“And ˹surely˺ your Lord will give so much to you that you will be pleased.” (Qur’an 93:5)
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Ramadan Day 15: What will Allah gives us and do we actually deserve it?
*15th of Ramadan* ——————————– *Heart Health: Contemplation* “Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the day and night there are signs for people of reason, ˹They are˺ those who remember Allah while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides, and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth ˹and pray˺, “Our Lord! You have not created ˹all of˺ this without purpose. Glory be to You! Protect us from the torment of the Fire.” (Qur’an 3:190-191)
Thinking about the creation of Allah (swt) carefully is one of the greatest kinds of worship, it’s a way for the believer to rank up to the level of ‘Ihsan’; which is to worship Allah as if you see him, so if you don’t see him he sees you.
How can I contemplate? Firstly, think about the glory of Allah and the perfection of his creation, how gems come from mountains, how some animals fly and some walk, how the sea has wonders multiple time more than land, how a sperm changes to different forms and stages in a woman’s body before becoming a strong human, how about the wonders of the heavens and earth and what is in between, do you know that your knowledge you know about the universe is like a drop in the ocean?
Then think about the hereafter, in the paradise, its trees, blessings, rivers and continuous possession, then about hell, its levels, scenes, chains, boiling water and the ugliness of the Zabaniah (hell angles)
Then contemplate you body, look at your tounge, do you use it for lying, backbiting and gossip?, look at your belly, did it eat the Haram? did it eat too much? then look at your gaze, does it look at Haram? them look at you worship, how do you perform it? how do you save it from reduction?
and so on.
*Angles* “Whoever is an enemy of Allah, His angels, His messengers, Gabriel, and Michael, then ˹let them know that˺ Allah is certainly the enemy of the disbelievers.” (Qur’an 2:98)
We believe there are angles: They are from the creation of Allah They are made from light They do different tasks such as: Carry the throne Teach messengers Ask for forgiveness for the righteous Guard hell and heaven Write down deeds Fight along side with the believers among other things… They are infallible, so they only worship Allah They do not have desires, so they do not eat, drink, marry, sleep…etc Their type is different than us, Jinns, animals, or any other creation, they are just a separate type of creation. Do not describe them with human attributes, they are just creation of Allah which obey him!
We have no concept such as fallen angels. Their dhikr – remembrance of Allah (swt) oscillates with such intensity that nothing comes to them but the commands of Allah and to fulfill them diligently.
*Permissible things when fasting* I will mention a list of permissible things when fasting, We will not go into details so if you have a question about some point you can ask insh’Allah:
Showering Using perfumes Swallowing the saliva Tasting food (Example: you are preparing food for the fasting people you want to ensure the presentation of the food is palpable and pleasant for those going to break their fast) Chewing food Tooth extraction Blood tests and blood donation Anesthetization Using ointment and external body creams/medicines Cutting nails and body hair Kissing
Half of the month have gone by with the speed of light, it’s a good time to reflect, how did I spend the first half? Did I profiteer from the mountains of increased rewards in Ramadan? did I have any shortcomings in some area? prayer? Reciting Qur’an? etc…
Finding these areas in the first half would help you spend the second half better in obedience. The second half is more bountiful in rewards, so make sure to not miss the opportunity.
May Allah accept our fasting, du’a, Salah, Qiam, Sujud, Ruku’, charity and All our good deeds
“Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills.” (Qur’an 4:48)
Say, “O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.” (Qur’an 39:53)
“Turn to your Lord ˹in repentance˺, and ˹fully˺ submit to Him before the punishment reaches you, ˹for˺ then you can no longer be helped (Quran 39:54).
So are these text in contradiction with one another or are these text addressing two different audiences?
It is not sound exegesis (tafsir) to just pick out these two verses as a contradiction without looking at the context, and who is being addressed, as well as other verses in the Qur’an that address the same topic. This will allow one to have a better grasp of the subject before they reach a conclusion.
This article will lay out the Ibadi position as clearly stated in the Qur’an in contradistinction to the misguidance of the Sunni position.
So first let us look at the Sunni position in regard to their misunderstanding.
“Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills.” (Qur’an 4:48)
“Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills. And he who associates others with Allah has certainly gone far astray.” (Qur’an 4:116)
So they (those who call themselves Sunni) want to say that Allah (swt) is forgiving all the sins except shirk. Everything is forgiven without any tauba (except the shirk).
This is totally in error. They (those who call themselves Sunni) are in major doctrinal error on this issue!
What one will really see that instead of representing the teachings of the Qur’an and the belief of the early Muslims, (those who call themselves Sunni) are in fact propagating the views of the Murji’ah sect.
A key tenet of belief of the Murji’ah sect is the belief that Muslims who commit major sins and die without repentance are still considered Muslim and eligible for paradise.
“But He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills.”
This key part of the text of Qur’an 4:116 & Qur’an 4:48 is what is used to justify the idea that Allah (swt) is either random, capricious or whimsical in his approach to forgiving sins. We seek protection in Allah (swt) from this!
We say that Allah (swt) is not whimsical, capricious or random in the approach to forgiving sins and the Qur’an lays out clearly the approach to reconciliation to Allah (swt).
“But the Jews and the Christians say, “We are the children of Allah and His beloved.” Say, “Then why does He punish you for your sins?” Rather, you are human beings from among those He has created. He forgives whom He wills, and He punishes whom He wills. And to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them, and to Him is the [final] destination.” (Qur’an 5:18)
“Then why does Allah punish you for your sins?”
If Allah (swt) punishes people who commit no sin where is the justice? If we understand that Allah (swt) at random, capriciously selects this group or this one for forgiveness and not that one you also have to ask where is the justice?
Yet, Allah (swt) is just!
“Paradise is not [obtained] by your wishful thinking nor by that of the People of the Scripture. Whoever does a wrong will be recompensed for it, and he will not find besides Allah a protector or a helper.” (Qur’an 4:123)
“And whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or female, while being a believer – those will enter Paradise and will not be wronged, [even as much as] the speck on a date seed.(Qur’an 4:124)
So let us go back to the clause in the two verses: Qur’an 4:116 & Qur’an 4:48
“But He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills.”
How is this will known to us?
Let the Qur’an speak!
“And those who do not invoke with Allah another deity or kill the soul which Allah has forbidden [to be killed], except by right, and do not commit unlawful sexual intercourse. And whoever should do that will meet a penalty. Multiplied for him is the punishment on the Day of Resurrection, and he will abide therein humiliated -Except for those who repent, believe and do righteous work. For them Allah will replace their evil deeds with good. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.” (Qur’an 25:68-70)
The above verse is very clear that shirk can be forgiven “Except for those who repent“. However, the major point of the above verse is that shirk and other big sins(killing someone unlawfully, committing illicit sexual intercourse) are forgiven by tauba (repentance) and follow this up with righteous actions.
So whoever does shirk, or kills another person without right, or commits unlawful sexual intercourse all of them will meet the penalty (which means hellfire). So that point is crystal clear.
Now, the only point in dispute is rather or not those who enter the hellfire remain therein eternally or only a short period of time.
“Indeed, those who took the calf [for worship] will obtain anger from their Lord and humiliation in the life of this world, and thus do We recompense the inventors [of falsehood] But those who committed misdeeds and then repented after them and believed – indeed your Lord, thereafter, is Forgiving and Merciful.” (Qur’an 7:152-153)
˹after their repentance˺ < didn’t think we would notice but we did.
“But He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills.”
“Anyways what are you guys trying to deduce from this? That one can do whatever non shirk sins they want and they can still be forgiven?” – brother Abdullah
What he means by is that are The Ahl Sunnah suggesting that a person can do what ever sins they want (rape, molestation, murder) just short of shirk and they will be forgiven without repentanceand reformation?
“Whom he wills” is a reference to those who repent.
We have already given a text from the Qur’an that clearly proves this. (Qur’an 25:68-70)
You also have the following:
“Those who avoid the major sins and immoralities, only [committing] slight ones. Indeed, your Lord is vast in forgiveness. He was most knowing of you when He produced you from the earth and when you were fetuses in the wombs of your mothers. So do not claim yourselves to be pure; He is most knowing of who fears Him.” (Qur’an 53:32)
“IF (but) eschew the evilest of the things which you are forbidden to do, We shall expel out of (Saiyiatikum) YOU ALL THE EVIL IN YOU, and admit you to a gate of great honor.” -(Qur’an 4:31)
Even this above verse some of the translators have tried to manipulate it in accordance with their i’tiqad.
