AQIDAH~ SERIES

_
Bad al-Amali
English Translation of a Classical Text on Sunni Creed

IMAM L AL-SH
bad al-amali

 AQIDAH ~ SERIES

_
Bad al-Amali
English Translation of a Classical Text on Sunni Creed

IMAM L IBN THMN AL-SHI

(d. 575 AH / 1179 CE)

Translated by
ABU HASAN
 Manmah Badil Aml

By

Imam Sirjuddn l ibn thmn al-Farghn al-sh

Translation and Footnotes

Abu Hasan

Acknowledgements
Abu Nibras, Aqdas, Noori, Janab Aqib Farid Qdiri, baydullh, Sayyid li
Khlid, Esfak, Ab Haneefah and all others who contributed to this book.

Special thanks to Mufti Zahid Husain (Preston) for reviewing the drafts.

Cover: Mohammed Imtiyaz

Copyright Ridawi Press

Dhul ijjah 1438/August 2017
Version 1.1

[email protected]
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The translator can be contacted at:

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Please include the name of the book in the subject of your mail for specific queries
or comments. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce or utilise this material in any
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 CONTENTS

Translators Preface

1 Thus Saith the Slave 1

2 Pre-eternal, Without Beginning 1

3 He Wills, He Ordains 1

4 He is the Creator of both Good and Evil 2

5 Divine Attributes are Neither Self, Nor Separate 2

6 Divine Attributes are Beginningless, Pre-eternal 2

7 Using Thing or Entity to refer to Allh 3

8 Divine Names are not Separate Entities Per Se 3

9 Not a Substance, Particle or Accident 4

10 Existence of an Indivisible Particle 4

11 The Qurn is Divine Speech and Uncreated 6

12 Istiwa is without Modality 7

13 Wajh is an Attribute, But Does Not Mean Face 8

14 The Transcendence of Allh from Time 9

15 Transcendent of Wife, Son, Daughter 9

16 Transcendent of Partners, Equals, Helpers 9

17 He Gives Death to All Living Beings and Resurrects 10

18 Heaven for Pious; Hell for Disbelievers 11

19 Heaven and Hell are Forever 12

20 Vision of Allh in Paradise is without Modality 12

21 The Loss of Mtazilah for Rejecting Ruyah 12

22 Nothing is Obligatory Upon Allh 13

23 Obligatory to Believe in Messengers and Angels 13

24 The Last Prophet is a Hshim (Clan of Quraysh) 14

25 The Last Prophet is the Leader of all Messengers 14

26 His Sharh Remains Until Judgement Day 15

27 Night Journey and Ascension are True 15

28 Intercession of Pious People is True 16

29 Prophets are Divinely Protected from Sin 16

30 Prophets are all Men 17

31 Dhul Qarnayn and Luqmn are Not Prophets 17

32 Sayyidun s will Return and Slay Dajjl 18

32 Miracles of Saints are True 18

34 Awliya can never be Superior to Prophets 19

35 Ab Bakr iddq is Superior-most Companion 19

36 mar is Superior to thmn 20

37 thmn is Superior to l 20

38 l is Superior to Everyone Else (Except Above) 20

39 ayishah is Superior to Fimah in Some Aspects 21

40 Yazd is Not Cursed After His Death 21

41 Belief by Imitation [Muqallid] is Valid 22

42 Sane Person Has No Excuse to Not Know Allh 22

43 Faith at the Last Moment Prior to Death 23

44 Good Deeds Are Not Part of Belief 23

45 Committing Sins Does Not Make One a Disbeliever 24

46 Intention of Apostasy in the Future 24

47 Uttering Kufr Without Believing It 25

48 Uttering Kufr in a State of Inebriation 25

49 That Which Does Not Exist Cannot Be Seen 26

50 On Takwn 27

51 Unlawful Food is Sustenance Too 31

52 Interrogation in the Grave 31

53 Punishment in the Grave 32

54 Admission in Paradise is by the Grace of Allh 32

55 Accounting of Deeds on The Final Day 33

56 Deed Books Will be Given in Right and Left Hands 33

57 The Scales and Crossing of the Bridge Over Hell 34

58 Intercession of the Righteous (Repeated Distich) 35

59 Prayers Certainly Have a Discernible Effect/Result 35

60 The Universe Did Not Always Exist 36

61 Heaven and Hell Exist Already 36

62 Believers Will Not Stay in Hell Forever 36

63 About This Enchanting Poem and its Author 37

Appendix A: The Qadah in Arabic with Transliteration 38

Appendix B: Qurnic Verses Mentioned in the Footnotes 47

Appendix C: Transliteration Key 58

Sources 61

About the Author 63


" #
/ 2 6" #

TRANSLATORS PREFACE

All praise be to Allh the Creator and Sustainer of all creation. Blessings
and peace be upon our master Muammad , the chief of all the
Prophets and Messengers; our master was sent with guidance and as a
guide to the world. O Allh! We ask Thee to guide us towards truth and
upon the right path.

Every Muslim should learn the fundamentals of faith [qdah], which is

also termed as obligatory knowledge. There are many short and lengthy
works on this subject and this poem on Sunni creed [qadah] is well-
known and used to be a component of elementary education in the past.
This qadah is written by Imm l al-sh, a anaf scholar who lived
in the 6th century of the Islamic calendar. He was born or lived in Ush,
by the Farghana valley (Osh in todays Kyrgyzstan) and hence his
demonym al-sh.

The present translation of Bad al-Aml is intended to be a beginners

guide and a handy reference of the Creed of Ahl al-Sunnah. A
transliteration is appended in the end, as an aid to students who wish to
memorise the poem. A few footnotes (such as the one on takwn) are
more technical and lengthier than they ought to be in a book for
beginners; however, they were necessary for a better understanding of the
couplets in question.

Many thanks to brothers who reviewed the translation and made valuable
suggestions and corrections. A special thanks to Mufti Zahid Husain
Qdir of Preston, for his review, suggestions and corrections. I had
started this translation in 2014 as a quick project, but had it shelved due
to other commitments. I began working on it again, late last year and I
felt that some explanatory notes would make the text more accessible to
beginners and to those without an introduction to kalm. By the Grace
of Allh tl, the translation was completed in February 2017, but it
could not be released until now for various reasons. I hope and pray to
Allh tl to make this book a useful resource for students, and grant
acceptance to this small service, and include it in my record of good
deeds, and to forgive me, my parents, my family and my friends.

Abu Hasan
3 Dhul ijjah 1438 / 25th August 2017
rd
 BAD AL-AML

1. Says the slave1 in the beginning of his dictation

On Tawd;2 a string of pearls, its composition.

2. The God of Creation,3 our Lord,4 is pre-eternal5

He can be attributed [only] with Attributes of Perfection.6

3. He is the Living, the Absolute Planner7 of everything;

He is the Real;8 the Ordainer of everything,9 the Glorious.10

1
By bd, the author refers to himself; i.e. slave of Allh .
2
Tawd: Monotheism and by extension, the Islamic faith, even though there are other
religions that claim to be monotheistic; in our terminology this refers to the belief of
Muslims and everything that entails, which can be described in one sentence as Obedience
to Allh and His Messenger .
3
Ilh al-Khalq: One who is worthy of worship, mbd.
4
Mawln: Commonly, this is used as an honorific or a title to address men of learning;
here, it is used in the sense of: our Absolute Master. Just as akm is used to mean a
physician or a wise man; and akm referring to Allh means the Wise.
5
Qadm: He exists without a beginning and there was nothing in Pre-eternity with Him;
everything was created by Him; everything else is therefore hdith, which means that it
occurred or that it came into existence and was previously non-existent.
6
ift; Allh cannot be attributed with flaws. For instance, falsehood is a flaw; therefore,
Allh cannot be attributed with falsehood. The Mtazilah believed that it was possible
for Allh to lie. Some modern sects are attempting to revive this heresy. Al-ydhu billh.
7
ayy: Living; and it is unlike life of anyone in the creation. Mudabbir: He who Plans.
8
aqq: The Absolute Reality.
9
Muqaddir: He has Destined everything for everybody. We believe in destiny and that
everything is ordained by Allh .
10
Dhul Jall: The Glorious; He who is attributed with Absolute Majesty.

1
 4. He Wills [to Create] both the good and the ugly evil;
But He is not Pleased with [sin and] transgression.11
5. The Attributes of Allh are not His Self12 per se;
Neither are they separate, nor are they dissociated.13
6. All His Attributes of Self and Attributes of Action,14
Are pre-eternal, and are free from annihilation.15

11
Mul: literally, it means impossible; here, it is used to mean transgression [Qr]. The
good or evil [or its ugliness] is known by revelation; the Mtazilah say that it can be known
rationally; they also say that the good is from Allh but evil is mans own doing. We say:
Indeed, evil is manifest by human actions and is a consequence of exercising their free-will;
but still, it is created by Allh . He is not Pleased for His slaves to disbelieve [Zumar 39:7].
12
Dht = Essence, Self.
13
The Mtazilah say that His Attributes are His Self and there is no difference; the
Karrmiyyah say that they are separate and distinct from His Self. But we say that His
Attributes are neither Self nor separate from Self. For example, Allh is Merciful, and
Mercy is His Attribute; but Allah and His Mercy are not one and the same thing. Neither
is His Mercy, His Essence in itself, nor is it a separate entity dissociated from the Essence.
Therefore, clichs such as God is love or God is Power are unislamic and absurd.
14
ift al-Dht = Attributes of His Self; those attributes whose opposites are impossible for
Allh . For example, Knowledge is an Attribute of Essence; its opposite is ignorance.
Another attribute is Greatness [kibriya] and it is impossible to attribute its opposite to
Allh . Similarly, Divine Power, Hearing, Seeing and Divine Will are ift al-dht.

ift al-Fil = Attributes of Action; those attributes whose opposites can also be attributed
to Allh . For example, iya is to give life; its opposite is imtah, taking away of life (or
giving death). It is true that Allh gives life and death; it is permissible to attribute Him
with both the opposing attributes [of giving life and giving death]. Such attributes are
known as ift al-fil.
15
All His Attributes are pre-eternal, without a beginning, and Everlasting, without an end.
Mturds consider all the attributes of Allh as pre-eternal thus, He was Rziq [Giver
of Sustenance] in pre-eternity, when none existed to whom He could give sustenance. He
was Khliq [Creator] even when He had not created anything. The Ashrs, say that ift
al-dht are pre-eternal, but ift al-fil are accidents [dith]. This is only a semantic
difference and not a major point of contention. Also discussed in distich #50 below.

2
 7. We say, Allh is an Entity,16 unlike any other entity;
He17 is transcendent of all the six directions.18
8. The name is not dissociated from the named19
According to the people of discerning, the virtuous ones.20

16
Shayy: Entity, something that exists. Due to linguistic constraints, we use the word shayy
or entity to describe existence or He who exists [mawjd]; but it is absolutely unlike
anything else, whether in Essence or Attributes. In other words, He Exists and He is unlike
everything else. The Jahmiyyah sect claims that it is not permissible to describe Allh as
shayy, i.e. as an Entity [Qr]. In the Qurn, Ask them: Whose witness is the greatest?
Say: Allh is the [greatest] Witness between I and you [Anm, 6:19]. In the above verse
is the word, ayyu shayy; literally, which thing [translated as whose].
17
Dht: His Self. It is permissible to use the word dht, or Self or Essence for Allh as said in
the adth: l tatafakkar f dhtillh [Do not ponder in the Essence of Allh , or in His Self]
18
The six directions are above, below, front, back, right and left. Allh is transcendent
of being in ANY direction. The Creator is transcendent of time, space and direction; these
are constraints and are attributes of the creation. The Karrmiyyah said that Allh can
be attributed with [any of] the six directions. Furthermore, this is also a refutation of the
Mtazilah, who say that Allh is present in every place [f kulli makn]; the
anthropomorphists and Karrmiyyah also say that He is upon the Throne [rsh]. We seek
Allhs refuge from describing Him in a manner that is suggestive of anthropomorphism.
19
The Jahmiyyah, Karrmiyyah and Mtazilah say that the name, in itself, is a distinct
entity. They cite the phrase, the name of your Lord as an example, and say, if both were
one and the same, why would they be mentioned separately? When one says fire, the
tongue does not get burnt that thing which burns is removed and is distinct from the
name. Therefore the name and the entity are two separate things. This is the argument of
the aforementioned sects. According to the Ahl al-Sunnah: The name and the named are
one and the same. When one says, Zaynab is divorced, it is Zaynab herself who is divorced,
not the name. In the verse, Glorify the Name of your Lord [Al-Al, v1] the praise and
glorification is for Allh Himself not for a name separate from Him. Q Bayw
said in his tafsr: The name, when used as a word [laf], is separate from the entity; but
the name, if it refers to the essence of the named [dht], then they are one and the same.
Ibn Jamh said that his teacher found it strange that people argued about this non-issue.
20
Refers to the Ahl al-Sunnah.

