Simplicity of Imaan
Question:-
1. Many people ask the question as to whether the non-Muslims (that never ever got the message of Islam) will be going to hell forever? What’s the best way of answering these people?
2. Salafis believe in the verse إستوى على العرش in its literal sense, so is this such an important matter that people should fear their Imaan (particularly if their Aqeedah doesn’t correspond with the Aqeedah of the Salafis?). I would also like to know, will there be questioning about it on the day of Judgment?
Answer:-
1. Any person that passes away without Imaan will be deprived of Jannah. Allah Ta’ala states in the Quraan Sharif,
إنَّهُ مَن يُشْرِكْ بِاللّهِ فَقَدْ حَرَّمَ اللّهُ عَلَيهِ الْجَنَّةَ وَمَأْوَاهُ النَّارُ وَمَا لِلظَّالِمِينَ مِنْ أَنصَار (سورة المائدة اٰية 72)
Allah Ta’ala has definitely forbidden Jannah for the one that attributes a partner to Allah (commits Shirk) and his abode shall be the fire (of Jahannam.) The oppressors (Mushrikeen – polytheist) will have no helpers (to save them from Allah’s punishment).
We should merely tell them that Imaan is a requisite to enter Jannah. Allah Ta’ala alone knows their condition and we have no knowledge of the unseen. However, we advise you to believe in one Allah and believe that Muhammad Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam is the final messenger of Allah Ta’ala so that you too, may enter Jannah. We shouldn’t make them despondent but rather try and draw them towards Imaan.
2. There are two types of verses in the Quraan Sharif. These are referred to as ‘Muhkamaat’ and ‘Mutashaabihaat.’ Allah Ta’ala mentions in the following verse of the Quraan Sharif,
هُوَ الَّذِيَ أَنزَلَ عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ مِنْهُ آيَاتٌ مُّحْكَمَاتٌ هُنَّ أُمُّ الْكِتَابِ وَأُخَرُ مُتَشَابِهَاتٌ فَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ في قُلُوبِهِمْ زَيْغٌ فَيَتَّبِعُونَ مَا تَشَابَهَ مِنْهُ ابْتِغَاء الْفِتْنَةِ وَابْتِغَاء تَأْوِيلِهِ وَمَا يَعْلَمُ تَأْوِيلَهُ إِلاَّ اللّهُ وَالرَّاسِخُونَ فِي الْعِلْمِ يَقُولُونَ آمَنَّا بِهِ كُلٌّ مِّنْ عِندِ رَبِّنَا وَمَا يَذَّكَّرُ إِلاَّ أُوْلُواْ الألْبَابِ
It was He (Allah) who revealed to you (O Muhammad) the book in which lies ‘Muhkamaat’ (clear and unambiguous) verses that are the mother (essence, core) of the Qur’aan and others that are ‘Mutashaabihaat’ (verses to which no specific or exact meaning can be given). As for those who have crookedness in their hearts, they pursue (try to interpret) the ‘Mutashaabihaat’, thereby seeking to cause mischief (causing doubts in the minds of the ignorant) and seeking their interpretation. None knows their interpretation except Allah. Those who are sound in knowledge (who are not proud and are content with their intellectual achievements and the strength of their Imaan) say, “We believe in them (because out intellect falls short of understanding them). All (the Muhkamaat and the Mutashaabihaat) are from our Rabb.” None take heed besides men of understanding.’
The verse in question is from amongst the ‘Mutashaabihaat.’ Imaam Maalik Rahimahullah has stated in regards to the ‘Mutashaabihaat’, “The meaning of it is known, the manner of it is unknown, to bring Imaan on it is necessary and to question in regards to it, is Bid’ah.”
It is clear from the above that we should not pursue such matters nor spend time debating them. Our life in this world is extremely limited and we need to prepare for our Aakhirat. We have been created for the Ibaadat of Allah (as stated in Surah Dhaariyaat) and not to waste time in futile conversations and debates. Yes, if we have important and necessary questions to ask, then by all means, we should enquire and find out, but wasting time by debating with the Salafis is something uncalled for.
عبد الرزاق، عن معمر، عن أبان، عن الحسن قال: بينا رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم في مسير له سمع رجلا يقول: الله أكبر الله أكبر، فقال النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم: «على الفطرة على الفطرة هذا»، فقال: أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله، فقال النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم: «برئ من الشرك هذا»، فقال: أشهد أن محمدا رسول الله، فقال النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم: «دخل الجنة هذا» (مصنّف عبد الرزاق)
Whilst Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam was on one of his journeys, he heard a man saying, Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar! Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, “He is upon Fitrah, he is upon Fitrah (the natural Imaan that every person is born upon). He then said, I bear witness that there is no deity except Allah Ta’ala. Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, (he is) free from Shirk. He then said, I testify that verily Muhammad Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam is the messenger of Allah. Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, this person has entered Jannah.”
Deen is simple and easy. It caters for the intellectual as well as the simple-minded person. There is no mention of ‘Istawaa Alal Arsh’ or any other complicated matters in this narration. Believing in one Allah and the Risaalat of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam is sufficient.
There is a narration wherein it is recorded that a shepherd accepted Islam when the Muslims laid siege to Khaibar. He recited the Shahaadah and participated in the fighting until he was martyred. Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam mentioned, “Strange is the Imaan of this person. He hasn’t performed a single Salaah, hasn’t discharge any charity, hasn’t kept a single fast yet I see him enjoying in Jannah.” In conclusion, there is no need to waste our valuable time in fruitless debates. If the Salafis try initiating a discussion, then you should excuse yourself in a respectable manner and leave.
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date: 07 Shabaan 1443 / 10 March 2022