78 thoughts on “Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan on the Claim that Allaah Cannot Do All Things”

1. Jazak Allah khairan Ustadh Abul Abbas! Heres Zakir Naik’s complete statement: http://safeshare.tv/w/dXjiGLNbDh (YouTube links replaced by SafeShare links by admin)

   And this one includes the response from Shaykh Fawzan: http://safeshare.tv/w/eImwUoJZXN

   Reply ↓

2. The word ” cannot” in English has two meanings: 1. Unability to do something, beyond ability and 2. Being able to do it but will not do it sue to some reason

   So brother, can Allah have a son…?

   Reply ↓

   • Understood Abdullah, but when we speak about Allaah, we avoid these kinds of phrases that could have false meanings in some uses, as a basic manner in Islaam. It is clear that saying, “You cannot wear shorts when you appear in court,” means: It is not appropriate (while being physically possible). Without playing games with words, people need to consider that a “shock and awe” factor was being sought with the statements of Zakir Naik.

     You CAN’T (!) deny that saying: “There are 1,000 things that do not befit Allaah’s Majesty” would be very clear and respectful, but it would not produce the same sensational effect achieved through his word choice. Review his words carefully and reflect. To say that Allaah cannot have a son could be acceptable, if the meaning of the word “can” were carefully explained as the meaning of laa yanbaghee – it does not befit His Majesty. There would be no “shock and awe” along with that.

     And perhaps you should show both meanings of the word “can” to Zakir Naik and Yusuf Estes, because they both hold that it is incorrect in Islaam to say “Allaah can do all things”! So obviously they don’t accept the more obvious and apparent meaning of “can” – to have the ability to do something.

   • Assalamu Alaikum brother Moosa. I asked this question about CAN or CANNOT in ***** *******’s ******* website because of the confusion it created. In the answer that was emailed, the answerer stated that “Allah CAN’T beget a son and CAN’T die because these defy being God.” According to the Qur’an, Allah says that He SWT is Able to do all things. Now I ask you this simple question. According to you, doesn’t this “all things” exclude irrational, contradictory and wrong questions like “Can Allah create another God?” and “Can Allah create a rock so big that even He cannot lift it?” or do you believe that Allah is also Able to do these since in the Qur’an He states that He is Able to do “all things”? Or do you consider these irrationalities as not “things” at all? Do you believe that Allah CAN die and CAN beget a son but He WILL NOT because begetting a son do not befit His Majesty? Or do you believe the “all things” exclude these? Please clarify so that people can clear the confusions and rectify their beliefs. Please also note that I am just asking you for clarifications and not challenging you. So please help me considering me as your brother.

   • Wa ‘alayk as-salaamu wa rahmatullaah. Speech about Allaah is not permissible, except with pure praise and exaltation. Saying “Allaah cannot do this or that…” leads people to understand incapability and weakness. Therefore, we do not speak like this about Allah. He did not describe Himself as being incapable of having a son, rather He said about Himself: وَما يَنْبَغِي لِلرَّحْمنِ أَنْ يَتَّخِذَ وَلَداً “And it is NOT BEFITTING that Ar-Rahmaan would take a son…” [19:92] whilst He has described Himself as being All-Capable in the Verses quoted in the article above. So we say about the things that are not befitting His Majesty that He “DOES NOT” or “WILL NOT” do them, and that such things are beneath Him and not befitting His Perfection and Majesty. We DO NOT say that He cannot do them or is unable to do them. And with Allaah alone is all success.

   • Zakir Naik clearly uses the second meaning. This is clear when he says, “God will never take, or rather cannot take, human form…” From his IRF website (screenshot taken a few minutes ago).

   • Assalamu alaikkum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu.Brother Moosa, Do you mean Zakir Naik uses the word cannot as “Unable to do something, beyond ability”?

3. السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

   Just by the title, I had a hunch that this was Zakir Naik being referred to.
   I only have question though, being that these statements of his was quiet apparent, vulgar and widely spread, why didn’t the questioner just mentioned his name to the sheikh? [comment abridged by admin]

   Reply ↓

   • وعليكم السلام ورحمة الله وبركاته
     Many scholars do not like names to be mentioned in questions in the open, public gatherings that are recorded and spread. This is normal. Students of knowledge who have studied directly under the scholars are aware of this.

