Introduction to 'Aqeedah - Part 6 | Ustadh Tim Humble

Summary

This script covers a detailed discussion on the names and attributes of Allah, focusing on understanding how Allah describes Himself in the Quran and how Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) affirmed these descriptions. It emphasizes affirming Allah’s attributes without altering their meanings, denying any traits Allah negated, and avoiding comparing Allah to His creation. The discussion stresses not asking 'how' regarding Allah’s actions, as they transcend human comprehension. Key principles include Imam Malik’s guidance on understanding Allah’s attributes and avoiding misguidance. The session provides fundamental insights into maintaining reverence for Allah’s uniqueness.

Takeaways

• 📜 The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding Allah's perfect names and attributes, which are derived from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wasallam).
• 🌟 The speaker stresses that one must affirm what Allah has affirmed for Himself and what His messenger has affirmed for Him, without altering the meanings.
• 🙅‍♂️ It is crucial to negate what Allah has negated about Himself and what His messenger has negated about Him, rejecting any false attributions.
• 🚫 Avoiding deviation from the straight path concerning Allah's names is essential, as those who stray will be recompensed for their actions.
• 📖 The speaker suggests that the audience can read about the virtues of knowing Allah's names and attributes on their own time, as the session will focus on the basic principles.
• 🤔 The audience is encouraged not to ask 'how' Allah performs His actions, as this is beyond human comprehension and is not explained in the Quran or Sunnah.
• 🙅‍♀️ Comparing Allah to His creation is strictly avoided, as Allah is unlike anything else and His actions and attributes should not be likened to human ones.
• 🌐 Allah's attributes, such as being the All-Hearing and the All-Seeing, are affirmed, but their modality is not to be questioned or compared to human senses.
• 📚 Imam Malik's teachings are referenced to highlight that while the meaning of Allah's actions is known, the manner in which He performs them is not comprehensible to humans and should not be inquired about.
• ✍️ The speaker warns against falling into misguidance by either denying Allah's attributes or by claiming to understand how Allah performs His actions, emphasizing the importance of sticking to the teachings as they are presented in the Quran and Sunnah.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of this lecture on Allah's names and attributes?

The primary focus is understanding the basic principles regarding Allah's names and attributes, specifically affirming what Allah and His Messenger have said about Him and negating what Allah and His Messenger have negated about Him.

Why does the speaker skip the virtues of knowing Allah's names and attributes?

The speaker skips the virtues of knowing Allah's names and attributes because they assume the audience can read and understand them on their own time. The focus is on basic principles instead.

What is meant by affirming what Allah and His Messenger affirmed about Him?

Affirming what Allah and His Messenger affirmed means believing and accepting everything that Allah has said about Himself in the Quran and everything the Prophet (PBUH) has said about Allah, without altering or questioning the meanings.

What is meant by negating what Allah and His Messenger negated about Him?

Negating means rejecting or denying any attribute that Allah or His Messenger has said does not apply to Him. For example, Allah negates having children or being born, and Muslims must also reject these notions.

Why is it important to avoid asking how Allah’s attributes work?

It's important to avoid asking how Allah’s attributes work because humans cannot comprehend the divine nature of Allah. Since Allah has not revealed how He performs certain actions like seeing, hearing, or rising above the throne, Muslims are not permitted to question it.

Why is it forbidden to compare Allah to His creation?

It is forbidden to compare Allah to His creation because doing so diminishes His uniqueness and perfection. Allah's attributes, such as His sight and mercy, are unlike anything in creation, even if humans have analogous traits.

How does the speaker explain the danger of going to extremes in avoiding comparison with Allah's creation?

The speaker explains that going to extremes might lead someone to deny Allah's attributes, such as mercy, out of fear of comparison. However, Allah's attributes are affirmed while understanding they are incomparable to human traits.

What is the key point Imam Malik made when asked about how Allah rises above the throne?

Imam Malik stated that the act of rising is known in meaning, but how it happens is unknown and beyond human comprehension. Believing in it is obligatory, and asking about how it happens is an innovation.

What is the significance of the verse 'There is nothing like Him, and He is the All-Hearing, All-Seeing' in relation to Allah’s attributes?

This verse emphasizes that Allah is unlike His creation, affirming that no one is similar to Him in any way, but it also affirms that Allah hears and sees, which humans can also do. However, His hearing and seeing are incomparable to human abilities.

Why is it important not to deny or distort the meaning of Allah's names and attributes?

It is important not to deny or distort the meaning of Allah's names and attributes because doing so would constitute a rejection of Allah’s self-description. Affirming the clear meaning without altering it preserves the integrity of belief in Allah.