characteristics of God

[NoLongerLost]

Assalamau'alaykum

I just wanted 2 ask a few questions regarding Allah. I study A level philosphy and me and this other sister are the only ones in our class who believe in God. The rest are atheists and when they put certain questions to us i find them difficult to answer so i wondered whether you guys could help me.

We think that Allah is perfect right? Well he must be...but my brother was telling me that many people are mistaken into thinking that Allah can do anything he wishes. At first i was confused when he said this cuz i was like "well of course he can do anything he wants to." But my bro said that God is not capable of making a mistake, which means that he cannot do everything. I agreed with this because it's not a Godly characteristic. Do u guys think that because Allah cannot do everything, it makes him more perfect (because why would there be a God who can make mistakes?), or less perfect?

One of the questions my philosphy teacher said was that if there was a God, then He would not be capable of doing everything e.g. Allah cannot make a circular square? - what do u guys think of this? Also, u know how in the quran Allah says "be" and whateva he wants 2 create is created....(no offence intended 2 anyone) but would it be possible 4 Allah 2 create another like Him? I know in the quran it says things like - there is none equal to him/nothing compares to him etc but that was a question that was posed 2 me and i thought well of course he can't do that..and the reply was - God is not perfect if he cannot do it????

 

[Proud2BeHumble]

Assalamualikum,

Plz refer to following website.

http://godallah.com/index.php

and then click the link "Does God have limitations"?

Other links are also worth reading.

Wassalam

 

[nazir]

Asalaamu Alaykum,
Philosophy is not a subject to be encouraged to studied by Muslims as we are not allowed to go deep into the questioning of Allah. May Allah save us all from doubts. Wassalaam

 

[Bluegazer]

Assalamu Alaikum sister NoLongerLost,


You wrote the following:

We think that Allah is perfect right? Well he must be...but my brother was telling me that many people are mistaken into thinking that Allah can do anything he wishes. At first i was confused when he said this cuz i was like "well of course he can do anything he wants to." But my bro said that God is not capable of making a mistake, which means that he cannot do everything. I agreed with this because it's not a Godly characteristic. Do u guys think that because Allah cannot do everything, it makes him more perfect (because why would there be a God who can make mistakes?), or less perfect?

I think you're confusing two issues. God Almighty is capable of doing anything He wishes. So, you're statement at the end that "Do u guys think that because Allah cannot do everything....." is just totally wrong. It goes against clear verses of the Holy Qur'an:

.....And if Allah had willed, they would not have fought each other, but Allah does what He intends.

[Translation of the meanings of the Qur'an 2:253]

Indeed, Allah will admit those who believe and do righteous deeds to gardens beneath which rivers flow. Indeed, Allah does what He intends.

[Translation of the meanings of the Qur'an 22:14]

He said, "My Lord, how will I have a boy when I have reached old age and my wife is barren?" He [the angel] said, "Such is Allah ; He does what He wills."

[Translation of the meanings of the Qur'an 3:40]

Do you not see [i.e., know] that to Allah prostrates whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth and the sun, the moon, the stars, the mountains, the trees, the moving creatures and many of the people? But upon many the punishment has been justified. And he whom Allah humiliates - for him there is no bestower of honor. Indeed, Allah does what He wills.

[Translation of the meanings of the Qur'an 22:18]

Indeed, Our word to a thing when We intend it is but that We say to it, "Be," and it is.

[Translation of the meanings of the Qur'an 16:40]

His command is only when He intends a thing that He says to it, "Be," and it is.

[Translation of the meanings of the Qur'an 36:82]

Blessed is He in whose hand is dominion, and He is over all things competent -

[Translation of the meanings of the Qur'an 67:1]


All of the above quotations were from the translation edited by Saheeh International [ISBN 9960792633]


The last quotation of verse 1 of chapter [sura] 67 (al-Mulk) has been translated in a different way -by the English Translation of the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur'an- as follows:

Blessed be He in Whose Hand is the dominion; and He is Able to do all things.

Source: http://qurancomplex.org/Quran/Targama/Targama.asp?nSora=67&l=eng&nAya=1#67_1


I think it should be perfectly clear now that God Almighty can do anything He wishes, and what you said about you brother telling you that "many people are mistaken into thinking that Allah can do anything he wishes" is just totally wrong.


