27.430 --> 00:26:29.430 until they tasted Our might. 00:26:29.430 --> 00:26:31.430 Say, "Do you have any [proof]?" 00:26:31.430 --> 00:26:33.430 “They who are idolaters will say: Had Allah willed, we had not ascribed (unto Him) partners neither had our fathers, nor had we forbidden aught. Thus did those who were before them give the lie (to Allah's messengers) till they tasted of the fear of Us. Say: Have ye any knowledge that ye can adduce for Us? Lo! ye follow naught but an opinion, Lo! ye do but guess.” (6:148) 00:26:33.430 --> 00:26:35.430 You are only following 00:26:35.430 --> 00:26:37.430 except for conjecture. 00:26:37.430 --> 00:26:39.430 “They who are idolaters will say: Had Allah willed, we had not ascribed (unto Him) partners neither had our fathers, nor had we forbidden aught. Thus did those who were before them give the lie (to Allah's messengers) till they tasted of the fear of Us. Say: Have ye any knowledge that ye can adduce for Us? Lo! ye follow naught but an opinion, Lo! ye do but guess.” (6:148) 00:26:39.430 --> 00:26:41.430 Then Allah proved them to be liars. 00:26:41.430 --> 00:26:43.430 regarding that claim of theirs 00:26:43.430 --> 00:26:45.430 These individuals and those like them. 00:26:45.430 --> 00:26:47.430 They are arrogant and contradictory. 00:26:47.430 --> 00:26:49.430 regarding their claim 00:26:49.430 --> 00:26:51.430 And they are unable to apply it consistently in every case. 00:26:51.430 --> 00:26:53.430 He commanded, so if 00:26:53.430 --> 00:26:55.430 Someone among them committed an offense against them by striking them. 00:26:55.430 --> 00:26:57.430 Or the usurpation of a right. 00:26:57.430 --> 00:26:59.430 Then he presented as an argument against them that this was indeed the case. 00:26:59.430 --> 00:27:01.430 The necessity of belief in divine decree and predestination. 00:27:01.430 --> 00:27:03.430 They did not accept that from him. 00:27:03.430 --> 00:27:05.430 Rather, they will be even more angered by him. 00:27:05.430 --> 00:27:07.430 Anger, and they will defend [the truth]. 00:27:07.430 --> 00:27:09.430 Regarding their usurped rights. 00:27:09.430 --> 00:27:11.430 How truly astonishing it is! 00:27:11.430 --> 00:27:13.430 How can they use the concept of divine decree as an argument to justify their acts of disobedience? 00:27:13.430 --> 00:27:15.430 And that which incurs the displeasure of Allah. 00:27:15.430 --> 00:27:17.430 And they are not satisfied with anyone 00:27:17.430 --> 00:27:19.430 That it be used as evidence in opposition to 00:27:19.430 --> 00:27:21.430 Their displeasure with him for what he errs in. 00:27:21.430 --> 00:27:23.819 upon them. 00:27:23.819 --> 00:27:25.819 Secondly, intellectual stagnation. 00:27:25.819 --> 00:27:27.819 And the false reliance upon Allah (tawakkul). 00:27:27.819 --> 00:27:29.819 Where some of the Muslims adopted 00:27:29.819 --> 00:27:31.819 In the later eras. 00:27:31.819 --> 00:27:33.819 a flimsy justification 00:27:33.819 --> 00:27:35.819 due to their incapacity and collapse. 00:27:35.819 --> 00:27:37.819 And their acceptance of corruption. 00:27:37.819 --> 00:27:39.819 and humiliation, 00:27:39.819 --> 00:27:41.819 forgetting that the decrees of Allah 00:27:41.819 --> 00:27:43.819 are fundamentally operative upon them 00:27:43.819 --> 00:27:45.819 in accordance with the established Sunnah of Allah, 00:27:45.819 --> 00:27:47.819 which links outcomes 00:27:47.819 --> 00:27:49.849 to their causes. 00:27:49.849 --> 00:27:51.849 Thus, this helplessness and fatalism 00:27:51.849 --> 00:27:53.849 became the primary gateway 00:27:53.849 --> 00:27:55.849 for secular thought to infiltrate 00:27:55.849 --> 00:27:57.849 the reality of the Ummah 00:27:57.849 --> 00:27:59.849 and seize control of its 00:27:59.849 --> 00:28:01.849 affairs. 