“Turn to your Lord, and submit to Him before the punishment reaches you, then you will not be helped.” (Qur’an 39:54)
“And follow the best of what was revealed to you from your Lord before the punishment comes upon you suddenly while you do not perceive.” “Lest a soul should say, “Oh [how great is] my regret over what I neglected in regard to Allah and that I was among the mockers.” “Or [lest] it say, “If only Allah had guided me, I would have been among the righteous. Or [lest] it say when it sees the punishment, “If only I had another turn so I could be among the doers of good.” “But yes, there had come to you My verses, but you denied them and were arrogant, and you were among the disbelievers”. (Qur’an 39:55-59)
Qur’an 4:48=Those who were given the Scripture (Ahl Kitab)
The forgiveness for their shirk is by embracing Islam!
“O you who were given the Scripture, believe in what We have sent down, confirming that which is with you, before We obliterate faces and turn them toward their backs or curse them as We cursed the sabbath-breakers. And ever is the decree of Allah accomplished. Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills. And he who associates others with Allah has certainly fabricated a tremendous sin. Have you not seen those who claim themselves to be pure? Rather, Allah purifies whom He wills, and injustice is not done to them, [even] as much as a thread [inside a date seed]. Look how they invent about Allah untruth, and sufficient is that as a manifest sin. Have you not seen those who were given a portion of the Scripture,who believe in superstition and false objects of worship and say about the disbelievers, “These are better guided than the believers as to the way”? (Qur’an 4:47-4:51)
The context is in relation to the people of the book. Some of them believed in superstition, worship of false objects etc. They deviated from the true pure monotheism as given to them in their scripture.
Qur’an 4:48 is a warning to them = Those who were given the Scripture
Qur’an 39:53 = “my servants”
Say, “O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.” (Qur’an 39:53)
This verse is already addressed to those who believe in Islam.
Our quick witted brother Abdullah has correctly noted:
“Also I’ve seen a lot of Sunnis use this verse (Qur’an 4:48) which was revealed against “disbelievers” as apply it to the believers. So are they Khawarij?”
What he means is that The Ahl Sunnah take a verse that is directed towards the disbelievers and apply it to the believers! They say that is a quality of the khawarij and yet they do it themselves!
“No, it doesn’t, your understanding of this verse (Qur’an 4:48) is ignoring the verse in Zumar (Qur’an 39:53) which says, “Allah forgives **all sins** and shirk is a sin.” Abdullah
Shaykh Ahmed Al Khalili elaborates more here:
“As for the second place, it is preceded by His saying: “If anyone contends with the Messenger even after the guidance has been plainly conveyed to him, and follows a path other than that becoming to men to faith, We shall leave him in the path He has chosen, and land him in hell. What an evil refuge!” (Qur’an 4:115).” -Shaykh Al Khalili
“So, interpreting it to mean other than what I have mentioned of its tafsir, will take it out from its context. His saying, Exalted is He: ‘Allah forgives not that partners should be set up with Him’ (Qur’an 4:48) is an affirmation carrying the meaning of being the reason for His saying:
“If anyone contends with the Messenger even after the guidance has been plainly conveyed to him, and follows a path other than that becoming to men of faith, We shall leave him in the path He has chosen, and land him in hell. What an evil refuge!” (Qur’an 4:115)
“And His saying , ‘And He forgives anything else, to whom He pleases‘, is a promise to those mushriks who embrace Islam of forgiveness for all their past sins, after what has preceded it of warning to those who persist in their shirk. From this, the reason clearly emerges of repeating the wording of the verse another time with no difference other than the end-rhyme. At first occurrence it is repeated by His saying, Exalted is He! ” -Shaykh Ahmed Al Khalili
“The second is that His saying ‘and He forgives anything else, to whom He pleases‘, (Qur’an 4:48) does not in any way indicate forgiveness of the people who commit major sins other than shirk, irrespective of their persistence in them.” -Shaykh Ahmed Al Khalili
To elaborate on this point. Do not think that if you do major sins without seeking repentance or without reforming yourself that you will be forgiven.
“This verse has come in two places in al-Nisa’ in the context of specifying the entering into Islam of those who did not accept Islam. In the first place it is preceded by His saying: “Exalted Is He: “O People of the Book, believe in what We have revealed confirming what was with you, before We destroy the countenances so as to confound or to curse them as We cursed the Sabbath-breakers. And the decision of Allah must be carried out.” (Qur’an 4:47) -Shaykh Ahmed Al Khalili
“Then it is followed by His saying: ‘Allah does not forgive that partners be set up with Him’ and He forgives anything else, to whom He pleases.’ (Qur’an 4:48).” -Shaykh Ahmed Al Khalili
“It is understood from this context that the meaning of the verse is that Allah does not forgive whomever remains in his shirk, not turning from it to tawhid, even if he repents from the rest of his sins. For the repentance of the mushrik is not otherwise than by tawhid which is the basis of all good deeds, the axis of all virtue, just as shirk is the matrix of sinning.” -Shaykh Ahmed Al Khalili
“And His saying, ‘And He forgives anything else, to whom He pleases’. i.e. whatever is other than shirk, that is, all the disobediences of the mushriks other than their shirk, for whoever He wills to guide to repentance from his shirk. That is because…….” -Shaykh Ahmed Al Khalili
QUESTIONS FOR SUNNI MUSLIMS.
Also, you as a (Sunni) saying that if a Muslim commits shirk than there is absolutely no chance of forgiveness? That is harsh!
That concept is against the verse , “Allah forgives all sins.” (Qur’an 39:53)
This will also be an obstacle to the verse: “Never give up hope of Allah’s soothing mercy; in fact none despairs of Allah’s soothing mercy except the ungrateful disbelievers.” (Qur’an 12:87)
How do you expect one not to despair of Allah’s mercy since they won’t be forgiven? In the process of giving up on Allah’s mercy they drown further in despair and darkness!
Also, the concept of an unforgivable sin is a Christian concept!
Jesus said, “I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this life or in the life to come” (Matthew 12:31-32)
This is not an Islamic concept.
OR…
Are we to believe that you as a Sunni understand this verse to mean that you can do any sin imaginable and even if you do not repent Allah (swt) will still forgive you (by spending a little time in hellfire) unless it is shirk and than you are sealed forever?
How do you reconcile your perspective with the following?
Safwan ibn ‘Assal reported: The Messenger of Allah (saw) said,
“Verily, towards the Western sun is an open gate the length of which is seventy years of travel, It will continue to be open for repentance until the sun rises from there. When the sun rises from there, the faith of any soul will not benefit it had it not had faith earlier or earned goodness from its faith.”
Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Whoever repents before the sun rises from the west, Allah will accept his repentance.”
Further proofs that Allah (swt) forgives the sin of shirk are from logic (mantiq) and text (nass)
A person who commits shirk by being devoted to things other than Allah (swt) has their sin of shirk forgiven by embracing Islam.
The proof for that is this:
“Say to those who have disbelieved [that] if they cease, what has previously occurred will be forgiven for them. But if they return [to hostility] – then the precedent of the former [rebellious] peoples has already taken place.” (Qur’an 8:38)
It would make no sense to call those who are involved in being devoted other than Allah (O you who were given the Scripture) to forgiveness if they can find no forgiveness?!
The forgiveness for their shirk is by embracing Islam! When they take the shahada testification of faith all their previous sins are forgiven (including shirk).
This is what (Qur’an 4:48) is in reference to.
“They take their priests and their anchorites to be their lords in derogation of Allah, and (they take as their Lord) Christ the son of Mary; yet they were commanded to worship Allah alone: there is no god but He. Exalted is He above whatever they associate (yush’rikuna) with Him.” (Qur’an 9:31)
2. If the believing Muslim slips and commits shirk they will have no recourse to salvation. This cannot be the case.
This cannot be the case because the verse clearly states that Allah (swt) “forgives all sins” (Qur’an 39:53).
Yet, if you even as a Muslim have slipped by consulting psychics, astrologist, and put your faith and trust in them to divine your future you must repent, rectify yourself and flee to Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.