And when you wrote that:

But my bro said that God is not capable of making a mistake, which means that he cannot do everything

Why would God Almighty want or wish to make a mistake? What kind of a question is that?


According to this flawed logic [and not my belief], the following verse from the Bible means that God is more perfect in the Christian and Jewish belief than in the Islamic belief:

When the LORD saw how great was man's wickedness on earth, and how no desire that his heart conceived was ever anything but evil, he regretted that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was grieved.

Genesis 6:5-6 [The New American Bible]


Honestly, do you or your brother believe that God Almighty [according to Judeo-Christian belief and not my belief] is more perfect because He made a mistake and regretted and grieved over His decision?!


I seek refuge with Allah the Almighty from such blasphemy. Needless to say that I do not believe the text of Genesis 6:5-6 at all.



You also wrote the following:

One of the questions my philosphy teacher said was that if there was a God, then He would not be capable of doing everything e.g. Allah cannot make a circular square? - what do u guys think of this? Also, u know how in the quran Allah says "be" and whateva he wants 2 create is created....(no offence intended 2 anyone) but would it be possible 4 Allah 2 create another like Him? I know in the quran it says things like - there is none equal to him/nothing compares to him etc but that was a question that was posed 2 me and i thought well of course he can't do that..and the reply was - God is not perfect if he cannot do it????

These are just questions posed by the Professor to get you to disbelieve in God Almighty. I have shown you above from clear verses of the Qur'an that Allah is indeed capable to do what He wants, and there is no limit to His capability.


And I repeat, it's not a matter of whether God can do anything. I have shown you above that God is capable of doing anything. It's a matter of whether God Almighty wants or wishes to do a certain thing.


And so I say, why would God Almighty want to create another god? What kind of question is that?


And please remember the following verse of the Qur'an:

Had there been within them [i.e., the heavens and earth] gods besides Allah , they both would have been ruined. So exalted is Allah, Lord of the Throne, above what they describe.

[Translation of the meanings of the Qur'an 21:22]


To rest your mind, remember that God Almighty said the following:

He is not questioned about what He does, but they will be questioned.

[Translation of the meanings of the Qur'an 21:23]


We, the slaves of Allah, should not go about asking why our Creator did this or did not do that.


The following is a religious opinion [fatwa] posted on the website supervized by Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid. It's an answer to question no. 88184 [Ruling on studying philosophy]:

Question:
What is the ruling on studying philosophy? Please note that studying it is compulsory for us in Algeria.


Answer:

Praise be to Allaah.

Firstly:

It should be understood what philosophy is and what its principles are, before stating what the ruling on studying it is, because passing a ruling on something is usually based on the way it is viewed.

Al-Ghazaali said in al-Ihya’ (1/22): Philosophy is not one branch of knowledge, it is actually four:

1 – Geometry and mathematics: these are permissible as stated above, and there is no reason why they should not be studied unless there is the fear that one may overstep the mark and indulge in forbidden branches of knowledge, because most of those who study them overstep the mark and go on to innovations, thus the weak should be protected from them.

2 – Logic, which deals with the way in which evidence is to be used, the conditions of evidence being valid, the definition of what constitutes evidence and guidelines on the use of evidence. These come under the heading of ‘ilm al-kalaam.

3 – Theology, which is discussion of the essence and attributes of Allaah, which also comes under the heading of ‘ilm al-kalaam. The philosophers did not have any other kind of knowledge that was unique to them, rather they had some views and ideas which were unique to them, some of which constitute kufr and some bid’ah (innovation).

4 – Natural sciences, some of which go against sharee’ah, Islam and truth, so it is ignorance, not knowledge that may be mentioned alongside the other branches of knowledge. Some of it involves the discussion of the attributes of different elements and how one can be changed to another. This is similar to the way in which doctors examine the human body in particular, from the point of view of what makes it sick and what makes it healthy. They look at all the elements to see how they change and move. But medicine has an edge over the physical body in that it is needed, but there is no need for the study of nature. End quote.