00:28:01.849 --> 00:28:03.849 Malik Ibn Nabi termed 00:28:03.849 --> 00:28:05.849 this helplessness and acceptance of subjugation 00:28:05.849 --> 00:28:07.849 "colonizability," 00:28:07.849 --> 00:28:09.849 while Mawdudi termed it 00:28:09.849 --> 00:28:11.849 "enslavability." 00:28:11.849 --> 00:28:13.910 There is no doubt that the truth 00:28:13.910 --> 00:28:15.910 in this matter 00:28:15.910 --> 00:28:17.910 is as we mentioned before: 00:28:17.910 --> 00:28:19.910 a balance between working 00:28:19.910 --> 00:28:21.910 with all one's might to avert what is feared, 00:28:21.910 --> 00:28:23.910 until we reach 00:28:23.910 --> 00:28:25.910 the limit of our capacity, 00:28:25.910 --> 00:28:27.910 and then submitting to what 00:28:27.910 --> 00:28:29.910 Allah decrees, out of our faith in Him. 00:28:29.910 --> 00:28:31.910 This means employing 00:28:31.910 --> 00:28:33.910 the causes that Allah has harnessed for us, 00:28:33.910 --> 00:28:35.910 and warding off 00:28:35.910 --> 00:28:37.910 the decrees of Allah, Mighty and Majestic is He, with His other decrees, 00:28:37.910 --> 00:28:39.910 as long as there is 00:28:39.910 --> 00:28:41.910 a possibility of warding them off, 00:28:41.910 --> 00:28:43.910 just as the Almighty said: 00:28:43.910 --> 00:28:45.910 "And were it not for Allah checking the people, 00:28:45.910 --> 00:28:47.910 some by means of others, 00:28:47.910 --> 00:28:49.910 the earth would surely be corrupted," 00:28:49.910 --> 00:28:51.910 “So they routed them by Allah's leave and David slew Goliath; and Allah gave him the kingdom and wisdom, and taught him of that which He willeth. And if Allah had not repelled some men by others the earth would have been corrupted. But Allah is a Lord of Kindness to (His) creatures.” (2:251) 00:28:51.910 --> 00:28:53.910 for the worlds. 00:28:53.910 --> 00:28:55.910 So, if warding off the harm 00:28:55.910 --> 00:28:57.910 is not possible, 00:28:57.910 --> 00:28:59.910 then the duty is to be patient with the decree of Allah 00:28:59.910 --> 00:29:01.910 and His predestination, with the certainty 00:29:01.910 --> 00:29:03.910 that behind it lies goodness, 00:29:03.910 --> 00:29:05.910 benefit, and mercy, 00:29:05.910 --> 00:29:07.910 which one should strive to seek out, 00:29:07.910 --> 00:29:09.910 harness for goodness and reform, 00:29:09.910 --> 00:29:11.910 and change the conditions of 00:29:11.910 --> 00:29:13.910 people by holding one's own soul to account, 00:29:13.910 --> 00:29:15.910 and removing the causes of the calamity, 00:29:15.910 --> 00:29:17.910 in belief of the statement of 00:29:17.910 --> 00:29:19.910 Allah the Almighty: 00:29:19.910 --> 00:29:21.910 “For him are angels ranged before him and behind him, who guard him by Allah's command. Lo! Allah changeth not the condition of a folk until they (first) change that which is in their hearts; and if Allah willeth misfortune for a folk there is none that can repel it, nor have they a defender beside Him.” (13:11) 00:29:21.910 --> 00:29:23.910 “For him are angels ranged before him and behind him, who guard him by Allah's command. Lo! Allah changeth not the condition of a folk until they (first) change that which is in their hearts; and if Allah willeth misfortune for a folk there is none that can repel it, nor have they a defender beside Him.” (13:11) 00:29:23.910 --> 00:29:25.910 what is within themselves. 00:29:25.910 --> 00:29:27.940 Thus, it becomes clearly evident 00:29:27.940 --> 00:29:29.940 the difference between reliance (tawakkul) 00:29:29.940 --> 00:29:31.940 and fatalism (tawakul). 