The evidence for the existence of Allaah is established by: Every creature has been created in a state of belief in his Creator without preceding thought or education. No one dissuades from what is necessitated by this Fitrah (i.e. the belief in Allaah), except the one whose heart has been subjected to what averts it from its (natural course of) Fitrah, as the Prophet (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa-sallam) explained when he said: All of the creatures, the first and the subsequent ones, must have a Creator Who brought them to existence because they neither can bring themselves into existence, nor they could have come to exist by coincidence! The creatures could not have brought themselves to existence because a thing does not create itself - since prior to its existence it was nothing - so how could it be a Creator? And it cannot accidentally bring itself into being, because every occurrence (novelty, etc.) must need an originator. Also because its existence in such highly magnificent order and homogenous co-ordination, and due to the coherent relationship between the means and their causes, and the creatures with one another, it is absolutely impossible that it’s very being is coincidental. (In fact), what is (believed) to exist as a result of coincidence, does not follow an ordered pattern at the beginning of its existence. So how could it remain to be ordered during its course of survival and development? So, if it is impossible that the creatures have neither brought themselves into existence nor did they come to exist by coincidence, then it becomes evident that they must have a Creator, and He is Allaah, the Rabb of the Worlds. Allaah (Ta’aalaa) stated the above rational and decisive proof in Soorah At-Toor saying: which means that they were neither created without a Creator, nor were they the creators of themselves. It becomes clear, therefore, that their Creator is Allaah (Ta’aalaa). That is why when Jubair bin Mut’im (radhi-Allaahu ‘anhu) heard Allaah’s Messenger (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa-sallam) reciting Soorah At-Toor, and when he (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa-sallam) reached the Aayaat: Jubair, who was then a Mushrik (polytheist), commented: Let us give a parable that clarifies this matter: If someone tells you about a lofty palace, surrounded by gardens with rivers flowing in between, fully furnished with beds and mattresses, and decorated with all kinds of ornaments, the basics, and the luxurious, then he says to you: “This palace in all of its perfection, has founded itself, or that it came to exist by coincidence, without a founder!” Immediately you will deny and reject his argument, and you will consider his talk as ridiculous. (With this in mind), is it, therefore, possible that this universe with its extended earth, skies, planets, conditions, wonderful and splendid order, could brought itself into existence? Or that it came to exist without a Creator? The Ash-Shar’a is evidence for the existence of Allaah because all of the revealed Scriptures state so. The Laws that address the welfare of creation and which are provided by these Scriptures, constitute an evidence that they came from an All-Wise Rabb Who knows about the welfare and interests of His Creation. The information about the universe brought forth by the Scriptures and whose manifestation testifies for their truthfulness, is a proof that they came from the (One) Rabb Who is Able to bring into being whatever He already informed about. He, (Ta’aalaa), also says: In Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree (authentic narrations from the Prophet sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa-sallam, collected by Imaam Bukhaaree), it is reported that Anas bin Maalik (radhi-Allaahu ‘anhu) said that: Responding to the invocations of the supplicants who sincerely resort to Allaah (alone) and fulfil the required conditions for Ijaabah [8] is a matter that is still being witnessed nowadays. Another example is the Sign given to Eesaa (Jesus, alayhis-salaam) by which he was able to bring life to the dead and bring forth the dead from their grave by Allaah’s Leave. Allaah spoke about him, saying: “And when you brought forth the dead by My Permission.” [Qur’aan 5:110] A third example of is that of Muhammad (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa-sallam) when