In al-Mawsoo’ah al-Muyassarah fi’l-Adyaan wa’l-Madhaahib al-Mu’aasirah (2/1118-1121) it says:

Philosophy is a Greek word composed of two words. Philo originally meant selflessness, but Pythagoras turned it to mean love; and sophia which means wisdom. The word philosopher is derived from philosophy and means the lover of wisdom. But the meaning changed and came to mean wisdom.

Then the philosopher came to be called a wise man (hakeem). In the past the word philosophy referred to study of the basic principles, viewing knowledge as something based on rationality, the goal of which was the search for truth. For its supporters, philosophy is, as Dr. Tawfeeq al-Taweel described it: Rational examination, free from any restrictions and authority imposed on it from outside, and with the ability to go all the way on the basis of logic, propagating his view regardless of the difference between these (philosophical) views and what is customarily known, religious beliefs and the dictates of tradition, without being confronted or resisted or punished by any authority. In Aristotle’s view, the philosopher is of a higher status than a prophet, because the prophet understands things by means of imagination whereas the philosopher understands things by means of reason and contemplation. In their view, imagination is of a lower status than contemplation. Al-Faraabi agreed with Aristotle in viewing the philosopher as being of higher status than a prophet.

In this sense philosophy is opposed to wisdom, which in Islamic terminology refers to the Sunnah as defined by the majority of muhadditheen and fuqaha’, and in the sense of judgement, knowledge and proficiency, alongside moral guidelines which control the whims and desires of the self and keep it from doing haraam things. The wise man is the one who has these characteristics, hence philosophy, as defined by the philosophers, is one of the most dangerous falsehoods and most vicious in fighting faith and religion on the basis of logic, which it is very easy to use to confuse people in the name of reason, interpretation and metaphor that distort the religious texts.

Imam al-Shaafa’i said: The people did not become ignorant and begin to differ until they abandoned Arabic terminology and adopted the terminology of Aristotle. Even though philosophy existed in the ancient civilizations of Egypt, India and Persia, it became most famous in Greece and became synonymous with that land, the reason being that the Greek philosophers were interested in transmitting it from the legacy of idolatrous peoples and the remnants of the divinely-revealed religions, benefiting from the scriptures of Ibraaheem and Moosa (peace be upon them) after the Greek victory over the Hebrews after the captivity in Babylon, and benefiting from the religion of Luqmaan the Wise. So there was a mixture of views that confirmed the divinity and Lordship of the Creator that was contaminated with idolatry. Therefore the Greek philosophy was in some ways a revival more than an innovation.

Ibn Abi’l-‘Izz, the commentator on al-Tahhaawiyyah, summed up the schools of philosophical thought about the five basic principles of religion in their view, as follows:

That God does exist but He has no reality or essence, and He does not know the details of His creation, but He does know about its general terms, thus they denied that He creates the deeds of His slaves. They also did not believe in His Books, as in their view God does not speak or talk, and the Qur’aan is just something that shines from active reasons into purified human hearts. Exalted be Allaah far above what they ascribe to Him. There is no separate entity that ascends or descends, rather in their view it is all ideas in the mind that do not exist in reality. The philosophers are the one who most deny the Last Day and its events. In their view Paradise and Hell are no more than parables for the masses to understand, but they have no reality beyond people’s minds.

The Greek philosophers still have an impact on all western philosophies and ideologies, ancient and modern. Indeed, most of the Islamic kalaami groups were influenced by them. The terminology of Islamic philosophy did not emerge as a branch of knowledge that is taught in the curriculum of Islamic studies until it was introduced by Shaykh Mustafa ‘Abd al-Razzaaq – the Shaykh of al-Azhar – as a reaction to western attacks on Islam based on the idea that Islam has no philosophy. But the fact of the matter is that philosophy is an alien entity in the body of Islam. There is no philosophy in Islam and there are no philosophers among Muslims in this deviant sense. Rather in Islam there is certain knowledge and prominent scholars who examine matters. Among the most famous philosophers who were nominally Muslims were al-Kindi, al-Faraabi, Ibn Sina (Avicenna) and Ibn Rushd (Averroes). End quote.