   • بارك الله لكم

     Thank you for the clarrification ustadh. However, this lead me to another question in mind, if the scholars themselves doesn’t like names to be mentioned in public like so, then why does such article like this openly publicized? Isn’t that contrary to their prerogative whilst being asked in public?

   • Its a personal choice, that’s all. There is no prohibition of mentioning names when warning Muslims of harm, so it remains a personal choice. When the goal is accomplished without mentioning names, of course it is better. Also, if you notice, there is no mention of Zakir Naik’s name in the article above either, not in the title, nor in the body. However, when people know who it is a reference to, and they wish to seek further clarification, or they wish to confirm that it is relative to a specific person, there is no problem in mentioning names. Also note that you said “the scholars” as if all scholars have agreed on this opinion. My original comment says “many scholars”. I hope this helps. May Allaah bless you for visiting and seeking clarification, and may He give you success in all your affairs.

   • As for the query I gave, and the clarrifications that might have been my mischoice of words, thank you for correcting me and may الله contiue to put you and your team in the best condition. Looking forward on your next article, inshaa الله.

4. Assalaamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu

   I am associated with Dr.Zakir Naik, as I am working in his school. The statement made by Dr.Zakir Naik is very old one and as Shaykh Moosa pointed out due to wrong choice of words it gave total wrong connotation. Such statements about Allaah has to be avoided, there is no second thought about it… Dr.Zakir Naik, is open for correction if mistakes pointed out to him, he has done that earlier and he still does it whenever his mistakes are pointed over… [comment abridged by admin]

   Reply ↓

   • wa ‘alaykas-salaamu wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaatuh. If Zakir Naik has retracted these horrible statements about Allaah, that would be great. We would love to help share the good news with the world, so please link us to any public clarification that has been made on this topic. The statement being “old” is irrelevant if it was never openly retracted.

   • Brothers i have heard this statement from zakir naik followers before and can assure you it is “Baatil” this statement is still being used by zakir naik in his most recent lectures. Plus he hasnt rectified this horrible statement of his yet. May allah guide him and protect us from his evil. Brother moosa بارك الله فيكم for your effort to calrify things (و جزاك الله خيرا )

   • He probably has not retracted his statements because he allows them to be published on his websites.

     Naik’s own words:

     “God cannot do everything”.

     “Islam does not say that God can do anything. Islam says that God has power over all things. Let us understand this with the help of some examples of matters that God cannot do simply because He is Divine.”

     Sources: [links to Zakir Naik’s websites replaced by screenshots by admin]

     IRF website: [1] [2]
     Peace TV Website (India): [1] [2]
     Peace TV Website (Bangla): [1] [2]
     Peace TV Website (Urdu): [1] [2]

     In a 2010 lecture, Naik boldly repeats these similar statements (http://youtu.be/l5Wm9vvMpUM?t=44m49s).

   • “Dr.Zakir Naik, is open for correction if mistakes pointed out to him”.

     Abu Khadeejah Abdul Wahid spoke to Naik about his mistakes once, yet he refused to take heed (see: http://safeshare.tv/w/ZENwmWfGgN). [YouTube link replaced by SafeShare link by admin.]

   • Jazaak Allaahu khayran for both of your comments today. Much appreciated.

5. Have you not seen the sentence:

   Whatever Allah intents He can do – But He only intents Godly things.

   So brother we have to be fair… [comment abridged by admin]

   Reply ↓

   • You are just disproving yourself further brother, and building a bigger case against Zakir Naik! To say that Allaah can do whatever he intends to do is a concept from the teachings of the Mu’tazilah, not the teachings of Ahlus-Sunnah. You must understand to imply a limit to Allaah’s Ability in such a way, that He is capable of doing whatever he chooses or intends to do, implies a very inappropriate meaning – that He is incapable of doing other than that! Exalted be Allaah above all limits and deficiencies! (I will explain this point about the Mu’tazilah’s philosophy further in later writings, in shaa’ Allaah, for those who need clarification.)

     This is why our Salaf loved SILENCE so much, when it came to speaking about Allaah and His Attributes. Wallaahi we all need to shut our mouths about Rabb al-‘Aalameen and only speak with pure benefit. Ahlus-Sunnah say: “Allaah can (is able to) do all things,” as HE Himself has said, and we don’t need to affirm or negate individual theoretical concepts, like the philosophers feel they have to. Silence is golden, especially in topics like this. May Allaah guide us to the best manners of speaking about Him.

