Al-Quran Al-Kareem – Tafsir (Exegesis) Lesson 227

 

I seek shelter in Allah from the rejected Satan. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Dearest friends!

Islam gives a complete personality to a person. Islam gives complete personalities to men and women. Islam gives people personality because the Creator knows how the servant (qul) will achieve perfection and how he or she will advance and develop, better than anyone. Islam always makes one earn, advance, and perfect a person’s honour, dignity, and pride. Meaning, it will ascend one to the Paradise. If a person’s Islamic personality has not been sufficiently developed in a person’s soul, heart, body, outer and inner worlds, then it is not possible for him to develop his soul, heart, mind, or body; and it is not possible for him to be happy.

The Creator has strictly advised us to implement this prescription; there is an offer. Also says, “I am your Rabb, obey me.” That said, you have an obligation to obey to Allah who is your Creator. See, you are the winner, you have been created and when you implement the excellent prescription of the Creator, you will earn a personality, and you will be happy, and you will be saved from loss. However, you will lose when you deny your Creator.

Can you deny the Creator? You cannot. You don’t even have the chance to deny people in the world because there are various systems. People set laws and rules, and what do they do to you when you deny those laws and rules? They say, “According to this article…” and they punish you. See, humans impose on you their own system, and say you will abide by it. They punish you when you don’t.

That said, the Creator has offered you. Said, “O, my servant (qul)! Nobody else created you, for they can’t. I am your Rabb (Lord). I have created you. I am offering these to you, for you own happiness.” Allah does not do anything wrong, and wants happiness of the servant (qul). Nobody can be as merciful as Allah either. Can you think of anyone who is more merciful to people than Allah? Mothers are foremost with regards to mercy, but even if you gathered the mercy of all mothers, it would be nothing next to the mercy of Allah. If you gathered the mercy of all Prophets and Messengers along with the mercy of all awliya; what is it next to the mercy of Allah? It is like a droplet because Prophets are also servants (qul) of Allah. Awliya are also servants (qul) of Allah and they only what is given by Allah.

Some people advance their innate nature (fitrah), and others distort their nature and creation (hilkat). Now, the word hilkat (creation) comes from the word khalq (to create). Also, as you know fitrah means innate nature, and it shows the innate state of creation that is created. That said, nature is when balance and accord in the creation (hilkat) emerges.

 

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Janâb-i Haqq has offered and presented a Holy Book that is the Quran and a glorious Prophet who is Muhammad to humanity so that people who have been created perfectly when everything was being created can advance themselves with Islam. Janâb-i Haqq says, “Here is the Quran, and here is Muhammad.” Muhammad came for the universe as a Messenger between the servant (qul) and Allah. As for the Quran, it is straight-up Allah’s Book. It has been presented and offered to all humanity.

That is, Islam is being offered to us all. That is a necessity of people’s everlasting bliss. People are always in need of Allah. Right now, you are in the world for a test, and you have a specified term in the world for you are not immortal. You have a term, a lifetime. That lifetime will end in the grave, and then the world of barzakh will begin.

After that, you will get up and go to the great gathering (mahshar). Mahshar is the entrance to the true world. It ends with either Paradise or Hell. That is bound to the result of the greater court. The law, fundamentals, and constitution of the greater court consist of laws that encompass all sanctions. That laws in the last day and the greater court are laws of Islam and Al-Quran Al-Karim. So, who is the ruler? That is, Allah Ta’ala.

Who are being judged? All judges, all generals, all states people, all false theologists, and every man and woman will be judged by Janâb-i Haqq. If you think this is impossible, then you will become a person who thinks everlasting bliss is impossible for himself. That way, it will be impossible for you to find everlasting peace. That is the outcome of denial because the existence of the greater court is more manifest than the existence of this world. Now, we are existent in this world. This world exists, but the greater court is more real than this world because this world would not have existed if it was non-existent. Janâb-i Haqq created this world of test for the greater court, and placed us here. That is why, dear friends we will talk about spiritual states of those who obey Allah Ta’ala because they have achievements in their hearts and souls, and inner worlds.

 

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–          The End        –

 

Al-Quran Al-Kareem – Tafsir (Exegesis) Lesson 228

 

I seek shelter in Allah from the rejected Satan. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

That is, there are things that should be in a person. Now, let us see. I will continue to give you certain discovery notes from the words of our arifs, who try to decently implement the divine prescription that knows the way of the happiness of the hearts and souls, along with notes from words of people of ma’rifa and people of haqiqa, and people of irfan. One of these is muhabbat (love). Today, the word muhabbat is referred to as love, but actually love does not reflect the full meaning of the word. See, muhabatullah is love of Allah, which is the source of all love, and all other types of love are invented. They have no foundation whatsoever; they are completely fake. It is like real gold vs. fake gold, it has no value compared to the real thing. Today, if love of Allah which we call muhabbatullah does not exist, then other types of love are completely null and void. Why? Because Janâb-i Haqq has created the servants (qul) with love. The contents of Rahmat-i Rahman include that Allah has loved the servants (qul) and commenced their lives with love.

Now, the root of the word muhabbat is ḥab. Let us see what ḥab is. When you look at the root of this word, you will see that it is the essence of nuclear life, and the eye of the heart. That is, the word ḥab reveals the essence of life. For example, seeds are called ḥab. The word hubbun comes from it, so does habbe and hubbe. Now, the essence of life is nothing but love. However, the fundamental source of love is love of Allah, it is Allah Ta’ala (c.c.). I am reminding you the word muhabatullah, which in today’s terms mean love because so many people do not know the word muhabbat but they know the word love. That said, those the word love know the word muhabbat but the word that is commonly used now is love. Love is the name of loving something excessively, yet nobody can love Allah duly. That is why our elders such as Ebû Ali Dekkak, Junayd of Baghdad, and Al-Qushayri said the words muhabbat and love are not the same. The word that should be used in measure is muhabbatullah, which means love of Allah. If this love, which is love of Allah, is present in a person, then fundamentally what he will do first is to love the things that Allah loves, and dislike the things that Allah dislikes. If that love does not exist anymore, then fake types of love will come forth, and the person will look like he loves someone, and then he hates another, and approach others with a fake type of love. Some people are liked for their money, and some are liked because of their beauty, but these are all temporary types of love. They are based on personal benefit.

 

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As for love of Allah, it is not a temporary love. A person who loves his wife for Allah will love her forever, and he will also love his children forever. If he loves his nation and humanity then he will love them forever. This love is not temporary, it does not decrease but increase, and the person will learn the things he should not love from Allah, and the Book that is the Quran. He will not love things he should not love, he cannot, and he has no chance of loving them. There is a love and hate which are based on Allah. You are to love what Allah tells you to love, and don’t love the ones that Allah tells you to dislike. You are to explore this matter better, understand and comprehend the matter well, and this is the point. Now, some people portray themselves with a random and fabricated type of love, and he seem joyful as well. But you start seeing so many negative actions later. The love in Islam is balanced, perfect, fundamental, and its source is endless. It is like an ocean, or even, it embraces all oceans. Only then will you grow up and develop in that ocean of love like a fish and become happy. However, if love is not enough, meaning if Islamic love and love of Allah has not been integrated in you, and you have not upgraded yourself so that you will be loved by Allah, then know that love has two sides. In order for you to become a droplet or a fish in an ocean, the ocean has to accept you. So, make the ocean accept you. You have to love Allah and endear yourself to Allah. Only then will love of Allah become an endless capital for you that will last forever. Happiness is there, for this love is the source of happiness.

Now, what is the way of loving Allah and endearing yourself to Allah? You have to fulfil all offers and commands of Allah in Islam with pleasure, and you have to get away from prohibitions, and you should not do what Allah told you not to, but do what Allah certainly told you to do. You need to start by having faith (iman), good deeds (amal-e-saleh), and good morals (akhlaq). You need to fulfil your worships (ibadat), obligations (fards), necessities (wajibs), and sunnah (customs). You need to try to avoid harams, sins, and disliked things (makruh). You need to prove that you love Allah. According to the measures of the sharia (law) of Islam, the way of loving Allah is being a Muslim. In that case, know that Allah has loved you, therefore created you. Also, saw obedience in you and embraced and encompassed you with love.

Now, in this context I am giving example of an endless ocean, but this is only said as an example. Otherwise, Allah cannot be compared to anything else, nor can Allah be exemplified.

Only then will the ocean have accepted you, and you are in a droplet in the ocean of love, and you will be happy forever. There is no other possibility because fundamentally you love and you are loved. As you see I have tried to make an explanation to you regarding the matter. Now, of course, our arifs refer to loving Allah with a complete muhabbat as love. As for us, we call it muhabbatullah. We have explained that it means to love Allah and everything that Allah loves.