Secondly:

The majority of fuqaha’ have stated that it is haraam to study philosophy. Among their comments on that are the following:

1 – Ibn Nujaym (Hanafi) said in al-Ashbaah wa’l-Nazaa’im: Acquiring knowledge may be an individual obligation, which is as much as one needs for religious commitment to be sound; or it may be a communal obligation, which is in addition to the previous and is done for the benefit of others; or it may be recommended, which is studying fiqh and ‘ilm al-qalb (purification of the heart) in depth; or it may be haraam, which is learning philosophy, magic (sleight of hand), astrology, geomancy, natural science and witchcraft. End quote from al-Ashbaah wa’l-Nazaa’ir ma’a Sharhiha: Ghamaz ‘Ayoon al-Basaa’ir by al-Hamawi (4/125).

2 – al-Dardeer (Maaliki) said in al-Sharh al-Kabeer, discussing the kind of knowledge which is a communal obligation: Such as studying sharee’ah, which is not an individual obligation, and which includes fiqh, tafseer, hadeeth and ‘aqeedah, and things that help with that such as (Arabic) grammar and literature, tafseer, mathematics and usool al-fiqh – not philosophy, astrology or ‘ilm al-kalaam, according to the most sound opinion.

Al-Dasooqi said in his Haashiyah (2/174): His phrase “according to the most sound opinion” means that it is forbidden to read the books of al-Baaji, Ibn al-‘Arabi and ‘Iyaad, unlike the one who says that it is essential to learn it in order to understand ‘aqeedah and basic religious issues. But al-Ghazaali said that the one who has knowledge of ‘ilm al-kalaam knows nothing of religious beliefs except the beliefs that the common people share, but they are distinguished by their ability to argue and debate.

3 – Zakariya al-Ansaari (Shaafa’i) said in Asna al-Mataalib (4/182): As for learning philosophy, magic (sleight of hand), astrology, geomancy, natural science and witchcraft, it is haraam. End quote.

4 – al-Bahooti (Hanbali) said in Kashshaaf al-Qinaa’ (3/34): The opposite of shar’i knowledge is knowledge that is haraam or makrooh. Haraam knowledge is like ‘ilm al-kalaam in which they argue on the basis of pure reason or speak in a manner that contradicts sound, unambiguous reports. If they speak on the basis of reports only or on the basis of texts and rational thought that is in accordance with them, then this is the basis of religion and the way of ahl al-sunnah. This is what is meant by the words of Shaykh Taqiy al-Deen. In his commentary he explains that even better. [Haraam knowledge also includes] philosophy, magic (sleight of hand), astrology and geomancy, as well as alchemy and natural sciences. End quote.

It should be noted that an exception from this prohibition is made for those who study it as a speciality in order to explain its deviations and refute the falsehoods that they stir up.

Thirdly:

If studying philosophy is compulsory, then you must beware of believing in any of its falsehoods or admiring its people. You should strive hard to acquire shar’i knowledge, especially that which has to do with ‘aqeedah (belief), so that you will develop immunity and resistance to specious arguments.

We ask Allaah to help and guide you.

And Allaah knows best.

Islam Q&A

Source: http://islam-qa.com/index.php?ref=88184&ln=eng


There have been some famous Muslim scholars who did study philosophy, but these scholars did so only after gaining firm knowledge about the Islamic Creed and other Islamic disciplines, and then they studied philosophy with the intention of refuting the disbelief contained in philosophy. Shaikh al-Islam Ahmad ibn Abdul-Haleem ibn Taymiyyah [who died around 700 years ago] was a prime example of such scholars.


My sincere advise is to you is not to study philosophy for A level. You could choose another subject. I also advise you to gain more knowledge about the Islamic Creed.


Regards,

Bluegazer

Wassalamu Alaikum

 

[Sister N]

Allah

Everything happens according to Allah's will. You can't say Allah is not capable of making mistakes and therefore he is imperfect, saying that the doesn't make mistakes does not mean that He is incapable of doing something, because who makes mistakes? It is the creation that makes mistakes because we are imperfect, whereas Allah is perfect and therefore does not make mistakes, otherwise we are saying that God is imperfect, which is impossible because how can you have an imprefect God? Questions like these i.e. How come God can't make mistakes, because he is supposed to be abe to do everything...? are wrong questions, they don't make sense, you are applying the measures of creation to the Creator, e.g. mistakes are made by creation, not the Creator and nothing is like Allah (SWT).

