Introduction to 'Aqeedah - Part 8 | Ustadh Tim Humble

Summary

The speaker explains the principles of Allah's attributes, names, and descriptions. He emphasizes that all of Allah’s attributes are perfect, and while every name has an attribute, not all attributes correspond to a name. The speaker uses a diagram of three circles to illustrate the relationship between Allah’s names, attributes, and things we say about Him. Additionally, he discusses the significance of understanding Allah's attributes in their apparent meanings and the necessity of avoiding comparisons with creation. The talk also addresses innovation (bid'ah) in Islam, affirming that every innovation is misguidance.

Takeaways

• 📜 Allah's attributes are perfect, just like His names, though He has more attributes than names.
• 🔄 Every name of Allah has an attribute, but not every attribute has a name.
• ⭕ The relationship between Allah’s names, attributes, and descriptions can be visualized as three overlapping circles: names, attributes, and statements about Allah.
• ⚖️ Some attributes, like mercy, describe both Allah and His actions, while others, like eternal life, only describe Allah Himself.
• 🎯 Allah's names and attributes are affirmed strictly through the Quran and Sunnah—no innovations or extrapolations are accepted.
• ❓ Ambiguous terms, like ‘direction,’ require careful understanding to avoid misinterpretation when discussing Allah.
• ❌ Denying or altering the meaning of Allah's attributes (e.g., comparing them to human attributes) leads to misguidance.
• 📖 Allah’s names and attributes must be understood by their apparent meaning as revealed in clear Arabic language.
• 🛡️ The Prophet ﷺ warned against all forms of religious innovation (bid'ah), as every innovation is considered misguidance.
• 🤝 Statements like Umar's use of 'bid'ah hasanah' refer to linguistic, not religious, innovation, and must be contextualized with the Sunnah.

Q & A

What is the relationship between Allah's names and attributes?

Every name of Allah has an attribute associated with it, but not every attribute has a name. Allah's names describe His attributes, such as 'The Most Merciful' being associated with mercy.

Why are there more attributes than names of Allah?

There are more attributes than names because some attributes do not have a specific name. For instance, Allah plans against His enemies, but He is not named 'The Planner' even though He has the attribute of planning.

What are the three categories discussed regarding Allah?

The three categories discussed are: 1) Names (Asma), 2) Attributes (Sifat), and 3) Things we say about Allah, which are true but not classified as names or attributes.

What is an example of something we say about Allah that is true but not an attribute?

We say that 'Allah exists,' but there is no specific attribute or name called 'The Existent.' It is simply a truth we acknowledge.

Can we use our intellect to understand Allah's attributes?

No, the intellect cannot determine Allah's attributes. They can only be known through the Quran and Sunnah, and it is obligatory to understand them by their apparent meanings.

What are the two types of attributes that relate to Allah?

There are attributes that relate only to Allah Himself, like 'The Ever Living,' and attributes that have an effect on us, like 'Mercy,' which Allah bestows on whom He wills.

What are the two great sins that must be avoided when discussing Allah's attributes?

The two great sins are: 1) Comparing Allah to His creation, and 2) Asking 'how' regarding His attributes.

How should one respond to ambiguous terms like 'direction' when discussing Allah?

If by 'direction' one means the created directions (north, south, east, west), Allah does not have a direction. However, if it refers to Allah being 'above His throne,' then it is correct to affirm that Allah is above His throne.

Is there such a thing as 'good bid'ah' (innovation) in Islam?

No, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said every innovation is misguidance. While Umar used the term 'bid'ah hasanah' (good innovation), it referred to something already practiced by the Prophet that was being revived, not an actual new religious innovation.

How do scholars like Imam Malik view the concept of 'good innovation' in Islam?

Imam Malik stated that whoever claims there is 'good innovation' in Islam accuses the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) of betraying the trust of delivering the message, emphasizing that innovations have no place in religion.