This is true of any act of shirk that Muslims fall into.
The key is sincere repentance. If you do not repent and you do not make effort to reform than there is no sincerity.
Alas , if the position is that if Muslims slip, fall into shirk and there is no hope for them what motive is there now for them to be moral in this life?
Indeed their hearts will darken and Allah (swt) knows best!
Allah (swt) will forgive any sin. Those who were given the Scripture have their sin of shirk removed by embracing Islam and by staying the course. The one born and raised as a Muslim has their sin of shirk removed by sincere repentance and reformation.
REPENTENCE:
“And of no effect is the repentance of those who continue to do evil deeds until death faces one of them and he says: “Now I repent; ”norof those who die while they are ungrateful disbelievers. For them We have prepared a painful torment.” (Qur’an 4:18)
“The ˹true˺ servants of the Most Compassionate are those who walk on the earth humbly, and when the foolish address them ˹improperly˺, they only respond with peace. They are˺ those who spend ˹a good portion of˺ the night, prostrating themselves and standing before their Lord. ˹They are˺ those who pray, “Our Lord! Keep the punishment of Hell away from us, for its punishment is indeed unrelenting. It is certainly an evil place to settle and reside.” ˹They are˺ those who spend neither wastefully nor stingily, but moderately in between. ˹They are˺ those who do not invoke any other god besides Allah, nor take a ˹human˺ life—made sacred by Allah—except with ˹legal˺ right,nor commit fornication. And whoever does ˹any of˺ this will face the penalty. Their punishment will be multiplied on the Day of Resurrection, and they will remain in humiliation forever, except those who repent, believe, and do good deeds, they are the ones whose evil deeds Allah will change into good deeds. For Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful. And whoever repents and does good has truly turned to Allah properly.”(Qur’an 25:63-71)
For further reading:
Analyzing the hadith of the get out of jail free card.
“Great is hatred in the sight of Allah that you say what you do not do.” (Qur’an 61:3)
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Ramadan Day 14: Be more concerned about your own condition and by doing so it will influence those around you.
*14th of Ramadan* ——————————– *Heart health: Making the most of your time* The Blessed Prophet (saw) said: “seize five before five”.
1)Your youth before your old age.
Your health before your sickness.
Your wealth before your poverty.
Your free time before your busyness.
Your life before your death.
And the Blessed Prophet (saw) said: “Two blessings many people are losing in: health and free time.” As well as: “No son of Adam’s feet will go in the day of judgement before being asked about four:
a) His life what he spent it on.
b) His youth in what he used it.
c) His wealth where he got it from and where he spent it.
d) His deeds what he did with it.
In the modern time a great example of spending time in constant worship is the teacher Shaykh Humood Assawafi -may Allah bless him-, you will see him sometimes giving a lesson, sometimes giving a speech, sometimes answering Shari’a questions with his phone, sometimes doing trips, contests and lectures for his students of knowledge, and all his time is spent in worship even at the time for eating.
*Every believer will be passing through hell?*
Allah says: “Surely those for whom We have destined the finest reward will be kept far away from Hell, not even hearing the slightest hissing from it. And they will delight forever in what their souls desire.” (Qur’an 21:101-102)
Thus, the believers will never even come close to hell, let alone passing through it.
Those who use the verse:
“And there is none of you except he will come to it. This is upon your Lord an inevitability decreed.” (Qur’an 19:71)
This is obviously not for the believers as can be seen from the previous verses.
“So by your Lord, We will surely gather them and the devils; then We will bring them to be present around Hell upon their knees. Then We will surely extract from every sect those of them who were worst against the Most Merciful in insolence. Then, surely it is We who are most knowing of those most worthy of burning therein. ” (Qur’an 19:68-70)
If it’s said: but Allah says in the next verse (Then We will rescue those who were devout, leaving the wrongdoers there on their knees) meaning that the devout will be included.
The answer: In Arabic we can’t use the word rescue for who fell in the matter, but rescuing happens before that, and the word *then* in Arabic doesn’t always refer to chronological order, rather ranking order, and there are many proofs from the Qur’an.
An example is in the 70th verse of the same Surah where Allah says: (And We truly know best who is most deserving of burning in it) the word here is translated to *and* the Arabic is ثم meaning then, but of course Allah’s knowledge doesn’t change with time, so _then_ in the verse doesn’t represent chronological order.
For those who want to read more on this topic you can read the following article:
1- The faeces of eaten animals is pure from a legal point of view. Not pure to eat (obviously).
2- Dead animal’s wool, tanned leather, hair, fur, and feather tips, this only applies to eaten animals based on the majority view of Ibadi scholars.
3- From the dead animals: locusts and fish, they can be eaten when dead.
4- Dead insects that do not have flowing blood.
5- A fetus whose mother was Islamically slaughtered.
6- Two bloods: liver and spleen.
6- The hunted prey: You should say the name of Allah before releasing the hunting animal, spear, arrow or rifle, if you found the animal dead it’s halal to eat, and if you found it alive you should slaughter it the normal way
“Do they not reflect upon the Quran, or are there locks on their hearts.” (Qu’ran 47:24)
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Ramadan Day 10: Tips for Parents on Getting Children to Fast.
Dear brothers and sisters this is the 10th day of Ramadan. This means 1/3 of Ramadan will be behind us. Let us all make haste in doing what we can to make the most out of this Ramadan.
Know this dear brothers and sisters. If Allah (swt) is inspiring you to ask for something this means he wants to give you something!
Repeat this du’a again and again in this month! Allahumma inaka afuwon kareemun tuhibu alafwa faafu anaa (Oh Allah you are The Forgiver, the Generous and you Love Forgiving So Forgive Us.)
Dear brothers and sisters this is the month where we ask Allah (swt) to save us from the hellfire and all that is needed, let me repeat this ALL THAT IS NEEDED is for you to make this du’a this request ONCE and for Allah (swt) to ACCEPT IT and insh’Allah you have obtained the goal! Subhan’Allah!
*Heart Health Trusting Allah* “So in Allah let the believers put their trust.” (Qur’an 9:51)
Trusting Allah should be in the core of a believers daily affairs. However, we should know the difference between Tawakkul توكل and Tawakul تواكل.
Tawakkul is trust in Allah, and it should be done always, for example: when someone is sick, he should do All he can to get back his health, by taking medicine, visiting doctor or avoiding pathogens, but on top of this, one must have his full trust on Allah
Tawakul is reliance on Allah without taking reason, and this is a wrong behaviour, for example: when someone is sick and says I won’t go to the doctor, I trust on Allah, this kind of thinking will literally kill him.
However, Tawakkul is a powerful idea, knowing that everything you do is nothing without Allah’s help and will
*The Weights* “The weighing on that Day is truth. As for those whose scale will be heavy ˹with good deeds˺, ˹only˺ they will be successful.” (Qur’an 7:8)
In the day of judgment people’s deeds will be weighted, and Muslims have differed on this interpretation:
There will be a physical scale on which people’s deeds will be weighted, this is the opinion of Ash’aries and who agrees with them
Scale is just a metaphor meaning that deeds will be sorted to good and bad, as Allah doesn’t require a physical scale to know the deeds, and from the Qur’an we see that Allah describes the weights with Truth and Justice, both of them are not used to describe physical objects, and this is the opinion of our scholars and of Mu’tazilah
*Local customs are an authority and judge* The fifth of the five comprehensive rules, its explanation is that established norms by members of society is a valid reference in people’s transactions, as long as they don’t contradict the legal rulings
For example: conducting a transaction without any party verbally offering their services in the way of “give and take”.
Proof: “And due to the wives is similar to what is expected of them, according to what is reasonable.” (Qur’an 2:228)
If you wish to support Prima Qur’an.
Prima Qur’an humbly ask of the readers for any support. Many hours are often invested in research of articles and compilation of material. Academics usually devote themselves fully for research. This web site is for truth seekers helping truth seekers.
May Allah (swt) reward you all for your du’a, support and sincere efforts!
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” (Qur’an 2:183)
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Ramadan Day 9: Guidance on teaching children how to fast.