You can't have a more perfect God or less perfect God, because Allah is perfect, it's as simple as that - what's more perfect and less perfect? Perfection is perfection and imperfection is imperfection.

For you philosophy teacher: what's a circular square? It's like saying he's a beautiful ugly! or that man's a clever stupid! IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE!

You asked, would it be possible for Allah to create another like Him. If you look at the question itself, it is totally wrong, because who is Allah? He is the Creator not the creation. So if he was to create another like Him (which is impossible) would it be the creator or the creation? Obviously it would be the creation, because it was created. Whereas, Allah is the Ceator and everything else is the creation. The question is wrong because how can a God be created if God is meant to be the Creator of the created.

Again, you can't say God is not perfect if he can't do this, because the question itself is wrong! How can you have a created God, God is supposed to be the Creator, not the created.

A lot of people will ask anthropomorphistic questions (meaning questions which make the Creator similar to the creation) because they're trying to catch you out, but the question itself doen't make sense because they are asking questions which apply to the creation trying to apply them to the Creator, but Allah is not similar to the creation, in any way.

I really hope this helps insha allah.

 

[NoLongerLost]

Assalamu Alaikum sister NoLongerLost,


You wrote the following:




I think you're confusing two issues. God Almighty is capable of doing anything He wishes. So, you're statement at the end that "Do u guys think that because Allah cannot do everything....." is just totally wrong. It goes against clear verses of the Holy Qur'an:



[Translation of the meanings of the Qur'an 2:253]




[Translation of the meanings of the Qur'an 22:14]




[Translation of the meanings of the Qur'an 3:40]




[Translation of the meanings of the Qur'an 22:18]




[Translation of the meanings of the Qur'an 16:40]




[Translation of the meanings of the Qur'an 36:82]




[Translation of the meanings of the Qur'an 67:1]


All of the above quotations were from the translation edited by Saheeh International [ISBN 9960792633]


The last quotation of verse 1 of chapter [sura] 67 (al-Mulk) has been translated in a different way -by the English Translation of the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur'an- as follows:



Source: http://qurancomplex.org/Quran/Targama/Targama.asp?nSora=67&l=eng&nAya=1#67_1


I think it should be perfectly clear now that God Almighty can do anything He wishes, and what you said about you brother telling you that "many people are mistaken into thinking that Allah can do anything he wishes" is just totally wrong.


And when you wrote that:




Why would God Almighty want or wish to make a mistake? What kind of a question is that?


According to this flawed logic [and not my belief], the following verse from the Bible means that God is more perfect in the Christian and Jewish belief than in the Islamic belief:



Genesis 6:5-6 [The New American Bible]


Honestly, do you or your brother believe that God Almighty [according to Judeo-Christian belief and not my belief] is more perfect because He made a mistake and regretted and grieved over His decision?!


I seek refuge with Allah the Almighty from such blasphemy. Needless to say that I do not believe the text of Genesis 6:5-6 at all.



You also wrote the following:




These are just questions posed by the Professor to get you to disbelieve in God Almighty. I have shown you above from clear verses of the Qur'an that Allah is indeed capable to do what He wants, and there is no limit to His capability.


And I repeat, it's not a matter of whether God can do anything. I have shown you above that God is capable of doing anything. It's a matter of whether God Almighty wants or wishes to do a certain thing.


And so I say, why would God Almighty want to create another god? What kind of question is that?


And please remember the following verse of the Qur'an:



[Translation of the meanings of the Qur'an 21:22]


To rest your mind, remember that God Almighty said the following:



[Translation of the meanings of the Qur'an 21:23]


We, the slaves of Allah, should not go about asking why our Creator did this or did not do that.


The following is a religious opinion [fatwa] posted on the website supervized by Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid. It's an answer to question no. 88184 [Ruling on studying philosophy]:



Source: http://islam-qa.com/index.php?ref=88184&ln=eng


There have been some famous Muslim scholars who did study philosophy, but these scholars did so only after gaining firm knowledge about the Islamic Creed and other Islamic disciplines, and then they studied philosophy with the intention of refuting the disbelief contained in philosophy. Shaikh al-Islam Ahmad ibn Abdul-Haleem ibn Taymiyyah [who died around 700 years ago] was a prime example of such scholars.


