All praise be to God, the Lord of all the worlds, the Creator
of the heavens and earth and all creatures living in them.
May God grant peace and blessings to Prophet Muhammad,
God’s final Messenger, whose message brought mercy to all
mankind. May He also give His blessings to all the prophets and messengers whom He
sent to guide mankind out of darkness and into light.
At the Osoul International Center for Islamic Advocacy, every new release that we
produce gives us a great opportunity to interact with our readers. All our releases have
the same overall objective; to present Islam to mankind, as it truly is. We aim to make
people aware of Islam’s fine aspects and profound teachings and to show clearly that
it is the only faith that provides practical and effective solutions to all the problems
faced by humanity. Islam gives clear and solid answers to all of the questions that have
troubled people over many generations, such as: How did we come into existence and
why do we exist? Where do we go from here? Furthermore, Islam is the only religion
that requires its followers to love and respect all the prophets God sent, particularly
Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them both).
We take great care to provide solid and rational proofs for our arguments, so as to
give our readers the reassurance they need, and our releases also refute the accusations
levelled against Islam and provide clarification to people’s misunderstandings of
Islamic teachings.
By God’s grace, Islam is the fastest growing religion in our time, as confirmed by a
study undertaken by the Pew Research Center(1), and our motive is to make this great
divine faith known to all people.
This book, Ease and Tolerance in Islam, explains that making things easy is a general
feature of all aspects of the Islamic faith. Islam shuns the extreme attitudes of strictness
that tend to prohibit what is lawful or casually permit that which God has made
unlawful. It is a religion revealed by God and can be implemented by everyone, despite
their different failings. People have their own feelings and abilities and Islamic law takes
all this into account. Therefore, Islam addresses human nature and appeals to it, allowing
everyone to practise it according to their different abilities. God says: “He has laid
no hardship on you in anything that pertains to religion.” (22: 78)
We hope that readers will find this book useful in adding to their knowledge and understanding
of Islam.
Basil ibn Abdullah Al-Fawzan
Executive Director
(1) “The Future of the Global Muslim Population”, Pew Research Center, 27 January 2011, Available at
http://goo.gl/uk8y1i
01
11
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Islam is the religion that God revealed to all Prophets and
Messengers, from the Prophet Adam, may God exalt his mention,
to the Prophet Muhammad 1)صلى الله عليه وسلم ). God, the Exalted, says:
“Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam.” [3:19]
Each prophet called his people to the belief in the Oneness of
God and to dedicate all acts of worship to God alone, without
associating partners to Him. God, the Exalted, says:
“He has ordained for you of religion what He enjoined upon
Noah and that which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad],
and what We enjoined upon Abraham and Moses and Jesus -
to establish the religion and not be divided therein. Difficult for
those who associate others with Allah is that to which you invite
them. Allah chooses for Himself whom He wills and guides to
Himself whoever turns back [to Him].”(42:13)
The prophets before the arrival of the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم
were sent to their peoples exclusively; the laws that God gave
them were significant to their specific period of time only. When
a Prophet died and people deviated from the message they
were given, God sent another prophet to guide them back to the
Straight Path. This Prophet would once again guide the people
to worshipping God alone and to not associating partners with
Him. God, the Exalted, says:
“And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, saying,
‘Worship Allah and avoid idolatry.’ And among them were
those whom Allah guided, and among them were those upon
whom error was [deservedly] decreed. So proceed through the
earth and observe what was the end of those who denied the
truth.”(16:36)
(1) This symbol means “may God exalt the mention of the Prophet and render
him safe from all evil.”
The last of all these
prophets and
messengers was
Prophet Muhammad.
He was sent after a long
period of no prophet
being sent to any
people.
The Message of
Prophet Muhammad
is also inclusive of all
matters that relate to an
individual, his society,
and how to interact
with those around him.
It is also suitable for all
times and places.