   • just a quick clarification again ustadh, in regards with your statement:

     “Ahlus-Sunnah say: “Allaah can (is able to) do all things,” as HE Himself has said, and we don’t need to affirm or negate individual theoretical concepts, like the philosophers feel they have to.”

     Am I correct to imply that what you are saying is by that we can only stand on that “Allaah can (is able to) do all things” but we should never say “He (Allaah) did not choose to do so etc etc”? Did I understand your phrase correctly?

   • Again, speech about Allaah should be avoided, except that which is clearly correct and benefical. Affirming or negating theoretical concepts = like asking if Allaah is able to do weird hypothetical things that have no reality, and then concluding that Allaah, the All-Powerful and Ever Capable One, is described with certain limits and incapabilities, like in some of the speech of Zakir Naik and Yusuf Estes. I do not want to repeat them. Exalted be Allaah above all weakness, limits, and deficiencies!

6. Zakir Naik differentiates between what Allaah does/will not do and what he CANNOT do! (For those who claim that they have the same meaning in his words.) He says: “God will never take, or rather cannot take, human form.” He says “OR RATHER” meaning there is a different meaning. Click here to see a screenshot of this statement from his IRF website.

   Reply ↓

7. JazaakAllahu Khairan Ustaadh.

   Here is another, SEVERE error of Dr. Zakir Naik clarified by Dr Murtaza Bin Baksh – May Allah keep him safe. http://safeshare.tv/w/UwmWKaPWVj

   Reply ↓

8. A preacher mentioned: “Allah will not ask, ‘How long did you live?’ He will ask, ‘How did you live? What did you do while you lived?’ Quality not quantity.”

   Is it alright to make such a statement?

   Reply ↓

   • It does not seem problematic to me, and Allaah knows best. What causes you to ask about it?

   • Jazaak Allahu khairan brother. I was just asking because I thought maybe saying what Allah will and will not ask could be speaking about Him without ilm. Thanks for your response.

   • Allahul mustaan. Allah says in the end of Suratul mu’minun; (the meaning of): He (Allah) will say: “What number of years did you stay on earth?”( 23:112) “They will say: “We stayed a day or part of a day. Ask of those who keep account.” [comment abridged by admin]

   • Jazaak Allaahu khayran. Suggested replacement: “You will not be accountable for the number of years you lived, but for the actions performed in those years.” Hopefully, this would accomplish the goal of reminding people about quality vs. quantity, without claiming that Allaah will or will not do such-and-such.

9. i used to defend this individual. i thought he is a great islamic personality and an authority of fatwas. Alhamdu lillah. Allah saved me from this person.

   Reply ↓

   • Allahul musta’an i used to be the same to the extent i used to believe this statement. Brother moosa does that mean i was a kaafir?

   • Be clear on identifying it as sheer falsehood. Be clear that Allaah never oppresses anyone, not because He is incapable, limited, or weak, but because He the Almighty, All-Powerful, and All-Capable is perfectly just and fair to His servants. Be clear upon the truth, may Allaah give you success. May Allaah forgive our inappropriate understanding of Allaah from the past and accept our repentance.

10. These incidents emphasise the importance of learning correct Aqeeda from the right source. Moreover, let those who are in hurry for doing islamic da’wa before seeking knowledge refer to the verse 33 of Sura 7 A’raf: ” …. and saying things about Allah of which you have no knowledge “

    Reply ↓

11. Assalamu alaykum Moosa. Akhi, I don’t know if you’ve had a look at sharh al aqidah tahawiyah by Ibn Abi Al-Izz, but he mentiones under Tahawi’s saying ‘This is because He has full power and ability over everything…’ About things that are inconceivable and that’s the doubt Zakir Naik has given to many of our salafi brothers. If you can have a look and maybe it will benefit us greatly. BarakAllahu feek.

