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

Justice of God Last week we discussed: This week we discuss: 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. 128H - 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) وَ قَالَ الصَّادِقُ ع لَا جَبْرَ وَ لَا تَفْوِيضَ بَلْ أَمْرٌ بَيْنَ أَمْرَيْن 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?