Allah's Rising over the Throne
Is the Throne Created? What Does the Statement "Allah Existed When Nothing Existed Before Him" Mean? And Is It Correct to Say That Allah Exists Without a Place?
Obsessive Thoughts and Doubts in Matters of Islamic Creed
How Should I Deal with Obsessive Thoughts and Doubts in Matters of Islamic Creed? And Should I Trust the Statements of Reliable Scholars Even Though I Do Not Know What Is in Their Hearts?
Is it permissible to study philosophy if it raises doubts about Islamic creed?
I am a student studying philosophy as part of my school curriculum, and I find that some of its ideas contradict Islamic creed to the point that they sometimes make me doubt. Is it permissible to study philosophy? And what should be my attitude toward the Mu'tazilah, who are ment...
What does Murāqabah (awareness that Allah is always watching) mean in Islam?
What does Murāqabah (awareness that Allah is always watching) mean in Islam? What evidence from the Qur'an and the Sunnah explains its reality and its impact on a Muslim's life?
Do we affirm for Allah the attributes of hastening (harwalah) and shade?
Do we affirm for Allah the attributes of hastening (harwalah) and shade as mentioned in some Islamic texts? How do Ahl al-Sunnah reconcile affirming what is established in the Qur'an and the Sunnah with understanding these texts correctly?
Is it permissible to describe Allah as the Absolute? What is the difference between the absolute and the relative?
Is it permissible to describe Allah as the Absolute or to say, "Allah is the Absolute"? What is the difference between the absolute and the relative in philosophical terminology? Is it correct to say that everything in existence is relative?
Is “Al-Kabir” (The Most Great) one of the Beautiful Names of Allah?
Is it permissible to describe Allah Almighty as “Al-Kabir” (The Most Great)? And is Al-Kabir one of the Beautiful Names of Allah?
Fatwas on the Names and Attributes of Allah
Is it correct to say that Allah created Himself? And is it permissible to describe Allah as eternal, without beginning or end, even though time itself is created?
The Attribute of Allah’s “Descent” to the Lowest Heaven
What is the wisdom behind Allah, Glorious and Exalted, descending to the lowest heaven when He is already near to His servants?
Is the Water Above the Kursi? What Is the Order of the Throne, the Kursi, and the Water?
Is the Water Above the Kursi or Is the Kursi Above the Water? How Should We Understand the Order of the Throne, the Kursi, and the Water While Believing That Allah Is Above His Throne, Distinct from His Creation?
What Does It Mean to Worship Seeking the Face of Allah?
What does it mean for a Muslim to worship Allah “seeking His Face”? Does this mean sincerity and seeking Allah’s pleasure and reward, or does this conflict with affirming the attribute of the Face for Allah? And is asking and researching this matter considered doubt concerning Al...
What Is the Ahl al-Sunnah Belief Regarding Allah’s Names and Attributes, and Are They Created?
What is the ruling on saying that the names and attributes of Allah are created? What is the belief of Ahl al-Sunnah regarding Allah’s names and attributes and the Qur’an? How should a Muslim deal with the spread of views that contradict this belief, even if they are expressed by...
How Was Allah Characterized by Highness Before the Creation of Created Beings?
Ahl al-Sunnah affirm that Allah’s Highness is one of His essential attributes and that He has always been Most High. How should we understand the affirmation of this attribute before created beings existed, when there was nothing created of which it could be said that Allah was a...
Can Allah Be Named Al-Da’im, Al-Baqi, and Al-Munir?
Are “Al-Da’im” (the Everlasting), “Al-Baqi” (the Ever-Remaining), and “Al-Munir” (the Illuminating) established among the Beautiful Names of Allah? Why have scholars differed over including some of these names?
Is It Permissible to Say “The Quran Says” or “The Verse Says”?
Is it correct to say, “The Quran says” or “the verse says”? Do such expressions attribute speech to the Quran instead of Allah, or contradict the belief that the Quran is the Speech of Allah?
Does a Creature’s Nearness to Allah Vary According to Its Height and Location?
Is a creature that is physically higher and closer to the heavens nearer to Allah? When the Prophet ﷺ ascended to Sidrat al-Muntaha, was he nearer to Allah than those on earth? And how should this be understood alongside Allah’s nearness to all His creation?
Are Allah’s Anger and Retribution Attributes of Perfection? How Do They Differ from Grudge?
Is Allah Almighty described as being angry and taking retribution? Do these attributes conflict with His perfection or resemble human qualities? Is it permissible to describe Allah as holding a grudge? And is every calamity that befalls a person evidence of Allah’s anger or retri...
Why Is Allah’s Attribute of the Hand an Attribute of Perfection? Is Denying It a Deficiency?
If attributes of perfection have corresponding deficiencies—for example, knowledge is opposed by ignorance, and life by death—then how can the attribute of the Hand be considered an attribute of perfection for Allah Almighty? And what deficiency corresponds to it?
Is It Correct to Describe Allah as Having a “Shape”? What Is the Difference Between Shape and Form?
Is it permissible to say that Allah Almighty has a “shape”? If this expression is not appropriate, how should we understand what is mentioned in the Sunnah regarding affirming a “form” (ṣūrah) for Allah Almighty? Is it permissible for a person to imagine what this form is like?
Does Allah Create Everything by Saying “Be, and It Is”? How Should We Understand His Absolute Power?
Does everything Allah Almighty creates come into existence by His saying: “Be”? Does this mean that creation depends on this word, or is Allah’s statement “Be, and it is” merely an expression of the perfection of His power and the immediate fulfillment of His will?