    Reply ↓

    • Wa ‘alayk as-salaamu wa rahmatullaah. These doubts have already been addressed here in the comments section. We’ve already kicked that “CAN” so to speak. The phrase “can not happen” may be used to talk about unbefitting or unrealistic things, as well as incapability. But when someone says there are many things that are not befitting to Allaah, every Muslim knows that. Allaah does not tire, He does not have children, wives, needs, etc. Subhaanahu wa ta’aalaa! Its not a shocker, and its not an attention-getter. But when someone says: “There are 1,000 things that Allaah cannot do” – it is the jaw-dropping implication that it must be the CANNOT of “inability” which causes the shock and awe, when speaking about Allaah, the Glorified and Exalted. This is paired with statements like “It is wrong to say that Allaah can do anything,” and the Mu’tazilee explanation that Allaah can only do the things that He chooses to do, placing even more limits on Allaah’s Capabilities.

      Bottom line: A person saying “Allaah cannot be unjust” to emphasize His Wisdom and Justice must make it clear that Allaah has chosen not to oppress, not that He is incapable or limited in His Abilities. When people leave the discussion believing Allaah to be incapable or limited in His Power and Dominion, then the belief in Allaah is being corrupted and people are being led astray. I hope this helps, and Allaah knows best.

    • Point of benefit: ( فعال لما يريد ) “He does whatever He wants” [Soorah al-Burooj] is used by Ahlus-Sunnah to further emphasize the unrestricted power and ability of Allaah. The Mu’tazilah and other people of rhetoric use the same Verse to claim that Allaah can only do what He has chosen to do. We say what Allaah has said, that He has power over all things, nothing is beyond His Ability, etc. We believe that for everything Allaah has done there is divine and perfect Wisdom. And for everything He has not done there is also divine and perfect Wisdom in not doing it, and we do not place limits on Allaah based on rhetoric and philosophy.

    • JazakAllahu khayran, no doubt akhi. When something is denied from Allah such as injustice then we qualify Him with the opposite attribute of perfection such as Allah being the Most -Just in this case. And nothing renders Him incapable and Allahu A’lam. May Allah rward you Moosa.

12. Is it possible for you to mention more about Surah Al-Mumtahinah 60:7 وَاللَّهُ قَدِيرٌ

    Doesn’t it negate what Zakir Naik said “…nowhere does the quraan say god can do everything…”?

    JazaakAllaahu khayra.

    Reply ↓

13. Assalamu alaykum

    Baarak Allaahu feek.

    Allaah, The Most High, can do all things, even if they were things that are not befitting to Him, but since they are so, Allaah will not do them? Is this correct?

    Reply ↓

    • wa ‘alaykum salaam. We say Allaah can do all things and we stop as Allaah has stopped when saying ( وهو على كل شيء قدير ), and we abandon philosophy and philosophers.

14. I have a general question about the attributes of Allah. Ahlus Sunnah deny for Allah what he has denied for himself. So if there is a negative attribute that Allah hasn’t specifically denied for himself, do we deny this negative attribute for Allah? Is there are verse or hadeeth that denies all negative attributes for Allah?

    Reply ↓

    • We specifically negate all things that have been specifically negated in the texts. An example would be: sleep. (2:255)

      We broadly and generally negate all clearly unbefitting attributes beyond that, without naming them individually. The scholars use Quranic verses like 16:60 and 37:180 to reject all negative and unbefitting descriptions in a general way.

      However, there are some attributes that you may think are unbefitting, yet they are affirmed for some specific situations, as established in clear textual evidences. Like mockery in Quran 2:15, which is affirmed in a perfect and complete sense, only in response to the mockery of the hypocrites. Review Principle #1 about the Attributes in the book Exemplary Principles by Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have Mercy on him), and Allaah knows best.

15. Assalamualaykum.. Brother Moosaa, what are your thoughts on this article, by ##### ########, regarding this issue: “…to “create a stone He cannot move” actually describes an affair that is impossible and meaningless” […] Such statements describe nothing at all and have no informative value, they are meaningless. So why should we even answer a question that has no meaning? To put it bluntly the question is not even a question… [question truncated by admin]

    Reply ↓

    • Wa ‘alayk as-salaam wa rahmatullaah. While I do not recommend that you read articles from the person you have quoted, the selected phrases above are sound. If you are seeking guidance from that individual, I would highly recommend that you stop it, and read this series of articles. And Allaah knows best.

