200 FAQ On Islamic Beliefs _ deep questions being well answered_

[Iron Man]

.

200
FAQ
On
Islamic Beliefs
By
Shaikh Hafiz Ibn Ahmad Al Hakami


Contents

Translator's Note 20
Preface 22
Author's Introduction 23
Q 1: What is the first (religious) obligation on 25
Allah's servants?
Q 2: What is the purpose of Creation? 25
Q 3: What is the meaning of the word *Abd 26
(servant of Allah)?
Q4: What is worship? 27
Q5: When can a deed be considered an act of 27
worship?
Q 6: How can we prove that Allah's servant loves 27
his Lord?
Q 7: How can the servant of Allah know what He 28
loves?
Q 8: What are the conditions of worship? 28
Q9: What is the meaning of "Sincerity of 29
determination"?
Q10: What is the meaning of "Sincerity of 29
intention"?
Q 11: What is the only religion that man is ordered 30
to embrace?
Q 12: What are the various ranks of Islam? 30
Q 13: What is Islam? 30
Q 14: What is the evidence that the word "Islam" 31
refers to every aspect of religion when used in a general context?
Q 15: What is the proof that "Islam" denotes the 31
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five pillars of Islam when used in a specific context?
Q 16: What is the significance of the two 32
testimonies (shahadatayn) in Islam?
Q 17: What is the proof of the testimony that there 32
is no god but Allah?
Q 18: What is the meaning of the testimony, 33
"There is no god but Allah?"
Q 19:What are the conditions of reciting the 34
Shahddah (Bearing witness that there is no god but Allah) that must be fulfilled by the one who recites
it?
Q 20: What is the proof that knowledge of the 34
meaning of Shahddah is necessary for those pronouncing it?
Q 21: What is the textual proof rom the Glorious 35
Qur'an and the Prophetic Sunnah (Tradition) that a
Muslim must have absolute faith "yaqin? "
Q 22: What is the textual proof rom the Glorious 36
Qur'an and the Prophetic Sunnah, that a Muslim must completely submit to Allah and that this is a prerequisite of his faith?
Q 23: What is the textual proof that acceptance (of 36
the Message of Islam) is a prerequisite of faith in
Allah?
Q 24: What is the textual proof rom the Glorious 38
Qur'an and the Prophetic Sunnah, that a Muslim must be sincere?
Q 25: What is the textual proof rom the Gloious 38
Qur'an and the Prophetic Sunnah, that a Muslim must be truthful?
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Q 26: What is the textual proof rom the Gloious 39
Qur'an and the Prophetic Sunnah that love for
Allah and His Prophet is a prerequisite for faith in
the Almighty?
Q 27: What is the textual proof that one should 40
beriend and declare enmity only for Allah's
Sake?
Q 28: What is the textual proof of the second part 42
of the testimony that Muhammad is the Messenger
of Allah?
Q 29: What is the significance of testifying that 43
Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah?
Q 30: What are the conditions of testifying that 44
Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah? Could the first testimony (relating to Allah) be acceptable
without the second?
Q 31: What is the textual proof that Prayer and 44
Zakah are compulsory?
Q 3 2: What is the textual proof that Fasting (Saum) 44
is obligatory?
Q 33: What is the textual proof that Pilgrimage 45
(HajJ) is compulsory?
Q 34: What is the ruling pertaining to one who 46
denies any of the aforementioned pillars of Islam, (Arkdn al-Isldm), or acknowledges them but neglects to perform them, because of arrogance and pride?
Q 35: What is the ruling pertaining to one who 46
acknowledges them, but neglects them due to laziness or misinterpretation?
Q 36: What is Imdn (Faith)? 47
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Q 37: What is the textual proof that Faith must be 47
expressed by both words and deeds?
Q 38: What is the textual proof that Faith increases 49
and decreases?
Q 39: What is the textual proof that the degrees of 50
Faith vary rom one person to another?
Q 40: What is the textual proof that the word 51
"Faith" is used to refer to every aspect of the
religion (of Islam) when used in a general context?
Q 41: What is the textual proof that when the word 52
"Faith" is used in a specific context it refers to the six articles?
Q 42: What is the textual proof that these articles of 52
Faith are mentioned together in the Glorious Qur'an?
Q 43: What is the meaning of having faith in 53
Allah, the Almighty?
Q 44: What is the meaning of maintaining the 53
unity of the worship of Allah [Tawhid Al-
Uluhiyah]?
Q 45: What is the opposite of the unity of the 54
worship of Allah?
Q 46: What is Major Shirk? 54
Q 47: What is [As-Shirk Al-Asghar] Minor Shirk? 55
Q 48: What is the difference between using "and" 57
or "then" in these expressions?
Q 49: What is the meaning of the unity of the 58
Lordship of Allah?
Q 50: What is the opposite of the unity of the 60
Lordship of Allah?
Q 51: What does the unity of the Names and 62
Attributes of Allah mean?
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Q 52: What is the textual proof of the Most 63
Beautiful Names of Allah, rom the Glorious Qur'an and the Sunnah?
Q 53: Cite some examples of the Most Beautiful 64
Names of Allah rom the Glorious Qur'an.
Q 54: Cite some examples of the Most Beautiful 67
Names of Allah rom the Sunnah.
Q 55: What are the types of inferences given by 69
the Most Beautiful Names of Allah?
Q 56: Cite Some examples of these inferences. 69
Q 57: How many divisions are there of the Most 70
Beautiful Names of Allah regarding their implications?
Q 58: How many divisions are there of the Most 71
Beautiful Names of Allah that directly refer to Him, the Most Great?
Q 59: Almighty Allah's Names are divided into two 72
categories: those related to His Entity, and those
related to His Actions. Cite some examples of those
related to His Entity, from the Glorious Qur'an.
Q 60: Cite some examples of the Most Beautiful 73
Names that are related to His Entity, rom the Sunnah.
Q 61: Cite some examples rom the Glorious 75
Qur'an relating to the Actions of Allah.
Q 62: Cite some examples rom the Sunnah 76
relating to the Actions of Allah.
Q 63: Can Names be derived rom all the 77
Attributes related to His Actions, Glorified is He?
Q 64: What does His Name "the Ever Exalted" 79
denote, along with other Names, such as "the
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Evident," "the Sublime Vanquisher," and "the Supremely High?"
Q 65: What is the textual proof rom the Glorious 79
Qur'an that Allah is in a High Place?
Q 66: What is the textual proof rom the Sunnah 80
that Allah is in a High Place?
Q 67: What did our pious predecessors say 82
concerning the issue of [Istiwa'] Rising Over (the
Throne)?
Q 68: What is the textual proof rom the Glorious 82
Qur'an, that Allah is the Sublime Vanquisher?
Q 69: What is the textual proof rom the Sunnah, 83
that Allah is the Sublime Vanquisher?
Q 70: What is the textual proof that Allah is the 84
Most High in Rank? What is prohibited to say
when referring to Allah?
Q 71: What is the meaning of the saying of Allah's 84
Messenger (Peace be upon him) regarding the
Most Beautiful Names of Allah, that reads: "Whoever enumerates them will be admitted into Paradise?"
Q 72: What contradicts [Tawhid Al-Asma' was-Sifat] 86
the unity of the Names and Attributes of Allah?
Q 73: Are all the types of [Tawhid] the Oneness of 88
Allah interrelated? (i.e. would denying one of them entail denying them all?)
Q 74: What is the textual proof rom the Glorious 89
Qur'an and the Sunnah that a Muslim must believe in the existence of Angels?
Q 75: What is the meaning of believing in the 89
Angels?
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Q 76: Cite some of the angels and their nature as 90
well as the duties they perform.
Q 77: What is the Qur'anic proof that a Muslim 91
must believe in all Divinely revealed Scriptures?
78: Have all the Divinely revealed Scriptures been 92
mentioned in the Glorious Qur'an?
Q 79: What is the meaning of affirming faith in 93
Allah's Scriptures?
Q 80: What is the position of the Glorious Qur'an 95
regarding the earlier Divine Books?
Q 81: What should the whole (Ummah) 96
Community abide by concerning the Glorious
Qur'an?
Q 82: What does "holding fast to the Qur'an and 97
observing its right" mean?
Q 83: What is the ruling concerning the person 97
who claims that the Qur'an is "Created?"
Q 84: Is the Attribute of Speech related to Allah's 99
Entity or is it associated with His Attributes of Action?
Q 85: Who are the Waqifah, and what is the ruling 100
concerning them?
Q 86: What is the ruling concerning the one who 101
says: "My pronunciation of the Qur'an is created?"
Q 87: What is the textual proof that a Muslim 101
should believe in Allah's Messengers?
Q 88: What is the meaning of having Faith in the 102
Messengers of Allah?"
Q 89: Did the call of the Messengers correspond 103
with one another regarding the orders and prohibitions, which they conveyed?
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Q 90: What is the textual proof that they called for
the same principle of the worship of Allah?
Q 91: What is the proof of the differences among their Shara 'i" (pi. Shari *ah) laws concerning what is lawful [Halaf] and what is unlawful [Haram]? Q 92: Have all the Messengers been mentioned in the Glorious Qur'an?
Q 93: How many Messengers are mentioned in the Glorious Qur'an?
Q 94: Who are the Messengers of Firm Will [Ulul-
Azm]?
Q 95: Who was the first Messenger?
Q 96: When did differences begin to take place? Q 97: Who is the seal of the Prophets?
Q 98: What is the textual proof of this?
Q 99:What was given by Allah to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and not to any of the other Prophets before him?
Q 100: What are the Miracles of the Prophets? Q 101: What is the textual proof of the miraculous nature of the Glorious Qur'an?
Q 102: What is the textual proof that a Muslim must believe in the Last Day?
Q 103: What is implied by one's belief in the Last Day?
Q 104: Does anyone know when the Last Hour will be?
Q 105: Cite some examples rom the Glorious
Qur'an pertaining to the portents of the Last Hour.
Q 106: Cite some examples rom the Prophetic

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104

106


107

107

108

108
109
109
109
110


112
113

114

115

115
117

118






Sunnah pertaining to the portents of the Last Hour.
Q 107: What is the textual proof rom the Qur'an 118
and the Sunnah of the believer in death?
Q 108: What is the textual proof rom the Gloious 120
Qur'an that the trial of the grave and its blessing or torment is a reality?
Q 109: What is the textual proof of the trial of the 121
grave rom the Prophetic Sunnah?
Q 110: What is the textual proof that the 123
resurrection rom the grave is a reality?
Q 111: What is the ruling concerning the person 127
who belies the resurrection?
Q 112: What is the textual proof that there will be 128
the blowing in the Horn? How many will there be?
Q 113: What is the manner of Gathering stated in 129
the Glorious Qur'an?
Q 114: What is the manner of Gathering stated in 131
the Prophetic Sunnah?
Q 115: Cite some descriptions of how people will 132
stand on the Day of Judgment, rom the Glorious
Qur'an.
Q 116: Cite some descriptions of how people will 133
stand on the Day of Judgment rom the Prophetic
Sunnah.
Q 117: Cite some descriptions of the Display and 134
Reckoning on the Day of Judgment rom the Glorious Qur'an.
Q 118: Cite some descriptions of the Display and 135
Reckoning on the Day of Judgment rom the Prophetic Sunnah.
Q 119: Cite some descriptions of the Spreading of 137
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the Records of Deeds rom the Glorious Qur'an.
Q 120: Cite some descriptions of the Spreading of 139
the Records of Deeds rom the Prophetic Sunnah.
Q 121: What is the Qur'anic textual proof that the 139
'Balance' is a reality?
Q 122: What is the Textual proof rom the Prophetic 140
Sunnah that the 'Balance' is a reality?
Q 123: What is the textual proof rom the Glorious 141
Qur'an of the existence of the Straight Path?
Q 124: What is the textual proof rom the 141
Prophetic Sunnah of the existence of the Straight
Path?
Q 125: Mention some Qur'anic proofs that being 142
justly judged (Just Requital) is a part of the
proceedings of the Day of Judgment?
Q 126: What is the textual proof that being judged 143
justly (Just Requital) is a part of the Day of
Judgment according to the Prophetic Sunnah?
Q 127: What is the textual proof rom the Glorious 144
Qur'an that the Cistern (Kauthar) exists?
Q 128: What is the textual proof rom the 144
Prophetic Sunnah that the Cistern (Kauthar)
exists?
Q 129: What is the textual proof that a Muslim 145
must believe in the existence of both Paradise and Hell-fire?
Q 130: What is the meaning of Faith in Paradise 147
and Hell-Fire?
Q 131: What is the textual proof that they exist 147
now?
Q 132: What is the textual proof that they exist 149
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eternally (by the Leave of Allah)?
Q 133: What is the textual proof that the believers 152
will see their Lord in the Hereater?
Q 134: What is the textual proof of Shafa^ah 154
(Intercession)? Who will practice it? For the sake of whom? When?
Q 135: How many kinds of Intercession are there? 157
Which is the greatest one?
Q 136: Would anybody attain salvation on the Day 159
of Resurrection because of his deeds?
Q 137: How can we understand the above 159
mentioned Hadith and the Qur'anic verse that reads: {And it will be cried out to them: This is the Paradise which you have inherited for what you used to do}. (Al-A'raf, 43)?
Q 138: What is the textual proof that a Muslim 160
must believe in the Divine Decree
(Predestination)?
Q 139: What are the different ranks of having 162
irm faith in the Divine Decree?
Q 140: What is the textual proof that faith in 163
Allah's Comprehensive Knowledge, is one of the ranks of faith in His Divine Decree?
Q 141: What is the textual proof that faith in 166
Predestination is one of the ranks of faith in His Divine Decree?
Q 142: How many Pre-ordainments are included 167
by this rank?
Q 143: What is the textual proof of Eternal Pre- 168
ordainment?
Q 144: What is the textual proof of the Pre- 169
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ordainment of life-time on the Day of Covenant?
Q 145: What is the textual proof of the Pre- 172
ordainment of life-time when the Nutfah is irst created?
Q 146: What is the textual proof of the Annual 173
Pre-ordainment that takes place during Lailat AlQadr (the Night of Power)?
Q 147: What is the textual proof of the Daily Pre- 173
ordainment?
Q 148: How does the belief in the Pre-ordainment 174
of a person's life by Allah (i.e. Knowing that he would lead either a happy or a miserable life) affect his deeds in this life?
Q 149: What is the textual proof of the third rank: 176
affirming faith in Allah's Divine Will?
Q 150: How can we understand the fact that Allah 179
wills what He dislikes and does not actually accept to be performed by His servants?
Q 151: What is the textual proof of the fourth rank: 181
Afirming faith that Allah is the Creator of
everything?
Q 152: What does the following statement of the 182
Prophet (Peace be upon him) mean: "And all
goodness is in Your Hand; and evil is not (attributed) to You?"
Q 153: Do the slaves of Allah, have any kind of 183
will or choice concerning their acts?
Q 154: How can we answer the following 184
question: Isn't Allah Able to make all His slaves
obedient and guided believers?


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Q 155: What is the significance of affirming faith 185
in the Divine Decree?
Q 156: How many branches of I man (Faith) are 188
there?
Q 157: How have scholars interpreted these 188
branches?
Q 158: Mention what they have counted. 189
Q 159: What is the textual proof of Ihsan 192
(Perfection of Faith) rom the Glorious Qur'an and
the Prophetic Sunnah?
Q 160: What does Ihsan (Perfection of Faith) in 193
worship mean?
Q 161: What contradicts Imdn (Faith)? 194
Q 162: Explain how open disbelief expels one 194
rom the fold of Islam.
Q 163: How many divisions of Major Disbelief 195
are there?
Q 164: What is the meaning of "Kufr Jahl wa 195
Takdhib "?
Q 165: What is the meaning of "Kufr Juhud"? 196
Q 166: What is the meaning of "Kur Jnad wa 197
Istikbar"?
Q 167: What is the meaning of "Kufr Nifaq "? 198
Q 168: What is the practical disbelief that does not 199
exclude one rom the fold of Islam?
Q 169: If it is said: Prostrating oneself before an 202
idol, mocking at the Qur'an, abusing the Prophet and religion, etc. all these are regarded as aspects of practical disbelief. The question is! Why do these acts exclude one rom the fold of Islam, while practical disbelief in general does not?
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Q 170: Into how many divisions do the following 203
terms divide: Injustice, Debauchery, and Hypocrisy?
Q 171: Cite some examples of Major and Minor 203
Injustice (Shirk).
Q 172: Cite some examples of Major and Minor 204
Disobedience.
Q 173: Cite some examples of Major and Minor 205
Hypocrisy.
Q 174: What is the ruling pertaining to Sorcery 207
and Sorcerers?
Q 175: What is the [Hadd] Prescribed Penalty for 207
the Sorcerer?
Q 176: What is Nushrah? 208
Q 177: What are the lawful Ruqa (PI. Ruqyah)? 208
Q 178: What are the unlawful Ruqa (PL Ruqyah)? 209
Q 179: What is the ruling pertaining to necklaces 209
of amulets, strings, rings, threads, cowrie ××××ls
(supposedly used to save one rom the influence of
the evil eye!), etc.?
Q 180: What is the ruling concerning Wearing 211
Amulets containing words rom the Glorious
Qur'an?
Q 181: What is the ruling concerning Soothsayers? 211
Q 182: What is the ruling concerning whosoever 213
believes a Soothsayer?
Q 183: What is the ruling concerning Practicing 214
Astrology?
Q 184: What is the ruling concerning attributing 215
the fall of rain to the rising or setting of stars?
Q 185: What is the ruling pertaining to Divination 216
and the like?
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Q 186: What is the ruling pertaining to the Evil Eye? 217
Q 187: Into how many divisions are sins (deeds of 217
disobedience) divided?
Q 188: How are sins expiated? 218
Q 189: What is the meaning of "Major Sins"? 218
Q 190: How can all sins - Major and Minor - be 219
expiated?
Q 191: What is the meaning of "Sincere 221
Repentance"?
Q 192: When are the doors to repentance closed 221
for each human being?
Q 193: When does repentance cease for the whole 222
universe?
Q 194: What is the ruling concerning whosoever 223
dies rom among the monotheists while he insists
on committing a Major Sin?
Q 195: Are Al-Hudud (the Prescribed Penalties) 227
expiatory?
Q 196: How can we compromise between the 228
saying of the Prophet "// is up to Allah to forgive or punish him", and what was mentioned earlier that one whose sins outweigh his good deeds, will enter Hell-ire?
Q 197: What is the 'straight path' we are ordered 229
to follow?
Q 198: How can one keep irm on the straight path? 229
Q 199: What is the opposite of 'Sunnah'? 230
Q 200: What are the divisions of 'Innovation' 231
which contradict the religion?
Q 201: What are the Blasphemous Innovations? 231

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Q 202: Are there any kind of innovations that are 232
not blasphemous?
Q 203: What are the divisions of Innovation 233
depending on the ield in which it takes place?
Q 204: What are the divisions of Innovations in 233
acts of worship?
Q 205: How does Innovation affect the Acts of 234
Worship?
Q 206: What are the Innovations concerning one's 234
dealings?
Q 207: What must we observe regarding the 235
companions of the Prophet and his household?
Q 208: Who in general is the best amongst the 239
companions of the Prophet (Peace be upon him)?
Q 209: Give details about who is the best amongst 239
the companions of the Prophet (Peace be upon him)?
Q 210: How many years did the Caliphate last 243
ater Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)?
Q 211: What is the general proof of their (the four 244
Caliphs') right to the Caliphate?
Q 212: What is the detailed proof that the irst 244
three Caliphs had a right to the Caliphate?
Q 213: What is the proof of the Caliphate of Abu 245
Bakr and "Umar?
Q 214: What is the proof that Abu Bakr (May 245
Allah be pleased with him) had the right to the
Caliphate; and a successor to Allah's Messenger?
Q 215: What is the proof that ^Umar (May Allah 246
be pleased with him) had the right to the Caliphate and being a successor to Abu Bakr?
Q 216: What is the proof that * Uthman (May Allah 247
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be pleased with him) had the right to the Caliphate
and being a successor to Abu Bakr and "Umar?
Q 217: What is the proof that 'Ali (May Allah be 248
pleased with him) had the right to the Caliphate and being a successor to Abu Bakr, Umar and 'Uthman?
Q 218: How should Muslims deal with the people 248
in authority?
Q 219: What is the textual proof for this? 249
Q 220: Who bears the responsibility of enjoining the 251
good and forbidding the evil? What are its ranks?
Q 221: What is the ruling pertaining to the 252
Wondrous Acts of Auliya'?
Q 222: Who is Allah's Wall (pi. Auliya')? 253

Q 223: Who is the group referred to by the 254
Prophet (Peace be upon him) in the following
Hadith: 'A group of people from my Ummah will continue to obey Allah's Command, and those who desert or oppose them shall not be able to do them any harm. They will dominate the people until Allah's Command is executed (i.e. Resurrection is Established) "?

[Iron Man]

.

the answers

Q 1: What is the irst (religious) obligation on Allah's servants?
A—The first religious obligation on Allah's servants is to realize the purpose for which Allah, the Almighty created them. The purpose for which He took their covenant and sent them His Messengers and Books, and for which He created this present life, the Hereater, Paradise and Hell-ire;and for which the Inevitable would come true; and the Event would befall; and for which the Balance is set and the Records fly; and for which there would be either happiness or misery according to which the lights would be divided. For any to whom Allah gives not light, there will be no light for him!
Q 2: What is the purpose of Creation?
A— Allah, the Almighty says: {And We created not the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them, for mere play. We created them not except with truth (i.e.
to examine and test those who are obedient and those who are disobedient and then reward the obedient ones and punish the disobedient ones), but most of them know
not}. (Ad-Duklian, 38-39)
He also says: {And We created not the heaven and the
earth and all that is between them without purpose! That is
the consideration of those who disbelieve!}. (Sad, 27)
He also says: {And Allah has created the heavens
and the earth with truth, in order that each person may be recompensed what he has earned, and they will not be
wronged}. (Al-Jathiyah, 22)

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He also says: {And I (Allah) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone). I seek not any provision from them (i.e. provision for
themselves or for My creatures) nor do I ask that they should feed Me (i.e. feed themselves or My creatures). Verily, Allah is the All-Provider, owner of Power, the Most Strong}. (Ad-Dhariyat, 56-58)
Q 3: What is the meaning of the word 'Abd (servant of Allah)?
A— In one sense, the word Abd may refer to the subdued or subjugated. This meaning encompasses all aspects of creation: higher and lower, rational and irrational, animate and inanimate, dynamic and static, apparent and hidden, believing and disbelieving, and pious and evil, etc.; all of which are created by Allah, the Almighty. They are subjected to Him, and managed by Him Alone. Moreover, all of them have a limit; a destination and each one runs (its course) for an
appointed term. Such is the judgment and order of (Him), the Exalted in Power, the Omniscient. It can also be understood to refer to the modest who loves the Almighty, in which case it would only refer to the believing men and women, who are Allah's honorable servants, slaves and pious ones; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.


'The Arabic word ^Abd means a male slave, a slave of Allah the Almighty. (Translator)
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Q 4: What is Worship?
A— "Worship" is a comprehensive word that refers to all which pleases Allah, and which He likes, viz., good words and deeds that are made manifest or concealed; and freedom rom all which contradicts this.
Q 5: When can a deed be considered an act of worship?
A— If two elements are fulilled: perfect love (for Allah) along with perfect submission (to Him). Allah,
the Almighty says: {But those who believe, love Allah
more (than anything else)}. (Al-Baqarah, 165)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Verily those who live in
awe for fear of their Lord}. (Al-Mu'minun, 57)
Allah, the Almighty gathered these two elements in the following verse that reads, {Verily, they used to
hasten on to do good deeds, and they used to call on Us with hope and fear, and used to humble themselves before Us}. (Al-Anbiya\ 90)
Q 6: How can we prove that Allah's servant loves his Lord?
A— The proof is evident when one loves what is loved by Allah and dislikes what is disliked by Him; he should act according to His Orders and avoid His Prohibitions; he should be with those who love Allah, and show severe enmity to His enemies. That is why love and hatred for the sake of Allah are the most signiicant signs of Iman (Faith).



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Q 7: How can the servant of Allah know what He loves?
A— They gain this knowledge through the Messengers of Allah and the Revelation of Divine Scriptures that contain the orders and prohibitions of Allah, the Almighty. Thus, He has presented His irrefutable proof and showed His ininite wisdom to all mankind. Allah, the Almighty says: {Messengers as
bearers of good news as well as of warning in order that mankind should have no plea against Allah after the (coming of) Messengers}. (An-Nisa', 165)
He says: {Say (O Muhammad (Peace be upon him) to mankind): If you (really) love Allah then follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful}. (Al Imran, 31)
Q 8: What are the conditions of worship? A— There are three conditions of worship:
First: Sincere determination, which is a pre-condition for the fulillment of the act of worship..
Second: Sincerity of intention.
Third: Compliance with Islamic Law (Shari'ah) ordained by Allah.
The last two conditions are a prerequisite for the acceptance of the act of worship by Allah.


1 Accept Islamic Monotheism, follow the Qur'an and the Sunnah
(Translator)

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Q 9: What is the meaning of "Sincerity of determination "?
A— It means warding off lethargy and laziness, and exerting one's effort in making his words coincide with his deeds. Allah, the Almighty says: {O you who believe! Why do you say that which you do not do? Most hateful it is with Allah that you say that which you do not do}.
(As-Saff, 2-3)
Q 10: What is the meaning of "Sincerity of intention"?
A— It means that all the sayings and deeds of Allah's slave, both manifest and concealed, must be accompanied by the intention for no one but Allah, the Most High. Allah, the Almighty says: {And they were
commanded not, but that they should worship Allah, and
worship none but Him Alone }. (Al-Bayyinah, 5)
He also says: {And who has (in mind) no favor from
anyone to be paid back. Except to seek the Countenance
of his Lord, the Most High}. (Al-Lail, 19-20)
He also says: {We feed you seeking Allah's
Countenance only. We wish for no reward, nor thanks
from you}. (Al-Insan, 9)
He also says: {Whosoever desires (by his deeds) the
reward of the Hereafter, We give him increase in his reward, and whosoever desires the reward of this world (by



Abstaining from ascribing partners to Him. (Translator)

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his deeds), We give him thereof (what is decreed for him), and he has no portion in the Hereafter}. (Ash-Shura, 20)
Q 11: What is the only religion that man is ordered to embrace?
A— It is Pure Islamic Monotheism (Worshipping Allah Alone and nothing else); the religion of Ibrahim [Abraham] (Peace be upon him). Allah, the Most High says: {Truly, the religion with Allah is Islam}.(Al Imran, 19)
He says: {Do they seek other than the religion of
Allah (true Islamic Monotheism - worshipping none but Allah Alone), while to Him submit all creatures in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly}.
(Al Imran, 83)
He also says: {And who turns away from the religion of Ibrahim (Abraham) (i.e. Islamic Monotheism) except him who befools himseip}. (Al-Baqarah, 130)
He also says: {And whoever seeks a religion other
than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the
Hereafter he will be one of the losers}. (Al 'Imran, 85)
He also says: {Or have they partners with Allah
(false gods) who have instituted for them a religion which Allah has not ordained?}. (Ash-Shura, 21)
Q 12: What are the various ranks of Islam?
A— They are three: Islam, Iman (Faith), and Ihsan (Perfection of Faith).
Q 13: What is Islam?
A— Islam means perfect submission to Allah; and testifying to complete Monotheism and freedom from
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polytheism and disobedience to Allah. Allah, the Most High says: {And who can be better in religion than one
who submits his face (himself) to Allah}. (An-Nisa', 125)
He also says: {And whosoever submits his face
(himself) to Allah, while he is a Muhsin, then he has grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold}. (Luqman, 22)
He also says: {Andyour Ildh (god) is One Ilah (God
- Allah), so you must submit to Him Alone (in Islam). And (O Muhammad) give glad tidings to the Mukhbitun}.
(Al-Hajj, 34)
Q 14: What is the evidence that the word "Islam" refers to every aspect of religion when used in a general context?
A— Allah, the Most High says: {Truly, the religion
with Allah is Islam}. (Al Imran, 19)
Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) says:
"Islam started in strangeness and will end as it started in being strange, blessed be those who are considered strange." (Sahih Muslim)
He (Peace be upon him) also says: "The best of deeds in Islam is Belief in Allah". (Musnad Ahmad)
Q 15: What is the proof that "Islam" denotes the five pillars of Islam when used in a speciic context?


1 Muhsin: i.e. good-doer (one who performs good deeds totally for Allah's sake without any showing off or to gain praise or fame and does them in accordance widi the Sunnah of Allah's Messenger Muhammad (Peace be upon him)). (Translator)

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A— The Prophet's saying (Peace be upon him) upon answering Jibril when he asked about the religion (Islam): "Al-Isldm implies that you testify that there is no
god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and you establish prayer, pay Zakah, observe the fast of Ramadan, and perform pilgrimage to the House
(the Kabbah in Makkah), if one has the means to do so".
(Bukhari and Muslim)
His saying (Peace be upon him) that reads: "Islam is raised on five (pillars): Testifying that there is no god but Allah, performance of Prayer, payment of Zakah, the fast of Ramadan, and Pilgrimage (to Makkah)". (Bukhari
and Muslim)
Q16: What is the significance of the two testimonies (shahadatayn) in Islam?
A— One cannot be regarded as a Muslim until he pronounces the two testimonies. Allah, the Almighty says: {The true believers are only those, who believe in (the Oneness of Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad (Peace be upon him))}. (An-Nur, 62)
Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) says: "I have been commanded to fight against people till they testify that there is no god but Allah, and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, perform Prayer,
and pay Zakah. If they do that, their blood and property are guaranteed protection on my behalf except when justified by law, and their affairs rest, with Allah".
(Bukhari and Muslim)
Q 17: What is the proof of the testimony that there is no god but Allah?
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A— Allah, Almighty's saying: {Allah bears witness
that La ilaha ilia Huwa (none has the right to be
worshipped but He), and the angels, and, those having knowledge (also give this witness); (He always)
maintains His creation in Justice. La ilaha ilia Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the AllMighty, the All-wise}. (Allmran, 18)
Allah also says: {So know (O Muhammad (Peace be
upon him)) that, La ilaha illAlldh (none the right to he worshipped but A11 ah)}. (Muhammad, 19)
Allah also says: {Say (O Muhammad (Peace be upon
him)): "I am only a warner and there is no Ilah (god) except Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah) the One, the Irresistible}. (Sad, 65)
Allah also says: {No son (or offspring) did Allah beget,
nor is there any Ilah (god) along with Him. (If there had been many gods), then each god would have taken away what he had created, and some would have tried*to overcome others! Glorified is Allah above all that they attribute to Him!}.
(Al-Mu'minun, 91)
Allah says: {Say (O Muhammad (Peace be upon him) to these polytheists, pagans): "If there had been other alihah (gods) along with Him as they assert, then they would certainly have sought but a way to the Lord of the Throne (seeking His Pleasure and to be near to Him)}.
(Al-Isra\ 42)
Q 18: What is the meaning of the testimony, "There is no god but Allah"?
A— It means that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah, Who has no partners or rivals in
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Worship or Dominion. Allah, the Most High says: {That is because Allah - He is the Truth (the only True God of all that exists, Who has no partners or rivals with Him), and what they (the polytheists) invoke besides Him, it is
Batil falsehood). And verily, Allah - He is the Most
High, the Most Great}. (Al-Hajj, 62)
Q19: What are the conditions of reciting the Shahadah (Bearing witness that there is no god but Allah) that must be fulilled by the one who recites it?
A— They are seven:
First: to know its meaning (what it affirms and what it negates).
Second: To have absolute Faith in it.
Third: To comply with its rules both publicly and secretly.
Fourth: To accept it and not to reject any of its implications or requirements.
Fifth: To purify one's intention regarding it.
Sixth: To believe in it rom within one's heart, not only by the tongue.
Seventh: To feel passion for it and for its adherents and to take friends and enemies only according to its criteria.
Q 20: What is the proof that knowledge of the meaning of Shahadah
is necessary for those pronouncing it?