Now, Ibrahim Hakkı says the following:

 

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Aforementioned words have been attributed to Imam-i Rabbani. Now, Ibrahim Hakkı, kaddesallahu esrarahum says: “Love is a fire in the heart. It leaves nothing in the heart other than love of Allah.” He says that if love of Allah has entered into the heart, it will not leave any other kind of love. Says that it evicts others. We see that monotheism (tawhid iman) becomes one with true love. We see Allah’s unity (wahdat) and uniformity (wahdaniyat). The heart now recognizes Allah has a Rabb (Lord) who has no equals. True monotheism (tawhid) is manifested in the heart, and he says that if love of Allah enters into the heart it will evict other kinds of love. Who said it? Ibrahim Hakkı Erzurûmî said it, and he said well. He also says, “Lover of the Truth.” Meaning, those who have love of Allah are surely steadfast, pure, and clean people. That is, when this love settles into a person, truthfulness becomes a complete principle for him. He will not deviate from truthfulness, and turn into a pure and clean human being. He will keep his heart vigilant, and strive in order to stay away from mistakes. He says, “His heart is vigilant.” Then again, these words also belong to Ibrahim Hakkı Erzurûmî. Now, as you know love always longs for the Beauty (Jamal) of Allah Ta’ala. It will long for that, and live-in spiritual ecstasy (wajd). That spiritual ecstasy (wajd) is to long for beauty (jamal), it longs for Allah’s Beauty (Jamal), it knows it is in the presence of Allah, and lives the degree (daraja) of sincerity, and all beautiful things manifest.

Dear friends!

Let us talk about piety (taqwa) as well. A Muslim has to have love, piety (taqwa), godliness (‘wara), detachment (zuhd), and others because these are prerequisites. Now, as you know piety (taqwa) is to follow the measures of Islam, to fulfil your duty, to obey and worship, and abide by the canonical measures as you obey and worship, and to be extremely wary of Allah’s punishment. There is piety (taqwa) if there is obedience but not rebellion. Therefore, many commentators describe it as fearing Allah and avoiding sins. See the 76^th verse of Surah Ali Imran [3]: “O Rabb! Bestow upon me knowledge (ilm), science, piety (taqwa), health, and sincerity (ihlas).” That is a prayer (dua) of our Prophet. You know our prophets used to recite it as a prayer (dua) when you read that verse and similar verses. Now, let me read you the original text of this prayer (dua).

The hodja recites the original text of the prayer (dua).

This is one of the prayers (duas) that our Prophet would recite often. It is one of the excellent prayers (duas). Every saying, word, and action of our Prophet is exemplary for humanity for he is the leader.

 

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Do not miss, do not neglect! Understand Habib-e-Kibriya Muhammad Mustafa well for there are verbal sunnah, actional sunnah, taqrir sunnah, and also there are divine laws and rules that have been brought forth for the happiness of all humanity which Prophet Muhammad implemented. They all have been prepared according to fundamentals of happiness, and they are for saving humanity from loss and infelicity.

Dear friends! After this prayer (dua) of our Prophet, let us say it is piety (taqwa) to hold fast to commands, and it is also piety (taqwa) to stay clear of prohibitions, and this also means you are a person of ‘wara. In addition to taqwa, ‘wara is a little bit advanced because it is the name of abstaining from even uncertain things. So, people will be saved from all dangers if they abstain from uncertain things.

So, the contents of ‘wara save people from uncertain things because there is a possibility that there may be harm in uncertain things, and it is necessary to be precautious against such possibility just in case. ‘Wara is a complete guarantee when it comes to the sentiment of the heart and the structure of the soul along with your words and actions, your food, drinks, sleep, walks, and etc. It keeps a person away from uncertain and potentially dangerous things. People of ‘wara do not eat, drink, or wear anything uncertain. Let me give you a clear example. Also says, “The pedestal of your religion is ‘wara.” That is a word of the Prophet, and it is narrated as a hadith-i sharif. Our Master, Muhammad says, “The pedestal of your religion is ‘wara.”

Abu Hurairah (r.a.) says that the ones who are valued in the presence of Allah on the Last Day are people of ‘wara and people of zuhd. He says that on the Last Day, in the presence of Allah, the best and most valued people are people of ‘wara and people of zuhd. Naturally, there are much more than these but let us try to achieve these things at first. Now, there is no gossip in people of ‘wara. They do not gossip about anyone. The people of ‘wara should not gossip. They should also not have bad suspicions about believers, and one should not call anyone bad unless there is certain proof. Besides, one should not call anyone a kāfir unless a certain proof is found.

 

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Pay attention because whoever Allah calls a kāfir in the Quran; Al-Quran Al-Karim says nothing to anyone in person because it does not give names. It only narrates the qualities that make a person a kāfir. It does not give people’s names because it came to save humanity. That is why a Muslim who is a man of ‘wara has no bad suspicions with regards to it. That person mocks nobody, and does not ever looks at women with haram intention; he should not because there are endless and boundless halals. So, why are you looking at harams while there are halals? Do not look at harams, and appreciate the halals. Also, get married and never resort to haram. Do not even incline towards it! There are halal bounties of Allah. There are endless bounties, and non-fading comfort. Be under the command of Allah and nourish with halals by abiding by Allah’s commands.

Do not resort to haram, and don’t you ever look at someone with ill intentions! Appreciate halals one by one, and see other women as if they are your own sisters, mothers, brother’s wife, or see them as your own aunt.

The hodja recites a part of the 10^th verse of al-Hujurat [49].

“The faithful are indeed brothers,” know this at first. From a religious perspective a woman who is halal for you is the one you marry, and she is a sister in religion but still she is your wife and is halal for you because you are married.

As for other women, there are women whom you cannot marry, and there are women whom you don’t. You have to see them as your sisters and also see them as sisters in religion and faith because you can never be married with everyone, and there are certain women whom you cannot marry. Nobody except the women whom you marry are halal for you. Pay attention to this! Appreciate marriage because it is a fundamental and divine law in Islam. There is nothing like imam marriage or hodja marriage in the religion, there is only the law of Allah, and the marriage occurs according to that law.

There are elements, necessities, and traditions (sunnah) of marriage. The basis of marriage is based on true faith (iman), and being true Muslims. That is why, fundamentally, marriage has correlation with divine law and faith (iman), and it is nothing but Allah’s laws, therefore Muslims who are people of ‘wara are to shield themselves from all harams and sins including zinā of eyes, zinā of lips, zinā of ears, zinā of hand or feet, and also all types of other zinā. That is among primary directives of Muslims who are people of ‘wara. For that, no conceit or arrogance should be in a Muslim who is a man of ‘wara. Then, he should earn his earning in a halal manner, and spend it on halal things.

 

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You should also know well that if a position has been given to you, then you need to perceive it as a position of service, and you will not use it with conceit, greed, using authority to impose on others, or forcing people because it is not a position of cruelty. Everyone has a duty no matter which position or chair they have, and all of those are positions of service, and they are entrustments. You should not betray the entrustment, and know that position as a position of service, and you need to be of service and fulfil your duty to Allah. “The best people are those who benefit others.”

That is, those who are bring beneficial services to humanity. They are the best people among humanity. Otherwise, you may attain position and chair, but if you are using your chair for evil then nobody is eviller. You need to get your head straight! People of ‘wara pay attention to these things because they have to, and every Muslim should become a man of ‘wara. Therefore, it is important not to miss the understanding of religion that Islamic scholars of Ahlus-Sunnah brought forth because people do not know everything. Do you know how many people claim they know Al-Quran Al-Karim, sunnah (customs), ijma (consensus) and qiyas (analogy) from a to z? See, our mujtahids and Islamic scholars of Ahlus-Sunnah gave their lives to these subjects and they know them well. They have left so many authentic sources and scholarly works. They have left so many great works with regards to itiqad (creed), amal (practice), akhlaq (morals), and fiqh (jurisprudence). They are such grand discoverers and philosophers.

Imam al-Azam, Imam al-Malik, Imam al-Shafi’i, and Imam al-Hanbali and every one of our mujtahid scholars are discovers and explorers, they are the grand jurists and grand philosophers. Now, those who don’t see anything but their own go about searching their philosophers, and they will not accept any other philosopher.

We are not among them. We appreciate the beneficial qualities of everyone who makes scientific studies for the better good of humanity whether they are from the East or the West. Knowledge is the joint capital of all humanity. Knowledge and wisdom are the lost properties of all humanity, and they should be obtained regardless of where they are found.

Yes, my dearest friends!

Let me remind you of a saying of Hasan al-Basri, kuddise sirruh, rahmatullahi alayhim ajmain, for all our Islamic scholars, may Janâb-i Haqq bestow abundant rahmat (mercy/blessing) and forgiveness upon our devotees (zahids), mentors (murshids), mashaikhs, and all people of knowledge and wisdom. May Allah bestow upon all believers plenty of forgiveness and rahmat. May Allah guide all people and the djinn to sirat al-mustaqim (the straight path). Yes friends, Hasan al-Basri says, “An atom’s weight of ‘wara is better than one thousand supererogatory fast or namāz.”

 

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See, it is said here that an atom’s weight of ‘wara is better than one thousand supererogatory fast or namāz. Why is it like that? See, an atom’s weight of ‘wara is better than one thousand days of supererogatory fasting or performing one thousand rak’ah of namāz, why is it? Now, let’s say a person is performing supererogatory worship but he is not a person of ‘wara, and he gossips about people, is unjust to people, and does not make a distinction between halal and haram… You see, that person has earned nothing. People who do not make a distinction between halal and haram, who are not people of ‘wara will lose all their earnings and they will bankrupt. Now, he has to be a man of ‘wara, and we have listed a few articles, but even if he is one of these and he has gossiped, then gossip is still a rightful due. It is among major sins. Now, it is said that gossip is on par with zinā (unlawful sex), and even zinā has certain degrees, but they are all major sins and they are bad. However, some sins are greater than others. For example, gossip is among the evillest and biggest sins. See, a man makes gossip and he knows he is gossiping, but he denies that he has gossiped. There is another danger here, which is that a person may become a disbeliever (kafir) when he denies the proof he has gossiped. That is why we should be people of ‘wara.

