I have to correct myself. The saying, “If it is written” or “If God wills it” Inch’allah is beautiful to me. Less a predestination mode than a surrender to God’s love and the straight path. That’s how it seems to me.
Zahra, thank you for this. I've been trying to formulate my own thoughts on this from a Christian perspective for some time and you have expressed so eloquently and succinctly what's been quite nebulous for me. Gratefully to have received these words today.
I once hear that the reason why we constantly seek for perfection in every aspects of our lives is because we were once in the presence of the utmost perfection —God. This refers to how we were all gathered in Jannah before this world was created. Deep in our subconsciousness, we have felt what true perfection is, so we constantly look for ways to fulfill that (e.g beautiful houses, painting etc)
The relationship between God and his attributes has been debated between the Mutazila and Asharis (المعتزلة والأشاعرة) around a 1000 years ago (I’m guessing).
The Mutazilites concluded that God IS his attributes, because to say that God HAS attributes is saying that God has parts and that these parts are co-eternal with God, (Like the Trinity).
It difficult to explain but look up the Mutazila understanding of God and his attributes.
There are many hadiths by Ali ibn Abi Talib where he communicates the same concerns about “partitioning” God by “attributing” him.
I copied a section from the first sermon of imam Ali in “Nahj Al-Balagha” where he talks about the attributes of God and how to understand them.
«نهج البلاغة (خطب وكلام أمير المؤمنين أبي الحسن علي بن أبي طالب (ع))» (٣٩/١):
The Shias, Zaidis and Ibadhis have the same understanding of God and his attributes as the Mutazila.
Many Asharis Have authenticated the Sermons of Imam Ali in nahj al balagha, so presumably they accept the (implied) relationship between God and his attributes.
This is really disrespectful and an ignorant thing to say about Shi'ism and the Najh al Balagha. Even if you don't read it consider having some respect for a text based on somebody whose relationship to God and the Prophet (SAW) is something we could all do with aspiring to.
I have to correct myself. The saying, “If it is written” or “If God wills it” Inch’allah is beautiful to me. Less a predestination mode than a surrender to God’s love and the straight path. That’s how it seems to me.
Couldn't agree more Jeff! 'God willing' is typically how I translate it to english.
Zahra, thank you for this. I've been trying to formulate my own thoughts on this from a Christian perspective for some time and you have expressed so eloquently and succinctly what's been quite nebulous for me. Gratefully to have received these words today.
I’m so beyond glad to hear that Connor! Thank you for sharing 🙏🏻
was thinking about this recently and am delighted to find it expressed so eloquently. thank you for this
I’m so glad to hear that thank you! 🙏🏻
So well written. Your ideas flow seamlessly, it was a pleasure to read!
Thank you!🙏🏻
You are brilliant!
Thank you!
Well put.
Beautifully written.
Your way with words is inspiring. The way you simply explain complex topics like this is amazing.
Thank you 🙏🏻
I once hear that the reason why we constantly seek for perfection in every aspects of our lives is because we were once in the presence of the utmost perfection —God. This refers to how we were all gathered in Jannah before this world was created. Deep in our subconsciousness, we have felt what true perfection is, so we constantly look for ways to fulfill that (e.g beautiful houses, painting etc)
An absolute delight to read – beautifully written and so thought provoking. Thank you!
This is brilliant, thank you for sharing Zahra!
Instead of reinventing the wheel, all we needed to do was turn to what has already been prescriped for us!!
Asalamualaikum, I cant find any other way to reach you so I am asking here: are you taking clients? Thank you
The source is “Trust me bro”
The relationship between God and his attributes has been debated between the Mutazila and Asharis (المعتزلة والأشاعرة) around a 1000 years ago (I’m guessing).
The Mutazilites concluded that God IS his attributes, because to say that God HAS attributes is saying that God has parts and that these parts are co-eternal with God, (Like the Trinity).
It difficult to explain but look up the Mutazila understanding of God and his attributes.
There are many hadiths by Ali ibn Abi Talib where he communicates the same concerns about “partitioning” God by “attributing” him.
I copied a section from the first sermon of imam Ali in “Nahj Al-Balagha” where he talks about the attributes of God and how to understand them.
«نهج البلاغة (خطب وكلام أمير المؤمنين أبي الحسن علي بن أبي طالب (ع))» (٣٩/١):
«أَوَّلُ الدِّينِ مَعْرِفَتُه وكَمَالُ مَعْرِفَتِه التَّصْدِيقُ بِه، وكَمَالُ التَّصْدِيقِ بِه تَوْحِيدُه، وكَمَالُ تَوْحِيدِه الإِخْلَاصُ لَه، وكَمَالُ الإِخْلَاصِ لَه نَفْيُ الصِّفَاتِ عَنْه، لِشَهَادَةِ كُلِّ صِفَةٍ أَنَّهَا غَيْرُ الْمَوْصُوفِ، وشَهَادَةِ كُلِّ مَوْصُوفٍ أَنَّه غَيْرُ الصِّفَةِ، فَمَنْ وَصَفَ اللَّه سُبْحَانَه فَقَدْ قَرَنَه، ومَنْ قَرَنَه فَقَدْ ثَنَّاه ومَنْ ثَنَّاه فَقَدْ جَزَّأَه، ومَنْ جَزَّأَه فَقَدْ جَهِلَه»
The Shias, Zaidis and Ibadhis have the same understanding of God and his attributes as the Mutazila.
Many Asharis Have authenticated the Sermons of Imam Ali in nahj al balagha, so presumably they accept the (implied) relationship between God and his attributes.
This is really disrespectful and an ignorant thing to say about Shi'ism and the Najh al Balagha. Even if you don't read it consider having some respect for a text based on somebody whose relationship to God and the Prophet (SAW) is something we could all do with aspiring to.