34






A— Allah, the Almighty says: {Except for those who bear witness to the truth knowingly} i.e. believe in the Oneness of Allah, {and they know}. (Az-Zukhruf, 86) i.e.
they know in their heart the facts about the Oneness of Allah and the significance of this belief.
Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) says: 'He who dies knowing (fully well) that there is no god but Allah, will enter Paradise". (Sahih Muslim)

[Iron Man]

.

Q 21: What is the textual proof from the Glorious Qur'an and the Prophetic Sunnah (Tradition) that a Muslim must have absolute faith "yaqin?"
A— Allah, the Almighty says: {Only those are the
believers who have believed in Allah and His Messenger, and afterward doubt not, but strive with their wealth and their lives for the Cause of Allah. Those! They are the
truthful}. (Al-Hujurat, 15)

Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) says:
"I bear testimony to the fact that there is no god but Allah, and I am His messenger. The slave who would meet Allah without entertaining any doubt about these (two fundamentals) would enter Paradise ". (Muslim)
Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said to Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him): "Take these sandals of mine, and when you meet anyone outside this garden who testifies that there is no god but Allah, being assured of it in his heart, gladden him by announcing that he shall go to Paradise ". (Sahih Muslim)


35






Q 22: What is the textual proof from the Glorious Qur'an and the Prophetic Sunnah, that a Muslim must completely submit to Allah and that this is a prerequisite of his faith?
A— Allah, the Almighty says: {And whosoever
submits his face (himself) to Allah, while he is a Muhsin,1 then he has grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold}.
(Luqman, 22)
Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) says:
"None of you is a believer till his desire is in conformity with what I have been sent with (i.e. Allah's religion".
(An-Nawawi)
Q 23: What is the textual proof that acceptance (of the Message of Islam) is a prerequisite of faith in Allah?
A— Regarding those who do not accept it, Allah, the Almighty says: {(It will be said to the angels):
"Assemble those who did wrong, together with their companions (from the devils) and what they used to worship, instead of Allah, and lead them on to the way of the flaming Fire (Hell); but stop them, verily they are to be questioned. What is the matter with you? Why do you not help one another (as you used to do in the world)? Nay, but that Day they shall surrender. And they will turn to one another and question one another. They will

1 Good-doer i.e. performs good deeds totally for Allah's sake without showing off or to gain praise or fame and does diem in accordance with die Sunnah of Allah's Messenger Muhammad (Peace be upon him).
(Translator)
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say: It was you who used to come to us from the right side . They will reply: Nay, you yourselves were not
believers. And we had no authority over you. Nay! But you were Taghun (transgressing) people. So now the Word of our Lord has been justified against us, that we certainly (have to) taste (the torment). So we led you
astray because we were ourselves astray. Then verily, that Day, they will (all) share in the torment. Certainly, that is how We deal with Al-Mujrimun . Truly, when it was said to them: La ilaha illAlldh "(none has the right to be worshipped but Allah? " They puffed themselves up
with pride (i.e. denied it). And (they) said: "Are we
going to abandon our alihah (gods) for the sake of a
mad poet?}. (As-Saffat, 22-36)
Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) says:
"The similitude of the guidance and knowledge with which Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, has sent me, is that of rain falling upon the earth. There is a good piece of land which receives the rainfall (readily) and as a result of it herbage and grass is grown in it abundantly. Then there is a land which is hard and barren but which retains water and the people derive benefit from it and they drink it and make their animals drink. Then there is another piece of land which is barren. Neither water is retained in it, nor is there grass grown in it. The similitude

1 i.e. from die right side of us and beautify for us every evil, enjoin on us polytheism, and prevent us from the trudi i.e. Islamic Monotheism and from every good deed. (Translator)
I.e. Polytheists, sinners, disbelievers, criminals, and the disobedient to
Allah. (Translator)

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of the irst one is he who develops understanding of the religion of Allah and it becomes a source of benefit to him with which Allah sent me. (The second one is he)
Who acquires knowledge of religion and imparts it to others. (Then the other type is) the one who does not pay attention to (the revealed knowledge) and thus does not accept the guidance of Allah with which I have been
sent". (Bukhari and Muslim)
Q 24: What is the textual proof from the Glorious Qur'an and the Prophetic Sunnah, that a Muslim must be sincere?
A— Allah, the Almighty says: {Surely the religion
(i.e. worship and obedience) is for Allah only}. (Az-Zumar, 3)
Allah says: {So worship Allah (Alone) by doing religious deeds sincerely for Allah's sake only}. (Az-Zumar, 2)




■
Prophet Muhammad

(Peace be upon him) says:

"The most fortunate person who will have my intercession on the Day of Resurrection will be the one who said sincerely from the depths of his heart, None has the right to be worshipped but Allah'"'. (Sahih Bukhari)
He (Peace be upon him) also said, "Allah has forbidden the (Hell) fire for those who say, 'None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, for Allah's sake only".
(Bukhari and Muslim)
Q 25: What is the textual proof from the Glorious Qur'an and the Prophetic Sunnah, that a Muslim must be truthful?



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A— Allah, the Almighty says: {A I if-Lam-Mi m.} Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: "We believe, " and will not be tested. And We indeed tested those who were before them. And Allah will certainly make (it) known (the truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make (it) known (the falsehood
of) those Who are liars }. (Al- Ankabut, 1-3)

Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) says:
"Anyone who sincerely testifies that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger will be delivered by Allah from the Hell-Fire ". (Bukhari and Muslim)
He (Peace be upon him) explained to a Bedouin who had asked him about the rituals of Islam and the Bedouin replied: 'By Allah! I will not do extra deeds or leave anything from it.' He, Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said: He will be successful if he has told the truth '. (Bukhari and Muslim)
Q 26: What is the textual proof from the Glorious Qur'an and the Prophetic Sunnah that love for Allah and His Prophet is a prerequisite for faith in the Almighty?
A— Allah, the Almighty says: {O you who believe! Whoever from among you turns back from his religion (Islam), Allah will bring a people whom He will love and they will love Him}. (Al-Ma'idah, 54)
1 These letters are one of the miracles of the Qur'an, and none but Allah (Alone) knows their significance. (Translator)
2 Although Allah knows everything before testing them. (Translator)

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Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) says: "Whoever possesses the following three qualities will have the sweetness (delight) of Faith: (a) The one to
whom Allah and His Messenger becomes dearer than anything else, (b) The person who loves a person and he
loves him only for Allah's Sake, (c) The one who hates to revert to disbelief (Atheism) after Allah has brought (saved) him out from it, as he hates to be thrown into the
fire ". (Bukhari and Muslim)
Q 27: What is the textual proof that one should befriend and declare enmity only for Allah's Sake?
A— Allah, the Most High says: ^O you who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians as Auliya' (friends, protectors, helpers), they are but the Auliya' of each
other. And if any amongst you takes them (as Auliya), then surely he is one of them. Verily, Allah guides not those people who are the Zalimun (polytheists and
wrong-doers and unjust). And you see those in whose hearts there is a disease (of hypocrisy), they hurry to
their friendship, saying: "We fear lest some misfortune or a disaster may befall us. " Perhaps Allah may bring a victory or a decision according to His Will. Then they will become full of regret for what they have been keeping as a secret within themselves. And those who believe will say: "Are
these the men (hypocrites) who swore their strongest
oaths by Allah that they were with you (Muslims)?" All that they did has been in vain (because of their
hypocrisy), and they have become the losers. O you who believe! Whoever from among you turns back from his religion (Islam), Allah will bring a people whom He will love and they will love Him; humble towards the
40






believers, stem towards the disbelievers, fighting in the Way of Allah, and never fearing the blame of the blame rs. That is the Grace of Allah which He bestows on whom He wills. And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower. Verily, your Wall (Protector or Helper) is none other than Allah, His Messenger, and the believers, - those who perform As-
Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), and give Zakah, and they are Rakfun (those who bow down or submit themselves in obedience to Allah in prayer)}. (Al-Ma'idah, 51-55)
Allah says: {O you who believe! Take not as Auliya'
(supporters and helpers) your fathers and your brothers if they prefer disbelief to Belief. And whoever of you does so, then he is one of the Zalimun (wrong-doers)}. (At-1'awbah, 2 3)
Allah also says: {You (O Muhammad (Peace be upon him)) will not find any people who believe in Allah and the Last Day, making friendship with those who oppose Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad (Peace be upon him)), even though they were their fathers or their sons or their mothers or their kindred (people)}. (Al-Mujadilah, 22)
Allah also says: {O you who believe! Take not My
enemies and your enemies (i.e. disbelievers and
polytheists) as friends, showing affection towards them, while they have disbelieved in what has come to you of the truth, and have driven out the Messenger and yourselves (from your homeland) because you believe in Allah your Lord! If you have come forth to strive in My Cause and to seek My Good Pleasure, (then take not
these disbelievers and polytheists as your friends). You show friendship to them in secret, while I am All-Aware

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of what you conceal and what you reveal. And whosoever of you (Muslims) does that, then indeed he has gone (far) astray from the Straight Path}. (Al-Mumtahanah, 1)
Q 28: What is the textual proof of the second part of the testimony (Shahadah) that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah?
A— Allah, the Almighty says: {Indeed Allah
conferred a great favor on the believers when He sent among them a Messenger (Muhammad (Peace be upon him)) from among themselves, reciting unto them His verses (the Qur'an), and purifying them from sins by their following him), and instructing them (in) the Book
(the Qur'an) and Al-Hikmah [the wisdom and the
Sunnah of the Prophet (i.e. his legal ways, statements,
acts of worship)}, while before that they had been in
manifest error}. (Al Imran, 164)
Allah says: {Verily, there has come unto you a
Messenger (Muhammad (Peace be upon him)) from
amongst yourselves (i.e. whom you know well). It grieves
him that you should receive any injury or difficulty. He is
anxious over you;1 for the believers (he (Peace be upon
him)) is full of pity, kindness, and mercy}. (At-Tawbah, 128)
Allah says: {When the hypocrites come to you
(O Muhammad (Peace be upon him), they say: "We bear witness that you are indeed the Messenger of Allah."

To be rightly guided, to repent to Allah, and beg Him to pardon and forgive your sins in order that you may enter Paradise and be saved from the punishment of the Hell-ire. (Translator)

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Allah knows that you are indeed His Messenger, and Allah bears witness that the hypocrites are liars indeed}.
(Al-Munaiqun, 1)
Q 29: What is the significance of testifying that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah?
A— It means: to have pure and absolute belief in the depths of one's heart, that conforms with the verbal declaration that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger to all creatures, both human and jinn: {Verily, We have sent you as a witness, and a bearer of glad tidings, and a warner. And as one who invites to Allah by His Leave, and as a lamp spreading light}. (Al-Ahzab, 45,46)
So, one must believe in all that the Prophet narrated about past and forthcoming events, and believe in all that he declared to be lawful or unlawful, to show submission and obedience to all his commands and prohibitions, to follow his Shari'ah and adhere to his Sunnah (way of life), publicly and secretly, with complete satisfaction and submission. One should know that to obey him (Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)) is to obey Allah, the Almighty and to disobey him, means that one is disobeying Allah, as he is the Messenger sent by Him to convey the Divine Message. The Almighty only caused the Prophet's death ater He (Allah) had perfected His religion (Islam) through him. Moreover, one should know that he (Peace be upon him) delivered the Message perfectly, and that he let his Ummah (community) with the clear message (of Islam); whosoever deviates from it, will gain nothing but loss. This topic will be further dealt with later, Allah willing.

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Q 30: What are the conditions of testifying that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah? Could the first testimony (relating to Allah) be acceptable
without the second?
A— We have mentioned earlier that one cannot be deemed a Muslim until he declares these two testimonies, and that they are inseparable. Thus, the conditions set for the irst are also necessary for the second and vice versa.
Q 31: What is the textual proof that Prayer and Zakah are compulsory?
A— Allah, the Almighty says: {But if they repent
and perform Prayer, and give Zakah, then leave their
way free}. (At-Tawbah, 5)
Allah says: {But if they repent, perform Prayer and
give Zakah, then they are your brethren in religion}. (At-
Tawbah, 11)
Allah says: {And they were commanded not, but that
they should worship Allah, and worship none but Him Alone, and perform Prayer and give Zakah}. (Al-Bayyinah, S)
Q 32: What is the textual proof that Sawm (Fasting) is obligatory?
A— Allah, the Almighty says: {O you who believe!
Observing As-Sawm (Fasting)1 is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you}. (Al-Baqarah, 183)



1 As-Sawm means Fasting i.e. not to eat or drink or have sexual relations
etc. from the Adhan of the Fajr (early morning) prayer till sunset.
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Allah says: {So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of the month (of Ramadan i.e. is present, at his home), he must observe Sawm (fast) that month}. (AIBaqarah, 185)
According to a Hadith, a Bedouin said to Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him): Tell me about the Fast that Allah makes obligatory for me. He (Peace be upon him) said: "The month of Ramadan. The inquirer said: Am I obliged to fast anything else besides this? He (the Prophet (Peace be upon him)) said: No, except that which you observe out of your own free will". (Sahih Bukhari)
Q 33: What is the textual proof that Pilgrimage (Hajj) is compulsory?
A— Allah, the Most High says: {And perform
properly (i.e. all the ceremonies according to the ways of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)), the Hajj and ^Umrah for Allah}. (Al-Baqarah, 196)
Allah says: {And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the
House (Ka Fah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, for those who can afford the expenses (for one's conveyance, provision and residence)}. (Arimran, 97)
The Prophet (Peace be upon him) says: "O people, Allah has made Hajj obligatory for you, so perform it".
(Sahih Bukhari)
He (Peace be upon him) says; "Islam is raised on five (pillars): Testiying that there is no God but Allah,


(Translator)

45





performance of Prayer, payment of Zakah, fast of Ramadan, and Pilgrimage (to Makkah)". (Sahih Bukhari)
Q 34: What is the ruling pertaining to one who denies any of the aforementioned pillars of Islam, (Arkan al-Islam), or acknowledges them but neglects to perform them, because of arrogance and pride?
A— He should be killed as a disbeliever, who is no different from any of those who belied Allah and were arrogant such as Iblis (Satan) and Pharaoh.
Q 35: What is the ruling pertaining to one who acknowledges them, but neglects them due to laziness or misinterpretation?
A— The one who delays prayer ater its proper time due to either or both reasons, should be asked to repent to Allah. If he repents, he shouldn't be punished. But, if he
does not repent, he should be killed; this is the prescribed penalty, for Allah says: {But if they repent and perform Prayer, and give Zakah, then leave their way free (i.e. don'tpunish them)}. (At-Tawbah, 5)
Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) says: '7 have been commanded to fight against people until they testify that there is no god but Allah, and he who professes it is guaranteed the protection of his property and life on my behalf (except for a just right) and his afairs rest with
Allah ". (Bukhari and Muslim)
If the one who withholds the Zakah is not an influential person, the Imam (Muslim ruler) should take it from him by force, and make an example of him by

46






taking away some of his property. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) says: "And he who withholds it, we will take, along with it half of his property as well. " (Compiled by Ahmad, Abu Dawud and An-Nasa'i). However, if they should be a strong and fierce group, according to the aforementioned Qur'anic verses and Hadiths, the Imam (Muslim ruler) should ight against them until they pay it. Abu Bakr As-Siddiq and the other companions of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) took a similar action.
Nothing has been related concerning fasting, but, the Imam (Muslim ruler) or his vicegerent should discipline any defaulter and make an example of him. Hajj is compulsory throughout one's lifetime; only death nulliies this obligation. Thus, one should perform it if he can afford to. Anyone who neglects performing the Pilgrimage will be punished in the hereater; however, there is no prescribed punishment in this world.
Q 36: What is Iman (Faith)?
A— Faith must be expressed in both words and deeds. The words must come rom the heart and be verbalized and this also applies for the deeds, which must also be practiced. Faith increases when one obeys Allah, and decreases when he sins against Him. Strength of Faith varies from one person to another.
Q 37: What is the textual proof that Faith must be expressed by both words and deeds?
A— Allah, the Almighty says: {But Allah has
endeared the Faith to you and has beautified it in your
hearts}. (Al-Hujurat, 7)
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Allah says: {So believe in Allah and His Messenger
(Muhammad (Peace be upon him))}. (Al-A'raf, 158)
This is the meaning of the two testimonies without which one cannot be regarded as a Muslim. The heart must irmly believe in them and this belief is conirmed verbally by the tongue for the testimonies to be effective. Allah, the Almighty says: {And Allah would never make
your Faith' to be lost}. (AI-Baqarah, 143) i.e. your
'Prayers' offered towards Jerusalem before the change of the Qiblah . Prayers are referred to as 'Faith' because their performance involves every aspect of the individual: the heart, the tongue and movement of the limbs.
The Prophet (Peace be upon him) declared the
following to be some of the proofs of one's Faith: Jihad, observing prayers during the Night of Qadr (Power) , fasting during the month of Ramadan, praying at night during this month, and performing the ive compulsory Prayers properly. Moreover, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) was once asked about the best of all deeds and he said: "To believe in Allah and His Messenger". (Bukhari and Muslim)


1 The direction that all Muslims face in Prayers which is towards the
Ka" bah in Makkah (Saudi Arabia).
One of the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan. Allah descibes it as being better than one thousand months, and diat the one who worships Allah during it, by performing optional prayers and reciting the Glorious Qur'an, etc. will get a reward better than that of worshipping Him for one thousand months (i.e. 83 years and four months). (Translator)
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Q 38: What is the textual proof that Faith increases and decreases?
A— Allah, the Almighty says: {that they may grow more in Faith along with their (present) Faith}. (Al-Fat'h, 4)
Allah says: {... and We increased them in
guidance}. (Al-Kahf, 13)
Allah says: {And Allah increases in guidance those
who walk aright}. (Maryam, 76)
Allah says: {While as for those who accept guidance,
He increases their guidance}. (Muhammad, 17)
Allah says: {... and that the believers may increase in
Fa i th}. (Al-Muddaththir, 31)
Allah says: {As for those who believe, it has
increased their Faith}. (At-Tawbah, 124)
Allah says: {... therefore, fear them." But it (only)
increased them in Faith}. (Al Tmran, 173)
Allah says: {And it only added to their Faith and to
their submission (to Allah)}. (Al-Ahzab, 22)
The Prophet (Peace be upon him) says: "By Him in Whose Hand is my life, if your state of mind remains the same as it is in my presence and you are always busy in the remembrance (of Allah), the Angels will shake hands with you in your beds and on your paths but, sometimes you should be devoted (to worldly affairs) and sometimes (to prayer and meditation). He (the Holy Prophet)
repeated this thrice. " (Sahih Muslim).

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Q 39: What is the textual proof that the degrees of Faith vary from one person to another?
A— Allah, the Almighty says: {And those foremost [in the life of this world on the very first call for to embrace Islam] will be foremost (in Paradise). These
will be the nearest (to Allah). In the Gardens of Delight. A multitude of those (foremost) will be from the first generations (who embraced Islam). And a few of those
(foremost) will be from the later generations. (They will be) on thrones woven with gold and precious stones. Reclining thereon, face to face. Immortal boys will go around them (serving), with cups, and jugs, and a glass of flowing wine, wherefrom they will get neither any aching of the head, nor any intoxication. And with fruit that they may choose, and with the flesh of fowls that they desire. And (there will be) Hur (fair females) with wide, lovely eyes (as wives for the pious), like unto
preserved pearls. A reward for what they used to do. No Laghw (dirty, false, evil, vain talk) will they hear therein, nor any sinful speech (like backbiting). But only the saying of: Salam! Salam! (greetings with peace)! And those on the Right Hand - how (fortunate) will be those
on the Right Hand?}. (Al-Waqfah, 10-27)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Then, if he (the dying
person) be of the Muqarrabun (those brought near to
Allah), (there is for him) rest and provision, and a
Garden of Delights (Paradise). And if he (the dying
person) be of those on the Right Hand, then there is safety and peace (from the Punishment of Allah) for those on the right Hand}. (Al-Waqi'ah, 88-91)

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Allah, the Almighty says: {Then of them are some who wrong their own selves, and of them are some who follow a middle course, and of them are some who are, by Allah's Leave, are foremost in good deeds. That (inheritance of the Qur 'an) that is indeed a great grace}. (Fatir, 32)
The Prophet (Peace be upon him) says: "Whoever said "None has the right to be worshipped but Allah and has in his heart good (faith) equal to the weight of a grain of barley, will be taken out of Hell. And whoever said: "None has the right to be worshipped but Allah and has in his heart good (faith) equal to the weight of a grain of wheat will be taken out of Hell. And whoever said: "None has the right to be worshipped but Allah and has in his heart good (faith) equal to the weight of an atom will be taken out of Hell". (Bukhari and Muslim)
He (Peace be upon him) says: "Allah the Almighty takes out of Hell he who has in his heart good (faith) equal to the weight of a Dinar, then who has in heart good (faith) equal to the weight of half a Dinar. " (Sahih Muslim)
Q 40: What is the textual proof that the word "Faith" is used to refer to every aspect of the religion (of Islam) when used in a general context?
A— The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said to the delegation of "Abd Al-Qais: "I order you to believe in Allah Alone", and then he asked them, 'Do you know what is meant by believing in Allah Alone?' They replied,
'Allah and His Messenger know better.' Thereupon the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: It means: to testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and Muhammad is Allah's Messenger, to ofer Prayers, to pay the
51





Zakah (obligatory charity), to observe fast during the month of Ramadan, and to pay Al-Khumus (one ifth of the booty to be given in Allah 's Cause). (Bukhari and Muslim)

[Iron Man]

.

Q 41: What is the textual proof that when the word "Faith" is used in a specific context it refers to the six articles?
A— The proof for this comes rom the Prophet's (Peace be upon him) saying, when he was asked by Jibril (Peace be upon him) about Faith: "That you afirm your faith in Allah, in His angels, His Books, His Messengers, the Day of Judgment, and you affirm your faith in the Divine Decree, be it good or evil". (Sahih Muslim)
Q 42: What is the textual proof that these articles of Faith are mentioned together in the Glorious Qur'an?
A— Allah, the Almighty says: {It is not AI-Birr
(piety, righteousness, and each and every act of obedience to Allah, etc.) that you turn your faces towards the east and (or) the west (in prayers); but Al-Birr is (the quality of) the one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, the Prophets}. (Al-Baqarah, 177)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Verily, We have created
all things with Qadar (Divine Pre-ordainments of all
things before their creation as written in the Book of Decrees - Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz)}. (Al-Qamar, 49)
The textual proof of each of them will be given later, Allah willing.



52





Q 43: What is the meaning of having faith in Allah, the Almighty?
A— It means to have firm and absolute belief in the Existence of Allah, the Almighty, Who has never been preceded or followed by anyone or anything. The Ever-
First, the Eternally present, prior to everything, but without a beginning. The Last, the Eternal Survivor ater the entire destruction of everything, having no end. He is the Outward; there is nothing above Him. The Inward (Hidden) Whom no one can conceive. He is the Ever-
Living, the Sublime Self-Sub si sting, the One, the Everlasting Refuge, He begets not, nor was He begotten, and there is none equal or comparable unto Him. His Oneness has three aspects: [Tawhid Al-Uluhiyyah]
maintaining the unity of the Worship of Allah, [Tawhid Ar-Rububiyyah] maintaining the unity of the Lordship of Allah, and [Tawhid Al-Asma' was-Sifat] maintaining the unity of the Names and Attributes of Allah.
Q 44: What is the meaning of maintaining the unity of the worship of Allah (Tawhid Al-Uluhiyah] ?
A— It means to believe that none has the right to be worshipped (i.e. all sorts of manifest and concealed acts of worship including all sayings and deeds such as: praying, invoking, asking for help rom the unseen, swearing, offering sacrifice, giving charity, fasting, pilgrimage, etc.) except Allah, the Almighty. Allah says in His Glorious Qur'an, {Andyour Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him}. (Al-Isra', 23)



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Allah the Almighty says: {Worship Allah and join
none with Him (in worship)}. (An-Nisa', 36)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Verily! I am Allah! La
ilaha ilia Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but
I), so worship Me, and perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-
Salat) for My Remembrance}. (Ta-Ha, 14)
Q 45: What is the opposite of the unity of the worship of Allah?
A— The opposite is [Shrik] polytheism. There are two types of Shirk1, namely: [Ash-Shirk Al-Akbar] the Major
Shirk, and [Ash-Shirk Al-Asghar] the Minor Shirk.
Q 46: What is Major Shirk?
A— It means associating partners with the Lord of the worlds, like loving someone in the way one should only love Allah, fearing someone as he should only fear Allah, relying on him, invoking him, hoping for something rom him, sinful loyalty to him, obeying him in what displeases Allah, etc. Allah, the Almighty says: {Verily! Allah forgives not (the sin of) setting up partners (in worship) with Him, but He forgives whom He wills sins other than that, and whoever sets up partners in worship with Allah, has indeed strayed far away}. (An-Nisa', 116)


1 There is a third type of Shirk, namely: [Ash-Shirk Al-Khai] i.e.
inconspicuous Shirk. This type implies being inwardly dissatisfied with the inevitable condition that has been ordained for one by Allah; conscientiously lamenting that had you done or not done such and such or had you approached such and such, you would have had a better status, etc. (Translator)

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Allah, the Almighty says: {... and whoever sets up
partners with Allah in worship, he has indeed invented a
tremendous sin}. (An-Nisa', 48)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Verily, whosoever sets up
partners (in worship) with Allah, then Allah has forbidden Paradise to him, and the Fire will be his abode}. (Al-Ma'idah, 72)
Allah, the Almighty says: {...and whoever assigns
partners to Allah, it is as if he had fallen from the sky, and the birds had snatched him, or the wind had thrown him to afar off place}. (Al-Hajj, 4)
The Prophet (Peace be upon him) says: "What is due to Allah from His creatures is to worship Him alone and never to associate any other being with Him. What is due to them that they will not he punished if they do not associate aught with Him. " (Bukhari and Muslim)
There is no difference in being considered as disbelievers between those who declare their polytheism, like the Pagans of Quraish and those who hide it, like the hypocrites who declare Islam and make their internal polytheism secret. Allah, the Almighty says: {Verily, the
hypocrites will be in the lowest depth (grade) of the Fire; no helper will you find for them. Except those who repent (from hypocrisy), do righteous good deeds, hold fast to Allah, and purify their religion for Allah, then they will be with the believers}. (An-Nisa', 145,146)
Q 47: What is [As-Shirk Al-Asghar] Minor Shirk?
A— Minor Shirk is Ar-Riya' (i.e. acts performed to show off). Any act of worship or any religious deed that
55






is done in order to gain praise, fame or for any worldly benefit, falls under this category. Almighty Allah says: {So whoever hopes for the Meeting with his Lord, let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord}. (Al-Kahf, 110)
The Prophet (Peace be upon him) says: "The most fearful thing I fear for you is Minor Shirk". He (Peace be upon him) was asked about it, and he said: "It is [Ar-
Riya'J showing off." Then he (Peace be upon him)
explained it saying, "A man stands in prayer, performs it more beautifully and properly than ever, because he notices someone looking at him. " (Imam Ahmad)
Such polytheism includes taking oaths by people and things like their fathers, idols, honesty, etc, instead of Allah. Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) says: "Do not take oaths in the name of your fathers, mothers, or those you have set up as rivals with Allah. " (Abu Dawud, An-Nasa'i and Al-Baihaqi) [Sahihl.
He (Peace be upon him) also says: "Do not say 'By the Ka Fah', but say 'By the Lord of the Ka Fah '. " (Imam
Ahmad) [Sahih]
He (Peace be upon him) says: "Do not take an oath in the name of anyone other than Allah". (An
Authentic Hadith)
He (Peace be upon him) says: "Whosoever takes an oath in the name of honesty, is not from amongst us (i.e. a true believer). " (Abu Dawud and Ahmad) [Sahihl.
He (Peace be upon him) says: "Whosoever swears an



>/
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disbeliever or a polytheist. " And in another narration, "he becomes a disbeliever and a polytheist". (Abu Dawud,
At-Tirmidhi and Ahmad) [Sahih].
It is also forbidden to say: 'What Allah wills and what you will.'
The Prophet (Peace be upon him) asked someone who said this: "Do you make me an equal to Allah? You should rather Say, "What Allah Alone wills." (Ahmad
and Bukhari)
It is also forbidden to say the following expressions: Had it not been for Allah and for you! I have no one but Allah and you! I begin in the name of Allah and your name! etc.
Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) says:
"Do not say 'what Allah and so and so, willed', but say 'what Allah, then so and so, willed. '" (Abu Dawud and Ahmad) [Sahih].
Scholars say: it is permissible to say, "Had it not been for Allah then so and so." But, "Had it not been for Allah and so and so," is not permissible.
Q 48: What is the difference between using "and" or "then" in these expressions?
A— The conjunction "and" implies comparison and equality. So, one who says: "What Allah and you willed," compares the Will of Allah and the will of the slave, and puts them on equal terms. Whereas, the conjunction "then" suggests subordination and following. So, one who says: "What Allah willed then what you

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willed," he declares that the will of the slave is subordinate to and follows the Will of Allah, the Almighty. Almighty Allah says in His Glorious Qur'an, {But you cannot will, unless Allah wills}. (Al-Insan, 30)
Q 49: What is the meaning of the unity of Lordship of Allah?
A— It means to believe that there is only one Lord of the universe. He is its Creator, Organizer, Planner, Sustainer, and the Giver of security, etc., and that is Allah. He is Allah, Who has neither a partner in (His) Dominion, nor is He low and in need of a protector or supporter. No one can defy His Judgment or challenge His Ordainments. Almighty Allah says: {All praises and thanks be to Allah, Who (Alone) created the heavens and the earth, and originated the darkness and the light; yet those who disbelieve hold others as equal with their
Lord}. (Al-An am, 1).
Allah, the Almighty says: {Praise be to Allah,
Lord of the Worlds}. (Al-Fatihah, 1)
Allah, the Almighty also says: {Say (O Muhammad): "Who is the Lord of the heavens and the earth?" Say: "(It is) Allah. " Say: "Have you then taken (for worship) Auliya' (protectors) other than Him, such as have no power either for benefit or for harm to themselves? " Say:
"Is the blind equal to the one who sees? Or darkness equal to light? Or do they assign to Allah partners who created the like of His creation, so that the creation (which they made and His creation) seemed alike to them?" Say: "Allah is the Creator of all things; and He is the One, the Irresistible}. (Ar-Rad, 16)

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Allah, the Almighty says: {Allah is He Who created you, then provided food for you, then will cause you to die, then (again) He will give you life (on the Day of Resurrection). Is there any of your (so-called) partners (of Allah) that do anything of that? Glory is to Him! And Exalted is He above all that (evil) they associate (with
Him)}. (Ar-Rum, 40)
Allah, the Almighty says: {This is the creation of
Allah. So show Me that which those (whom you worship)
besides Him have created}. (Luqman, 11)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Were they created by
nothing? Or were they themselves the creators? Or did they create the heavens and the earth? Nay, but they have no firm Belief}. (At-Tur, 35, 36)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Lord of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them, so worship Him (Alone) and be constant and patient in His worship. Do you know of any who is similar to Him?} . (Maryam, 65)
Allah, the Almighty says: {There is nothing like unto Him and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer}. (Ash-Shura, 11)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And say: "All the praises and thanks are to Allah, Who has not begotten a son (or offspring), and Who has no partner in (His) Dominion, nor is He low to have a Wali (helper, protector or
supporter). And magnify Him with all magnificence, [Alldhu-Akbar (Allah is the Most Great)]}. (Al-Isra\ 111)

Of course none is similar or co-equal or comparable to Him, and He has none as partner with Him. (Translator)
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Allah, the Almighty says: {Say: (0 Muhammad to
polytheists, pagans) "Call upon those whom you assert (to be associate gods) besides Allah, they possess not even an atom's weight either in the heavens or on the earth, nor have they any share in either, nor is there for Him any supporter from among them. Intercession with Him profits not except for him whom He permits. So much so that when fear is banished from their (angels ) hearts, they (angels) say: "What is it that your Lord has said? " They say: "The truth. And He is the Most High, the Most Great}. (Saba\ 22, 23)
Q50:What is the opposite of the unity of Lordship of Allah?
A— The opposite of this concept is to believe or associate a partner with Allah in sustaining and maintaining the creation, whether in giving or taking
away life, causing something to exist or to vanish, bring welfare or drive away harm or believing that anyone or anything shares with Him any of the implications of His
Divine qualities such as knowing the unseen, His Glory, Pride, etc.. Allah, the Almighty says: {Whatever of mercy (i.e. of good), Allah may grant to mankind, none can
withhold it; and whatever He may withhold, none can grant it thereafter. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-
Wise. O mankind! Remember the Grace of Allah upon you! Is there any creator other than Allah who provides for you from the sky (rain) and the earth? La ilaha ilia
Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He). How then are you turning away (from Him)?}. (Fatir, 2, 3)