Dear friends,

So far, we have given you sacred meanings of sacred verses, and next to the discovery notes on them, we are also giving you certain notes regarding its soul. These are the notes in Al-Quran Al-Karim’s soul, discovery notes, and are very important. One of them is detachment (zuhd). Zuhd al-taqwa (detachment and piety). Now, as you know, detachment (zuhd) is to protect yourself from doing too much or too little even when it comes to permissible (mubah) things.

It is also to be able to keep the balance with regards to the world and worldly things. Worldly things should not enter into the heart. The world cannot penetrate the heart where there is detachment (zuhd). You are to mount on the world like a horse, but the world may not penetrate your heart in any m atter, and you are to use the world. For example, you need to be predominant over money, not the other way. You are to be in command of your soul (nafs), not the other way around. That is why Allah’s laws are predominant in the spiritual world of people of detachment (zuhd). An angel recites and preaches Al-Quran Al-Karim in the throne of the heart that has detachment (zuhd). That angel is also called Angel of Hilim. It is also said that another name of that angel is Murad. Now, if a person’s heart has detachment (zuhd), then that angel called Murad will recite the Quran non-stop. See, if divine sovereignty has been established in your heart and soul, and divine order has been established in their contents, then truth of detachment (zuhd) has emerged.

 

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This is called a spiritual detachment (zuhd). Some call it hidden detachment (bāṭin-i zuhd) which is also correct. There is also literal detachment (zahiri zuhd) which means to live Islam correctly, and your inner world should also be like that. When the angel named Hilim or Murad starts reciting the Quran and its principles non-stop in your heart’s throne, you will start getting that inspiration. You get inspiration when somebody around you recites the Quran, and also when someone inside you narrates the Quran. You may not always get the chance to listen to the Quran, but the angel in you is always with you. That is why it is necessary to establish inner and outer detachment (zuhd). Only then will a person becomes a man of detachment (zuhd), and then peace will occur in his inner world, and he will find peace. Besides, the reason and wisdom (hikmat) behind that angel’s name being Murad is that such a situation became necessary, and it has to be present in every person. If that has not occurred in a Muslim, then he should endeavour to make it happen.

He is to get educated and improve himself. You need to be in a place where true lessons of it is being taught, which is a school of tasawwuf. Nobody will know what to do with tasawwuf before they finish the school of sharia (law), they will go mad and people will call them crazy. So, you shall first finish the school of sharia (law), and the start the school of tasawwuf. You need to enroll at that school and abide by people of tasawwuf.

You should not set off with blind people. If you do, then they will turn you into one of them, they will throw you into pits and there will be fire, monsters, snakes, and centipedes in those pits. So, do not set off with those who have been blinded, rather abide by those who know the Quran clear as the day, and those who know the sunnah (customs), ijma (consensus), and qiyas (analogy), they are true mentors (murshid). A person who has no knowledge cannot become a mentor just because his father was one.

So, what happens if you follow them? Let’s say you looked at his turban, jubbah, and long beard but you did not look at his inner world. You should leave looking at appearance for later, at first see if he has knowledge (ilm) and wisdom (irfan)? Does he abide by his knowledge (ilm)? You should observe two things firstly. One: He must have full knowledge (ilm). Two: He must abide by his knowledge (ilm), do good deeds with his knowledge (ilm). It all begins with these two things but it is not limited to these two. Yet, it starts with these two articles. Do not say you haven’t heard!

Detachment (zuhd) brings peace to the body and soul, and the person will have fulfilled his purpose. Whoever has detachment (zuhd), it emerges where sharia (law) has been completed. So, you need to finish the school of sharia (law) which is the faculty or ecole of sharia (law). You need to finish in theory and in practice. Only then will zuhd al-taqwa (detachment and piety) will emerge. That is where happiness begins, and the gates of tasawwuf open. The gates of ma’rifa start opening, and discoveries will be made.

 

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Then you will start understanding what you read, and start understanding better, and you will also start making other discoveries. You will start deducing the unknown from the known, and you will discover things. Otherwise, some people say they have every answer, but that is not the case. For one thing, what is meant here is something literal, exoteric. It is a sign. It is a literal image, and it has to represent knowledge (ilm). What is that knowledge (ilm)? Well, the person has to enroll at the school of sharia (law), and unite his knowledge, actions, and morals. Then, the person will not only know about morals, but implement them in his life. Lessons about this should be given, and it has to be moderate. That should happen by abiding by authentic proofs, documents, and evidence. Otherwise, you cannot simply cover your eyes and go sit on a corner. It is not like you can throw a piece of rag on yourself and count beads. That is not enough, and that has nothing to do with knowledge (ilm). You need to establish a correlation with knowledge (ilm) and do these afterwards. We don’t say, “Don’t do it.” Establish a correlation with knowledge (ilm), study true knowledge (ilm), put it into action, do that as well but do it moderately. See, if you push obligations (fard) to back and bring supererogatory things forward, then you will never have time to fulfil the obligations (fard). If you bring forwards supererogatory things and push all obligations (fard), necessities (wajib), customs (sunnah), and other things back, then you will never have time to fulfil the obligations (fard). There won’t be a sharia (law), tariqa (school), haqiqa (reality), or ma’rifa (spiritual knowledge) that way. So, be moderate and balance it. That is why chastening of soul (nafs) and spirit (ruh) should be established gradually, and lessons about it should be given.

Muhammad Hadimi says, “Two rak’ah of namāz performed by a devoted scholar is better than the namāz a non-devoted person has performed throughout his life.” See, Muhammad Hadimi said that, and he is among elders of Islam, so pay attention. That said, there are verses mentioned in al-Jaami‘ as-Sagheer about this matter.

Now, he says that two rak’ah of namāz performed by a devoted scholar is better than the namāz a non-devoted person has performed throughout his life. So, it means that detachment (zuhd) and devotion (zahit) are very important, and it is not enough to say you are a Muslim.

Friends, there are rules, scholarly requirements, lessons, and schools of this. Just like you start schooling a kid from elementary school, and then you send him to middle school, high school, and university. These gradual studies are divine lessons. The lessons of Islam are true and haqq lessons sent by Allah who sent it to us from al-Lawh al-Mahfuz (the Sacred Tablet), arş-i ala (the ninth heaven). Should we not learn it better? Let us take a look at the Baghdad ecole. Look at the ecole of Horasan and Nishapur. See people like Junayd of Baghdad and Bayazid Bastami. See Abdulkarim Kuseyri, Shah Naqshband, Abdul Qadir Gilani, Imam al-Rabbani, and others. See the figures who are leaders of this ecole, kaddesallahu esrarahum. They have educated sharia (law), tasawwuf (sufism), and body and the soul in an excellent manner.

 

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They developed them and made their heart accept the meaning of the Quran. You see, pleasure occurs when meanings visit the heart and encompass the soul. Then, the heart starts drinking it, and this is called şirb. This happiness continues to exist, and this is called r’ay. Our arifs in tasawwuf, kaddesallâhu esrârahum, say these. This r’ay, this happiness will continue to develop and upgrade.

That is, it will upgrade into a higher state than the one it is already in. This is called daraja – degree. As for daraka – it means degradation it is goes downwards, but daraja – degree goes higher. Now, what is the next degree for a person who is between hope (khawf) and fear (raja)? His next degree will be openness (bast) and contraction (qabd). These are all states. The heart will continue to advance towards state of peace, state of grandeur, state of pleasure, and it will go on until it reaches the degree of māhur and sahur. It will reach ‘fanā and baqa’. We always need the right terms. We need to obtain the right terms because wrong ones will ruin you.

Those who don’t understand term right, misunderstand it, and miscomprehend it, lead the matter into incarnation, reincarnation etc, and they throw themselves into polytheism (shirk). They also do all that in the name of sharia (law), tasawwuf (sufism), and tariqa (school). They ruin themselves by jumping into polytheism (shirk). Now, pay close attention because I will say this again so that you may protect yourself from these dangers. Do not go on a journey with blind-hearted people, rather help them find the way, and be a steadfast person yourself.

We don’t have any words against blind people, we’re not referring to people with disability. We are referring to those whose hearts and souls are blind. There are people who are spiritually blind with impaired hearts. See, blind people cannot see, but they are not considered handicapped. These are physical aspects. However, true handicap is not visual handicap but the handicap of the heart.

Don’t you ever subject to those who fool around in ignorance who say they will take you to the Real (al-Haqq) whose hearts are blind, who have no knowledge (ilm) or wisdom (irfan). If you have become one of them, then save yourself. Save yourself from that so that you may find salvation. Seek the truth, and find knowledge (ilm), wisdom (irfan), and true ma’rifa. If you fall into wrongs, be ignorant and blind, a go on a journey with blinds, then you won’t get a break.

 

Time Stamp: 50:10

 

Your life will end and you will wake up when you die. See you had thought you were a Muslim but you will die as a Buddhist or a Hindu. You will realize that you have been living Greek Philosophy later, for the falsehoods of the East and the West had deceived you, and somebody had called them sufism (tasawwuf). Pay attention! Foreign falsehoods got mixed in. The remedy of all that is that Islam is a light brighter than the Sun. Know Islam. Know the aqidah (creed) aspect of Islam. Know the kalam (utterance) aspect of Islam. Know the fiqh (jurisprudence) aspect of Islam. These are fake people of awliya who reject the Quran. These are fake people of awliya who are devoid of the Sunnah. There are people of awliya who neglect the sharia (law). There are people of awliya who ignore the mujtahids. They are embodiments of falsehood.