*Heart health Praying to Allah* “When My servants ask you ˹O Prophet˺ about Me: I am truly near. I respond to one’s prayer when they call upon Me. So let them respond ˹with obedience˺ to Me and believe in Me, perhaps they will be guided ˹to the Right Way˺” (Qur’an 2:186)
Praying is to supplicate and take refuge to Allah, and praying has some manners, such as: To mention the names of Allah in the prayer Praying for The Blessed Prophet peace be upon him Avoiding prohibited food and drink To insist on the prayer and repeat it To not despair if it seems the prayer is not answered To pray with sincerity and a present heart To pray for every demand, big or small for Allah owns the treasures of the seen and unseen. To avoid sins and bad deeds To lower the voice when praying To respect the time of Du’as answer, which is encouraged for us to pray in: After obligated prayer At the depth of night The day of Arafah Friday Between call to prayer and starting When breaking the fast When it rains After reciting the entire Qur’an When prostrating (in Nafilah not obligation)
As is said: The most powerless person is the one who doesn’t make Du’a. For what weapon will you have against your lower self and the vile forces of chaos?
*Death, resurrection and reckoning* The arguments of proof came speaking of death, resurrection and reckoning.
Death is the truth that nobody disagrees upon, and it’s the separation of the soul from the body, to port from this life to the hereafter, from mortality to eternity, and from work to reward.
After death comes resurrection which is for the soul to return back to the body.
after that comes reckoning, where every human being is accountable for all his action, small or big. “You will then be presented ˹before Him for judgment˺, and none of your secrets will stay hidden.” (Qur’an 69:18)
We ask Allah safety when there is no way out except for his mercy.
*difficulty brings ease* The fourth of the five comprehensive rules of Shari’a, its explanation is when there is difficulty in some ruling, there would be clearance by law, there are many examples that illustrate this rule:
Breaking the fast in Ramadan in the state of illness or traveling Tayammum when there is no water for Wudu’ Eating prohibited food in the state of necessity Shortening prayer when traveling
Proofs: “Allah intends ease for you, not hardship.” (Qur’an 2:185) “For ˹it is˺ He ˹Who˺ has chosen you, and laid upon you no hardship in the religion.” (Qur’an 22:78) “And it is Allah’s Will to lighten your burdens, for humankind was created weak.” (Qur’an 4:28)
“The Night of Glory is better than a thousand months.” (Qur’an 97:3)
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Ramadan Day 7: The Mental Benefits of Fasting.
7th Day of Ramadan* ——————————– *Heart Health Struggle & Punishment of Nafs* “As for those who struggle in Our cause, We will surely guide them along Our Way.” (Qur’an 29:69)
Nafs is the self, the soul, the inner psyche, and the struggle of Nafs (Jihad An-nafs) is to force the Nafs to do the obligations, the Sunnan, and the Nafilahs, especially when the Nafs is in a lazy/fatigued state. When The Blessed Prophet (saw) used to pray the night until his feet swells, Aisha (ra) told him: (take it easy, Allah pardoned you from All your sins), so he replies: (should I not be a thankful servant!)
After Struggle of the Nafs comes punishing the Nafs. Thus, if a Muslim struggled his Nafs but then felt his shortcomings and laziness he increases his worship to tame the Nafs. , Here is Umar Bin Al Khattab (ra), entered a garden of his and when he returned he found that the people have finished Asr prayer, so he donated his garden for the sake Allah.
Practically people can apply this, whenever someone feels shortcomings by missing prayer in Jama’a for example, he can donate some money, fast some days, or increase the number of Nafilah prayers, so that he can tame his Nafs. To make his nafs tamed for the worship of Allah The Exalted.
*Allah is not encompassed by vision* “No vision can encompass Him, but He encompasses all vision. For He is the Most Subtle, All-Aware.” (Qur’an 6:103)
Allah is sanctified from being seen in this life or the hereafter, because there is nothing like him. His existence is not like any other beings existence. He is not in a physical place, and he can’t be described with color or visibility. Visibility cannot exist without a position, dense body described with a color, and Luminant or hit by a ray emitted by another object.
In fact, one of the reasons people cannot see Allah (swt) in this life or the next is due to his being absolutely one. Anything the mind tries to establish as one will be a multiple, or a compound unity. The human mind cannot picture absolute oneness, to do so would be to see Allah. Absolute oneness is a concept the mind can grasp but cannot envision.
Think of the concept of emptiness or nothingness. If you were asked to recline on a couch fold your hands on your chest, relax and take a deep breath in and out until you reach a calm state. Now you are told to picture or envision absolute nothingness. You are unable to do so. You will either picture or envision an all white space or an all black space. You can grasp the concept but your mind will always posit something.
Likewise you can grasp the concept of absolute oneness but given that we live in a reality where everything other than Allah (swt) is composite in some way so too our mind will picture or envision something composite, or multiple.
For more information about this topic return to the book: “The overwhelming truth”
*Things are judged by their purposes* The second of the five comprehensive rules. It’s explanation: legal considerations of actions are bound to their intentions not to their apparent wording. For example, if someone who is used to uttering the intention of a prayer prays Asr but accidentally utters that his intention is to pray Maghrib, then the consideration will be based on his real intention not on his wording.
The proof is what has been narrated by both Ibn ‘Abbas and ‘Umar b. al-Khattab that the Prophet (saw) said: ‘[The value of] an action depends on the intention behind it’
“And what will make you realize what the Night of Glory is?” (Qur’an 97:2)
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The Physical Benefits of Fasting.
*Heart Health & Self accountability*
“O believers! Be mindful of Allah and let every soul look to what ˹deeds˺ it has sent forth for tomorrow.” (Qur’an 59:18)
Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) said: “Hold yourself accountable before you are held accountable, and weight your deeds before they are weighted, and be ready for the great show.”
Holding yourself accountable can be: – Before the action: ask yourself, is doing this action better than leaving it? If it was do it, if it’s the opposite then don’t do it, and if it was the former ask yourself again, am I doing this for the sake of Allah, or for the sake of this life?
After the action: you should hold yourself accountable over the obligations, is there any deficiency?, then over the prohibitions, if there were any, hasten toward a repentance, then over negligence, remedy it with mentioning Allah more, and hold yourself accountable for what your tongue says, what your ears hear and what your eyes see.
*Ascending over the throne* “The Most Compassionate, ˹Who is˺ established on the Throne.” (Qur’an 20:5)
The throne of Allah is of the greatest creations of Allah, so when Allah described his authority, he said: (then he ascended over the throne)
But is Allah physically on top of the throne? The answer is no, as we said previously that Allah cannot be described using place, as that would mean Allah is a physical body which is impossible.
Then why did Allah use this phrasing to describe his authority? The meaning of the word “Istiwa'” استواء is authority and ability, just like we can say for example: “The Imam ascended over the throne of Oman”, are we saying that he physically sat on the throne? or are we saying that he ruled and controlled Oman?
We use the throne to signify authority because if you control the throne you control the country, and (whereas to Allah belong the finest attributes), and because the throne of Allah is the greatest creation, if Allah owns the throne he definitely owns the rest of creation.
*Certainty is not removed by doubt* The first of the five comprehensive rules. It’s explanation: if someone is in some state, he doesn’t go from it to another by mere doubt and illusion. For example, if someone is sure he performed Wudu’, then he would be in a state of purity unless he is certain that he invalidated his Wudu’ by some reason like bleeding..etc
The proof is what is narrated on the authority of Ibn ‘Abbas, that the Prophet (saw) said: ‘If one has doubts in his prayer, he should not refrain from it until he hears a sound or detects an odour”
“Indeed, We sent it down during a blessed night. Indeed, We were to warn [mankind].” (Qur’an 44:3)
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The social benefits of Ramadan.
*Heart Health Repentance* “O believers! Turn to Allah in sincere repentance, so your Lord may absolve you of your sins and admit you into Gardens.” (Qur’an 66:8)
Repentance is turning back to Allah and it’s necessary to enter paradise.