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Allah, the Almighty says: {And if Allah touches you with hurt, there is none who can remove it but. He, and if He intends any good for you, there is none who can repel His Favor which Lie causes to reach whomsoever of His
slaves He wills}. (Yunus, 107)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Say: "Tell me then, the
things that you invoke besides Allah - if Allah intended some harm for me, could they remove His harm? Or if He (Allah) intended some mercy for me, could they withhold His Mercy? " Say "Sufficient for me is Allah; in Him those who trust (i.e. believers) must put their trust}.
(Az-Zumar, 38)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And with Him are the
keys of the Ghaib (all that is hidden), none knows them but He}. (Al-Anam, 59)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Say: "None in the
heavens and the earth knows the Ghaib (Unseen) except
Allah, nor can they perceive when they shall be
resurrected}. (An-Naml, 65)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And they will never
compass anything of His Knowledge except that which
He wills}. (Al-Baqarah, 255)
Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) says: "Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, said: Glory is His garment and Majesty is His cloak and (Allah says He who contends with Me in regard to them, I shall torment him ". (Bukhari
and Muslim)



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Q 51: What does the unity of the Names and Attributes of Allah mean?
A— It means to believe that: we must not name or describe Allah except with what He or His Messenger (Peace be upon him) has named or described Him. None can be named or described with the Names or Attributes of Allah. We must believe in all the Attributes of Allah which He has stated in His Book (the Qur'an) or
mentioned through His Messenger Muhammad (Peace be upon him) without changing their meaning, ignoring them, twisting their meanings or likening them (giving resemblance) to any created thing. Almighty Allah says: {He (Allah) knows what happens to them (His creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them (in the
Hereafter) but they will never compass anything of His Knowledge} (Ta-Ha, 110)
Allah, the Almighty says: {There is nothing like Him;
and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer}. (As-Shura, 11)
Allah, the Almighty says: {No vision can grasp
Him, but He grasps all vision. He is Al-Latif (the Most Subtle and Courteous), Well-Acquainted with all things}.
(Al-An am, 103)
On the authority of Ubai Ibn Ka'b (May Allah be pleased with him), the polytheists said to Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) when he mentioned their gods, "Tell us about the ancestors of your lord." As a response, Allah, the Almighty revealed: {Say (O Muhammad
(Peace be upon him)): "He is Allah, (the) One. Alldh-us-
Samad [Allah the Self-Sufficient Master, Whom all

62






creatures need, (He neither eats nor drinks)]}. (Al-Ikhlas,
1, 2) As-Samad: is He Who {begets not, nor was He
begotten}. (Al-Ikhlas, 3) (At-Tirmidhi) [Hasan]. Everything that is begotten will dies; and everything that dies, will be inherited by someone or something else. Allah, the
Almighty neither dies, nor will ever be inherited. {And
there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him} (Al-
Ikhlas, 4) i.e. there is nothing like Him.
Q 52: What is the textual proof of the Most Beautiful Names of Allah, from the Glorious Qur'an and the Sunnah?
A— Almighty Allah says: {And (all) the Most
Beautiful Names belong to Allah, so call on Him by them, and leave the company of those who belie or deny (or utter impious speech against) His Names}. (Al-Araf, 180)
Allah says: {Say (O Muhammad (Peace be upon
him)): "Invoke Allah or invoke the Most Gracious (Allah), by whatever name you invoke Him (it is the same), for to
Him belong the Best of Names}. (Al-Isra', 110)
Allah says: {Allah! La ilaha ilia Huwa (none has the
right to be worshipped but He)! To Him belong the Best
Names}. (Ta-Ha, 8)
Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) says:
"Allah has ninety-nine Names, i.e., one hundred minus one, and whoever perceives in their meanings and acts accordingly, will enter Paradise; and Allah is Witr (one) and loves 'the Witr' (i.e., odd numbers)." (Bukhari
and Muslim)
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He (Peace be upon him) says: "I ask You by all Your Names, which You called Yourself or revealed in Your Book, or You made known to one of Your Creation, or You have chosen to keep hidden with you
in the unseen, (I ask You by all these) to make the
Glorious Qur 'an the springtime for my heart". (Imam
Ahmad) [Sahihl.
Q 53: Cite some examples of the Most Beautiful Names of Allah from the Glorious Qur'an.
A- Almighty Allah says: {Surely, Allah is Ever Most
High, Most Great}. (An-Nisa', 3 4)
Allah says: {Verily, Allah is Ever Most Courteous,
Well-Acquainted with all things}. (Al-Ahzab, 34)
Allah says: {Verily, He is All-Knowing, All-
Omnipotent}. (Fatir, 44)
Allah says: {Truly, Allah is Ever AUHearer, All-
Seer}. (An-Nisa', 58)
Allah says: {Truly, Allah is Ever Most Powerful, All-
Wise}. (An-Nisa', 56)
Allah says: {Verily, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most
Merciful}. (An-Nisa', 23, 106)
Allah says: {Certainly, He is unto them full of
Kindness, Most Merciful}. (At-Tawbah, 117)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And Allah is Rich (Free of all needs) and He is Most-forbearing}. (Al-Baqarah, 263)



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Allah, the Almighty says: {Surely, He (Allah) is All-
Praiseworthy, All-Glorious}. (Hud, 73)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Surely, my Lord is
Guardian over all things}. (Hud, 57)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Certainly, my Lord is Near
(to all by His Knowledge), Responsive}. (Hud, 61)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Surely, Allah is Ever an
All-Watcher over you}. (An-Nisa', 1)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And Allah is Ever All-
Sufficient as a Disposer of affairs}. (An-Nisa', 81, 132,
171andAl-Ahzab, 3, 48)
ficient
in taking account}. (An-Nisa', 6and Ai-Ahzab, 39)
Allah, the Almighty says:. {And Allah is Ever All-
Able to do (and also an All-Witness to) everything}.
(An-Nisa', 85)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Verily! Allah is over all
things a Witness}. (Al-Hajj, 17)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Verily! He it is Who is
surrounding all things}. (Fussilat, 54)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Allah! La ilaha ilia Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission? He knows what happens to them
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(His creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter. And they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great}. (Al-Baqarah? 255)
Allah says: {Allah! La ilaha ilia Huwa (none has the
He)
exists}. (APImran, 2)


iKursi: literally a footstool or chair, and sometimes wrongly translated as Throne. The Kursi mentioned in this verse should be distinguished from the "Arsh (Throne) mentioned inV. 7:58, 10:3, 95:15and elsewhere. Prophet
Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said: "The Kursi compared to the ^Arsh is nothing but like a ring thrown out upon the open space of the desert." If the Kursi extends over the entire universe, then how much greater is the *Arsh. Indeed Allah, the Creator of both the Kursi and the "Arsh, is the Most Great, Ibn Taymiyah said, a) To believe in the Kursi. b) To believe in the
KArsh (Throne). It is narrated from Muhammad Ibn v Abdullah and from other religious scholars that the Kursi is in front of the "Arsh (Throne) and it is at die level of the Feet. [Fatawa Ibn Taymiyah, Vol. 5, Pages 54,55]
Narrated Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him): Allah's
Messenger (Peace be upon him) ordered me to guard the Zakah revenue of Ramadan. Then somebody came to me and started stealing the foodstuff. I caught him and said, "I will take you to Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him)." Then Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) described the whole narration and said: That person said (to me (Please don't take me to Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) and I will tell you a few words by which Allah will benefit you). When you go to your bed, recite Ayat-ul-
Kursi, (2:255) for then there will be a guard from Allah who will protect you all night long, and Satan will not be able to come near you till dawn." (When the Prophet (Peace be upon him) heard the story) he said (to me), "He (who came to you at night) told you the truth although he is a liar; and it was Satan." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol. 6, Hadith No. 530) (Quoted by die Translator)

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Allah says: {He is the First (nothing is before Him)
and the Last (nothing is after Him), the Most High
(nothing is above Him) and the Most Near (nothing is nearer than Him). And He is the All-Knower of everything}. (Al-Hadid, 3)
Allah, the Almighty says: {He is Allah beside Whom, La ilaha ilia Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He) the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen. He is
the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. He is Allah besides Whom, La ilaha ilia Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the King, the Holy, the One Free from all defects, the Giver of security, the Watcher over
His creatures, the All-Mighty, the Compeller, the Supreme. Glory be to Him (High is He) above all that they associate as partners with Him. He is Allah, the Creator, the Inventor of all things, the Bestower of forms. To Him belongs the Best Names. All that is in the heavens and the earth glorify Him. And He is the AllMighty, the All-Wise}. (Al-Hashr, 22-25)
Q 54: Cite some examples of the Most Beautiful Names of Allah from the Sunnah.
A— Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) says: "None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, the Majestic, the Most Forbearing. None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, the Lord of the Glorious Throne. None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, the Lord of the Heavens and the earth and the Lord of the Honorable Throne ". (Bukhari & Muslim)



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He (Peace be upon him) says: "O You, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. O You, Who is Owner of Majesty, Bounty and Generosity. O You, to Whom is due the primal origin of the heavens and the earth. " (Bukhari & Abu Dawud)
He (Peace be upon him) says: "In the Name of Allah, with Whose Name, nothing can harm neither on earth, nor in the heavens and He is the All Hearing, the All Knowing". (Bukhari and Ahmad)





>/



/
Master of all that exists. " (Bukhari
Ahmad)
He (Peace be upon him) says: "When any one of you intends to go to sleep, he should lie on the bed on his right side and then say: "O Allah! The Lord of the Heavens and the Lord of the Earth and Lord of the Glorious Throne, our Lord, and the Lord of everything, the Splitter of the grain of corn and the date-stone (or fruit kernel), the Revealer of the Torah, the Injil (Bible) and the Glorious Qur'an, I seek refuge in You from the evil of everything Thou wilt to seize by the forelock (Thou hast perfect control over all things). O Allah, You are the First, there is naught before You, and You are the Last, there is naught after You, and You are the Manifest and there is nothing above You, and You are the Innermost and there is nothing beyond You. Remove the burden of debt from us and relieve us from want. " (Muslim)
He (Peace be upon him) says: "O Allah! All Praise is due to You, Thou art the Light of the Heavens and the
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Earth and all that exists therein, and all Praise is due to You, You are the Sustainer of the Heavens and the Earth and all that exists therein. " (Bukhari and Muslim)
He (Peace be upon him) says: "O Allah! I ask You that I witness that You are Allah, there is no god but You, the One. Allah, the Self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need, Who begets not, nor is He begotten. And there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him. " (Abu Dawud and Ahmad)
He (Peace be upon him) says: "O Allah! Thou turn the hearts!" (Imam Ahmad)
Q 55: What are the types of inferences given by the Most Beautiful Names of Allah?
A— The inferences embodied in the Most Beautiful Names of Allah are of three kinds: Indication of the Entity by conformance, Indication of the Entity's Attributes derived rom these names by implication, and Indication of the Attributes which are not derived rom these names but are inherently imbedded in them.
Q 56: Cite some examples of these inferences.
A— Almighty Allah's Name [Ar-Rahman Ar-
Raheemf "the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful" denotes the Entity of the Called One, Who is Allah, the Almighty by conformance, and denotes the Attribute derived thererom i.e. Mercy, and denotes other non-
derived (thererom) Attributes such as Life and Omnipotence which are inherent in the name. Such is the case with all His Names and Attributes. This is unlike

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the created entities, created by Him Alone. One may be named 'wise' while he is 'unwise', or 'just' while he is 'unjust', or 'brave' while he is 'coward', or 'happy' while he is 'distressed', or 'beneficent' while he is 'malicious'. Thus, Glory be to Allah, He is Nothing but what He describes Himself with, and He is far beyond the descriptions attributed to Him by His creation.
Q 57: How many divisions are there of the Most Beautiful Names of Allah regarding their implications?
A— The Most Beautiful Names of Allah denote four types by way of Indication:
First: The proper noun that implies all meanings of the Most Beautiful Names, i.e. "ALLAH". That is why all the other names are used as adjectives to this Name: {He is Allah, the Creator, the Inventor of all things, the Bes tower of forms}. (Al-Hashr, 24)
This name is never used as an adjective to any other name.
Second: The Name that implies an Attribute of Allah such as [As-Sami"] The All Hearer, that incorporates His Hearing that extends to cover al) sounds, no matter if they are public or secret. His Name [Al-Basir] The All Seeing, that incorporates His Sight that extends to cover all sights, no matter if they are minute or great. His Name [AKAlim] The All Knower, that incorporates His Knowledge that extends to cover all things: {Say: "Yes,
by my Lord, the All-Knower of the Unseen, it will come to you; not even the weight of an atom (or a small ant) or less than that or greater escapes His Knowledge in the
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heavens or in the earth but it is in a Clear Book (Al-Lauh
Al-Mahfuz)}. (Saba\ 3)
Allah's Name [Al-Qadir] The Omnipotent, that
incorporates His Omnipotence over everything, to create or annihilate whatever He wills.
Third: That which implies an Attribute of the actions of Allah, such as: the Creator, the Provider with Sustenance, the Maker, and the Supreme Fashioner, etc.
Fourth: That which implies that Almighty Allah is Far Above all blemishes and defects such as: the Sublime Holy and the Peace, etc.
Q 58: How many divisions are there of the Most Beautiful Names of Allah that directly refer to Him, the Most Great?
A— Some of them are attributed to Allah without any need of modifiers. They can also be accompanied by other Names. This includes the Attributes of Perfection such as: the Ever-Living, The Sublime Self-Subsisting, the One and the Everlasting Refuge, etc.
Others are not attributed to Allah unless accompanied by their antonyms. If used by themselves, they may imply a sort of deficiency. Some of these are: the Inflictor of Harm and the Giver of Benefit, the Abaser and the Raiser, the Giver and the Preventer, and the Supreme Giver of Might and the Supreme Humiliator. Hence, it is not permissible to refer to Allah by the following Names alone or by themselves without their antonyms: the Inflictor of Harm, the Abaser, the

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Preventer, and the Supreme Humiliator. We can not find anything of this in the Glorious Qur'an or in the Prophetic Sunnah. When the Glorious Qur'an says: {Verily, We shall exact retribution from the Mujrimun (criminals,
disbelievers, polytheists, and sinners)}. (As-Sajdah, 22)
The Name "The Supreme Avenger" is related to something, here, it is used with relevance to the criminals, disbelievers, etc. or, by adding Dhu "Able" to
the derived attribute such as in: {...and Allah is All
Mighty, All Able of Retribution}. (Al Tmran, 4, and Al-
Ma'idah, 95)
Q 59: Almighty Allah's Names are divided into two categories: those related to His Entity, and those related to His Actions. Cite some examples of those related to His Entity, from the Glorious Qur'an.
A— Almighty, Allah says: {Nay, both His
Hands are widely outstretched}. (Al-Ma'idah, 64)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Everything will perish
save His Face}. (Al-Qasas, 88)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And the Face of your
Lord, full of Majesty and Honor will remain forever}.
(Ar-Rahman, 27)
Allah, the Almighty says: {In order that you may be
brought up under My Eye}. (Ta-Ha, 39)
Allah, the Almighty says: {How clearly He sees, and
hears (everything)!}. (Al-Kahf, 26)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Verily I Am with you both,
Hearing and Seeing}. (Ta-Ha, 46)
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Allah, the Almighty says: {He (Allah) knows
what happens to them (His creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them (in the Hereafter) but they will never compass anything of His Knowledge}.
(Ta-Ha, 110)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And to Musa
(Moses) Allah spoke directly}. (An-Nisa', 164)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And (remember) when
your Lord called Musa (Moses) (saying): "Go to the
people who are Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers)}.
(Ash-Shu'ra', 10)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And their Lord called out to them (saying): "Did I not forbid you that tree}. (Al-
A' raf, 22)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And (remember) the Day
(Allah) will call to them, and say: "What answer gave you to the Messengers? "}. (Al-Qasas, 65)
60: Cite some examples of those Most Beautiful Names that are related to His Entity, from the Sunnah?
A— Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) says: "Allah 's Veil is Light. If He removes it, the Light of (the countenance of) His Face will burn what His Sight reaches of His creation ". (Sahih Muslim)
He (Peace be upon him) says: "Allah's Right Hand is full, and (its fullness) is not affected by the continuous spending, day and night. " He also says: "Do you see what He has spent since He created the Heavens and the

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Earth? Yet all of that has not decreased what is in His Right Hand." He also says: "His Throne is over the water and in His other Hand is the balance (of Justice) and He raises and lowers (whomsoever He wills)".
(Bukhari and Muslim)
Ad-Dajjal was mentioned in the presence of the Prophet (Peace be upon him). The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: "Allah is not hidden from you; He is not one-eyed, " and pointed with his hand towards his eye, adding, "While Al-Masih Ad-Dajjal is blind in his right eye and his eye looks like a protruding grape. " (Bukhari
and Muslim)
He (Peace be upon him) says: "O people! Be merciful to yourselves (i.e. don't raise your voice), for you are not calling a deaf or an absent one, but One Who is with you, no doubt He is the All-Hearer, Ever Near (to all things). " (Imam Bukhari)
He (Peace be upon him) says: "Allah will say (on the Day of Resurrection), lO Adam.' Adam will reply, 'Labbaik wa Sa ^daik', and all good is in Your Hand.' Allah will say, 'Bring out the people of the fire. ' Adam will say, lO Allah! How many are the people of the Fire?' Allah will reply, 'From every one thousand, take out nine-hundred-and ninety-nine.' At that time children will become hoary headed, every pregnant female will miscarry, and one will see mankind as drunken, yet they will not be drunken, but dreadful will be the Wrath of Allah." The companions of the Prophet asked, "O Allah's Messenger! Who is that (excepted) one?" He
said: "Rejoice with glad tidings; one person will be from

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you and one-thousand will be from Gog and Magog. " (Bukhari and Muslim)
The Hadiths relating to how Allah's will speak with His slaves on the Day of Resurrection and the People of Paradise, are beyond count.

[Iron Man]

Q 61: Cite some of the examples from the Glorious Qur'an relating to the Actions of Allah.
A— Almighty Allah says: {Then He rose over
(Istawa) towards the heavens}. (Al-Baqarah, 29)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Do they then wait for
anything other than that Allah should come to them in
the shadows of the clouds and the angels? (Then) the
case would be already judged. And to Allah return all
matters (for decision)}. (Al-Baqarah, 210)
Allah, the Almighty says: {They made not a just
estimate of Allah such as is due to Him. And on the Day
of Resurrection, the whole of the earth will be grasped by
His Hand and the heavens will be rolled up in His Right
Hand}. (Az-Zumar, 67)
Allah, the Almighty says: {(Allah) said: "O Iblis
(Satan)! What prevents you from prostrating yourself to one whom I have created with Both My Hands}. (Sad, 75)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And We wrote for him on the Tablets the lesson to be drawn from all things and the
explanation of all things}. (Al-Araf, 145)
Allah, the Almighty says: {So when his Lord
appeared to the mountain, He made it collapse to dust}. (Al-A af, 143)
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Allah, the Almighty says: {Verily, Allah does what
He wills}. (Al-Hajj, 18)
Q 62: Cite some examples from the Sunnah relating to the Actions of Allah.
A— Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) says: "Our Lord, the Blessed, the Superior, comes every night down on the nearest Heaven to us when the last third of the night remains, saying: "Is there anyone to invoke Me, so that I may respond to his invocation? Is there anyone
Me
My forgiveness, so that I may forgi
him? " (Bukhari and Muslim)
He (Peace be upon him) says: "So you will see Him, like that. Allah will gather all the people on the Day of Resurrection, and say, 'Whoever worshipped something
(in the world) should follow (that thing),' so, whoever worshipped the sun will follow the sun, and whoever worshiped the moon will follow the moon, and whoever used to worship certain (other false) deities, he will
follow those deities. And there will remain only this nation with its good people (or its hypocrites). (The sub-
narrator, Ibrahim is in doubt.) Allah will come to them and say, 'I am your Lord.' They will (deny Him and) say,
'We will stay here till our Lord comes, for when our Lord comes, we will recognize Him.' So Allah will come to them in His appearance which they know, and will say, 'I am your Lord. ' They will say, 'You are our Lord,' so they will follow Him. " (Bukhari and Muslim)



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He (Peace be upon him) says: "On the Day of Resurrection, Allah will grasp the whole Earth by His Hand, and all the Heavens in His right, and then He will
say, 7 am the King. '" (Bukhari and Muslim)
He (Peace be upon him) says: "When Allah
completed the creation, He wrote in His Book, "My Mercy overpowers My Anger. " (Bukhari and Muslim)
He (Peace be upon him) says: "Adam and Moses argued with each other. Moses said to Adam. 'O Adam! You are our father who disappointed us and turned us out of Paradise. ' Then Adam said to him, 'O Moses! Allah favored you with His talk (talked to you directly) and He wrote (the Torah) for you with His Own Hand. Do you blame me for an action which Allah had written in my fate forty years before my creation?' So Adam refuted Moses, Adam refuted Moses, " the Prophet added, repeating the Statement three times. " (Bukhari and Muslim)
He (Peace be upon him) says: "Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, Stretches out His Hand during the night so that the people repent for the faults they committed from dawn till dusk and He stretches out His Hand daring the day so that the people may repent for the faults thus committed from dusk to dawn. (He would accept
repentance) before the sun rises in the west (before the Day of Resurrection)." (Imam Muslim)
Q 63: Can Names be derived from all the Attributes related to His Actions, Glorified is He?
A— No, Almighty Allah can not be referred to by Names other than those which He named Himself in His
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Qur'an,or those attributed to Him through His Messenger (Peace be upon him). Moreover, every attribute related to His Actions, denotes Praise and Perfection that is due to Him Alone. Allah did not attribute all these Names to Himself, but, some of them He used to describe Himself
with, such as, {Allah is He Who created you, then
provided food for you, then will cause you to die, then
(again) He will give you life (on the Day of
Resurrection)}. (Ar-Rum, 40)
Almighty Allah, called Himself the Creator, the Sublime Provider, the Supreme Bringer of Death, and the Supreme Life-Giver. Some Attributes He, called Himself with just in the way of showing that Allah confronts the actions of those who deceive & plot in the same way that they act, all the Praise and Perfection due to Him such as in, {Verily, the hypocrites seek to deceive Allah, but it is He Who deceives them}. (An-Nisa', 142) Allah, the
Almighty says: {And they (disbelievers) plotted (to kill
Tsa (Jesus) (Peace be upon him) and Allah plotted too. And Allah is the Best of those who plot}. (Al Imran, 54)
Allah, the Almighty says: {They have forgotten Allah, so He has forgotten them}. (At-Tawbah, 67)
These Attributes can not be attributed to Him other than in the context in which they were originally revealed. Hence, it can not be said that He, All Glory is His due, deceives, plots, forgets, and mocks, etc. In addition, it can not be said that Allah is a deceiver, a plotter, or a one who mocks. No Muslim or rational man can say so regarding Allah the Almighty. As He, Glory be His, did not describe Himself with these attributes

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except to conront the saying of the hypocrites,
polytheists, and disbelievers who made false claims. It is well known that conronting sin with justice is good on the part of the created, so what about the All Knowing, the All Just, and the All Wise Creator!
Q 64: : What does His Name "the Ever Exalted" denote, along with other Names, such as "the Evident", "the Sublime Vanquisher", and "the Supremely High?"
A— Allah is the One Most High in rank. Nothing is as elevated or transcendingly salient as He. He is the One Who is Above everyone and everything in the whole universe. He is absolutely Free of any defect. He is the only Example of Infallibility. He is the One Who completely subdues the most powerful of His enemies. There is no being, but is subjugated under His Compulsion, and defenseless under His Mastery. He is the One Whose Power is above every power in the heavens and on the earth. He is the Almighty that cannot be defeated or overcome. He is the One Who has the power and perfection to respond to those who faithfully seek His Favor.
Q 65: What is the textual proof from the Glorious Qur'an that Allah is in a High Place?
A— Almighty Allah says: {The Most Gracious
(Allah) rose over (Istawa) the (Mighty) Throne (in a
manner that suits His Majesty)}. (Ta-Ha. 5)
Allah says: {Do you feel secure that He, Who is over the heavens (Allah), will not cause the earth to sink with
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you, and then it should quake? Or do you feel secure that He, Who is over the heavens (Allah), will not send
against you a violent whirlwind? Then you shall know how (terrible) has been My Warning}. (Al-Mulk, 16,17)
Allah, the Almighty says: {They fear their Lord
above them), (An-Nahl, 50)
Allah, the Almighty says: {To Him ascend (all) the
goodly words, and the righteous deeds exalt it}. (Fatir, 10)
Allah, the Almighty says: {The angels and the Ruh
fjibril (Gabriel)] ascend to Him in a Day the measure whereof is fifty thousand years}. (Al-Ma'anj, 4)
Allah, the Almighty says: {He manages and
regulates (every) affair from the heavens to the earth}.
(As-Sajdah, 5)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And (remember) when
Allah said: "O Jsa (Jesus)! I will take you and raise you
to Myself}. (Al Tmran, 55)
Q 66: What is the textual proof from the Sunnah that Allah is in a High Place?
A— There are countless pieces of evidence: Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) says: "And the Throne is above that, and Allah is Above the Throne, He rules the Dominion from above seven firmaments. " (Abu Dawud
and At-Tirmidhi)
Once, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said to a slave girl: "Where is Allah?" She said: "In the Heavens." He


lA Weak Hadith.
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(Peace be upon him) said (to her master): "Set her free
for she is a believer. " (Muslim and Ahmad)
t '
The Hadiths of the Prophet's (Peace be upon him) Ascension to Heavens [Al-Mfraj] prove Allah's
Highness of Place .
He (Peace be upon him) says: "Angels come to you in succession by night and day and all of them gather together at the time of the Fajr and Asr prayers. Those who have passed the night with you (or stayed with you) ascend (to the Heaven) and Allah asks them, though He knows everything about you well, "In what state did you leave my slaves?" The angels reply: "When we left them they were praying and when we reached them, they were praying. " (Bukhari and Muslim)
He (Peace be upon him) says: "If somebody gives in charity something equal to a date from his honestly earned money -for nothing ascends to Allah except good
- then Allah will take it in His Right (Hand) and multiply its reward for its owner as anyone of you brings up a baby horse, till it becomes as big as a mountain."
(Bukhari and Muslim)
He (Peace be upon him) says: "When Allah ordains something in the Heavens the angels beat with their wings in obedience to His Statement which sounds like that of a chain dragged over a rock. His Statement:
"Until when the fear is banished from their hearts, the Angels say, 'What was it that your Lord said?' {They reply, '(He has said) the Truth. And He is the Most High, The Great}. (3 4:3 3)" (SahihBukhari)


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All Muslims confirmed this Attribute of Allah the Almighty, except the Jahmyyiah (i.e. followers of Jahm Ibn Safwan).
Q 67: What did our pious predecessors say concerning the issue of [Istiwa'] Rising Over (the
Throne)?
A— Our pious predecessors unanimously agreed upon the following statement: "The [Istiwa7] 'Rising
Over' (something) is known, the [Kaif] (i.e. how it takes place) lies beyond our mental capabilities, believing therein is a duty, and inquiring about it is a heresy. Our knowledge of it comes from Allah, and the Messenger must convey what he was ordered to, and all we can do is to submit (our will to Allah)." {We believe in it; the
whole of it (clear and unclear verses) are from our Lord} (Al Imran, 7) This was their usual response concerning the verses and Hadiths pertaining to Allah's Names and Attributes.
Allah says: {We believe in Allah, and bear witness that we are Muslims (i.e. we submit to Allah)}. (Al 'Imran, 52)
Q 68: What is the textual proof from the Glorious Qur'an, that Allah is the Sublime Vanquisher?
A— Almighty Allah says: {And He is the Irresistible, (Supreme) above His slaves}. (Al-An am, 18, 61)
Allah says: {But glory is to Him! (He is above such
things). He is Allah, the One, the Irresistible}. (Az-Zumar, 4)
Allah says: {Whose is the kingdom this Day? (Allah
Himself will reply to His Question): It is Allah's! The One, the Irresistible!}. (Ghair, 16)
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Allah, the Almighty says: {Say (O Muhammad
(Peace be upon him)): "I am only a warner and there is
no Ilah (god) except Allah (none has the right to be
worshipped but Allah) the One, the Irresistible}. (Sad, 65)
Allah, the Almighty says: {There is not a moving (living) creature but He has the grasp of its forelock}. (Hud, 56)
Allah, the Almighty says: {O assembly of jinn and
men! If you have power to pass beyond the zones of the heavens and the earth, then pass beyond (them)! But you will never be able to pass them, except with authority (from Allah)!}. (Ar-Rahman, 33)
Q 69: What is the textual proof from the Sunnah, that Allah is the Sublime Vanquisher?
A— There is a lot of evidence from the Prophetic Sunnah, foremost among which are the following:
Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) says: "I seek refuge in Thee from the evil of everything Thou art to seize by the forelock (Thou hast perfect control over it). O Allah, Thou art the First, there is naught before Thee, and Thou art the Last and there is naught after Thee, and Thou art the Most Evident and there is nothing above Thee, and Thou art the Innermost and there is nothing beyond Thee. Remove the burden of debt from us and relieve us from want. " (Bukhari)
He (Peace be upon him) says: "O Allah! I am Your slave, and the son of Your slave, and the son of Your maid, my forelock is in Your Hand, Your Ruling is ever Effective regarding me, and Your Judgment is Just pertaining to me. " (Sahih Bukhari)

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Q 70: What is the textual proof that Allah is the Most High in Rank? What is prohibited to say when referring to Allah?
A— One should know that Allah's Highness in Rank is what is manifested through His Names: the Sublime Holy, the Source of Peace, the Ever-Great, and the Supremely High, etc. and it coincides with His Attributes of Perfection and Glory. No one can share His Dominion or part of it with Him. No one can be held as partner, supporter, or even intercessor before Him except with His Permission. He is the One, Who is Free of all imperfections that are attributed to His creatures. He is the One, Who is Free of imperfection, His Attributes are ree of deficiency and His Dealings ree rom blemish. All perfection is attributed to Him Alone. He is the One, Whose Pride and Utmost Perfection are Absolute. He is Ever-Great in His Entity, Attributes and Actions and is above any similarity to His creatures. He is the One Who is Above everyone and everything in the whole universe. He is absolutely Free of any defect. In addition, He is the only Example of Infallibility. Almighty Allah says: {His
is the highest description (i.e. none has the right to be worshipped but He, and there is nothing comparable unto Him) in the heavens and in the earth. And He is the A11-Mighty, the AII- Wise}. (Ar-Rum, 27)
Q 71: What is the meaning of the saying of Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) regarding the Most Beautiful Names of Allah, that reads: "Whoever enumerates them will be admitted into Paradise?"
A— This statement has been interpreted differently. Some have interpreted it as memorizing the
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Most Beautiful Names, to invoke Allah, the Almighty thererom, and to glorify Him using these names.
Others say that they can be divided into various types, some of which can be held as exemplary, such as, the Most Merciful and the Ever Generous. Man can try to achieve some degree of the qualities mentioned in such Divine Names. Some other names of Allah are only for Him and we can not practice them to any degree. Allah makes them particular to Himself, such as, the Sublime Potentate,the Ever Magnificent,and the Supremely Proud. Man can only submit himself to these names and declare his complete and perfect subjection to Allah. Some of the Most Beautiful Names of Allah denote promise, such as, the Ever Forgiver, the Ever Thankful, the Ever Clement, the Ever Compassionate, the All-Forbearing, and the Ever Kindly. Regarding these names, man should ever seek these promises rom Allah. Some of the Most Beautiful Names denote intimidation, such as, Exalted in Might, Lord of Retribution, Strict in Punishment, and Quick in taking Account. Man should remain in fear and awe of these attributes of Allah.
A third party interpreted Allah's Most Beautiful Names as follows: the slave witnesses them and knows them by mind and heart as well as worshipping Him fully through them. To illustrate; whoever for example, comprehends the Highness of Allah above His Creation, while encompassing them with His Might and Knowledge, should worship Him till his heart becomes directly sustained by Him. The slave's heart goes up to Him in private conference with full submission and humility. He stands before Allah as a humble slave
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standing before the Great and Honorable King. He feels that all his speech and actions are known by Him, hence, he feels shy to do anything that is deemed shameful before His Sight. Moreover, he witnesses the descent of the Divine Orders and Ordainments throughout all the corners of the world, at all times concerning all kinds of affairs: causing death, giving life, giving might, abasing, raising, providing sustenance, preventing benefits, removing agonies, inflicting agonies, and turning the days among the creatures, etc. Almighty Allah says: {He manages and regulates (every) affair from the heavens to the earth; then it (affair) will go up to Him, in One Day, the space whereof is a thousand years of your reckoning (i.e. reckoning of our present world's time)}. (As-Sajdah, 5)
So, whosoever fulills the obligations due to this witness, he finds sufficiency and contentment with his Lord. Indeed, very few people are given this blessing by Almighty Allah.
Q 72: What contradicts [Tawhid Al-Asma' was-
Sifat] the unity of the Names and Attributes of Allah?
A— Using profanity when referring to Allah's Names and Attributes, contradicts observing and respecting the Unity of these Names and Attributes. This is of three types:
First: [Ilhad Al-Mushrikin] The atheism of the Polytheists: those who used Allah's Names, after distorting them, to refer to their idols; they derived AlLat rom Ilah (god),AKUzza rom AKAziz (the
Almighty),and Manah rom Al-Mannan (the Benefactor )


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Second: [Ilhad Al-Mushabihah] The atheism of
those people who liken the attributes of Allah to His creation. This refers to those who adapt Allah's Attributes and liken them to the qualities of His Creaion. Such people likened Him to His created beings, while the irst type elevated their idols and set them as equals to the Lord of the "Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exist).
Third: [Ilhad An-Nufah Al-Mu attilah] The atheism of the Negators, (i.e. those who say that Allah's Names and
Attributes do not really exist) : these are of two types:
(a) a group who affirmed the wording of His Names, but negated what they imply of His Perfect Attributes. They said: He is the Most Gracious and the All Merciful without mercy, All Knowing without knowledge, All Hearing without hearing, All Seeing without sight, and All Mighty without might, etc. and they repeated this for all His names.
(b) a group who entirely negated the Names and their connotations. They described Him as pure and complete nothingness and nonexistence that has neither name, nor quality. All Glory, Greatness and Perfection is due to Allah, the Almighty. He is {Lord of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them, so worship Him (Alone) and be constant and patient in His worship. Do you know of any who is similar to Him? }. (Maryam, 65)
Allah says: {There is nothing like unto Him and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer}. (Ash-Shura, 11)
Of course none is similar, co-equal or comparable to Him, and He has none as partner with Him. (Translator)

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Allah, the Almighty says: {He (Allah) knows what
happens to them (His creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them (in the Hereafter) but they will never compass anything of His Knowledge}. (Ta-Ha, 110)
Q 73: Are all the types of [Tawhid] the Oneness of Allah interrelated? (i.e. would denying one of them entails denying them all?)
A— Yes, they are interrelated. Whosoever disbelieves in one type, disbelieves in the rest. For instance, invoking anyone or thing other than Allah and asking him/her/it to do what can not be done except by Allah, the Almighty. The invocation itself is a kind of worship, one that is directed to other than Allah. This is polytheism in Al-Uluhiyyah, the Divinity of Allah. Moreover, if the invocation aims at bringing about or causing some good or driving away what is bad, thinking he/she/it is capable of carrying it out, this is polytheism in Ar-Rububiyyah the Lordship of Allah, as he thought they can manage the affairs of the universe along with Him, All Glory is His due! Moreover, he made that invocation thinking that he/she/it can hear him anywhere and at any time, which is polytheism in Al-Asma' wasSifat the Names and Attributes of Allah. Thus, he attributed to him/her/it the ability to hear all things which can not be stopped by distance or close proximity. Polytheism in the Worship of Allah, clearly results in, polytheism in His Lordship and in the Names and Attributes of Allah, the Almighty.




