The scholars of Tafsir, after having made a thorough investigation into the Makki and Madani Surahs, have come up with a set of characteristics that tell right off if a Surah is Makki or Madani. Some of these characteristics are recognized as universal rules while others hold good most of the time. The universal rules … Continue reading Characteristics of Makki and Madani Verses
Category Archives: 6 Articles of Belief
What is “Unity of Being” (Wahdat al-Wujud)? Does it Conform in Any Way to the Teachings of Islam?”
Wahdat al-wujud (literally, oneness or unity of being) is a teaching mostly spoken of in connection with mystics and Sufis. Although the phrase refers to a subjective state or direct, inward experience attained by Sufis, it has also been understood and discussed as a philosophical concept and, as such, interpreted in different ways. Some have … Continue reading What is “Unity of Being” (Wahdat al-Wujud)? Does it Conform in Any Way to the Teachings of Islam?”
Why does one creature’s life depend on the death of another?
Just as day replaces night, spring follows winter, and autumn takes the place of summer, death follows life. The Creator, Who governs everything, does nothing in vain. He creates the most beautiful and intricate beings out of the lowest, seemingly unpromising, materials. Since it is the very nature of His creativity to bestow freshness and … Continue reading Why does one creature’s life depend on the death of another?
Why Are Whole Nations no Longer Punished?
Both the Bible and the Qur’an relate how God destroyed the people of Prophet Lot and Prophet Noah. Noah’s people refused to abandon their idolatry and evil ways and embrace Islam, even though he called upon them do so for centuries, and so God destroyed them by a great flood. Lot’s people consistently ignored his … Continue reading Why Are Whole Nations no Longer Punished?
What Faith Promises Us
Question: What are the good things that faith promises us? Is it possible to talk about differing degrees of feeling these beauties in one’s heart? Answer: So far, much has been said about the beauties that faith promises in both worlds and the many ways to deliverance. Particularly, Bediüzzaman addresses this issue in detail in … Continue reading What Faith Promises Us
What Happens to the Spirit in the Intermediate World?
Following death, each person’s spirit is taken to God’s Presence. If it led a good, virtuous life and became refined, the angels charged with taking it to His Presence wrap it in a piece of satin and take it, through the heavens and all inner dimensions of existence, until they reach His Presence. Along the … Continue reading What Happens to the Spirit in the Intermediate World?
Does God Need our Invocations?
As God Already Gives His Blessings and Peace to Prophet Muhammad, What is the Wisdom in Our Invoking God’s Blessings and Peace Upon Him? Does He Need Our Invocations? Prophet Muhammad is like the core of all the good deeds, prosperity and divine blessing. He is the unfailing, unerring guide, the exemplar to be taken … Continue reading Does God Need our Invocations?
What Happens to People Born and Living in Non-Islamic Countries?
Those who ask this question imply: “Since we believe in God and His Prophet, we will go to Paradise. But those who were born and live in non-Islamic countries do not benefit from the Divine Light and Guidance, so they will go to Hell.” The question is a debating ploy, claiming on one the hand … Continue reading What Happens to People Born and Living in Non-Islamic Countries?
Are the Manner And Time Of Death Predetermined?
Every event, including the manner and time of death, are predestined. Everything occurs within the framework of the Divine Decree, and also within an individual plan for each being. Such plans are always in harmony with one another. This is a system established by God in the past eternity. It never changes, and will continue … Continue reading Are the Manner And Time Of Death Predetermined?
Why Are Some People Created ”More Equal” Than Others?
God created each one of your cells, as well as those of all other animate and inanimate parts of creation, and gave us our human nature. He has given us everything; we have given Him nothing. So how can you complain or accuse Him of being unjust? Injustice comes from not giving what is due. … Continue reading Why Are Some People Created ”More Equal” Than Others?