3
 9. My Lord Sustainer is not an atom21 or a body22
Neither [described as] whole, nor a part, nor constituted.23

10. My son, it is rational to accept the existence of a particle

With the attribute that it cannot be divided any further.24

21
Jawhar = particle, substance, matter; jawhar al-fard = indivisible particle, or the atom.
The property of a substance is that it occupies space and has a position [taayyuz]. rad
means an accident, an occurrence. The difference is that jawhar exists in itself; rad occurs
because of an extraneous cause and rad cannot exist by itself.
22
Jism = body, composed of parts, particles. It is composed of particles which occupy space,
and is described in terms of height, length and depth. A body can refer to a living or non-
living thing anything that occupies space and has a position is a body. The Karrmiyyah
and the anthropomorphists [mushabbihah] say that Allh is a body unlike other bodies.
The Ahl al-Sunnah say that Allh is not a substance, or a particle, neither a body nor an
accident [not a jawhar or a jism or an rad].
23
Kull = all, completely; this indicates composition of parts or particles. It is impermissible
to describe Allh as all or a portion or a part or that He is composed of parts or
portions, because these terms imply space and position, which are attributes of creation.
24
The theologians [mutakallimin] among Ahl al-Sunnah favoured the theory that it is
reasonable to imagine the existence of an indivisible particle [jawhar al-fard or juz al-
ladh l yatajazza], even though it may not be observed externally, as it may be attached
to other [such particles], which they described as nuqah, or a point. This was mentioned
by Qr in the 16th century CE. Even today, sub-atomic particles hypothesised by physicists
and known as protons and neutrons cannot be observed directly; physicists say that their
presence is inferred or presumed by indirect observation and detected by traces in particle
accelerators. If a person denies the existence of sub-atomic particles just because he/she
cannot see them, they will be ridiculed as ignorant and foolish. Glory be to Allh! How can
one deny a Creator just because they cannot see Him with their eyes? The whole universe,
the numerous intricate and complex systems are all evolved, according to believers of
Scientism. They make exceedingly absurd arguments in their attempts to disprove the
existence of God and make fun of those who believe in a Creator. One should not be
intimidated by the clamour of atheists or fear ridicule of peers for believing in a Creator.
Often, atheists say, show us God or why doesnt God do this or that or why is the state
of the world thus etc. The Qurn tells us about such people and their destination: And

4
disbelievers will never cease doubting, until the Final Hour comes upon them suddenly,
or comes punishment, on that day which will be fruitless for them [ajj 22:55]. Such
objections are not new, and similar arguments have been made in the past, as mentioned
in the Qurn.
When Sayyidun Ms took seventy Israelites [ban isryl] along with him, they
dissented and said: We will not believe you until we see Allh openly [with our own eyes]
[Baqarah, 2:55]. In the time of the Prophet , the Jews and Christians asked him to
produce a book descending from heaven, to believe in him ; Allh says: The People of
the Book ask you to cause a book to descend upon them from the heavens. They have asked
Ms for something even greater than this, when they said: Show us Allh manifestly.
They were struck by a thunderbolt for their transgression. [Nisa, 4:153].
When reminded of death and afterlife, disbelievers scoff at it: When our signs [Qurnic
verses] are recited to them, they say: These are naught, but legends of ancient folk
[Qalam, 68:15] . When reminded of life after death, they dismiss it: Indeed, there is nothing
else except our death for just once; and we shall not be resurrected. Bring forth our
forefathers if you are indeed truthful. [Dukhn, 44:35-36]. When warned of an eternal
punishment, they laugh at it: When he comes to know of our signs [Qurnic verses] he
takes to mockery... [Jthiyah, 45:9]. But death is sure to come: Death will come to you,
even if you take shelter in the most formidable fortress...[Nisa, 4:78]. They will continue
to disbelieve and mock believers Until death comes to them, and they will say: O our Lord,
send us back [Muminn, 23:99]. But it will be too late. If only you could see the Angels
yank the souls of disbelievers, and slap their faces and strike their backs, [saying:] Now,
taste the punishment of the scorching fire [Anfl, 8:50]. Until then, Be lenient with
disbelievers and give them some time. [riq, 86:17]. Tell those who do not believe to do
as they like, and leave us Muslims to do what we deem to be good deeds; as for punishment
for disbelief, tell them: Do wait; indeed, we too are waiting. [Hd, 11:122].
In summary, Sunni scholars held that it is rational to accept the existence of a fundamental
particle that has a position [occupies space, howsoever infinitesimal] and which cannot be
subdivided further. Ancient philosophers and some factions among the Mtazilah [such
as followers of Nam] believed that it is impossible for such an indivisible particle to
exist, and that every particle can be subdivided infinitely. According to Mawln l al-
Qr, this is not a matter of Islamic creed, but information that is only good to know.
Rayw, however, is of the opinion that this issue has important implications in various
creedal matters. Allh tl knows best.

5
 11. The Quran25 is not the creation of Allh; Exalted is
The Speech of my Lord Sustainer from being an utterance.26

25
The word, Qurn, has different meanings:

1. Recitation or reading out something [qirah]

2. The Book [muaf] or a written/printed copy of the Qurn
3. Divine Speech, which is uncreated and is a pre-eternal Attribute of Allh , also
known as Kalm Nafs.
Here, the author refers to the third meaning, i.e. Divine Speech. Therefore, scholars
cautiously say, the Divine Speech of Allh is uncreated [kalm Allh ghayr makhlq] and
do not say the Qurn is not creation [al-qurnu ghayr makhlq] to avoid confusion, lest
people are misled to believe that the written word, the sounds and letters, the recitation of
the Qurn are all uncreated and pre-eternal. It is obvious that neither our voices, nor the
sounds we make, nor the letters made with ink on paper are pre-eternal. Some anbal
scholars made weird statements that defy common sense; for example, a anbal said [see
Musmarah of Ibn Humm]: The Divine Speech of Allh is composed of letters and
sounds and subsists by His Self; another said: the binding and the cover of the book [in
which Qurn is written] are also pre-eternal. We ask Allh to protect us from deviance.
26
Uttered speech is made of letters and sounds; and these are attributes of the speech of
creation. Exalted is the Divine Speech of Allh from being similar to attributes of creation
or resembling the uttered speech of creation.

The Qurn is Divine Speech of Allh which was revealed to the Prophet , written in
books, recited upon tongues, memorised and preserved in the hearts but it does not mean
that Divine Speech has entered or blended into any of these created things. The sounds and
letters, and that which is written, recited, memorised is a denotation, an indication and
expression of Divine Speech. The information in Divine Speech is conveyed via sounds and
letters due to constraints of human faculties. For more details, see my upcoming paper
Kalm NafsKalm Laf. Whoever says that the Qurn as in Divine Speech is created,
is a kfir.

A man asked Imm Amad ibn anbal : Can I pray behind a person who drinks wine?
He replied: No. The man asked Can I pray behind a person who says that the Qurn is
created? Imm Amad said: SubnAllh! I forbade you to pray behind a Muslim, and
you are asking me about a kfir?

6
 12. The Lord of the Throne is on27 the Throne,28 but
Sans the attribute of being situated upon it or in contact.29

27
Fawq = on, upon, above; the word should have been istawa/istiwa, but replaced with
fawq due to poetical necessity. However, fawq is also mentioned in the Qurn: And He is
Omnipotent over His slaves [Srah Anm, 6:18] Istiwa, as mentioned in the Qurn:
Ramn made istiwa on the Throne. [Srah -H, 20:5] The literal translation of istiwa
is equability, to become equal, to be on the same level; it has other figurative meanings such as
subduing, overcoming etc. The real meaning is only known to Allh . Later scholars
permitted explaining such that it does not contradict the established creed of Ahl al-Sunnah.
28
rsh = Throne.
29
Being upon it physically, seated upon it, established upon it [tammakun] or being in
contact [ittil], are all attributes of creation and impossible for Allh . The Karrmiyyah,
the anthropomorphists and the Shh say that the Throne is His seat, and its meaning is
literal. We say that the Throne was created to Manifest His Greatness and to show His
Immense Power upon creation not because He is in any need of it, for Allh is
transcendent of being in need of anything. It actually means subduing [Bakri]. Imm Mlik
was once asked about its meaning and he replied: [That Allh made] istiwa is
established; its quiddity is not known; to investigate its meaning is heresy; and to believe
in it is obligatory. [Qr]. On the other extreme, the Jahmiyyah deny istiwa as a Divine
Attribute. The Ahl al-Sunnah tread the moderate path; we do not deny Divine Attributes
as the Muilah and Jahmiyyah or interpret them literally like the ashwiyyah.
Ibn Humam says in his Musyarah [p18]: The Eighth Principle Allh made istiwa
upon the Throne, by His Divine Command. Istiwa does not mean seating or settling of a
body upon another body; istiwa does not mean being placed, or touching, or being in
contact, or being in proximity etc. [tamakkun, mumsah, mudhh]. Rather, its real
meaning is known only to Allh . In summary: It is obligatory to have faith that Allh
made istiwa upon the Throne and at the same time [it is obligatory to] negate anything
that suggests anthropomorphic ideas or implies similitude to creation. It is permissible to
explain istiwa, as subduing or exercising dominion [istyla], as it is contingent and
subject to Divine Will. Since we cannot know Divine Will [except when He Himself
informs us], it is a valid possibility; though, it is only obligatory for us to believe in istiwa
itself [and not required to know its meaning]. If the absence of an explanation would cause
confusion [to common people], who may then imagine it to be an attribute of a body, it is
better to steer them towards an explanation away from anthropomorphic ideas; besides,
explaining it as overpowering dominion is consistent with linguistic interpretation.

7
 13. There is no similitude for Ramn30 in any aspect31
Protect yourself by agreeing with virtuous company.32

30
Ramn is among the exclusive names of Allh and those names belong to Allh
alone. Ignorant people truncate compound names and address people as Ramn; this is
impermissible. Just as bd-Allh [slave of Allh] cannot be truncated to Allh, Mr. bd
al-Ramn [slave of Ramn] or Mr. abb al-Ramn [beloved of Ramn] should not
be truncated to Mr. Rahman. al-ydhu billh.
31
The author has used the word wajh which means aspect, and also face or countenance,
hinting that wajh, as mentioned in Qurn has no similitude. Anthropomorphists translate
this word literally, whereas it is impermissible to attribute its literal meaning to the Lord
Almighty, and impossible for Him: Wheresoever you turn, you will find the Mercy of Allh
facing you [Baqarah, 2:115]. It is also mentioned in 2:272, 13:22, 18:28, 28:88, 30:38-39,
55:27, 92:20. Allh does not resemble anything in His creation in any manner; neither
in His Self, nor in His Attributes. There is nothing like Him [Shr, 42:11].
32
The scholars of Ahl al-Sunnah repudiate any similitude for the Creator and believe in the
transcendence of the Creator [tanzh]. Ibn Humm says in Musyarah [p18-19]: Things
mentioned in the Qurn and reported in a adth whose literal meaning has
connotations of being a body, such as finger [ib], foot [qadam], hand [yad] etc. it is
obligatory to believe in them [even if one does not agree with the interpretation] because
the yad or ib are Attributes of Allh, not as a body part, but in a manner that is befitting
His Exalted Majesty, and [the real meaning of] which is known only to Him. Thus, yad and
ib are explained as His Divine Power and Absolute Dominion; yamn [lit. right hand]
mentioned in the adth of RaslAllh for the Black Stone [ajar] is indicative of the
honour and greatness accorded to it. These explanations are in consideration of the
intellects of commonfolk and to help them steer clear from concepts of
anthropomorphism. These explanations are only possible meanings we do not insist that
they are the exact meanings. Our scholars have said that these are abstruse verses
[mutashbiht] and no one can know their real meanings in this world. Blind followers
of Ibn Taymiyyah often translate wajh as face and yad as hand in English, and scoff at
Sunnis for translating them as His Self or His Power. The fools do not realise that
translating yad is, in effect, an interpretation. Anthropomorphists writing in Arabic seek
refuge in the pretext: Thus it is mentioned in the Qurn; their non-Arab counterparts do
not understand this nuance, and happily strut around advertising deplorable translations
[which are actually interpretations], and disgusting anthropomorphist beliefs. Exalted is
Allh from such descriptions attributed to Him by ignoramuses and evil folk.

8
 14. Al-Dayyn33 [Allh ] is transcendent of time,34
Exalted is He from [constraints of] period35 or state.36

15. The Lord God is transcendent37 of having wives;38

Or children whether male or female.39

16. So also, He is not in need of any helper or supporter,

He is Alone in His Absolute Majesty and Greatness.

33
Dayyn is derived from dn, which means recompense. Allh has said: The Lord of the
Day of Recompense. [Ftiah, 1:4]. It is one of His Divine Names as mentioned in hadith:
Allh will gather all the people; and they will be summoned by a voice they will all hear: I
am the Absolute King, I am the Giver of Recompense [Bukhr, introduction to the adth
#7481]. In another adth: The good shall not perish; the sin will not be forgotten and Dayyn
does not die. Be as you wish, you will be recompensed for whatever you do. [Maqid al-
asanah, #834, Sakhw from Amad in Zuhd, Daylam, Ab Nuym etc].
34
Waqt time. Allh is the Creator of time and is not constrained by it. He exists
independent of space and time.
35
Zamn period, epoch, point in time such as past, present or future. The before and after
are not applicable to the Attributes of Allh .
36
Hl state. That is, the state of a thing changes over time. For example, after birth, as
time passes, ones state changes from childhood to adolescence to youth to middle-age and
then old-age. Allh is transcendent of time; He does not change. He is, as He always was;
and shall be, as He has always been.
37
Mustaghn lit. independent, free from; Allh does not need a wife or children; He is
Absolutely Independent from having any. It is Mul for Allh to have an equal, or a
partner, or a wife, or children be it sons or daughters.
38
Nisa lit. women; however, it is intended to mean wives and is repudiated in the
Qurnic verse: And that Exalted is our Lord Sustainer; He has not taken [unto himself]
a wife or a son. [Jinn 72:3].
39
Christians claim that Jesus is the son of Allh ; the polytheists of Makkah used to
believe that angels were the daughters of Allh . Exalted is He from such ascriptions for
He is Absolutely Alone; neither does He have children, nor is He born of anyone; nor does
He have any equal, or a partner, or a rival.