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Q 74: What is the textual proof from the Glorious Qur'an and the Sunnah that a Muslim must believe in the existence of Angels?
A— First: rom the Glorious Qur'an: Almighty Allah says: {And the angels glorify the praises of their Lord, and ask for forgiveness for those on the earth}.
(Ash-Shura, 5)
Allah says: {Surely, those who are with your Lord
(angels) are never too proud to perform acts of worship
to Him, but they glorify His Praise and prostrate
themselves before Him}. (Al-Avraf, 206)
Allah says: {Whoever is an enemy to Allah, His
Angels, His Messengers, Jibril (Gabriel) and Mikail
(Michael), then verily, Allah is an enemy to the
disbelievers}. (Al-Baqarah, 98)
Second: rom the Prophetic Sunnah: Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) says: "Allah the Almighty created them (the Angels) out of Light. " (Sahih Muslim)
Q 75: What is the meaning of believing in the Angels?
A— It is to firmly acknowledge and confess their existence and that they are rom among the creatures of Allah, who submit to and worship Him. And that they
are: {They (the angels) are but honored slaves. They
speak not until He has spoken, and they act on His
Command}. (Al-Anbiya', 26, 27)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Who disobey not, (from
executing) the Commands they receive from Allah, but do that which they are commanded}. (At-Tahrim, 6)
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Allah, the Almighty says: {And those who are near
Him (i.e. the angels) are not too proud to worship Him,
nor are they weary (of His worship). They (i.e. the
angels) glorify His Praises night and day, (and) they
never slacken (to do so)}. (Al-Anbiya', 19, 20)
Q 76: Cite some of the angels and their nature as well as the duties they perform.
A— There are many kinds of angels, foremost among which are:
The one charged with conveying the Revelation to Allah's Messengers (Peace be upon them all). He is Jibril (Gabriel (Peace be upon him)).
The one charged with sending rain. He is Mika'il (Peace
be upon him).
The one charged with blowing the horn on the Day of Resurrection. He is Israil (Peace be upon him).
The one charged with seizing the souls at (death) i.e. the Angel of Death and his assistants.
Those charged with (writing) the good and evil deeds of mankind. They are the Honorable writers.
Those charged with guarding mankind rom before and behind. They are the Angels in succession.
Those in charge of Paradise and its blessings. They are Ridwan and his assistants.
Those charged with the Hell-Fire and its torment. They are Malik and his assistants.

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Those charged with the trial and torment of the grave. They are Munkar and Nakir.
Those who carry the Throne of Allah, the Almighty.
Those in charge of Nutfahs (mixed drops of male and female sexual discharge) in the wombs and writing the destiny of every human being.
Those who enter Al-Bait Al-Ma'mur (the house over the heavens parallel to the Ka'bah at Makkah, continuously visited by the angels).
Those charged with watching and visiting the sessions wherein is the Remembrance of Allah, the Almighty.
Those who are ranked in rows standing, and they never rest.
Those who are ranked in rows in Rukux (kneeling down) and Sujud ((prostration) they never raise their heads.
And so many other kinds, {And none can know the hosts of your Lord but He. And this (Hell) is nothing else than a (warning) reminder to mankind}. (Al-Muddaththir, 31)
Q 77: What is the Qur'anic proof that a Muslim must believe in all Divinely sent Scriptures?
A— Allah, the Almighty says in His Glorious Qur'an, {O you who believe! Believe in Allah, and His Messenger (Muhammad (Peace be upon him)), and the Book (the Qur'an) which He has sent down to His Messenger, and the Scripture which He sent down to those before (him)}. (An-Nisa', 136)


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Allah says: {Say (O Muslims), "We believe in Allah
and that which has been sent down to us and that which
has been sent down to Ibrahim (Abraham), IsmaJI
(Jshmael), Ishaq (Isaac), Ya^qub (Jacob), and to Al-
Asbat [the offspring of the twelve sons of Ya^qub
(Jacob)], and that which has been given to Musa (Moses) and Tsa (Jesus), and that which has been given to the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we have submitted (in Islam)}. (Al-Baqarah, 136)
Allah says: {Say: I believe in whatsoever Allah has
sent down of the Book [all the holy Books,- this Qur'an and the Books of old from the Tawrat (Torah), or the Injeel (Gospel) or the Pages of Ibrahim (Abraham)]}.
(Ash-Shura, 15)
Q 78: Have all the Divinely sent Scriptures been mentioned in the Glorious Qur'an?
A— Allah, the Almighty cited the following only: the Glorious Qur'an, the Taurat (Torah), the Injeel
(Gospel), the Zabur (Psalms), the Suhuf (Pages) of Musa (Moses) and Ibrahim (Abraham). He mentioned the rest in general, saying: {Allah! La ilaha ilia Huwa (none has
the right to be worshipped but He), the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. It is He
Who has sent down the Book (the Qur'an) to you
(Muhammad (Peace be upon him) with truth, confirming
what came before it. And He sent down the Taurat
(Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel), aforetime}. (Al 'Imran, 2- 4)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And to Dawud (David)
We gave the Zabur (Psalms)}. (An-Nisa', 163& Al-Isra', 55)
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Allah, the Almighty says: {Or is he not informed with what is in the Pages (Scripture) of Musa (Moses), and of Ibrahim (Abraham) who fulfilled (or conveyed) all that (Allah ordered him to do or convey)}. (An-Najm, 36, 37)
Allah says: {Indeed We have sent Our Messengers
with clear proofs, and revealed to them the Scripture
and the Balance (justice) that mankind may keep
justice}. (Al-Hadid, 25)
Thus, we must believe in what was mentioned generally and say nothing but what Allah the Almighty Himself says: {Say: I believe in whatsoever Allah has sent down of the Book [all the holy Books,- this Qur'an and the Books of old from the Tawrat (Torah), or the Injeel
(Gospel) or the Pages of Ibrahim (Abraham)}. (Ash-Shura, 15)
Q 79: What is the meaning of afirming faith in Allah's Scriptures?
A— It means to have perfect and absolute belief in the fact that they were all sent down by Allah, the Almighty. They are divided into more than one category: some were revealed rom behind a veil with no intermediary; Divine Messenger. Some were conveyed through a Divine Messenger to the human Messenger; and some were written down by Allah's Hand. Almighty Allah says in His Glorious Qur'an: {It is not given to any human being that Allah should speak to him unless (it be) by revelation, or from behind a veil, or (that) He sends a Messenger to reveal what He wills by His Leave. Verily, He is Most High, Most Wise, or from behind a veil, or (that) He sends a Messenger to reveal what He wills by His Leave. Verily, He is Most High, Most Wise}. (Ash-Shura, 51)

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Almighty Allah said to Musa (Mosesj: {I have
chosen you above men by My Messages, and by My
speaking (to you)}. (Al-Araf, 144)
Allah says: {And to Musa (Moses) Allah spoke
directly}. (An-Nisa', 164)
He, the Almighty, said regarding the Tawrat (Torah): {And We wrote for him on the Tablets the lesson to be drawn from all things and the explanation for all things}. (Al-Araf, 145)
Regarding Tsa (Jesus), Almighty Allah says: {And
We gave him the Injeel (Gospel^.iAl-Mz'idah, 46& Al-Hadid, 27)
Allah says: {And We gave Dawud (David) the Zabur (Psalms)}. (An-Nisa', 163& Al-Isra', 55)
Concerning the Glorious Qur'an, Almighty Allah says: {But Allah bears witness to that which He has sent down (the Qur'an) unto you (O Muhammad (Peace be upon him)); He has sent it down with His knowledge, and the angels bear witness. And Allah is All Sufficient as a Witness}. (An-Nisa', 166)
Allah says: {And (it is) a Qur'an which We have
divided (into parts), in order that you might recite it to
men at intervals. And We have revealed it by stages
(over 23 years)}. (Al-Isra', 106)

Allah says: {And truly, this (the Qur'an) is a
revelation from the Lord of the ^Alamin (mankind, jinn
and all that exists). Which the trustworthy Ruh [Jibril (Gabriel)] has brought down. Upon your heart (O
Muhammad (Peace be upon him)) that you may be (one)

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of the warners. In the plain Arabic language}. (Ash-
Shu ra\ 192-195)
Allah says: {Verily, those who disbelieved in the
Reminder (i.e. the Qur'an) when it came to them (shall receive the punishment). And verily, it is an honorable well-fortified respected Book (because it is Allah's
Speech, and He has protected it from corruption. Falsehood cannot come to it from before it or behind it: (it is) sent down by the All-Wise, Worthy of all praise
(Allah)}. (Fussilat, 41, 42)
Q 80: What is the position of the Glorious Qur'an among the earlier Divine Books?
A— Almighty Allah says regarding this, {And We
have sent down to you (O Muhammad (Peace be upon
him)) the Book (this Qur'an) in truth, confirming the
Scripture that came before it and Muhaymin (trustworthy in highness and a witness) over it (old Scriptures)}. (Al-
Ma'idah, 48)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And this Qur'an is not
such as could ever be produced by other than Allah (Lord of the heavens and the earth) but it is a confirmation of (the revelation) which was before it [i.e. the Taurat (Torah), and the Injeel (Gospel)], and a full explanation of the Book (i. e. laws, decreed for mankind)
- wherein there is no doubt - from the Lord of the
Alamin (mankind, jinn, and all that exists)}. (Yunus, 37)
Allah, the Almighty says: {It (the Qur'an) is not a
forged statement but a confirmation of (Allah's existing Books) which were before it [i.e. the Taurat (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel) and other Scriptures of Allah] and a
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detailed explanation of everything and a guide and a Mercy for the people who believe}. (Yusuf, 111)
The Scholars of Exegesis say: Muhaimin means trustworthy in highness and a witness over the earlier Scriptures testifying to the truth that is therein and exposing the falsehood that has been added to them. Thus, all sincere adherents of the earlier Scriptures must submit themselves to it (the Glorious Qur'an). Allah, the Almighty says: {Those to whom We gave the
Scripture [i.e. the Tawrat (Torah) and the Injil (Gospel)] before it, they believe in it (the Qur'an). And when it is recited to them, they say: "We believe in it. Verily, it is the truth from our Lord. Indeed even before it we have been from those who submit themselves to Allah in Islam as Muslims (like Abdullah Ibn Salam and Salman Al-
Farisi), , they believe in it (the Qur'an)}. (Al-Qasas, 52, 53)

[Iron Man]

.

Q81:What should the whole (Ummah) Community abide by concerning the Glorious Qur'an?
A— The whole Ummah should follow the Glorious Qur'an both publicly and secretly, hold fast to it and act persistently according to its teachings. Almighty Allah says: {And this is a blessed Book (the Qur'an) which We have sent down, so follow it and fear Allah (i.e. do not
disobey His Orders)}. (Al-An am, 155)
Allah says: {Follow what has been sent down unto
you from your Lord (the Qur'an and Prophet
Muhammad's Sunnah), and follow not any Auliya' (protectors and helpers who order you to associate partners in worship with Allah), besides Him (Allah)}.
(Al-A raf, 3)

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Allah, the Almighty says: {And as to those who hold fast to the Book (i.e. act on its teachings) and perform
As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), certainly We shall never
waste the reward of those who do righteous deeds}. (Al-
Araf, 170)
Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) said
regarding the Book of Allah, the Almighty: "Adhere to the Book of Allah and holdfast to it. " (Sahih Muslim)
His Hadith (Peace be upon him) that reads: '"Surely, there will be trials.' 'Ali Ibn Abu Talib said: 'What is the outlet therefrom, O Messenger of Allah?' He (Peace be upon him) said: 'The Book of Allah.'" (A Weak Hadith
narrated by At-Tirmidhi)
Q 82: What does "holding fast to the Qur'an and observing its right" mean?
A— It means to memorize it and to recite it properly by night and by day. To contemplate its verses, to declare as lawful what it legalizes and to declare as unlawful what it makes illegal. To obey its orders, to take heed of its warnings, to derive lessons rom its parables, to find admonition in its stories. To act on its clear verses, and to submit to its verses that are not entirely clear. To avoid its boundaries (of what is lawful and unlawful), and to
defend it against distortion and false claims.. To give counsel according to it in every meaning of the word, and to consciously preach it to all mankind.
Q 83: What is the ruling concerning the person who claims that the Qur'an is "Created?"



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A— The Glorious Qur'an is the Word of Allah, the Almighty: in word and meaning. His Word is neither only the characters, nor the meanings. Both the characters and the meanings constitute His Word. Allah, the Almighty Spoke it verbally, sent it down on His Prophet (Peace be upon him) by Revelation, and the true believers have faith in it. It is the Word of the Most Gracious even though it is written by the hands, recited by the tongues, committed to the hearts, heard by the ears, and seen by the eyes. Indeed, the hands, ink, pens, and papers are all created, while what is written down on them is not. Moreover, tongues and voices are created, while what is recited thereof is not. The hearts are created, while what is kept therein is not. The Ears are created, while what is heard is not. Almighty Allah says
in His Glorious Qur'an: {That (this) is indeed an
honorable recitation (the Noble Qur'an). In a Book well-
guarded (with Allah in the heavens i.e. Al-Lauh Al-
Mahfuz)}. (Al-Waqi'ah, 77, 78)
Allah says: {Nay, but they, the clear Ay at are
preserved in the breasts of those who have been given knowledge (among the People of the Scriptures). And none but the Zalimun (polytheists .and wrongdoers) deny Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.)}. (AK Ankabut, 49)
Allah says: {And recite what has been revealed to
you (O Muhammad (Peace be upon him)) of the Book (the Qur'an) of your Lord (i.e. recite it, understand and follow its teachings and act on its orders and preach it to
men). None can change His Words}. (Al-Kahf, 27)

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Allah says: {And if anyone of the Mushrikun
(polytheists, idolaters, pagans, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah) seeks your protection then grant him
protection so that he may hear the Word of Allah (the Qur'an)}. (At-Tawbah, 6)
Ibn Masud (May Allah be pleased with him) said: "Keep looking at (the wording) of the Glorious Qur'an."
Thereupon, whosoever says that the Glorious Qur'an or part thereof is created, he is a disbeliever who denounces Islam. For the Qur'an is the Word of Allah, the Almighty; it came first rom Him and will turn back to Him and His Word is one of His Attributes. Whosoever says that any of the Attributes of Allah is created, he is a disbeliever; an apostate. The ruling pertaining to him is that he is offered repentance. If he returns to Islam, he becomes safe, but, if he refuses, he is to be killed as a disbeliever, who has nothing to do with the rulings governing the life and death of the Muslims.
Q 84: Is the Attribute of Speech related to Allah's Entity or is it associated with His ttributes of Action?
A— The attribute of speech belongs to Allah's Entity along with His Knowledge. In fact, it constitutes part of His Knowledge, He sent it down with His Knowledge and He is the Best Knower of what He sends down. He speaks according to His Will and Wish and it is an Attribute related to His Action. This point was mentioned by Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him): "If Allah wills to reveal the matter, He speaks with Revelation. "



99






In this regard our pious predecessors said regarding the Attribute of Speech: "It is a Quality of both the Entity and Action of Allah, for He was and still is described by His Speech forever. His Speaking and Addressing is according to His Will and Wish. He speaks if He wills, when He wills, and in the manner He wills with the Words to be heard by whom He wills. His Speech is an Attribute without end or termination. Allah says: {Say (O Muhammad (Peace be upon him) to mankind): "If the sea were ink for (writing) the Words of my Lord, surely, the sea would be exhausted before the Words of my Lord would be finished, even if We brought (another sea) like it for its aid}. (Al-Kahf, 109)
Allah says: {And if all the trees on the earth were
pens and the sea (were ink wherewith to write), with
seven seas behind it to add to its (supply), yet the Words of Allah would not be exhausted}. (Luqman, 27)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And the Word of your
Lord has been fulfilled in truth and in justice. None can change His Words. And He is the All-Hearer, the AllKnower}. (Al-An'am, 115)
Q 85: Who are the Waqifah, and what is the ruling concerning them?
A— The Waqifah are those who say concerning the Glorious Qur'an: "We say: it is neither the Word of Allah, nor is it created?'
Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal (May Allah, the Almighty grant him peace) said: "Whosoever among them who is


100







well-versed, he is a Jahmi






1
And whosoever among them

is not well-versed is ignorant. He is to be ofered the proof of his being mistaken. If he repents to Allah and believes that the Glorious Qur'an is the Word of Allah and that it is not created, he is regarded as one of the Muslims, but, if he refuses to repent, he is deemed more malicious and worse than any of the Jahmis. "
Q 86: What is the ruling concerning the one who says: "My pronunciation of the Qur'an is created?"
A— It is not lawful to say such a statement either in the affirmative, or in the negative. This is due to the fact that,"pronunciation" is something between
"pronouncing, "which is an act of man, and the "pronounced" which is the Qur'an. So, if it is said "My pronunciation of the Qur'an is created," this reflects the second sense and thus agrees with the viewpoint of the Jahmis. If it is said 'My pronunciation of the Qur'an is not created, " this implies the first sense, which is the action of man, and thus agrees with the viewpoint of the Ittihadyyiah. That is why our pious predecessors said:
"Whosoever says, "My pronunciation of the Qur'an is created, he is a Jahmi. Whosoever says it is not created, he is heretic."
Q 87: What is the textual proof that a Muslim should believe in Allah's Messengers?
A— There are so many proofs contained in the Glorious Qur'an and the Prophetic Sunnah, some of


1 i.e. One of the followers of Jahm Ibn Safwan. (Translator)

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which are: Allah, the Almighty says: {Verily, those who
disbelieve in Allah and His Messengers and wish to make distinction between Allah and His Messengers (by
believing in Allah and disbelieving in His Messengers)
saying, "We believe in some but reject others, " and wish to adopt a way in between. They are in truth disbelievers. And We have prepared for the disbelievers a humiliating torment. And those who believe in Allah and His Messengers and make no distinction between any of them (Messengers), We shall give them their rewards; and Allah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful}. (An-Nisa', 150-152)
Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) says: "I
believe in Allah and His Messengers. " (Bukhari and Muslim)
Q 88: What is the meaning of having Faith in the Messengers of Allah?"
A— "To have Faith in the Messengers of Allah" means to have firm belief that Allah, the Almighty sent down to every Ummah (community or nation) a
Messenger rom among them, to invite them to worship Him Alone and to renounce all that is worshipped besides Him. It means to believe that they are truthful, trustworthy, pious, divinely guided, honorable, respected, guiding and guided, supported with clear evidence and amazing miraculous signs rom their Lord. Also that they conveyed the whole Message they were sent with without making any change, alteration, distortion,
increase or decrease: {Then! Are the Messengers
charged with anything but to convey clearly the
Message?}. (An-Nahl, 35)


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It also means to believe that all of them were on a clear and truthful path. To believe in them means to believe that Almighty Allah took Ibrahim (Abraham) and Muhammad (Peace be upon them) as intimate riends, spoke to Musa (Moses), raised Idris to a lofty place, and that Tsa (Jesus) was (no more than) a
Messenger of Allah and His Word, ("Be!" - and he was) which He bestowed on Maryam (Mary) and a spirit (Ruh)1 created by Him, and that He preferred some of them (the Messengers) to others; and others (rom
among them) He raised to degrees (of honor).
Q 89: Did the call of the Messengers correspond with one another regarding the orders and prohibitions, which they conveyed?
A— Yes, their call corresponded to each other, and their call was one and the same rom the first among them till the last. They all invited men to the principle

[Ruh-ullah: According to die early religious scholars from among the companions of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) and their students and Mujtahidun, there is a rule to distinguish between the two nouns in the genitive construction: (a) When one of the two nouns is Allah, and the other is a person or a tiling, e.g. Allah's House (Bait-ullah); Allah's Messenger (Rasul-ullah); Allah's slave ("Abdullah); Allah's spirit (Ruh-ullah), the rule for the above words is that the second noun, e.g. house, messenger, slave, spirit is created by Allah and is honorable in His Sight, and similarity, Allah's spirit may be understood as the spirit of Allah, iu fact it is a soul created by Allah, i.e. Nisa (Jesus). And it was His Word: "Be!" - and he
was. [i.e. "isa (Jesus) was created like Adam]. But when one of the two is Allah and the second is neither a person nor a thing, then it is not a created tiling but is a quality of Allah e.g. Allah's Knowledge (* Ilm-ullah); Allah's Life (JHayat-ullah); Allah's Statement (Kalam-ullah); Allah's Self (Dhatullah). (Translator)

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and essence of worship that is Tawhid (Monotheism or the Oneness of Allah, the Almighty, which means, "none has the right to be worshipped except Allah the Almighty)."
Some religious rituals or duties, like Prayers and Fasting might have been ordained for some of them, but not for others. Moreover, something might be made illegal for some of them while it is legal for the others by way of test and trial rom Allah the Almighty: {That He might try you, which of you is the best in deeds}. (Hud, 7)
Q 90: What is the textual proof that they call for the same principle of the worship of Allah?
A— The proof of this is found in the Glorious Qur'an and the Prophetic Sunnah and is of two types: (a) general and (b) detailed.
Concerning general proof: Almighty Allah says: {And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): "Worship Allah (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Taghut (all false deities i.e. do not worship Taghut besides Allah)"}.
(An-Nahl, 36)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And We did not send any Messenger before you (O Muhammad (Peace be upon him)) but We revealed to him (saying): "La ilaha ilia Ana [none has the right to be worshipped but I (Allah)], so worship Me (Alone and none else) "}. (Al-Anbiya\ 25)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And ask (O Muhammad
(Peace be upon him)) those of Our Messengers whom We sent before you: "Did We ever appoint alihah (gods) to

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be worshipped besides the Most Gracious (Allah)?"}.
(Az-Zukhruf, 45)
And the detailed proof: Almighty Allah says: {And
indeed We sent Nuh (Noah) to his people, and he said: "O my people! Worship Allah! You have no other Ilah (god) but Him (Islamic Monotheism)}. (Al-Mu'mmun, 23)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And to Thamud (people,
We sent) their brother Salih. He said: "O my people! Worship Allah! You have no other Ilah (god) but Him"}.
(Al-A'raf, 73)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And to Ad (people, We
sent) their brother Hud. He said: "0 my people! Worship Allah! You have no other Ilah (god) but Him "}. (Al-Araf,
65& Hud, 50)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And to (the people of)
Madyan (Midian), (We sent) their brother Shu^aib. He
said: "O my people! Worship Allah! You have no other
Ilah (god) but Him "}. (Al-A'raf, 85& Hud, 84)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And (remember) when
Ibrahim (Abraham) said to his father and his people:
"Verily, I am innocent of what you worship, Except Him
(i.e. Allah Alone I worship none) Who did create me; and
verily He will guide me "}. (Az-Zukhruf, 26, 27)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Your ilah (god) is only
Allah (the One) La ilaha ilia Huwa (none has the right to
be Worshipped but He), He has full knowledge of all
things}. (Ta-Ha, 98)
Allah, the Almighty says: {But the Messiah [Tsa
(Jesus)] said: "O Children of Israel! Worship Allah, my

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Lord and your Lord. " Verily, whosoever sets up partners (in worship) with Allah, then Allah has forbidden Paradise
to him, and the Fire will be his abode}. (Al-Ma'idah, 72)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Say (0 Muhammad
(Peace be upon him)): "I am only a warner and there is no Ilah (god) except Allah (none has the right to be
worshipped but Allah) the One, the Irresistible"}. (Sad, 65)
Q 91: What is the proof of the differences among their SharaT (pi. Shari'ah) laws concerning what is lawful [Halal] and what is unlawful [Haram]?
A— Almighty Allah says in His Glorious Qur'an, {To each among you, We have prescribed "ShiFah wa Minhaj" a law and a clear way. If Allah had willed, He would have made you one nation, but that (He) may test you in what He has given you; so compete in good deeds}. (Al-Ma'idah, 48)
Ibn 'Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) said: "ShiFah wa Minhaj means 'a law and a clear way.'" The same viewpoint was held by Mujahid, Tkrimah, AlHasan Al-Basri, Qatadah, Ad-Dahhak, As-Sadyi, and Abu Is'haq As-Subafi.
In Sahih Al-Bukhari, Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) says: "The Prophets are paternal brothers; their mothers are different, but their religion is one." He

1 Transmitted by Al-Bukhari (3442) and Muslim (2395) from Abu
Hurairah widi the following wording: "Both in this world and in the Hereafter, I am the nearest of all the people to Jesus, the son of Mary. The Prophets are paternal brothers; their mothers are different, hut their religion is one."

