Tawheed Lesson 05 (Men) – The Jaʾiz of Allah, Qidam & Baqa, and the Reality of Contingent Existence

This lesson continues the systematic study of the core attributes of Allah in classical Sunni theology, building upon the thirteen attributes previously discussed. The focus of this session begins with the Jaʾiz fi Haqqihi Taʿala — the one thing that is conceivable regarding Allah: the ability to create or not create any possible thing (mumkin). Creation is not obligatory upon Allah, nor impossible for Him; rather, it exists purely by His will. Understanding this distinction prevents subtle theological errors where people unknowingly judge divine actions according to human preference or reasoning.

The lesson emphasises that true belief in Allah requires clarity about three categories in theology:
• Wājib – what is necessary for Allah
• Mustahīl – what is impossible for Allah
• Jaʾiz – what is conceivable for Allah

Without grounding in these principles, a person may fall into mistaken assumptions about how creation “should” be.

The discussion then revisits several essential attributes in greater depth:

Wujūd (Existence) – Allah’s existence is affirmed through both revelation and reason. The constant change observed throughout creation points to a creator who brings things into existence from non-existence. The universe itself becomes a rational proof that existence cannot arise independently.

Qidam (Pre-Eternity) – Allah has no beginning. If He had a beginning, it would imply something created Him. This leads to two impossible logical scenarios rejected by reason:
• Dawr – circular causation (A creates B and B creates A)
• Tasalsul – infinite regress of creators with no first cause

Both ideas collapse under rational analysis, affirming that the Creator must be without beginning.

Baqa (Everlastingness) – Allah’s existence has no end. Negating Baqa would undermine Qidam, since something that can perish cannot truly be pre-eternal. The scholars distinguish between Allah’s true eternal existence and things that continue by His will alone.

The lesson introduces the concept of Baqa ʿĀriḍī (derivative permanence) — things that endure because Allah wills their preservation. Among those mentioned are Paradise, Hell, the Divine Throne, the Preserved Tablet, the Pen, the Kursi, the human soul, the ʿajb al-dhanab (the subtle seed from which humans are resurrected), and the preserved bodies of the prophets.

Another major topic explored is Mukhalafatu Taʿala lil-Hawadith — the absolute dissimilarity between Allah and creation. To safeguard correct belief, ten misconceptions are explicitly negated, including the idea that Allah occupies space, possesses physical dimensions, exists within time, or resembles created attributes.

The lesson concludes with a deeper reflection on the purpose of studying Tawheed. The attributes of Allah are not meant to remain abstract theological concepts; they are meant to transform the believer’s understanding of reality. Through contemplation and reflection, one begins to realise the difference between Wājib al-Wujūd (the Necessary Existent) and Jaʾiz al-Wujūd (contingent existence).

Recognising that one’s own existence is dependent and powerless leads to humility, gratitude, and sincere worship. True faith emerges when the knowledge of Tawheed moves beyond intellectual understanding and becomes an internal realisation that shapes one’s consciousness, actions, and relationship with Allah.

This session therefore bridges formal theological doctrine with spiritual awareness — showing how reflection upon the divine attributes awakens humility, dependence upon Allah, and sincere devotion.

Tawheed Lesson 04 — “I Love Not Those That Set”

A deep, practical lecture on the passing nature of creation and how true Tawḥīd (oneness of God) heals the soul’s yearning for permanence. Using the Qur’ānic scene where Prophet Ibrahim recognizes and then rejects the star, the lesson traces why human beings seek an enduring Beloved and how mistaking transient signs for the Real leads to pain and confusion. The session unpacks the meaning of wājib al-wujūd (necessary existence) versus jaʾīz al-wujūd (contingent existence), shows how the world functions as sign (ālam → ʿalāmah), and explains why proper tafakkur (contemplation) must be grounded both in reason and revelation. Prophet Ibrahim is the focal example; the lesson cites his response in Surah Al-An'am (verse 76) — “I love not those that set” — as the starting point for the teaching.

Practical takeaways and themes:

• How to read creation as sign (not as an end in itself) so it points you to God rather than traps you in endless desire.

• The difference between superficial (darūrī) and contemplative (naẓarī) knowing, and why revelation is required to reach yaqīn (certainty).