9
 17. He gives death to creation by His Power,40 then resurrects;
And gives them recompense according to their deeds.41

40
Qahr He subjugates by His Infinite Power. He has ordained death for every living thing,
as He has said: Every soul shall taste death. [Al mrn, 3:185].
41
The Horn shall be blown twice by the angel Isrfl . At the Final Hour, it will be blown
for the first time, and everything existing and everyone alive until that time will perish,
including the angel blowing the Horn. Then a period of time will pass when everything in
the creation will be annihilated and will cease to exist [mdm]. Allh will ask: Whose
dominion is it this day? As there will be none to answer, He will Himself reply: [Everything]
belongs to Allh, the One, the Absolute Subduer [Ghfir, 40:16]. Thereafter, Allh will
resurrect the angel Israfl, who will blow the Horn for the second time. Everyone will then
rise from the dead; this is known as nashr or Resurrection. It is also said that some beings
will not be exterminated at the first blowing of the Horn. It is mentioned in adth that the
period between the two Horns is forty. Ab Hurayrah , the narrator of this adth, was
asked whether it was forty days, months or years; but he declined to confirm. It is
obligatory for a Muslim to believe, that sending forth from the graves towards the
Assembly [bath], the Gathering [ashr] and the Resurrection [nashr] are all true. Every
living thing will be gathered after having decayed and turned to bones and dust. However,
the bodies of Prophets, martyrs and Awliya-Allh will not decay and their bodies will
remain untouched even after their deaths. Also, Prophets are alive in their graves, after the
inevitable moment of death, as every soul is bound to taste death. Allh will resurrect all
the bodies and return their souls on Judgement day; and it is these renewed bodies which
will be assembled, not merely the souls, as claimed by some philosophers. Some among the
Karrmiyyah claimed that bodies will not be recreated; philosophers have entirely rejected
the belief that bodies will be resurrected. Atheists reject afterlife and according to them
death is the end of everything. This is not a new belief and the Qurn quotes ancient folk
who have said similar things: There is nothing else except for our life in this world, we die
and we live; and we shall not be resurrected. [Muminn, 23:37]. They believe that it is just
time that ravages them; And they say, there is nothing [else] except this life of ours in this
world; we die and we live and it is only time that wastes us away. They do not speak from
knowledge it is merely their conjecture [Jthiyah, 45:24]. This couplet in Aml is a
summary of the Qurnic verse: Every soul shall taste death. You will be given your full
recompense only on the Day of Resurrection. Whosoever is saved from Fire and made to
enter Paradise [on that day] has truly succeeded. The life of this world is nothing but a
materialistic delusion [Al mrn, 3:185].

10
 18. For the good,42 there is paradise and luxury;43
And disbelievers will suffer44 a painful torment.45

42
Only Muslims will enter paradise and righteous Muslims will enter paradise without
going through hell. Some sinners among Muslims will go to hell and after being punished
for a period, they will be removed from hell and sent to paradise after the intercession of
RaslAllh . It is also true that some sinners will enter paradise upon the intercession of
RaslAllh , without going through hell. Perennialists believe that Islm is not necessary
for salvation and that regardless of religion, people will go to Heaven. The prominent figure
of Sophia Perennis in our time is Seyyed Hossein Nasr, a disciple of Frithjof Schuon. Nasr
and his students have tried to promote their philosophy and attempted to tamper with the
Qurn, by sneaking far fetched extrapolations in a spurious work titled, The Study Quran,
published by Harper Collins. Muslims are warned to keep away from this devilish design
to subvert Islm and misguide unsuspecting and ignorant folk. Such attempts will never
succeed anyway, as Allh has Promised to Safeguard the Qurn from alteration and
manipulation. Indeed, We have revealed this Qurn and We shall Protect it. [ijr 15:9].
We belong to Him and towards Him is our return.
43
Paradise is a place of unmitigated luxury and unending comfort. There are vast gardens
and palaces for those who enter it. There will be no fear of disease, or hardship, or grief, or
oppression, or affliction, or suffering or any sort of discomfort. There will be no danger, or
crime, or misfortune, or injury, or death. Everybody who enters paradise will be young and
beautiful and will live therein forever. There will be streams of milk, honey, pure water and
pure wine flowing in these gardens. Pebbles and gravel will be made of diamonds and
pearls, the bricks will be made of gold, and mortar will be of pure musk. Nobody will have
to toil or work for anything if one desires something, it will be presented immediately for
their enjoyment and to their satisfaction. Everyone in paradise will be similar to a thirty-
three year old youth in perfect health and vigour. Only a few things that we can understand
and imagine are mentioned in the Qurn and adth otherwise, there are things therein
that no eye hath ever seen, no ear hath ever heard, nor has its thought crossed human mind.
The Qurn says: No soul knoweth what is hidden for them, among things extremely
pleasing to the eyes, as a reward of their deeds [Sajdah, 32:17].
44
Darak means to suffer or endure; durk [rhymes with murk] is the deepest level in hell, as
said in the Qurn: Indeed, the hypocrites are in the lowest depths of hellfire [Nisa, 4:145].
45
Even though some sinful Muslims will enter Hellfire, they will not stay there forever. See
distich #62 further below for more information.

11
 19. Neither Hell, nor Paradise will ever be annihilated46
Nor will the dwellers of these two abodes be removed.47

20. Believers will see Allh without modality48

Not by perception49 of the senses, or in similitude.

21. When they see Him, they will forget every other blessing
Alas! What a great loss for the Mtazilah50 on that day!

46
The Najjriyyah, Jahmiyyah and Mtazilah claim that Heaven and Hell will eventually
be destroyed. The Qurn says that the disbelievers will live in Hell forever: Indeed Allh
has damned the disbelievers and has prepared for them a blaze. They shall stay in it
forever [Azb 33:64-65].
47
After the last person among sinful Muslims [sent to Hell] is taken out from Hell and
made to enter paradise, death will be brought in the form of a ram and slaughtered. After
this, none of the dwellers of Heaven or Hell will leave their abodes. They will live in thier
places forever and ever after, as mentioned in the adth: After the [last] of the entrants to
Paradise enter it, and the last of the people of Hell will go to Hell, Death will be brought forth
and slaughtered between Heaven and Hell and an announcer will proclaim: O people of
Heaven, dwell therein forever and there shall be no death; and O people of Hell, suffer therein
forever for there shall be no death. [Upon this,] the joy of the people of Heaven will multiply
and the agony of the people of Hell will amplify. [Bukhr #6548, Muslim #2850].
48
The Najjriyyah say that Vision [ruyah] of Allh is a vision perceived by the heart; the
Karrmiyyah say that Allh will be seen as a body [we seek Allhs refuge]. The Khawrij,
Zayds among Shh and Mtazilah say that it is impossible to see Allh . The Ahl al-
Sunnah say that believers will see Allh with their eyes, but without modality.
49
Idrk to see something that the sight can encompass; that which can be bounded by
sight. Muslims will see Allh without modality or similitude not facing Him, not in a
place, or in any direction or in any form; nor will the sight encompass Him. The seeing of
Allh shall be the greatest reward for believers.
50
In general, all those who deny the possibility of seeing Allh will feel sorry on that day
for their heretical belief. Qr says that it indicates that Mtazilah may be deprived of the
vision, even if they enter Paradise, because of their stubborn refusal to accept the many
adth that mention seeing Allh in Paradise.

12
 22. Doing that which is best [for us], is never an obligation51
Upon the Absolute Guide,52 the Glorious, the Exalted.
23. It is obligatory53 and compulsory to accept all Messengers54
And the honourable Angels; they, of immense grace.55

51
Wujb al-Sal wal-Ala According to the Mtazilah, it is obligatory upon Allh to
do what is good or best for His slaves. We, the Ahl al-Sunnah, say that nothing is obligatory
upon Allh ; He can choose to do or forgo what He Wills. Further, there are two factions
within Mtazilah on this issue: One group says that it is obligatory in all matters; the other
group says that it is only obligatory in religious matters. Concerning what is meant by
choosing the good/best: The first faction says: It means that which agrees with [common]
wisdom. The second faction says: It means whatever is [more] beneficial for us.
[Summarised from Tufah of Bjr, gloss on Jawharah, distich #51].
52
Hd has two meanings: the Creator of guidance and He who guides [the act of guiding].
He lets go astray whom He wills, and He guides whom he Wills [Nal, 16:93].
53
It is obligatory upon every person and is a necessary tenet of Islm to accept and believe
in all the Prophets . Denial of even one Prophet is kufr. Similarly, considering
someone a Prophet when the Sharh does not sanction him/her as a prophet is also kufr
such as those who have claimed, or will claim to be prophets after the coming of our
Prophet . Our Prophet is the last of all Prophets and Messengers and any claim of
prophethood after his advent is undoubtedly false and invalid.
54
Also includes Prophets, even if only Messengers are mentioned in this line. Prophets
[nabiy, anbiya] are humans who receive Revelation [way] even if they are not
commanded to deliver the message; but Messengers [rasl, rusul] are Prophets who are
commanded to deliver the Divine Message to people and to invite them towards Islm.
55
It is obligatory to believe in Angels, who are ethereal and luminous beings. Allh has
created them from light. Among angels mentioned in the Qurn by the name are: the
Archangel Jibrl; Mkyl [or Mkl]; Mlik, who is the Chief Keeper of Hell. The names
Isrfl and Riwn, the Chief Guardian of Paradise are found in adth; The Chief Angel
of Death is mentioned in the Qurn but not named; he is commonly known as zryl,
from other sources such as Jewish traditions. Other Angels are mentioned in the Qurn
and adth, but it is not clear whether these are their proper names or whether they are
categories of Angels: The Bearers of the Throne [amalat al-rsh], Guardian Angels
[afaah] also Kirman-Ktibn [the Scribes of Good and Bad Deeds], the angels of death

13
 24. The Seal of Messengers56 at the forefront57 of pre-eminence58
The Prophet from the Hshimi59 clan; the most handsome.60

25. He is the leader of all Prophets,61 without contention

The Crown of the elect, the immaculate62 without a doubt.

[the assistants of zryl], the Zabniyyah [Angels of Hell], Khazanah [keepers of Heaven
and Hell], Mudabbirt al-mr [The Planners and Dispensers of Commands] and
Munkar-Nakr [Inquisitors in the Grave]. See Imm Jalluddn Suys book Al-abyik
fi Akhbril Malyik, for a detailed exposition of this topic.
56
Our Master, Prophet Muammad is the last of all Prophets and Messengers the Seal
of Prophets as mentioned in the Qurn: Rather, he is the Messenger of Allh and he is the
Seal of all Prophets [Azb, 33:40] and in the adth: Prophethood ends with me [Muslim,
#523], and There is no Prophet after me [Muslim, #2345].
57
Qr says that the word forefront [adr], is used to indicate that he was the first of all
Messengers to come into existence [awwalur rusul wujdan], even though he is the last
to appear among people, as said in the adth: I was a Prophet when dam was still a
body without soul. In another adth: I was the first among Prophets to be created and the
last to be sent forth [bath].
58
Our Prophet holds the highest rank among all Prophets and Messengers, as explained
in the next distich. This greatness will be witnessed by everyone on Judgement day when
our Master will be the first to speak and the first whose intercession will be accepted.
59
The Hshim clan was the most respectable and prominent among the Quraysh.
60
Dh Jaml literally, it means handsome; indeed, RaslAllh was exceedingly beautiful
and exceptionally handsome; yet, here it is used figuratively to mean that he was a paragon
of mercy and kindness as mentioned in the Qurn: We have not sent thee, except as a
mercy to the universe. [Anbiya, 21:107].
61
In the adth: I will be the leader of all the children of dam on the Day of Judgement. The
Standard of Praise [liwa al-amd] will be in my hand on that day and I say this without
pride. There will not be a Prophet on that day whether dam or anyone else, except that
they will be under my Standard. I will be the first for whom the earth will be opened [and
will come out of the grave] and [I say this] without pride. [Tirmidh, #3615].
62
Afiya are those whom Allh has chosen [afwatullh], such as Prophets and the
Awliya Allh, His friends. Or it is from af meaning the immaculate, spotless and chaste.

14
 26. His Sharh shall remain valid at all times
Until the Final Day, and the End of the World.63

27. The Ascension64 is real; it is true and validated

There is evidence from reliable and authentic reports.65

RaslAllh among the righteous folk is like the crown the most precious, the most
honoured and the most esteemed.
63
His Sharh or Law abrogates the laws of all previous Prophets such as Sayyidun
Ibrhm, Sayyidun Ms and Sayyidun s . This Divine Law shall be binding upon
all until the Final Day because RaslAllh is the last Prophet and no other Messenger
or Prophet will ever come after him. The second coming of Sayyidun s is not the
same as the coming of a new Prophet after RaslAllh . See distich #32 for more details.

The Jahmiyyah say that the Sharh of RaslAllh will completely end or will be partially
rescinded at the second coming of Sayyidun s ; but according to the Ahl al-Sunnah,
when he returns, Sayyidun s will follow and rule according to the Sharh of our
Master RaslAllh . He shall be the deputy [khalfah] of RaslAllh as mentioned in the
adth: Then s, the son of Maryam , will come from the west; he will validate the truth
of Muammad and will be his follower [Imm Amad in his Musnad from Samurah ibn
Jundub]. Even if he receives revelation [way], it will be concerning other matters and not
the Sharh, as it is said in the adth in a Muslim [#2937] concerning Gog and Magog,
that Allh will command Sayyidun s to take the people to the top of a hill.
64
Miraj the Ascension of RaslAllh to the heavens and beyond. The Night Journey
is Al-Isra as mentioned in the Qurn: Glory to Him, who took His slave on a journey
from the Masjid al-arm to the Farthest Mosque [Masjid al-Aq, Jerusalem] in a
portion of the night...[Al-Isra, 17:1] Whoever denies the isra or the Night Journey, is a
disbeliever; however, those who deny mirj or the Heavenly Ascension are heretics and
not disbelievers. We believe that the Prophets Night Journey was physical, in a wakeful
state and not a dream; and from Jerusalem, he ascended to the heavens and beyond. He
also saw Allh with his own eyes, in a wakeful state; this is the opinion of Sayyidun
bdullh ibn bbs and is favoured by the majority of Sunni scholars. Some scholars,
however, say that his seeing Allh was with his blessed heart and not with his
eyes, based on the opinion of our mother, Sayyidah ayishah .
65
There are numerous reports about this well-known miracle. The adth that describe this
miracle are well-known and accepted by successive generations of scholars.