Is It Permissible to Pray for a Sick Person by Saying, “May Allah Wipe Away Your Illness With His Healing Right Hand”?
Is it correct to say to a sick person: “I ask Allah to wipe away your illness with His healing Right Hand”? Does this supplication attribute to Allah Almighty a description that is not mentioned in the revealed texts, given that Allah’s Names and Attributes are established only t...
What Is the Difference Between Allah’s Prior Knowledge and His Knowledge of Things After They Occur? How Does His Knowledge Encompass Everything?
Some books of Islamic creed distinguish between Allah’s eternal prior knowledge and what is sometimes called “knowledge upon manifestation”—knowledge connected to things after they actually occur—as in Allah’s statements: “except that We may know” and “so that Allah may know.” Wh...
Does the Verse “Rather, Both His Hands Are Outstretched” Affirm the Attribute of Hands, or Does It Mean Generosity
Allah Almighty says: “Rather, both His Hands are outstretched; He spends however He wills.” It has been reported from Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) that the Jews’ statement, “The Hand of Allah is chained,” meant accusing Allah of miserliness. Does this...
Why Are the Names of Allah “Al-Wahid” and “Al-Qahhar” Paired Together in the Qur’an?
The Name of Allah “Al-Wahid” — the One appears together with the Name “Al-Qahhar” — the All-Subduing in several places in the Qur’an, as in His statement: “He is Allah, the One, the All-Subduing.” What is the wisdom behind pairing these two Names? Is there a particular connection...
Does the Hadith “If He Comes to Me Walking, I Come to Him at Speed” Establish the Attribute of Hurrying for Allah?
It is stated in the hadith qudsi: “If he comes to Me walking, I come to him at speed.” Does this hadith establish an Attribute of hurrying for Allah Almighty, or does it refer to the swiftness of Allah’s favor, mercy, and reward toward His servant? Why did scholars differ regardi...
What Does It Mean to Say That Seeing Allah in the Hereafter Is “Sensory”?
Some scholars say that the believers will see Allah Almighty in the Hereafter with a “sensory vision.” What does this mean? Does it conflict with declaring Allah transcendent above resemblance to created beings, or with statements that Allah should not be described in terms of pl...
Is It Permissible to Ask Allah and Seek Nearness to Him Through His Perfect Words?
Seeking refuge in Allah’s perfect Words is established in the Sunnah, as in the supplication: “I seek refuge in the perfect Words of Allah from the evil of what He has created.” Is it also permissible for a Muslim to ask Allah by His Words, saying, for example: “O Allah, I ask Yo...
Does the Meaning of Allah’s Name “Al-Halim” Include That He Does Not Become Weary of Those Who Persistently Ask Him?
Does the meaning of Allah’s Name “Al-Halim” — the Forbearing include that He does not become annoyed or weary because of the frequent supplications of His servants and their persistence in asking Him?
What Is the Difference Between Allah’s Names “Al-Majid” and “Al-Majid”? Are Both Established?
What is the difference between the two Names “Al-Majid” (المجيد) and “Al-Majid” (الماجد) when they are used for Allah Almighty? Are both Names established in the Qur’an and Sunnah?
Is “Al-Fard” One of Allah’s Most Beautiful Names?
Has it been established that “Al-Fard” is one of Allah’s names? Is it permissible to call upon Allah by this name?
Is “Al-Musta‘an” One of Allah’s Most Beautiful Names?
Has it been established that “Al-Musta‘an” is one of Allah’s names, or is it a description of Him without being one of His Most Beautiful Names?
Is “The Light of the Heavens and the Earth” One of Allah’s Most Beautiful Names?
Allah Most High says: “Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth.” Is “The Light of the heavens and the earth” a complete name of Allah, or is the name simply “Al-Nur” — “The Light”? What does it mean to affirm light as an attribute of Allah
The Meaning of “Allāhu Akbar,” the Use of the Comparative Form, and the Omission of “Than”
Does the form akbar (“greater”) in the phrase “Allāhu Akbar” imply comparing Allah with something else? Is the expression linguistically correct without explicitly adding words such as “than everything”? What does the comparative form mean here?
The Meaning of “Karīm” When Describing Allah, His Face, and the Qur’an
What does it mean to describe the Qur’an as karīm, and to describe Allah’s Face as karīm in the supplication for entering the mosque? Does the word karīm describe Allah Himself or His Face?
Does Affirming Allah’s Attributes and His Freedom from Injustice Contradict His Perfection?
Does describing Allah with attributes of perfection and declaring Him free from injustice mean that He is limited or constrained? How should we understand the term “limit” when speaking about Allah?
Affirming Allah’s Being with His Creation and Understanding the Attribution of the Spirit and Blowing to Him
If we affirm for Allah what He has affirmed for Himself, why is His being with His creation interpreted as knowledge and all-encompassing awareness, while the spirit attributed to Him is not considered one of His attributes? How should we understand the attribution of blowing to...
Why Did Moses Ask to See Allah, While His People Were Punished for Requesting It?
How could Moses, peace be upon him, ask to see Allah when the Children of Israel were struck by a thunderbolt for requesting to see Him? Was his request genuine, or did he intend to establish an argument against his people? What does Allah’s statement, “You will not see Me,” sign...
The Ruling on Calling Allah “the Manager of the Universe” and an Appropriate Alternative
Is it permissible to describe Allah as “the Manager of the Universe” if the intended meaning is that He governs its affairs and directs its order?
Is It Correct to Say That Allah’s Forbearance Encompasses All Things?