See those who consider themselves people of awliya by ostracizing fundamental sources of truth, some of them are Buddhists, and some are Greekists. They may be Eastern or Western, it does not matter. They have deviated from the Real (al-Haqq). You see Mawlānā saying he is a servant of Al-Quran Al-Karim. What does he say? He says he is a servant of it. He also says he is a dust in the way of Muhammad. But you see some people who call themselves people of awliya who do not abide by the Quran. Mawlānā says he is a slave of the Quran, but some people look down on you when you ask, “Which exegesis (tafsir) should we read?” they say it doesn’t matter because you should not read any of them. Why?

They impose what they understood and wrote. They are not people of awliya, they are the deviants who deviate people from the way of awliya. They also sarcastically ask things like, “Are you going to read the exegesis (tafsir) of Elmalılı, Nasuhi, or some other? Just don’t read any of them,” they say. They don’t suggest books to read, if only they did. They say these tafsirs are falsehoods of people. That is slander and enormity against the Quran and those authors. See, they have all written well. Elmalılı had written well, and so had Nasuhi Bilmen and Çantay. If there are different comments in others you will not take those parts, but its fundamental is clear.

Does anyone have the chance to alter the original text of Al-Quran Al-Karim? You may recite the Quran; it expresses only the truth. However, everyone expresses the truth only as much as they can, so you should read it all because when you read all exegesis’ (tafsirs) you will have actually read only one exegesis (tafsir). They all support each other, and they add value to each other. One exegesis (tafsir) adds richness to other, and the other enriches another. That said, the authentic narrations which people base their comments on, should be researched and if the points they stand upon are authentic in terms of both narration (riwayat) and comprehension (dirayat), then they can be taken. You can take from all of them. The stronger ones are to be taken if there are weak ones. They do not say these but still consider themselves people of awliya.

 

Time Stamp: 55:00

 

They even insult Mawlānā. They misunderstood the Mawlā, and they misrepresent Mawlā to people, just like those who divinized Isa (a.s.) and claim he is a God and Allah’s son. You see, some people do those in spite of the Quran, by ostracizing the Quran, by ostracizing the Sunnah, and they reject all fiqh (jurisprudence) books, and on top of that they call themselves jurists. Whereas they could not understand anything from fiqh books. See, the books that narrate Al-Quran Al-Karim in the real sense are fiqh books. That is, the fiqh books of Ahlus-Sunnah wa’l-Jama’ah that are written by mujtahids. They are neither people of awliya nor people of anbiya for they are partly nonsense. They reflect badly on our true awliya, they hinder true tasawwuf or sufism because they call people to themselves, and claim they know something.

Their minds have been deviated completely by one side, their eyes have been veiled and they see nothing but one thing, they cannot see anything else. Their own egocentricity has become a big veil over their eyes, but they talk about the chastening of the soul (nafs). Their souls (nafs) have become a big veil over their eyes. I repent and ask for forgiveness thousands of times if I have the same condition. If someone says the truth I will stay appreciated. I appreciate everyone who says the truth. The truths belong to us all, and wrongs bring loss to all of us. Wrongs are harmful and rights are beneficial for everyone.

Let us correct each other’s wrongs with rights. Sincerity or ihlas has been mentioned after detachment or zuhd. Now, love, piety (taqwa), to refrain from harams (Wara‘), detachment (zuhd) and sincerity (ihlas). Ma’rifa, ilm-i ledun, certainty (yaqeen), and character are qualities of the soul that should be present in every Muslim’s soul. As for sincerity (ihlas) it means performing your worships only for Allah. The Messenger of Allah, our Master (asw) had said the following as he had appointed Muadh ibn Jabal as Governor of Yemen: “Perform your worships sincerely.” See, he told Muadh ibn Jabal to perform his worships sincerely.

Pay attention! Even on the Last Day, the these sincerely done small deeds come to your rescues. So, it means that all worship done insincerely will be of no use to you. They will not benefit you. So, it has to be sincere. You shall do your worship only for Allah. You shall not have a second thought, a hidden agenda. You shall think of nothing else with your soul or body. If you do, then you need to rectify them with truths, and answer them with sincere answers.

 

Time Stamp: 1:00:00

 

You shall deny the things that are to be denied. Now, if you ask what ma’rifa is, then it is – to know Almighty Allah. It is to endeavour to know Allah (c.c.) as is due. Allah can be known by the Book that is the Quran, by asmāʾ (names) and qualities (evsaf), and all the things in the universe that were created. The existence of Allah is more manifest than everything. That said, when veils start covering the hearts and souls… Meaning, when veils of disbelief (kufr), polytheism (shirk), egocentrism, and conceit come over the heart, it cannot see the Real (al-Haqq) anymore. It can neither see nor accept. That is why ma’rifa and marifatullah is to know Allah as is due. Masum Faruki has stated that izzat (honour) is associated with faith (iman) and ma’rifa (knowledge), not with position or prosperity. What does he say here? He says that you should not forget that izzat (honour) is possible through faith (iman) and ma’rifa (knowledge). If a person has an izzat, a high dignity and honour, then it is bound to his recognition of Allah, which is marifatullah, and izzat is here. You will fall into polytheism (shirk) if you do not recognize Allah the way that suits the glory of Allah. It is polytheism (shirk) and disbelief (kufr) to misknow Allah. It is polytheism (shirk) and disbelief (kufr) when you ascribe partners to Allah whereas Allah is One. That is why people should know Allah Ta’ala correctly with all asmāʾ (names), qualities (evsaf), works, and the Book that is the Quran. That is why the hodja – teacher of every truth is Prophet Muhammad. Prophet Muhammad (asw) is the hodja (teacher) of all truths. He is the leader, pioneer, and a guide and a good example in every matter.

That said, Ahmed b. Hadraveyh says the following on ma’rifa. Ma’rifa is to love Allah by the heart, remember Allah by the tongue, and abandon hope from everything other than Allah. You see, it is to abandon hope from everything and set your hopes on Allah. You will win everything when you set your hopes on Allah. It is also important to get this right, for Allah creates the causes as well. Allah is the cause of all causes, and it is Allah who creates the causes; therefore, it is necessary to try to get these matters right. May Janâb-i Haqq give everyone keen vision.

Yes, that is what he said. Moreover, Ebu’l Kasım Nasrabadi says, “It is to fulfil the obligations (fard) and sunnah (customs) as is due, to follow the sunnah, to follow Prophet Muhammad as is due, and to subject to the sharia (law) and commands of Islam.” He says that marifatullah cannot happen without these. So, marifatullah is not possible without subjecting to the sharia (law), rules, and commands of Islam.

 

Time Stamp: 1:05:00

 

There is also rebellion to Allah there. There wasn’t recognition but non-recognition there, never! Marifatullah is to know Allah by the heart and the soul. Besides, marifatullah is when your heart and soul know Allah with every fibre of their being, and love Allah with every fibre of their being, and accept that it is their obligation to obey, follow the rules, and fulfil the commands. That is a necessity of being a servant (qul). The servant (qul) is obliged to fulfil the necessities of being a servant (qul) with all of his being.

That is why Imam-i Rabbani said that a person who has worldly love in his heart as much as a mustard seed has no possibility of attaining marifatullah. What does he say? He says that if a person’s heart has as much worldly love as a mustard seed, then there cannot be marifatullah in him. That is what Imam-i Rabbani said. So, it means that you are to know Allah wholeheartedly, and you shall not have worldly love, but you shall love Allah wholeheartedly.

We see the following when we read a prayer (dua) of our Prophet.

The hodja recites the original text of the prayer (dua).

He says, “O Allah! Make me love you with all my heart.” See, he says, “Let me love you with all my heart, and make me a servant (qul) who loves you like that.” But he says, “with all my heart.” See, he says, “bi kalbi kullih. In the end, he says, “ve urdike bi cehti kullih.” He says, “Let me be a servant (qul) of You who works for Your pleasure (riza) with every fibre of his being,” and adds, “make me such a person.” You see, you are to love Allah with all your heart and all your soul.

It is not like some parts of the heart were created by someone else, and nor the earth was partially created by some other being. Almighty Allah personally created the entire creation. Therefore, all creation, foremost humanity, is to know the Creator with every fibre of its being. It is a duty to know and love Allah with the heart and the soul, and all physical and spiritual abilities. It is also a duty to obey and not revolt against Allah. That said, it is an obligation to ask for success from Allah.

Dear friends!

Let us briefly mention ilm-u ledun as well. Now, this is a knowledge (ilm) about mysteries, it is a science of ma’rifa. Janâb-i Haqq bestows it upon certain special servants (qul), foremost Prophet Muhammad and other Prophets as well certain awliyas and walis. The knowledge (ilm) given to them is a special type of knowledge (ilm), and it is said that the knowledge (ilm) of Khidr (a.s.) is ilm-u ledun. There is a journey of Musa (a.s.) and Khidr (a.s.) narrated in the 65^th verse of Surah al-Kahf [18], and there are reflections of ilm-u ledun upon the world. About ilm-u ledun, if a person becomes sincere and honest Muslim and comprehends the sharia (law) and ma’rifa (spiritual knowledge), then Allah may bestow ilm-u ledun upon him.