15
 28. It is hoped that intercession66 by People of Virtue,67 will benefit
Sinners, with enormous sins,68 big as mountains.69

29. Verily, Prophets are protected, they are immune70

From committing sins deliberately; or from being deposed.71

66
In addition to Prophets and Messengers , martyrs, saints, scholars and many
others will intercede for sinners on Judgement Day, by the leave of Allh tl.

Prophets and Messengers . RaslAllh has said: My intercession is for those in

67

my nation who have committed enormities [Qr].

68
Enormities, kabyir or the Deadly Sins; Taftzn mentions the following in his
commentary on Nasafis Creed: polytheism, murder, accusing a chaste woman of adultery,
adultery, abandoning the battlefield, sorcery, embezzlement of an orphans
property/wealth, mistreating and disobeying Muslim parents, committing a sin [major or
minor] in the Sanctuary [aram], usury, stealing, drinking wine. There are still more sins
considered as kabyir in Islm, such as eating pork, illicit sexual relations [adultery,
fornication], homosexuality, omitting obligatory prayers, etc. Imam Dhahabi has listed
enormities in his short work titled Al-Kabyir. Ibn ajar al-Haytami has also compiled a
two-volume work on this topic named Al-Zawjir n Iqtirf al-Kabyir.
69
This distich is repeated in #58, and omitted in some commentaries.
70
mah, mm: We believe that Prophets are Divinely Protected from committing sins,
deliberately or inadvertently, whether enormities or minor sins. By common agreement, it
is impossible for Prophets to commit enormities both before and after their prophethood;
also, it is impossible for them to commit minor sins which are base, vile or despicable such
as cheating, lying, etc. However, a group of Sunni scholars say that it is possible for them
to commit a minor sin inadvertently [sahw]. Nevertheless, concerning our Prophet ,
there is a unanimous agreement among all the Islamic sects, that he is immune from
sins whether major or minor, or committing sins deliberately or inadvertently.
71
It is impossible for Prophets to be deposed from their rank of prophethood; they are
Divinely Protected from being dispossessed of their prophethood. Q Bayw says: If
Prophets could commit sin, they would become oppressors and then they would be
deserving of being dismissed from prophethood [Mali p.215]; hence the authors
inclusion of dismissal alongside the mention of immunity from committing sins.

16
 30. Never has a female72 been a Prophet
Or a slave; and neither a liar, nor a vile character.73
31. Dhul Qarnayn74 is not known to be a Prophet and
So also Luqmn;75 desist arguing about it.76

72
All the Prophets [nabiy] are humans and are males; but Messengers can be either humans
or angels. The majority of scholars opine that being a male is a condition for prophethood.
Some scholars such as Imm Abul asan al-Ashr and Qurub say that it is possible for
a female to be a prophet. This contention is about six noble ladies mentioned in the Qurn:
Maryam [Virgin Mary, the mother of Sayyidun s ], Asiyah [Pharoahs wife], Srah,
Hjar, the mother of Sayyidun Ms [Ynidh or Miynah or Brkh] and awwa
[Eve, the mother of all humans and the wife of Sayyidun dam ]. In the Qurn: And
We have not sent forth [a Messenger] before you, except men [Anbiya, 21:7].
73
All Prophets are free men, of noble character and of high birth. Also, prophethood is not
given to liars, sorcerers, soothsayers or to men of despicable traits.
74
Dhul Qarnayn He of the Two Horns. He was a righteous Muslim king who travelled
from the east to the west and is mentioned in the Qurn. According to the predominant
opinion, Dhul Qarnayn and Luqman are not prophets; Tubb and Khar are also debated
upon. One should not insist or claim certitude concerning either opinion. The Greek
Alexander was a disbeliever and contemporary of Aristotle. The other Alexander
[Sikandar] was a Roman-Muslim and a contemporary of Khair [Khiir or Khiar]; the
Alexander/Dhul-Qarnayn mentioned in the Qurn is the latter.
One should not specify an exact number for Prophets and Messengers, even though it is
mentioned in a weak adth: Indeed, the number of Prophets is 124,000; and 315 among
them are Messengers. [Imm Amad in his Musnad #22288 from Ab Ummah ].
The following are the names of twenty-six Prophets mentioned in the Qurn: Our masters
dam [Adam], N [Noah], Ibrhm [Abraham], Isml [Ishmael], Isq [Isaac],
Yqb [Jacob], Ysuf [Joseph], Ms [Moses], Hrn [Aaron], Shuyb, L [Lot], Hd,
Dwd [David], Sulaymn [Solomon], Ayyb [Job], Zakariyyah [Zechariah], Yay
[John], s [Jesus], Ilys [Elijah], Yas [Isaiah], Ynus [Jonas], Idrs [Enoch], Dhul Kifl
[Ezekiel], li, zayr and our master Muammad .
75
Luqmn the Wise is mentioned in the Qurn, but he is not considered a Prophet.
76
We do not say they are Prophets, but if someone claims they are prophets we do not
quarrel with them [Bakr].

17
 32. s will return presently, and thereafter slay77
Dajjl,78 the false messiah, the evil reprobate.

33. Miracles79 of saints [Awliya Allh], in this world

Have a basis, and they are the benevolent folk.80

77
It is obligatory to believe that Sayyidun s will return to earth shortly before the
final hour. This will be his second coming and he will lead Muslim armies against the
antichrist and kill him [dajjl].
78
Literally, dajjl means a big liar, a deceiver, an impostor. It refers to the antichrist who
shall appear in the end times and claim to be a god. He will display feats that defy nature
that are deemed impossible; he will acquire a horde of followers. After his descent from the
heavens, Sayyidun s will slay him. It is also mentioned in the adth [Bukhr #7121]
that nearly thirty other lesser-Dajjls will appear, and every one of them will claim to be a
prophet of Allh, even though our Master is the Seal of all Prophets and there shall be
no prophet after him . In the 19th century CE, a man named Ghulm Amad of Qadian
claimed to be a prophet his followers are known as Qadiyns, though they call
themselves as Ahmadi Muslims. RaslAllh has informed us about Dajjl and the signs
to identify him. Dajjl will be a man of white complexion, heavily built, very hairy and will
have curly hair; he will be blind in one eye. It is also said, that his other eye will be green.
Other major signs of Tribulation are: the sun will rise from the west, a Terrene Beast
[dbbatul ar] will appear, Gog and Magog will emerge and Mahd will appear. Many
minor signs will also occur prior to the major ones: ignorance will be prevalent, the number
of scholars will dwindle and knowledge will decline; confusion and strife will be
widespread; mindless killing will become common, Muslims will imitate Jews and
Christians in everything, even trifling matters, dishonesty will be rife and many Muslims
will become apostates; shamelessness and adultery will become rampant, homosexuality
will be commonplace and gay marriages will be deemed normal. In a adth it is mentioned
that people will vie with one another to propose marriage to a young boy, just as one of
you would propose to a virgin girl.
79
We believe that miracles supernatural occurrences, i.e. events that defy nature are
possible. The Khawrij and Mtazilah do not believe in miracles.
80
Waliy, Awliya are Friends of Allh, or saints; they are people who have attained gnosis
of the Attributes of Allh and will be scrupulous in obeying the commands of Allh; they
will be extremely cautious and wary of committing sins. A waliy will have overcome his/her
base desires; they will be abstemious and abstinent from worldly pleasures; he/she will be

18
 34. A waliy is never considered superior, anytime,81
To a Prophet or a Messenger despite such claims.82
35. iddq83 is given precedence, superiority and prominence
Upon all the Companions, without any exception.84

eager to do good deeds and worship, and will be anxious about success in the Hereafter.
Such a person is constantly busy in the remembrance [dhikr] of Allh and does not hanker
after wealth, fame and glory. Saints reach high stations by being obedient to Allh and His
Messenger . They will never consider themselves free from the bounds of Sharh; a
person who claims to be unrestrained by Sharh, and claims exemption from obligatory
actions such as prayer and fasting is an outright heretic and an apostate.
81
It is impossible for a saint or waliy to be superior to Prophets or Messengers, even if that
saint/waliy/imm is from the Blessed Household [ahl al-bayt]. In fact, one Prophet alone
is superior to all the saints and imms combined. It is kufr to believe that a non-prophet is
superior to prophets. Some among the Karrmiyyah sect say that it is possible for saints to
become superior to Prophets; it is a common belief among the Twelver Rfis that the
imms of Ahl al-Bayt are superior to all the previous Prophets, as mentioned in Khomeinis
Velayat e Faqeeh [p.35, Translated into English by Hamid Algar, Iran Chamber Society]:
It is one of the essential beliefs of our Shi school that no one can attain the spiritual
status of the Imams, not even the cherubim or the prophets.
82
Whether one claims such superiority for himself or for others, it is unfounded. One can
do good deeds and be pious and be elevated to the rank of a waliy; but prophethood is not
earned by any means Allh grants it to whom He wills: Allh Knows well, whither to
place His Message [Anm, 6:124].
83
Sayyidun Ab Bakr al-iddq . His name is bdullh ibn thmn Abi Qufah. He
was the first man to accept Islm. The Prophet named him iddq, meaning the Truthful
and the Affirmer of Truth. Bakr says in his commentary: Whoever says that someone else
[i.e. non-prophet] is superior to Ab Bakr al-iddq, is either a Mtazil or a Rfi. They
curse Ab Bakr and mar and dissociate themselves from all the companions except l
, and thus plunge into heresy. He was born two years after the birth of RaslAllh ,
and passed away two years after the passing of RaslAllh . He is buried by the side of
RaslAllh in Madnah al-Munawwarah.
84
Including Mawl l ; the Tafliyyah sect does not curse or revile Ab Bakr and mar,
nor denies their caliphate, but claims that Mawl l is superior to both. Scholars have said
that even if it is a minor aberration, it is the doorway to the major heresy of Rfis.

19
 36. Frq85 has a distinct precedence and superiority
Over thmn, Bestowed with Two Sublime Lights.

37. The One Bestowed with Two Lights86 is certainly superior

To the Unflinching Stalwart87 in the ranks of battle.

38. [l], the Unyielding Warrior88 has superiority thereafter

Upon everyone else,89 without exception; be at ease.

85
Sayyidun mar ibn al-Khab al-Frq . RaslAllh gave him the title al-Frq
the Discerner between Truth and Falsehood [Nawaw]. He was born 13 years after the Raid
of the Elephants [the year of RaslAllhs birth]. He accepted Islm in the 6th year of
proclamation, at the age of 27. He became the Khalifah after Ab Bakr in the year 13
AH. He was martyred at the age of 63, in the year 23 AH by Ab Luluah, a Persian slave.
He is buried near the feet of Ab Bakr in the mausoleum of RaslAllh .
86
Sayyidun thmn ibn ffn Dhun Nrayn was born 6 years after the Elephant Raid.
He was among the earliest Muslims and among those who migrated twice: first, to
Abyssinia and then to Madinah. His mother Arw was RaslAllhs cousin. He was a
wealthy trader, and he readily spent his money for the welfare of Muslims and the cause of
Islm. thmn was first married to Sayyidah Ruqayyah , RaslAllhs daughter, who
passed away on the very day the news of victory at Badr [3 AH] reached Madnah.
Thereafter, he married Umm Kulthm , the third daughter of RaslAllh . He earned
the appellation: He, Bestowed with Two Lights as he married two daughters [lights] of
RaslAllh . He became the Khalifah in 23 AH after mar was martyred. His period
was marked with tumults and unrest. He was martyred by rebels in the year 35 AH, at the
age of 82. The collection of the Qurn in a standardised script was completed in his time.
87
aydar al-Karrr; i.e. Sayyidun l ibn Abu lib .
88
Sayyidun l ibn Abu lib, Ab Turb Abul asan . He was RaslAllhs cousin
and the first among children to become Muslim. RaslAllh gave his youngest daughter,
Sayyidah Fimah in marriage to Sayyidun l . The Prophet was given Revelation
on Monday, and l accepted Islm the next day. He was only 7 or 10 years old when he
accepted Islm. He is known as the Lion of Allh for his bravery in battle. He became the
Khalfah after thmn was martyred. A faction of fanatical extremists broke away from
his troops at iffn, and are therefore called The Deserters [Khawrij, Khrijite]; Ibn
Muljam, a Khrijite, martyred Mawl l in the year 40 AH.
89
Meaning the rest of the companions and those who came after them. The four rightly
guided caliphs [khulaf rshidn] are deemed superior in the order of their khilfah. In

