Aqeedah - Semester 2 - Lecture 8 | Shaykh Ibrahim Zidan | Zad Academy English

Summary

In this video, the discussion focuses on the names and attributes of Allah in Islamic belief, emphasizing the importance of understanding both the affirmed and negated qualities. The speaker explains the concept of negation, where we reject deficiencies like injustice or fatigue from Allah's attributes while affirming His perfection. They also explore common misinterpretations and deviations in understanding Allah’s names, stressing the importance of correct belief in His Oneness. The video aims to guide viewers in safeguarding their beliefs and avoiding misinterpretations of Islamic teachings on Allah’s attributes.

Takeaways

• 😀 The importance of understanding the names and attributes of Allah (subhana wa tala) in the Islamic creed is emphasized to avoid deviant beliefs.
• 😀 Allah's attributes are perfect and free of any deficiency or weakness. Anything that suggests imperfection, such as injustice or fatigue, is negated.
• 😀 When Allah negates a deficiency (e.g., injustice), believers must affirm the opposite perfect quality (e.g., justice).
• 😀 The concept of negation and affirmation in Allah’s attributes helps safeguard the belief in His perfection.
• 😀 Deviations occur when the meaning of Allah’s names and attributes are altered or misunderstood, as seen in incorrect interpretations of terms like ‘hands’ and ‘power.’
• 😀 The Quran must be recited exactly as it was revealed, without altering words or their meanings to fit personal beliefs.
• 😀 Some deviant groups alter the vowels in Arabic words of the Quran to mislead others about the intended meaning, such as changing the word ‘spoke’ in relation to Allah’s conversation with Moses.
• 😀 The lecture addresses the issue of those who deny Allah’s attributes entirely (complete denial) versus those who partially deny or reinterpret certain attributes (partial deviation).
• 😀 The importance of learning both the truth and what negates it is stressed, as it is necessary to protect one's belief from misguidance.
• 😀 To avoid deviating from the truth, it is necessary to study both the correct understanding of Allah’s names and attributes and the false interpretations that should be avoided.

Q & A

What is the core principle discussed regarding Allah's names and attributes?

The core principle is to affirm what Allah has revealed about Himself and to negate any deficiencies that He has denied, such as injustice or tiredness. This includes affirming the perfect opposite of what Allah negates.

What does it mean to negate what Allah has denied about Himself?

To negate what Allah has denied means to reject any attributes or characteristics that are seen as weaknesses or deficiencies, such as tiredness or injustice. This is done to affirm Allah's perfection in every aspect.

Can you provide an example of how we affirm the opposite of a negated attribute?

For example, Allah negates injustice (as He is the most just), so we affirm that Allah is the most just and cannot commit any form of injustice.

How does the concept of negating tiredness apply to Allah's attributes?

Allah negates tiredness and fatigue after creating the heavens and the earth, meaning He is free from any weakness. This negation affirms Allah’s perfect power and strength, as He is unaffected by tiredness or fatigue.

What is the significance of the verse that Allah does not sleep?

The verse that states Allah does not sleep emphasizes that Allah is beyond the human need for rest, showcasing His self-sufficiency and continuous control over the universe without needing sleep or rest.

What are the three types of changes or alterations in the words and meanings of Allah's attributes?

The three types are: 1) Changing the wording or vowels of a verse, 2) Changing the wording but not altering its meaning, and 3) Changing the meaning of the wording while keeping the text the same.

What is the problem with changing the vowels in the words of the Quran?

Changing the vowels in the words of the Quran can alter the meaning of the verse, as in the case of misinterpreting Allah’s speech to Prophet Musa. This kind of alteration can lead to misunderstanding or misrepresenting the intended message.

How does the change in meaning of Allah's attributes, like 'hands' representing 'power', deviate from the correct belief?

Changing the meaning of Allah’s attributes, like interpreting His 'hands' as 'power', deviates from the correct belief because it distorts the literal meaning of the words as revealed in the Quran and Sunnah, leading to a misrepresentation of Allah's attributes.

What is the difference between complete and partial denial of Allah’s attributes?

Complete denial refers to outright rejecting Allah’s attributes, such as denying that Allah spoke to Prophet Musa. Partial denial involves misinterpreting or changing the meaning of certain attributes, like claiming that Allah's hands represent His power instead of understanding them as they are revealed.

Why is it important to study both the correct belief in Allah’s attributes and what negates them?

It is important to study both because understanding the true belief helps protect one’s faith, while recognizing what negates or distorts this belief helps prevent falling into deviations or misinterpretations.