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means the Monotheism or Tawhid (The Oneness of
Allah) with which Allah, the Almighty sent all Messengers and Prophets, and that which He, Glory be His, revealed in all His Books. However, the laws are different concerning the ordainments and prohibitions, and the lawful and the unlawful, {That He might try you, which of you is the best in deeds}. (Hud, 7)
Q 92: Have all the Messengers been mentioned in the Glorious Qur'an?
A— Allah, the Almighty told us something of their stoies, which suffices us and which is enough for us to take admonition and lessons rom. Then He, Almighty Allah, says: {And Messengers We have mentioned to you before, and Messengers We have not mentioned to you}.
(An-Nisa', 164)
Therefore, we must believe in all of them. We must believe in those, who were mentioned and those who were not.
Q 93: How many Messengers are mentioned in the Glorious Qur'an?
A— There are twenty-ive messengers mentioned in
the Qur'an: Adam, Nuh (Noah), Idris (Enoch), Hud,
Salih, Ibrahim (Abraham), IsmaTl (Ishmael), Is'haq
(Isaac), Yaqub (Jacob), Yusuf (Joseph), Lut (Lot),
Shu'aib, Yunus (Jonah), Musa (Moses), Harun (Aaron),
Ilyas (Elias), Zakaryia (Zachariah), Ya,hya (John), Al-
Yasav (Elisha), Dhul-Kifl (Isaiah), Dawud (David),
Sulalman (Solomon), Ayyub (Job), Tsa (Jesus), and
Muhammad (Peace be upon them all). Besides, He

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mentioned Al-Asbat [the offspring of the twelve sons of Ya'qub (Jacob)] in total.
Q 94: Who are the Messengers of Firm Will [Ulul- Azm]?
A— They are ive. Allah, the Almighty mentioned them in two places in His Glorious Qur'an:
The first: in Surah Al-Ahzab that reads, {And
(remember) when We took from the Prophets their covenant, and from you (O Muhammad (Peace be upon him)) and from Nuh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), and Jsa (Jesus) son of Mary am (Mary). We took from them a strong covenant}. (Al-Ahzab, 7)
The second: in Surah Ash-Shura that reads, {He (Allah) has ordained for you the same religion (Islamic
Monotheism) which He ordained for Nuh (Noah), and that which We have revealed to you (O Muhammad
(Peace be upon him)), and that which We ordained for
Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses) and Isa (Jesus)
saying you should establish religion (i.e. to do what it orders you to do practically), and make no divisions in it (religion) (i.e. various sects in religion). Intolerable for the Mushrikun, is that (Islamic Monotheism) to which you (O Muhammad (Peace be upon him)) call them. Allah chooses for Himself whom He wills, and guides unto Himself who turns to Him in repentance and in obedience}. (Ash-Shura, 13)
Q 95: Who was the first Messenger?
A— The irst Messenger ater the beginning of disagreements and differences regarding the true path of
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Allah, was Nuh (Noah) (Peace be upon him) as explained by Allah, the Almighty in the Gloious Qur'an, {Verily,
We have sent the revelation to you (O Muhammad
(Peace be upon him)) as We sent the revelation to Nuh (Noah) and the Prophets after him}. (An-Nisa', 163)
Allah, the Almighty says: {The people of Nuh (Noah) and the Confederates after them denied (their Messengers)
before these}. (Ghair, 5)
Q 96: When did differences begin to take place?
A— Ibn 'Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) said: Between Nuh (Noah) and Adam were 10 centuries of true and pure Tawhid (Islamic Monotheism) till they (the people) differed, thereupon Allah sent His Messengers {And Allah sent Prophets with glad tidings and warnings}. (Al-Baqarah, 2 J 3)
Q 97: Who is the seal of the Prophets?
A— The seal of the Prophets is Muhammad (Peace be upon him).
Q 98: What is the textual proof of this?
A— Allah, the Almighty says: {Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the last of the Prophets. And Allah is Fver All-Aware of everything}. (Al-Ahzab, 40)
The Prophet (Peace be upon him) says: "Surely after me, there would arise about thirty impostors, liars, and each one of them would claim that he is a messenger of Allah. And, I am the last of the Prophets. There will be no Prophet after me. " (Sahih Muslim)

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Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) addressing *Ali Ibn Abu Talib says: "You are in the same position with relation to me as Ha run (Aaron) was in relation to Moses but with (this explicit difference) that there is no Prophet after me. " (Bukhari and Muslim)
He (Peace be upon him) says: "And, I am the last (end) of the Prophets. There will be no Prophet after
me. " (At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud)
Q 99: What was given by Allah to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and not to any of the other Prophets before him?
A— Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) had so many characteristics, foremost among which is that he is the last of the Prophets, as mentioned earlier.
He (Peace be upon him) is the master of mankind, the sons of Adam. This is explained in the Saying of Allah, the Almighty, that reads, {Those Messengers! We
preferred some of them to others; to some of them Allah spoke (directly); others He raised to degrees (of honor)}.
(Al-Baqarah, 253)
He (Peace be upon him) says: "I shall be pre-eminent amongst the descendants of Adam on the Day of Resurrection and I will be the first intercessor and the first whose intercession will be accepted (by Allah). "
(Bukhari and Muslim)
He (Peace be upon him) was sent to the whole of people, mankind and jinn, as mentioned by Allah, the Almighty, {O mankind! Verily, I am sent to you all as the Messenger of Allah - to Whom belongs the Dominion of

no





the heavens and the earth. La ilaha ilia Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He). It is He Who gives life and causes death. So believe in Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad (Peace be upon him)), the Prophet who can neither read nor write (i.e. Muhammad (Peace be upon him)), who believes in Allah and His Words [(this Qur 'an), the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel) and also Allah's Word: "Be!" - and he was, i.e. Tsa (Jesus) son of Mary am (Mary), (Peace be upon them both), and follow him so that you may be guided}. (Al-A>af, 1 S 8)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And We have not sent
you (O Muhammad (Peace be upon him)) except as a giver of glad tidings and a warner to all mankind}.
(Saba\ 28)
He, (Peace be upon him) says: "I have been given superiority over the other Prophets in six respects: I have been given words which are concise but comprehensive in meaning; I have been helped by terror (in the hearts of my enemies); spoils have been made lawful to me; the earth has been made for me clean and a place of worship; I have been sent to all mankind and the line of Prophets ends with me. " (Bukhari and Muslim)
The Prophet (Peace be upon him) says: "Five things have been conferred upon me which were not granted to anyone before me (and these are): Every Messenger was sent particularly to his own people, whereas I have been sent to all the red and the black, the spoils of war have been made lawful for me, and these were never made lawful to anyone before me, and the earth has been made sacred and pure and a mosque for me, so whenever the

ill






time of prayer comes for any one of you he should pray wherever he is, and I have been supported by awe (by which the enemy is overwhelmed) from the distance (which one takes) one month to cover and I have been granted intercession. " (Bukhari and Muslim)
He (Peace be upon him) says: "By Him in Whose Hand my life is, none of this Ummah (community), either Jewish, or Christian, who hear of me, then dies without believing in what I have been sent with, but he would be one of the dwellers of Hell-fire. " (Sahih Muslim)
Q 100: What are the Miracles of the Prophets?
A— A miracle is an unusual thing, accompanied by a challenge, and it can not be defeated. It is of two types:
Material: this kind can be perceived by senses, such as sight and hearing. It is represented in the coming out of the She-camel rom the rock, the turning of the stick into a snake, and the talking of material things, etc.
Immaterial: this kind can only be realized by one's insight, such as the miracle of the Glorious Qur'an.
Our Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was granted both types of miracles. He (Peace be upon him) was granted miracles greater than those given to the previous Messengers and Prophets of Allah, the Almighty. Foremost among the material miracles of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) were: The splitting of the moon, the crying of the trunk of the date-
palm tree in the Prophet's Mosque, the flowing of water rom between the fingers of Allah's Messenger Muhammad (Peace be upon him), the speaking of the

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wolf, and the food which glorified Allah before the Prophet, and this glorification was heard by the companions of the Prophet (Peace be upon him). Still, there are many other miracles that were authentically transmitted ater him (Peace be upon him) till they
reached us unchanged. However, all these miracles ended with the time of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) as happened with all the other miracles of the Messengers of Allah. Nothing remained save the everlasting miracle,
i.e. the Glorious Qur'an, whose wonders never end/ and, {Falsehood cannot come to it from before it or behind it: (it is) sent down by the All-Wise, Worthy of all praise (Alldh)}.{Fussi\<it?42)

[Iron Man]

.

Q 101: What is the textual proof of the miraculous nature of the Glorious Qur'an?
A— The proof of this is the fact that the Gloious Qur'an was revealed over a peiod of more than twenty years, challenging the most eloquent of all mankind. {Let them then produce a recital like unto it (the Qur 'an) if they are truthful}. (At-Tur, 34)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Say: Bring you then ten
forged Surahs (chapters) like unto it}. (Hud, 13)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Say: Bring then a Surah
(chapter) like unto it}. (Yunus, 38)
But, they could not do it, though they were keen on refuting and rejecting it with all their power and might. This was despite the fact that the Qur'an's characters and words are Arabic, their mother tongue with which they used to communicate, and in which they used to

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compete. But still they could not challenge or even imitate it. The Glorious Qur'an declared their inability of challenging its miraculous nature in the verse that reads, {Say: If mankind and the Jinn were together to produce the like of this Qur'an, they could not produce the like thereof even if they helped one another}. (Al-Isra', 88)
Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) says: "Every Prophet was given miracles through which people believed, but what I have been given, is Divine Inspiration which Allah has revealed to me. So I hope that my followers will outnumber the followers of the other Prophets on the Day of Resurrection. " (Bukhari and Muslim)
Countless numbers of scholars and scientists have written on vaious aspects of the miraculous nature of the Glorious Qur'an. They tried hard to examine its wording, meanings, stories of the ancients, and knowledge news of the unseen, but all they could get is like what a small sparrow can get with its beak rom a great ocean!
Q 102: What is the textual proof that a Muslim must believe in the Last Day?
A— Allah, the Almighty says: {Verily, those who
hope not for their meeting with Us, but are pleased and satisfied with the life of the present world, and those who

'it is a clear fact diat more than 1400years have elapsed and not a single word of this Qur'an has been changed, although the disbelievers have tried dieir utmost to change it in any way, but they failed miserably in their efforts. As it is mentioned in this holy verse: "We will guard it." By Allah! He has guarded it. On the contrary, all the other holy Books [the Tawrat (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel)] have been corrupted by way of additions or alterations to die original text. (Translator)

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are heedless of Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses,
lessons, signs, revelations, etc.). Those, their abode will be the Fire, because of what they used to earn}. (Yunus, 7, 8)
Allah says: {Verily, that which you are promised (i.e.
Resurrection in the Hereafter and receiving the reward or punishment of good or bad deeds) is surely true. And verily, the Recompense is sure to happen}. (Adh-Dhariyat, 5, 6)
Allah says: {Verily, the Hour (Day of Judgement) is
surely coming, there is no doubt about it}. (Ghafir, 59)
Q 103:What is implied by one's belief in the Last Day?
A— To have Faith in the Last Day means to have a sincere and constant belief that it will take place and is inevitable.This belief encompasses the following: to believe in the inevitable signs and portents of the Hour, in death and what follows it, in the tial of the grave, its blessings and torment, in the blowing of the Horn, in the coming out of all creatures rom their graves, in the terrors of standing on that Day of judgment, in the details of the Gathering Place, in the flying over of the records (of deeds), in the setting of the Balance, in the Straight Path, in the Cistern, in the Great Intercession, in Paradise and its blessings, in the reward of looking at the Face of Allah, the Almighty, and to believe in the Hell-Fire and its severe torture and torment.
Q 104: Does anyone know when the Last Hour will be?
A— The time set for the Last Hour is one of the unseen affairs that no one save Allah, the Almighty knows. He says: {Verily Allah, with Him (Alone) is the

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knowledge of the Hour, He sends down the rain, and knows that which is in the wombs. No person knows what he will earn tomorrow, and no person knows in what land he will die. Verily Allah is All-Knower, All-Aware (of things)}. (Luqman, 34)
Allah, the Almighty says: {They ask you about the
Hour (Day of Resurrection): "When will be its appointed time?" Say: "The knowledge thereof is with my Lord (Alone). None can reveal its time but He. Heavy is its burden through the heavens and the earth. It shall not come upon you except all of a sudden. " They ask you as if you have a good knowledge of it. Say: "The knowledge thereof is with Allah (Alone), but most of mankind know
not. "}] (Al-Araf, 187)
Allah, the Almighty says: {They ask you (O
Muhammad (Peace be upon him)) about the Hour - when will be its appointed time? You have no knowledge to say anything about it. To your Lord belongs (the knowledge of) the term thereof?}. (An-Nazi'at, 42-44)
Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said to Jibril when asked about the Hour: "Then he (Jibril)
further asked, "When will the Hour be established?" Allah 's Messenger replied. "The answerer has no better

'Narrated Ibn ^Umar (May Allah be pleased with diem): The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: "The keys of the unseen are ive and none knows them but Allah: (1) None but Allah knows what is in die womb, (2) None
but Allah knows what will happen tomorrow (3) None but Allah knows when it will rain, (4) None but Allah knows where he will die, (5) and
none but Allah knows when the Hour will be established.." (Sahih Al-
Bukhari, Vol. 9, Hadidi No. 479) (Translator)

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knowledge than the questioner. But I will inform you about its portents, (a) When a slave (lady) gives birth to
her master, (b) When the shepherds of black camels start boasting and competing with others in the construction of higher buildings. And the Hour is one of five things, which nobody knows except Allah. " (Bukhari and Muslim)
Q 105: Cite some examples from the Glorious Qur'an pertaining to the portents of the Last Hour.
A— Allah, the Almighty says: {Do they then wait for anything other than that the angels should come to them, or that your Lord (Allah) should come, or that
some of the Signs of your Lord should come (i.e. portents of the Hour e.g., rising of the sun from the west)! The day that some of the Signs of your Lord do come, no goodwill it do to a person to believe then, if he believed it not before, nor earned good (by performing the deeds of righteousness) through his Faith. Say: "Wait you! We (too) are waiting}. (Al-Anam, 158)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And when the Word (of
torment) is fulfilled against them, We shall bring out from the earth a beast for them, to speak to them because mankind believed not with certainty in Our Ay at (verses
of the Our 'an and Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon
him))}. (An-Naml, 82)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Until, when Ya'juj and
Ma'juj (Gog and Magog) are let loose (from their
barrier), and they swoop down from every mound. And the true promise (Day of Resurrection) shall draw near (of fulfillment). Then (when mankind is resurrected from their graves), you shall see the eyes of the disbelievers
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fixedly staring in horror, (They will say): "Woe to us! We were indeed heedless of this - nay, but we were Zalimim (polytheists and wrong-doers) "}. (Al-Anbiya\ 96, 97)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Then wait you for the Day
when the sky will bring forth a visible smoke/(Ad-Dukhan, 10)
Allah, the Almighty says: {O mankind! Fear your
Lord and be dutiful to Him! Verily, the earthquake of the Hour (of Judgement) is a terrible thing. The Day you shall see it, every nursing mother will forget her nursling, and every pregnant one will drop her load, and you shall see mankind as in a drunken state, yet they will not be drunken, but severe will be the Torment of Allah}.
(Al-Hajj, 1,2)
Q 106: Cite some examples from the Prophetic Sunnah pertaining to the portents of the Last Hour.
A— The Prophetic Sunnah contains a great deal of the portents of the Last Hour. Some of them are as follows: the rising of the sun rom the west, the beast, Dajjal, the descent of Jesus, the son of Mary, the Gog and Magog, the smoke, the wind that would take the souls of all the believers, the fire that would appear rom the Yemen, and would dive people to the place of their assembly, and land-slides.1
Q 107: What is the textual proof from the Qur'an and the Sunnah of the believer in death?
A— Allah, the Almighty says: {Say: The angel of
death, who is set over you, will take your souls. Then you shall be brought to your Lord}. (As-Sajdah, 11)


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Allah, the Almighty says: {Everyone shall taste
death. And only on the Day of Resurrection shall you be paid yo ur wages in full}. (Al' Imran, 185)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Verily you (O Muhammad (Peace be upon him)) will die, and verily they (too) will
die}. (Az-Zumar, 30)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And We granted not to
any human being immortality before you (O Muhammad
(Peace be upon him)): then if you die, would they live
forever?} (Al-Anbiya', 34)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Whatsoever is on it (the
earth) will perish. And the Face of your Lord full of
Majesty and Honor will remain forever}. (Ar-Rahman, 26, 27)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Everything will perish
save His Face}. (Al-Qasas, 88)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And put your trust
(O Muhammad (Peace be upon him)) in the Ever Living One Who dies not}. (Al-Furqan, 58)
There are countless Hadiths concerning death. No doubt, death is witnessed by human beings every day, even every hour, so that no rational man can deny, doubt or hesitate over its occurrence. However only believing men and women act in accordance with the belief in death and what comes afterwards. As Muslims, we believe in the fact that if anyone dies or is killed in any way, that this was his destiny, and the time appointed for him by Allah, the Almighty, Who says: {Each runs its course for a term appointed}. (Ar-Rad, 2, Fatir, 13& Az-Zumar, 5)


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. Ji


Allah, the Almighty says: {And every nation has its
appointed term; when their term comes, neither can they delay it nor can they advance it an hour (or a moment)}. (Al-A raf, 34)
Q 108: What is the textual proof from the Glorious Qur'an that the trial of the grave and its blessing or torment is a reality?
A—Allah, the Almighty says: {No! It is but a word that he speaks; and behind them is Barzakh (a barrier) until the Day when they will be resurrected}. (Ai-Mu'minun, 100)
Allah, the Almighty says: {So Allah saved him from
the evils that they plotted (against him), while an evil torment encompassed FiFaun's (Pharaoh) people. The Fire, they are exposed to it, morning and afternoon. And on the Day when the Hour will be established (it will be said to the angels): "Cause FiFaun's (Pharaoh) people to enter the severest torment!"}. (Ghafir, 45, 46)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Allah will keep firm those who believe, with the word that stands firm in this world (i.e. they will keep on worshipping Allah Alone and none else), and in the Hereafter. }. (Ibrahim, 27)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And if you could but see
when the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers) are in the agonies of death, while the angels are stretching forth their hands (saying): Deliver your souls! This day

1 i.e. immediately after their death (in their graves) when they are going to be asked by the angels, Munkar and Nakir. (Translator)


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you shall be recompensed with the torment of degradation because of what you used to utter against
Allah other than the truth}. (Al-Arf am, 93)
Allah, the Almighty says: {We shall punish them
twice, and thereafter they shall be brought back to a great (horrible) torment}. (At-Tawbah, 101)
Q 109: What is the textual proof of the trial of the grave from the Prophetic Sunnah?
A— There are numerous Hadiths, foremost among which are the following:
Narrated Anas (May Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (Peace be upon him) says: "When a human being is laid in his grave and his companions leave (the burying place) and he even hears their foot steps, two angels come to him and make him sit and then they ask him: What did you use to say about this man, Muhammad? He will say: I testify that he is Allah's slave and His Messenger. Then it will be said to him, 'Look at your place in the Hell-Fire. Allah has given you a place in Paradise instead of it.'" The Prophet added, "The dead person will see both his places. But a non-believer or a hypocrite will say to the angels, 7 do not know, but I
used to say what the people used to say! It will be said to him, Neither did you know nor did you take the guidance (by reciting the Qur'an).' Then he will be hit with an iron hammer between his two ears, and he will cry and that cry will be heard by whatever approaches him except human beings and Jinns. " (Bukhari and Muslim).



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Narrated Ibn 'Abbas (May Allah be pleased with
him): The Prophet (Peace be upon him) once passed by two graves, and those two persons (in the graves) were being tortured. He said: "They are being tortured not for
a great thing (to avoid). One of them never saved himself from being soiled with his urine, while the other was going about with calumnies (to make enmity between friends). He
then took a green leaf of a date-palm tree split it into two pieces and fixed one on each grave. The people said: "O Allah's Messenger! Why have you done so? " He replied,
"I hope that their punishment may be lessened till they (the leaves) become dry. " (Bukhari and Muslim)
Narrated Abu Ayyub (May Allah be pleased with him): Once the Prophet (Peace be upon him) went out after sunset and heard a dreadful noise, and said: "Those are Jews who are being tormented in their graves. "
(Bukhari and Muslim)
Narrated Abdullah Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be
pleased with them): Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) said: "When anyone of you dies, he is shown his place both in the morning and in the evening. If he is one of the people of Paradise; he is shown his place in it, and if he is from the people of the Hell-Fire; he is shown his place therein. Then it is said to him, 'This is your place till Allah resurrects you on the Day of Resurrection.'"
(Bukhari and Muslim)
Narrated 'Amrah bint vAbdur-Rahman: A Jewish woman came to ask "AT shah (the wife of the Prophet) about something. She said to her, "May Allah give you refuge from the punishment of the grave." So Ai 'shah asked Allah's Messenger "Would the people be punished
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in their graves? " Allah's Messenger after seeking refuge with Allah from the punishment of the grave thus replied in the affirmative). Then one day, Allah's Messenger
rode to go to some place but the sun eclipsed. He returned in the forenoon and passed through the rear of the dwellings (of his wives) and stood for the (eclipse) prayer, and the people stood behind him. He stood up for
a long period and then performed a prolonged bowing, which was shorter than the first bowing. Then he raised his head and prostrated. Then he stood up for the
second Rak^ah) for a long while but the standing was shorter than that of the first Rak^ah. Then he performed a prolonged bowing, which was shorter than the first one.
Then he raised his head and prostrated, first. Then he performed a prolonged bowing but shorter than the Then he stood up for a long time but shorter than the first.
Then he raised his head and prostrated and finished the prayer and (then delivered the sermon and) said as much as Allah wished. And then he ordered the people to seek refuge with Allah from the punishment of the grave. "
(Bukhari and Muslim)
Q 110: What is the textual proof that the resurrection from the graves is a reality?
A— Allah, the Almighty says: {O mankind! If you
are in doubt about the Resurrection, then verily We have created you (i.e. Adam) from dust, then from a Nutfah (mixed drops of male and female sexual discharge i.e. the
offspring of Adam), then from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood) then from a little lump of flesh some -
formed and some unformed (as in the case of
miscarriage) - that We may make (it) clear to you (i.e. to
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show you Our Power and Ability to do what We will). And We cause whom We will to remain in the wombs for an appointed term, then We bring you out as infants, then (give you growth) that you may reach your age of full strength. And among you there is he who dies (young), and among you there is he who is brought back to miserable old age, so that he knows nothing after having known much. And you see the earth barren, but when We send down water (rain) on it, it is stirred (to life), and it swells and puts forth every lovely kind (of growth). That is because Allah: He is the Truth, and it is He, Who gives life to the dead, and it is He, Who is Able to do all things. And surely, the Hour is coming, there is no doubt about it; and certainly, Allah will resurrect those who are in
the graves}. (Al-Hajj, 5-7)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And He it is Who
originates the creation, then He will repeat it (after it has
been perished); and this is easy for Him}. (Ar-Rum, 27)
Allah, the Almighty says: {As We began the first
creation, We shall repeat it. (It is) a promise binding
upon us. Truly, We shall do it}. (Al-Anbiya', 104)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And man (the disbeliever) says: "When I am dead, shall I then be raised up alive? " Does not man remember that We created him before, while he was nothing}. (Maryam, 66, 67)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Does not man see that
We have created him from Nutfah (mixed male and female sexual discharge - semen drops). Yet behold he (stands forth) as an open opponent. And he puts forth for Us a parable, and forgets his own creation. He says:
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"Who will give life to these bones after they are rotten and have become dust? " Say: (O Muhammad (Peace be upon him)) "He will give life to them, Who created them for the first time! And He is the All-Knower of every creation!" He Who produces for you fire out of the green tree, when behold you kindle therewith. Is not He
Who created the heavens and the earth, Able to create the like of them? Yes, indeed! He is the All-Knowing Supreme Creator. Verily, His Command, when He intends a thing, is only that He says to it, 'Be!" - and it is! So glorified is He and exalted above all that they associate with Him, and in Whose Hands is the dominion of all things: and to Him you shall be
returned}. (Ya-Sin, 78-83)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Do they not see that
Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth, and was not wearied by their creation, is Able to give life to the dead? Yes, He surely is Able to do all things. And on the
Day when those, who disbelieve will be exposed to the Fire (it will be said to them): "Is this not the truth?" They will say: "Yes, By our Lord!" He will say: "Then
taste the torment, because you used to disbelieve!" Therefore be patient (O Muhammad (Peace be upon
him)) as did the Messengers of strong will and be in no haste about them (disbelievers). On the Day when they will see that (torment) with which they are promised (i.e.
threatened, it will be) as if they had not stayed more than an hour in a single day. (O mankind! This Qur'an is
sufficient as) a clear Message (or proclamation to save yourself from destruction). But shall any be destroyed except the people, who are Al-Fasiqun (the rebellious

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against Allah's Command, the disobedient to Allah)?}. (Al-Ahqaf, 33)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And among His Signs (in
this), that you see the earth barren; but when We send down water (rain) to it, it is stirred to life and growth (of vegetations). Verily, He Who gives it life, surely, is Able to give life to the dead (on the Day of Resurrection). Indeed He is Able to do all things}. (Fussilat, 39)
Narrated Ibn "Abbas (May Allah be pleased with
him): While a man was riding (his Mount) in "Arafat, he fell down rom it (his Mount) and broke his neck (and died). The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: "Wash him with water and Sidr and shroud him in two pieces of cloth, and neither perfume him, nor cover his head, for he will be resurrected on the Day of Resurrection saying,
'Labbaik, ' (i.e. like a pilgrim). " (Sahih Bukhari)
Narrated Khabbab (May Allah be pleased with him): I was a blacksmith and did some work for AKAs Ibn Wa'il. When he owed me some money for my work, I went to him to ask for that amount. He said: "I will not pay you unless you disbelieve in Muhammad. " I said:
"By Allah! I will never do that till you die and be resurrected." He said: "Will I be dead and then resurrected after my death?" I said: "Yes." He said:
"There I will have property and offspring and then I will pay you your due. " Then Allah revealed, {Have you seen him who disbelieved in Our signs, and yet says: I will be given property and offspring?} (Maryam,77) (Sahih Bukhari)



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Q 111: What is the ruling concerning the person who belies the resurrection?
A— The one who belies resurrection is regarded as a disbeliever, who disbelieves in Allah, the Almighty, His Books and Messengers. Allah, the Almighty says: {And
those who disbelieve say: "When we have become dust -
we and our fathers, shall we really be brought forth (again)?"}. (An-Naml, 67)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And if you (O Muhammad (Peace be upon him)) wonder (at these polytheists, who deny your message of Islamic Monotheism and have taken besides Allah others for worship, who can neither harm nor benefit them), then wondrous is their saying:
"When we are dust, shall we indeed then be (raised) in a new creation?" They are those, who disbelieved in their Lord! They are those, who will have iron chains tying their hands to their necks. They will be dwellers of the Fire to abide therein}. (Ar-Rad, 5)
Allah, the Almighty says: {The disbelievers pretend
that they will never be resurrected for the Account). Say (O Muhammad (Peace be upon him)): Yes! By my Lord, you will certainly be resurrected, then you will be informed of (and recompensed for) what you did; and that is easy for Allah}. (At-Taghabun, 7)
Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) says: "Allah the Most Superior said: "The son of Adam slights Me, and he should not slight Me, and he disbelieves in Me, and he ought not to do so. As for his slighting Me, it is that he says that I have a son; and his disbelief in Me is

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his statement that I shall not recreate him as I created
(him) before. " (Bukhari and Muslim).
Q 112: What is the textual proof that there will be the blowing in the Horn? How many will there be?
A— Allah, the Almighty says: {And the Trumpet will be blown, and all who are in the heavens and all who are on the earth will swoon away, except he whom A Ilah wills. Then it will be blown a second time, and behold they will be standing, looking on (waiting)}. (Az-Zumar, 68)
Here two blowings are mentioned, the irst for the destruction of all in the heavens and all who are on the earth, and the second for the Resurrection.
In another verse Allah says: {And (remember) the
Day on which the Trumpet will be blown - and all, who are in the heavens and all who are on the earth, will be terrified except he whom Allah wills to (exempt)}. (An-
Naml, 87) This verse implies that there will be a so-called blowing of Terror.
However, whosoever interpreted the terror in this verse by 'swooning,' then it actually refers to the first blowing that is mentioned in Surah Az-Zumar. This interpretation is supported by the Hadith transmitted by Imam Muslim that reads: Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) said in the Hadith narrated by Ibn "Amr (May Allah be pleased with them): "... Then the trumpet would be blown and no one would hear that but he would bend his neck to one side and raise it from the other side and the first one to hear that trumpet would be a person who would be busy in setting right the water tank meant for
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providing the camels with water. He would swoon and the other people would also swoon, then Allah would send or He would cause to send rain which would be like dew and there would grow out of it the bodies of the people. Then the second trumpet would be blown and they would stand up and begin to look (around). Then it would be said: O people, go to your Lord, and make them stand there. And they would be questioned. Then it would be said: Bring out a group (out of them) for the Hell-Fire. And then it would be asked: How much? It would be said: Nine hundred and ninety-nine out of one thousand for the Hell-Fire and that would be the day which would make the children old because of its terror and that would be the day about which it has been said: {On the day when the shank would be uncovered}. (Al
Qalam, 42)." (Muslim)
Whosoever interpreted the 'terror' by other than swooning, for him it is a third blowing prior to the aforementioned two. This viewpoint is supported by the lengthy Hadith of the Horn, in which there are three blowings: the blowing of Terror, the blowing of Swooning, and the blowing of the Resurrection before the Lord of the Worlds.
Q 113: What is the manner of Gathering stated in the Glorious Qur'an?
A— There are numerous verses that discuss this, some of them are as follows: Allah, the Almighty says: {And truly you have come unto Us alone (without wealth, companions or anything else) as We created you the first
time}. (Al-An am, 94)
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Allah, the Almighty says: {And we shall gather them all together so as to leave not one of them behind}. (Al-
Kahf, 47)
Allah, the Almighty says: {The Day We shall gather
the Muttaqun (the pious and righteous persons) unto the Most Gracious (Allah), like a delegation (presented
before a king for honor). And We shall drive the Mujrimun (polytheists, sinners, criminals, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah) to Hell, in a thirsty state (like a thirsty herd driven down to water)}. (Maryam, 85, 86)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And you (all) will be in
three groups. So those on the Right Hand (i.e. those who will be given their Records in their right hands) - how fortunate) will be those on the Right Hand! (As a respect for them, because they will enter Paradise). And those on
the Left Hand (i.e. those who will be given their Record in their left hands) - how (unfortunate) will be those on the Left Hand! (As a disgrace for them, because they will enter Hell). And those foremost [(in Islamic Faith of Monotheism and in performing righteous deeds) in the life of this world on the very first call for to embrace Islam] will be foremost (in Paradise)}. (Al-Waqivah, 7-10)
Allah, the Almighty says: {On that Day mankind will follow strictly (the voice of) Allah's caller, no crookedness (that is without going to the right or the left of that voice) will they show him (Allah's caller). And all voices will be
humbled before the Most Gracious (Allah), and nothing shall
you hear but the low sound of their footsteps}. (Ta-Ha, 108)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And he whom Allah
guides, he is led aright; but he whom He sends astray,
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for such you will find no Auliya' (helpers and
protectors), besides Him, and We shall gather them together on the Day of Resurrection on their faces, blind, dumb and deaf their abode will be Hell; whenever it abates, We shall increase for them the fierceness of the Fire}. (Al-Isra', 97)
Q 114: What is the manner of Gathering stated in the Prophetic Sunnah?
A— Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) as saying: "The people will be assembled in three categories. Those desirous (of Paradise), fearing (Hell), coming two upon the camel, three upon the camel, four upon the camel, ten upon the camel and the rest will be assembled, Hell-Fire being with them when they are at midday, where they would spend the night and where they would spend the morning and where they would spend the evening. " (Bukhari and Muslim)
Narrated Anas Ibn Malik (May Allah be pleased with him): A man said: "0 Allah's Prophet! Will Allah gather a disbeliever (prone) on his face on the Day of
Resurrection?" He (Peace be upon him) said: "Will not the One Who made him walk on his feet in this world, be able to make him walk on his face on the Day of Resurrection? " (Qatadah, a sub-narrator, said: "Yes, by the Power of Our Lord!") (Bukhari and Muslim)
The Prophet (Peace be upon him) says: "You will be gathered (on the Day of Judgment), bare-footed, naked and uncircumcised. " He then recited, {As We began the

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first creation, We, shall repeat it. A Promise We have undertaken. Truly we shall doit}. (Al-Anbiyd', 1 0 4) He
added, "The first to be dressed on the Day of Resurrection, will be Abraham, and some of my followers (i.e. Muslims) will be taken towards the left
side (i.e. to the (Hell Fire), and I will say: 'My
followers! My followers!' It will be said: 'They renegraded from Islam after you left them.' Then I will say as the Pious slave of Allah (i.e. Jesus) said: {And I was a witness Over them while I dwelt amongst them.
When You took me up, You were the Watcher over them, And You are a witness to all things. If You punish them, they are Your slaves And if You forgive them, verily you, only You are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise}. " (Al-Mai'dah,
120,121) (Bukhari and Muslim)
A'ishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported that she heard Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) as saying: The people would be assembled on the Day of Resurrection barefooted, naked and uncircumcised. I said: Allah's Messenger, will the male and the female be together on that Day and would they be looking at one another? Upon this Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) said: *A 'ishah! The matter would be too serious for them to look at one another. " (Sahih Muslim)
Q 115: Cite some descriptions of how people will stand on the Day of Judgment, from the Glorious Qur'an.
A— Allah, the Almighty says: {Consider not that
Allah is unaware of that which the Zalimun (polytheists, wrong-doers) do, but He gives them respite up to a Day
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when the eyes will stare in horror. (They will be)
hastening forward with necks outstretched, their heads
raised up (towards the sky), their gaze returning not
towards them and their hearts empty (from thinking
because of extreme fear)}. (Ibrahim, 42, 43)
Allah, the Almighty says: {The Day that Ar-Ruh
[Jibril (Gabriel) or another angel] and the angels will
stand forth in rows, they will not speak except him whom
the Most Gracious (Allah) allows, and he will speak
what is right}. (An-Naba', 38)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And warn them
(O Muhammad (Peace be upon him)) of the Day that is drawing near (i.e. the Day of Resurrection), when the hearts will be choking the throats, and they can neither return them (hearts) to their chests nor can they throw them out. There will be no friend, nor an intercessor for the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers), who could be
given heed to}. (Ghafir, 18)
Allah, the Almighty says: {The angels and the Ruh
[Jibril (Gabriel)] ascend to Him in a Day the measure
whereof is fifty thousand years}. (Al-Ma'arij, 4)
Allah, the Almighty says: {We shall attend to you,
O you two classes of (jinn and men)!}. (Ar-Rahman, 31)
Q 116: Cite some descriptions of how people will stand on the Day of Judgment from the Prophetic Sunnah.
A— There are many Hadiths concerning this, foremost among which are:

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On the authority of Ibn ' Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) that Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) recited, {The Day when (all) mankind will stand before the Lord of the A lam in (mankind, jinn and all that
exists)}. (Al-Mutaifm, 6) He said: "One of them stands in the midst of his sweat (and it covers him) to half of his ears. " (Bukhari and Muslim)
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him)
narrated that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) says: "On the Day of Judgment, mankind will sweat and their sweat goes deep into the earth for seventy cubits and it covers them till it reaches their ears. " (Bukhari and Muslim)
Q 117: Cite some descriptions of the Display and Reckoning on the Day of Judgment from the Glorious Qur'an.
A— Almighty Allah says: {That Day shall you be
brought to Judgement, not a secret of yours will be
hidden}. (Al-Ha×××h, 18)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And they will be set
before your Lord in (lines as) rows, (and Allah will say): "Now indeed, you have come to Us as We created you the first time. Nay, but you thought that We had appointed no meeting for you (with us) "}. (Al-Kahf, 48)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And (remember) the Day when We shall gather out of every nation a troop of those who denied Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), and (then) they (all)
shall be set in array (gathered and driven to the place of reckoning). Till, when they come, (before their Lord at
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the place of reckoning), He will say: "Did you deny My Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) Whereas you comprehended them not by knowledge
(of their truth or falsehood), or what (else) was it that you used to do?" And the Word (of torment) will be fulfilled against them, because they have done wrong,
and they will be unable to speak (in order to defend themselves)}. (An-Naml, 83-85)
Allah, the Almighty says: {That Day mankind will
proceed in scattered groups that they may be shown their deeds. So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant) shall see it. And whosoever does evil equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant) shall
see it}. (Az-Zalzalah, 6-8)
Allah, the Almighty says: {So, by your Lord, (O
Muhammad (Peace be upon him) We shall certainly call all of them to account, for all that they used to do}. (Al-
Hijr, 92, 93)
Allah, the Almighty says: {But stop them, verily they are to be questioned}. (As-Safat, 24)
Q 118: Cite some descriptions of the Display and Reckoning on the Day of Judgment from the Prophetic Sunnah.
A— There are many Hadiths concerning this, foremost among which are:
Whenever 'A'ishah (the wife of the Prophet (Peace be upon him)) heard anything which she did not understand, she used to ask again till she understood it completely.