20
 39. The iddqah90 has precedence, and know this
Over the blessed flower, Zahra91 in some attributes.
40. Yazd is not cursed after his death,
Except by a person holding an extremist view.92

addition to the four, six others were given glad tidings of paradise, and they are: Zubayr
ibn al-wwm, Sad ibn Ab Waqq, bdur Ramn ibn wf, alah ibn baydullh,
Sad ibn Zayd and Ab baydah mir ibn al-Jarr . We must respect all the
companions, because RaslAllh has warned against disparaging his companions. We
should not discuss the disputes, disagreements and the wars that occurred between them
or judge their actions and intentions. In the battles that took place among the companions,
Mawl l was in the right; others were mistaken in their judgement. Imm Shfi
reports that mar ibn bd al-zz said: Allh has protected my hands from being
stained in their blood; I do not wish to stain my tongue by disparaging them.
90
Our mother, Sayyidah ayishah iddqah is the daughter of Ab Bakr al-iddq .
One group of scholars consider her to be the most superior among all women, because of
her exceptional intelligence, the breadth and depth of her knowledge and the fact that she
was the most beloved wife of RaslAllh . In a adth, when a companion asked
RaslAllh , which person was most beloved to him, he replied: ayishah and when the
companion said: Among men? he replied: Her father. [Bukhr, #3662]. When she was
falsely accused by hypocrites of being unchaste, the Qurn vindicated her and proclaimed
that she was chaste and unblemished. The Rfis, in their mindless hate, slander her;
anyone who accuses our spotless and virtuous mother of being unchaste is a kfir may
the damnation of Allh be upon such a vile creature. The Mother of Believers, Sayyidah
ayishah passed away in the year 58 AH in Madnah.
91
The noble lady, Sayyidah Fimah was the dearest to RaslAllh among his
daughters. She is the queen of all women in Paradise. According to Imm Subk and
Sirjuddn Bulqn, Sayyidah Fimah is the superior-most among women, then comes her
mother Sayyidah Khadjah and then Sayyidah ayishah . Since there are reports that
suggest both possibilities that Sayyidah Fimah is superior to Sayyidah ayishah and vice-
versa, it is better to remain silent on this issue. Sayyidah Fimah was married to our Master
l , and she is the mother of Imm asan and Imm usayn . She passed away five
months after the departing of RaslAllh at the age of twenty-five or twenty-nine.
Yazd is the son of Amr Muwiyah . His army besieged Imm usayns party and
92

martyred most of them, including Imm usayn in Karbal; the survivors were taken

21
 41. The faith of a person by imitating93 others is valid94
There are clear-cut proofs favouring this opinion.95

42. A sane person is not excused to cite ignorance as a reason

For not knowing the Creator of all things, small or great.96

to Syria and from there, were returned to Madnah. Yazd claimed that he had not ordered
his army to kill the Imm, but only to arrest him and bring him to Damascus. Some
scholars have cursed him, others have said that he should not be cursed, as we do not know
for certain that he died as a disbeliever. In fact, it is not permissible to curse anyone by
name, unless we have proof that such a person has indeed died without faith; this is not
possible except by the informing of Allh , and being conveyed to us by the Prophet .
See the paper Cursing Yazd [Ridawi Press] which is a compilation of citations from various
works on this topic, refuting a speech-maker in the UK who slandered Imm Ghazl by
claiming that he was inimical to Ahl al-Bayt and that Imm Ghazl was an admirer of Yazd.
93
Taqld: Accepting the opinion of another person without requiring evidence. According
to the Mtazilah and some Ashr scholars, the belief of a person is invalid upon merely
accepting another persons word, and unless he has understood the proofs for beliefs he is
not a believer. It is reported that Imm Abul asan al-Ashr said that it is not sufficient
that a person know about a creedal matter, and that he/she should know the basis and
rational proofs for that issue. However, the faith of a person accepting belief by imitating
others is valid according to all the four imms, even though the person will be sinful for
not learning the bases and proofs for ones beliefs. [Summarised from Qrs commentary].
94
The Prophet , his companions and their followers accepted bedouins [arb] as
believers without requiring them to investigate or to understand the sources from which
principles of faith are derived. If it were indeed a requisite condition for faith, they would
not have omitted it. [Shaykh Zdah, Nam al-Farayid, #26 ].
95
This is the opinion of the imms Ab anfah, Sufyn al-Thawr, Mlik, Awz, Shfi,
Amad and most of the jurists . They say, that the faith of a follower is valid, but
he/she is sinful for not investigating and comprehending the proofs for his/her belief. Some
of them have claimed consensus for this opinion. [l al-Qr, Mina al-Raw, p.216].
96
If the message of Islm does not reach a person of sound mind, is it still obligatory for
him to bear faith in Allh ? If such a person does not believe in Allh, does he go to Hell?
If he does, will he stay there forever? Most of our anaf [i.e. Mturd] imms said that a
person of sound mind cannot cite ignorance for not believing in a Creator. Imm Abul

22
 43. The belief of a person, in the throes of death97
is not acceptable; for his lack of faith, prior.

44. Actions, good deeds are not counted as components

of Faith; though, there is a necessary affiliation.98

asan Ashr and Abul Yusr al-Pazdaw [among anafs] said that such a person has a
valid excuse. The third opinion of some scholars is that though it is obligatory for such a
person to have faith in a Creator, he will not be punished for not believing. Incidentally, all
three opinions are reported from Imm Ab anfah . Bjr says in Tufah, #12: It
is therefore, that Ab Manr Mturd has said: Our scholars have agreed that the
commonfolk are believers and know their Lord, and are the filling of Paradise, as many
reports indicate and there is consensus [ijm] on this; because they are naturally inclined
to believe in the Unity of the Creator [tawd al-ni], and that He is Pre-eternal and that
everything else is created [dith] even if they are unable to explain it in the manner of
theologians [mutakallimn] or describe it using their terminology.
97
Baas means hardship or punishment; in another version the word used is yaas, meaning
when all hope is lost. In the Qurn: But their [accepting] faith did not benefit them, when
they saw Our punishment...[Ghfir, 40:85]. It is said, that baas used in this verse means the
throes of death, a while before the final gasps, when one beholds the angels of death, hitherto
hidden from his eyes. In another Qurnic verse: And repentance is not [accepted] from those
who keep sinning until death comes to them; and one of them says [at the time of death,] I
repent now, or of those who die as disbelievers...[Nisa, 4:18]. In a adth narrated by Ibn
mar , the Prophet said: Indeed, Allh will accept the repentance of His slave until the
final gasp. [Tirmidh, #3537]. The final gasps [agonal respiration] before death [ghargharah]
is a time of intense hardship [baas] and the moment of utter despair [yaas].
98
Imm Ab anfah and most of his followers said: Faith is affirmation of belief by the
tongue; to accept it in the heart even if a person does not do any good deed. A person
who [sincerely] accepts all the tenets of Islm, remains a true believer even if he does not
act upon any obligation or Islamic ruling. This is also the opinion of Mlik and Awz.
[Ibn Adhbah, Rawah al-Bahiyyah, #7]. However, performing actions such as prayer,
zakt, fasting, pilgrimage etc. are obligations which bring one closer to faith, strengthen
ones faith and are an outcome of faith; yet, they are not components of faith. [Qr:] It is
also the opinion of Imm al-aramayn and majority of Ashrs; in Shar al-Maqid,
Taftzn has said that adth scholars have favoured this opinion.

23
 45. A person is not ruled a disbeliever or an apostate99
For sins such as adultery, murder or tyranny.100

46. Whoever considers becoming an apostate101 in the future102

Is ejected and severed from religion103 forthwith.

99
The Khawrij say that a person becomes a kfir, a disbeliever, by committing a sin
whether an enormity or a small sin [kabrah or aghrah]. The Mtazilah say that such a
person is neither a believer, nor a disbeliever and they claim an intermediate state they
call as transgression and the person a transgressor [fisq, fsiq]. We, the Ahl al-Sunnah say
that regardless of the enormity of a persons sin, he remains a believer; and Allh may
punish him or forgive him.
100
Ikhtizl, means expropriation of anothers property whether by stealing, robbery or
embezzlement. Here it is used as a generic term for the abuse of rights.
101
Apostasy: To sever the [bonds] of Islm, whether saying or doing something
intentionally that is disbelief. Regardless of whether such a thing was said in derision, or in
denial or actual belief [in such kufr]. [Thus] whosoever disbelieves in the Creator or
Messengers or belies a Messenger or considers a arm acknowledged by ijm, like
adultery, as all or vice-versa; or rejects that deemed obligatory by ijm or vice-versa; or
intends to become a kfir on the morrow or vacillates concerning the issue in all such
cases, the person becomes an apostate. [Among] actions that cause apostasy: any deliberate
action which explicitly mocks religion, repudiation and disparagement of religion, such as
casting a copy of the Qurn in garbage or prostrating to an idol or to the sun. However,
children, the insane and those under duress are exempt from this ruling [if they utter
words or commit deeds that cause apostasy]. Apostasy committed by an inebriated person
is culpable, just as his Islm is valid; and the testimony concerning apostasy is absolutely
admissible. [Imm Nawaw, Minhjut libn p.501] NOTE: Apostasy in inebriation
mentioned above is the Shfi position; see distich #48 below for the anaf position.
102
If a person contemplates apostasy al-ydhu billh and plans to renounce the religion
of Islm sometime in the future, he/she will instantly become an apostate. RaslAllh
has said foretelling tribulations: Hasten to do good deeds before strife and corruption
[fitnah] come, like the parts of a dark night; [when] a man is a believer in the morning and
becomes a kfir in the evening, or a believer in the evening will become a kfir by next
morning. [Such] people will sell their religion for worldly benefit. [Muslim #118].
103
The religion of Islm, which is the only path to salvation in the Hereafter.

24
 47. Uttering a word of disbelief, even without believing in it
If said willingly,104 is rejection of religion by heedlessness.105

48. One will not be ruled an apostate, when inebriated106

He raves in his delirium and blabbers107 disbelief.

104
Knowingly, willingly and without compulsion; because, uttering kufr in duress or under
coercion is excused as mentioned in the Qurn: Whoever disbelieves in Allh after having
believed in Him except who is under compulsion while his heart is at peace concerning
Islm; but the one who disbelieved with an open-heart, upon him is the Wrath of Allh
and for them [disbelievers] is a great punishment. [Nal 16:106]. Poor Muslim farmers
are being lynched in North India nowadays, by impotent thugs who call themselves cow
protectors. Muslims are forced to utter kufr such as Jai Shri Ram, which is praise of their
idols. If a Muslim says this to save his life or escape torture inflicted by merciless cowards
[because dozens of bestial scoundrels surround lone helpless men], he will be excused. May
Allh tl destroy the enemies of Muslims.
105
If one utters kufr willingly he becomes a kfir, even if he is convinced and unperturbed
about Islm in his heart. In this case, Islm in his heart will not avail him. Movie actors, for
example, do all kinds of antics and claim that Islm is in their hearts and they are only play-
acting or saying something which they do not really believe in their hearts. Similarly, some
people tell blasphemous jokes and when reproached, they justify their actions claiming that
Islm is firm in their hearts. We seek Allhs refuge. See The Killer Mistake, Riaw Press
for a lengthier discussion. When one becomes an apostate, all his good deeds are voided; his
marriage is annulled. If he renews his faith and reverts to Islam, he will have to renew his
marriage; furthermore, according to anafs, if he had performed the obligatory pilgrimage
earlier, he will be required to repeat it. We ask Allh to protect us from all kinds of disbelief.
106
Sukr inebriation. There are two cases of being stupefied:
1. Under the influence of drugs that cause a temporary lapse in consciousness, cause
drowsiness or intoxication. Such as opium used in medicine [in the past] or any
modern drug pills, syrup etc. for medicinal purposes. In such a case, anything
a person does, including divorce is not valid.
2. Intoxication from prohibited substances such as alcohol and narcotics. In this case,
divorce and other actions are considered valid, except for apostasy. One is not ruled
an apostate for committing disbelief in a state of inebriation.
107
Even actions such as disrespecting a copy of the Qurn can cause apostasy.

25
 49. The Non-Existent108 cannot be seen;109 nor is it a thing110
By evidence, resplendent like the munificent crescent.111

108
Mdm = non-existent. This is the opposite of mawjd = something that exists. There
are two kinds of mdm: The first is mdum bas [simply non-existent] one which is
possible to exist, but does not exist. The second is mdm mumtani al-wujd li-dhtih
[intrinsically impossible to exist], such as a hypothetical thing where the opposites
coincide or self-contradictory things. Falsehood in Divine Speech is also intrinsically
impossible as it would negate Absolute Truth.
109
Ibn Jamh [in Daraj al-Ml]: There are two issues discussed in this distich.
1. Can Allh See the non-existent or not? The Mtazilah say yes and anafs say no.
2. Is the non-existent termed a thing or an entity? The Mtazilah say yes and the
Ahl al-Sunnah say no.
110
The Mtazilah say that mdm is a thing, an entity shayy and that all things are
established even before their coming into existence, but are hidden, similar to clothes being
concealed in a suitcase. The Ahl al-Sunnah say that the non-existent is NOT a thing,
regardless of its being possible to exist or impossible to exist [Bjr in Tufah, #122]. In
the Qurn: And I created you, prior to which you were nothing [Maryam, 19:9]. In
another verse: Indeed, there has passed a time upon the human, when he was not even a
thing mentioned anywhere [Insn, 76:1]. Here the non-existent is described as not a thing
or nothing. The latter verse means: a time has passed, when man was not a thing worth
mention and the word upon is used due to the idiomatic expression.
The Mtazilah say, citing the Qurnic verse: Indeed, the tremor of the Final Hour is a
terrible thing [ajj, 22:1]. They say that the Hour has not occurred, nor the tremor; but it
has been described as a thing even though it has hitherto not come into existence.
This actually means that it WILL be a terrible thing when it occurs, not that it is a thing
right now. Moreover, Allh tl knows that it will certainly occur. According to research
scholars, being a thing is synonymous to being existent [wujd] and not being a thing is
synonymous to non-existence [dam]. Sharf Jurjn has said that it has been linguistically
accepted down the ages that thing is used to refer to something that exists and No-thing
means non-existent [summarised from Qrs commentary].
111
That is, by proofs and knowledge that is apparent to me like the munificent crescent.
Also, the author hints that the crescent is named a shining crescent only after the birth of
the new moon and it can be seen; not when it is hidden and we are unable to see it.
Similarly, only things that exist can be seen [Jmi al-Lal, p.130].

