Dangers of Deviating in Allah's Names and Attributes (Ilhad)
Ilhad literally means to turn away. In this regards, its turning away from the truth of the Asmaa wa Sifaat (Names and Attributes) of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala).
Allah (swt) says,
And you were not covering yourselves, lest your hearing testify against you or your sight or your skins, but you assumed that Allah does not know much of what you do. And that was your assumption which you assumed about your Lord. It has brought you to ruin, and you have become among the losers.â€So [even] if they are patient, the Fire is a residence for them; and if they ask to appease [Allah], they will not be of those who are allowed to appease. [41:22-24]
The emphasis in these ayaat is their denying the attribute of Knowledge from Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala).
And,
And to Allah belong the best names, so invoke Him by them. And leave [the company of] those who practice deviation [ilhad] concerning His names. They will be recompensed for what they have been doing. [7:180]
Examples of ilhad include to deny or distort their meanings, or claim that they have no meaning (tafwid). Considering His Attributes to be similar to the creation, deriving Names not befitting Allah (e.g. “The Father”), are also considered examples of ilhad.
5 Important Principles for Approaching the Quran and Sunnah
1. The Quran and Sunnah contain everything we need.
“…And all things have We explained in detail.” [17:12]
And,
“This day those who disbelieve have despaired of [defeating] your religion; so fear them not, but fear Me. This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.” [5:3]
Thus, our religion is complete and perfect, and we do not need any other sources for our beliefs.
2. The Prophet(sal-Allahu ‘alayhi was-Sallam) has informed us of all that we need to know.
O Messenger, announce that which has been revealed to you from your Lord, and if you do not, then you have not conveyed His message. And Allah will protect you from the people. Indeed, Allah does not guide the disbelieving people.[5:67]
If the Prophet (sal-Allahu ‘alayhi was-Sallam) did not mention something, then it is not a part of our deen. Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) will protect him from failing in delivering the message.
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