the tribe of Quraish asked him to show them a Sign (a miracle as a proof for his Prophethood). [9] He (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa-sallam) pointed to the moon and (behold!) it split asunder and the people saw it. Regarding this (Sign) Allaah (Ta’aalaa) said: All of these physical signs (miracles) which Allaah (Ta’aalaa) puts into effect to help and support His Messengers constitute an irrevocable proof for His Existence. Which means to believe that Allaah is the only Rabb without a partner or a helper. The Rabb is the One to Whom belongs the Creation, Kingdom, and Command; Their is no Creator but Allaah; No Maalik (Possessor) except Him [10], and their is no Command but His, He, Most High, says: Allaah also said: It is not known that anyone had denied the Ruboobiyyah of Allaah (Ta’aalaa) except an arrogant person who does not believe what he says, like what happened to the Pharaoh when he said to his people: And: What he said was not a matter of conviction. Allaah (Ta’aalaa) said: Allaah related what Moosaa (alayhis-salaam) told the Pharaoh: For this reason, the Mushrikeen (the pagan Arabs) used to acknowledge the Ruboobiyyah of Allaah (Ta’aalaa) despite committing Shirk in His Uloohiyyah. Allaah (Ta’aalaa) said: He (Ta’aalaa) also said: He further said: The Command of ar-Rabb (Allaah) comprises both the Al-Kawnee (Universal) and the Ash-Shar’ee (Legal or Judicial) Commands. Just as He is the One Who runs the affairs of the universe, Rulings it as He wants and in accordance with what is necessitated by His Wisdom, He is also the Judge Who rules it by means of Legislations that deals with Ibaadaat [13] and Laws governing all forms of Mu’aamalaat [14], in conformity with His Wisdom. So, whoever sets up a legislator besides Allaah in Ibaadaat or a judge in Mu’aamalaat commits Shirk and does not ascertain the Eemaan. It is the belief that Allaah Alone is the true Ilaah (God) who has no partner or associate. The Ilaah means Al-Ma’looh i.e. Al-Ma’bood, the only true God who deserves to be worshipped out of love and magnification. Allaah (Ta’aalaa) said: He (Ta’aalaa) also said: All that is being taken as an Ilaah worshipped as god besides Allaah, its Uloohiyyah is false. Allaah (Ta’aalaa) says: Calling them aaliha (gods) does not entitle them to the right of Uloohiyyah. Allaah (Ta’aalaa) said describing the pagan deities of Al-Laat, Al-‘Uzzaa, and Minaat that: He (Allaah) told us that Yoosuf (alayhis-salaam) said to his two companions of the jail: For this reason, the Messengers, may the Salaat and Salaam of Allaah be upon them, used to say to their respective nations: The Mushrikeen, however, refused and set up gods as rivals to Allaah, worshipping them besides Allaah, and seeking their support and help. Allaah (Ta’aalaa) invalidated their acts by two proofs: Allaah (Ta’aalaa) also said: “Do they attribute as partners to Allaah those who created nothing but they themselves are created? No help can they give them, nor can they help themselves.” [Qur’aan 7:191-192] If this is the situation with those gods, then worshipping them as gods besides Allaah is the utmost of foolishness and falsehood. He also said: “Say: Who provides for you from the sky and from the earth? Or Who owns hearing and sight? And Who brings out the living from the dead and the dead from the living? And Who disposes the affairs? They will say: ‘Allaah.’ Will you not then be afraid of Allaah’s Punishment (for worshipping other than Him)? Such is Allaah, you Rabb, in truth. So, apart from Truth, what (remains) but error? So, how then you are turned away?” [Qur’aan 10:31-32] It means to affirm the Names and Attributes which Allaah affirmed to Himself in His Book and in the Sunnah of His Messenger (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa-sallam) in the way that best fits Him without: Allaah (Ta’aalaa) said: He also said: “And there is nothing like unto Him, and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer.” [Qur’aan 42:11] It is known that if Allaah mentioned about Himself that He Istawaa ‘ala Al-‘Arsh [19], then the Istiwaa’ according to the basic meaning is known (means : ascendance), however, the manner (the ‘how’) of His ascension above His ‘Arsh is unknown, because the essence of the Istiwaa’ amongst the creatures is distinct. The Istiwaa’ on a firmly stable chair is not the same as that on the saddle of an unyielding and easily-frightened camel. When this is distinct with respect to the creatures, then it is greater and more evident between the Creator and the creature. The belief in Allaah (Ta’aalaa) according to what we have described above yields great benefits to the believers: THE BELIEF IN ALLAAH COMPRISES FOUR MATTERS:
FIRST: BELIEF IN THE EXISTENCE OF ALLAAH:
“Each child is born in a state of “Fitrah”, but his parents make him a Jew or a Christian.” [3]
“Were they created by nothing, or were they themselves the creators?” [Qur’aan 52:35]
“Were they created by nothing, or were they themselves the creators? Or did they create the heavens and the earth? Nay, but they have no firm belief. Or are the treasures of your Rabb with them? Or are they the tyrants with the authority to do as they like?” [Qur’aan 52:35-37],
“My heart was about to fly (i.e. upon hearing this firm argument) [4].” In another separate narration, he said: “And that was the time when Eemaan was first settled in my heart.” [5]
“And (remember) Noah, when he cried (to Us) aforetime. We listened to his invocation.” [Qur’aan 21:76]
“(Remember) when you sought help of your Rabb and He answered you.” [Qur’aan 8:9]
“Once in the lifetime of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa-sallam) the people were afflicted with drought. While the Prophet (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa-sallam) was delivering the Khutbah (religious talk) on a Friday, a bedouin stood up and said: ‘O Allaah’s Messenger! Our possessions are being destroyed and the children are hungry; please invoke Allaah (for rain).’ So the Prophet (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa-sallam) raised his hands (invoked Allaah for rain). At that time there was not a trace of cloud in the sky. By Him, in Whose Hands my soul is, clouds gathered like mountains, and before he got down from the pulpit, I saw the rain falling on his (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa-sallam) beard. It rained that day, the next day, the third day, the fourth day till the next Friday. The same Bedouin or another man stood up and said: ‘O Allaah’s Messenger! The houses have collapsed, our possessions and livestock have been drowned; please invoke Allaah for us (to stop the rain).’ So the Prophet (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa-sallam) raised both his hands and said: ‘O Allaah! Round about us and not on us.’ So, in whatever direction he pointed with his hands, the clouds dispersed and cleared away... ” [7]
“Then We inspired Moosaa (saying): ‘Strike the sea with your stick.’ And it parted, and each separate part (of that sea water) became like the huge, firm mass of a mountain.” [Qur’aan 26:63]
“And I bring the dead to life by Allaah’s Leave.” [Qur’aan 3:49]
“The Hour has drawn near, and the moon has been cleft, and if they see a sign, they turn away, and say: ‘This is continuous magic.’ ” [Qur’aan 54:1-2]
SECOND: BELIEF IN ALLAAH’S RUBOOBIYYAH:
“His is the Creation and Commandment.” [Qur’aan 7:54]
“Such is Allaah your Rabb; His is the kingdom. And those, whom you invoke or call upon instead of Him, own not even a Qitmeer (the thin membrane over the data-stone).” [11] [Qur’aan 35:13]
“I am your Rabb, most high.” [Qur’aan 79:24]
“O chiefs! I know not that you have an Ilaah (a god) other than me.” [Qur’aan 28:38]
“And they belied then (the Aayaat: proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) wrongfully and arrogantly, though their ownselves were convinced thereof [i.e. the Aayaat are from Allaah, and Moosaa alayhis-salaam is the Messenger of Allaah in truth, but they disliked to obey Moosaa, and hated to believe in his Message of Tawheed.]” [Qur’aan 16:14]
“(Moosaa alayhis-salaam) said: ‘Verily, you know that these signs have been sent down by none but the Rabb of the heavens and the earth as clear (evidences i.e. proofs of Allaah’s Oneness and His Omnipotence etc.). And I think you are, indeed, O Pharaoh doomed to destruction (away from all good!)’ ” [Qur’aan 17:102]
“Say: ‘Whose is the earth and whosoever is therein? If you know!’ They will say: ‘It is Allaah’s!’ Say: ‘Will you not then remember?’ Say: ‘Who is (the) Rabb of the seven heavens, and (the) Rabb of the Great ‘Arsh (Throne)?’ They will say: ‘Allaah.’ Say: ‘Will you not then fear Allaah (believe in His Oneness, obey Him, believe in the Resurrection and Recompense for each and every good or bad deed).’ Say: ‘In Whose Hand is the sovereignty of everything (i.e. treasures of each and everything)? And He protects (all), while against Whom there is no protector [12], if you know.’ They will say: “All that belongs to Allaah.” Say: ‘How then are you deceived and turn away from the truth?’ ” [Qur’aan 23:84-89]
