Brief Summary
This video explores the concept of free will in Islam, contrasting Allah's will and command. It addresses the common misconception of attributing one's actions, particularly sins, to Allah's will, arguing that individuals have the choice to obey or disobey Allah's commands. The video also highlights the role of messengers in conveying divine guidance and the consequences of rejecting it, using historical examples to illustrate the fate of those who denied the truth.
- Distinction between Allah's will and command.
- Emphasis on individual free will and choice.
- Consequences of rejecting divine guidance.
Introduction
The speaker introduces the continuation of the discussion on verses from the Quran, focusing on the crimes of the Quresh and their similarity to those of past peoples. He notes the contemporary relevance of the issue, where people justify their actions by claiming they are in accordance with God's will.
Allah's Will vs. Allah's Command
The speaker explains the mainstream Sunni understanding of the difference between Allah's will and Allah's command. Allah's will encompasses events outside of our control, such as illness, while Allah's command involves laws and obligations like prayer and fasting. Humans are expected to follow Allah's commands, but the idolators were confusing the two, claiming their idol worship was divinely willed. The speaker stresses that Allah has granted humans free will to choose between right and wrong, and they are expected to obey His commands.
Dismantling the Argument of the Polytheists
The speaker addresses the polytheists' argument that their actions, such as worshipping idols and prohibiting certain animals, must be Allah's will since they are occurring. He refutes this by highlighting the element of free will, explaining that Allah has created humans with the ability to choose and that wrongdoings are a result of bad choices. The speaker references the Quran, emphasising that Allah could have sent everyone to paradise but instead created a test to determine who deserves the best.
The Duty of the Messengers
The speaker explains that the duty of the messengers is to clearly convey the message of God. He says that the messengers are not there to make complicated philosophical arguments, but to present clear, sound reasoning that anyone can grasp. The speaker emphasises that the messengers do not want anything in return, they simply want people to listen and obey God's command.
Guidance and Misguidance
The speaker discusses the concept of guidance and misguidance, explaining that Allah sends messengers to every community to guide them to worship Him and shun false gods. He clarifies that those who are guided choose the correct way, and Allah facilitates their journey, while those who are misguided have fully realised misguidance due to their own choices. The speaker highlights the distinction in the way the two groups are expressed in the Quran, emphasising that Allah does not misguide people but rather they choose misguidance themselves.
Consequences of Denying the Messengers
The speaker addresses the argument that if God wanted people to stop their idolatry and changing His laws, He would have stopped them. He asks how those who did the same in the past ended up, pointing to the destruction of communities who schemed against the prophets and rejected God's message. The speaker urges listeners to travel the land and see the outcome of those who denied the messengers, emphasising that they were destroyed because they rejected guidance and brought consequences upon themselves.
Allah's Love and the Messenger's Compassion
The speaker reflects on the loving and compassionate nature of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who tirelessly tried to guide people away from hellfire, even those who mocked and harmed him. He explains that even with the Prophet's keen desire for their guidance, Allah does not force those who actively try to mislead others to become good. The speaker emphasises that those who choose misguidance will have no helpers when the consequences of their actions come.
Free Choice and Seeking Guidance
The speaker reiterates that Allah sends guidance, and individuals have the choice to accept or reject it. He explains that those who willingly choose to turn away from good will not be forced back, and those who are intensely eager for guidance will be guided by Allah. The speaker emphasises the importance of seeking Allah's protection and constant guidance to stay safe from paths that lead away from His pleasure. He concludes by affirming that free choice and free will are essential aspects of the human experience, as understood in Sunni Orthodoxy.