 

Time Stamp: 1:10:10

 

For example, there are Islamic scholars who know chemistry flawlessly. Then again, it is said that Khidr (a.s.) himself knew chemistry perfectly. That said, ilm-i ledun is a knowledge that is about mysteries and hidden secrets, and Janâb-i Haqq bestows it upon the servants (qul) whom Janâb-i Haqq wills. As this firasat (keen vision) becomes powerful in a person, and as lights of firasat become stronger in his heart, ilm-i ledun starts to reveal itself. These are divine inspirations, bestowments and bounties given by Allah.

There is also yaqeen, which means certainty. Our Prophet says, “There has not been a better bestowment than staying away from sins, being firm in terms of certainty, health, and spirit,” in a hadith-i sharif. See, nothing better than certainty and health have been given.

He said, “So, ask one of these two things from Allah.” That is, certainty and health. The things that our Prophet wanted most are yaqeen (certainty) and riza (pleasure). He wanted state of riza (pleasure), and one of the things he wanted most was health. Now, what is yaqeen? It is certain faith (iman) and certain knowledge. Al-Quran Al-Karim is ilm-ul-yaqeen, meaning it is Allah’s book, and it is certainly true. That said, yaqeen iman (certain belief) which is certain and there is no doubts or wrongs in it.

That is why the beginning of Al-Quran Al-Karim says, “وبِالآخِرَةِ هُمْ يُوقِنُونَ” and the “يُوقِنُونَ” there means who certainly believe in the afterlife. In that verse, those who certainly believe in afterlife with certain faith are mentioned. So, it means that yaqeen means absolute and certain faith (iman). That said, it has to be based on certain sources such as the Quran, sunnah, and fundamental and certain sources of Islam. The faith (iman) that surfaces with these certain sources is called yaqeen iman (certain belief) if there is no doubt in it. See, it is called yaqeen – certain. There is also maiyet which means that the person has to know and remember that Allah sees him at all times. He will not forget that he is always with the One he loves when he loves his Rabb (Lord) completely. Therefore, Muhammad Baqi Billah says, “The way of maiyet is one of the ways of jazba – pleasure. If a person is to meet Allah through maiyet, then he may meet Allah without intercessors. “A person is with the One whom he loves,” this is a hadith-i sharif. If you truly love Allah, and Allah loves you as well, then maiyet will occur, and you will know that you are in the presence of Allah, and you will continue to serve Allah by preserving your love and respect towards Allah, and you will not forget that you are with Allah, and you will not forget that Allah is closer to you than yourself.

You will find yourself in the huzur al-ilahi (divine peace) that is called maiyet, because Allah sees you at all times. Insha ‘Allah, you will have attained the state of being together with the Rabb (Lord) by Allah’s grace (lutf) when you continue to worship by loving and respecting as if you see Allah.

 

Time Stamp: 1:15:40

 

–          The End        –

Al-Quran Al-Kareem – Tafsir (Exegesis) Lesson 229

 

I seek shelter in Allah from the rejected Satan. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Dear listeners!

Let me try to give you answers as regards to certain questions that are asked. Our Prophet had taught various prayers (duas) to his beloved and distinguished companions (ashab-i gûzin) with regards to the prayers (duas) that are recited after namāz. Therefore, it is not required to recite the same prayer (dua) every moment. Besides, there are various prayers (duas) according to the conditions you are in, and they have different meanings. So, you may evaluate the conditions you are in and the contents of the prayers (duas) in Al-Quran Al-Karim and the Sunnah and recite them according to circumstances you are in. This is a more realistic approach. Some people learned a single prayer (dua) as if there is no other prayer (dua) in Al-Quran Al-Karim, and as if there is no other prayer (dua) that our Prophet used to recite. Some people try to condition people to the same prayer (dua). Now, every legitimate prayer (dua) is good whether it is recited at the end of namāz or other times, and we see that our Prophet used to recite a great variety of prayers (duas) according to circumstances he found himself in. What is suitable to sharia (law), sunnah (tradition), aql (reason), and maslahat (public interest) is for the ummah (people) to do the same, and that is contemporariness. Islam calls all eras to run after itself. It summons all eras to catch itself. Islam is too advanced, but Muslims are condemned to fall behind as long as they do not discover Islam well. Also, those who know Islam well are obliged to be in advance, and they are pioneers. They are at the top. History witnesses, but the real witnesses are Al-Quran Al-Karim and Prophet Muhammad, and Almighty Allah personally brought them forth. That is why, dearest friends, it is good to get rid of this “fanaticism” obsession, and that is an obligation upon us all.

Friends, they ask about the prayer (dua) of Salaten Tuncina. Now, Salaten Tuncina is a good prayer (dua) with its meaningful content. However, there are certain assertions that suggest it was not heard from our Prophet and it is not based on hadith-i sharifs, and that is correct. That said, prayers (duas) that suit the reality can be recited. Salaten Tuncina is also among our beautiful prayers (duas), and it can be recited for there is no harm in reciting it. There are certain claims of Ibn-ul Qayyim. El Emir Es-San’ani also said that say it is not right for the imam, the congregation (jama’ah), or people who perform namāz alone to recite Salaten Tuncina. It is narrated that El Emir Es-San’ani also said that it is not right for the imam, the congregation (jama’ah), or people who perform namāz alone to recite Salaten Tuncina. We have grand Islamic scholars (âlims) who say this claim of theirs have been rejected. For example, âlims such as Ibn-i Hajar, Zafer Ahmed et- Tehânevî who is remembered as Tânevî gave proper replies.

 

Time Stamp: 5:05

 

 

There are even narrations that show the prayers (duas) recited after namāz area better. See, some people read a hadith-i sharif, and heard those who say prayer (dua) is recited after fards, but they did not hear or know the hadiths that say it should be recited after namāz; do they even have the chance to neglect many hadith-i sharifs? This is one of the wrongs that Ibn-i Qayyim, and some people from that ecole, and other ecoles that are out of Ahlus-Sunnah wa’l-Jama’ah have made. There are many other wrongs as well.

Some ask whether it is correct to direct your palms to the floor while reciting a prayer (dua). Many authorities like Ennevenî and Ibn Hajar who are knowledgeable and scholarly figures narrate that our Prophet used to put his hands like that in times of natural disasters and troubled settings so that the trouble or disaster may be removed. These âlims of ours say these are based on reality. However, more often than not our Prophet would direct his palms to heavens and lift his hands up to his shoulders when reciting prayer (dua). He only directed the back of his hands to heavens on certain extraordinary circumstances. This type of prayers (duas) has been recited for requesting rain, in times of trouble and disaster, and during famine. That said, we see many of our brothers avoid recite a prayer (dua) even with congregation (jama’ah). They reckon that is right. Now, these are our brothers who don’t see anything but the tip of his tongue. Yes, they have seen something, but there are much more noble (asîl) sources they have not seen. They couldn’t understand the Quran. They couldn’t understand the Sunnah entirely. They could not go into all sources of authentic sunnah. They also neglected the grand mujtahid âlims in the madhab (school). They interpreted it at their own sweet will, and they were wrong. They are a minority in terms of numbers, but there are still people whom they influence. Let’s hear our advice and admonition to these brothers of ours. They are still our brothers even with their mistakes. However, they should study better sources, and carry out academical research. In order for one to speak out against a madhab (school) or a mujtahid ecole, one has to thoroughly study all sources that the mujtahids of the ecole base their thoughts on. One can’t simply speak out against just because someone said something. Those who take someone’s gum from their mouth and start chewing it get sick. They should beware of this as well. A gum that has already been chewed can’t be chewed again. Somebody made a claim and you are imitating him and chewing on the same gum. That has no correlation whatsoever with knowledge (ilm), truth (haqiqa), honour, or dignity.

 

Time Stamp: 10:05

 

Also, thoroughly study the sources. Do you have the strength to study Al-Quran Al-Karim from beginning to end? No, you don’t. But you have fanaticism. Besides, those who have strength already study it. We advise those who do to study it better. There are many matters that we do not understand. Explore them well, and do not blindly criticize the mujtahids. Criticizing mujtahids, the ulama of ahlus-sunnah, and all ecoles in ahlus-sunnah along with ostracizing the four madhabs and impose others is like burning your own palace down and calling people to a tent you made out of rusty barrels. Beware of that! The four madhabs and its mujtahids know Al-Quran Al-Karim, the Sunnah, and the way of Ahlus-Sunnah billions of times better than you. The mentality that promotes being without a madhab (school) is doing wrong because those who don’t know need those who know.

All mujtahids in the madhab (school) who know Islam, the Quran, and the Sunnah are pioneers of those who don’t know. So, have you schooled everyone in the world and they all became mujtahids? Is that why you don’t need mujtahids anymore? Is it because everyone became a mujtahid? How many mujtahids do you have in the world? Irregularity occurs when you declare ignorant people as mujtahids. If you give the positions to ignorant rather than competent, and see ignorant people giving legal opinion (fatwa), then there won’t be anything left in the name of Islam. Is that what you are trying to achieve?