16. Salaam alaikum Brother Moosa,
    Based upon the statement of the shaykh and your explanation of why names are not mentioned in front of the shaykh when asking about such issues, is it permissible for a common person, such as myself, to say to another common person in order to warn him that “Zakir naik is a mulhid(deviant)”.
    Jazaak Allaahu khairan

    Reply ↓

    • Wa ‘alaykas-salaamu wa rahmatullaah. Warn against evil, the worst evil being corruption of core Islamic beliefs. When a person is or may be influenced by the falsehood of Zakir Naik, then advise him directly and clearly to avoid such a person, by name. Calling him a “mulhid” may be misunderstood as takfeer. Mulhid can be understood to mean atheist, unless otherwise restricted to a discussion wherein it means deviant. Just be clear with words you understand: “Zakir Naik teaches corrupt, deviant ideas.” This keeps you from being forced to apply a label or make a ruling upon him that you are not qualified to make. And Allaah knows best.

17. [Message slightly truncated by admin] …That which is impossible does not exist, because it cannot exist, so it is nothing, even if the mind can imagine it. It is known that the mind can assume and imagine the impossible, the mind can imagine two opposites, such as something existing and not existing, at the same time.

    The verse states that Allaah has power over “things” but that does not include things that are inherently impossible, because they are not things, rather they do not exist and they cannot be brought into existence.

    Hence more than one of the scholars have stated that the power of Allaah has to do with that which is possible, for the reason that we have mentioned, which is that that which is non-existent and impossible is not a “thing”.

    Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: As for Ahl al-Sunnah, in their view Allaah, may He be exalted, has power over all things, and everything that is possible is included in that. As for that which is inherently impossible, such as a thing both existing and being non-existent, there is no reality in it and its existence cannot be imagined, so it cannot be called a “thing” according to the consensus of the wise. This includes the idea of creating another like Himself, and so on. End quote from Manhaaj al-Sunnah (2/294).

    Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in Shifa’ al-‘Aleel (p. 374): Because that which is impossible is not a “thing”, so His Power has nothing to do with it. Allaah has power over all things and no possible thing is beyond His power. End quote.

    And Allaah knows best…

    Reply ↓

18. Assalaamu ‘Alaikum Brother Moosaa Richardson,

    Can you please comment on the correctness of the following statement:

    “Allaah can do anything. But Allaah cannot have a son, and Allaah cannot create a 4-sided triangle. Because a son-god and a 4-sided triangle are not THINGS.”

    Jazaakallaah Khair

    Reply ↓

    • Wa ‘alaykas-salaamu wa rahmatullaah. Just change “Allaah cannot have a son” to “It is not befitting for Allaah to have a son” and it is sound logically and religiously.

19. Assalamu alaykum
    (Urgent ADVICE)
    I have a future interview insha Allah and I need to prepare a presentation to the question “if you were reincarnated then what would you like to be when you come back and why”.

    Now evidently the idea of reincarnation is complete rubbish but the situation is completely hypothetical. However in order to answer the question you would have to, in your head, put yourself into the position that reincarnation is real and what you would want to be. As a Muslim I could not think in that situation because it is pretended that the Quran isn’t true etc!!!!!

    So what can I do? The interview works in a series of station and if I don’t answer I get 0 in that station and in reality you have to get near full marks to succeed.

    Reply ↓

    • Wa ‘alaykas-salaamu wa rahmatullaah. Explain to your professor that the topic is sensitive, and your religious beliefs do not allow you to doubt the reality of the Hereafter or entertain philosophical conjecture about it. Ask that the topic be adjusted for you to speak about the Hereafter. If it is an English exercise using “IF conditionals” for example, then there is a way to adapt it to acceptable speech, like: “IF someone is raised after his death as a righteous man, he will/would be allowed to drink from special water when everyone is extremely thirsty…” And Allaah knows best.

20. Salam… Why don’t you go to Zakir Naik and tell him…
    and those who listen to him knows how pure his heart is for Allah and Islam…… [message truncated by admin]

    Reply ↓

    • This just further proves that those who listen to him are fanatical & emotional about him. Muslims who know the basics of their Religion know they cannot claim to know about the purity a man’s heart.

21. Asalamu ‘Alaykum wa Rahmatulahi wa Barakatuhu,

    If someone were to ask, “Can God die?” ; “Can God be unjust?” ; “Can God be evil?” ; “Can God lie?”