But repentance will not be accepted if it doesn’t meet these conditions: 1- Deep regret for committing the sin 2- Determination to never return to the sin 3- Stopping the sin 4- Istighfar (asking for forgiveness with the tongue) 5- Returning the rights to the people, if the sin includes people’s rights
*Allah is not a body* “There is nothing like Him, for He ˹alone˺ is the All-Hearing, All-Seeing” (Qur’an 42:11)
Allah exalted is sanctified from any parts, like a hand, a face, a leg, an eye…etc, or anything that can make Allah sound similar to his creation, because bodies are for creatures, in addition, if we attribute a body to Allah that will necessarily mean that Allah is limited by six directions, and all of this is impossible in the case of Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala
*Traveling prayer* When traveling, prayers are a little bit different, here are some rulings regarding the prayer When traveling: – The traveling distance: 12 Km – There is no time limit for these rulings as long as you are not in your home – When traveling you pray the 4 Rak’a prayers (Duhr, Asr and Isha’) in 2 Rak’as, and this is *mandatory*. – When traveling you can join Dhuhr and Asr (2+2) and Maghrib with Isha (3+2), and when joining them you don’t need to pray the Sunan Rawatib. – Joining the prayer is not mandatory, but they are recommended when actively travelling, and discouraged when staying at some place.
Traveling prayer has many rulings, so if you are confused about something it’s better to ask for the safety of your prayer.
The blind reader, Faris Al-Farqani, delights us with a fragrant recitation that captivates the hearts! When you see that the fruit on the branch do not deny that the roots are pure!
O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you—as it was for those before you—so perhaps you will become mindful ˹of Allah˺ (Qur’an 2:183)
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Tips for Ramadan.
Nasiha (نصيحة) is an Arabic word that means “advice”, “recommendation”, or “sincerity”.
Are you nursing a grudge towards another person or perhaps they are nursing a grudge towards you?
This is some nasiha from Prima Qur’an for you. However, this du’a will only be effective if you are sincere in saying it.
When you make du’a say to Allah (swt) ‘Oh Allah all the good and the khayer that you have given to me I ask of you to also give [this person] but give [this person] more.
Having these things in your heart is weight that you need to release and a negative energy that you simply do not need. Release it!
Maa sha Allah! Beautiful video of a youth leading the people for Tarwih prayer in Ramadan.
People standing attentively to listening to the Created Word of Allah.
*3rd day of Ramadan* ——————————– *Heart Health Taqwa (righteousness)* Taqwa is being mindful of Allah in private and in public. There are three levels of Taqwa: 1- Doing the bare minimum to avoid hell, by avoiding Shirk and major sins. 2- Avoiding any sins even minor ones. 3- Avoiding anything that can distract you from mentioning Allah.
May Allah grant us the highest level of Taqwa.
*Affirming that Allah has no like, peer or equal* Allah exalted is sanctified from any like, peer or equal. A like (shibh شبه): is someone who is similar in most attributes. A peer (nid ند): is the equal and opposite. An equal (mathal مثل): Is someone who is similar in all attributes.
So Allah should not be assigned any attributes from the attributes of creatures, (There is nothing like Him, for He ˹alone˺ is the All-Hearing, All-Seeing.)
Some might say: people are hearing and Allah is hearing, people see and Allah sees…etc, and the answer to this is firstly: The attributes of Allah are his essence while humans need tools to have them, Allah’s attributes are absolute, human attributes are limited. so the use of similar word to describe the attributes of Allah and humans doesn’t make them the same.
*Perfecting Wudu’* The Blessed Prophet (saw) said: “No faith for one without prayer, and no prayer with no Wudu”, and no fasting without stopping the prohibitions of Allah”
Based on this we see that Wudu’ is an important subject for a Muslim, if the Wudu’ is false then the prayer is false, so we must perfect our Wudu’ to secure our prayer, here are some important notes: – When washing the face, the water should reach the entire face, from the hair line to the chin, and from the ear to the other ear, with wetting the beard – When washing the arm it should reach the whole arm including the elbow, so make sure the elbow is washed as well. – When washing the foot make sure that the water reaches all sides of the foot, in the Hadith: (run through your toes before they are cleaned with nails of fire)
There are more notes in Wudu’, but these are important ones as they are in the pillars of Wudu’ in addition to wiping the head.
“And they say, “Never will the Fire touch us, except for a few days.” Say, “Have you taken a covenant with Allah? For Allah will never break His covenant. Or do you say about Allah that which you do not know?” Yes, whoever earns evil and his sin has encompassed him – those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally.” (Qur’an 2:80-81)
“But whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger and exceeds their limits will be cast into Hell, to stay there forever. And they will suffer a humiliating punishment.” (Qur’an 4:14)
Do you not consider, [O Muhammed], those who were given a portion of the Scripture? They are invited to the Scripture of Allah that it should arbitrate between them; then a party of them turns away, and they are refusing. “This because they say: “The Fire shall not touch us but for a few numbered days.” What will happen to their belief when We bring them together on the Inevitable Day when every soul will be justly recompensed for its deeds?” For their forgeries deceive them as to their own religion.” (Qur’an 3:23-24)
“Indeed, your Lord’s torment is fearsome.” (Qur’an 17:57)
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As mentioned in a previous post, we would like to clarify that, for those of us who follow the Ibadi school of Islam, for us, it is not important if our school is right or wrong on the matter.
What is important for us is that we are following the clear evidence as given by the Qur’an and the agreed-upon traditions of the Blessed Messenger (saw) Al Sunnah.
What is also important to note is that on this very important issue it is absolutely impossible for us to lose on this issue. As we mentioned to a brother before. We believe that the Ash`aris & Maturidis & Athari are upon batil (falsehood) and we are upon haqq (truth) in this matter.
So why is it impossible for us to lose? Because if the Ashari and Maturidi and Athari are correct, then we will all eventually be in paradise. However, if we are correct, and they are mistaken, your eternal salvation is the price of being upon misguidance.
The first point of clarification. Difference between infinite and everlasting (going backward and forward in time).
The difference between infinite and everlasting. Infinite is something beyond counting, beyond a real measurement. In this regard, only Allah (swt) is truly eternal. The knowledge of the created things is eternal.
Knowledge of the eternal does not equate to the eternality of the thing known.
Whereas everlasting is enduring forever; existing or continuing without end.
“That is Allah, your Lord; there is no deity except Him, the Creator of all things, so worship Him. And He is Disposer of all things.” (Qur’an 6:102)
Only Allah (swt) has no beginning.
Prevalent Muslim attitudes towards the afterlife have precipitated a moral and ethical decline.
Some may wonder if such an article is necessary? What benefit does this have for the Muslim community? Such an article is necessary, and it has an immense benefit for those who are willing to take heed. Every one of us has come short of the Glory of Allah (swt). Every one of us has fallen short in some aspect of our relationship with Allah (swt). Some of us more than others.
Do you ever wonder about moral erosion even in the Muslim communities? Do you think that this possibly has some root in the theology that Muslims have concerning the afterlife?
Do you not think that an attitude that says:
I’ll only be in the hellfire for a little while.
The Blessed Messenger (saw) will make intercession for me, so I have nothing to worry about.
Do you not think that such attitudes are flippant? To already treat hellfire as such a light matter has certainly led many of us not to fear Allah (swt).
An over-emphasis on the Love of Allah (swt). Of course, Allah (swt) is known as Al-Wadud (The Loving) twice in the Qur’an. After that, people have to read Rumi and other forms of poetry and books of saints to get their fix.
However, the Al-Nar (The Fire) is mentioned some 120+ times.
Jahnnam (The Abode of Hell) is mentioned some 70+ times.
Jaheem (Blazing Flames) is mentioned 20+ times.
It is a theme that is threaded all throughout the Qur’an.
We have often wondered at the success of Christian evangelism throughout certain parts of the world. Certainly, they bring food, build wells, hospitals, and schools. All of this is good and Muslims are doing this and should increase our efforts in doing this. Yet, for the Evangelicals, there is one central message that comes packaged with this help. That message is one that says, ‘I care about your eternal hereafter‘. It is a frightening warning, that without faith in Christ Jesus we will burn for all eternity. Unless one is in the habit of scoffing outright at such a proclamation, it is certainly something many take very seriously.
“And thus We have revealed to you an Arabic Qur’an that you may warn the Mother of Cities [Makkah] and those around it and warn of the Day of Assembly, about which there is no doubt. A party will be in Paradise and a party in the Blaze.” (Qur’an 42:7)
Allah (swt) revealed the Qur’an in Arabic. He wanted the Blessed Messenger (saw), to convey the message about the day of resurrection, that people would be in paradise and that people would be in hellfire.
Now, with calling people to Allah (swt), there should be a methodology and wisdom in how we call people. Yet, it cannot be denied that the Blessed Messenger (saw) was sent to warn people against the hellfire.