00:29:31.940 --> 00:29:33.940 For reliance 00:29:33.940 --> 00:29:35.940 is the action of the heart and its servitude, 00:29:35.940 --> 00:29:37.940 depending on Allah, trusting 00:29:37.940 --> 00:29:39.940 in Him, turning 00:29:39.940 --> 00:29:41.940 to Him, delegating matters 00:29:41.940 --> 00:29:43.940 to Him, and being content with what He decrees, 00:29:43.940 --> 00:29:45.940 while the person still performs the causes 00:29:45.940 --> 00:29:47.940 that have been commanded. 00:29:47.940 --> 00:29:49.940 Fatalism is helplessness, 00:29:49.940 --> 00:29:51.940 the abandonment of causes, 00:29:51.940 --> 00:29:53.940 and negligence regarding them, 00:29:53.940 --> 00:29:55.940 under the pretense that it is reliance 00:29:55.940 --> 00:29:57.940 and belief in the divine decree. 00:29:57.940 --> 00:30:00.170 The nullifiers of 00:30:00.170 --> 00:30:03.160 belief in the divine decree: 00:30:03.160 --> 00:30:05.160 First: 00:30:05.160 --> 00:30:07.160 Denying the decree and disbelieving in it, 00:30:07.160 --> 00:30:09.160 by denying that Allah, Mighty and Majestic is He, 00:30:09.160 --> 00:30:11.160 knew things before they occurred, 00:30:11.160 --> 00:30:13.160 or that He recorded them. 00:30:13.160 --> 00:30:15.380 Second: 00:30:15.380 --> 00:30:17.380 Treating the decree lightly, 00:30:17.380 --> 00:30:19.380 mocking it, 00:30:19.380 --> 00:30:21.380 or ridiculing it, even if one does not deny it. 00:30:21.380 --> 00:30:23.609 Third: 00:30:23.609 --> 00:30:25.609 Opposing Allah, Mighty and Majestic is He, 00:30:25.609 --> 00:30:27.609 in His decrees, 00:30:27.609 --> 00:30:29.609 or believing that they are in vain 00:30:29.609 --> 00:30:31.740 and purposeless. 00:30:31.740 --> 00:30:33.740 Fourth: 00:30:33.740 --> 00:30:35.740 Believing that the decreeing of calamities 00:30:35.740 --> 00:30:37.740 by Allah, Mighty and Majestic is He, upon His servants 00:30:37.740 --> 00:30:39.740 is an injustice to them; 00:30:39.740 --> 00:30:41.859 exalted is Allah far above that. 00:30:41.859 --> 00:30:43.859 Fifth: 00:30:43.859 --> 00:30:45.859 Believing that Allah, Mighty and Majestic is He, 00:30:45.859 --> 00:30:47.859 is pleased with the acts of disobedience and polytheism 00:30:47.859 --> 00:30:49.859 that occur from the servant, 00:30:49.859 --> 00:30:52.279 which He has decreed upon me. 00:30:52.279 --> 00:30:54.279 Regarding the fruits of belief in the divine decree: 00:30:54.279 --> 00:30:57.400 The most important fruits of belief 00:30:57.400 --> 00:30:59.400 in the divine decree 00:30:59.400 --> 00:31:01.400 are summarized as follows: 00:31:01.400 --> 00:31:03.400 First: 00:31:03.400 --> 00:31:05.400 Magnifying Allah, Mighty and Majestic is He, 00:31:05.400 --> 00:31:07.400 and revering Him, 00:31:07.400 --> 00:31:09.400 because belief in the decree manifests 00:31:09.400 --> 00:31:11.400 the Beautiful Names and Sublime Attributes of Allah, 00:31:11.400 --> 00:31:13.400 such as Knowledge, Wisdom, 00:31:13.400 --> 00:31:15.400 Creation, Power, 00:31:15.400 --> 00:31:17.500 Might, and the subjugation of all things. 00:31:17.500 --> 00:31:19.500 Second: 00:31:19.500 --> 00:31:21.500 Contentment when calamities befall, 00:31:21.500 --> 00:31:23.500 because when the servant knows 00:31:23.500 --> 00:31:25.500 that what struck him could not 00:31:25.500 --> 00:31:27.500 have missed him, and what missed him 00:31:27.500 --> 00:31:29.500 could not have struck him, 00:31:29.500 --> 00:31:31.529 he is content and submits. 