Is it correct to say, “Allah’s forbearance encompasses all things,” by analogy with His statement that His mercy encompasses all things? What is the difference between the vastness of His forbearance and the vastness of His mercy?
Affirming the Act of Building for Allah and Distinguishing It from Naming Him “the Builder”
Can the act of building be attributed to Allah? Is it permissible to call Him Al-Bānī (“the Builder”) or Al-Bannāʾ (“the Master Builder”)? What does Allah’s statement, “We built the heaven with might,” mean?
Is Saying “In a Manner Befitting Allah” Sufficient to Affirm an Attribute Not Established in Revelation?
May someone attribute to Allah a quality that is not established in the revealed texts, or an attribute of imperfection such as eating, fear, or giving birth, and then say: “In a manner befitting Him, unlike created beings”? What is the correct principle for affirming Allah’s att...
Creation from Nothing and the Miracle of Jesus: What Is the Difference?
Can a created being bring something into existence from nothing by Allah’s permission, or be a cause of its being brought into existence? Does the miracle of Jesus, peace be upon him, in shaping a bird from clay provide evidence for this? What is the ruling on claiming the abilit...
The Ruling on Counting “Owner of All Dominion” and “Doer of Whatever He Wills” among Allah’s Most Beautiful Names
Are the expressions “the One to whom dominion belongs,” “Owner of All Dominion,” and “Doer of Whatever He Wills” counted among Allah’s Most Beautiful Names? What is the difference between them?
The Ruling on Naming Allah “Al-Tāmm” and “Al-Shadīd,” and the Difference Between a Name and an Attribute
Are Al-Tāmm (“the Complete”) and Al-Shadīd (“the Strong” or “the Severe”) among Allah’s Most Beautiful Names? Can their inclusion in some narrations listing the names, or the description of Allah as “mighty in His might,” be used as evidence?
The Name “Al-Muḥṣī”: Its Occurrence in the Texts and Scholarly Views
Is Al-Muḥṣī (“the One Who Enumerates All Things”) an established name among Allah’s Most Beautiful Names? What is the difference between enumeration appearing as an act in the Qur’an and Al-Muḥṣī appearing as a name of Allah?
Is It Appropriate to Describe Allah as a “Professional” When Speaking About the Perfection of Creation?
What is the ruling on describing Allah as a “professional” in the context of admiring the greatness and perfection of His creation, such as when someone says: “Then you know you are dealing with a professional”? Is this expression permissible if the intention is to praise the C...
The Meaning of Allah’s Exclusive Knowledge of Some of His Names and Ibn al-Qayyim’s Classification
What does Ibn al-Qayyim mean by dividing the Names of Allah into names that He taught to some of His creation, names that He revealed in His Book, and names whose knowledge He kept exclusively to Himself? And are the praises that the Prophet ﷺ will be inspired to utter on the Da...
Are “Al-Kafīl” and “Al-Munʿim” Established as Names of Allah? And the Ruling on the Name “ʿAbd al-Munʿim”
Are “Al-Kafīl” and “Al-Munʿim” among the Beautiful Names of Allah? What have the scholars said concerning them? And is it permissible to name a person “ʿAbd al-Munʿim”?
Why Is the Qur’an Considered an Attribute of Allah and Not Compared to Created Provision?
What is the difference between the Word of Allah and the provision He creates for His servants? Why do we not say that the words spoken by Allah are created, just as provisions are created as a result of His action?
the Names “Al-Kāfī,” “Al-Māniʿ,” and “An-Nāfiʿ”: Their Establishment and How They Should Be Mentioned
Are “Al-Kāfī” (The Sufficient), “Al-Māniʿ” (The Withholder), and “An-Nāfiʿ” (The Benefactor) among the Beautiful Names of Allah? Should these names be mentioned individually, or should some of them be paired with their corresponding counterparts?
Is It Permissible to Say “Allah Is Good” or “Allah Is Righteous” as Praise?
Is it permissible to describe Allah, Exalted is He, using expressions intended as praise, such as “good” and “righteous,” based on the assumption that their meanings are positive? What is the guideline for choosing the words with which we describe Allah?
the Eternity of Allah’s Attributes and the Meaning of Worshipping Him in His Perfect Essence
Are the attributes of Allah, Most High, including mercy, eternal? How do we understand this while His actions are connected to His will? And do we worship Allah through His sacred Essence or through His attributes?
Is “Yahweh” Established as a Name of Allah in Islam?
What is Islam’s position on calling Allah “Yahweh” as found in Jewish scriptures? Does the widespread use of this name among Jews, or the claim that it appears as part of some prophets’ names, establish that it is one of the Names of Allah?
Pronouncing the “Hāʾ” in the Name of Allah: The Difference Between Weak Pronunciation and Omission, and Its Effect on Prayer
What is the ruling on not clearly pronouncing the hāʾ in the Name of Allah when saying: “إن شاء الله” (In shāʾ Allāh), “الحمد لله” (Al-ḥamdu lillāh), and “سبحان الله” (Subḥān Allāh)? Does this affect acts of worship, particularly saying “السلام عليكم ورحمة الله” when concluding...
The Difference Between the Ashʿarites and the Jahmiyyah Regarding the Qur’an and the Ruling on Those Who Hold This View
Do the Ashʿarites and Kullābiyyah agree with the Jahmiyyah in saying that the Qur’an is created? What do they mean by kalām nafsī (internal speech)? And does agreeing with a particular view necessarily mean that everyone who holds it receives the same ruling?