12
EASE AND TOLERANCE IN ISLAM
The last of all these prophets and messengers was the Prophet
Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم. He was sent after a long period of no prophets
being sent to any people. He is the last of all Prophets and
Messengers. His Message is the last of all divine messages to
humankind. God, the Exalted, says:
“And We have not sent you except comprehensively to mankind
as a bringer of good tidings and a warner. But most of the people
do not know.”(34:28)
Due to the fact that this Message is the last message to
humankind, it holds many distinguishing features that make it
unlike previous messages. It holds accommodating rulings for
all of the events that have come to pass and that will come to
pass until the end of time. Allah, the Exalted, says:
“And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy
to the worlds.”(21:107)
The Message of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم is also inclusive of all
matters that relate to an individual, their society, and how to
interact with those around them. It is also suitable for all times
and places. Allah, the Exalted, says:
“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed
My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as your
religion.”(5:3)
Since tolerance is a distinguishing component of the Islamic
faith, we will bring to light how this factor is the mainstay of all
its rulings. Muslims are obliged to perform acts of worship to the
best of their abilities. Allah, the Exalted, says:
“Allah does not charge a soul except with that within its
capacity.”(2:286)
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Adhere to what I have prescribed for
you… If I forbid you from something, refrain from it, and if I
order you with something, do of it as much as you can.” (Bukhari)
The reason ease and tolerance are the foundations of the Islamic
system of law is because it is a divine legal system, which takes
The Islamic system
of law is indeed a just
system that is fair, easy
to apply, and works to
alleviate difficulties.
When a new situation
arises that is not found
in a previous age, a
ruling is derived from
one of the principles
found in the Quran and
Sunnah that is suitable
to the situation.
13
INTRODUCTION
into consideration the emotional makeup of humanity and their
abilities. Allah, the Exalted, says:
“He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion
any difficulty.”(22:78)
The Islamic system of law is indeed a just system that is fair, easy
to apply, and works to alleviate difficulties. When understood
correctly, it is beloved to all who hear of it. It is a joy to put into
practice, and even impartial non-Muslims have attested to this
fact. Equality and fairness in the treatment of people is provided
to all, regardless of wealth, age, or gender. Islam is a moderate
system of law; no other system has equaled its moderation and
beauty. Allah, the Exalted, says:
“And Allah wants to lighten for you [your difficulties], as mankind
was created weak.” (4:28)
The justice in Islam is not only for Muslims, but rather is for
those who are living amongst Muslims as well. Allah, the
Exalted, says:
“Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered prophet,
whom they find written in what they have of the Torah and the
Gospel, who enjoins upon them what is right and forbids them
what is wrong and makes lawful for them the good things and
prohibits for them the evil and relieves them of their burden
and the shackles which were upon them. So they, who have
believed in him, honored him, supported him and followed the
light which was sent down with him - it is those who will be the
successful.” (7:157)
One degree of tolerance within the framework of Islamic law is
that an individual is given flexibility to make personal decisions
that are fitting in light of Islamic guidelines. This is very evident
in the life story of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. One example is the story of
Muadth. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم sent Muadth, one of his companions,
to Yemen. The Prophet asked him: “How will you judge?” He
said: “I will judge by the commandments in the Book of Allah,
and if I cannot find it therein, I will go to the Traditions of the
Islam is a moderate
system of law; no other
system has equaled
its moderation and
beauty.
The justice in Islam is
not only for Muslims,
but rather is for those
who are living amongst
Muslims as well.
15
INTRODUCTION
Messenger of Allah, and if I cannot find it therein, I will make an
educated decision.” The Prophet then placed his hand on his
shoulder and said: “All praise is due to Allah for making it easy
for the Messenger of Allah to choose the right individual for this
post.” (Abu Dawood)
In Islam, we are given general guidelines and principles with
which we live our lives. When a new situation arises that is
not found in a previous age, a ruling is derived from one of the
principles found in the Quran and Sunnah that is suitable to
the situation. Of these rules are the following:
The principle rule that governs the nature of all things is that
they are lawful for use (unless proven otherwise).
A harmful matter should be removed and avoided.
Desperate needs legalize the unlawful.
A specific harm (that is individual) may be endured to avoid
a greater harm.
There are many other rules similar to these which make it
possible for Islamic law to adapt to all situations and places.
One degree of tolerance
within the framework
of Islamic law is that
an individual is given
flexibility to make
personal decisions that
are fitting in light of
Islamic guidelines.
When a new situation
arises that is not found
in a previous age, a
ruling is derived from
one of the principles
found in the Quran and
Sunnah that is suitable
to the situation.