26
 50. The two112 are different: the created113 is not a thing
Same as creating;114 take it to illuminate your insight.115

112
Takwn = the ability to create, Creating Power; mukawwan = the thing that is created.
Takwn and mukawwan are two different things they are not the same; one is the cause
[musabbib] and the other is the effect [musabbab]. This is the belief of Ahl al-Sunnah; the
Mtazilah believe that both are the same and both are accidents; i.e. came into existence
later and are not pre-eternal [qadm]. The Ashrs say that takwn is not a separate attribute
but is actually a manifestation of Divine Power, which they term as the Effecting Power
[qudrah tanjzyyah]; according to them, Divine Power is pre-eternal, but the Attributes of
Action such as bringing to life, giving death, giving sustenance etc. are all accidents, and is
the effect of exercising Divine Power.
113
Mukawwan.
114
Takwn. To bring something into existense [yjd] from non-existence [dam].
According to anaf imms, takwn is the eighth Divine Attribute [ifah dhtyah], which
is in addition to Divine Power and Divine Will [qudrah, irdah] and distinct from both.
This, like all other Attributes, is also beginningless, pre-eternal, interminable, unendingly
eternal and self-subsisting.
115
Kohl is believed to illuminate the eyes; here, the couplet means: remember that takwin
and mukawwan are separate; take this opinion to illuminate your insight [Qr].

Musyarah/Musmarah: This issue revolves around the Attributes of Action [ift al-
afl], the existence of which is known by verses such as: The Creator, the Maker, the
Originator of forms [ashr 59:24]. Similar are the names, Giver of Sustenance, Giver of
Life and Giver of Death [rziq, muy, mumt]. These are attributes that imply an effect;
and they have names other than Divine Power [qudrah], and are named according to the
effect that is produced and all these attributes are grouped under one name: takwin; that
is, all the Attributes of Action are grouped under one term. Thus, if the effect produced is
creation, then the Divine Name [on account of this action] is Creator [khliq] and the
Attribute is Creating [khalq]. If the effect is sustenance [rizq], the Name is Giver of
Sustenance [rziq/razzq], and the Attribute is Giving Sustenance [tarzq]; if the effect is
life [ayh], the Name that implies the attribute is Giver of Life [muy] and the attribute
is Giving of Life [iya]; if the effect is death [mawt], the Name that indicates the attribute
is Giver of Death [mumt] and the attribute is Giving of Death [imtah]. But all these
Attributes of Action converge under one attribute, and that is takwin.

27
Musayarah/Musmarah [summarised]: The Ashrs say: Takwn is not a distinct or a
separate attribute, and no more than Divine Power, when it is linked to a specific action.
Thus, To Create [takhlq] is Divine Power related to bringing creation into existence;
Giving Sustenance [tarzq] is Divine Power related to providing sustenance and since
Attributes of Action are actually relation of Divine Power to something that occurs, they
are accidents [dith].

Bjr in Tufah #30: They differed concerning takwn; The Mturds affirmed takwn as
a Divine Attribute which is beginningless, pre-eternal and subsisting by Allh Himself
and it is by this Attribute He brings into existence or annihilates something. But if it is
related to existence, it is known as Bringing into Existence [yjd]; if it is related to
annihilation, it is known as Annihilation [idm]; if it is related to life, it is known as
Giving Life [iya], etc. Thus, according to Mturds, the Attributes of Action [ift al-
afl] are beginningless and pre-eternal because they are [all actually under one term:] the
Attribute of Creating [takwn] some have said that they are all separate attributes, which
is debated by ancient scholars. Ashrs do not accept this and say that Attributes of Action
are relation of Divine Power in Execution [tanjzyyah], which are accidents.

Ab dhabah in Rawah al-Bahiyyah: Ibn al-Ghars al-anaf [833-894AH] has said:

Takwn is a term used to describe the act of creation, of bringing into existence and other
Divine Actions. This is an Attribute of His Self and it subsists by Allh Himself. That is to
say, Allh has brought into existence every particle in this universe, and everything comes
into existence at the time He has ordained and the exact time of its coming into existence
is known to Allh and is linked to His Will. Takwn is pre-eternal, similar to Divine Will;
but its connection to the creation is an accident. But one cannot say that the Power to
Create [takwn] does not exist until the creation [mukawwan] exists, just as hitting does
not exist unless the object that can be hit exists, unlike knowledge or power. [i.e. the action
requiring an object, such as hitting a thing, cannot exist until the object exists; unlike
knowledge or power concerning that object which can exist prior to the existence of the
object]; because we [Mturds] say that takwn has two meanings:

1. The Attribute of Self [ifat nafsiyyah] which is the intrinsic ability to create and
bring into existence [every contingent thing].

2. The Divine Act of creation: this is the relation of the Attribute of Self to the thing
that is created [at the time of its creation].

That which the Mturds profess to be pre-eternal is the Attribute, not the Action per se.

28
[Ab dhabah continues:] Know that the anafs derive the concept of takwn from the
Qurn, where Allh says: Indeed, Our saying to a thing, when We Will for it [to exist],
that We say Be and it becomes [Nal, 16:40]. So they say, the word Be [kun] precedes
the existince of that thing, and this is known as the Command [amr] and the Word.
[Mturds say:] Allh has described takwn by the word, Be [kun] and the created thing
[mukawwan] by the word, so it becomes [fa-yakn]. The words takwn, ikhtir [to
originate], yjd [to bring into existence], khalq [to create] are all synonymous in one aspect
and are dissimilar in another. They mean the same in the sense a thing that is brought into
existence, and previously it was non-existent and this [attribute] has a more specific
relation than Divine Power [qudrah] to that thing. Because Divine Power has the same
relation concerning all things subject to Divine Power [maqdrt]; but takwn is related
only to those things [maqdrt] which can come into existence; and this is not [merely] a
relative attribute [ifah nisbiyyah] that can only be understood in the context of something
to which it is related rather, it is a [definitive] attribute that is evinced by the result that
is produced by that relation [i.e. Giving Life is manifested by life]. As for the claim that
[Mturds] say Divine Power is effective in the possibility of a thing, such an ascription
to them is incorrect. Rather, according to them, Divine Power is related to a thing [maqdr]
concerning its possibility to exist; and takwn is related to bringing that thing into existence
and is the cause that brings it into existence; its relation to the action-accident [fil dith]
similar to Divine Will concerning something that is willed [murd]. However, everything
that is subject to Divine Power and everything that is in Divine Knowledge need not
necessarily exist; only takwn brings a thing into existence. Therefore this attribute is pre-
eternal, because accidents cannot subsist in the Self of Allh .

Shaykh-Zdah bd al-Ram in his Nam al-Faryid #10: Ashrs say that takwn is not
a separate attribute of Allh ; rather it is a nominal description, an abstract concept, that
is the relation of the cause with its effect as mentioned in Shar Jawharah, Musyarah,
Maqid, etc. anaf scholars say that it is agreed by consensus, and the evidence for which
is found in revelation and reason both, that Allh has brought the creation into existence
and has created this universe; and to affirm a name derived from the word denoting an
attribute, without that attribute being present, is an absolute impossibility else it would
imply the presence of an effect without the attribute that brought about that effect [i.e.,
since Allh has been named the Creator, Originator, He must have the attributes of being
able to create and to originate, takhlq].

It is mentioned in the Book of Allh that He has Power over all things [Baqarah, 2:20]
and also He is the Creator of every thing [Anm, 6:101/102]. Now, all things possible
[maqdrt] were not present in pre-eternity, just as creation [makhlqt] did not exist

29
so to affirm one attribute [qudrah] in pre-eternity and deny another [takwn], by bringing
the latter under the rubric of the former and attempt to redefine the meanings of both; this
is nothing but high-handedness.

The Ashrs say that, if the meaning of takwn is the very influence that Power exercises in
a thing that is subject to it, then it is a relative attribute. It is not present unless the thing
to which it is related [muntasib] is present, then the accidence of a created thing [udth
al-mukawwan] necessitates the accidence of the Creating Power [takwn]. But if it is taken
to mean the effecting attribute [the cause] in the existence of the effect, then it is Divine
Power itself...

[Answering the above objection, Shaykh-Zadah says:] Indeed, the Attribute of Allh in
bringing about the existence of the creation is takwn; and it is a causal attribute influencing
the existence of the effect. Divine Power is another attribute of Allh , which means that
the influence CAN be exercised.

Takwn is more specific than Power [qudrah]; because qudrah has equal relation
concerning all things that are subject to it [maqdrt]; and takwn is related only to those
that have/will come into existence. Qudrah does not necessitate that everything subject to
it will exist; but takwn entails that the thing to which it is related, will come into existence...

aw in his qdah: And just as Allh is Pre-eternal, beginningless with all His
Attributes, so also is He, and His Attributes eternal, unending, interminable [azal, abad].
It is not that He gained the name Creator only after He made the creation; nor did He
come to be known as the Originator [briy] only after the origination of the universe
rather, He was the Sustainer [rabb] when none existed whom He sustains [marbb]; He
was very much the Creator, even when there was no creation. Just as He is entitled to the
name He who Resurrects the dead [muyil mawt] even before resurrecting them, He is
entitled to be called the Creator before He created the universe and that is because He
has Power over all things.

---
Allh knows best.

30
 51. Unlawful food is also sustenance, similar to lawful food116
Even if our adversaries dislike my saying it thus.

52. In the graves,117 about the One-ness [tawd] of Allh,

Every person after death, will be questioned.118

116
The Mtazilah claim that unlawful food or wealth and property gained by illegitimate
means are not deemed sustenance [rizq] because, according to them, Allh does not give
unlawful sustenance [rizq arm]. The Ahl al-Sunnah say that everything that one gets, is
sustenance given by Allh, whether one acquires it by lawful or unlawful means. The reason
for this contention is the definition of rizq the Ahl al-Sunnah define it as anything that
nourishes the body of a living being; the Mtazilah say that rizq means rightful ownership,
which is obviously, an invalid definition [Bakr].
117
Even though, only the grave is mentioned, every soul will be questioned wherever it is
confined after death whether a person had drowned or was burned or eaten by a wild
animal or embalmed, or eaten by scavenger birds, as it happens in the Sky Burial in Tibet
or the isolation of dead bodies in the Tower of Silence by the Zoroastrians.
118
Two fierce angels, Munkar and Nakr, will interrogate a person after his/her death, in a
terrible manner asking these three questions: 1) Who is your Lord? 2) What is your
Religion? 3) What did you say about this Person? [referring to our Master Muammad ].
Believers [Muslims] will reply: My Lord is Allh; my Religion is Islm; and my Prophet is
Sayyidun Muammad . The disbelievers/kfir and hypocrites/munfiq will say: Alas!
Alas! I do not know.

In the adth reported by Qatdah from Anas ibn Mlik : When a slave [i.e. a person] is
placed in his grave, and his companions [friends and relatives] turn back and he [the dead
man] hears their footsteps fade away, two angels will come to him, will make him sit up
and tell him: What did you say about this man pointing towards Muammad . The
believer will reply: I bear witness that he is the slave of Allh and His Messenger. The
person will be told: Look at this [potential] seat of yours in hell, but Allh has replaced
it with a place for you in paradise. The believer will see both the places. [Bukhr, #1374].

There are reports that some people will be exempt from questioning, such as martyrs,
Muslim soldiers guarding the outposts of Muslim lands, those who die on Fridays (whether
in the day or in the night), those who recite Srah al-Mulk every night, and those who die
of internal diseases [in the adth, cholera is mentioned, mabn].

31
 53. Disbelievers and sinners will be meted out119
punishment in the grave recompense for evil deeds.120

54. People will enter Paradise only by the Grace121

Of Ramn. Know this O people with high hopes.122

119
Disbelievers will be punished in the grave; and some sinful Muslims will also be
punished in the grave. This line is rendered varyingly in different versions of the text;
yuq, meaning will be subject to or bughd, those who despised and bore animosity to
God or baaun, meaning, some of the sinners will be punished.
120
In the adth: Punishment in the grave is real and true [Bukhr, #1372]. The following
prayer was taught by RaslAllh to seek refuge of Allh from the torment in the grave:
allhumma inn adhu bika min fitnatin nr wa min dhbin nr; wa adhu bika
min fitnatil qabr; wa adhu bika min fitnatil ghin, wa adhu bika min fitnatil
faqr; wa adhu bika min fitnatil mas al-dajjl O Allh, I seek Your refuge from the
ordeal of fire and the torment of fire and the severe test in the grave; I seek Your refuge
from the seduction of wealth, and I seek Your refuge from the misery of poverty; and I seek
Your refuge from the turmoil of Dajjl, the false messiah [Bukhr, #6376].

In another adth, RaslAllh is reported to have said: The grave is either a garden from
the gardens of paradise, or a pit of fire from hell [Tirmidh, #2460].
121
Believers will not enter paradise, just on account of their good deeds. Rather, it will be
due to the Grace of Allh and His Conferring honour upon His slaves. This is mentioned
in the adth where RaslAllh said: None of you will enter paradise because of his deeds.
His companions asked: Not even you, O Messenger of Allh? He replied: Not even I; except
that Allh has enveloped me in His Mercy [Bukhr, #5673]. The Jahmiyyah,
Qadariyyah, Najjriyyah and Mtazilah rejected this, and said that it is obligatory upon
Allh to grant paradise for those who do good deeds. The Ahl al-Sunnah say that nothing
is obligatory upon Allh .

Yet, this does not contradict the Quranic verse: Enter paradise for the [good] deeds you
used to do [Nal, 16:32] as people will be in different levels of paradise, according to their
deeds.
122
Those who hope to be forgiven and enter paradise.