“And indeed if you ask them, ‘Who has created the heavens and the earth?’ They will surely say: ‘Mighty, the All-Knower created them.’ ” [Qur’aan 43:9]
“And if you ask them who created them, they will surely say: ‘Allaah’. How then are they turned away (from the worship of Allaah Who created them)?” [Qur’aan 43:87]
THIRD: BELIEF IN ALLAAH’S ULOOHIYYAH:
“And your Ilaah is one Ilaah, La Ilaaha illa Huwa (there is no true God worthy of worship but He), the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.” [Qur’aan 2:163]
“Allaah bears witness that La Ilaaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), and the angels, and those having knowledge (also give this witness); (He is always) maintaining His creation in Justice. La Ilaaha illa Huwa, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.” [Qur’aan 3:18]
“That is because Allaah - He is the Truth (the only True God of all that exists, Who has no partners or rivals with Him), and those besides Him whom they (the polytheists) invoke - they are but Baatil (vain Falsehood). And verily, Allaah, - He is the Most High, the Most Great.” [Qur’aan 22:62]
“They are but names which you have named, - you and your fathers, - for which Allaah sent down no authority.” [Qur’aan 53:23] [15]
“O two companions of the prisons! Are many different arbaab (lords) better or Allaah, the One, Al-Qahhaar? [16] You don’t worship besides Him but only names which you have named (forged), you and your fathers, for which Allaah has sent down no authority.” [Qur’aan 12:39-40]
“Worship Allaah! You have no other Ilaah (God) but Him.” [Qur’aan 7:59, 60, 73, 85; 11:50, 61, 84; and 23:23, 32]
“They have taken besides Him other gods that created nothing but are themselves created, and possess neither hurt nor benefit to themselves, and possess no power (of causing) death, not (of giving) life, nor of raising the dead.” [Qur’aan 25:3]
“Say: (O Muhammad sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa-sallam to those polytheists, pagans, etc.) ‘Call upon those whom you asset (to be associate gods) besides Allaah, they possess not even the weight of a small ant, - either in the heavens or on the earth, nor have they any share in either, nor there is for Him any supporter from among them. Intercession with Him profits not, except for him Whom He permits.’ ” [Qur’aan 34:22-23]
“O mankind! Worship your Rabb (Allaah), Who created you and those before you so that you may become pious. Who has made the earth a resting place and the sky as a canopy, and sent down rain from the sky and brought forth therewith fruits as a provision for you. Then do not set up rivals unto Allaah (in worship) while you know (that He Alone has the right to be worshipped).” [Qur’aan 2:21-22]
“And if you ask them who created them, they will surely say: ‘Allaah.’ How then are they turned away (from the worship of Allaah, Who created them)?” [Qur’aan 43:87]
FOURTH: BELIEF IN ALLAAH’S NAMES AND SIFAAT (ATTRIBUTES):
“And (all) the Most Beautiful Names belong to Allaah, so call on Him by them, and leave the company of those who belie or deny (or utter impious speech against) His Names. They will be requited for what they used to do.” [Qur’aan 7:180]
“His is the highest description (i.e. none has the right to be worshipped but He, and there is nothing comparable unto Him) in the heavens and in the earth. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.” [Qur’aan 30:27]
TWO SECTS WENT ASTRAY REGARDING THIS MATTER:
Footnotes
[1] Revealed texts of the Qur’aan and Sunnah
[2] lit: sensory perception, sensation. It pertains to the evidences about Allaah’s existence. Al-Hiss means, that which is perceptible through the senses. [TN]
[3] Related by Imaam Al-Bukhaaree in his Saheeh, V.8, pp. 389-90, Hadeeth no. 597.
[4] Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree, V. 6, pp. 356-358, Hadeeth no. 377.
[5] Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree, V. 5, p. 236, Hadeeth no. 358.
[6] Ash-Shar’a: Islaamic Texts and Legislation’s in the Qur’aan and Sunnah. [TN]
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