Where Was I Before I Was Born? | Why Me? EP. 1 | Dr. Omar Suleiman's Ramadan Series on Qadar

Summary

The video explores the profound concept of destiny in Islam, highlighting how every moment in life, both joyful and difficult, is preordained by Allah. It delves into the creation of the Pen, which wrote down the fate of all creation, and the idea that everything is part of a divine plan recorded in al lawh al mahfoodh. While fate is predetermined, humans still have free will to make choices. Through this balance, people are encouraged to seek knowledge, do good deeds, and trust in Allah's wisdom in guiding their lives.

Takeaways

• 🖊️ 50,000 years before creating the heavens and earth, Allah created the Pen and commanded it to write everything decreed until the final hour.
• 📜 Everything is recorded in al lawh al mahfoodh, including the grand events of history and the smallest moments of each individual's life.
• ⚖️ Allah's creation is predetermined, yet humans are responsible for their deeds, which influence their final destination in the afterlife.
• ✨ Light is symbolic of guidance, with some individuals receiving more light due to their deeds and righteousness, like Prophet Dawud.
• 🪄 Our souls existed before this life, in a realm called Alam-e-Dhurr, and will transition to another realm, Alam-e-Barzakh, after death.
• 💡 Everyone has an innate recognition of Allah, as evidenced by the first covenant where Allah asked, 'Am I not your Lord?' and all souls affirmed His lordship.
• 🕊️ Souls of similar righteousness are drawn to each other in both pre-existence and in this life, just as righteous souls will recognize each other on the Day of Judgment.
• 🛤️ Allah's knowledge of our future actions is perfect, but we still have free will to make choices within our destined life path.
• 🌟 Decree can change based on prayers (duas) and good deeds, even though Allah's knowledge of all possibilities remains unchanged.
• 🤲 The purpose of human existence is to know Allah through life’s trials and blessings, and to worship Him by recognizing His mercy and wisdom.

Q & A

What is the significance of the 'Pen' in the script?

The Pen represents the moment when Allah decreed everything that would happen until the final hour. It symbolizes divine knowledge and the concept of predestination in Islam, as Allah commands the Pen to write everything in 'al lawh al mahfoodh,' the preserved heavenly tablets.

Why does the script mention both moments of joy and hardship?

The script reflects on the dual nature of life, highlighting how both joy and hardship are part of the divine plan. These moments define us, test our faith, and lead to deeper self-reflection about the purpose of life and Allah's wisdom in His decrees.

What is 'al lawh al mahfoodh,' and what does it contain?

'Al lawh al mahfoodh' refers to the preserved heavenly tablets in which everything, from grand historical events to personal moments of individuals, is written by Allah. It contains all knowledge of creation, including the fate of every person and every event.

How does the concept of predestination relate to human free will in the script?

While Allah has decreed everything in 'al lawh al mahfoodh,' humans still have free will to make choices. These choices determine their actions, but Allah's perfect knowledge encompasses all possibilities, including the outcomes of those choices.

What does the script mean by the light between the eyes of individuals?

The light between the eyes symbolizes the divine guidance and spiritual enlightenment given to people. This light represents their goodness and righteousness, and it varies from person to person depending on their deeds and relationship with Allah.

What is the significance of the original covenant in the 'realm of pre-existence'?

The original covenant refers to the moment when Allah asked all souls, 'Am I not your Lord?' and they affirmed it. This moment is crucial because it establishes that every human being is innately inclined toward the recognition of Allah, a concept known as 'fitrah.'

What role does dua (supplication) play in changing one's decree?

Dua and good deeds can influence certain aspects of a person's fate, such as what is written for them annually during Laylat al-Qadr. However, Allah's overall knowledge and decree in 'al lawh al mahfoodh' already accounts for these changes, demonstrating His complete awareness of all events.

What is the connection between the first question asked by Allah and the first question in the grave?

The first question Allah asked souls in pre-existence was 'Am I not your Lord?' Similarly, the first question in the grave will be 'Who is your Lord?' This highlights the importance of recognizing and worshiping Allah both in life and after death.

Why does the script mention meeting ancestors and future generations during pre-existence?

The mention of ancestors and future generations emphasizes the interconnectedness of all human souls. It also illustrates how Allah's divine plan encompasses every person who ever lived or will live, linking them through their shared covenant with Him.

What is the purpose of life according to the script?

The purpose of life, as explained in the script, is to know and worship Allah. Every moment, whether of joy or hardship, is part of a divine plan designed to help humans recognize Allah's wisdom and mercy, ultimately leading them toward worship and righteousness.