16
EASE AND TOLERANCE IN ISLAM
02
17
METHODOLOGY OF TOLERANCE
ISLAM AND THE
METHODOLOGY OF
TOLERANCE
When we speak of tolerance in Islam, we are not speaking
about a small component of the religion, but rather of a key
feature of the Islamic faith. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “The most
beloved matter to Allah is the tolerant faith that matches the
natural disposition of man.” (Bukhari)
Islam is built upon a methodology of tolerance. Allah says:
“And thus we have made you a just community that you will
be witnesses over the people and the Messenger will be a
witness over you. And We did not make the direction in prayer
which you used to face except that We might make evident who
would follow the Messenger from who would turn back on his
heels. And indeed, it is difficult except for those whom Allah has
guided. And never would Allah have caused you to lose your
faith. Indeed Allah is, to the people, Kind and Merciful.” (2:143)
Islam is a tolerant faith in regards to political matters and
foreign affairs. Muslims are ordered to behave in a just, impartial
manner. Allah, the Exalted, says: “As regards those who do not
fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your
homes - Allah does not forbid you from being righteous toward
them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those
who act justly.” (60:8)
Islam is tolerant in general societal matters, as well. One
should not become arrogant towards others on account of their
status in society. Allah, the Exalted, says: “O mankind, indeed
We have created you from male and female and made you
peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the
When we speak of
tolerance in Islam, we
are not speaking about
a small component of
the religion, but rather
of a key feature of the
Islamic faith.
It should be known
that when we speak
of tolerance in Islam in
relation to its various
parts, we don’t mean
to say that one can
purposely break the
commandments and
expect leniency and
tolerance.
18
EASE AND TOLERANCE IN ISLAM
most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of
you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.”(49:13)
Islam is tolerant in terms of behavior and etiquette. It aims to
cultivate within Muslims high standards and habits of manners
and etiquette. Allah, the Exalted, says: “Take what is given freely,
enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.”(7:199)
Allah, the Exalted, also says: “Who spend for the sake of God
during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who
pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good.”(3:134)
Allah, the Exalted, also says: “And not equal are the good deed
and the bad one. Repel evil by that [deed] which is better, and
thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity [will
become] as though he was a devoted friend.” (41:34)
Islam is also tolerant in relation to acts of worship. No one
is overburdened, and those who put forth an effort towards
worship will be rewarded graciously for their efforts. Allah, the
Exalted, says: “But those who believed and did righteous deeds
- We charge no soul except [within] its capacity. Those are the
companions of Paradise; they will abide therein eternally.”(7:42)
Islam is tolerant in terms of economy. All means through
which one could be oppressed through finances is forbidden.
Allah, the Exalted, says: “Those who consume interest cannot
stand [on the Day of Resurrection] except as one stands who is
being beaten by Satan into insanity. That is because they say,
‘Trade is [just] like interest’ But Allah has permitted trade and
has forbidden interest. So whoever has received an admonition
from his Lord and desists may have what is past, and his affair
rests with Allah. But whoever returns to [dealing in interest or
usury] - those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide
eternally therein.”(2:275)
Islam is tolerant in terms of education and training. The
Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Give the good news, and do not make things
difficult.” (Ibn Hibban)
Islam is tolerant in
terms of behavior and
etiquette. It aims to
cultivate within Muslims
high standards and
habits of manners and
etiquette.
Islam is also tolerant
in relation to acts of
worship. No one is
overburdened, and
those who put forth an
effort towards worship
will be rewarded
graciously for their
efforts.
19
METHODOLOGY OF TOLERANCE
The textual passages of Islam, time and time again, reaffirm
the methodology of tolerance by putting it into practice. The
Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Ease is not placed into something except that
it would beautify it, and it would not be removed from something
except that it would blemish it.” (Muslim)
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “O Allah, whoever is given charge over
my community and they make it difficult for others, make their
lives difficult. And whoever makes things easy for others, make
things easy for them.” (Muslim)
Whoever is tolerant will be blessed with entry into heaven and
receive protection from the Hell-Fire. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
“Whoever is easy going, soft-hearted and near to Allah, he
would be forbidden from entering Hell.” (At-Targheeb wat-Tarheeb)
It should be known that when we speak of tolerance in Islam, it
doesn’t mean that one can purposely break the commandments
under the guise of leniency.