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'A'ishah said: "Once the Prophet said: "Whoever will be called to judgment (about his deeds on the Day of
Resurrection) will surely be punished. " I said: "Doesn 't Allah say: {He surely will receive an easy reckoning}. " (Al-Inshiqaq, 8) The Prophet (Peace be upon him) replied,
"This means only the presentation and display of one's account but whoever will be argued with about his deeds, Will certainly be punished. " (Bukhari and Muslim)
Narrated Anas (May Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (Peace be upon him) says: "Allah will say to that person of the (Hell) Fire who will receive the least
punishment, 'If you had everything on the earth, would you give it as a ransom to free yourself (i.e. save yourself from this Fire)?' He will say, 'Yes.' Then Allah will say,
'While you were in the backbone of Adam, I asked you much less than this, i.e. not to worship others besides Me, but you insisted on worshipping others besides Me. '" (Bukhari and Muslim)
Narrated "Adi Ibn Hatim (May Allah be pleased with him): Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) says:
"There will be none among you but his Lord will talk to him, and there will be no interpreter between him and Allah. He will look to his right and see nothing but his deeds which he has sent forward, and will look to his left and see nothing but his deeds which he has sent forward, and will look in front of him and see nothing but the (Hell) Fire facing him. So save yourself from the (Hell) Fire even with half a date (given in charity). " Al-A *mash said: 'Amr Ibn Murrah said: Khaithamah narrated the same and added, '... even with a good word. '" ^Bukhari and Muslim)


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Narrated Safwan Ibn Muhriz (May Allah be pleased with him): A man asked Ibn TJmar, "What have you heard from Allah's Messenger regarding An-Najwa?"
He said: "Everyone of you will come close to His Lord, Who will screen him from the people and say to him, Did you do so-and-so?' He will reply, 'Yes.' Then Allah
will say, 'Didyou do so-and-so?' He will reply, 'Yes.' So Allah will question him and make him confess, and then Allah will say, 7 screened your sins in the world and
forgive them for you today. '" (Bukhari and Muslim)
Q 119: Cite some descriptions of the Spreading of the Records of Deeds from the Glorious Qur'an.
A— Allah, the Almighty says: {And We have
fastened every man's deeds to his neck, and on the Day of Resurrection, We shall bring out for him a book, which he will find wide open. (It will be said to him):
"Read your book. You yourself are sufficient as a reckoner against you this Day"}. (Al-Isra', 13, 14)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And when the (written)
pages [of deeds (good and bad) of every person] are laid
open}. (At-Takwir, 10)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And the Book (one's
Record) will be placed (in the right hand for a believer in the Oneness of Allah, and in the left hand for a disbeliever in the Oneness of Allah), and you all see the Mujrimun (criminals, polytheists, sinners), fearful of that which is (recorded) therein. They will say: "Woe to us!
What sort of Book is this that leaves neither a small thing nor a big thing, but has recorded it with numbers!" And

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they will find all that they did, placed before them, and your Lord treats no one with injustice}. (Al-Kahf, 49)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Then as for him who will
be given his Record in his right hand will say: "Here! Read my Record! Surely, I did believe that I shall meet my Account! So he shall be in a life, well-pleasing. In a lofty Paradise, the fruits in bunches whereof will be low and near at hand. Eat and drink at ease for that which you have sent on before you in days past! But as for him who will be given his Record in his left hand, will say: I wish that I had not been given my Record! And that I had never known how my Account is! Would that it had been my end (death)! My wealth has not availed me; my power has gone from me! (It will be said): Seize him and fetter him; then throw him in the blazing Fire. Then fasten him with a chain whereof the length is seventy cubits! Verily, he used not to believe in Allah, the Most Great, and urged not the feeding of Al-Miskin (the poor). So no friend has he here this Day, nor any food except fdth from the washing of wounds. None will eat it except the Khati'un
(sinners, disbelievers, polytheists)}. (Al-Haq'qah, 19-37)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Then as for him who will
be given his Record in his right hand}. (Al-Inshiqaq, 7)
Allah, the Almighty says: {But whosoever is given
his Record behind his back}. (Al-Inshiqaq, 10)
This indicates that whosoever is given his Record in his ight hand, he takes it rom his ront, and whosoever is given it in his let hand, he takes it rom behind his back. May Allah grant us refuge rom this.

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Q 120: Cite some descriptions of the Spreading of the Records of Deeds from the Prophetic Sunnah.
A— There are countless Hadiths regarding this, foremost among which are the following:
Narrated Safwan Ibn Muhriz (May Allah be pleased with him): A man asked Ibn "Umar, "What have you heard from Allah's Messenger regarding An-Najwa? "
He said: "Everyone of you will come close to His Lord, Who will screen him from the people and say to him, Did you do so-and-so? ' He will reply, 'Yes. ' Then Allah
will say, Did you do so-and-so? ' He will reply, 'Yes. ' So Allah will question him and make him confess, and then Allah will say, 'I screened your sins in the world and forgive them for you today. '" (Sahih Bukhari)
A'ishah (May Allah be pleased with her) narrated: "I said: O Allah's Messenger! 'Will the lover remember his beloved on the Day of Judgment?' He (Peace be upon him) said: 'O ^A 'ishah! Not in three situations: At the
Balance where it tilts or not; upon the flying of the Records of deeds, when receiving his record either in his right, or his left, hand; and when the flames of Fire get out." (A Weak Hadith) quoted rom a lengthy Hadith, transmitted by Imams Ahmad and Abu Dawud. There are so many other Hadiths regarding the same issue as well.

[Iron Man]

.

Q 121: What is the Qur'anic textual proof that the Balance is a reality?
A— Allah, the Almighty says: {And We shall set up balances of justice on the Day of Resurrection, then none will be dealt with unjustly in anything. And if there be the
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Allah, the Almighty says: {And the weighing on that day (Day of Resurrection) will be the true (weighing). So as for those whose scale (of good deeds) will be heavy,
they will be the successful (by entering Paradise). And as for those whose scale will be light, they are those who will lose their own selves (by entering Hell) because they
denied and rejected Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.)}. (Al-A'raf, 8, 9)
Allah, the Almighty says: {So their works are in
vain, and on the Day of Resurrection, We shall assign no
weight for them}. (Al-Kahf, 105)
Q 122: What is the Textual proof from the Prophetic Sunnah that the Balance is a reality?
A— There are many Hadiths regarding this issue. Foremost among these is the Hadith of the twotestimonies (Shahadah) and that it overweighs ninetynine records of sins, each one is as long as the sight may reach.
Another saying of Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) pertaining to Ibn Mas'ud (May Allah be pleased with him) as saying: "Do you wonder at the thinness of his legs! By Him in Whose Hand my life is! On the Balance, they are more heavy than Uhud (Mount)."
(Imam Ahmad)
He (Peace be upon him) says: "On the Day of Judgment, a fat man will be brought, and he will not weigh what

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equals a wing of a mosquito in the Sight of Allah. " He (Peace be upon him) says: "Read, {And on the Day of
Resurrection, We shall assign no weight for them}. (Al-
Kahf 1 OS)" (Bukhari and Muslim)
Q 123: What is the textual proof from the Glorious Qur'an of the existence of the Straight Path?
A— Allah, the Almighty says: {There is not one of you but will pass over it (Hell): this is with your Lord; a Decree which must be accomplished. Then We shall save those, who used to fear Allah and were dutiful to Him, and We shall leave the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong¬ doers) therein (humbled) to their knees (in Hell)}.
(Maryam, 71, 72)
Allah, the Almighty says: {On the Day you shall see the believing men and the believing women: their light running forward before them and by their right hands}.
(Al-Hadid, 12)
Q 124: What is the textual proof from the Prophetic Sunnah of the existence of the Straight Path?
A— There are many Hadiths regarding this. Foremost among these are:
Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) said in a lengthy Hadith, "Then a bridge will be laid across Hell (Fire). I and my followers will be the first ones to go across it and none will speak on that Day except the Messengers. And the invocation of the Messengers on that Day will be, 'O Allah, save! Save!' In Hell (or over the Bridge) there will be hooks like the thorns of As-

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Sa^dan (thorny plant). Have you seen As-Sa"dan?" They replied, "Yes, O Allah's Messenger!" He said: "So those hooks look like the thorns of As-Sa "dan, but none knows
how big they are, except Allah. Those hooks will snap the people away according to their deeds. Some of the people will stay in Hell (be destroyed) because of their
(evil) deeds, and some will be cut or torn by the hooks (and fall into Hell) and some will be punished and then relieved. When Allah has finished His Judgments among
the people, He will take whomsoever He wills out of Hell, through His Mercy. He will then order the angels to take out of the Fire all those who used to worship none but Allah from among those whom Allah wanted to be merciful to and those who testified (in the world) that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah. The angels will recognize them in the Fire by the marks of prostration (on their foreheads), for the Fire will eat up all the human body except the mark caused by prostration as Allah has forbidden the Fire to eat the mark of prostration. They will come out of the (Hell) Fire, completely burnt and then the water of life will be poured over them and they will grow under it as does a seed that comes in the mud of the torrent. " (Bukhari and Muslim)
Abu SaTd Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) said: "I have come to know that the Bridge (the Straight Path) is thinner than a hair and sharper than a sword. "
Q 125: Mention some Qur'anic proofs that being justly judged (Just Requital) is a part of the proceedings of the Day of Judgment?



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A— Allah, the Almighty says: {Surely! Allah wrongs not even by the weight of an atom (or a small ant), but if there is any good (done), He doubles it, and gives from
Him a great reward}. (An-Nisa', 40)
Allah, the Almighty says: {This Day shall every
person be recompensed for what he earned. This Day no injustice (shall be done to anybody). Truly Allah is Swift in reckoning. And warn them (O Muhammad (Peace be
upon him)) of the Day that is drawing near (i.e. the Day of Resurrection), when the hearts will be choking the throats, and they can neither return them (hearts) to their
chests nor can they throw them out. There will be no friend, nor an intercessor for the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong¬ doers), who could be given heed to. Allah knows the fraud
of the eyes, and all that the breasts conceal. And Allah judges with truth, while those to whom they invoke besides Him, cannot judge anything. Certainly, Allah! He
is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer}. (Ghafir, 17-20)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And it will be judged
between them with truth, and they will not be wronged}.
(Az-Zumar, 69)
Q 126: What is the textual proof that being judged justly (Just Requital) is a part of the Day of Judgment according to the Prophetic Sunnah?
A— There are so many Hadiths regarding this. Foremost among which are:
Narrated "Abdullah (May Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (Peace be upon him) says: "The first cases to


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be decided among the people (on the Day of Resurrection) will be those of blood-shed. " (Bukhari and Muslim)
Narrated Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (May Allah be
pleased with him): Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) says: "When the believers pass safely over (the bridge across) Hell, they will be stopped at a bridge in between Hell and Paradise, where they will retaliate upon each other for the injustices done among them in the world, and when they get purified of all their sins, they will be admitted into Paradise. By Him in Whose Hands the life of Muhammad is everybody will recognize his dwelling in Paradise better than he recognizes his dwelling in this world. " (Sahih Bukhari)
Q 127: What is the textual proof from the Glorious Qur'an that the Cistern (Kauthar) exists?
A— Allah, the Almighty says to His Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him): {Verily, We have
granted you (O Muhammad (Peace be upon him)) AlKauthar (a river in Paradise)}. (Al-Kauthar, 1)
Q 128: What is the textual proof from the Prophetic Sunnah that the Cistern (Kauthar) exists?
A— There so many Hadiths concerning this, foremost among which are:
Narrated TJqbah Ibn 'Amir (May Allah be pleased with him): One day the Prophet (Peace be upon him) went out and offered the funeral prayers of the martyrs of
Uhud and then went up to the pulpit and said: "I will pave the way for you as your predecessor and will be a

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witness on you. By Allah! I see my Fount (Kauthar) just now and I have been given the keys of all the treasures of the earth (or the keys of the earth). By Allah! I am not afraid that you will worship others along with Allah after my death, but I am afraid that you will fight with one another for worldly things. " (Sahih Bukhari)
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Verily Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) said: My Cistern has its dimensions wider than the
distance between Aila (Jerusalem) and Aden, and its
water is whiter than snow and sweeter than honey diluted with milk, and its cups are more numerous than the number of the stars. Verily I shall prevent the
(faithless) people therefrom, just as a man prevents the camels of the people from his fountain. They said: O Messenger of Allah, will you recognize us on that day? He
said: Yes, you will have distinctive marks, which nobody among the people (except you) will have; you would come to me with blazing forehead and bright hands and feet on account of the traces of ablution. " (Sahih Bukhari)
Narrated Anas (May Allah be pleased with him):
When the Prophet (Peace be upon him) was made to ascend to the heavens, he (Peace be upon him) said
(after his return), "I came upon a river (in Paradise) the banks of which were made of tents of hollow pearls. I asked Jibril (Gabriel), 'What is this (river)? ' He replied,
"This is the Kauthar. " (Sahih Bukhari)
Q 129: What is the textual proof that a Muslim must believe in the existence of both Paradise and Hell-ire?
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Allah, the Almighty says: {Then i
(Hell) whose fuel is
i
disbelievers. And give glad tidings to those who believe and
do righteous good deeds, that for them will be Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise)}. (Al-Baqarah, 24, 25)
Narrated Ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (Peace be upon him) used to invoke Allah at night, saying, "O Allah! All Praise is for You: You
are the Lord of the Heavens and the Earth. All Praise is for You; You are the Maintainer of the Heaven and the Earth and whatever is in them. All the Praises are for
You; You are the Light of the Heavens and the Earth. Your Word is the Truth, and Your Promise is the Truth, and the Meeting with You is the Truth, and Paradise is the Truth, and the (Hell) Fire is the Truth, and the Hour is the Truth. O Allah! I surrender myself to You, and I believe in You and I depend upon You, and I repent to You and with You (Your evidence) I stand against my opponents, and to You I leave the judgment (for those who refuse my message). O Allah! Forgive me my sins that I did in the past or will do in the future, and also the sins I did in secret or in public. You are my only God (Whom I worship) and there is no other God for me (i.e. I worship none but You)." (Sahih Bukhari)
Narrated TJbadah (May Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: "If anyone
testifies that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah Alone, Who has no partners, and that Muhammad is His Slave and His Messenger, and that Jesus is Allah's Slave and His Messenger and His Word, which He bestowed on Mary and a Spirit created by Him, and that Paradise is
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true, and Hell is true, Allah will admit him into Paradise with the deeds which he had done even if those deeds were few. " (Junadah, the sub-narrator said: '"Ubadah added,
'Such a person can enter Paradise through any of its eight gates he likes. '") (Bukhari and Muslim).
Q 130: What is the meaning of Faith in Paradise and Hell-Fire?
A— This means to have absolute and firm belief in their existence and in the fact that they exist at present, and that they are everlasting by the Will of Allah, the Almighty Who wishes so. This also means to believe in the blessings and joys of Paradise and in the torment and terrors of the Hell-Fire.
Q 131: What is the textual proof that they exist now?
A— Allah, the Almighty informed us that they are existing and that they are already prepared. Concerning
Paradise,He says: {Prepared for Al-Muttaqun (the
pious)}. (Al Imran, 133) And, concerning Hell-Fire, He
says: {Preparedfor the disbelievers}. (Al 'Imran, 131)
In addition, He, Glory is His, informed us that He made Adam and Eve reside in Paradise before they ate rom the forbidden tree. Moreover, He informed us that the disbelievers are exposed to the Hell-Fire every morning and evening.
Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) says:
"I stood at the gate of Paradise and saw that the majority of the people who entered it were the poor, while the wealthy were stopped at the gate (for their

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accounts). But the companions of the Fire were ordered to be taken to the Fire. Then I stood at the gate of the Fire and saw that the majority of those, who entered it were women. " (Bukhari and Muslim)
Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them)
reported Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) as
saying: "When any one of you dies, he is shown his seat (in the Hereafter) morning and evening. If he is amongst the inmates of Paradise (he is shown the seat) from
amongst the inmates of Paradise. And, if he is one from amongst the denizens of Hell (he is shown the seat) from amongst the denizens of Hell, and it would be said to him: That is your seat until Allah raises you on the Day of Resurrection (and sends you to your proper seat). "
(Bukhari and Muslim)
Narrated Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (Peace be upon him) says: "In very hot weather, delay the Zuhr Noon Prayer till it becomes (a bit) cooler because the severity of heat is from the raging of Hell-fire. The fire of Hell complained to its Lord saying: O Lord! My parts are eating (destroying) one another. So Allah allowed it to take two breaths, one in the winter and the other in the summer. The breath in the summer is at the time when you feel the severest heat and the breath in the winter is at the time when you feel the severest cold. " (Bukhari and Muslim)
A'ishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) as saying:
"Fever is from the vehement raging of the Hell-fire, so cool it with water. " (Bukhari and Muslim)

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Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) says: "When Allah created Paradise and Hell-fire, He sent Gabriel to Paradise saying: Go and have a look at it. " (Imam Ahmad, Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi)
Narrated "Abdullah Ibn Abbas (May Allah be
pleased with them): The sun eclipsed and Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) offered the eclipse prayer and said: "I have been shown the Hell-fire (now) and I never saw a worse and more horrible sight than the sight I have seen today. " (Bukhari and Muslim)
In addition, Paradise and Hell-ire were shown to the Prophet (Peace be upon him) on the Night of Isra' (Night Journey).
Q 132: What is the textual proof that they exist eternally (by the Leave of Allah)?
A— Allah, the Almighty says concerning Paradise, {To dwell therein forever. That is the supreme success}.
(At-Tawbah, 100& At-Taghabun, 9)

Allah, the Almighty says:
asked to leave it}. (Al-Hijr, 48)
Allah, the Almighty says:
(Hud, 108)
Allah, the Almighty says:

{Nor shall they (ever) be

{A gift without an end}.

{Whose supply is not cut

off (by change of season), nor are they out of reach}. (Al-
Waqi'ah, 33)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Verily, this is Our
Provision which will never finish}. (Sad, 54)

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Allah, the Almighty says: {Verily, the Muttaqun (the pious), will be in a place of Security (Paradise). Among Gardens and Springs, dressed in fine silk and (also) in
thick silk, facing each other. So (it will be). And We shall marry them to Hur (fair females) with wide, lovely eyes.
They will call therein for every kind of fruit in peace and security. They will never taste death therein except the first death (of this world), and He will save them from the
torment of the blazing Fire}. (Ad-Dukhan, 51-56)
Concerning Hell-fire, Allah, the Almighty says: {Except the way of Hell, to dwell therein forever}. (An-Nisa', 169)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Verily, Allah has cursed
the disbelievers, and has prepared for them a flaming Fire (Hell), wherein they will abide forever, and they will ind neither a Wali (a protector) nor a helper}.
(Al-Ahzab, 64, 65)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And whosoever disobeys
Allah and His Messenger, then verily, for him is the Fire
of Hell, he shall dwell therein forever}. (Al-Jinn, 23)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And they will never get
out of the Fire}. (Al-Baqarah, 167)
Allah, the Almighty says: {(The torment) will not be lightened for them, and they will be plunged into

Hur. Very fair females created by Allah, not from die offspring of Adam (Peace be upon him), having intensely black irises and the whites of their eyes will be intensely white. [For details see the book Hadi Al-Arwah by
Ibn Al-Qaiyim, Chapter 64, Page 147]. (Translator)

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destruction with deep regrets, sorrows and in despair
therein}. (Az-Zukhruf, 75)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Neither will it have a
complete killing effect on them so that they die, nor shall its torment be lightened for them}. (Fatir, 36)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Verily whoever comes to
his Lord as a Mujrim (criminal, polytheist, sinner,
disbeliever in the Oneness of Allah and His Messengers), then surely, for him is Hell, wherein he will neither die
nor live}. (Ta-Ha, 74)
Abu SaTd Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) as saying: Death would be brought on the Day of
Resurrection in the form of a white-colored ram. Abu Kuraib made this addition: Then it would be made to stand between Paradise and Hell. So far as the rest of
the Hadith is concerned, there is perfect agreement (between the two narrators), and it would be said to the inmates of Paradise: Do you recognize this? They would
raise up their necks and look towards it and say: Yes, it is death. Then it would be said to the inmates of Hell-
Fire. Do you recognize this? And they would raise up
their necks and look and say: Yes, it is death. Then the command would be given to slaughter that ram and then it would be said: O inmates of Paradise, there is an
everlasting life for you and no death. And then (addressing) the inmates of the Hell-fire, it would be said: O inmates of the Hell-fire, there is everlasting life for you and no death. Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon
him) then recited this verse pointing with his hand to this
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(material) world: {Warn them, of this Day of dismay,
and when their afairs would be decided and they would
be unmindful and they believe not}." (Maryam, 39)
(Bukhari and Muslim)
Q 133: What is the textual proof that the believers will see their Lord in the Hereafter?
A— Allah, the Almighty says: {Some faces that Day shall be Nadirah (shining and radiant). Looking at their Lord (Allah)}. (Al-Qiyamah, 22, 23)
Allah, the Almighty says: {For those who have done good is the best (reward, i.e. Paradise) and even more (i.e. having the honor of glancing at the Countenance of Allah, the Almighty)}. (Yunus, 26)
Allah, the Almighty says about the disbelievers, {Nay! Surely they (evil-doers) will be veiled from seeing their Lord on that Day}. (AI-Mutaffifin, 15)
Thus, He veiled the evil-doers rom glancing at His Countenance but will not veil Himself rom His pious servants.
Narrated Q'ais: Jarir (May Allah be pleased with
him) said: "We were with the Prophet (Peace be upon him) and he looked at the moon (full moon) and said: 'Certainly you will see your Lord as you see this moon and you will have no trouble in seeing Him. So if you can avoid missing (through sleep or business, etc.) a prayer before the sun-rise (Fajr) and a prayer before sunset
CAsr), you must do so.' He then recited Allah's Statement: {And celebrate the praises of your Lord

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before the rising of the sun and before (its) setting}. (Qdf
3 9) Isma il said: "Offer those prayers and do not miss
them. " (Bukhari and Muslim)
The Prophet's saying "as you see this moon" is by way of likening the act of seeing to sight, and not what is seen. This is in addition to the Hadith that reads: Narrated Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (Peace be upon him) says: "When Allah ordains something in the Heavens, the angels beat with their wings in obedience to His Statement, which sounds like that of a chain dragged over a rock. His Statement:
"Until when the fear is banished from their hearts, the Angels say, 'What was it that your Lord said?' 'They reply, {(He has said) the Truth. And He is the Most High, The Most Great}. (Saba\ 22) (Sahih Bukhari)
In this Hadith, the act of hearing is likened to hearing and not to what is heard. There is nothing resembling Allah, the Almighty or resembling any of His Attributes. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) cannot say anything that may imply the slightest hint that anything resembles Allah, the Almighty.
There are so many Hadiths concerning this issue, which we mentioned in the explanation of "Sullam AlWusul" forty-five Hadiths on the authority of thirty of the Prophet's companions.
Whosoever rejects this, he belies the Glorious Book and what has been revealed to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and was among those addressed by


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the following verse: {Nay! Surely they (evil-doers) will be veiled from seeing their Lord that Z)ay/(Al-Mutaffifin, 15)
We ask Allah, the Almighty for forgiveness and pardon and to grant us the blessing of glancing at His Countenance.
Q 134: What is the textual proof of Shafa'ah (Intercession)? Who will practice it? For the sake of whom? When?
A— Allah, the Almighty mentioned 'Intercession' in numerous places in His Glorious Qur'an. He mentioned the serious conditions and that it is something that
belongs to none but Allah. He says: {Say: To Allah
belongs all intercession}. (Az-Zumar, 44).
When will it be?
Allah, the Almighty told us that it will not be other than with His Permission: {Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission?}. (Al-Baqarah, 255)
Allah, the Almighty says: {No intercessor (can plead with Him) except after His Leave}. (Yunus, 3)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And there are many
angels in the heavens, whose intercession will avail
nothing except after Allah has given leave for whom He
wills and is pleased with}. (An-Najm, 26)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Intercession with Him
profits not except for him whom He permits}. (Saba', 23)
From whom does Allah accept Intercession?

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Allah, the Almighty informed us that this chance will not be given to anyone but by His Leave and Permission. He also informed us that only His pious worshippers are the ones to enjoy it. He says: {They will not speak except him whom the Most Gracious (Allah)
allows, and he will speak what is right}. (An-Naba', 38)
Allah, the Almighty says: {None shall have the
power of intercession, but such a one as has received
permission (or promise) from the Most Gracious
(Allah)}. (Maryam, 87)
For whom does Allah grant Intercession?
Allah informed us that it will not be granted but for whom He is pleased with. He says: {And they cannot
intercede except for him with whom He is pleased}. (Al-
Anbiya', 28)
Allah, the Almighty says: {On that day no
intercession shall avail, except the one for whom the Most Gracious (Allah) has given permission and whose word is acceptable to Him}. (Ta-Ha, 109)
Almighty Allah does not accept or be pleased with other than the people of true and pure Monotheism and loyalty. As for the others, Allah says: {There will be no
friend, nor an intercessor for the Zalimun (polytheists and
wrong-doers), who could be given heed to}. (Ghair, 18 )
Allah, the Almighty says: {Now we have no
intercessors, nor a close friend (to help us)}. (Ash-
Shu ara', 100, 101)


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Allah, the Almighty says: {So no intercession of
intercessors will be of any use to them}. (Al-Muddathir, 48)
He (Peace be upon him) told us that he is granted Intercession: "So they will come to me and I will ask the permission of my Lord, and I will be permitted (to present myself) before Him. When I see my Lord, I will fall down in (prostration) before Him and He will leave
me (in prostration) as long as He wishes, and then it will be said to me, 'O Muhammad! Raise your head and speak, for you will be listened to; and ask, for you will be granted (your request); and intercede, for your intercession will be accepted.' I will then raise my head and praise my Lord with certain praises, which He has taught me, and then I will intercede. " (Bukhari and Muslim)
He (Peace be upon him) told us that he will not intercede for the sake of all the disobedient rom among the monotheists once and for all, but he said: "Allah will allow me to intercede (for a certain kind of people) and will fix a limit whom I will admit into Paradise. " Then, he comes back and prostrates himself again and he is given a second group to admit into Paradise, till the end of the lengthy Hadith of the Intercession, narrated by Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) in Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim.
Narrated Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him): I said: "O Allah's Messenger! Who will be the luckiest person, who will gain your intercession on the Day of Resurrection? " Allah's Messenger said: O Abu Hurairah! "I have thought that none will ask me about it before you as I know your longing to (learn) Hadiths.
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The luckiest person, who will have my intercession on the Day of Resurrection will be the one who said sincerely from the bottom of his heart "None has the right to be
worshipped but Allah." (Sahih Bukhari)
Q 135: How many kinds of Intercession are there? Which is the greatest one?
A— There are many kinds of intercessions:
(1) The Greatest of which is "the Great Intercession on the Day of Judgment, " the Day of Reckoning. This is specially granted to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). It is the Maqam Mahmud (a station of praise and glory) that is promised by Allah, the Almighty in His Statement, {It may be that your Lord will raise you to Maqam Mahmud (a station of praise and glory, i. e. the honor of intercession on the Day of Resurrection)}. (Al-Isra', 79)
This is when Allah will gather the believers on the Day of Resurrection in the same way (as they are
gathered in this life), and they will say, 'Let us ask someone to intercede for us with our Lord that He may relieve us rom this place of ours.' Then they will go to Adam, Nuh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), (Tsa) Jesus, and finally Muhammad and say, 'Don't you see the people (people's condition)?' all of them would say, 7 am not fit for this undertaking,' save Muhammad, who would say, "I am fit for this undertaking."
(Bukhari and Muslim)
(2) Intercession for opening the gate of Paradise. The first to enter therein is Prophet Muhammad (Peace be


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upon him), and the first Ummah (community or nation) to enter it is his Ummah.
(3) Intercession for the benefit of some people, who are ordered to be admitted into Hell, but who will not enter it.
(4) Intercession for the benefit of some monotheists ,who were admitted into Hell to get out rom it.
Narrated Abu SaTd Al-Khudri (May Allah be
pleased with him): The Prophet (Peace be upon him) says: "When the people of Paradise will enter Paradise and the people of Hell will go to Hell, Allah will order those, who have had faith equal to the weight of a grain of mustard seed to be taken out from Hell. So they will be taken out but (by then) they will be blackened (charred). Then they will be put in the river of Haya' (rain) or Hayat (life) (the Narrator is in doubt as to which is the right term), and they will revive like a grain that grows near the bank of a flooded channel. Don 7 you see that it comes out yellow and twisted? " (Bukhari and Muslim)
(5) Intercession for raising the ranks of some people rom among the residents of Paradise.
The last three ones (3, 4, 5) are not peculiar to
Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), but he is to be advanced before the other Prophets, angels, protectors and pious men, who will intercede on that Day. Then Allah, the Almighty will take out, by His Mercy from Hell-fire, people without any intercession, the number of which can not be counted by other than Allah, the Almighty.



