The Thirteenth Note

This Note discusses five matters that are commonly misunderstood.

The First Matter

Those who strive and labour for Islam and for the communication of the truths of īmānFaith; belief in the six articles of faith: Allah, His angels, His revealed scriptures, His prophets, the Hereafter, and divine decree (qadar). should concern themselves solely with the duties and responsibilities that belong to them. Yet instead, they sometimes turn their attention to matters that belong to Allah, allow those matters to determine their actions, and thereby fall into error.

In Imam Māwardī(972–1058) A renowned Muslim scholar, Shāfiī jurist, and judge from Basra, known for his writings on Islamic jurisprudence, ethics, governance, and political thought.’s Adab ad-Dīn wa’d-DunyāThe Ethics of Religion and Worldly Life; a work by Imām Māwardī that explores moral conduct, religious duties, knowledge, good character, and the principles of a virtuous life in both religious and worldly affairs., the following incident is related:

Once Satan objected to Īsā (as)One of the great prophets and messengers of Allah, born miraculously to Maryam (Mary) without a father and sent to the Children of Israel. and said: “Is not a person’s lifespan, like everything else, determined by Divine destiny? Then throw yourself into this ravine, and let us see whether you survive.”

Thereupon Īsā (as)One of the great prophets and messengers of Allah, born miraculously to Maryam (Mary) without a father and sent to the Children of Israel. replied:

اِنَّ لِلّٰهِ اَنْ يَخْتَبِرَ عَبْدَهُ وَ لَيْسَ لِلْعَبْدِ اَنْ يَخْتَبِرَ رَبَّهُIndeed, Allah has the right to test His servant, but the servant has no right to test his Lord.

In other words: Allah may test His servant and say, “If you do this, I shall do that. Let Me see whether you are able to carry it out.” But the servant has neither the right nor the authority to test Allah by saying, “If I do this, will You then do that?” Such an attitude amounts to putting Allah to the test and is wholly contrary to servanthood.

Since this is so, the human being should fulfil the duties that belong to him and not concern himself with matters that belong to Allah.

It is a well-known incident that Jalāl al-Dīn Khwarazmshāh(1199–1231) The last ruler of the Khwarazmian Empire, who became known for his military resistance against the Mongol invasions led by Genghis Khan and his successors. He continued fighting the Mongols after the collapse of much of his empire., one of the foremost commanders in Islamic history, who repeatedly defeated the armies of Genghis Khan(1162–1227) The founder and first ruler of the Mongol Empire, who united the Mongol tribes and led extensive military conquests across Asia., was once on his way to battle when his viziers and followers said to him: “Victory will be yours! Allah will grant you victory!”

He replied: “By Allah’s command, I strive in battle. I do not concern myself with what belongs to Allah. Whether the battle ends in victory or defeat is His concern.”

Indeed, because he understood the mystery of submission, he repeatedly attained remarkable victories.

Truly, determining the results of actions is a matter that belongs to Allah. Therefore, people should not make the outcome of the actions they perform through their free will the basis of their conduct.

For example, some of our brothers become excited and encouraged when people join the Risale-i Nur. But when people turn away from it, the spiritual strength and enthusiasm of weaker brothers diminish.

The Noble Messenger (saw)Sallallāhu alayhi wa sallam (Peace and blessings be upon him), however—the true master, universal exemplar, and perfect guide—adopted the Divine proclamation

وَمَا عَلَى الرَّسُولِ اِلَّا الْبَلَاغُAnd the Messenger’s duty is only to convey the message. — The Qur’an 5:99

as an absolute principle. When people ignored him and refused to listen, he proclaimed Islam with still greater effort and devotion. For he understood—as indicated by the verse

اِنَّكَ لَا تَهْدٖى مَنْ اَحْبَبْتَ وَلٰكِنَّ اللّٰهَ يَهْدٖى مَنْ يَشَٓاءُIndeed, you cannot guide whom you love, but Allah guides whom He wills. — The Qur’an 28:56

that bringing people to faith and granting them guidance are matters that belong to Allah. Therefore, he did not interfere in what belongs to Allah.

O my brothers! You too should not concern yourselves with matters that do not belong to you, nor allow them to determine your actions. And do not adopt an attitude that amounts to putting your Creator to the test.