Do not do that. Is it not Al-Quran Al-Karim that say, “Entrust every work to its competent person?” The istinbat ulama and mujtahids also said it. Can everyone become an istinbat scholar (âlim) or a mujtahid? Do you even know the prerequisites of becoming a mujtahid? That is why the nourishment of the heart is authentic knowledge (ilm). So, you should nourish your heart with real things, with real knowledge (ilm) because there cannot be real aqeeda (creed) without real knowledge (ilm). You cannot cure a sickness by swallowing the wrong pill. You cannot look for truth in wrongs, for you cannot find it there.

That said, destroying the truth and going after ignorant and crooked people is not a service to Islam, rather it is a blind obsession of lack of madhab (school). Some of our true âlims who identified lack of madhab (school) have said that it is a bridge to non-religiousness. They said that lack of madhab (school) is a bridge to non-religiousness. Some say it is the greatest act of evil that can be done to Islam.

Therefore, let us beware of what we do. For one thing, let us preserve our past and present grand Islamic scholars (âlims). Let us protect them, let us pray for them, and also endeavour to raise greater mujtahids who follow their way, and also let us unite all mujtahids of the world. Let us establish consultative council (shura), and let us establish ijma (consensus) from shura (council).

Now, what is shura (council) for ijma (consensus)? It is its essence and core. Let us establish ijma (consensus), and let us ensure the unity of Islam in the world, and Islamic brotherhood. Al-Quran Al-Karim commands the unity of Islam, right? Does it not talk about brotherhood of faith?

The hodja partly recites the 103th verse of Surah Ali Imran [3].

 

Time Stamp: 15:00

 

Who do you think will grant us new homes when we burn down our own houses and cut the branch that we sit on? Do you think Westerners, or Masons will give us houses? Or do you think Zionists will give us houses? Did missionaries prepare new homes for us? Or which agents laid down traps? Did those who try to tear Islam down prepare a palace for you? Which unearned income did those who try to destroy brotherhood of Islam prepare for you so that you are also trying to destroy this unity? There has never been a problem between the four madhabs (schools) throughout history because they are all based on the Quran and the Sunnah. These were brought forth by the ecole that knows Islam. A school or madhab is the way of those who know Islam. That is the meaning of the word madhab. Madhab is the name of following the way of those who know Islam. The mujtahids know this matter better, but today, some people came forth saying, “nasara yansuru” and they read a translation or read about someone’s ideas, and think that he has read a tafsir – exegesis. After that, he read some hadiths narrated by someone in the hadith ecole, but has no idea about all. He doesn’t know anything about the view of the mujtahids of Ahlus-Sunnah on those hadiths.

He is unaware of the degrees, backings, and sanads of those hadiths. He is unaware of the overall findings of the mujtahids that are deduced from the total of those hadith-i sharifs. Then, some people come forth saying they dislike the true and real âlims of Ahlus-Sunnah. Then, they try to bring forth certain reformist and historicists mentalities that polish the apple for the West and East. You cannot put historicism before Al-Quran Al-Karim. The Quran is ahead of all eras. History, eras, and nations are destitute to walk behind Al-Quran Al-Karim. These movements began in the world after Islam came. Reforms and renaissances started along with scientific discoveries, and all these advancements began with Islam. If the Quran, sunnah, ummah, and qiyas were truly known, then you would have seen so many great discoveries in the world. As long as there are obstacles before true knowledge (ilm), the humanity will be left behind. There are obstacles before Islam. There are faithless powers that attack Islam, and there are ahlul bid’ah movements of people who are out of Ahlus-Sunnah, who misrepresent Islam and consider themselves Muslims. And there is nothing but complete ignorance in this. If you remove those obstacles, then Islam is bound to elevate humanity to the top. Why? Because Islam is divine, and there are no imperfections, mistakes, or shortcomings of Islam. Allah has perfected the religion, and completed the blessing, and has chosen Islam as our religion.

Janâb-i Haqq said the following.

The hodja recites a part of the 3^rd verse of Surah al-Maidah [5].

“Today, I have perfected your religion,” says Janâb-i Haqq. Is there more to say? See, the religion has been perfected, and if people cannot perfect themselves then it is because they do not know enough about the religion because the religion has been perfected and it is at its pinnacle. So, if majority of people cannot attain perfection, then you need to remove the obstacles before the religion, and then remove the obstacles in your brain, and get to know this religion properly, and discover it well. Only then everyone will attain perfection and be happy. Even all your enemies will be pleased with you because the religion of Islam came to save its own enemies as well.

 

Time Stamp: 20:00

 

The religion of Islam is such a table of mercy and blessing (rahmat) that it also makes its enemies eat and drink from it, and it presents and suggests the Real (al-Haqq) to them. However, it still leaves people free on the condition that they recognize the sovereignty of the Real (al-Haqq). That is why my dear friends, it is the salvation of the souls, hearts, minds, and consciences. So, how can you find free-will, complete freedom and safety? You can find it in knowing Islam well, and nourishing your heart and soul with true knowledge (haqq ilm) from its source. See, you cannot be happy by neglecting your heart and your soul. You should think about your stomach, flesh, bone, blood, and your own material pleasure but never neglect your heart and your soul. The nourishment of the heart and the soul is to understand Islam and Al-Quran Al-Karim correctly, and try to believe correctly, and to do good deeds (amal-e-saleh). As for the soundness of your body, you should eat halal and clean things and stay away from harams because there is harm in haram and sinful things. They will ruin your blood, flesh, stomach, organs and systems, and cells but why? Because you should not consume haram things or commit sin because the One who created you and me said that our bodies cannot be at ease, cannot find peace by doing so, and our innate nature (fitrah) will start to corrupt. Your creation (hilkat) and innate nature (fitrah) will start to corrupt. These are interbedded, your fitrah is in your hilkat, and your nature is in your fitrah. Janâb-i Haqq placed one within the other.

So how can you ensure the felicity and safety of all these? Allah told you to implement this prescription correctly, and gave it to you and me. We are to understand and narrate this prescription to humanity correctly. We need to read it correctly, and implement it correctly. Islam is the prescription of the life-giving light (nūr).

Now, do not consume haram things, there are so many products in the market and there are suspicious products being sold. Stay away from suspicious ones, this is called ‘wara which we mentioned in our previous lecture. So, what is ‘wara? It is to abandon doubtful things as well as harams.

Halal things are for the better good of humanity. All halals are for the benefit of humanity whereas all harmful things are to the detriment of humanity. However, when you determine what is halal and beneficial or haram and harmful you should abide by the command of Allah and the pleasure (riza) of Allah, and you need to comprehend the knowledge (ilm) behind the command of Allah, and you should not do that yourself. If you do that for Allah, then you will have saved yourself as well. If you do it for yourself and neglect Allah, then you will have worshipped yourself, and you will become a servant of your soul (nafs), or you will become someone else’s servant (qul). Be wary! It is Allah who brings forth all truths in this matter as well.

Fulfil the commands of Allah only because Allah commanded so. Acquire your knowledge (ilm), your education, your culture, all positions and chairs, and all your wealth for Allah, and spend them for Allah, and do these for Allah. Only then you will earn many things at once and you will never lose. However, if you neglect Allah, and the truths that Allah brought forth along with the commands, and do not care whether Allah exists or not, then why are you doing all that? You are either doing it for yourself or because somebody else commanded you to do. Then, you are either a slave of your soul (nafs), or someone else. Rather, be a servant (qul) of Allah. The belief of monotheism or tawhid is to say lā ʾilāha ʾillallāh muḥammadun rasūlullah, so back it with actions. See, people say this with their tongues but they don’t back it with actions, they even do the opposite. They filled themselves up to the brim with other things such as polytheism (shirk) but their tongues recite that. But their very lives spread polytheism (shirk), that is not good. That said, there are so many doubtful things.

 

Time Stamp: 25:25

 

Existence of many corporations who do not conform to the concepts of haram and halal is mentioned. You should be careful about them. A Muslim has to implement the prescription of Islam in his life, and the religion of the world is Islam. Now, he who calls himself a Muslim has to do something first, he has to correctly implement this divine prescription in his life. You should stay away from haram, sin, polytheism (shirk), disbelief (kufr), or corruption (nifaq). You should not be unfair to people and cheat them, rather he should only eat halal things. You should never cheat somebody of his rights, and never consume haram things. Now, there are two types of harams, one is li-aynihî and the other is li-gayrihî. Both are haram. For example, in terms of haram li-aynihî, wine and swine are directly haram. Now, these are haram li-aynihî. They are haram inside and outside. For example, Al-Quran Al-Karim says that swine itself is dirty, and no matter what you do to it is still haram li-aynihî. It is straight-up haram and dirty. That is what the prescription of Islam which Allah wrote says. It is not possible for us to clean swine in any way because it is straight-up dirty. Wine is also like that. Other examples are blood, and flesh of carrion. Carrion is animal that died by itself without slaughter.. Al-Quran Al-Karim says these are straight-up dirty, and there is no way of cleaning them. Similar things are also haram li-aynihî.

There are also haram li-gayrihî things. For example, a person has goods. Those goods are owned by him and they are his property, his right. Let’s say he say money. Let’s say he has crops. Let’s say he has beautiful cows and camels. Let’s say he has apples, fruits, and vegetables in his possession. Now, what are they? They are clean and halal things, but they are haram li-gayrihî to us because they belong to that person. You cannot consume those things because they belong to someone else.

These are not considered haram li-aynihî but haram li-gayrihî because it is someone else’s right, and you cannot consume someone else’s right. Therefore, you should nourish your blood, bones, flesh, cells, organs, and systems with halal food, these are very important but there are still more important things.