    We know these are all defenciendcies and Allah is free from such things. But, is it correct (صحيح) to just reply: “No” according to Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah.

    الله يحفظك

    Reply ↓

    • Wa ‘alayk as-salaamu wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaatuh. The people of deviation and philosophy use this phrase “can“, which has two usages: Appropriateness and possibility. So we do not have to reply using their loaded word choices, we can simply say: Allaah is capable of all things, and He does the most perfect actions in line with His Knowledge, Wisdom, and Perfection. Speak about Allaah with pure praises and exaltation, or simply remain silent. Stay far away from the games of philosophers. And Allaah knows best.

22. Assalamalikum Wa Rahmatullah

    Thank you Brother Moosa for clarifying many things against the present Fitnahs.
    May Allaah grant we Muslims the quality of readily accepting our mistakes/deviations followed by amending our ways abreast with the correct Islamic beliefs / aqeedha of Ahle Sunnah wal Jamah, in all affairs of our lives, once the religious texts have been made clear to us.

    Using ifs and buts in holding on to our wrong point of views that go against the prescribed rulings is a handy work of Shaitaan.
    For example: Once a person was told not to use his left hand in counting adhkaar , which is against the Sunnah way, he starts using (ifs and buts) saying but we hold the Book with both hands and if I cannot keep count on only right hand and so on and on.
    When a Sunnah way is made clear , we should be saying -we here and we obey- right from the next time we do adhkaar, without any philosophy, without any questions ifs and buts. This should be our approach.
    Ifs and buts can be used in another things-like——what if i joined the congregation in the ruku–but I already prayed 4 rakats etc. etc.—- to gain knowledge and not lose any reward of the Salah due to ignorance, and in general, only to arrive at the correct rulings prescribed in the Books or worked out through Consensus / Fatawas of the main body of Muslims.

    This is what I observed in the above Q As..Some people are persistent in trying to advocate their stubborn religious irregularities.
    Thanks once again.

    Reply ↓

23. Assalamu alaykum warahmatullahi wabarkaatuhu.

    What is the right of a slave upon Allah?

    There is a Hadeeth saying that Allah has placed a right on himself that if one doesn’t commit shirk with Him then He will not punish him.

    The above answer about impermissibilty of using the word “CANNOT”
    Can be understood from the Hadeeth of the right of Allah upon the slaves and right of slaves upon Allah.

    One cannot say ALLAH CANNOT PUNISH THE SLAVE WHO DOESN’T ASSOCIATES ANYONE WITH HIM.

    I need some more clarification from the admin.
    JazakAllahu khairan akhi Moosa hafidhahullah

    Reply ↓

    • Wa ‘alayk as-salaamu wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaatuh.

      Allaah can do whatever He pleases, as He is not weak or limited, nor is there anyone to stop Him or restrict Him, He is the All-Powerful.

      Allaah chooses not to do things unbecoming of His Majesty and Perfection, not because He is INCAPABLE of them (thus, deficient in power, limited in ability, weak, etc.), but because He is All-Wise and Perfect in all that He does.

24. As-Salaamu ‘Alaykum Wa Rahmatullaahi Wa Barakaatuhu,

    I recently came across an entire series on youtube of the Seerah by Yasir Qadhi… [Message abridged by admin]

    Reply ↓

    • Wa ‘alayk as-salaamu wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaatuh. Do not proceed recklessly like this in the Deen of Allaah. The man is leading many people astray, and so we have to take this issue very seriously. If you wish to be grateful for the guidance Allaah has given you, then DO NOT TAKE one letter of your Religion from this person, may Allaah guide him and keep his harms from the genuine followers of Muhammad (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace). Listen to this carefully: https://www.troid.ca/comprehensive/politics/1842-politics-western-democracy-yasir-qadhi-and-tony-blair

      And Allaah knows best.

    • I figured this is what I should do. So do you know of any Seerah series’ that exist online that would benefit me? Or some detailed books I can get my hands on that are worth it?

      May Allaah bless you and keep you firm.