32
 55. The Reckoning123 after the Resurrection124 is true
Be wary of committing sins [for they will be accounted].125

56. Some will be given their deed-books126 in their right hands127

Some behind their backs,128 and some in their left hands.129

123
People will be accounted for their deeds; this is known as isb, or the Reckoning. The
Jahmiyyah and philosophers reject the concept of Reckoning.
124
The Accounting of Deeds will happen after people are brought forth from their graves.
When it is such a grave matter, people should be wary of transgressing the Rights of Allh
and especially be cautious from violating the rights of humans. However, this refers to sins
in general, and they are indeed a heavy burden. Astaghfirullh.
125
It is an article of faith to believe in life after death and in the Day of Resurrection and
the Great Gathering [yawm al-ashr wan nushr] as Allh has mentioned in the Qurn:
Soon his account shall be taken, and [he will be] accounted in an easy manner [Inshiqq,
84:8]. In another verse: Read [aloud] your record; you suffice [for yourself] on this day to
take the account of your own self [Isra, 17:14].
126
The afaah or the guardian angels; also known as kirman ktibn, the honourable
scribes, record our deeds it is reported that every one of us has four recording angels;
two in the daytime and two in the night. [See Suys abyik, p.89, #314].
127
Muslims will be given their records of deeds in their right hands. At the time of
examination, some will be examined very swiftly and lightly; his good deeds will be
rewarded and his sins will be forgiven. Anyone who is questioned, will face dire
consequences. We seek Allhs refuge from being questioned, and to be included among
those who are totally exempt and sent into paradise without any accounting. mn.
128
Disbelievers and hypocrites will be given their record of deeds in their left hands or
worse, in their left hands twisted behind their backs.
129
This is mentioned in the Qurn: As for him, whose book of deeds is given in his right
hand; soon his account shall be taken, and [he shall be] accounted in an easy manner;
and he shall return to his family in happiness; as for him, whose book of deeds is given
behind his back; soon he shall cry out for extermination; [but] he will be sent into a
blazing fire [Inshiqq, 84:7-11]. In another verse: As for him, who is given his book of deeds
in his left hand, he will say Alas! Were it that my book of deeds had never been given to
me and were it that I knew nothing of my account [qqah, 69:25-26].

33
 57. Weighing of Deeds130 is true, and so is the Crossing
Upon the Bridge,131 without any doubt.

130
Allh has said: And the Weighing [of deeds] on that day is true. They, whose scales
are heavy are indeed the successful ones. And they, whose scales are meagre are the ones
who have put their own selves into peril and a loss recompense for their unjust rejection
of Our signs [Arf, 7:8-9]. In another verse: And We shall place the Scales of Justice on
the Day of Resurrection.. [Anbiya, 21:47].

Qr: Deeds or actions are abstract, intangible one cannot imagine their essences or their
being heavy or light; nor can one visualise their being weighed from a physical perspective.
But as it has been mentioned in the Qurn, and we must believe, without trying to
investigate the nature of these things because Allh has the Power to make His slaves
understand or measure their deeds. Many exegetes have said that it is a physical scale with
pans [for placing deeds] and with a pointer.
131
rt is a long bridge on the brim of hell, passing through its middle; the bridge is finer
than hair, sharper than the blade of a sword and darker than the night everyone has to
pass on this bridge. There will be grappling irons and sharp hooks [kallb] suspended on
either side of the bridge. Those who cross the bridge, will enter paradise and those who slip
will fall into hell. It is mentioned in the Qurn: And there is none among you, except that
he will have to cross [the bridge] upon hell [Maryam, 19:71]. Qarf, Shaykh Ibn bd al-
Salm, Zarkash and others have said that the description finer than hair, sharper than
sword, is figurative if the description is indeed established by authentic narrations.
Bayhaq has said: I did not find this description in any authentic narration; however, it has
been described thus, by companions, and in their own words. This has also been explained
thus: It is a very delicate and serious matter hence, finer than hair; and a grave and
perilious journey hence, sharper than a sword. Allh knows best [Summarised from
Laqqnis commentary Hadiyyatul Murd 2/1097, #106].

Muslims will swiftly cross the bridge. Some will pass on it in the blink of an eye, some with
the speed of lightning, some as a swift breeze, some as galloping horses and some as though
riding a camel. Some will cross the bridge in safety, some will be bruised and battered but
will eventually cross the bridge, and some others will fall from the bridge into hell. The last
ones to pass will be dragging themselves, and will be pulled towards safety. [Relevant
portion summarised from a lengthy adth in Bukhr, #6573]. In another adth,
RaslAllh said: And your Prophet will be upon the bridge praying for you, beseeching:
O my Allh, let them pass in safety. Let them be safe, rabbi sallim, sallim [Muslim, #195].

34
 58. It is hoped that the righteous ones will intercede132
For sinners with huge sins, big as mountains.133

59. Prayers have a definite benefit134and a profound effect135

It is the heretics who reject; and claim prayers are futile.136

132
Pious people, righteous folk such as Prophets, Awliya, martyrs, upright scholars and
pious Muslims will intercede for those who have committed sins whether major or
minor. Ibn Jamh has said, All people can be classified into two categories: Believers and
disbelievers. Everyone concurs that disbelievers will be in hell [there is no dispute that the
kfir will be in hell]. Believers are of two kinds: the pious ones and the sinners. It is agreed
by consensus, that righteous Muslims will be in paradise. Sinners who are believers will be
of two kinds: sinners who have repented and sinners who have not repented. It is agreed
by consensus that the sinner who has repented will be in paradise. That leaves the sinner
who has not repented, and his fate will be decided by the Mercy of Allh .

Be it known, that our Prophet, our Master Muammad is the chief of all intercessors.
He will be the first to intercede, and his intercession will be the first to be accepted. Many
adth mention the exalted station granted to our Master on that day. In the Qurn:
Nigh it is, that your Lord Sustainer will bring you forth upon the Extolled Station [Isra,
17:79]. Exegetes have said that maqman mamd refers to the high station given to
RaslAllh on Judgement Day, when he will be extolled; others have said that it may also
mean the high station of intercession.
133
All sins except idolatry and polytheism [shirk] may be forgiven, as Allh has Himself
said: Indeed, Allh will not forgive that partners be ascribed to him [or commit kufr]; but
may forgive anything besides, for whomsoever He Wills. [Nisa, 4:48].
134
Prayers [du], beseeching Allh and asking Him for favours, forgiveness, protection
from adversity and for warding off danger, prolonging ones life, asking for children, etc.,
are all permissible; and prayers will be answered. Allh has said: Call upon Me; I will
Answer your (prayers) [Ghfir, 40:60]. RaslAllh is reported to have said: That which
has been ordained will not be superseded, except by prayer [kim in Mustadrak, #1814].
135
Similarly the prayers of the living will benefit the dead, for their forgiveness, comfort in
their graves and for elevation of their ranks.
136
The Mtazilah say that prayers [du] are to no avail because, according to them, all
things are destined and prayers cannot change anything. They also deny that prayers of the
living can benefit the dead.

35
 60. This world of ours, the universe, is an accident137 and Hyle138
Does not actually exist;139 listen to this with delight.140

61. Paradise and Hell have already been created141

A time has already passed upon them so far.142

62. A person of faith will not stay forever

For the wretchedness of his sin, in the Abode of Flames.143

137
dith - Accident: that which came into existence after having been non-existent.
Ancient philosophers believed that the world, the universe, has existed eternally; but we
Muslims believe that it was non-existent and it was brought into existence by the Creator.
138
Hayl: Hyle, or Prime Matter according to Aristotles theory of matter, which can be
stated as: everything is made of four fundamental elements: earth, air, fire and water; these
elements can be hot or cold, wet or dry. The concept of prime matter is attributed to
Aristotle, meaning it is the matter of the elements; and the elements are actually composed
of this 'prime matter' [hyle] and the form that it takes - and that it can potentially, take any
form. [See Ainsworth, Thomas: Form vs. Matter, Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy]
139
According to philosophers, this hypothetical Prime Matter is supposed to have existed
eternally and is primordial; it exists without measure [kammiyyah] or attribute [kayfiyyah];
and it is not accompanied by an accident; and then it itself undertook attributes, and
accidents occurred, and the world was created. Thus it is explained in Qms [Qr].
140
We Muslims believe that everything was created by Allh , the Creator. Only He has
existed pre-eternally, without a beginning. Everything is Created by His Will, subject to
His Power, and His Creating [takwn].
141
Both Paradise and Hell have been created and a period of time has passed upon them, as
mentioned in the Qurn: [Paradise is already] prepared for the pious [Al mrn, 3:133]
and [Hell is already] prepared for the disbelievers [Baqarah, 2:24]. The two abodes exist and
wil be everlasting as mentioned in the Qurn: They shall abide in it forever [Nisa, 4:57].
142
Some Mtazils say that while Paradise and Hell are indeed true, they do not exist now
and will be created in the Hereafter.
143
According to the Ahl al-Sunnah, a person who commits the deadly sins [kabrah] and
dies without repentance, will not remain in Hell forever. The Khawrij and Mtazilah say
that committing an enormity causes one to go out of faith.

36
 63. I have fashioned a poem on Tawd, the Correct Creed;
Beautiful in form; indeed, like sheer magic.

64. Giving solace to the heart and glad tidings of comfort

Reviving the soul, as pure water144 [revitalises the body].

65. Engage with it, and memorise it; believe145 in this creed146
You will attain immense blessings [in both worlds].

66. And help this poor slave evermore

By remembering him in your prayers.147

67. He fervently hopes that Allh will forgive him, by His Grace
And will grant him eternal bliss in the Hereafter.

68. And I too shall pray as much as I can

For those who pray for me and wish me well.148

144
Similar to pure and sweet water that invigorates the body of a thirsty man, this poem on
the correct creed of Ahl al-Sunnah rejuvenates ones faith and revitalises the soul.
145
The articles of faith mentioned in this poem are the true creed of Ahl al-Sunnah; the
author exhorts Muslims to read it, memorise it and understand it well.
146
This book covers almost all the necessary aspects of the Sunni Creed. Readers are
encouraged to read qdah awyyah which has some more topics not mentioned here.
147
Pray for him, ask Allh to forgive him [istighfr] whenever you remember him. We ask
Allh to give Imm l al-sh a great reward, and to elevate his rank in paradise.
148
We ask Allh to have mercy upon the author, and all our teachers and shaykhs; our
parents and our elders we ask Allh to grant us and our friends and relatives, a beautiful
ending and death upon faith; and grant us exalted stations in the hereafter in the company
of Prophets, siddq, martyrs and righteous folk. Praise belongs to Allh .

37
 Appendix A

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*
ab + (

Q (#
# r $ r &
lallllha yfhu bi falin
67
wa yhis sdata fil mali
Q # & =
-+ U+ q

$ yM! Q + 0>
. / s =
wa innid dahra ad kunha wus
68
li man bil khayri yawman qad d l
! +6 $& ab;< i U+

46
 Appendix B

QURNIC VERSES

These are the Qurnic verses mentioned in translation in footnotes. In all

instances, the translation is cited first and the text is below it.

Footnote #11
He is not Pleased for His slaves to disbelieve [Zumar 39:7].

utsrq
Footnote #16
Ask them: Whose witness is the greatest? Say: Allh is the [greatest]
Witness between I and you [Anm, 6:19].

MLKJIHGFEDCBA
Footnote #19
Glorify the Name of your Lord [Al-Al, v1].

rqpo
Footnote #24
And disbelievers will never cease doubting, until the Final Hour comes upon
them suddenly, or comes punishment, on that day which will be fruitless for
them [ajj 22:55].

47
And when you said: O Ms, we will certainly not believe you until we see
Allh openly [with our own eyes] [Baqarah, 2:55].

~}|{z

The People of the Book ask you to cause a book to descend upon them from
the heavens. Indeed, they have asked Ms for something even greater than
this, when they said: Show us Allh manifestly. They were struck by a
thunderbolt for their transgression. [Nisa, 4:153]
~}|{zyxwvu

When our signs [Qurnic verses] are recited to them, they say: These are
naught, but legends of ancient folk [Qalam, 68:15] .

Indeed, there is nothing else except our death for just once; and we shall not
be resurrected. Bring forth our forefathers if you are indeed truthful.
[Dukhn, 44:35-36].

When he comes to know of our signs [Qurnic verses] he takes to mockery...

[Jthiyah, 45:9].

zyxwvuts

48
Death will come to you, even if you take shelter in the most formidable
fortress...[Nisa, 4:78].

Until death comes to them, and they will say: O our Lord, send us back
[Muminn, 23:99].

~}|{zyx

If only you could see the Angels yank the souls of disbelievers, and slap their
faces and strike their backs, [saying:] Now, taste the punishment of the
scorching fire [Anfl, 8:50].

Be lenient with disbelievers and give them some time. [riq, 86:17].

mlkj
Do wait; indeed, we too are waiting. [Hd, 11:122].

~}|
Footnote #27
And He is Omnipotent over His slaves. [Srah Anm, 6:18]

Ramn made istiwa on the Throne. [Srah -H, 20:5]

|{zy

49
Footnote #31
Wheresover you turn, you will find the Mercy of Allh facing you
[Baqarah, 2:115].

lkjih

There is nothing like Him [Shr, 42:11].

SRQ

Footnote #33
The Lord of the Day of Recompense. [Ftiah, 1:4].

PON
Footnote #38
And that Exalted is our Lord Sustainer; He has not taken [unto himself] a
wife or a son. [Jinn 72:3]

ba`_^]\[Z

Footnote #40.
Every soul shall taste death. [Al mrn, 3:185].

rqpon

Footnote #41.
Whose dominion is it this day? [Everything] belongs to Allh, the One, the
Absolute Subduer [Ghfir, 40:16].

50
There is nothing else except for our life in this world, we die and we live; and
we shall not be resurrected. [Muminn, 23:37].

And they say, there is nothing [else] except this life of ours in this world; we
die and we live and it is only time that wastes us away. They do not speak
from knowledge it is merely their conjecture [Jthiyah, 45:24].

qponmlkjihgfedcba`_^]\[

Every soul shall taste death. You will be given your full recompense only on
the Day of Resurrection. Whosoever is saved from Fire and made to enter
Paradise [on that day] has truly succeeded. The life of this world is nothing
but a materialistic delusion [Al mrn, 3:185].

xwvutsrqpon
~}|{zy

Footnote #42
Indeed, We have revealed this Qurn and We shall Protect it. [ijr 15:9].

mlkjihg

Footnote #43
No soul knoweth what is hidden for them; among things extremely pleasing
to the eyes, as a reward of their deeds [Sajdah, 32:17].

|{zyxwvutsrqp

51
Footnote #44
Indeed, the hypocrites are in the lowest depths of hellfire [Nisa, 4:145].

Footnote #45
Indeed Allh has damned the disbelievers and has prepared for them a
blaze. They shall stay in it forever [Azb 33:64-65].