Keep in mind as well, those very few but loud voices that say that hellfire is an allegory, are now saying the same thing about paradise and the resurrection. They came as a packaged message.
“This is the fire which you used to deny. Is this an illusion (afasih’run) or is it you who are still unable to see?” (Qur’an 52:14-15)
We would like to begin as well with a quotation that is a very heartfelt response taken by the majority of our brothers from Ahl Sunnah today. That those who commit the major sins will still enter paradise. As well as the view as taken by the majority of Sunni Muslims that sinful Muslims will eventually enter paradise.
“This objection is rejected in that, on the basis of this opinion of theirs, they must then say that the committers of fornication, those who do the deed of the people of Lut, the consumers of usury, the killers of souls without right, those who prevent the payment of zakah, and the rest of the people who commit major sins other than shirk, will be counted among the righteous who have been promised Bliss, and greater contentment from Allah. By Allah, there is no more effective means to demolish the foundations of the religion, to abase the rituals, to diffuse evil, than this opinion. It demolishes all the commands and prohibitions of Allah and blows up everything that has come in His Book and the Sunnah of His Messenger, of the warning for people who commit major sins. It is sufficient that fornication, homosexuality, drinking wine, indifference to being cuckolded, and all the prohibited things will be among acts of righteousness because those who commit them are in the ranks of the righteous.” — Shaykh Ahmad b. Hamad al-Khalili (Grand Mufti of the Sultanate of Oman)
“The belief of us Ibadis is that whoever enters the Fire from among the muwahhid disobedient and the associators (mushriks) will remain there permanently, not for a finite period.”-Shaykh Ahmed b. Hamad al-Khalili
“The difference between us and the Kharijis is that they oppose us only in that they judge every punishable act of shirk entailing expulsion from the millah.”-Shaykh Ahmed b. Hamad al-Khalili.
What is the methodology that is used to establish the truth in this matter?
The established rule is that any major belief of the Muslims should come from the agreed- upon text. We see, for example, that those who believe in the second coming of Christ Jesus (as) will try and appeal to various texts of the Qur’an, among them are the following: Qur’an 4:159 Qur’an 43:61 Qur’an 3:46
Yet, when it comes to the belief that a believer will enter hellfire, we do not see that our opponents can establish any evidence from the Qur’an at all for this.
We can turn to the hadith, and we can find hadith promising because of this or that such and such a person will enter paradise. We can also find hadith promising that such and such a person for doing this or that will enter the hellfire. That they will never see paradise or even smell the slightest scent of paradise.
Thus, we turn to the Qur’an.
Methodological principles.
When we analyze the text of the Qur’an. We take the verses that are firm and decisive in their meaning, whereas the Ahl Khilaf (the People of Opposition) base their evidence upon verses that are subject to various interpretations.
“It is He who caused the Book to descend to you. In it are verses, that are (muḥkamāt) definitive. They are the essence of the Book and others, ones that are (mutashābihāt) unspecific. Then, those whose hearts are swerving, they follow what was unspecific in it, looking for dissent and looking for an interpretation.” (Qur’an 3:7)
That is to say we build our belief upon clear-cut evidence from the Qur’an. Ahl Khilaf (the People of Opposition) take an isolated verse that is subject to more than one interpretation and make the clear-cut verses bend to an interpretation.
Looking at the evidence from theQur’an.
“And they say, “Never will the Fire touch us, except for a few days.” Say, “Have you taken a covenant with Allah? Allah will never break His covenant. Or do you say about Allah that which you do not know?” Yes, whoever earns evil and his sin has encompassed him – those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally(khaliduna).”(Qur’an 2:80-81)
Among the people who believe that hellfire is not permanent are the Jews. This assertion of theirs is rebuked and made public to emphasize how very wrong they were in their assertion.
Verily, what has reached us from the Qur’an is that Allah (swt) not once informed us about this doctrine of exit from the hellfire, neither from the Jews nor from others. Rather, what Allah (swt) has informed us is the doctrine of uninterrupted torment, and it includes the invalidation of the doctrine of the exit from hellfire. It also nullifies the doctrine of cessation of torment and its absolute end.
The idea of being in the hellfire ‘except for a few days‘ or ‘awhile’ is juxtaposed next to the phrase ‘companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally‘.
There are those who will object to the word khaliduna. Two things must be kept in mind:
The term khaliduna is being contrasted with the bold lie of being in hell for a little while.
” And We granted not to any human being immortality before you (O Muhammed), then if you die, would they live forever (khaliduna)?” (Qur’an 21:34) -This verse contrasts living a long time with living forever.
Whom Allah (swt) addresses in verses: 81–82.It is very clear that this distinguishes a few days, a little while, from non-permanence with everlasting permanence.
This is another text that should make this very clear.
“But I have for you only notification from Allah and His messages.” And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger – then indeed, for him is the fire of Hell; they will abide therein(khalidina) forever(abadan).” (Qur’an 72:23)
Those who do not understand the obvious text and wording of khalidina to be forever will also have to come to terms with the idea that heaven is not abiding forever, the paradise will not abide forever, neither will the Blessed messenger (saw) or his family.
They will one day come out of paradise. Do you believe it?
The idea of hellfire being some temporary stay is certainly Jewish penetration into Islamic thought.
Do you not consider, [O Muhammed], those who were given a portion of the Scripture? They are invited to the Scripture of Allah that it should arbitrate between them; then a party of them turns away, and they are refusing. “This is because they say: “The Fire shall not touch us but for a few numbered days.” What will happen to their belief when We bring them together on the Inevitable Day when every soul will be justly recompensed for its deeds?” For their forgeries deceive them as to their own religion.” (Qur’an 3:23-24)
There are a few things to take note of for those who fear Allah (swt) in the above verse:
This text would in no way be sensible to those it addressed if the Qur’an itself contained such a doctrine! (limited time in the hellfire)
These people will say hell is only a number of days, they are going to be in for a really terrible surprise when they approach the inevitable day. ‘What will happen to their belief?‘
These lies have deceived them about their own religion—that there could be laxity in obeying the commands of Allah (swt).
“But whoever kills a believer intentionally – his recompense is Hell, wherein he will abide eternally, and Allah has become angry with him and has cursed him and has prepared for him a great punishment.” (Qur’an 4:93)
Killing is a major sin (less than shirk) but still deserving of everlasting hellfire.
“Those who consume interest cannot stand on the Day of Resurrection except as one stand who is being beaten by Satan into insanity. That is because they say, “Trade is just like interest.” But Allah has permitted trade and has forbidden interest. So whoever has received an admonition from his Lord and desists may have what is past, and his affair rests with Allah. But whoever returns to dealing in interest or usury- those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide eternally therein.” (Qur’an 2:275)
“For them who have done good is the best reward and extra. No darkness will cover their faces, nor humiliation. Those are companions of Paradise; they will abide therein eternally. But they who have earned blame for evil doings – the recompense of an evil deed is its equivalent, and humiliation will cover them. They will have from Allah no protector. It will be as if their faces are covered with pieces of the night – so dark, are they! Those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally.” (Qur’an 10:26-27)
Prima Qur’an Comments:
People who were in hell for a while and then admitted to heaven can hardly be described as having, “no darkness covering their faces nor humiliation.”
Those who do not understand the obvious text and wording of khalidina to be forever will also have to come to terms with the idea that heaven is not abiding forever, the paradise will not abide forever, neither will the Blessed messenger (saw) or his family.
They will one day come out of paradise. Do you believe it?