You need to have faith (iman) in your heart, and the principles of faith should be the principles of the Quran. You also need to study ilm (knowledge), and know things correctly. That is why the way of Ahlus-Sunnah wa’l-Jama’ah is indispensable. We need this ecole a lot. We need this school from the cradle to the grave, and we will study there until the grave. We will implement the sharia (law) of Islam that Muhammad brought to our heart and soul, inside and outside, along with true knowledge (ilm) and science, with love of Allah, with faith (iman) and the Quran, with the principles of Islam and the Quran.

Dhikr – remembrance is in it. Shukr – thankfulness is in it. Muhabbat – love is in it. Faith (iman) is in the centre of it. The Quran is in its throne, which is the true constitution of Islam. That is why nourish your soul, heart, and body with pure things, and implement the divine prescription well. See, this is the prescription of the life-giving light (nūr).

 

Time Stamp: 30:38

 

Do you want to find life? Hopping, jumping, dancing with music is nothing but a momentary happiness, it is a sport. However, they are nothing next to true happiness. That said, these corrupt a person inside and outside when they do not suit measures of legitimacy. They will even snatch away your peace, and then the Shaitan (Devil) will play and you will dance. The Shaitan (Devil) will sit at the throne of your heart, and give legal opinion, he will whisper, and give waswas upon waswas. He will say, “Let’s hop, let’s drink wine, let’s do haram things, let’s go to a tavern, let’s go to a whorehouse, let’s go to a loan shark, let’s go and divinize some people, let’s serve some people, let’s be stuck in polytheism (shirk)…” That is, he will prompt you to do evil things that are contrary to the sharia (law), and prompt you to do anything to Islam. So, what will happen when the Shaitan (Devil) sits at the throne of your heart? The Shaitan (Devil) will become your Shaykh al-Islām. He will not give you good advice. He will make you hop, jump, and dance today. But tomorrow he will take you to a tavern, and then he will take you elsewhere. If he sees that you are even slightly inclined towards godliness, it will plunge you into a false polytheism (shirk). He may take you to Buddhists, or to ancient Greek philosophy. He will take you to falsehoods. He will take you East and West. He will take you to wrongs. He will say, “You may go anywhere but Islam and the Quran.” That is what Iblis (the Devil) will say. He will say, “Do not go to Islam.” The armies of Iblis (the Devil) try to block the ways of Islam with all his armies, we are telling you! Iblis (the Devil) will let you serve anyone other than Allah.

Iblis (the Devil) and all evil powers are against only monotheism (tawhid) and the order of Islam. Don’t say nobody told you. That is why Iblis (the Devil) will use states people to oppress people if he can. Later, he will start using the ministries of the state and whoever runs those ministries.

That is, will use people who have a voice. Iblis (the Devil) will try to run a state with his own cadre. That is, all nations and all states. He will prompt everyone to think contrary to Islam and fight Islam but be friendly towards everyone else. In the end, the faithful are friendly towards each other; and disbelievers are friendly towards each other.

We are not referring to individuals here. We are talking about what is wrong. We are talking about the antonym of faith (iman). That said, we are talking about true iman and haqiqa which are correct antonyms of kufr. That is, we are talking about the concepts of right (haqq) and wrong (batil). Allah is the head of right (haqq) and real (haqiqa), and there is also the Book, and there is also Muhammad Mustafa, the Messenger sent by Allah. The line of truth (haqiqa) is as clear as light, and Allah is the head of every truth (haqiqa), for Allah is the Real (al-Haqq). Al-Haqq is a name of Allah. That is why Islam is nothing but truth (haqiqa). The Shaitan (Devil) is someone who opposed this truth (haqiqa). So, how do we recognize those who are deceived by the Shaitan (Devil) who are by his side? It is clear that whoever rejects the truth of Islam, the Book, Sunnah, ijma, qiyas, and this reality that Allah (c.c.) brought forth by the hand of Muhammad has already clearly objected to Allah.

 

Time Stamp: 35:50

 

To stand against the Quran is to stand against Allah. To not accept Prophet Muhammad is to not accept Allah who has sent him. We are talking openly. That is why individuals, societies, nations, and states should obey Allah. They should implement social justice, and principles of Islam on earth by embracing all people, and they should also try to establish true justice, mercy, freedom, and equality. Ali had admonished the governors. Ali said the following as an advice to all governors. Ali, karramallahu wajhah, is a universal scholar, universal commander, and universal warrior. Ali is among the pioneering revered figures in the world in faith, knowledge, wisdom, statesmanship, and having an understanding of rights and remedies. Radeyallahu anhum wa ardahum ajmain. Our Prophet said, “I am the city of knowledge (ilm), and Ali is its gate,” about him. He is among the brightest stars of the ashab (companions). See, all of ashab (companions) are like stars that shine in the sky. Ali is among those great stars. Radeyallahu anhum wa ardahum ajmain. Ali has made discoveries above the heavens, and in the spiritual and physical world of humanity. It is necessary to become a discoverer in order to understand discoveries, and that is why the world is too far behind compared to Islam. The world cannot raise an Ali. The world is unable to raise a faruq or a siddiq right now. The world always needs siddiqs, faruqs, zinnurayns, and murtazas.

The mentality that portrays them hostile to each other is the vilest mindset that tries to crumble, divine, segregate, and spoil the world. The sincerity and brotherhood between them are not found between anyone. They are true people of faith, and they are indeed brothers of each other. There are surely differences and scholarly disputes but they are considered affluence, not hostility. Theirs’s is not evil.

Some of the Zionists try to portray Faruq and Murtaza as if they are hostile to each other. Those who love Ali try to slander Faruq. Those rascals swallow the spit of the Jew. They chew on the spit of Zionists. They slurp the vomit of Zionists. Some people slander Ali. They are those who eat the excrement of the Zion. They are deceived by the games of traitors who tear Islam apart. Some of them gain unearned income, and some of them fall prey to them due to ignorance, and they will travel in that herd like sheep. Yet he does not know that they will slaughter him, eat him, or sell him. Muslims do not ever fall prey to these games because Islam came to save the world, will it become a servant to anyone? Will it become a prey? No, it will work for the better good of humanity.

 

Time Stamp: 40:30

 

Can he who can’t save himself save someone else? That’s why Ali, karramallahu wajhah, says this to the governors, and admonishes them. “Always bear feelings of love and kindness towards people.” Do you see? Now, that is a real governor. How? He advises governors to bear feelings of love and kindness towards their people, nation, and humanity. They need to have love and kindness. So, where can you find love? You can find it in honest people. Where can you find kindness? You can find it in civilized people. Those who are filled to the brim with love of Allah, and those who respect Allah have kindness. So, could such a governor be cruel upon his people? You see, Ali was the head of such a most excellent cadre, but that revered figure had to fight unrest (fitnah). He was confronted by domestic unrest (fitnah). Civil strives happen and that grand figure had to deal with unrest (fitnah) where he could achieve great advancement. See, what does good people do when evil people find support? They use their valuable time in order to eliminate unrest (fitnah), and they try to ensure domestic and international peace. Ali had also fought with a major unrest (fitnah). Nobody could oppose Ali in the frontlines, but domestic unrest (fitnah) is worse than all of that. There are even more dangerous things, such as a person worshipping his own soul (nafs). That person’s struggle (jihad) with his soul (nafs) is harder than that. Ali was a revered figure who went beyond all that. His second advice was to be fair to everyone. As you see, the ocean of knowledge that fed Ali is Al-Quran Al-Karim and Islam. Some people look for an Ali without the Quran. Just like some people had misunderstood Isa (a.s.), there are those who misrecognize Ali today. Some people even imagine an Ali who does not worship, does not go to mosque, does not perform ablution (wudu), has no Quran, and is drunk. The truth is, there is an excellent Ali that the Quran, Muhammad, companions (ashab), and the Muslims of the world know. There is an Ali of Islam and the Quran.

O, you who claims to love Ali! Study Ali through the Quran, Muhammad, and Sunnah. Do not study him through the sources written by Zionists. Know him right, and this is valid for Ali and also other respected figures of Islam. See, people can’t get to know respected figures of Islam correctly without knowing Islam first. So, know Islam correctly, and try to learn Islam through its own source. I wonder if you try to sweep away the dust of ignorance in your heart as much as you try to sweep dust away from your car? I wonder if you read one verse a day, convey its meaning to your soul (nafs), and then encompass your soul (nafs) with that meaning? See, one verse a day… There is no Islam without the Quran. There is no Islam without the Sunnah. There is no Islam without ijma (consensus), qiyas (analogy), faqih (experts of fiqh), or mujtahids (Islamic scholars).

 

Time Stamp: 45:06

 

The source of all of it is Muhammad and the Quran, and Almighty Allah personally brought them forth. Now, what does Ali say? He says, “O, governors! Be just to everyone! Do not take sides, and do not favour some people, but deal everyone justly. What does he say? He says that they should not take sides, they should not try to favour some people, and be just. He advises governors to choose the civil servants who do not serve tyrannical rulers. Pay attention to how important that is, these are all important! He says that governors should choose civil servants who do not serve tyrants. He who knows justice will not know tyranny (zulm). For one thing, you are to educate people on justice, truth, and reality and train a cadre so that what Ali said can be fulfilled. You need to choose steadfast, honest, and kind people, and pay them fairly. These are all important. Why is giving a fair wage to civil servant important? That is so that he may spend it on his needs and not think of anything other than service and justice, and so that he may not think about bribery for a second. Also, “Continuously check up on civil servants.” See what he says to the governors. He tells them to check upon civil servants regularly, earn the trust of society, and never break a promise! That is, if you have given a legitimate promise, then fulfil your promise. Us humans gave the first promise to Allah. We gave a promise to Allah, the Prophet, the Quran, and Islam. We will also fulfil our legitimate promises that we have given to our nation, state, and humanity. We will never do illegitimate actions.