^]\[YXWVUTS

Footnote #52
He lets go astray whom He wills, and He guides whom he Wills [Nal, 16:93].

Footnote #56
Rather, he is the Messenger of Allh and he is the Seal of all Prophets
[Azb, 33:40]

Footnote #60
We have not sent thee, except as a mercy to the universe. [Anbiya, 21:107].

dcba`

Footnote #64
Glory to Him, who took His slave on a journey from the Masjid al-arm
to the Farthest Mosque [Masjid al-Aq, Jerusalem] in a portion of the
night...[Al-Isra, 17:1]

KJIHGFEDCBA

52
Footnote #72
And We have not sent forth [a Messenger] before you, except men
[Anbiya, 21:7].

srqponml
Footnote #82
Allh Knows well, whither to place His Message [Anm, 6:124].

Footnote #97
But their [accepting] faith did not benefit them, when they saw Our
punishment...[Ghfir, 40:85].

And repentance is not [accepted] from those who keep sinning until death
comes to them; and one of them says [at the time of death,] I repent now,
or of those who die as disbelievers...[Nisa, 4:18].

ihgfedcba`
srqponmlkj
Footnote #104
Whoever disbelieves in Allh after having believed in Him except who is
under compulsion while his heart is at peace concerning Islm; but the one
who disbelieved with an open-heart, upon him is the Wrath of Allh and for
them [disbelievers] is a great punishment. [Nal 16:106].

xwvutsrqponm
dcba`_~}|{zy

53
Footnote #110
And I created you, prior to which you were nothing [Maryam, 19:9].

~}|{zy

Indeed, there has passed a time upon the human, when he was not even a
thing mentioned anywhere [Insn, 76:1].

Indeed, the tremor of the Final Hour is a terrible thing [ajj, 22:1].

JIHGF

Footnote #115
Indeed, Our saying to a thing, when We Will for it [to exist], that We say
Be and it becomes [Nal, 16:40].

He has Power over all things [Baqarah, 2:20]

jihgfe

He is the Creator of every thing [Anm, 6:101].

He is the Creator of every thing [Anm, 6:102].

MLKJ

54
Footnote #121
Enter paradise for the [good] deeds you used to do [Nal, 16:32].

Footnote #125
Soon his account shall be taken, and [he will be] accounted in an easy
manner [Inshiqq, 84:8].

srqp
Read [aloud] your record; you suffice [for yourself] on this day to take the
account of your own self [Isra, 17:14].

~}
Footnote #129
As for him, whose book of deeds is given in his right hand; soon his account
shall be taken, and [he shall be] accounted in an easy manner; and he shall
return to his family in happiness; as for him, whose book of deeds is given
behind his back; soon he shall cry out for extermination; [but] he will be sent
into a blazing fire [Inshiqq, 84:7-11].

xwvu srqp nmlkj

cba _~}|{z

As for him, who is given his book of deeds in his left hand, he will say Alas!
Were it that my book of deeds had never been given to me and were it that
I knew nothing of my account [qqah, 69:25-26].

55
Footnote #130
And the Weighing [of deeds] on that day is true. They, whose scales are
heavy are indeed the successful ones. And they, whose scales are meagre are
the ones who have put their own selves into peril and a loss recompense for
their unjust rejection of Our signs [Arf, 7:8-9].

qponmlkjih
}|{zyxwvuts

And We shall place the Scales of Justice on the Day of Resurrection...

[Anbiya, 21:47].

^]\[Z
Footnote #131
And there is none among you, except that he will have to cross [the bridge]
upon hell [Maryam, 19:71].

dcba`
Footnote #132
Nigh it is, that your Lord Sustainer will bring you forth upon the Extolled
Station [Isra, 17:79].

xwvuts
Footnote #133
Indeed, Allh will not forgive that partners be ascribed to him [or commit kufr];
but may forgive anything besides, for whomsoever He Wills. [Nisa, 4:48].

_~}|{zyxwvutsr

56
Footnote #134
Call upon Me; I will Answer your (prayers) [Ghfir, 40:60].

RQPONM

Footnote #141
[Paradise is already] prepared for the pious [Al mrn, 3:133].

LK

[Hell is already] prepared for the disbelievers [Baqarah, 2:24].

They shall abide in it forever [Nisa, 4:57].

}|{z

57
 Appendix C

TRANSLITERATION KEY

Arabic Latin Arabic

Transliteration Similar Sound
Letter Character Example

a 92 amr amazing

b bb basket

t tj t in French trois

th thbit thing

j jasad jam

similar to hose
asan no English equivalent
voiceless pharyngeal fricative
similar to Scottish loch
kh khabar
no english equivalent

d dr d in French dais

dh dhikr there

r rshid trilled r as in rose

z H zak zebra

s J sahl solid

sh shb shock

pharyngeal s
abr
no English equivalent
similar to daughter
iya
no English equivalent
pharyngeal t
ibb
no English equivalent
pharyngeal z
ill
no English equivalent

58
Arabic Latin Arabic
Transliteration Similar Sound
Letter Character Example

rab
lm voiced pharyngeal fricative
, , ,
mar no English equivalent
d

as in French r
gh ghr rester
voiced uvular fricative

f fajr flower

a guttural k
q qarb voiceless uvular stop
no English equivalent

k kitb kin

l libs late

m ml morning

n nr noon

h hud house

w / wazr word

y yad yellow

i idm insight

a atam advent

bb father

/ sarr tree

r root

lim -

59
 Arabic Latin Arabic
Transliteration Similar Sound
Letter Character Example

` d -

d -

shsh ashshams
-
sh-sh ash-shams

a or a- mamr -

biysa
iy or i-y f -
bi-ysa
lulu
u or u- -
su-lika

6 ab separator to distinguish between

takl sounds represented by letter
J ashal pairs

6 a-b separator to distinguish between

- tak-l sounds represented by letter
J as-hal pairs

superscript min to indicate an elision

separator when elongation

- ma-rib
follows a vowel

In transliteration of Arabic names, the definite article al is not transcribed always for readability,
even though it may be incorrect in the original. The following rules are followed:
a. The al is retained when used as an auxiliary, as in Abu Bakr al-Bayhaq and Badruddn
al-yn.
b. It is omitted when used alone, as in Bayhaqi or yn.
c. It is retained when the full name of the book is transcribed, but omitted when the book is
known by its popular name like Durr al-Mukhtr.

60
 SOURCES

This translation is based on the the sources mentioned below. I have

referred to various commentaries and annotations for clarifications found
in footnotes.

1. Bada al-Amali, et al: An anthology of four classical texts

Jawharah al-Tawd, Bad al-Aml, Bayqniyyah and Rabiyyah.
Annotated by bd al-Salm Shkir and reviewed by Shaykh Adb
al-Kalls, published by Dr Iqraa, Damascus, 2001.

2. aw al-Ml li Badyil Aml: The well-known commentary of

Mawln l al-Qr; published in Istanbul in the year 1319 AH
by usayn ilm al-Katbi, 48 pages.

3. aw al-Ml li Badyil Aml: l al-Qr, annotated by bd al-

Salm Shannr; published by Dr al-Bayrt, Damascus, 2005.

4. aw al-Ml li Badyil Aml: l al-Qr, edited by Muammad

dnn Darwsh, published by Dr Iqraa, Damascus, 2002.

5. Daraj al-Ml Shar Bad al-Aml: The commentary of

zzuddn Ibn Jamh (d.819 AH), Muassasah al-Kutub al-
Thaqafiyah, Tripoli, Lebanon, 2011.

6. Daraj al-Ml Shar Bad al-Aml: Manuscript of the above

from King Saud University #7381, dated around 12 century Hijri.

7. Daw al-Ml and Mukhtaar Shar Bakr: Both commentaries

in the same volume, published by Dar Bayrt, 2011; edited by
Khaldn l Zaynuddn.

61
 8. Jmi al-Lal Shar Badil Aml: A modern commentary by
Q Shaykh Muammad Amad Kann, Lebanon. He
completed the commentary in the year 2008 (as mentioned in the
conclusion). Published by Dr al-Bashyir al-Islmiyyah, 2010.

9. Nukhbatul Lal Shaykh Muammad ibn Sulaymn al-alab

al-Rayw [d. 1228 AH]. Published in Turkey and reprinted by
Hakikat Kitabevi, 1996.

Note: This translation is based on the words and reading affirmed by

Mawln l al-Qr in his aw al-Ml.

62
 ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sirjuddn Abul asan Imm l ibn thmn ibn Muammad ibn

Sulaymn al-Taymiyy al-Farghn al-Ush al-anaf d: Little is
known about him except that he is the author of the poem on Sunni creed
famously known as Bad al-Aml. The author of Jawhir al-Muyyah,
says that he is the famous author of the qadah on qdah composed in 66
couplets. Nothing much is known about him. It is said that he passed away
during the plague of 575 AH (1179 CE). The following books are
attributed to him:149

1. Thawqib al-Akhbr

2. Ghurar al-Akhbr wa Durar al-Ash-r (concerning words in the

adth of the Prophet )

3. Mashriq al-Anwr Shar Nib al-Akhbr

4. Yawqt al-Akhbr

5. The ode: Bad al-Aml on Sunni creed.

Historical Perspective: Imm Ush is a contemporary of Ghawth al-

Aam Sayyid bd al-Qadir Jiln (d.561 AH). Among anafs, he is a
contemporary of Imm Abul asan l al-Marghnn (d.593), the author
of Hidyah; Imm usayn ibn Manr al-Farghni Q Khn (d.592 AH)
and Imm luddn Ab Bakr ibn Masd al-Ksn (d.587 AH), the
author of Badyi al-anyi. Chronologically, this text comes after the

149
bd al-Salm Shannrs preface: Hadiyyah al-rifn, 1/700; Zirkily in Alm, 4/310.

63
famous qdah al-Nasafiyyah, which was written by Imm mar ibn
Muammad an-Nasafi (d.538 AH) and appears to be the versification of
this text. This poem was completed in the year 569 AH.150

Commentaries:
1. aw al-Ml Mull l al-Qr [1014 AH]. It is the best known
and the most commonly available commentary of the poem. Dr
al-Bayrut has published it separately with annotations of Shaykh
bd al-Salm Shannr. Recently a second edition, with footnotes
of Shaykh Khaldn l Zaynuddn has been published [2011]
along with commentary of Al-Bakri.

2. Daraj al-Ml Imm zzuddn Muammad ibn Jamh al-

Shfi [d. 819 AH] edited and annotated by Majd Ghassn Mrf

3. Al-Lal fi Shar al-Aml (Mukhtaar Shar al-Bakri)

Raiyuddn Abul Qsim ibn usayn al Bakr [passed away
around 1121 AH]. Published by Dr al-Bayruti.

4. Shar Qadah Bada al-Aml Shaykh Nr Muammad ibn

bd al-Ram al-Lhor [d. 1157 AH]. Published by Dr. Khliq
Dd Mlik, HoD of Arabic Department, University of Punjab,
Pakistan. It is published by University of Punjab, during the
academic year 2003-2005.

150
Yaman as mentioned in abaqt al-Hanafiyyah; Kashf al-unn, 2/1350.

64
 5. Nukhbatul Lal Shaykh Muammad ibn Sulaymn al-alab
al-Rayw [d. 1228 AH]. Published in Turkey and reprinted by
Hakikat Kitabevi, 1996.

6. Tufat al-Al Hashiyah aw al-Ml A supercommentary

on Qrs commentary by an unknown author.

7. Jmi al-Lal A modern commentary on the poem by Shaykh

Muammad Amad Kann of Lebanon. In this commentary, the
author has rearranged the lines of the poem according to topics.

Haji Khalfah has mentioned151 the names of some more commentaries:

8. Hidyah Minal Itiqd li Kathrati Nafih Bayn al-bd

Commentary of Muammad ibn Ab Bakr al-Rz, which he
completed in 751 AH.

9. Commentary of Shaykh Shamsuddn Muammad al-Niksr

[d.901 AH].

10. Nafs al-Riy li Idmil Amr Brief commentary by Shaykh

Khall ibn al-la al-Najr al-Yaman [d.632 AH].

11. Commentary of Shaykh Muammad ibn Amad ibn mar al-

Ank al-anaf.

151
Kashf al-unn, 2/1350.

65
Majd Ghassn, in the preface of Daraj al-Ml mentions the following
commentaries:

12. Mala al-Mithl fil qid al-Islamiyyah wa Manb al-Kaml

fil Masyil al-Kalmiyyah - Imm zzuddn Muammad ibn
Jamh al-Shfi [d. 819 AH].

13. qd al-Lal Muammad al-Nsbr.

14. Nashr al-Lal Tnus al-anaf.

15. Nr al-Ml Ibn al-Ktib al-Yankajriyyah al-Yzij

16. Daw al-Lal Supercommentary on the commentary of Yzij.

17. Shar Bada al-Aml by Mirsh.

18. Shar Bada al-Aml by Aydan.

66
 ABOUT THE TRANSLATOR

Abu Hasan is a student of Islamic sciences and the Sacred Law. He follows
the anafMturd madhhab and is an aspirant to the Qdir path; he is
also an ardent admirer and follower of Alahazrat Imm Amad Ri Khn
al-Baraylaw . Abu Hasan translates short works and excerpts for his
own edification and shares them for the benefit of students and beginners
like himself. Some of his articles can be found on www.tanwir.org and
www.ridawi.org.

67
68