“And those who say, “Our Lord, avert from us the punishment of Hell. Indeed, its punishment is (gharanama) everlasting debt…” (Qur’an 25:65)
“Our Lord! bring us out of this: if ever we return to Evil, then shall we be wrong-doers indeed!” He will say: “Be driven into it with ignominy! And do not speak to Me!” (Qur’an 107- 108)
“But as for those who defiantly disobeyed, their refuge is the Fire. Every time they wish to emerge from it, they will be returned to it while it is said to them, “Taste the punishment of the Fire which you used to deny.” (Qur’an 32:20)
“And for those who disbelieve will be the fire of Hell. Death is not decreed for them so they may die, nor will its torment be lightened for them. Thus do we recompense every ungrateful one. And they will cry out therein, “Our Lord, remove us; we will do righteousness – other than what we were doing!” But did We not grant you life enough for whoever would remember therein to remember, and the warner had come to you? So taste the punishment, for there is not for the wrongdoers any helper.” (Qur’an 35:36-37)
“And those who do not invoke with Allah another deity or kill the soul which Allah has forbidden to be killed, except by right, and do not commit unlawful sexual intercourse. And whoever should do that will meet a penalty. Their punishment will be multiplied on the Day of Judgment, and they will remain in it forever (wayakhlud), in disgrace .” (Qur’an 25:68-69)
“So taste the penalty, and never will We increase you except in torment.” (Qur’an 78:30)
“Indeed, the righteous will be in pleasure, And indeed, the wicked will be in Hellfire. They will [enter to] burn therein on the Day of Recompense, And will not be removed from it.” (Qur’an 82:13-16)
“Indeed, Allah has cursed the ungrateful and prepared for them a Blaze Abiding therein forever (khalidina fiha abadan), they will not find a protector or a helper., they will not find a protector or a helper.” (Qur’an 33:64-65)
Prima Qur’an Comments:
These people are not going to be let out during Ramadan (no helper, no protector).
Allah (swt) is not going to release them after a period of time. (no helper, no protector).
They find no reprieve in the annihilation of hellfire and/or their own existence (no helper, no protector).
“Indeed, those who disbelieve and commit wrong or injustice – never will Allah forgive them, nor will He guide them to a path. Except for the (tariqah)path of Hell; they will abide therein forever(khalidina fiha abadan). And that, for Allah, is always easy.” (Qur’an 4:168-169)
“But the ones who disbelieved and denied Our verses – those are the companions of the Fire, abiding eternally (khalidina) therein; and wretched is the destination.” (Qur’an 64:10)
“Indeed, the criminals will be in the punishment of Hell, abiding eternally (khaliduna). It will not be allowed to subside for them, and they, therein, are in despair. And We did not wrong them, but it was they who were the wrongdoers. And they will call, “O Malik, let your Lord put an end to us!” He will say, “Indeed, you will remain.” (Qur’an 43:74-77)
Prima Qur’an Comments:
Once again, if anyone has any doubts about khaliduna being eternal, forever, everlasting, the guardian of Hellfire himself, the noble angel Malik, told the inhabitants that they will remain there.
The proof of the enduring, eternal, everlasting nature of the punishment of hellfire is overwhelming. In fact, based upon the evidence that has been given every place in the Qur’an that talks about hellfire (is talking about eternal agony)
This is absolutely terrifying. In fact, We would encourage anyone reading this to go and listen to their favorite Qur’an reciter, reciting the verses of Hellfire and you will feel as if a hand has reached deep within your soul and shook you to the core of your being! Except possibly those whose hearts are dead or bereft of faith. May Allah (swt) protect us from that!
POSSIBLE OBJECTIONS TO THIS FIRMLY ESTABLISHED BELIEF.
First, it is important to understand that there are two groups here:
There is Jahm bin Safwan and Ibn Al Qayyim. Keep in mind that most of what is known about Jahm is through polemical works directed at him, so how fair the assessment is can be debated. Their understanding is that there is an end to punishment for both the associators and the disobedient muwahhid .
The Ash’ari holds permanence is for both places. However, they hold that the non-muwahhid will abide in hell forever, whereas the muwahhid disobedient will be in hell for a short while (undefined).
As regards the term ‘khalidina‘, both groups try to dismiss this by interpreting it metaphorically. We have already shown above the problem with doing this, especially when we look at the context.
The argument of the first and the last.
As regards evidence that Jahm bin Safwan advanced to show that heaven and hell are not eternal is the following:
“He is the First and the Last, the Ascendant and the Intimate, and He is, of all things, Knowing.” (Qur’an 57:3)
The argument is that, if we understand this, is that, as Allah (swt) is The Last, it means heaven and hell cannot be enduring.
We understand ‘The First and The Last‘ as the first meaning taking precedence and The Last as remaining after every existent. Nothing brought into being can cancel out anything about him. Presidency over -remaining after every existent. Nothing is before Him and nothing is after Him.
We also understand that Allah (swt) is one. However, we do not understand this as numerically ‘one‘ as zero precedes one.
The argument that ages comes to an end.
Another proof that is used is:
“They will abide therein for ages.” (Qur’an 78:23)
The argument is that ages come to an end.
It is simply an expression of time. One age passes, another follows. Note it does not say ‘until the ages come to an end’.
Even one has to agree that the evidence here is implicit. Whereas the explicit is what is mentioned here:
“They would desire to go forth from the fire, and they shall not go forth from it, and they shall have a lasting punishment.” (Qur’an 5:37)
“Everything(kullu)will perish save His Face.” (Qur’an 28:88)
Texts taken at their apparent meaning in and of themselves are foundational.
If this text is understood without understanding Arabic grammar, it can present a challenge.
This text is a challenge that takes the attributes of Allah (swt) based upon their apparent meaning.
We take into account other places where this is mentioned:
“Everyone upon the earth will perish. And there will remain the Face of your Lord, Owner of Majesty and Honor.” (Qur’an 55:26-27)
We understand this to be that every single being will perish, and their lives will be short. Whereas Allah (swt) is Ever-Living.
This text cited above brings us to the next point.
This above text (Qur’an 28:88) is also used by believers who ascribe to Neoplantonism, and those among the Muslims who believe in the eternality of the universe.
They will argue everything comes to an end (hell, heaven, all of it). That is a huge logical fallacy.
There is a huge logical flaw in this. You cannot have an infinitude that goes one way and not the other. That is why you will see them often come up with other arguments that are nothing more than the machinations of their own imaginations.
In the next section, we will bring forth proof text that can be used by Jahm bin Safwan and Ibn Al Qayyim as well as the Ash’ari/Maturidi
The proof texts
The following will always be the ‘go to’ verse for those who wish to go against the clear verses. They will take a verse that is not definite in meaning and use it to bend the verses which are definitive in meaning.
“As for those who were destined to be wretched, they will be in the Fire. For them therein is violent exhaling and inhaling. They will be abiding therein as long as the heavens and the earth endure, except what your Lord should will. Indeed, your Lord is an effecter of what He intends. And as for those who were destined to be prosperous, they will be in Paradise, abiding therein as long as the heavens and the earth endure, except what your Lord should will – a bestowal uninterrupted.” (Qur’an 11:106-108)
A look at the two clauses.
The first clause: “Except what Allah wills.”
This will deal primarily with the Ash’ari/Maturidi objection.
Those who also cite the above text (Qu’ran 11:106-108) in conjunction with the following verse:
“And the Day when He will gather them together and say, “O company of jinn, you have misled many of mankind.” And their allies among mankind will say, “Our Lord, some of us made use of others, and we have now reached our term, which you appointed for us.” He will say, “The Fire is your residence, wherein you will abide eternally, except for what Allah wills. Indeed, your Lord is Wise and Knowing.” (Qur’an 6:128)
So at 11:108 above and at 6:128, they focus on the phrase: “Except for what Allah wills.“
First, it is important to understand that Allah’s will is not like a human will. If a human being wills something today, that person may change their mind tomorrow, and when tomorrow comes they may again adopt a completely different idea.
“There is no changing in the decree of Allah.” (Qur’an 10:64)
“We would have invented against Allah a lie if we returned to your religion after Allah had saved us from it. And it is not for us to return to it except what Allah wills. Our Lord has encompassed all things in knowledge. Upon Allah, we have relied. Our Lord, decide between us and our people in truth, and You are the best of those who give a decision.” (Qur’an 7:89)
We can see the phrase: ‘Except what Allah wills’ above.
Does anyone think for a moment that the will of Allah (swt) is that people leave Islam for their previous religion? Does anyone think, ‘Well you know there may be exceptions where Allah wants people to leave Islam and practice Shirk again!’. It is an absolutely ridiculous idea.
“The response to this is that exception does not denote the ending (of the punishment). Because exception by the Will of Allah comes in the Word of Allah to emphasize that what is reported happens by His Will (not otherwise). If he wills the opposite of that, it will be so. When Allah (swt) says that something happens if He wills it, it is intended to show His power and majesty because He has control over all things.