The Ruling on the Names “Possessor of Majesty and Honor,” “The Proof,” and “The Gatherer”
Are “Possessor of Majesty and Honor” (Dhu al-Jalāl wa-l-Ikrām), “The Proof” (Al-Burhān), and “The Gatherer” (Al-Jāmiʿ) among the Most Beautiful Names of Allah? And what is the difference between using “The Gatherer” independently and saying, “The Gatherer of the people for a Day...
The Ruling on Using “Al-Fāṭir” and “Al-Muntaqim” as Unrestricted Names for Allah
Are “Al-Fāṭir” and “Al-Muntaqim” among the Most Beautiful Names of Allah? What is the difference between using them independently and mentioning them in the restricted forms found in the Islamic texts?
The Ruling on Saying “O Purifier” in Supplication and the Difference Between Supplication and Establishing Divine Names
Is it permissible for an imam to say in his supplication: “O Allah, O Purifier”? Is it permissible to supplicate to Allah using expressions that indicate Him, even if they are not established as independent Names among His Most Beautiful Names?
The Ruling on Saying “O Purifier” in Supplication and the Difference Between Supplication and Establishing Divine Names
Is it permissible for an imam to say in his supplication: “O Allah, O Purifier”? Is it permissible to supplicate to Allah using expressions that indicate Him, even if they are not established as independent Names among His Most Beautiful Names?
Are “The Pure” (al-Ṭāhir) and “The Purifier” (al-Muṭahhir) among the Beautiful Names of Allah? Is it permissible to say that Allah is pure, or that He purifies whomever He wills among His ser
Are “The Pure” (al-Ṭāhir) and “The Purifier” (al-Muṭahhir) among the Beautiful Names of Allah? Is it permissible to say that Allah is pure, or that He purifies whomever He wills among His servants, without adopting these two expressions as names for Him?
Does Allah’s Speech Pass to the Reader or Dwell in the Mushaf?
When Allah speaks certain words, do those words depart from Him or pass to the one who hears or reads them? How should we understand the Qur’an being present in written copies and in people’s hearts, and the description of Allah’s speech as renewed and connected to His will?
The Meaning of al-Bayhaqi’s Statement “Without Where” and the Ruling on Asking: Where Is Allah?
What is meant by al-Bayhaqi’s statement that Allah is established over His Throne “without how, without where”? Is it permissible to ask about Allah Most High using the word “where”?
The Meaning of “I Felt the Coolness of His Fingertips” and Whether It Is Evidence for a Divine Attribute
What is meant by the Prophet’s ﷺ statement, “I felt the coolness of His fingertips,” in the hadith concerning the dispute of the Highest Assembly? Does this establish coolness as an attribute of Allah, or does it refer to the mercy, knowledge, and tranquility that the Prophet ﷺ e...
Interpreting Istiwa’ as Sitting: The Accuracy of Attributing This to Ibn Taymiyyah and the Grades of the Reports
Did Ibn Taymiyyah interpret Allah’s istiwa’ over the Throne as sitting? What is the truth regarding the statement attributed to him: “When He comes to them and sits on His Kursi, the entire earth will shine with His lights”? And is this interpretation established in hadiths and r...
Are Five Fingers Affirmed for Each of Allah’s Hands?
The Sunnah affirms the mention of Allah’s fingers. Do the texts indicate that Allah has five fingers on each hand, or should we affirm the attribute of fingers without specifying their number?
Is It Permissible to Believe That Allah’s Attributes Benefit and Harm?
What is the ruling on believing that the attributes of Allah Almighty can benefit or harm? How should we understand what has been reported regarding seeking refuge in Allah’s might and His words, or saying that the Qur’an benefits its companion and intercedes for him?
Does Affirming the Attribute of Anger for Allah Conflict with His Perfection?
Allah Almighty is described with absolute perfection and is exalted above every deficiency. The Qur’an and Sunnah state that He becomes angry and is pleased. Does Allah’s anger when something occurs that displeases Him imply a change that conflicts with His perfection? And is it...
Why Do the Names of Some of Allah’s Attributes Resemble Those of Created Beings?
How should we understand the description of Allah, the Exalted, with attributes such as hearing, sight, hand, face, laughter, and anger, when some of these terms are also used to describe human beings? Does the Creator and the created being sharing the same name for an attribute...
What Does It Mean That Allah Will Come on the Day of Resurrection “in a Form Different from the Form in Which They Saw Him Before”?
It is mentioned in the hadith that Allah, the Exalted, will come to His servants on the Day of Resurrection “in a form different from the form in which they saw Him the first time.” What does this mean? Does it mean that Allah takes different forms? How should we understand Allah...
Does the Qur’an Heal by Itself, or Has Allah Made It a Means of Healing?
Allah, the Exalted, is the Healer, and He has described the Qur’an as a healing. Ruqyah using the Qur’an, such as reciting Al-Fatihah and blowing lightly, is also established. How should we understand this? Does the Qur’an heal by itself because it is the Word of Allah and one of...
What Does the Name of Allah “Al-Qayyum” Mean? Does It Indicate Allah’s Existence?
Does the name of Allah “Al-Qayyum” mean that He is self-subsisting? Does this name also affirm the existence of Allah, the Exalted? Is it permissible to describe Allah as “existent”, even though the word “existent” is not mentioned in the Qur’an as one of Allah’s names? And is th...
Is It Permissible to Define Allah’s Hand by the Actions Mentioned in the Texts, Such as Grasping, Extending, and Taking?
Is it permissible to define the Hand of Allah, the Exalted, as an attribute by which grasping, extending, taking, giving, and similar actions mentioned in the revealed texts occur? Is it correct to say that there is a “functional similarity” between Allah’s Hand and the hand of a...
