Explanation Of The Creed (Sharh-us-Sunnah) Points. 51-55

Point---51 Anyone who claims to have seen his Lord in this world is a Disbeliever in Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic.1

1) I.e. One who claims to have seen Allaah whilst awake. Perhaps he is referring to the extreme Soofees and those who cliam that Allaah is within His creation or that it is possbile to become at one with or annihilated with Allaah or to those who claim that they have received knowledge and inspiration direct from Allaah. High is Allaah above and far removed from the claims they make.


Point---52 Reflecting deeply about Allaah is an innovation, as Allaah's Messenger (allayhis salat wassalam) said, "Reflect upon the creation and do not reflect upon Allaah,1 since tryign to reflect deeply about Allaah causes doubt in the heart.

1) Reported with this wording by Abush-Shaikh in al-'Azamah (no.5) and Abul-Qaasim al-Asbahaanee in at-Taghreeb (2/73;174) from the marfoo' hadeeth of ibn 'Abbaas and its isnaad is weak. However, it has a witness in the hadeeth of 'Abdullah ibn sallaam in marfoo' form reported by Abu Nu'aym in al-Hilyah (6/66-67) which brings it to the level of hasan. It has further witnesses which are weak. Refer to Silsilatus-Saheehah(no.1788).

The reflection which is forbidden here is to try to reflect about Allaah's Self, asking 'how?' and, 'why?' and so on. The hadeeth is also a reply to those who claim that the first obligation upon a person is to have doubt, or to reflect and ponder. However, it is not forbidden to reflect on Allaah's creation, His dominion, the blessings which He has bestowed, His Greatness and His names and attributes.


Point---53 Know that reptiles, beats of prey and all creatures such as the tiny ant, the fly and the ant are all acting as they are commanded. They do not do anything except by the permission of Allaah, the Blessed and the Most High.


Point---54 To have Faith that Allaah knew whatever would be from the start of time and whatever would not be and that He fully enumerated and comprehended everything that was to be. Anyone who says, 'He did not know that which was or will be in existence,'1 has disbelieved Allaah, the Most Sublime.

1 This is the saying of Hishaam ibn al-Hakam, the leader of misguidance, who believed that Allaah, the Most Perfect, did not know anything until He created knowledge of it for Himself. This is clear disbelief.


Point---55 There is no marriage except with a guardian (Walee)1 and two just witnesses and a dower (Mahr) whether it is a small amount or a large amount. As for a woman without a guardian, then the ruler is the guardian of one without a guardian.

1 Abu Moosa reported that the prophet (allayhis salat wassalam) said, "There is no marriage without the guardian (walee)." Reported by Abu Daawood (Eng. trans. 2/559/no.2080) and is Saheeh.