That is like in His saying, Exalted is He:
“By degrees shall We teach you, so you will not forget, except what Allah wills” (Qur’an 87:6-7)
With the assurance that the Prophet does not forget anything of what Allah (swt) revealed or taught him.”-Shaykh Ahmed Al Khalili
“By degrees shall We teach you, so you shall not forget except as Allah wills” (Quran 87:6-7)
The meaning is that the exception here is to emphasize the negation.
If Allah (swt) wants the Prophet (saw) to recite the Qur’an without forgetting it, the exceptional clause cannot be construed to mean that, if He wishes, He will make him forget it. That would be a contradiction and defeat the whole purpose of the passage.
If one was to interpret the above passage that Muhammed (saw) did indeed forget some of what Allah (swt) taught him then we have no objective basis to determine that the Muhammed (saw) preserved and passed on what was taught.
Another example:
Certainly, has Allah showed to His Messenger the vision in truth. You will certainly enter al-Masjid al-Haram, if Allah wills, in safety, with your heads shaved and hair shortened, not fearing anyone. He knew what you did not know and has arranged before that a conquest near at hand.” (Qur’an 48:27)
This verse cannot be construed so that Allah (swt) will ‘change his mind‘ as Allah (swt) has already given his decision on this matter: “You will CERTAINLY enter.”
So, as we have seen,’Except what Allah wills‘ can be seen as a rhetorical device.
“In any case, they have not argued from any text which means what they claim. They have only presented some interpretations which can be opposed by what invalidates them. And matters of the faith as I said above-must rely upon the firm text.” -Shaykh Ahmed Al Khalili.
If anyone was ever to be taken out ofthe hellfire it would be a clear contradiction of the following verses:
“And those who followed shall say: Had there been for us a return, then we would renounce them as they have renounced us. Thus will Allah show them their deeds to be intense regret to them, and they shall not come forth from the fire.” (Qur’an 2:167)
“And as for those who disbelieve, for them is the fire of hell; it shall not be finished with them entirely so that they should die, nor shall the chastisement thereof be lightened to them: even thus do We retribute every ungrateful one.” (Qur’an 35:36)
“And as for those who transgress, their abode is the fire; whenever they desire to go forth from it they shall be brought back into it, and it will be said to them: Taste the chastisement of the fire which you called a lie.” (Qur’an 32:20)
“They would desire to go forth from the fire, and they shall not go forth from it, and they shall have a lasting punishment.” (Qur’an 5:37)
“Surely as for those who reject Our communications and turn away from them haughtily, the doors of heaven shall not be opened for them, nor shall they enter the garden until the camel pass through the eye of the needle; and thus do We reward the guilty.” (Qur’an 7:40)
These texts are sufficient to prove that ‘Except As Allah wills‘ -that Allah (swt) has not willed for them anything except enduring punishment.
The ‘will of Allah’ in the verses above is undefined and not defined.
The verses that declare the permanence of punishment are clear, there is no uncertainty as to what they denote.
Matters of Aqidah have to be derived from the explicit text and not ambiguous evidence.
As for the Ash’ari, we say to them there is nothing in those verses that indicates differentiation between the muwahhid disobedient and the others. Rather, those verses are about the warning of ALL the people of the fire.
The second clause: “They will be abiding therein as long as the heavens and the earth endure.”
“As for those who were destined to be wretched, they will be in the Fire. For them therein is violent exhaling and inhaling. They will be abiding therein as long as the heavens and the earth endure, except what your Lord should will. Indeed, your Lord is an effecter of what He intends. And as for those who were destined to be prosperous, they will be in Paradise, abiding therein as long as the heavens and the earth endure, except what your Lord should will – a bestowal uninterrupted.” (Qur’an 11:106-108)
For Jahm bin Safwan and Ibn Al Qayyim. They are focused on the part that says, “They will be abiding therein as long as the heavens and the earth endure.” This means the enjoyment of heaven and the punishment of hellfire are conditional upon the existence of heaven and earth.
However, that very verse can be used to demolish their view. It says, “a bestowal uninterrupted.” Certainly, it would be interrupted if it was contingent upon the endurance of heaven and earth. Unless we are not talking about heaven and the earth that you and I know!
“On the Day when the earth shall be changed into another earth, as shall be the heavens, they will all appear before God, the One, the Most Supreme.” (Qur’an 14:48)
This is an important point. It is important because it is proof that demolishes any claims against the abiding punishment of hellfire. So the clause ‘except as your Lord wills‘ is also understood by the clause ‘abiding therein as long as the heavens and the earth endure‘. This in turn is ‘a bestowal without interruption‘.
Summary:
The bestowal will be uninterrupted
This means the new heavens and the new earth will have no end.
This in turn means no end to paradise and no end to the suffering of hellfire.
So this deals a crushing blow to Jahm bin Safwan and Ibn Al Qayyim.
The Ash’ari will also use the following as an argument:
“Perhaps will wish those who disbelieved, if they had been those-who-submit/Muslims.” (Qur’an 15:2)
Their argument is that those people will so wish to be Muslims when they see the disobedient Muslims getting out of the fire, whereas they still remain in it. That is an interpretation not supported by the wording of the verse, and there is no evidence for it from anywhere else.
There is no scope to argue from what is unclear.
“Indeed, Hell has been lying in wait For the transgressors, a place of return, In which they will remain for ages. They will not taste therein any coolness or drink. Except for scalding water and foul purulence -An appropriate recompense. Indeed, they were not expecting an account. And denied Our verses with emphatic denial. But all the things We have enumerated in writing. “So taste [the penalty], and never will We increase you except in torment.” (Qur’an 78:21-30)
Prima Qur’an Comment:
Also, if the Ash’ari were to apply consistent hermeneutic principles, their understanding invalidates the understanding of surah 78 because it necessarily entails saying the same about the mushrikin, that they will come out of hell, and saying that there is a term (an end) to the blessings of Paradise.
That is in regard to the Qur’an. If the Qur’an is not sufficient for anyone to draw their theological conclusions from, then let that be known.
Arguments from the Sunnah.
They (the Ash’ari)rely on narrations that speak of release from the fire, yet there are narrations that speak of dwelling permanently in the fire. We can give those upon request. We take the text of that which conforms to the strongest evidence, the Qur’an,and not what opposes it.
“Abrogation is never permitted in the reports of the Law-Maker because His Knowledge is not refreshed and He is not ignorant of anything that happens, and He does not reveal but the truth.”-Shaykh Ahmed Al Khalili
Ash’ari rational arguments:
As for their rational argument: that is that, if the muwahhid disobedient are equal to the muhsrikin in dwelling permanently, then there will be no effect of the word of tawhid, and no advantage from pious actions.
The answer to this is that they, though equal in permanence, are not equal in punishment in the same way as the righteous will not be equal in reward. Rather, they will differ in their actions. The fire has stages as the garden has grades.
Philosophical objections:
Allah’s actions are not bound by systems and world views decided by human reason, nor are they to be related to norms derived from human imagination.
“He cannot be questioned concerning what He does and they shall be questioned.” (Qu’ran 21:23)
We must believe that our limited intellects are too disabled, wearied, feeble, and powerless to encompass His wise purpose in His actions, or to penetrate His secrets in His creation:
“You are not given of the knowledge but little.” (Quran 17:85)
Our duty is only to surrender to what Allah (swt) informs us about. Our certainty that Allah, Exalted is He, does not speak but the truth, just as He does not command but to the truth:
“Who is truer in speaking than Allah?” (Quran 4:122)
As the Sufi poet Rabia Basri is recorded to have said: “O my Lord, if I worship you from fear of hell, burn me in hell. If I worship you for the hope of Paradise, bar me from its gates. But if I worship you for yourself alone, grant me then the beauty of your Face.”
Source: (Women in Praise of the Sacred (HarperCollins Publishers Inc, 1994)
One can admire such longing and desire, but it must be realized that such a statement was uttered by a person who never tasted the flames of hellfire. As is the case, paradise should be sufficient for her, you and me.
May Allah (swt) grant you the reader, all Muslims who truly repent and all truth seekers everlasting paradise. Amin!
“This because they say: “The Fire shall not touch us but for a few numbered days.” What will happen to their belief when We bring them together on the Inevitable Day when every soul will be justly recompensed for its deeds?” For their forgeries deceive them as to their own religion.” (Qur’an 3:24)
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