Why Is Allah’s Attribute of Descent Not Mentioned in the Quran? How Should We Understand the Hadith of Descent?
It is established in the Sunnah that Allah Almighty descends to the lowest heaven during the last third of the night, while the Quran states that Allah is near His servants, is with them wherever they may be, and knows their secrets and private conversations. How can these texts...
Is “Tenderness” an Attribute of Allah Almighty?
Is it permissible to describe Allah Almighty with “tenderness,” or to say that tenderness is one of His attributes? And can what is mentioned in some reports describing the two Names “Ar-Rahman” and “Ar-Rahim” as two tender names be used as evidence for affirming this attribute?
Is It Permissible to Describe Allah Almighty with “Movement”?
Is it correct to say that “movement” is one of the attributes of Allah Almighty, based on what has been established in the Quran and Sunnah concerning Allah’s coming, approaching, descending, and drawing near? Or is it preferable not to use this term because it does not occur in...
What Is the Difference Between Essential and Active Attributes? What Does an Essential-Active Attribute Mean?
It is said that Allah’s Speech is an essential attribute with respect to its type, and an active attribute with respect to individual instances of speech. Does this classification also apply to other attributes such as creation, provision, mercy, anger, and descent? What is the c...
How Can Allah Become Angry at Sin When He Already Knew It Would Occur?
If Allah Almighty knows, before events occur, everything that His servants will do, how does He become angry with them when they commit sins and evil deeds? How should we understand His anger toward those who killed the prophets when He, Glorified be He, already knew beforehand t...
Is It Permissible to Say: “Praise Be to Allah for the Existence of Allah”?
The phrase, “Praise be to Allah for the existence of Allah,” is sometimes used, especially when speaking about hardships, injustice, or the need for reassurance. Is this expression Islamically correct? Does it have any basis, or is it better to use other forms of praise?
Is It Permissible to Ask Allah or Seek Refuge in Him by Means of His Hand or His Eye?
Is it permissible for a Muslim to say in supplication: “I ask You by Your Face,” or “I ask You by Your Eye to protect me,” or “By Your Hand, grant me”? Is it permissible to invoke Allah’s Attributes or seek refuge by means of them? And what is meant by what has been reported in...
Is It Correct to Count “Al-Mudabbir” Among the Most Beautiful Names of Allah?
The Quran states that Allah Almighty “manages the affair”. Based on this, is it permissible to call Allah “Al-Mudabbir” (The One Who Manages and Directs All Affairs)? Has this name been established by an authentic text, or is it one of the names concerning which scholars differed...
Is Seeking Refuge by the Name of Allah Different from Seeking Refuge in Allah Himself?
It is mentioned in the remembrance: “In the Name of Allah, with whose Name nothing on earth or in heaven can cause harm.” Is it correct to comment on this by saying: “This is the ‘withness’ of Allah’s Name, so what then about the ‘withness’ of His Essence?” Is there a differen...
What Does It Mean That Allah Encompasses Everything? Is This an Encompassing by His Essence?
Allah Almighty has said about Himself that He encompasses everything. Does this mean that His knowledge and power encompass all created beings, or that His Essence surrounds creation from every direction? And how should we understand this encompassing while affirming that Allah i...
Is “Ar-Rafi‘” One of the Most Beautiful Names of Allah?
Allah Almighty says: “Rafi‘ al-Darajat, Owner of the Throne”. Does this establish “Ar-Rafi‘” (The Exalted) as a Name of Allah Almighty? Has this Name been explicitly mentioned in the Quran or Sunnah, or is the matter subject to scholarly ijtihad?
Is It Permissible to Say: “Allah Gave Attention to Such-and-Such”?
Is it correct to use an expression such as: “Allah gave attention to this matter” or “Allah gave attention to mentioning such-and-such in the Quran”? Is it permissible to speak about Allah using the word “attention”, even though it has not been mentioned among His Names or Attri...
Is It Permissible to Make Du‘a by Saying: “May Allah’s Eye Watch Over You”?
Some people, when praying for someone or saying farewell, say: “May Allah’s Eye watch over you” or “May Allah’s Eye be upon you.” Is this expression permissible? What does it mean? And does it involve affirming the Attribute of the Eye for Allah Almighty?
Why Is Knowing and Believing in Allah’s Attributes Important for a Muslim?
What is the importance of learning the Attributes of Allah Almighty that are mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah, such as the Face, the two Eyes, the two Hands, and the Shin, as well as His actions such as descending, coming, arriving, and laughing? Is it better for a Muslim not to...
English Is It Permissible to Attribute Actions to Allah That Are Not Mentioned in the Texts in the Same Wording?
Is it permissible to say in supplication or when speaking about Allah: “May Allah make your days pleasant,” “May Allah bring joy to your eyes,” or “May Allah reassure your heart,” even though these actions may not have been mentioned about Allah in exactly these wordings in the Q...
Can Allah Be Described with Pride or Arrogance?
Is it correct to say that pride or arrogance is among the attributes of Allah Almighty? What established attributes indicate His greatness and majesty?
Is It Permissible to Describe Allah as “Stubborn and Cannot Be Opposed”?
What is the ruling on some people saying: “Allah is stubborn and cannot be opposed”? Is it correct to use the description “stubborn” for Allah Almighty if what is meant is that no one can overcome Him or oppose His command?
What Does It Mean That Allah Is Above the World? Is He Contained by a Place or a Limit?
What is meant by the scholars’ statement that Allah Almighty is above the world? Does this mean that there is a place beyond the universe in which Allah exists? Is it correct to say that Allah is not contained by time or place? And how should we understand the statements of some...