00:31:31.529 --> 00:31:33.529 Third: 00:31:33.529 --> 00:31:35.529 Tranquility of the soul and its peace 00:31:35.529 --> 00:31:37.529 when facing events, 00:31:37.529 --> 00:31:39.529 both good and bad, 00:31:39.529 --> 00:31:41.529 so it does not panic with the kind of panic 00:31:41.529 --> 00:31:43.529 that leads to regret 00:31:43.529 --> 00:31:45.529 in times of distress, 00:31:45.529 --> 00:31:47.529 nor does it rejoice with arrogant joy. 00:31:47.529 --> 00:31:49.529 The Almighty said: 00:31:49.529 --> 00:31:51.529 "No calamity befalls 00:31:51.529 --> 00:31:53.529 “Naught of disaster befalleth in the earth or in yourselves but it is in a Book before we bring it into being - Lo! that is easy for Allah -” (57:22) 00:31:53.529 --> 00:31:55.529 except it is in a Book 00:31:55.529 --> 00:31:57.529 before We 00:31:57.529 --> 00:31:59.529 bring it into being; 00:31:59.529 --> 00:32:01.529 indeed, that is easy for Allah. 00:32:01.529 --> 00:32:03.529 In order that you may not despair 00:32:03.529 --> 00:32:05.529 over what has escaped you, 00:32:05.529 --> 00:32:07.529 “That ye grieve not for the sake of that which hath escaped you, nor yet exult because of that which hath been given. Allah loveth not all prideful boasters,” (57:23) 00:32:07.529 --> 00:32:09.529 and Allah does not 00:32:09.529 --> 00:32:11.529 love every self-deluded 00:32:11.529 --> 00:32:13.690 boaster." 00:32:13.690 --> 00:32:15.690 Fourth: Proceeding 00:32:15.690 --> 00:32:17.690 on the path to Allah 00:32:17.690 --> 00:32:19.690 without confusion, anxiety, 00:32:19.690 --> 00:32:21.690 resentment toward obstacles, 00:32:21.690 --> 00:32:23.690 hardships, 00:32:23.690 --> 00:32:25.690 despair of Allah's aid, 00:32:25.690 --> 00:32:27.690 or His support, 00:32:27.690 --> 00:32:29.690 nor fear of losing one's way 00:32:29.690 --> 00:32:31.849 or the loss of one's reward. 00:32:31.849 --> 00:32:33.849 Fifth: 00:32:33.849 --> 00:32:35.849 The soundness of the heart from hatred and envy, 00:32:35.849 --> 00:32:37.849 for they are, in reality, 00:32:37.849 --> 00:32:39.849 an opposition to the decree of Allah, Mighty and Majestic is He, 00:32:39.849 --> 00:32:41.849 regarding the blessings He decrees 00:32:41.849 --> 00:32:43.849 for His servants. 00:32:43.849 --> 00:32:45.940 6. 00:32:45.940 --> 00:32:47.940 Safety from the misguidance 00:32:47.940 --> 00:32:49.940 that has afflicted some 00:32:49.940 --> 00:32:51.940 deviant sects regarding the issue of the divine decree, 00:32:51.940 --> 00:32:53.940 such as the Qadariyyah and the Jabriyyah, 00:32:53.940 --> 00:32:55.940 those misguidances 00:32:55.940 --> 00:32:57.940 that negatively affect 00:32:57.940 --> 00:32:59.940 the deeds of their followers 00:32:59.940 --> 00:33:01.980 and their conduct. 00:33:01.980 --> 00:33:03.980 7. 00:33:03.980 --> 00:33:05.980 Exerting effort in righteous deeds 00:33:05.980 --> 00:33:07.980 and fleeing from the decrees of Allah 00:33:07.980 --> 00:33:09.980 that He is not pleased with, 00:33:09.980 --> 00:33:11.980 toward the decrees that He is pleased with. 00:33:11.980 --> 00:33:14.140 8. 00:33:14.140 --> 00:33:16.140 Asking Allah, Mighty and Majestic is He, 00:33:16.140 --> 00:33:18.140 for guidance and steadfastness, 00:33:18.140 --> 00:33:20.140 and fearing the deviation of the heart 00:33:20.140 --> 00:33:22.140 and the slipping of the foot, 00:33:22.140 --> 00:33:24.140 for no one is infallible from that. 00:33:24.140 --> 00:33:26.140 “Save him on whom Allah hath mercy. Lo! He is the Mighty, the Merciful.” (44:42) 00:33:26.140 --> 00:33:28.329 So He guided him and made him steadfast. 00:33:28.329 --> 00:33:30.329 9. 00:33:30.329 --> 00:33:32.329 Sincere reliance upon Allah, Mighty and Majestic is He, 00:33:32.329 --> 00:33:34.329 and turning to Him alone. 00:33:34.329 --> 00:33:37.029 Summary of the concepts of 00:33:37.029 --> 00:33:39.029 Ahl al-Sunnah.