A’ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, said: “The Prophet was
not given a choice between two matters except that he chose
the easier of the two, except if it was a sinful course of action, in
which case, he would distance himself from it.” (Muslim)
The exception to this rule is in circumstances of dire need
or necessity, wherein some actions which are otherwise
considered sinful may be pardoned or overlooked due to no
other option being available.
THE TOLERANCE OF ISLAM IN
TERMS OF BELIEF:
The beliefs of Islam are the cornerstone aspect of the Islamic
faith. It is something that cannot be done away with under any
circumstances. Allah, the Exalted, says:
“Indeed, Allah does not forgive associating partners with Him
in worship, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He
wills. And he who associates in worship others with Allah has
certainly fabricated a tremendous sin.”(4:48)
The textual passages
of Islam, time and
time again, reaffirm
the methodology of
tolerance by putting it
into practice.
It should be known
that when we speak of
tolerance in Islam, it
doesn’t mean that one
can purposely break the
commandments under
the guise of leniency.
20
EASE AND TOLERANCE IN ISLAM
THE ASPECT OF EASE IN THE
ISLAMIC FAITH:
It is a clear faith with no difficulties in understanding it.
All the followers of Islam are obliged to accept and believe
that the Messengers and Prophets of Allah were all sent by God
with the message of belief in the Oneness of God. Allah, the
Exalted, says:
“The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him
from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All of them have
believed in Allah and His angels and His books and His
messengers, [saying], ‘We make no distinction between any
of His messengers.’ And they say, ‘We hear and we obey.
[We seek] Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the [final]
destination.’”(2:285)
No one is forced into Islam. Allah, the Exalted, says:
“There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion.
The right course has become clear from the wrong. So whoever
disbelieves in idolatry and believes in Allah has grasped the
most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah is
Hearing and Knowing.”(2:256)
No one has the right to force anyone into Islam. Allah, the
Exalted, says:
“And had your Lord willed, those on earth would have believed
- all of them entirely. Then, [O Muhammad], would you compel
the people in order that they become believers?”(10:99)
Whoever the Message of Islam has reached, and to whom it
was clarified, would have the choice of choosing their faith,
either to accept or reject the Message. Allah, the Exalted, says:
“And say, ‘The truth is from your Lord, so whoever wills - let
him believe; and whoever wills - let him disbelieve.’ Indeed,
We have prepared for the wrongdoers a fire whose walls will
surround them. And if they call for relief, they will be relieved
All the followers of
Islam are obliged to
accept and believe that
the Messengers and
Prophets of Allah were
all sent by God with the
message of belief in the
Oneness of God.
Whoever the Message
of Islam has reached,
and to whom it was
clarified, would have the
choice of choosing their
faith, either to accept or
reject the Message.
21
METHODOLOGY OF TOLERANCE
with water like murky oil, which scalds [their] faces. Wretched is
the drink, and evil is the resting place.”(18:29)
Another aspect of its tolerance is that a person is judged
by Allah for what they do. One should not try to decipher the
inward meanings of someone’s actions and judge them based
on that. Instead, Muslims are ordered by Allah to judge others
based on what we witness ourselves.
As we established above, a person is judged by what he does
and what is apparent from his actions. This is also established
in this narration of the Prophet :صلى الله عليه وسلم
“‘Ali bin Abi Talib sent a piece of gold, not yet taken out of its ore,
in a tanned leather satchel to the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم. The
Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم distributed that amongst four people… On that,
one of his companions said, ‘We are more deserving of this gold
than these people.’ When that news reached the Prophet ,صلى الله عليه وسلم
he said, ‘Don’t you trust me, as I am the one who receives the
Divine Revelation from God?’ There got up a man with sunken
eyes, raised cheekbones, raised forehead, a thick beard, a
shaven head and a waist sheet that was tucked up and he said,
‘O Allah’s Messenger! Fear Allah!’ The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, ‘Woe to
you! Am I not of all the people of the earth the most entitled to
fear Allah?’ Then that man went away. Khalid bin Waleed (may
Allah be pleased with him) said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, give me
permission to strike his neck.’ The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, ‘No, for he
may offer prayers.’ Khalid said, ‘Numerous are those who offer
prayers and say by their tongues (i.e. mouths) what is not in
their hearts.’ The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said, ‘I have not been
ordered (by Allah) to search the hearts of the people or cut open
their bellies.’” (Bukhari)
When one is put in a situation and is threatened with harm,
then in that case he may take the necessary steps to protect
himself. Allah, the Exalted, says:
“Whoever disbelieves in Allah after his belief... except for
one who is forced [to renounce his religion] while his heart is
Tolerance is that a
person is judged by
Allah for what they do.