    • I would recommend you to follow the Seerah lessons with our ustaadh Bilaal Davis. Here is the link:

      http://www.salafisounds.com/the-biography-of-the-prophet-muhammad-salallaahualayhi-wasalam-by-abu-hakeem-bilaal-davis/

    • السلام عليكم و رحمةالله و بر كا ته
      Couple years ago I was in my teen and I wanted to get closed to Allah then I found zakir naik’s talks and how he debates with non muslims. By Allah, listening to he’s talks and debates I started doubting about Allah my life style changed day and night I was not able to eat or do anything because of the doubt that I had in the deen after listening he’s debate, I wanted to die, I felt The world became dark to me losing my deen, wallah it’s very difficult to explain how I felt. Alhamdullilaah Alhamdullilaah, I made sincere dua that Allah to guide me, within couple Months Allah guided me to salafiyah. Subhaana’Allah I felt a burden was taken of my shoulder after learning about tawheed and the asmaa Wa sifaat. I thank Allah first and may Allah reward all our salafi scholars, our salafi brothers from UK,Canada and America.
      Keep up the good work!

      Alhamdullilah my sister accepted salafiyah listening to Shaykh Al fawzaan talks and my brother also accepted salafiyah by listening usooluth thalaatha by brother Moosa Richardson.
      Please stay away from Hizbies and peace TV or any unknown books.
      BaarakaAllahhu feekum.

25. Assalaamu’alaykum dear ustaadh..

    In soorah Qasas, verse 3, translation begins, “We recite..”

    Is it understood from this that reciting is Allaah’s attribute?

    Reply ↓

    • Wa ‘alayk as-salaamu wa rahmatullaah. The scholars explain this as Jibreel’s tilaawah, from the Arabic way of attributing the action done by a servant to the one who ordered it, like saying: “Aboo Bakr gathered the Quran in a single mushaf.” Meaning: He ordered that to be done during his Caliphate, yet he himself did not do the actions involved. So, we say that Allaah has recited to His Prophet, which means: He sent Jibreel to recite, and Allaah knows best.

26. Asalamu Alaykom

    I think (Allahu Alim) that the issue really lies in the term “can” and “cannot”. They carry a very negative connatation when speaking of Allah (SWT). It’s almost implying that, and I hate even writing it, Allah has no will and is confined by certain limitations set, Authubi’llah.

    I believe (again Allahu Alim) the term “will” and “will not” perhaps is more fitting.

    Allah will not take a son. Allah will not die. Allah will not be unjust.

    Jazak Allahu Kharun!
    May Allah forgive us for any errors we make, and put us on the straight path. أمين

    Reply ↓

27. “Allah works in mysterious ways”

    What is the ruling on this statement?

    Reply ↓

    • I’m concerned that “mysterious” could be understood to carry some negativity (depending on its context and how some people understand it) and so I would recommend replacing it with a statement of pure and clear praise, like: “There is perfect Wisdom in everything Allah does, yet sometimes, do to our deficiencies, we are incapable of understanding it.”

      I’m also concerned that it is a “copy & paste” of how people of other religions commonly say: “God works in mysterious ways.” Being concerned with how we talk about Allah is very important, and may Allah reward you for the question. And Allah knows best.

28. Suppose a caller to major disbelief, by Allah’s tawfeek, accepts and acknowledges what he expressed and called to in past was indeed severe misguidance and major disbelief and he repents from it internally and starts believing in the correct creed.
    But he doesn’t clarify his prior misguidance and even if someone asks him to clarify he just evades it for whatever weakness , then finally he happens to die upon this state would he be a counted a disbeliever in front of Allah and even his internal repentance is not at all accepted ?

    Reply ↓

    • If he is asked about his previous statements of disbelief, and refuses to denounce them at all, even privately, then he has not repented and his Islam is invalid, as his testimony includes denouncing all things worshipped besides Allah, denouncing atheism and disbelief, and affirming belief in Allah and worshipping Him alone, i.e. the meaning of Laa-ilaaha ill Allah. So perhaps he may be weak in how aggressively he openly rejects his previous beliefs for a time. He may be a Muslim, and he may be sinful for not openly calling to rectification as much as he used to call to corruption. This is a weakness in his faith, and he is required to overcome this and actively denounce what he used to promote, trying to reach as many people as effectively as he used to reach them. Allah says:
      