“Never break a promise, overcome your anger, and abstain from punishing someone while you are angry,” because mind is gone when anger comes, and there won’t be anything left without the mind.

 

Time Stamp: 48:19

 

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Al-Quran Al-Kareem – Tafsir (Exegesis) Lesson 230

 

I seek shelter in Allah from the rejected Satan. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Ali, karramallahu wajhah, says: “There is no good in worship done benightedly.” He urges everyone to knowledge (ilm) and learning (irfan). He says that there is no good in unintellectual knowledge. He says that there is no good in recitation (qiraat), meaning reciting the Quran, if it does not lead to contemplation. Understand the Quran and contemplate. Delve in and contemplate on the Quran. That is for every Muslim. According to the verses about contemplation or tafakkur and this word of Ali every Muslin should become a thinker. They should contemplate and read Al-Quran Al-Karim by understanding it.

Otherwise, we can think of a person who recites the Quran everyday of his life and has read the Quran entirely many times, but never establish a connection with its meaning. What is that? That is unintellectual worship, and its value is only to the extent of its worth. Islam is a religion of knowledge (ilm) and learning (irfan). You ought to hear what you say, and convey it to your brain, and then to your heart, and meaning should reach to your soul (nafs) and encompass it. That is how you can discipline and educate your nafs (soul). That way the soul will achieve success (fayiz), and the sea of heart is nourished by knowledge (ilm). The knowledge (ilm) that pour out from the Quran is like a fountain and rivers. The rivers feed the sea as they merge. That said, there are boundless sources in these sea as well, these are the inspirations or ilhams that come to the heart. So, what will you do to your heart with the sources of knowledge (ilm) and wisdom (irfan)?

You are to feed the sea of your heart with them, and the sea of your soul. Your heart will be like a pool that is filled to the brim on top, and there will be more sources in the sea. So, what should you do with a part of these sources? That way you will keep this pool of heart filled at all times, and never let it drop, and never turn it into a desert.

“The hearts are like desserts without the Quran.”

What happens in deserts? You will see snakes and centipedes thrive there. There will be thorns and bugs along with wildlife. Those wild souls you see have become wild this way. As for civilized souls, they are continuous receivers of knowledge (ilm) and wisdom (irfan). Why do people stand in the presence of Allah five times a day in a state of miʿraj? Because they are in the presence. They come to the presence of the divine. Those who understand what they read from the utterances (kalam) of Allah and come to Allah’s presence and humbly worship in the presence of Allah who read and understand the meaning of Allah’s utterance (kalam), who understand the contents of the Quran, who convey its meaning to their hearts, who encompass their nafs (souls) with it, are those who properly perform the namāz (prayer).

The hodja recites a part of the 45^th verse of Surah al-Ankabut.

“The namāz prevents indecencies and wrongs.”

Some people perform namāz, but also gossip. They don’t abstain from haram, and thus there is no rectification in their morals (akhlaq). You see the same things, same indecencies, and same wrongs in them. You see, namāz is an ecole, a school, it is a place of education, and a miʿraj. Every word will educate you five times a day with the lectures of the greatest university that comes from the ninth heaven (arsh-i âlâ). However, you will worship without knowing as long as you do not reach out to the meaning. So, worship with knowledge (ilm).

 

Time Stamp: 5:05

 

When you say Subḥānallāh, the meaning of the word Subḥān, which is Allah’s (c.c.) name, should encompass you the moment you say Subḥānallāh. Also, the meaning of the word hamd should encompass you when you say alhamdulillah. Also, when you say Allah-Akbar, the meaning of Allah-Akbar should encompass you and all the words because that is Allah’s name who encompasses all the worlds, and there is Allah’s infinite and unique grandeur.

So, what does it mean? It means Allah is greatest. I ask you the meaning of the glorious name of Allah. I am asking about the short and core meaning, there is no need to go into detail. Ask about the name Raḥmān. Ask this to Allah. I am asking you because I ask this to myself. What is the meaning of the name Raḥmān? I gave you the meanings of these one by one from the beginning of our lessons which started with basmala. We started from the beginning of Al-Quran Al-Karim until Surah al-Tawbah, and we completed Surah al-Maidah. So, what will we do after Surah al-Maidah? Insha ‘Allah, we will continue to try to present the entire Al-Quran Al-Karim to you with other verses.

We are not people who keep knowledge to themselves. I want you to be as happy as I am, and if not, then I have to confess that I am not a real Muslim. That is a saying of Prophet Muhammad, not mine. And I would not dare. I couldn’t say anything if my Rabb (Lord) did not say it in the Quran. I couldn’t say anything if my Prophet did not say it. I wouldn’t say anything if not my mujtahid did not perform ijtihad, nor could I perform it myself if I am not able to perform ijtihad myself. So, what should we do for this?

We should want everyone to be happy as much as we want ourselves to be happy. Now, they talk about sympathy and empathy. What is sympathy, where is its source of nourishment? What is empathy, and where is its source? These are only shallow rumours if you talk about sympathy, empathy, cause and effect without knowing these. Delve into the source of sociology and sociologists, and physiology and psychologists, and feed their source.

Only then will this gain a great value. If there is no source, then trees without roots will be taken away. It is like planting a forest on hills made out of ash. There are no roots, branches, leaves, or flowers because there is nothing underneath the trees to nourish them. Why? Because the soul has been neglected in today’s world. The exceptions do not break the rule. I am not telling this to non-believers, rather I address the general structure.

The hearts and souls have been neglected. The values that Allah brought forth have been neglected. The Quran and Muhammad have been neglected. They have been neglected even by Muslims. But of course, we have no words against those who do not neglect. The entire humanity has been heavily billed for this negligence. Humanity is suffering. Travel East and West and analyse people living normal lives. You will see that even the most steadfast ones are sick. You will see that people whom you thought were normal are not normal. That said, the exceptions do not break the rule.

 

Time Stamp: 10:00

 

Because you should not evaluate with wrong measure without obtaining the measure of the truth. There can’t be a correct scale with wrong measurements. Some people brought forth a different scale and claim this is correct, and others brought forth other measurements and they also claim theirs are correct. So, what about the measure of Allah? That is the correct one! There can’t be a correct measure without Allah’s measure. It can be but only to the extent of human ability, it can only be man-made, and it will never match divine quality. In the end, the source of all suffering is this, we need to give this education and learning to people. Al-Quran Al-Karim is a book of Allah. It is not a book of a professor or a philosopher. It is not a book of a Prophet or an Angel. It is straight-up Allah’s book. That said, we need to teach Al-Quran Al-Karim to all servants (qul) of Allah, that is all people. Quran lessons should be gradually given to the entire world in the top faculties of all universities, from the very beginning to the very summit. That is, whether the world believes or not. There is no obligation to believe for other lessons as well. So, it is okay. They may believe or not.

Let us teach Al-Quran Al-Karim. We do not give certificates when children do not get passing grades. So, is Al-Quran Al-Karim utterly worthless? No, Al-Quran Al-Karim is the most valuable and unique. However, the truth is being deferred due to this or that reason. You are ruining yourself as long as you defer it. The truth cannot be deferred. Al-Quran Al-Karim is Allah’s book. Can you defer Allah? Prophet Muhammad is the Prophet of humanity, and you will actually defer yourself and divide humanity when you defer him. Islam embraces everyone. Islam brings forth itself and the values it has, and it does not compel anyone.

Muslims established world dominance in such an astonishing time period, they established a universal state. Did they not give all nations freedom? Every nation has been given freedom of belief under the roof of Islam. In the Islamic law, protecting the life, goods, property, and freedom of a non-Muslim (dhimmi) is equal to protecting a Muslim’s life and etc. That is why the religion that brought freedom, proprietary right, justice, social justice, true mercy, and true love is Islam which embraces the world. As for those who run away from this mercy and blessing (rahmat) are runaways, and they deprive themselves of this rahmat.

That is why, dearest friends, even if you gathered all humanity together including all scientists and doctors they cannot create a single ear, nobody can create even a single ear. You see doctors are helpless when an ear stops functioning properly, they say there is no cure and let go. So, it means that the ability of humans is limited. For example, study the structure of the ear and be amazed by how the Creator made it and placed it there. Think about the eyes per se, and think about a single cell in your body, fabric of a cell, and think about the number of cells in a single cubic centimetre of skin.

 

Time Stamp: 15:03

 

If biology, sociology, geology, astronomy, and all sciences do not show you the Holy Omnipotence (Qudrah) of Allah, then you are the one who can’t see. There is something missing in your direction and method, so check up on it because the only Creator of the universe is Allah Ta’ala. All power and qudrah belong to Allah. It is unacceptable for someone to take the road by ostracizing the Creator and say he is successful, that is utterly impossible. Allah created all creation (makhluqat), and power and qudrah belong to Allah.

 

Time Stamp: 16:16

 

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