Classes on Theology Sheikh Jaffer H Jaffer Masumeen

Classes on Theology Sheikh Jaffer H. Jaffer Masumeen Islamic Centre April 10 th, 2012 Week Nine

Justice of God • Last week we discussed: – Three philosophies for the salvation of non-Muslims: • Religious Pluralism, Perennialism and the Islamic View • This week we discuss: – Free Will and Determinism (Pre-destination)

Justice of God • Al-Jabr (fatalism) – Jahm ibn Safwan (d. 128 H - 745) • No action is attributed to humans literally, rather all actions are only attributed to God – Clear issues with this school of thought

Justice of God • At-Tafweedh – Free Will – Wasil bin ‘Ata (700 -748) • Founder of the Mu’tazili School of Thought • Five main pillars: – – Tawheed (Oneness of God) Adalat (Divine Justice) Al Wa’d wa al Wa’id (promise and threat) Al-Manzilah Bayna al-Manzilatayn– the intermediate position – Al Amr bil Ma’ruf wa Nahi anil Munkar (Enjoining the good and forbidding the evil) • Complete Free Will – Allah SWT hands over the authority of all actions to the people

Justice of God • Al-Kasb – Acquisition – Abu Hasan al Ash’ari (874 -936) • Founder of the Ash’ari School of Thought • The actions of the people are in reality created by Allah SWT; the people simply acquire these actions from Allah SWT – Iktisaab (acquisition) – Classify the power to do an action into Qadimah (original) and Hadithah (derived) » Man is given power by God so man’s power is derived (hadithah) – As such God is the creator of human actions and man only has power of acquisition

Justice of God • Amrun bayna Amrayn (A way between two ways) – ﺍ ﺍﻟ ﺍ ﻉ ﺍ ﺍ ﻳ ﻥ – There is no doubt that God must know everything – There is no doubt that we are free to a certain extent to do what we like • Story of standing on one leg

Justice of God • Answering some doubts: – If Allah SWT is completely aware of our actions; isn’t everything determined? – Isn’t there are clear contradiction between Divine Will and Human will? – Our decisions and actions are based on internal and intrinsic tendencies. – Science has proved that our environment and social surroundings dictates what actions and decisions we will make

Questions?