Will the Believers See Allah on the Day of Resurrection and in Paradise? Will the Vision Differ Between the Two Situations?
Will the believers see Allah Almighty at the place of reckoning on the Day of Resurrection and then see Him again in Paradise? How should we understand that seeing Allah in Paradise is the greatest delight of its people if they have already seen Him before entering it? And what i...
Does Allah’s Power Include Becoming Incarnate in Human Form?
Some Christians may ask: If Allah is capable of all things, why should it not be said that He is able to descend to earth and become incarnate in human form? How should this question be answered while affirming the perfection of Allah’s power?
How Large Is the Kursi Compared to the Throne, and Where Is It Located?
What is meant by the Kursi? How can it be so immense yet small in comparison to the Throne, to the extent that it has been likened to a ring in a vast open land? And where is the Kursi located in relation to the heavens and the Throne?
Does Allah’s Speech Consist of Letters and an Audible Voice?
Does Allah Almighty speak with letters and an audible voice, as in the hadith in which Allah calls His servants and says: “Who will call upon Me so that I may answer him? Who will ask Me so that I may give him? Who will seek My forgiveness so that I may forgive him?” Or is what...
Is It Correct to Say That Allah Hears “Without a Sense Organ or Instrument”?
Allah Almighty is the All-Hearing. Is it correct, when explaining this attribute, to say: “He hears all audible things without a sense organ or instrument”? Or is the use of expressions such as “sense organ” and “instrument” in affirming or denying Allah’s attributes inappropri...
What Is the Difference Between Invoking Allah’s Attributes, Seeking Nearness Through Them, and Seeking Refuge Through Them?
It has been stated that one should not invoke an attribute of Allah, even though the Sunnah contains supplications such as: “I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah,” and: “I seek refuge in the might and power of Allah,” and one may also say: “By Your mercy, I seek relie...
Must Every Muslim Know the Details of the Throne, the Footstool, and the Heavens?
Is every Muslim required to learn in detail about the location, nature, and characteristics of the heavens, the Footstool (Kursi), and the Throne (ʿArsh), such as whether they surround the earth, or whether the Throne is domed or rounded? Is a person who does not learn these deta...
Does Allah Have Two Eyes? What Does the Expression “Under Our Eyes” Mean?
The Qur’an says: “It sails under Our eyes,” “Build the Ark under Our eyes and Our revelation,” and “Indeed, you are under Our eyes.” Some scholars have explained these expressions as meaning “under Our sight” or “within the sight of Our eyes.” Does this interpretation constitute...
Can Allah Be Described as a Body, Corporeal Form, Physical Body, or Bodily Organ?
There are terms that are not mentioned in the Qur’an and Sunnah when speaking about Allah Almighty, such as “body,” “corporeal form,” “physical body,” and “bodily organ.” Is it obligatory to categorically deny these terms, or should one refrain from using them and clarify the int...
What Deeds Bring Joy to Allah? Is Anything Specifically Mentioned Besides Repentance?
I want to perform deeds that Allah loves and rejoices in. What words and actions can I do besides prayer, fasting, and lowering the gaze? Is there anything in the Sunnah indicating that Allah rejoices in particular deeds performed by His servants?
Is the Attribute of the Foot Affirmed for Allah? Does This Imply Resemblance to Created Beings?
There are hadiths affirming the attribute of the foot for Allah, the Exalted. Some people object that using the word “foot” necessarily implies resemblance to the feet of created beings, since the feet of creatures have known functions and forms, such as supporting what is above...
The Correct Vocalization of Allah’s Name “As-Satīr” and Whether It May Be Pronounced with Gemination
How should the name of Allah “As-Satīr” be pronounced: with a fatḥah on the sīn and a kasrah on the tā’, or with a kasrah on the sīn and a doubled tā’? Are both pronunciations correct?
Is “Ar-Rabb” One of Allah’s Names Meaning “The Nurturer”? Explaining the Meaning of Rabb in the Qur’an
Is it correct to interpret Allah’s Name “Ar-Rabb” as meaning “the Nurturer,” as Shaykh as-Sa‘di mentioned in his commentary on the verse: {All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all worlds}**? Or should “Rabb” be interpreted only as the Owner, Master, or Controller, while “Nurturer”...
Is Justice One of Allah’s Essential Attributes or an Attribute of Action? Clarifying the Ruling and the Basis of the Classification
Is the attribute of justice one of Allah’s essential attributes or one of His attributes of action? And what is the evidence for that?
Divine Manifestation and Descent Are Among Allah’s Attributes: The Difference Between Them and How to Understand Them Without Resemblance
My daughter asks: If Allah, Glorified and Exalted, manifested Himself to the mountain and caused it to crumble, why does nothing visibly happen in the world when Allah, Glorified and Exalted, descends to the lowest heaven every night in a manner befitting His Majesty?
Is It Permissible to Use the Word “Person” (Shakhs) for Allah Almighty? Clarifying the Indication of the Hadith and the Statements of Scholars
It is authentically reported that the Prophet ﷺ said: “And there is no person more jealous than Allah.” I found that some scholars use this hadith as evidence that it is permissible to use the word “person” (shakhs) for Allah Almighty. Is it correct to describe Allah, Glorified b...
Are the Attributes of Touch and Taste Established for Allah? Clarifying What Has Been Reported from the Salaf
Did Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him, affirm the attribute of touch for Allah, Glorified be He? Is it permissible to describe Allah Almighty with touch and taste? And what is the correct view regarding this matter?
Negation Regarding the Attributes of Allah: Does Negating an Attribute Necessitate Affirming Its Opposite?