• The spiritual psychology of the lower self (nafs al-ammārah): why it chases immediate pleasure and how that produces long-term loss.

• Concrete practices: the dua Ilāhī anta maqṣūd and the paired practice of loud dhikr (communal) and silent dhikr (heart remembrance). Practical instruction on beginning dhikr (articulate on the tongue, then transmit to the heart), persistence, and the promise that disciplined practice opens inner “secrets” — the teacher notes a 40-day turning point for those who commit to the practice.

Who this episode is for: students of Tawḥīd, seekers wanting a clearer spiritual method for handling hardship, and anyone who wants concrete, scripture-rooted practices (silent dhikr, muḥāsabah, synchronized breathing with lā ilāha illā llāh) to build steadiness in faith. The talk also stresses sincerity (doing for Allah alone), the moral dangers of attachment to transitory goods, and how true maʿrifah (knowledge of God) synchronises the disciple with prophetic understanding — not merely intellectual assent but a lived, heart-level witnessing.

Includes references, illustrative stories (Companions and later exemplars), guided wording for silent dhikr, and a closing reminder to prioritise recognition of the Real so one’s life — in trials and ease — becomes aimed at permanence rather than fleeting satisfaction.

(Contains Arabic dua and Qur’ānic references; recommended listening with a notepad for the practical dhikr steps and reflective questions.)

Tawheed Lesson 04 (Sisters) – “I Love Not Those That Set” | Tawheed, the Dunya, and the Struggle of the Nafs

This sisters’ lesson continues the structured study of Tawheed by moving beyond the enumeration of Allah’s attributes toward a deeper reflection on the nature of creation and the human heart’s attachment to what is fleeting.

Having previously established the foundational attributes of Allah — including existence, pre-eternity, everlastingness, absolute independence, and complete dissimilarity to creation — the discussion now examines what these realities mean when we observe the world around us.

The lesson begins with the Qur’anic reflection of Ibrahim (ʿalayhi as-salām), who looked at the celestial bodies and declared:

“I love not those that set.”

When the star disappeared, it was rejected as an object of devotion. When the moon set, it too was rejected. When the sun vanished, the conclusion became clear: anything that rises and falls, appears and disappears, cannot be worthy of ultimate attachment.

Through this example, the lesson highlights a central principle of Tawheed: everything in creation is contingent, dependent, and passing. Only Allah possesses true permanence.

From this foundation, the discussion turns toward the nature of the dunya itself. The word “dunya” carries the meaning of that which is low, fleeting, and close at hand. People pursue it with intensity, yet it continually escapes their grasp. Attachment to what inevitably disappears leads to disappointment, frustration, and grief.

The human being was created with longing and desire. If that longing is not directed toward the Eternal, it inevitably attaches itself to what fades.

The lesson then shifts inward to examine the role of the nafs, particularly nafs al-ammārah, the lower self that commands toward wrongdoing. The nafs seeks immediate gratification and temporary pleasure, often resisting discipline and spiritual growth. Without awareness and restraint, its impulses dominate behaviour.

Gatherings of sacred knowledge are presented as a remedy for this condition. When teachings transmitted from the Prophet ﷺ reach the heart, they illuminate the soul and gradually reshape character. Such circles of knowledge are described as moments of spiritual elevation where divine remembrance transforms the inner state.

A key theme throughout the session is sincerity. Believers are encouraged to remove blameworthy traits such as impatience, heedlessness, and self-centeredness, replacing them with sincere intention directed purely toward Allah.

The lesson also reframes life’s difficulties through the lens of Tawheed. People frequently find themselves in situations they did not choose and cannot easily escape. Without spiritual understanding, such circumstances lead to resentment or complaint. Tawheed, however, teaches the believer to ask a different question: not “What do I want?” but “What does Allah want from me in this moment?”

The example of the Prophet ﷺ at Taif is recalled, where he endured rejection and injury yet remained focused only on whether his Lord was pleased with him.

True faith is revealed precisely in these moments — when the believer continues to act sincerely even when circumstances conflict with personal preference.

The lesson concludes with a reminder that life itself unfolds according to the will of Allah. Through patience, remembrance, and sincere effort, the heart gradually detaches from what passes and turns toward the One who never passes.