      إن الذين يكتمون ما أنزلنا من البينات والهدى من بعد ما بيناه للناس في الكتاب أولئك يلعنهم الله ويلعنهم اللاعنون (159)
      إلا الذين تابوا وأصلحوا وبينوا فأولئك أتوب عليهم وأنا التواب الرحيم
      “Verily those who conceal what We have sent down of clear evidences and guidance after We have clarified it to the people in the Book, such are those whom Allah curses, and all those who curse also curse them. Except for those who repent, rectify, and clarify, such are those whom I guide to repentance [and accept it from them], and I am the One who continually accepts repentance, the Ever Merciful.” [2:159-160]

      If he dies in this state, as a Muslim who has denounced his former disbelief but has not fulfilled his specific duty of clarifying sufficiently, then he dies as a sinner, under the Will of Allah, if Allah wills He may punish him, if He so wills, He may forgive him. However, if he does not denounce the specific disbelief he was upon at all, then his Islam was never valid. And Allah knows best.

      Benefit: In one of my specific interactions in dealing with a Muslim who fell into serious error in creed, under the guidance and direction of Shaykh Rabee’ ibn Haadee al-Madkhalee, the individual who fell into error wanted to publicly clarify his errors, but was a little shy and embarrassed to do so. Knowing that if we left him to himself, he may not clarify it openly, the shaykh advised me to clarify it from myself on his behalf, and spread the good news publicly that he has denounced and retracted the errors. The shaykh instructed me to watch for what would happen. If he allows it to spread, narrated from him like that, without objection, then he is honest in his repentance. If he rejects it and contends with it, then he will be held accountable for the objection. So we kind of put him “between a rock and hard place” to test his honesty. Perhaps this strategy can be used, so you share the good news on his behalf. If he is honest and committed to his repentance, he will appreciate that. Then, perhaps this may be the encouragement he needs to openly take the proper stance and begin fulfilling his duty. And Allah knows best.

29. So you want to say Allah only can do which benefits his majesty. By saying this I think you are limiting Allah . Not you maximum people say that Allah only can do what benefits his majesty. He can’t do all things.

    Reply ↓

    • Saying that Allah can only do the things that are befitting His Majesty sounds much like the position of the Mu’tazilah, that is limiting Him. Ahlus-Sunnah say simply, like Allah Himself says: “He is All-Capable, over all things.” He chooses things which are wise and in accordance to His Majesty and Perfection, yet we are not to ascribe any incapability to Him, saying He cannot do such-and-such. And Allah knows best.

30. Allah can’t … beacuse if Allah … So it means Allah can’t… and he can’t… So we can say Allah can’t do all things. [message edited by admin]

    Reply ↓

    • Please read the article above by Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan. No one here is the least bit interested in putting aside the Book and the Sunnah and abandoning the scholars to follow “SHOUVIK”, so be humble and learn your religion before trying to speak on matters you do not understand. Speech about Allah is VERY SERIOUS, so fear Allah.

31. In the beginning (around 00.17) of this audio [link to youtube video removed by admin] (I am not aware of the exact source lecture from which it has been taken since the uploader did not provide any information; kindly you please mention if possible) you can be heard saying “… comes off the tongue of a so-called muslim that he says : not only are there things that Allah cannot do, but I’ll give you a list of thousand things Allah can’t do ..”
    Does this mean that you don’t consider zakir naik a muslim (since you referred to him as a “so-called muslim”) ?

    Reply ↓

    • May Allah reward you for seeking clarity! No, I have not made takfeer of Zakir Naik, may Allah guide him. Identifying a statement of disbelief does not necessitate that the one who said it can be called a disbeliever. There is a process for takfeer which is serious. May Allah protect us from such disasters.

    • The question that remains is – does referring to someone as a “so-called muslim” imply making takfeer of the person or not ? Please help us understand.

    • Anyone who doubts Allah’s qudrah (His unrestricted and unlimited divine and perfect capability), that He is fully capable of all things, as He -the Mighty and Majestic- has described Himself, is a disbeliever. This is a general ruling. As for applying this to individuals specifically, then a process is undertaken. This is the difference between takfeer ‘aamm (general takfeer of whoever speaks with disbelief) and takfeer mu’ayyan (takfeer of a specific individual). So review this topic from the speech of Islam’s scholars, and then go back and listen: Did you hear anyone say, “Zakir Naik (specifically) is a so-called Muslim”? I have stated openly and clearly that I have not made specific takfeer of him.