May Allah(SWT) Bless Erdogan

I'm not going to say much because the whole Gaza affair makes me EXTREMELY sick. But may Allah(SWT) bless Prime Minister Erdogan for speaking the truth.

http://muslimmatters.org/2009/01/29/turkish-pm-erdogan-admonishes-israel-president-shimon-peres-over-gaza-and-walks-off/

Understanding Al-Qadr (The Pre-Decree) Part 1

A special thank you to Br. Wasif for recommending me the awesome book, "Sharh Thalathatul Usool-Explanation of the Three Fundamental Principles" by Shaykh Muhammad ibn Salih Al-Uthaymeen which this series is based upon.

What is Al-Qadr?

Shaykh Muhammad ibn Salih Al-Uthaymeen gives the following definition:

"Allah, the Most High's ordainment of the creation, in accordance with his Knowledge that preceded everything, and in accordance with his Wisdom."

He further goes on to explain that Al-Qadr consists of four things:

1. Allah(SWT) has knowledge of everything in the Universe
2. That all this knowledge has been written in Al-Lawhul Mahfooz
3. Everything that happens is by Allah(SWT)'s Will
4. Everything happens is caused by Allah(SWT)

Allah(SWT) has knowledge of everything in the Universe

This is one of the four components of Qadr. It means that whatever happened, is happening or will happen, ALlah(SWT) has full knowledge of it. Every single detail whether minute or enormous Allah (SWT) knows about it. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:

"And with Him are the keys of the Ghaib (all that is hidden), none knows them but He. And He knows whatever there is in (or on) the earth and in the sea; not a leaf falls, but he knows it. There is not a grain in the darkness of the earth nor anything fresh or dry, but is written in a Clear Record. "(6:59)

Allah(SWT) even refers to himself with this attribute many times in the Quran:

إِنَّ اللّهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ

Truly, Allâh is the All-Hearer, All-Knower.

إِنَّ اللّهَ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ

Surely! Allâh is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knowing.

إِنَّ اللّهَ كَانَ عَلِيمًا خَبِيرًا

Indeed Allâh is Ever All­-Knower, Well­-Acquainted with all things.

Effect of this Belief

Allah(SWT) has knowledge over everything, so what? What does it mean for me? How will knowledge of this belief help me or change me? If a person believes in this component of Qadr, what does it entail? What does it imply?

Belief in this component of Qadr entails that a Muslim knows whatever he did(past), is doing (present), and will do (future) is all known by Allah(SWT). So there is no way that any of his actions, big or small, hidden or apparent will be forgotten or neglected by Allah(SWT), Rabbul Alamin (Lord of the Universe).

فَمَن يَعْمَلْ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ خَيْرًا يَرَهُ

So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant), shall see it. (99:7)

وَمَن يَعْمَلْ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ شَرًّا يَرَهُ

And whosoever does evil equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant), shall see it. (99:8)

Therefore, the Muslim should be wary of whatever he does because he knows that Allah (SWT) has knowledge about all of his actions. On the Day of Judgement, when all of mankind will be gathered together be judged for what they did in this life, Allah(SWT) will know every single action that they committed.