Book of Emaan: According To The Classical Works of Shaikhul Islam

The will and decree of Allah: Is this a matter which is directly relevant to the day-to-day life of the Muslim, or is it an obscure topic best left to the debates of philosophers and theologians? Does it imply that Muslims are ‘fatalists’ who see themselves as helpless in the hands of an indifferent fate? Attitudes towards divine will and predestination have always influenced Muslims’ daily activities. In this final volume of his eight-volume Islamic Creed Series, Dr. ‘Umar al-Ashqar explores this topic in depth, explaining it in clear terms for the ordinary Muslim. Drawing always on the Qur’an and the Sunnah, and on the words of the greatest scholars of Islam such as Ibn Taymiyah, he covers some of the historical debates that took place within the Ummah on this matter. The true Islamic concept of divine will and predestination is an empowering notion. While all that happens takes place within the framework of the divine will, people have freedom of choice within those parameters. This is a matter which is of interest and concern for all Muslims, one which will bring many benefits, both in this world and in the hereafter. This Islamic Creed Series of books has been translated into English by Nasiruddin al-Khattab.

The Imam was asked a long question of which a part was – What is the opinion of the scholars regarding a man who is afflicted by a disease, and knows that if it should continue it would damage his life? The Imam Quoted the Hadith from Sahih Bukhari The prophet (S) said: ‘Allah has appointed a remedy for every disease He has sent down’ Imam Ahmad reported on the authority of Usamah bin Shareek that the ‘ Prophet (S) said Allah has not made a disease without providing a remedy for it, wih the exception of one disease, namely old age’ This Applies to the medicine for the heart, soul and body. The well being of the servant’s heart, is far more important than that of his body, for while the well being of his body enables him to lead a life that is free from illnesses in this world, that of the heart ensures him both a fortunate life in this world and eternal bliss in the next.

Imam Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyya was born into a scholarly and virtuous family in 691 AH/ 1292 A.D. At that time Damascus was a centre of literature and thought. Many schools were located there and he studied and graduated under the protection, direction and sponsorship of his father. He was particularly influenced by his Shaykh and teacher Imam Ibn Taymiyyah, and also by Ibn ash-Shirazi amongst others. Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyya died in the city of Damascus the year 751 AH/1350 C.E.,when he was scarcely 60 years old, and was buried at the cemetery of Bab- al-Saghir, near the grave of his father – Rahimahuma Allah.