God exists..Really? (RT 29/7/07)

Risalah Tauhid 29 July 2007

There's a section in this kitab that discusses the language syntax to differentiate for "wajib" and "mustahil" between syari'i and 'aqli.

I dare not translate this due to my limited language skills. So continuing with the next section:

The Second Statement

Signs that shows God created the world

Indeed if one thinks and observes the creations, there is indication those are creations of God. It all came down from Oneness of God.

• 1. Looking at the tables and chairs, we deduce that they cannot come into being by itself. Somebody had to make it.

Wallahu a'lam

May or May Not (RT 29/7/07)

Risalah Tauhid 29 July 2007

Mustahil 'Aqli also is divided into "dhoruri" (simple) and "nazhori" (complex).

It is common sense to say it is mustahil 1 is half of 3. On the other hand, it is complex to establish that mustahil for Allah to have partner or associate.

Likewise, Ja'iz 'Aqli also is divided into "dhoruri" and "nazhori".

If somebody says sometimes he stands still, and other times he moves about; we say - of course that is possible (dhoruri).

Consider this statement: "It is possible that Allah decides not to reward somebody who performs his religious duty regularly."
This is Ja'iz Aqli Nazhori since what we commonly understand is that Allah gives reward for those who perform good deeds. To establish that Allah may or may not reward, we have to start a lengthy discussion with scholars.

Commented Ustaz Zakaria: After looking at dalils (quranic and hadith proofs), scholars have agreed that it is up to Allah to reward or to not reward whoever he wishes.

Wallahu a'lam

Rule on Logic (RT 14/7/07)

Risalah Tauhid 14 July 2007

I missed this session, so I'm merely translating what's on the kitab.

Types of Ruling by Intelligence

When presented with a certain subject to decide whether acceptable or not, human intelligence will respond within 3 types of verdict:

• That subject Must be true (Wajib ‘Aqli)
• That subject is impossible to be true (Mustahil ‘Aqli)
• That subject may or may not be true (Ja’iz/Harus Aqli)

Example of Wajib ‘Aqli – When it is said that Allah is “Qidam”, then it is not acceptable to say He is not.
Example of Mustahil ‘Aqli – When it is said that Allah is “New”, then this is impossible. This will be proven in later lessons InsyaAllah.
Example of Ja’iz ‘Aqli – When it is said that someone is at times standing still, and at other times in motion.

Wajib ‘Aqli itself is divided into 2:

• Dhoruri – simple or sensible, without need of proof. Example: it is wajib ‘aqli doruri to say 1 is half of 2.
• Nazhori – complex. In need of proof or deliberation. Example: To establish that Allah exists, we have to come up with evidence and lenghty deliberation.

Wallahu a'lam

Intelligence & Common Sense (RT 8/7/07)

Risalah Tauhid 8 July 2007

Ruling by Intelligence
Before learning to know Allah and His sifats (characteristics), one has to know the rules regarding intelligence (hukum ‘aqal), because it is the basis to reason Allah and His characteristics.

Defining Ruling by Intelligence
It is the ability to distinguish something from another, voluntarily. This ability comes from personal common sense, not dictated by custom, nor a set of law or regulations.

Defining Intelligence

It is an attribute given by God that separates man from beast. Beasts have brain, but not intelligence. Through intelligence we receive “ilm Nazariah” (knowledge achieved from thinking). From this knowledge, mankind is able to perform difficult tasks, and from this knowledge mankind get various benefit.

If we leave intelligence by itself (without divine guidance) we will never achieve rationality, stability, and wisdom. Syari’i rules- divine rules and guidance as set by Allah - is always required to tag along with intelligence. Likewise, syari’i rules cannot be enforced without any consideration with regard to intelligence. The syari'i rules cannot be enforced unintelligently, by a person without intelligence, or unto a person who does not possess intelligence.

Intelligence and syari’i can never be separated, one always in need of the other, vice-versa.

Commented Ustaz Zakaria: There're 2 categories of knowledge:

• Ilm Nazariah - external, developed by intelligence.
• Ilm Maknun - internal, God given.

Wallahu a'lam