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(6) Intercession to lighten the torment of some disbelievers. This one is specially for Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) for the sake of his paternal uncle, as transmitted by Imam
Muslim and other Hadith Compilations:
Anas Ibn Malik (May Allah be pleased with him), reported: Allah 's Messenger (Peace be upon him) said that the Hell would continue to say: Is there anyone
more, until Allah, the Exalted and High, would place His foot therein and it would say: Enough, enough, by Your Honor, and some parts of it would draw close to the
other." (Bukhari and Muslim)
Q 136: Would anybody attain salvation on the Day of Resurrection because of his deeds?
A— "A'ishah (May Allah be pleased with her), the wife of Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him), reported that Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) used to say: Observe moderation (in doing deeds), and if you fail to observe it perfectly, try to do as much as you can do (to live up to this ideal of moderation) and be sure that none would be able to get into Paradise because of his deeds alone. They (the companions of the Holy Prophet) said: Allah's Messenger, not even you? Whereupon he said: Not even I, but that Allah wraps me in His Mercy, and bear this in mind that the deed loved most by Allah is one, which is done constantly even though it is insignificant. " (Bukhari and Muslim).
Q 137: How can we understand the above mentioned Hadith and the Qur'anic verse that reads: {And it will be cried out to them: This is the Paradise which you have inherited for what you used to do}. (Al-A>af, 43)?
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A— There is no contradiction between the previous Hadith and the Qur'anic verse. For the "deeds" mentioned in the verse are the cause behind enteing Paradise and what is negated in the Hadith, is that the deeds are turned into the price paid for it. Indeed, if man lived the whole period of his life of the world, fasting during the day, standing in prayer for Allah during the whole night, and avoiding all kinds of sins, the whole of his life would not be enough for meeting even one-tenth of the slightest blessings he is granted by Allah. How can it be then the price suitable for Paradise!
{My Lord! Forgive and have mercy, for You are the Best of those who show mercy!}. (Al-Mu'minun, 118)
Q 138: What is the textual proof that a Muslim must believe in the Divine Decree (Predestination)?
A— Allah, the Almighty says: {And the Command of Allah is a decree determined}. (Al-Ahzab, 38)
Allah, the Almighty says: {That Allah might
accomplish a matter already ordained (in His
Knowledge)}. (Al-Anfal, 43-44)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And Allah's Command
must be fulfilled}. (Al-Ahzab, 37)
Allah, the Almighty says: {No calamity befalls, but
by the Leave [i.e. Decision and Qadar (Divine Pre-
ordainments)] of Allah, and whosoever believes in Allah, He guides his heart [to the true Faith with certainty, i.e. what has befallen him was already written for him by


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Allah from the Qadar (Divine Pre-ordainments)]. And Allah is the All-Knower of everything}. (At-Taghabun, 11)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And what you suffered (of the disaster) on the day (of the bailie of Uhud when) the two armies met, was by the leave of Allah}. (Al Imran, 166)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Who, when afflicted with
calamity, say: "Truly! To Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return." They are those on whom are the Salawat (i. e. who are blessed and will be forgiven) from their Lord, and (they are those who) receive His Mercy, and it is they, who are the guided ones}. (Al-Baqarah, 156, 157)
It was mentioned earlier in the Hadith of Jibril, "And you affirm your faith in the Divine Decree about good
and evil. " (Bukhari and Muslim)
He (Peace be upon him) says: "A strong believer is better and is more lovable to Allah than a weak believer, and there is good in everyone, (but) cherish that which
gives you benefit (in the Hereafter) and seek help from Allah and do not lose heart, and if anything (in the form of trouble) comes to you, don't say: If I had not done that, it would not have happened so and so, but say: Allah did that which He had ordained to do and your
"if" opens the (gate) for the Satan. " (Sahih Muslim)
Tawus (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I found some companions of Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) saying: "Everything is by measure. " And he added: "I heard Abdullah Ibn ^Umar saying: 'There is a measure for everything, even for incapacity and capability'. " (Sahih Muslim)
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Q 139: What are the different ranks of having firm faith in the Divine Decree?
A— Affirming faith in the Divine Decree has four ranks:
First rank: Having firm faith in Allah's Knowledge that covers everything. Not even the weight of an atom (or a small ant) or less than that or greater in the heavens or the earth, escapes His Knowledge. He knew all about His creatures before creating them: their sustenance, appointed terms, sayings, deeds, moves, secrets and public conferences, the residents of Hell rom among them and also the residents of Paradise.
Second rank: Having firm faith in the Pre-recording of all these (and others) and that He recorded and wrote down all that will exist or take place. This also includes affirming faith in Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz (the Book of
Decrees).
Third rank: Having firm faith in the Penetrative Will of Allah and His Comprehensive Omnipotence and that both are correlative. Both are interrelated regarding what has been and what would be, and there is no correlation between them in regard to what had not been or what would not be. For what is ever willed by Allah, would certainly be with His Omnipotence, and what is never willed by Allah,would never be, due to His Unwillingness and not to His lack of Omnipotence over it. Allah says: {Allah is not such that anything in the heavens or in the earth escapes Him. Verily, He is All-Knowing, AllOmnipotent}. (Fatir, 4)
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Fourth rank: Having firm faith in Allah, the Almighty, the Creator of everything. And that not even the weight of an atom (or a small ant) or less than that or greater in the heavens or in the earth, but is created by Him. Glory is His, there is neither creator, nor Lord but He.
Q 140: What is the textual proof that faith in Allah's Comprehensive Knowledge, is one of the ranks of faith in His Divine Decree?
A— Allah, the Almighty says: {He is Allah beside
Whom La ilaha ilia Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He) the All-Knower of the unseen and the
seen}. (Al-Hashr, 22)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And that Allah surrounds
all things in (His) Knowledge}. (At-Talaq, 12)
Allah, the Almighty says: {The All-Knower of the
Unseen, it will come to you; not even the weight of an atom (or a small ant) or less than that or greater escapes His Knowledge in the heavens or in the earth}. (Saba', 3)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And with Him are the keys of the Ghaib (all that is hidden), none knows them but He. And He knows whatever there is in the land and in the sea; not a leaf falls, but He knows it. There is not a grain in the darkness of the earth nor anything fresh or
dry, but is written in a Clear Record}. (Al-An am, 59)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Allah knows best with
whom to place His Message}. (Al-An'am, 124)



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Allah, the Almighty says: {Truly, your Lord knows
best who has gone astray from His Path, and He is the
Best Aware of those who are guided}. (An-Nahl, 125, & Al-
Qalam, 7)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Does not Allah know best those who are grateful?}. (Al-Anam, 53)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Is not Allah Best Aware of what is in the breasts of the ^Alamin (mankind and jinn)}. (Al-1 Ankabut, 10)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And (remember) when
your Lord said to the angels: "Verily, I am going to place (mankind) generations after generations on earth. " They said: "Will You place therein those who will make mischief therein and shed blood, while we glorify You with praises and thanks and sanctify You. " He (Allah) said: "I know that which you do not know "}. (Al-Baqarah, 30)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Jihad (Fighting in Allah 's Cause) is ordained for you (Muslims) though you dislike it, and it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows but you do not know}. (Al-Baqarah, 216)
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him)
reported that Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) was asked about the children of the polytheists, whereupon he said: "It is Allah Who knows best what they would be
doing. " (Bukhari and Muslim)
'A'ishah, the mother of the believers, said that Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) was called to

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lead the funeral prayer of a child of the Ansar. I said: Allah's Messenger, there is happiness for this child who is a bird from the birds of Paradise for it committed no sin nor has he reached the age when one can commit sin. He said: A 'ishah, per chance, it may be otherwise, because Allah created for Paradise those who are fit for it. while they were yet in their father' s loins and created for Hell those who are to go to Hell. He created them for Hell while they were yet in their father's loins. " (Sahih Muslim)
Sahl Ibn Sa'd (May Allah be pleased with that a
person performs deeds like the deeds of the people of Paradise apparently before people and he would be amongst the dwellers of Hell and a person acts apparently like the people of Hell, but (in fact) he would be among the dwellers of Paradise. " (Sahih Muslim)
Narrated 'Ali Ibn Abu Talib (May Allah be pleased with him): "We were accompanying a funeral procession in BaqF-al-Gharqad. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) came to us and sat and we sat around him. He had a small stick in his hand then he bent his head and started scraping the ground with it. He then said: "There is none among you, and not a created soul, but has a place either in Paradise or in Hell assigned for him and it is also determined for him whether he will be among the blessed or the wretched. " A man said: "O Allah 's Messenger! Should we not depend on what has been written for us and leave the deeds, as whoever amongst us is blessed, will do the deeds of a blessed person and whoever amongst us will be wretched, will do the deeds of a wretched person?" The Prophet (Peace be upon him)

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said: "The good deeds are made easy for the blessed, and bad deeds are made easy for the wretched. " Then he recited the verses: {As for him who gives (in charity) and is Allah-fearing and believes in the Best reward from
Allah}. (Al Lail,6 ) (Sahih Muslim)

[Iron Man]

.

Q 141: What is the textual proof that faith in Predestination is one of the ranks of faith in His Divine Decree?
A— Allah, the Almighty says: {And all things We
have recorded with numbers (as a record) in a Clear
Book}. (Ya-Sin, 12)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Verily, it is (all) in the
Book (Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz)}. (Al-Hajj, 70)
He says in the debate between Moses and Pharaoh: {[FiFaun (Pharaoh)] said: What about the generations of old? [Musa (Moses)] said: The knowledge thereof is with my Lord, in a Record. My Lord neither errs nor does He forget}. (Ta-Ha, 51,52)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And no female conceives
or gives birth but with His Knowledge. And no aged man is granted a length of life nor is a part cut off from his life (or another man's life), but is in a Book (Al-Lauh Al-
Mahfuz). Surely, that is easy for Allah}. (Fatir, 11)
All scholars of Hadith reported: We (some of the
Prophet's companions) were at a funeral in the graveyard of Gharqad when Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) came to us and we sat around him. He had a stick with him. He lowered his head and began to
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scratch the earth with his stick, and then said: There is not one amongst you whom a seat in Paradise or Hell has not been allotted and about whom it has not been
written down whether he would be an evil person or a blessed person. A person said: Allah's Messenger, should we not then depend upon our destiny and
abandon our deeds? Thereupon he said: the acts of everyone will be facilitated in, that which has been created for him so that whoever belongs to the company
of the blessed will have good works made easier for him and whoever belongs to the unfortunate ones will have evil acts made easier for him. He then recited this verse
(from the Qur'an): {Then, who gives to the needy and
guards against evil and accepts the excellent (the truth of Islam and the path of righteousness it prescribes), We shall make easy for him the easy end and who is miserly
and considers himself above need, We shall make easy for him the difficult end}. (Al-Lail, 5-10) (Bukhari and Muslim)
Q 142: How many Pre-ordainments are included in this rank?
A— They are five, all of which belong to knowledge:
First: Recording one's ordainments fifty thousand years before the creation of the heavens and the earth, when the Pen was created by Allah, the Almighty. This is called the 'Eternal Pre-ordainment.'
Second: The Pre-ordainment of Life-time: when Allah, the Almighty took the Covenant rom the Children of Adam, {And (remember) when your Lord brought forth from the Children of Adam, from their loins, their

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seed (or from Adam's loin his ofspring) and made them testify as to themselves (saying): "Am I not your Lord? " They said: "Yes! We testify, " lest you should say on the Day of Resurrection: "Verily, we have been unaware of this. " Or lest you should say: "It was only our fathers aforetime, who took others as partners in worship along with Allah. And we were (merely their) descendants after them; will You then destroy us because of the deeds of men, who practiced Al-Batil (i.e. polytheism and
committing crimes and sins, invoking and worshipping others besides Allah)?"}. (Al-A'raf, 172,173)
Third: The Pre-ordainment of Life-time: when the Nutfah (mixed drops of male and female sexual discharge) is given life within the womb.
Fourth: The Annual Pre-ordainment: on Lailat AlQadr (the Night of Power).
Fifth: The Daily Pre-ordainment: which is carrying out all the above at their proper times.
Q 143: What is the textual proof of Eternal Preordainment?
A— Allah, the Almighty says: {No calamity befalls
on the earth or in yourselves but it is inscribed in the Book of Decrees (Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz) before We bring it into existence}. (Al-Hadid, 22)
'Abdullah Ibn ^Amr Ibn AKAs (May Allah be
pleased with them) reported: "/ heard Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) saying: 'Allah ordained the measures (of quality) of the creation fifty thousand years
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before He created the heavens and the earth, as His Throne was upon the water.'" (Muslim)
Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that Suraqah Ibn Malik came and said: Allah's Messenger, explain our religion to us (in a way) as if we have just now been created. Whatsoever deeds we do today, is it because of the fact that, the Pens have dried (after recording them) and the destinies have began to operate or these have effects in the future? Thereupon, he said:
The pens have been lifted and the destinies have begun to operate. (Suraqah Ibn Malik) said: If it is so, then what is the use of doing good deeds? Zuhair said: Then Abu Zubair said something but I could not understand what he said and I said: What did he say? Thereupon, he said: Act, for everyone is facilitated towards what he intends to do. " (Sahih Bukhari)
Narrated Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him): I said: "O Allah's Messenger! I am a young man and I am afraid that I may commit illegal sexual
intercourse and I cannot afford to marry. " He kept silent, and then repeated my question once again, but he kept silent. I said the same for the third time) and he
remained silent. Then repeated my question (for the
fourth time), and only did then the Prophet (Peace be upon him) say: "O Abu Hurairah! The Pen has dried after writing what you are going to confront. So (it does
i) get yourself
(Sahih Bukhari)
Q 144: What is the textual proof of the Preordainment of life-time on the Day of Covenant?
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A— Allah, the Almighty says: {And (remember)
when your Lord brought forth from the Children of Adam, from their loins, their seed (or from Adam's loins his offspring) and made them testify as to themselves (saying): "Am I not your Lord?" They said: "Yes! We
testify"}. (Al-AYaf, 172)
Ibn Is'haq Ibn Rahawayh narrated that a man said: "O Allah's Messenger! Are deeds to be initiated, or is everything already ordained?' He (Peace be upon him)
said: 'When Allah, the Almighty brought out the Children of Adam from his loins, He made them testify as to themselves, then He put them in His Palm and said:
'these are for Paradise and these are for Hell-fire. The people of Paradise are facilitated for them the deeds of the people of Paradise, and the people of Hell-fire are facilitated for them the deeds of the people of Hell-fire. "
In Al-Muwata' of Imam Malik: "Umar Ibn Al-
Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) was asked
about this verse: {And (remember) when your Lord
brought forth from the Children of Adam, from their loins, their seed (or from Adam's loin his ofspring) and made them testify as to themselves (saying): "Am I not your Lord? " They said: "Yes! We testiy, "}. (Al-Araf, 172) He ("Umar) said: "I heard Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) when asked (the same question) about it saying: 'Allah, Glory is His, created Adam, then He wiped his back with His Right Hand, till He brought out of him offspring and said: 'I created these for Paradise and (so) they will proceed to the deeds of the people of Paradise.' Then, he wiped his back and brought out of

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Hell-fire. '" (Malik, Abu Dawud, Ahmad and At-Tirmidhi)
In At-Tirmidhi: Abdullah Ibn 'Amr (May Allah be pleased with them) said: Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) came out to us holding two books in his
hands. He said: "Do you know what these two books are?' We said: No, O Allah's Messenger! Would you tell us? ' He said concerning that which was in his right
hand, 'This is a Book from the Lord of the Worlds, in which there are names of the people of Paradise, the names of their fathers and tribes, none will ever be
added, nor taken away therefrom.' Then, he said pertaining to that which is in his left hand, 'This is a Book from the Lord of the Worlds, in which there are
names of the people of Hell-fire, the names of their fathers and tribes, none will ever be added, nor taken away therefrom.' The companions of the Prophet (Peace
be upon him) said: 'Why do we then labor while
everything is settled?' He (Peace be upon him) said: 'Be sure that you are on the right course, and if you fail to observe this perfectly, try to do as much as you can (to live up to this ideal of moderation), the deeds of one from among the people of Paradise would be concluded with a good deed no matter what he did. ' Then, he (Peace be upon him) said: 'Your Lord accomplished (all that
concerns) the slaves: a group in Paradise and a group in
Hell-fire. " (At-Tirmidhi said: This is a Good, Authentic Hadith.)




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Q 145: What is the textual proof of the Preordainment of life-time when the Nutfah is first created?
A— Allah, the Almighty says: {He knows you well
when He created you from the earth (Adam), and when you were fetuses in your mothers' wombs. So ascribe not purity to yourselves. He knows best him who fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him (i.e. those who are Al-
Muttaqun (the pious)}. (An-Najm, 32)
Narrated 'Abdullah Ibn Mas'ud (May Allah be
pleased with him): Allah's Messenger, the true and truly inspired said: "(The matter of the Creation of) a human being is put together in the womb of the mother in forty
days, and then he becomes a clot of thick blood for a similar period, and then a piece of flesh for a similar period. Then Allah sends an angel who is ordered to
write four things. He is ordered to write down his (i.e. the new creature's) deeds, his livelihood, his (date of)
death, and whether he will be blessed or wretched (in religion). Then the soul is breathed into him. So, a man amongst you may do (good deeds till there is only a cubit
between him and Paradise and then what has been written for him decides his behavior and he starts doing (evil) deeds characteristic of the people of the (Hell)
Fire. And similarly a man amongst you may do (evil) deeds till there is only a cubit between him and the (Hell) Fire, and then what has been written for him decides his behavior, and he starts doing deeds characteristic of the people of Paradise. " (Bukhari and Muslim)


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Q 146: What is the textual proof of the Annual Pre-ordainment that takes place during Lailat AlQadr (the Night of Power)?
A— Allah, the Almighty says: {Therein (thai night is decreed every matter of ordainments. As a Command (or this Qur'an or the Decree of every matter) from Us}.
(Ad-Dukhan, 4, 5)
Ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) said: It is copied rom Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz on the Night of Power the matters of death, birth, provision, calamities, etc. for the whole (coming) year as decreed by Allah.
Even the names of the pilgrims: it is said: so and so will perform Hajj, and so and so will perform Hajj.
Q 147: What is the textual proof of Daily Preordainment?
A— Allah, the Almighty says: {Every day He is
(engaged) in some affair (such as giving honor or
disgrace to some, life or death to some, etc.)!}. (Ar-
Rahman, 29)
In Al-Hakim's Sahih, Ibn Abbas (May Allah be
pleased with them) said: "Among the things created by Allah, the Almighty is Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz, (it is created) from a white pearl; its two covers are made from a ruby;
its Pen is made from light; its Book is made from light; every day He looks at it three hundred and sixty times. In each look He creates, provides, gives life, ordains death, gives honor, grants humiliation, and does all that He wills. This is the meaning of His Saying: {Every day He

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compiled by Al-Hakim)
All these types of Pre-ordainments are details of the Eternal one which Allah, the Almighty ordered the Pen to wite in Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz. In this sense, the following Qur'anic verse was interpreted by Ibn 'Umar and Ibn 'Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them):
{Verily, We were recording what you used to do (i.e. Our angels used to record your deeds)}. (Al-Jathiyah, 29)
All this springs rom Allah's Knowledge that is His Quality and Attribute, All Glory and Praise are His!
Q 148: How does belief in the Pre-ordainment of a person's life by Allah (i.e. knowing that he would lead either a happy or a miserable life) affect his deeds in this life?
A— All the Divine Books and the Prophetic Sunnah agree that Pre-ordainment does not nullify or negate acting or performing deeds and that it does not necessitate complete reliance. On the contrary, it necessitates seriousness, diligence, and being keen on performing good deeds. That's why when Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) informed his honorable companions about Pre-ordainment and about the liting of the pen and the drying of the ink, some of them said: If it is so, then what is the use of doing good deeds? He (Peace be upon him) says: Act, for everyone is facilitated towards what he intends to do." Then, he (Peace be upon him) recited: {As for him who gives (in charity) and keeps his duty to Allah and fears Him, And

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believes in Al-Husna, We will make smooth for him the path of ease (goodness). But he who is a greedy miser and thinks himself self sufficient. And belies Al-Husna, We will make smooth for him the path for evil}. (Al-Lail, 5-10)
Verily, Allah, the Almighty destined the ordainments and fashioned their means. He is the All Wise in all that was introduced of the means for living in this present life and the Hereater. He facilitated for all His creatures, all that He created for them. So, if the slave knows that the benefit of his forthcoming life is linked to and correlative with the means set for it in this present life, he will be more keen on acting according to them. One of the Prophet's companions said when he heard the Hadiths concerning Pre-ordainment: I have never been more diligent than I am at present."
The Prophet (Peace be upon him) says: "Cherish that which gives you benefit (in the Hereafter) and seek help from Allah and do not lose heart. "
He (Peace be upon him) said when he was told: What do you think of medicine we take as treatment and Ruqyah1 that we apply. Can any of these defeat the Divine Decree of Allah? He (Peace be upon him) said:
"All these are from among the Divine Decree. " (Ahmad, At-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah) This means that Allah, the


iRuqyah: Divine Speech recited as a means of curing disease. (It is a kind of treatment, i.e. to recite Surah Al-Fatihah or any other Surah of the Qur'an and then blow one's breath with salvia over a sick person). (Translator)

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Almighty decreed good and evil and the means for each one of them.
Q 149: What is the textual proof of the third rank: affirming faith in Allah's Divine Will?
A— Allah, the Almighty says: {But you cannot will,
unless Allah Wills}. (Al-Insan, 30)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And never say of anything,
"I shall do such and such thing tomorrow. Except (with the
saying), "if Allah so wills!"}. (Al-Kahf, 23, 24)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Allah sends astray whom
He wills and He guides on the Straight Path whom He
Wills}. (Al-An am, 39)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And had Allah Willed, He
could have made you (all) one nation}. (Al-Ma'idah, 48&
An-Nahl, 93)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And if Allah had willed,
He could have made them one nation}. (Ash-Shura, 8)
Allah, the Almighty says: {But if it had been Allah's
Will, He Himself could certainly have punished them
(without you)}. (Muhammad, 4)
Allah, the Almighty says: {(He is the) Doer of
whatsoever He intends (or Wills)}. (Al-Buruj, 16)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Verily, His Command,
when He intends a thing, is only that He says to it, 'Be!" and it is!}. (Ya-Sin, 82)



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Allah, the Almighty says: {Verily! Our Word unto a
thing when We intend it, is only that We say unto it:
"Be!" and it is!}. (An-Nahl, 40)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And whomsoever Allah
Wills to guide, He opens his breast to Islam; and
whomsoever He Wills to send astray, He makes his
breast closed and constricted, as if he is climbing up to
the sky}. (Al-An am, 125)
^ Abdullah Ibn Amr Ibn AKAs (May Allah be
pleased with them) reported that he heard Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) saying: "Verily, the hearts of all the sons of Adam are between the two fingers, out of the fingers of the Compassionate Lord. He
turns that to any (direction) He likes. Then Allah's
Messenger (Peace be upon him) said: O Allah! The Turner of the hearts, turn our hearts to Thine Obedience. " (Sahih Muslim)
Narrated ' Abdullah Ibn Abu Qatadah (May Allah be pleased with him): My father said: "One night we were traveling with the Prophet (Peace be upon him) and
some people said: 'We wish that Allah's Messenger would take a rest along with us during the last hours of the night. ' He said: 'I am afraid that you will sleep and miss the (Fajr) prayer.' Bilal said: 7 will make you get
up. ' So all slept and Bilal rested his back against his Rahila (riding-camel) and he too was overwhelmed (by sleep) and slept. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) got up when the edge of the sun had risen and said: 'O Bilal! What about your statement?' He replied, 'I have never slept such a sleep.' The Prophet (Peace be upon him)
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said: 'Allah captured your souls when He wished, and released them when He wished. O Bilal! Get up and pronounce the Adhan (the call to prayer) for the prayer. '
The Prophet (Peace be upon him) performed ablution and when the sun came up and became bright, he stood up and prayed. " (Bukhari and Muslim)
Narrated Abu Musa (May Allah be pleased with him): Whenever a beggar or a person in need of something, came to the Prophet (Peace be upon him), he used to say (to his companions), "Intercede (for him) and you will be
rewarded for that, and Allah will fulfill what He will through His Messenger's tongue. " (Bukhari and Muslim)
Narrated Mu'awiyah (May Allah be pleased with
him): I heard Allah's Messenger saying, "If Allah wants to do good to a person, He makes him comprehend the religion. I am just a distributor, but the grant is from Allah. (And remember) that this nation (true Muslims) will keep on following Allah's teachings strictly and they
ferent path
till Allah's Order (Day of Judgment) is established."
(Bukhari and Muslim).
Abu Musa (May Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) as saying: When Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, intends to show mercy
to an Ummah from amongst His servants He calls back His Messenger to his eternal home and makes him a harbinger and recompense in the world to come; and when He intends to cause destruction to an Ummah, He punishes it while its Messenger is alive and He destroys it as he (the Messenger) witnesses it and he cools his

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eyes by destruction as they had belied him and disobeyed his command. " (Sahih Muslim)
Q 150: Allah, the Almighty informed us in His Book, on the tongue of His Messenger, and through His Attributes, that He loves the charitable, pious and
patient ones and that He is pleased with those who believed and observed good deeds. And that He dislikes the disbelievers and the transgressors and He does not satisfy Himself with the disbelief of His slaves or their mischief. Though all this is only done by the Will of Allah and His Wish, and that had it been His Will, nothing of these would have been done as nothing can be observed throughout His Dominion without His Consent. What should the answer be to the one who says: How can we understand the fact that Allah wills what He dislikes and, does not actually accept to be performed by His servants?
A— One should know that "the Will" mentioned in the texts has two meanings:
(a) A Comprehensive1 will of Pre-ordainment (that
which is relevant to what is actually happening in the universe): which is the Divine Will that has no correlation with love or acceptance, but comprises disbelief, faith, deeds of obedience, deeds of disobedience, satisfactory deeds, what is beloved, and what is disliked, etc. This type of "Will" can not be escaped by anyone, believer and disbeliever; it is inevitable. Almighty Allah

1 Comprehensive Will here refers to all that Allah allows to happen in this world, even though He may not approve of it.
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says: {And whomsoever Allah Wills to guide, He opens his breast to Islam; and whomsoever He Wills to send astray, He makes his breast closed and constricted}. (Al-An1 am, 125)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And whomsoever Allah
wants to put in Al-Fitnah [error, because of his rejecting Faith), you can do nothing for him against Allah. Those are the ones whose hearts Allah does not want to purify (from disbelief and hypocrisy)}. (Al-Ma'idah, 41)
(b) A Legal Religious Will: which is concerned with what is accepted and beloved by Allah, and according to which,He ordered and forbade His slaves. Almighty Allah says: {Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you}. (Al-Baqarah, 185)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Allah wishes to make clear (what is lawful and what is unlawful) to you and to show you the ways of those bejbre you, and accept your repentance, and Allah is All-Knower, AI'I- Wise}. (An-Nisa7,26)
The Comprehensive Will comes first in rank. In this way, the Comprehensive and Religious Wills correlate with regard to the obedient believer; whereas only the Comprehensive one can be found with regard to the disobedient disbeliever. As Allah, the Almighty called upon all His slaves to please Him, but He guided rom among them only those whom He willed. He, all Praise is His, says: {Allah calls to the Home of Peace (i.e.
Paradise, by accepting Allah's religion of IslamicMonotheism and by doing righteous good deeds and abstaining from polytheism and evil deeds) and guides whom He wills to the Straight Path}. (Yunus, 25)

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Allah, the Almighty generalized the call, but specified the guidance to whom He willed: {Verily, your Lord, it is He Who knows best him who goes astray from His Path, and He knows best him who receives
guidance}. (An-Najm. 30)
Q 151: What is the textual proof of the fourth rank: Afirming faith that Allah is the Creator of everything?
A— Allah, the Almighty says: {Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is the Wakil (Trustee, Disposer of affairs, Guardian) over all things}. (Az-Zumar, 62)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Is there any creator other than Allah who provides for you from the sky (rain) and
the earth?} (Fatir, 3)
Allah, the Almighty says: {This is the creation of
Allah. So show Me that which those (whom you worship) besides Him have created}. (Luqman, 11)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Allah is He Who created
you, then provided food for you, then will cause you to die, then (again) He will give you life (on the Day of Resurrection). Is there any of your (so-called) partners (of Allah) that do anything of that?} (Ar-Rum, 40)
Allah the Almighty says: {While Allah has created
you and what you make!}. (As-Saffat, 96)
Allah, the Almighty says: {By Nafs (Adam or a
person or a soul), and Him Who perfected him in proportion; then He showed him what is wrong for him and what is right for him}. (Ash-Shams, 7, 8)
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Allah, the Almighty says: {Whomsoever Allah
guides, he is the guided one, and whomsoever He sends astray, - then those! They are the losers}. (Al-A'raf, 178)
Allah, the Almighty says: {But Allah has endeared
the Faith to you and has beautified it in your hearts, and has made disbelief wickedness and disobedience (to
Allah and His Messenger (Peace be upon him) hateful to you}. (Al-Hujurat, 7)
Narrated Imam Al-Bukhari on the authority of Hudhaifah, "Verily, Allah creates every maker and his making (i.e. what he makes). " (Sahih Bukhari)
Zaid Ibn 'Alqam (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I am not going to say anything but only that which Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) used to say. He used to supplicate: "O Allah, I seek refuge in Thee from incapacity, from sloth, from cowardice, from miserliness, decree of old age, and from the torment of the grave. O Allah, grant to my soul the sense of righteousness and purify it, for Thou art the Best Purifier thereof. Thou art the Protecting Friend thereof and Guardian thereof. O Allah, I seek refuge in Thee from the knowledge which does not benefit, from the heart that does not entertain the fear (of Allah), from the soul that does not feel contented and the supplication that is not responded to. " (Sahih Muslim)
Q 152: What does the following statement of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) mean: "And all goodness is in Your Hand; and evil is not (attributed) to You?"

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A— This means that all the Acts of Allah, the Almighty are pure and absolutely good as they are attibuted to Him and emanate only rom Him. They have no relation to evil. Allah, the Almighty is All Wise, All Just, and all His Acts are Wisdom and Justice. He settles everything in their proper locations. Whereas, were there any degree of evil included in the ordainment, it would be on the part of the slave who may be inflicted with destruction due to what he earned himself, in just and full measure. Allah, the Almighty says: {And whatever of
misfortune befalls you, it is because of what, your hands have earned. And He pardons much}. (Ash-Shura, 30)
Allah, the Almighty says: {We wronged them not, but they were the Zalimun (polytheists, wrong-doers)}. (Az-
Zukhruf, 76)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Truly! Allah wrongs not
mankind in aught; but mankind wrong themselves}.
(Yunus, 44)
Q 153: Do the slaves of Allah, have any kind of will or choice concerning their acts?
A— Yes, they have ability and will over their acts. Their acts are actually attributed to them. They are charged therewith, rewarded and punished according to them, and Allah charges only with what they can bear. He affirmed this in His Glorious Qur'an and the Prophetic Sunnah. But, they show ability only for what He enabled them for, they show will only for what He willed, they can do only what He makes them able to do. Just as they could not create themselves, they can not create their actions. Thus, their ability, will, and actions follow His
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Ability, Will and Actions, as He is their Creator and the Creator of their ability, will, and actions. Moreover, their ability, will, and actions are not the same as Allah's Ability, Will, and Actions, just as they are not Him Himself. Allah, the Almighty is far above this! But, their created acts suit them and are actually attributed to them. Allah is the real Doer, and the slave is the creature who is influenced. Allah is the real Guide, and the slave is the one who is guided, thus, He attributed each of the two acts to each doer. He says: {He whom Allah guides, he is the rightly guided}. (Al-Kahf, 17) Guidance is attributed to Allah and receiving guidance to the slave. As the Giver of guidance is different rom the one who receives guidance. Guidance itself is different rom actually receiving and following it. By the same token, Allah, the Almighty misleads whomsoever He wills, and that slave is seen as being astray. This is the same as Allah's Action regarding His slaves. So, he who attributes the act and the influence to the slave, he becomes a disbeliever; and he who attributes both to Allah, he becomes a disbeliever; and he who attributes the act to the Creator and the influence to the creature, he is the true believer.
Q 154: How can we answer the following question: Isn't Allah Able to make all His slaves obedient and guided believers?
A— Yes, He is Able to do so as He Himself indicated in His Glorious Qur'an saying, {And had Allah willed, He could have made you (all) one nation, but He sends astray whom He wills and guides whom He wills.

