E.S. Jabariyah

Summary

In this lecture, the speaker explains the core teachings of the Jabariyah school of thought, focusing on the nature of God, the concept of eternal existence, and the relationship between human actions and divine will. The Jabariyah belief asserts that God has no attributes like humans and that all actions, whether good or bad, are determined by God's will, rendering humans as mere puppets in God's plan. The speaker also touches on the idea that faith is only about belief in the heart, and salvation is entirely at God's discretion, not based on deeds. The overall perspective emphasizes predestination and the all-powerful role of God in shaping human destiny.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jabariyah believes that God does not possess human-like attributes. Divine attributes such as hearing and seeing are to be understood metaphorically, not literally.
• 😀 According to Jabariyah, only God is eternal. Everything else, including paradise and hell, is temporary and subject to God's will.
• 😀 Jabariyah asserts that faith (Iman) is solely based on the belief in the heart. External actions like prayer or charity are not required for one to be considered a believer.
• 😀 The Jabariyah view aligns with the Murji'ah doctrine, emphasizing that even if a person commits sins but still believes in Allah, the Prophet, and the Quran, they are still regarded as a believer.
• 😀 Jabariyah teaches that human actions and choices are not free but are determined by God's will. Humans are seen as puppets controlled by God.
• 😀 In the Jabariyah philosophy, salvation or damnation is ultimately decided by God's will, not by human choices or actions.
• 😀 The idea of predestination in Jabariyah denies human agency in matters of faith, suggesting that everything, including good and evil actions, is the result of God's desire.
• 😀 Jabariyah interprets Quranic verses metaphorically, especially those that describe divine attributes, emphasizing that God's qualities cannot be compared to human experiences.
• 😀 The Jabariyah school believes that the eternal existence of paradise and hell is conditional upon God's will, and He can change their status if He desires.
• 😀 Jabariyah's concept of human beings as 'wayang' (puppets) underlines the total control of God over human fate, reinforcing the belief in divine predestination.

Q & A

What is the central belief of Jabariyah regarding the nature of God?

Jabariyah believes that God does not possess human-like attributes, such as hearing or seeing. Any Quranic references to these qualities are interpreted contextually, not literally, meaning God's attributes cannot be equated with those of humans.

How does Jabariyah interpret the Quranic verses that describe God as hearing or seeing?

Jabariyah holds that these verses should not be understood literally. Instead, they are seen as metaphors or symbolic descriptions that reflect God's unique and incomparable nature, distinct from human characteristics.

What is Jabariyah's view on the eternal nature of Heaven and Hell?

According to Jabariyah, Heaven and Hell are not eternal unless God wills them to be. The Quranic verses suggesting the permanence of Heaven and Hell depend on God's will, and thus their eternity is contingent upon God's choice.

What does Jabariyah say about the relationship between human actions and divine will?

Jabariyah believes that all human actions, whether good or bad, are ultimately determined by God's will. Humans do not possess free will; instead, their actions are seen as the choices of God, making them akin to puppets in God's hands.

How does Jabariyah view the concept of faith in relation to actions?

Jabariyah aligns with the Murji'ah belief that faith is primarily internal. A person is considered a believer if their heart acknowledges God's existence and attributes, even if they do not follow religious practices like prayer or charity.

What is the implication of Jabariyah's belief on personal accountability?

Since Jabariyah believes that all actions are preordained by God, personal accountability for actions is minimized. The belief implies that humans are not truly responsible for their actions, as everything they do is willed by God.

How does Jabariyah's view of free will differ from other Islamic theological schools?

Unlike schools that emphasize human free will and moral responsibility, Jabariyah posits that human actions are entirely determined by God's will, which negates the concept of human autonomy in decision-making.

How does Jabariyah explain the concept of salvation and damnation?

In Jabariyah's view, salvation or damnation is entirely determined by God's will. Whether a person enters Heaven or Hell is not based on their actions but on God's divine choice, similar to how a puppeteer controls a puppet's movements.

What role does the concept of 'Hidayah' (guidance) play in Jabariyah's teachings?

Jabariyah teaches that 'Hidayah' (guidance) is solely the will of God. If a person receives guidance and follows the righteous path, it is because God has chosen to grant it. Conversely, if a person does not receive guidance, it is because God has withheld it.

What metaphor does Jabariyah use to explain human existence and divine will?

Jabariyah uses the metaphor of wayang (shadow puppets) to explain human existence. Just as a puppeteer controls the movements of the puppets, God controls all human actions, and humans have no true autonomy in their lives.