It is said that affirming the attributes of Allah necessarily entails negating their opposites; affirming life negates death, and affirming knowledge negates ignorance. Does this mean that every attribute affirmed by Ahl al-Sunnah must have an opposite attribute of imperfection t...
Is the Perfection of the Religion Part of the Perfection of Allah? Explaining the Connection Between the Perfection of the Shariah and the Perfection of Allah’s Attributes
Can the religion of Islam be described as perfect? And is the perfection of the religion connected to the perfection of Allah and His attributes?
The Invalidity of Saying That Allah’s Attributes Are Identical to His Essence: Explaining the Position of Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jama‘ah
What is meant when some people say, “Allah’s attributes are identical to His Essence”? What is the position of Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jama‘ah regarding this statement? And is it correct to say that Allah’s attributes are the same as His Essence, or that they are other than Allah?
Does the Fact That Speech Is an Accident Prevent It from Ascending to Allah? A Response to This Doubt
How do we respond to someone who says that Allah’s statement, “To Him ascends good speech”, does not indicate Allah’s highness because speech is an accident, and an accident neither ascends nor descends, and therefore the verse must be interpreted figuratively?
Is the Light Mentioned in the Hadith “He Cast Upon Them from His Light” an Attribute of Allah or Created Light?
It is mentioned in the hadith: “Indeed, Allah, Mighty and Majestic, created His creation in darkness, then He cast upon them from His light. Whoever was touched by that light was guided, and whoever missed it went astray...” What is meant by His saying: “from His light”? Is the i...
Is It Permissible to Say “Under the Wings of His Mercy”? Clarifying the Ruling on This Expression and What Is Meant by Mercy
Is it permissible to say: “under the wings of His mercy”? Is it correct to use this expression if what is intended by “His mercy” is Allah’s mercy as one of His attributes?
Is Allah’s Mercy Limited? The Difference Between the Attribute of Mercy and Created Mercy
It is mentioned in the hadith that Allah, Exalted be He, created one hundred mercies, sent down one mercy into this world, and kept ninety-nine mercies for the Day of Resurrection. Does this mean that Allah’s mercy is limited? How can this be reconciled with the statement that Al...
What Is the Impact of Learning Allah’s Attributes on the Mind, Faith, and Conduct?
What impact does learning about Allah’s attributes and Most Beautiful Names, and believing in them, have on a Muslim’s mind, thinking, and conduct, especially when facing hardships and trials?
What Is Meant by the Manner of Allah’s Attributes? Explaining the Meaning of “Without Asking How”
What is meant by the statement of Ahl al-Sunnah: “We believe in Allah’s hearing and sight, but we do not know how His hearing and sight are”? Does this mean that we do not know whether Allah hears sounds as we hear them or sees things as we see them? Or does “how” have another me...
Are the Palm and Fingertips Among Allah’s Attributes? Evidence from the Sunnah and the Statements of Ahl al-Sunna
Are the palm and fingertips among the attributes of Allah Almighty? What is the evidence for this from the Qur’an and Sunnah? Does the fact that these attributes are not mentioned on some well-known websites or in some popular books mean that affirming them is doubtful or dispute...
Did Ibn Abbas Say That the Texts Concerning Allah’s Attributes Are Among the Ambiguous Verses? Explaining the Meaning of His Report Regarding the Attribute of the Foot
It is reported from Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with them both, when the hadith of the Prophet ﷺ concerning the filling of Hell was mentioned, that he said: “They find guidance in its clear texts and perish regarding its ambiguous texts.” Does this indicate that the attribute...
Is “Al-Muqsit” One of the Beautiful Names of Allah? Evidence and Scholarly Views
Is “Al-Muqsit” one of the Beautiful Names of Allah Almighty? What evidence from the Qur’an and Sunnah supports affirming it as a Name of Allah?
Is “Al-Hamil” One of the Beautiful Names of Allah? A Study of the Hadith “O Allah, Carry, for You Are the Carrier”
How authentic is the hadith narrated by Abu Nu‘aym al-Isfahani, in which the Prophet ﷺ is reported to have said: “O Allah, carry, for You are the Carrier.” Can this hadith be used as evidence to affirm “Al-Hamil” (the Carrier) as a Name of Allah Almighty and count it among the...
Ruling on Saying “O Blessing of Allah’s Name” in Supplication and Remembrance
Is it permissible for a person to say: “O blessing of Allah’s Name”? What is the ruling on this phrase if the speaker intends to express amazement at the blessing of mentioning Allah’s Name, to ask for blessing, or to supplicate to the blessing itself?
Interpretation of Allah’s Saying: “Everything Will Perish Except His Face” and the Meaning of “His Face”
What is the correct interpretation of Allah’s saying: “And do not invoke with Allah another deity. There is no deity except Him. Everything will perish except His Face. To Him belongs the judgment, and to Him you will be returned.” [Al-Qasas 28:88] Does Ibn Kathir’s interpretat...
The Attribute of “Eye” of Allah: Evidence for Its Affirmation and a Warning Against Affected Expressions
Is the attribute of the eye affirmed for Allah Almighty? And is it appropriate, in the context of discussing the etiquette of giving advice, to say: “If you advise me in front of six eyes, then you have advised me,” intending by the additional two eyes the two eyes of Allah Almig...
The Name “Allah” Encompasses the Meanings of the Most Beautiful Names and the Loftiest Attributes
What do scholars mean when they say: “Allah is one God with His Names and Attributes, and all His Names and Attributes are included in what the name ‘Allah’ denotes”? Are the attributes included in the meaning of the name “Allah” only the essential attributes, or do they include...