One should not try to
decipher the inward
meanings of someone’s
actions and judge them
based on that.
When one is put in
a situation and is
threatened with harm,
then in that case he
may take the necessary
steps to protect himself.
22
EASE AND TOLERANCE IN ISLAM
secure in faith. But those who [willingly] open their souls to
disbelief, upon them is wrath from Allah, and for them is a great
punishment.” (16:106)
Ammar bin Yasir, one of the Companions, was in a life and death
situation, where he was almost killed by those non-Muslims who
were torturing him. He was asked by those who tortured him to
speak ill of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم in order to save himself further torture,
so he did that. He was so saddened by what he had done. The
Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم consoled him and said: “How is your faith?” He said,
“I am content with Islam.” The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم then said: “If they want
to torture you again, say what you must.” (Ibn Kathir)
Islam has also freed humankind from giving servitude to
other humans and it has delivered them to worshiping God
alone. Allah, the Exalted, says:
“But they have taken besides Him gods which create nothing,
while they themselves are created, and possess not for
themselves any harm or benefit and possess not [power to
cause] death or life or resurrection.” (25:3)
Allah, the Exalted, says:
“And if Allah should touch you with adversity, there is no remover
of it except Him, and if He intends for you good, then there is
none to repel His bounty. He causes it to reach whom He wills
of His servants. And He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.” (10:107)
To avoid any unnecessary veneration towards any individual,
Allah clarifies that the Prophet Muhammad is merely a man,
as were all the prophets before him. They were merely men,
who deserved no excessive veneration or deification. Allah, the
Exalted, says:
“Say, ‘I myself have no power to benefit or do harm, save as
God pleases. If I had knowledge of the unseen, I would have
availed myself of an abundance of good, and no harm would
have touched me. I am but a warner and a bearer of good
tidings for those who will believe.’” (7:188)
Islam has also freed
humankind from giving
servitude to other
humans and delivered
them to worshipping
God alone.
To avoid any
unnecessary veneration
towards any individual,
Allah clarifies that the
Prophet Muhammad is
merely a man, as were all
the prophets before him.
23
METHODOLOGY OF TOLERANCE
Allah as well orders Muslims to be fair and just towards all
people, regardless of their faith, religion, color, ethnic background,
or societal status. Allah, the Exalted, says:
“Indeed, God orders justice and good conduct and giving to
relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression.
He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded.” (16:90)
One should be fair to others whether you might be in a happy
or angry mood, with Muslims or with non-Muslims. Allah, the
Exalted, says:
“O you who have believed, persistently stand firm for Allah,
witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent
you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And
fear Allah; indeed, Allah is acquainted with what you do.” (4:135)
A sign of the tolerance in the Islamic Faith is that a Muslim
believes that all people have been favored by God. Allah, the
Exalted, says:
“And We have certainly honored the children of Adam and
carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the
good things and preferred them over much of what We have
created, with [definite] preference.”(17:70)
Qais ibn Sa’d reported: “A funeral passed by the Messenger of
Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم, and he stood up. It was said to him, ‘It is a Jew.’ The
Prophet replied, ‘Was he not a soul?’” (Bukhari)
THE TOLERANCE OF ISLAM IN RELATION
TO SHARI’AH:
Nowadays, the term “Shari’ah” invokes archaic images of
lashings and other public punishments. In reality, the Shari’ah
simply denotes the divine system of Law given to humankind. It
is a system that is built on tolerance and ease. Here are a few
points to keep in mind:
The textual passages in the Quran and Sunnah (Prophetic
A sign of the tolerance
in the Islamic Faith is
that a Muslim believes
that all people have
been favored by God.