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But you shall certainly be called to account for what you used to do}. (Al-Ma'idah, 48& An-Nahl, 93)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And had your Lord willed, those on earth would have believed, all of them together}. (Yunus, 99)
But, that which He did to them is the requirement of His Wisdom, and the sign of His Lordship, Worship and Names and Attributes. Thus, whosoever says: "Why are there - from among His slaves - the obedient and the disobedient? " This is just like his saying: "Why are there among His Names: the Harm Inflicting and the Benefit Giver, the Giver and the Preventer, the Humiliator and the Raiser, etc. " As His Acts are the requirements of His Names and the effects of His Attributes. Thereupon, objecting to His Acts, is like objecting to His Names, Attributes, Worship and Lordship: {Glorified is Allah, the
Lord of the Throne, (High is He) above all that (evil) they associate with Him! He cannot be questioned as to what He does, while they will be questioned}. (Al-Anbiya', 22, 23)
Q 155: What is the significance of affirming faith in the Divine Decree?
A— Affirming faith in the Divine Decree is required by Tawhid (Oneness of Allah), and affirming faith in the means that bring forth good and block up its evil is a prerequisite of Iman (Faith). However, the matter of religion can not be sound or perfect unless one believes in the Divine Decree and is obedient to Shar' (Legislation). The Prophet (Peace be upon him) affirmed the matter of Divine Decree, then he answered the one

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who said to him: "Allah's Messenger! Should we not then depend upon our destiny and abandon our deeds? Thereupon, he (Peace be upon him) said: The acts of everyone will be facilitated according to that which each has been created for, so that whoever belongs to the company of the blessed will have good works made easier for him and whoever belongs to the unfortunate ones will have evil acts made easier for him. " (Sahih Bukhari)
Thus, whoever negates the Divine Decree, falsely claiming that it contradicts the Legislation, he disables the Knowledge and Ability of Allah, and declares the slave as being independent and the creator of his own deeds. Hence, he appoints another god besides Allah, rather he claims that all creatures are creators.
On the other hand, whoever shows his approval in the Divine Decree, but in a way that contradicts the true belief, as actually believes that the slave has no ability or right of choice granted by Allah, the Almighty to perform his duties, and falsely claims that Allah charged His slaves with what they could not do is guilty of attributing injustice to Allah, the Almighty, tracing the footsteps of the Cursed One, Satan who said: {Because
You have sent me astray, surely I will sit in wait against them (human beings) on Your Straight Path}. (Al-A*raf, 16)
As for the true believers, they believe in the Divine Decree; its good and evil, and that Allah is the Creator of all this. They submit themselves to His Legislation: orders and prohibitions. They align themselves with it in secret and public. They believe that guidance and being mislead are in Allah's Hands. He guides whom He wills

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with His Grace, and misleads whom He wills with His Justice and He is the Best Knower of the those worthy of receiving His Grace and Justice: {Verily, your Lord it is He Who knows best him who goes astray from His Path, and He knows best him who receives guidance}. (An-Najm, 30)
They also believe He has Perfect Wisdom and Penetrative Argument, and that reward and punishment are dependent on Legislation and not on Divine Decree. They console themselves with the Divine Decree at times of calamities, but when they are given good fortune, they attibute it to its Owner, saying: {All the praises and thanks be to Allah, Who has guided us to this, and never could we have found guidance, were it not that Allah had
guided us!}. (Al-A'raf, 43)
They do not say as the dissolute: {This has been
given to me only because of the knowledge I possess}.
(Al-Qasas, 78)
When they commit a sin, they say: {Our Lord! We
have wronged ourselves. If You forgive us not, and
bestow not upon us Your Mercy, we shall certainly be of
the losers}. (Al-Araf, 23)
They do not say as was said by the Devil: {O my
Lord! Because you misled me!} (Al-Hijr, 39)
When they are afflicted with a calamity, they say: {Truly! To Allah we belong and truly to Him we shall return}. (Al-Baqarah, 156)
They do not say as was said by those who disbelieved: {Who say to their brethren when they travel through the earth or go out to fight: "If they had stayed
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with us, they would not have died or been killed, " so that Allah may make it a cause of regret in their hearts. It is Allah that gives life and causes death. And Allah is AllSe£r of what you do}. (Al Iman, 156)
Q 156: How many branches of I man (Faith) are there?
A— Allah, the Almighty says: {It is not Al-Birr
(piety, righteousness, and each and every act of obedience to Allah, etc.) that you turn your faces towards east and (or) west (in prayers); but Al-Birr is (the quality
of) the one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, the Prophets and gives his wealth, in spite of his love for it, to the kinsfolk, to the orphans, and to Al-
Masakin (the poor), and to the wayfarer, and to those
who ask, and to set slaves free, performs As-Salat (Iqamat-
as-Salat), and gives the Zakah, and who fulfill their covenant when they make it, and who are patient in
extreme poverty and ailment (disease) and at the time of fighting (during the battles). Such are the people of the truth and they are Al-Muttaqun (the pious)}. (Al-Baqarah, 177)
It is narrated on the authority of Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) that Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) says: "Faith has over seventy branches or over sixty branches, the most excellent of which is the declaration that there is no god but Allah, and the least of which is the removal of what is injurious from the path: and modesty is a branch of faith. " (Bukhari & Muslim)
Q 157: How have scholars interpreted these branches?

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A— Some of the scholars of Hadith counted these branches, and wrote many books giving various explanations in this respect. They perfected this task and presented (us with) great benefit. However, knowing their number is not a prerequisite of Faith. It suffices to affirm one's faith in them in general. Moreover, they are no more than what is mentioned in the Glorious Qur'an and the Prophetic Sunnah which one should adhere to, avoid their prohibitions, and believe in their news (pertaining to the past, present and future). Finally, all that they counted are true aspects of faith, but to believe in these, is the real intention of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) as intended by this Hadith.
Q 158: Mention what they have counted.
A— Al-Hafiz summarized in Al-Fat'h that which was mentioned by Ibn Hibban, saying: These branches are divided into three categories:
(a) Deeds of the heart
(b) Deeds of the tongue
(c) Deeds of the organs
They are explained as follows:
Deeds of the heart: include beliefs and intentions. These encompass the following twenty-four branches:
Affirming faith in Allah, which includes affirming faith in His Entity, Attributes, that nothing resembles Him, Who is the All Hearer, the All Seer, and that all other than Him is created. Deeds of the heart also include

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affirming faith in His Angels, His Books, His Messenger, the Divine Decree of good and evil, the Last Day: including the questioning in the grave, resurrection, revival, reckoning, the Balance, the Straight Path, Paradise and Hell-fire. They also include affirming faith in Allah's Love; loving and hating for His Sake; love of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him); affirming faith in honoring him: sending prayers upon him, his household and following his Prophetic Sunnah (way of life). They also include affirming faith in sincerity: including avoiding showing off and hypocrisy. They also include repentance, fear, hope, thanks-giving, gratefulness, patience, satisfaction with Pre-ordainment, reliance on Allah, mercy, modesty: including respecting the aged and showing mercy to the young, and avoiding arrogance, conceit, envy, spite and anger.
Deeds of the tongue: cover seven branches, which are as follows:
Pronouncing Tawhid, reciting the Qur'an, learning, teaching (conveying) knowledge, supplication, Dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and forgiveness and avoiding Laghw (dirty, false, evil, vain talk).
Deeds of the organs: cover thirty-eight branches, fiteen of which pertain to the physical body. These are as follows:
Purification in all aspects, i.e. avoiding impurities, covering the private parts...etc., performing obligatory and supererogatory prayers, paying Zakah, freeing slaves, generosity (i.e. feeding people, hospitality), obligatory and supererogatory fasting, Hajj (Major Pilgrimage), 'Umrah
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(Minor Pilgrimage), Tawaf (Circumambulating around the Ka'bah), Ltikaf (Seclusion in the mosque for the purpose of worship), observing Lailat Al-Qadr (the Night of
Power), escaping with one's religion (i.e. migrating from
the land of polytheism), fulfilling vows, protecting one's oaths, and paying expiations.
In addition, there are six branches concerning one's close kin: these are as follows: Preserving chastity through marriage, maintaining one's children, being good to parents: avoiding impiety to them, bringing up one's children, strengthening the ties of kinship, obeying masters, and showing mercy to slaves.
There remains seventeen branches regarding the public: assuming leadership with justice, attaching oneself to the Jama'ah (Community), obeying the authorities,
compromising between adversaries: (fighting against rebels and oppressors), cooperating in righteousness: enjoining what is good, and forbidding what is evil, and executing the Legal Penalties; Jihad: guarding the frontiers; keeping trusts: paying the Khumus (one-fifth of the booty fallen to one's lot); lending and paying back loans; being generous to neighbors; good treatment: earning money by lawful means and spending it properly, avoiding waste and excessiveness; returning the greeting and replying to the one who sneezes: saying, "May Allah be Merciful to you," provided the sneezer says: "All Praises are for Allah," avoiding harming people, avoiding idle talk, and removing harm from the people's path.
These are sixty-nine branches; they can be counted as seventy-nine by way of counting the sub-branches as well. Allah is the Best Knower!
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Q 159: What is the textual proof of Ihsan (Perfection of Faith) from the Glorious Qur'an and the Prophetic Sunnah?
A— Allah, the Almighty says: {And spend in the
Cause of Allah (i.e. Jihad of all kinds) and do not throw yourselves into destruction (by not spending your wealth in the Cause of Allah) and do good. Truly, Allah loves Al-Muhsinun (the good-doers)}. (Al-Baqarah, 195)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Truly, Allah is with those who fear Him (keep their duty unto Him), and those who
are Muhsinun (good-doers)}. (An-Nahl, 128)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And whosoever submits
his face (himself) to Allah, while he is a Muhsin (good-
doer i.e. performs good deeds totally for Allah's sake without any showing off or to gain praise or fame and does them in accordance with the Sunnah of Allah's Messenger Muhammad (Peace be upon him)), then he has grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold [La ilaha illAlldh (none has the right to be worshipped but
Allah)]}. (Luqman, 22)
Allah the Almighty says: {For those who have done
good is the best (reward, i.e. Paradise) and even more (i.e. having the honor of glancing at the Countenance of
Allah, the Almighty)}. (Yunus, 26)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Is there any reward for
good other than good?}. (Ar-Rahman, 60)




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Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) says:
"Verily, Allah ordained Ihsan (Perfection of Faith) on
everything. " (Sahih Muslim)
He (Peace be upon him) says: uBlessed is the slave who dies while worshipping Allah properly, and serving his master properly, blessed is he. " (Bukhari and Muslim)
Q 160: What does Ihsan (Perfection of Faith) in worship mean?
A— The Prophet (Peace be upon him) explained it when asked about it by Jibril (Peace be upon him)
saying: "That you worship Allah as if you are seeing Him, for though you don't see Him, He, verily, sees you. " (Bukhari and Muslim) Thus, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) explained that there are two different ranks:
First: The rank of Seeing: that the worshiper acts as if he is actually seeing Allah, the Almighty with his heart. This means that the heart becomes illuminated with the light of faith, one's insight becomes sharper till the unseen becomes visible before his eyes. Veily, this is the reality of Ihsan (Perfection of Faith).
Second: The rank of Watching: that the worshipper recalls that Allah watches over him and His Nearness and Knowledge of all things (pertaining to him). Upon this, if the worshipper recalls this while acting and being acted upon, he will be loyal to Allah. This is because this prevents him rom caring about any other than Allah, the Almighty. The reward of the people of these two ranks differs according to each one's pure and deep insight.

[Iron Man]

.

Q 161: What contradicts Iman (Faith)?
A— Disbelief contradicts Faith. Disbelief has different branches just as Faith does. We mentioned earlier that faith is basically belief that requires complete submission to deeds of obedience. So, disbelief is basically a kind of rejection and stubbornness that incurs arrogance and disobedience. Thereupon, all deeds of obedience are among the branches of belief; while all deeds of disobedience are among the branches of disbelief. Moreover, one should know that there are two types of disbelief: Major Disbelief, which excludes one completely rom the fold of Islam. This is dogmatic disbelief that contradicts the utterance of the heart and its deeds. Minor Disbelief, which does not exclude one rom the fold of Islam, but only contradicts the perfection of belief. This is so-called practical disbelief that contradicts neither the utterance of the heart, nor its deeds.
Q 162: Explain how open disbelief expels one from the fold of Islam?
A— We mentioned earlier that belief is comprised of an utterance and deeds: utterance emanating rom the heart and the tongue, and the deeds of the heart, tongue and the organs.
The utterance of the heart is to affirm one's belief, and, the utterance of the tongue is to say the 'Two Testimonies.' The deeds of the heart are intention and sincerity. The deeds of the organs include all deeds of obedience. So, if these four were gone, utterance of the heart and its deeds, utterance of the tongue and deeds of

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the organs, then belief is totally gone. Moreover, if the conviction of the heart is gone, the rest has no value, as conviction of the heart is a precondition for their existence and effectiveness. This is like one who belies the Names and Attributes of Allah or any of what the Messengers were sent with, or that which was revealed in the Books of Allah, the Almighty. Moreover, when the deeds of the heart alone are gone, the scholars unanimously agree that belief is gone too, as believing without the existence of the deeds of the heart (intention and sincerity) is in vain. The same is applicable to Iblis (Satan), Fir aun (Pharaoh) and his folk, the Jews and
the polytheists who saw the truthfulness of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and confessed it publicly and secretly, but used to say: He is not a liar, but we will neither follow, nor believe in him.
Q 163: How many divisions of Major Disbelief are there?
A— These are four: [Kur Jahl wa Takdhib]
Disbelief of ignorance and refusal, [Kur Juhud]
Disbelief of denial, [Kur Tnad and Istikbar] Disbelief of arrogance and stubbornness, and [Kur Nifaq] Disbelief of hypocrisy.
Q 164: What is the meaning of "Kufr Jahl wa Takdhib"?
A— It means the inward and outward disbelief such as those disbelievers rom among the people of the Quraish and the previous nations. Regarding them, Allah, the Almighty says: {Those who deny the Book (this

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Qur'an), and that with which We sent our Messengers (i.e. to worship none but Allah Alone sincerely, and to reject all false deities and to confess resurrection after the death for recompense) they will come to know (when they will be cast into the Fire of Hell)}. (Ghair, 70)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And turn away from the
foolish (i.e. don't punish them)}. (Al-Avraf, 199)
Allah, the Almighty says: {And (remember) the Day
when We shall gather out of every nation a troop of those who denied Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), and (then) they (all) shall be set
in array (gathered and driven to the place of reckoning), Till when they come, (before their Lord at the place of reckoning), He will say: "Didyou deny My Ayat whereas you comprehended them not by knowledge (of their truth or falsehood), or what (else) was it that you used to
do?"}. (An-Naml, 83, 84)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Nay, they have belied the knowledge whereof they could not comprehend and what has not yet been fulfilled (i.e. their punishment). Thus those before them did belie. Then see what was the end of the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers)!}. (Yunus, 39)
Q 165: What is the meaning of "Kufr Juhud"?
A— This implies concealing the truth and not submitting to it, while one knows it, such as the disbelief of Pharaoh and his folk with Musa (Moses) (Peace be upon him) and the disbelief of the Jews with Muhammad (Peace be upon him).

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Allah, the Almighty says in regard to Pharaoh and his folk: {And they belied them (those Ayat) wrongfully and arrogantly, though their own selves were convinced thereof [i.e. those (Ayat) are from Allah, and Musa
(Moses) is the Messenger of Allah in truth, but they disliked to obey Musa (Moses), and hated to believe in his Message of Monotheism]}. (An-Naml, 14)
He says in regard to the Jews: {Then when there
came to them that which they had recognized, they
disbelieved in it}. (Al-Baqarah, 89)
Allah, the Almighty says: {But verily, a party of them conceal the truth while they know it - [i.e. the qualities of Muhammad (Peace be upon him) which are written in the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)]}. (Al-Baqarah, 146)
Q 166: What is the meaning of "Kufr "Inad wa Istikbar"?
A— This implies rejection and arrogance to submit to Allah's Commandments after being convinced of their truth. Such as the disbelief of Iblis (Satan), in whom
Allah, the Almighty says: {except Iblis (Satan), he
refused and was proud and was one of the disbelievers (disobedient to Allah)}. (Al-Baqarah, 34)
He, Iblis (Satan) himself, could not deny Allah's
Commandment to perform prostration, but he objected to
it and said: {Shall I prostrate myself to one whom You
created from clay?}. (Al-Isra', 61)




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Allah says: {I am not the one to prostrate myself to a human being, whom You created from dried (sounding) clay of altered mud}. (Al-Hijr, 33)
Allah says: {I am better than him (Adam), You
created me from fire, and him You created from clay}.
(Al-A'raf, 12)
Q 167: What is the meaning of "Kufr Nifaq"?
A— This refers to the disbelief of the hypocrites who declare belief and conceal their disbelief so as to deceive the Muslims. This category includes people such as Ubaiy Ibn Salul and his party; Allah, the Almighty says concerning them: {And of mankind there are some
(hypocrites) who say: "We believe in Allah and the Last Day" while in fact they believe not. They (think to)
deceive Allah and those who believe, while they only deceive themselves, and perceive (it) not! In their hearts is a disease (of doubt and hypocrisy) and Allah has increased their disease. A painful torment is theirs because they used to tell lies. And when it is said to them:
"Make not mischief on the earth!" they say: "We are only peace-makers. " Verily! They are - the ones who make mischief but they perceive not. And when it is said to them (hypocrites): "Believe as the people (followers of Muhammad (Peace be upon him), Al-Ansar and Al-
Muhajirun) have believed, " they say: "Shall we believe as the fools have believed? " Verily, they are the fools, but they know not. And when they meet those who believe they say: "We believe," but when they are alone with their Shayatin (devils -polytheists, hypocrites), they say:
"Truly, we are with you; verily, we were but mocking."
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Allah mocks at them and gives them increase in their wrong-doing to wander blindly. These are they who have purchased error for guidance, so their commerce was profitless. And they were not guided. Their likeness is as
the likeness of one who kindled a fire; then, when it lighted all around him Allah took away their light and left them in darkness. (So) they could not see. They are
deaf dumb, and blind, so they return not (to the Right Path). Or like a rainstorm from the sky, wherein is darkness, thunder and lightning. They thrust their fingers
in their ears to keep out the stunning thunderclap for fear of death. But Allah ever encompasses the disbelievers (i.e. Allah will gather them all together). The lightning almost snatches away their sight, whenever it flashes for
them they walk therein, and when darkness covers them, they stand still. And if Allah willed, He could have taken away their hearing and their sight. Certainly, Allah has power over all things}. (Al-Baqarah, 8-20)
Q 168: What is the practical disbelief that does not exclude one from the fold of Islam?
A— This includes all deeds of disobedience to the Legislator called "Kufr" (disbelief), though the doer is still regarded as a Muslim. This is like the saying of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) that reads:
"Do not return to disbelief after me (my death) by
striking the necks of one another. " (Bukhari and Muslim)
His (Peace be upon him) saying, "Abusing a Muslim is an outrage and fighting against him is disbelief. "
(Bukhari and Muslim)


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Thus, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) called the fighting of Muslims one against the other "Disbelief" and the doers of this as "Disbelievers," while the Glorious Qur'an says: {And if two parties or groups
among the believers fall into fighting, then make peace between them both. But if one of them outrages against the other, then fight you (all) against the one which
outrages till it complies with the Command of Allah. Then if it complies, then make reconciliation between them justly, and be equitable. Verily! Allah loves those who are equitable. The believers are nothing else than brothers (in Islamic religion). So make reconciliation between your brothers, and fear Allah, that you may receive mercy}. (Al-Hujurat, 9-10)
Though the verse made clear that the two parties were fighting one another, Allah, the Almighty still calls them "believers" and ascribes religious brotherhood to them. The verse mentions nothing about the removal of their faith or the denial of their religious brotherhood.
In addition, Allah, the Almighty says in the verse of Al-Qasas (just retaliation): {But if the killer is forgiven by the brother (or the relatives, etc.) of the deceased against blood-money, then adhering to it with fairness and payment of the blood-money to the heir should be made
in fairness}. (Al-Baqarah, 178)
In the previous verse, Allah, the Almighty affirmed that the killer had brotherhood in religion and did not remove it rom him.



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In addition, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) says: "The fornicator who fornicates is not a believer so long as he commits it and no thief who steals is a believer as long as he commits theft, and no drunkard who drinks wine is a believer as long as he drinks it. " ^Abdul-Malik Ibn Abu Bakr narrated this on the authority of Abu Bakr Ibn Abdur-Rahman Ibn Harith and then said: Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) made this addition: "No plunderer who plunders a valuable thing that attracts the attention of people, is a believer so long as he commits this act. " (Bukhari and Muslim)
In addition, Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: / came to the Messenger (Peace be upon him) and he was asleep with a white mantle over him. I again came, and he was still asleep, and again I came and he had awakened. I sat by his side and (the Prophet) observed: There is none among the slaves who affirmed his faith in La iIlaha ill Allah (there is no God but Allah) and died in this state and did not enter Paradise. I (Abu Dharr) said: Even if he committed adultery and theft? He (the Prophet) replied: (Yes) even though he committed
adultery and theft. I (again said): Even if he committed adultery and theft? He (Peace be upon him) replied: (Yes) even though he committed adultery and theft. (The Prophet repeated it three times) and said after the fourth time: "In defiance of Abu Dharr. " Abu Dharr then went out and he repeated (these words): In defiance of Abu Dharr. " (Bukhari and Muslim)
This proves that he did not deny absolute faith regarding the fornicator, thief, wine drinker and the

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killer; if he intended to do so, he would not say that whosoever says La illaha illAllah and dies in this state, enters Paradise, even though he commits these deeds of disobedience. In fact, none would enter Paradise except the believers. Hence, what he meant was the imperfection of faith. But, whosoever commits such deeds of disobedience, while regarding them as being lawful and permissible, is a disbeliever. By so doing, he rejects the Qur'an and denies the Prophetic Sunnah. Moreover, he becomes a disbeliever if he thinks them (these deeds of disobedience) lawful and permissible even though he does not commit them, and Allah, the Almighty is the Best Knower.
Q 169: If it is said: Prostrating oneself before an idol, mocking at the Qur'an, abusing the Prophet and religion, etc. all these are regarded as aspects of practical disbelief. The question is, why do these acts exclude one from the fold of Islam, while practical disbelief in general does not?
A— One should know that these four acts and the like, are not rom among the acts of practical disbelief. They are only regarded as such because they are performed by the organs and can be seen. But, the truth is that they do not take place unless the deeds of the heart - i.e. intention, sincerity, passion and submission -
are gone. Hence, on the surface they look like practical disbelief, but they basically require open disbelief in the first place.Consequently, these acts can not be performed except by a malicious hypocrite or a stubborn, arrogant person. This explains the position of the hypocites in

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the Battle of Tabuk. In the beginning, {They said the
word of disbelief and they disbelieved after accepting Islam, and they resolved that (plot to murder Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)) which they were
unable to carry out}. (At-Tawbah, 74) But, when the
Muslims achieved victory, they declared, {We were only
talking idly and joking}. (At-Tawbah, 65) Then, came
Allah's Word: {Say: "Was it at Allah (the Almighty),
and His Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs,
revelations) and His Messenger ((Peace be upon him))
that you were mocking?" Make no excuse; you
disbelieved after you had believed}. (At-Tawbah, 65, 66)
Finally, we did not define [Al-Kur Al-Asghar]
Minor Disbelief as "Practical Disbelief," but as the act that does not require faith and does not contradict the utterance of the heart or its deeds.
Q 170: Into how many divisions do the following terms divide: Injustice, Debauchery, and Hypocrisy?
A— Each one is divided into two: 'Major' which leads to disbelief, and 'Minor' which is less than that.
Q 171: Cite some examples of Major and Minor Injustice (Shirk).
A— First: Major Shirk:
Allah, the Almighty says: {And invoke not besides
Allah any such that will neither profit you nor hurt you, but if (in case) you did so, you shall certainly be one of the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers)}. (Yunus, 106)


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Allah, the Almighty says: {Verily, joining others in
worship with Allah is a great Zulm (injustice) indeed}.
(Luqman, 13)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Verily, whosoever sets up partners (in worship) with Allah, then Allah has forbidden Paradise to him, and the Fire will be his
abode. And for the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong¬
doers) there are no helpers}. (Al-Ma'idah, 72)
Second: the Minor Shirk:
Allah, the Almighty says: {And fear Allah your Lord (O Muslims). And turn them not out of their (husband's) homes nor shall they (themselves) leave, except in case they are guilty of some open illegal sexual intercourse. And those are the set limits of Allah. And whosoever transgresses the set limits of Allah, then indeed he has been unjust to himself}. (At-Talaq, 1)
Allah, the Almighty says: {But do not take them back to hurt them, and whoever does that, then he has wronged
himself}. (Al-Baqarah, 231)
Q 172: Cite some examples of Major and Minor
Disobedience.
A— First: Major Disobedience.
Allah, the Almighty says: {Verily, the hypocrites are
the Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah)}. (At-
Tawbah, 67)
Allah, the Almighty says: {Except Iblis (Satan). He
was one of the Jinn; he disobeyed the Command of his
Lord}. (Al-Kahf, 50)
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Allah, the Almighty says: {And We saved him from
the town (folk) who practiced Al-Khaba 'ith (evil, wicked and filthy deeds). Verily, they were a people given to evil, and were Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah)}.
(Al-Anbiya', 74)
Second: Minor Disobedience.
Allah, the Almighty says: {And reject their testimony forever. They indeed are the Fasiqun (liars, rebellious, disobedient to Allah)}. (An-Nur, 4)
Allah, the Almighty says: {O you who believe! If a
Fasiq (liar evil person) comes to you with any news, verify it, lest you should harm people in ignorance, and afterwards you become regretful for what you have
done}. (Al-Hujurat, 6)
It is narrated that the last verse was revealed in connection with Al-Walid Ibn 'Uqbah.
Q 173: Cite some examples of Major and Minor Hypocrisy.
A— First: Major Hypocrisy:
Allah, the Almighty says: {Verily, the hypocrites seek to deceive Allah, but it is He Who deceives them. And when they stand up for As-Salat (the Prayer), they stand with
laziness and to be seen of men, and they do not remember Allah but little. (They are) swaying between
this and that, belonging neither to these nor to those; and he whom Allah sends astray, you will not find for him a way (to the truth - Islam). O you who believe! Take not for Auliya' (protectors or helpers or friends) disbelievers
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will be in the lowest depth (grade) of the Fire; no helper will you find for them}. (An-Nisa', 142-154)
Allah, the Almighty says: {When the hypocrites come to you (O Muhammad (Peace be upon him), they say: "We bear witness that you are indeed the Messenger of Allah. " Allah knows that you are indeed His Messenger, and Allah bears witness that the hypocrites are liars
indeed}. (Al-Munafiqun, 1)
Second: Minor Hypocrisy:
It is reported on the authority of Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) that Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) says: "Three are the signs of a hypocrite: when he speaks he tells a lie, when he makes a promise he breaks it, and when he is trusted, he betrays. " (Bukhari and Muslim)
Narrated 'Abdullah Ibn 'Amr (May Allah be pleased with them both): the Prophet (Peace be upon him) says: "Whoever has the following four (characteristics) will be
a pure hypocrite and whoever has one of the following four characteristics will have one characteristic of hypocrisy unless and until he gives it up: (a) Whenever
he is entrusted, he betrays (proves dishonest), (b)
Whenever he speaks, he tells a lie. (c) Whenever he
makes a covenant, he proves treacherous, (d) Whenever he quarrels, he behaves in a very impudent, evil and insulting manner. " (Bukhari and Muslim)


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Q 174: What is the ruling pertaining to Sorcery and Sorcerers?
A— Sorcery is real and it has an impact when it coincides with the Comprehensive Divine Decree, as explained by Allah, the Almighty: {And from these
(angels) people learn that by which they cause separation between a man and his wife, but they could not thus harm anyone except by Allah's Leave}. (Al-Baqarah, 102)
In addition, its effect is affirmed in the Prophetic Hadiths. As for the sorcerer, he is a disbeliever in Allah, the Almighty and in what has been revealed to
Muhammad (Peace be upon him). Allah, the Almighty says: {...Neither of these two (angels) taught anyone
(such things) till they had said: "We are only for trial, so disbelieve not (by learning this magic from us). " And
from these (angels) people learn that by which they cause separation between a man and his wife, but they could not thus harm anyone except by Allah 's Leave. And they
learn that which harms them and profits them not. And indeed they knew that the buyers of it (magic) would
have no share in the Hereafter}. (Al-Baqarah, 102)
Q 175: What is the [Hadd] Prescribed Penalty for the Sorcerer?
A— Narrated Imam At-Tirmidhi: Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) says: "The Prescribed Penalty for the sorcerer is a hit with the sword" (A Weak Hadith
narrated by At-Tirmidhi)
At-Tirmidhi added: This penalty has been brought into effect by the well knowledgeable rom among the

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companions of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and others. This is also the opinion of Imam Malik Ibn Anas. Imam Ash-ShafTi said: The sorcerer is to be killed if his acts reach the degree of disbelief, but if they do not, he is not to be killed.
In addition, killing the sorcerer was affirmed by the following: 'Umar Ibn Al-Khattab, his son 'Abdullah, his daughter Hafsah, 'Uthman Ibn Affan, Jundub Ibn 'Abdullah, Jundub Ibn Ka'b, Qais Ibn Sad, 'Umar Ibn 'Abdul 'Aziz, Imam Ahmad, Imam Abu Hanifah, and many others.
Q 176: What is Nushrah?
A— Nushrah is to remove the charm someone is affected with. If this is done through sorcery or the like, it is then a devilish piece of work. But, if it is done through Ruqyah1 that is recited as a means of curing an ailment, there is no harm in that.
Q 177: What are the lawful Ruqa (PI. Ruqyah)? A— The lawful Ruqyah is only comprised of parts of the Glorious Qur'an and the Prophetic Sunnah, pronounced in Arabic, while the one who recites them and on whom they are recited, believe that they can not be effective except by Allah's Leave. Jibril (Peace be
upon him) practiced Ruqyah for the sake of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) who did the same for many of his honorable companions and did not prevent them rom practicing it. Rather, he ordered them to practice it and allowed them to receive payment for this service. All this can be found in the two Sahihs: Bukhari and Muslim.
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Q 178: What are the unlawful Ruqa (PL Ruqyah)?
A— The unlawful Ruqa are those which are not comprised of parts of the Glorious Qur'an or the Prophetic Sunnah, and that which is not recited in Arabic. This is certainly a devilish, prohibited work. Practicing it (in this way) as done by most sorcerers and liars and those who manipulate talismans and other means of witchcraft and books such as: Shams AlMa'arif and Shumus Al-Anwar, all this is forbidden and disliked in Islam.
Q 179: What is the ruling pertaining to necklaces of amulets, strings, rings, threads, cowrie ××××ls (supposedly used to save one from the influence of the evil eye!) etc.?
A— Abu Bashir Al-Ansari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that he had (the opportunity of
accompanying Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) on some of his journeys. Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) sent one of his messengers, 'Abdullah Ibn Abu Bakr who said: I think he said (these words) when the people were at the places of rest: No necklace of strings will be left on the necks of the camels or the necklace kept unbroken. Imam Malik said: To my mind (this practice) of placing necklaces round the necks of camels or animals was because of the fact that they (wanted to save them) rom the influence of the evil eye. (Bukhari and Muslim)
In addition, Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) sent a messenger ordering: "There shall not remain

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any necklace of string or any other kind of necklace
f." (Bukhari
and Muslim)
In addition, Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) says: "Verily, (illegal) Ruqa and (all types of amulets)
are (regarded as) disbelief " (Ahmad, Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah,
Al-Baihaqi and Al-Hakim)
Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) also says: "Whosoever wears an amulet, Allah, the Almighty will not grant him success; and whosoever wears a cowrie ××××l, Allah, the Almighty will not grant him prosperity. "
(Ahmad and Ibn Hibban)
In another narration: "Whosoever wears an amulet, he becomes a polytheist. " (Ahmad and Al-Hakim)
He (Peace be upon him) said to the man who was holding an amulet: "What is this?" The man said: "This is (an amulet). I hold it because I feel some kind of physical weakness." He (Peace be upon him) said:
"Take it off for it will not increase you but in weakness, and if you die while wearing it, you will never prosper (in the Hereafter). " (Ahmad and Al-Hakim)
Hudhaifah (May Allah be pleased with him) cut a thread that was held by a man, then he recited Allah's Statement: {And most of them believe not in Allah except
that they attribute partners unto Him [i.e. they are
Mushrikun i.e. polytheists]}. (Yusuf, 106) (Compiled by Ibn
Abu Hatim)




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Sa'id Ibn Jubair said: "Whosoever cuts an amulet off the neck of someone, this may equal setting a slave free. "
(Compiled by Ibn Abu Shaibah)
Q 180: What is the ruling concerning wearing amulets containing words from the Glorious Qur'an?
A— Some of the earlier scholars viewed this as permissible, but most of them do not. Among those who forbade it were Abdullah Ibn 'Akim, 'Abdullah Ibn 'Amr, 'Abdullah Ibn Mas'ud and his companions. This view is the proper one, because the prohibition of wearing necklaces was general. In addition, they viewed this to keep the honor of the Glorious Qur'an and not to let those, who are impure to carry or even touch it or part of it, and in order not to be taken as a pretext to wearing other things.