Is “Al-Mujir” One of the Most Beautiful Names of Allah? Clarifying the Difference Between Names, Attributes, and Statements About Allah
Is “Al-Mujir” (the One who grants protection) one of the Most Beautiful Names of Allah? What is the evidence regarding this?
Is It Permissible to Say: “Glory Be to Allah According to the Measure of Allah’s Essence”?
Is it permissible for a Muslim, when glorifying Allah, seeking forgiveness, or reciting other forms of dhikr, to say: “Glory be to Allah according to the measure of Allah’s Essence,” or similar expressions intended to magnify Allah Almighty and express an immense amount of glorif...
Are Attributes of Action Such as Creating and Providing Sustenance Created? Clarifying the Meaning of Creation and Provision Among Allah’s Attributes
I heard someone say, “Allah created the attribute of providing sustenance.” Is this expression correct? Are Allah’s active attributes, such as creating and providing sustenance, created and originated attributes, or are they among Allah’s Attributes that are not created?
Are “Al-‘Alim” and “Al-Mutajalli” Among the Most Beautiful Names of Allah?
Is it correct to apply the names “Al-‘Alim” (the Knower) and “Al-Mutajalli” (the One who manifests Himself) to Allah Almighty? Is it permissible to use these terms when speaking about Him, and what is the difference between a Name and an Attribute in this matter?
The Meaning of the Divine Name “Allah”: Is It Derived? And Why Is the Alif Omitted in Writing?
What is the meaning of the Divine Name “Allah”? Is it a name derived from another Arabic word, or is it an underived name? If it is considered derived, what is its etymological origin? And why is the alif omitted when writing “Allah”, even though its pronunciation contains an ali...
Can Allah Almighty Bring Together Two Opposites or Contradictories?
What does it mean that Allah Almighty has power over all things? Does this necessarily mean that He is able to do things that are rationally impossible, such as combining two opposites or contradictions—for example, making something white and black at the same time, or making a p...
Is the Attribute of “Ear” Affirmed for Allah Almighty?
In some hadiths, the Prophet ﷺ described Allah Almighty as All-Hearing and All-Seeing, and some narrations contain references to the eyes and ears. Does this indicate that the Attribute of “ear” should be affirmed for Allah Almighty just as the Attribute of the eye has been affir...
Is the Preserved Tablet Created? Is the Qur’an Written in It Created? And Does Allah’s Light Indwell the Earth on the Day of Resurrection?
Is the Preserved Tablet (Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz) created? If it is created, how can the Qur’an be written in it when the Qur’an is the uncreated Speech of Allah? Does Allah’s statement, “And the earth will shine with the light of its Lord”, indicate that Allah’s Light will indwell the...
Allah Speaking to His Prophet Muhammad ﷺ on the Night of the Mi‘raj: Evidence from the Sunnah and Statements of Scholars
Is it established that Allah Almighty spoke to His Prophet Muhammad ﷺ on the night of the Isra’ and Mi‘raj? What is the evidence for this from authentic hadiths and the statements of the Salaf and scholars? And did this communication occur without an intermediary?
Is It Permissible to Seek Nearness to Allah by Means of the Attributes of Laughter and Hastening?
Is it permissible to seek nearness to Allah Almighty by means of some of His established Attributes, such as the Attribute of laughter and hastening? And how should one respond to someone who objects that seeking nearness to Allah through His Attributes is valid only with some At...
Is “Tender Compassion” an Attribute of Allah? And the Ruling on Saying: “Allah Is More Compassionate Toward You Than a Thousand Shoulders”
The phrase “Allah is more compassionate toward you than a thousand shoulders” has become widespread. What is the ruling on saying it? Is “tender compassion” (hanan) affirmed as an Attribute of Allah Almighty? And is it correct to call Allah “Al-Hannan”?
The Ruling on Saying: “Be Allah’s Hand That Bestows Goodness” and “Be Allah’s Mercy to His Creation”
Is it correct to say to a person: “Be Allah’s hand that bestows goodness” or “Be Allah’s mercy to His creation,” with the intention of encouraging them to do good and help those in need? And is it permissible to interpret “Allah’s Hand” here as power, mercy, will, and wisdom?
Authenticity of the Hadith: “Indeed, Allah Laughs at a Man Who Gets Up from His Bed on a Cold Night”
A hadith is attributed to the Prophet ﷺ stating that Allah Almighty laughs at a man who gets up from his bed and covers on a cold night, performs ablution, and prays. Allah then asks His angels why the man got up, and they reply: hoping for what is with Him and fearing what is wi...
Is It Permissible to Describe Allah Almighty with the Attribute of “Kayd” (Counter-Planning)?
Is it permissible to describe Allah Almighty with kayd (planning/counter-planning) based on His saying: “And I plan a plan.” [At-Tariq 86:16] And is it correct to describe Allah Almighty as “Al-Ka’id” (the One Who Plans)?
The Methodology of the Four Imams Regarding Allah’s Names and Attributes and the Most Important Books on Their Creed
What was the methodology of the Imams of Ahl al-Sunnah, particularly Abu Hanifah, Malik, Al-Shafi‘i, and Ahmad, regarding the Names and Attributes of Allah Almighty? What reliable books can be consulted to learn about their beliefs in this area, especially concerning the affirmat...
When Does Allah Almighty Laugh? And What Deeds Does Allah Laugh At?
When does Allah Almighty laugh? What deeds and situations are mentioned in the Sunnah in which Allah Almighty laughs or laughs toward those who perform them?