In reality, the Shari’ah
simply denotes the
divine system of Law
given to humankind. It
is a system that is built
on tolerance and ease.
24
EASE AND TOLERANCE IN ISLAM
Tradition) are very easy to understand. Allah, the Exalted, says:
“And We have indeed made the Qur’an easy to understand and
remember, so is there any who will [receive admonition and]
remember?”(54:17)
The textual passages are very clear in their meaning; there
is no difficulty in understanding what is meant by the text. If
there is a situation where one is in doubt, God directs us to ask
those who have knowledge. He says: “So ask the people of the
message if you do not know.” (16:43)
This is indeed an important aspect. If someone lacks the
knowledge on how to solve a worldly problem, they would
have to ask specialists in that area to help them resolve that
particular situation. The same applies to questions of religion.
God has ordained that speaking without knowledge is a grave
sin. Whoever speaks in religion without knowledge, and then
forbids a lawful matter or vice versa, has committed a major
sin. God, the Exalted, says: “Say, ‘My Lord has only forbidden
immoralities - what is apparent of them and what is concealed
- and sin, and oppression without right, and that you associate
with Allah that for which He has not sent down authority, and
that you say about Allah that which you do not know.’” (7:33)
The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم clarified the negative consequences
of one who is not knowledgeable speaking without knowledge.
He would surely mislead himself and others. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم
said: “God does not remove knowledge from his slaves by
causing them to forget it; rather, knowledge would be lost by
the loss of scholars. Until there will remain no scholar, then
people would appoint over themselves ignorant individuals and
they would issue judgments without knowledge and mislead
themselves and others.” (Bukhari)
There are no mysterious or unexplained issues in Islam. At
times there are issues that pertain to the unseen world that we
will not have a complete grasp over; in reality, they would not
affect one’s faith, nor bring any benefit. One such issue is, as
The textual passages
in the Quran and
Sunnah (Prophetic
Tradition) are very easy
to understand.
God has ordained
that speaking without
knowledge is a grave
sin. Whoever speaks
in religion without
knowledge, and then
forbids a lawful matter
or vice versa, has
committed a major sin.
25
METHODOLOGY OF TOLERANCE
God says, “And they ask you, [O Muhammad], about the soul.
Say, ‘The soul is of the affair of my Lord. And mankind have not
been given of knowledge except a little.’” (17:85)
Allah, the Exalted, also says: “They ask you, [O Muhammad],
about the Hour, when will it be established? Say, ‘Its knowledge
is only with my Lord. None will reveal its time except Him.
Heavy is its burden through the heavens and the earth. It will
not come upon you except unexpectedly.’ They ask you as if
you are familiar with it. Say, ‘Its knowledge is only with Allah, but
most of the people do not know.’” (7:187)
All that will benefit us in terms of knowledge that is related to the
unseen world has already been explained to us by our Prophet
صلى الله عليه وسلم. These include the descriptions of Heaven and Hell, and the
stories of the previous nations so that we can reflect upon what
happened to them. Allah, the Exalted, says:
“So I have warned you of a Fire which is blazing. None will
[enter to] burn therein except the most wretched one. Who
had denied and turned away. But the righteous one will avoid
it - [He] who gives [from] his wealth to purify himself. And not
[giving] for anyone who has [done him] a favor to be rewarded,
but only seeking the countenance of his Lord, Most High. And
he is going to be satisfied.”(92:14-21)
Unlike man-made laws, which may be applicable to some
while exempted by others due to loopholes, the laws of Islam
are divine. The Law of God is final and definite, and it is the law
to which all would refer, be they rich or poor, noble or ignoble.
Allah, the Exalted, says:
“It is not for a believing man or a believing woman, when Allah
and His Messenger have decided a matter, that they should
[thereafter] have any choice about their affair. And whoever
disobeys Allah and His Messenger has certainly strayed into
clear error.”(33:36)
Allah has ordained that all should respect and uphold this
system of law. Allah, the Exalted, says: “The only statement
There are no mysterious
or unexplained issues
in Islam. At times there
are issues that pertain
to the unseen world
that we will not have a
complete grasp over.
The laws of Islam are
divine. The Law of God
is final and definite,
and is the law to which
all would refer, be they
rich or poor, noble or
ignoble.
