Shaykh Faraz Rabbani: Jawharat al-Tawhid
Lesson 3: (From Section A: Divinity)
IMAN, ISLAM & WHAT ARE CONNECTED TO THEM
18) And faith is explained as being confirmation and there is difference of opinion about pronouncing it.
- His (the author’s) saying “and faith is explained”
- definition of faith (iman)
- linguistic usage of 'iman'
- its meaning in the Shariah
- what our iman relates to
- definition of ‘necessarily known’
- examples of above
- result of denying necessarily known matters
- Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi’s saying on iman
- “things (i.e. points of knowledge) are significant, because Allah gives them significance”
- the importance of accepting & confirming matters
- definition of Islam
- its technical usage
- the relationship between iman (faith) & Islam (submission)
- Imam Sawi’s explanation (of above)
- His saying “there is difference of opinion pronouncing it”
- on whether it is obligatory to pronounce the statement of faith (shahada)
- on the people this relates to
19) It is said to be a condition that pronouncing the statement of faith; or to be a condition along with works (while others affirmed that it is an essential element)
- some scholars said it is a condition (of faith)
- definition of iman by early scholars
- how this point is questioned by some people
- on the person who has conviction
- reasons for the non Muslim pronouncing it
- example of the one who does not announce their faith
- the requirement in the Hanafi school
- are actions a condition for the validity of faith?
- someone who leaves the recommended works of the Shariah
20)(One’s Islam is manifest through one’s works) such as hajj, prayer, fasting & zakat, so understand.
- the condition of the believer
- when is one considered to be a believer
- examples of conditions for applying worldly rulings
- condition for the perfection of faith
- result of denying anything that is necessarily known of the religion
- on not performing, but believing in it
THE DIFFERENCE IN INCREASING FAITH & ITS DECREASE
21) The increasing of faith is affirmed, and it increases through all acts of obedience.
22) And faith is lessened by lessening one’s acts of obedience, though others disagreed. Yet others reportedly denied disagreement on this.
- the chosen position (relied upon) by Ashari scholars
-
- example of Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him)
- His saying “though others disgreed”
- Abu Hanifa’s position
- example of various levels of conviction
- overview on faith & what it entails
- works are a condition for the perfection of faith
THE NECESSARY ATTRIBUTES OF ALLAH MOST HIGH
(4 Types: One Personal Attributes, Five Negative Attributes, Seven Affirmative Attributes and Eleven Attributes of Affirmation)
23) Being is necessary for Him, beginninglessness and likewise endlessness, unaffected by non-being.
- how the Sunni scholars divide the Attributes of Allah Most High (4 categories)
A) The One Personal Attribute
- Being (wujud)
B) The Five Negative Attributes
- negate meanings which are necessarily impossible for Allah Most High (5)
1) Beginninglessness
2) Endlesslessness
3) Dissimilarity to creation
4) Self Subsistence
5) Oneness
- Allah is One in His actions
C) The Affirmative Attributes (7)
1) Knowledge
2) Will
3) Power
4) Life
(24:11)