My sincere advise is to you is not to study philosophy for A level. You could choose another subject. I also advise you to gain more knowledge about the Islamic Creed.


Regards,

Bluegazer

Wassalamu Alaikum[/COLOR]

u say that studying philosphy is haraam? Ive found a the opposite opinion here: http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/...h-Ask_Scholar/FatwaE/FatwaE&cid=1119503546592

The only reason i am studying philosophy is because i need an A level in it. If i drop it, im gonna have to stay in college 4 another year and do another subject, which i do not want to do.

Before picking philosophy, i consulted many people, and they all said that as long as my iman is high then that will be a good defence against the ideas that the class put forward to me. Alhamdulillah, now the college year is ending, my imaan hasn't decreased at all, it has only increased. The only reason i asked those questions is because when i was asked them, i didn't know what to reply, except that you cannot compare the creator to the created in terms of characteristics etc.

Islam allows us to question, unlike other religions where people may blindly follow it, and when questioning the ideas they are told that they are lacking in faith. Islam is not like that, and that is why it is so appealing to so many people.

 

[NoLongerLost]

Everything happens according to Allah's will. You can't say Allah is not capable of making mistakes and therefore he is imperfect, saying that the doesn't make mistakes does not mean that He is incapable of doing something, because who makes mistakes? It is the creation that makes mistakes because we are imperfect, whereas Allah is perfect and therefore does not make mistakes, otherwise we are saying that God is imperfect, which is impossible because how can you have an imprefect God? Questions like these i.e. How come God can't make mistakes, because he is supposed to be abe to do everything...? are wrong questions, they don't make sense, you are applying the measures of creation to the Creator, e.g. mistakes are made by creation, not the Creator and nothing is like Allah (SWT).

You can't have a more perfect God or less perfect God, because Allah is perfect, it's as simple as that - what's more perfect and less perfect? Perfection is perfection and imperfection is imperfection.

For you philosophy teacher: what's a circular square? It's like saying he's a beautiful ugly! or that man's a clever stupid! IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE!

You asked, would it be possible for Allah to create another like Him. If you look at the question itself, it is totally wrong, because who is Allah? He is the Creator not the creation. So if he was to create another like Him (which is impossible) would it be the creator or the creation? Obviously it would be the creation, because it was created. Whereas, Allah is the Ceator and everything else is the creation. The question is wrong because how can a God be created if God is meant to be the Creator of the created.

Again, you can't say God is not perfect if he can't do this, because the question itself is wrong! How can you have a created God, God is supposed to be the Creator, not the created.

A lot of people will ask anthropomorphistic questions (meaning questions which make the Creator similar to the creation) because they're trying to catch you out, but the question itself doen't make sense because they are asking questions which apply to the creation trying to apply them to the Creator, but Allah is not similar to the creation, in any way.

I really hope this helps insha allah.

jazakallah ukti that helped

 

[Noor to shine]

If you study Quran with open heart you will find all the answers :

28:68 Thy Lord does create and choose as He pleases: no choice have they (in the matter): Glory to Allah. and far is He above the partners they ascribe (to Him)!
Quran

5:120 To Allah doth belong the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all that is therein, and it is He Who hath power over all things.
Quran

If you study the verses you find out that Allah is He Who hath power over all things.
and that Allah create and choose as He pleases.

Allah do what he wills ......and Allah can do anything ..... so be carefull in understanding ...for example Allah don`t oppress but he can .
And please think about it anything that Allah create is creation not creator so there can be no other creator.

 

[Bluegazer]

Assalamu Alaikum sister NoLongerLost,


You asked the following question:

u say that studying philosphy is haraam?

To begin with, you have to understand on what basis I said studying philosophy was haraam [forbidden]. Is it my own opinion?


When you read my post again, you'll see that I quoted a scholar of Islam [Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid], and in his fatwa he quoted several scholars, such as Ibn Nujaym (Hanafi), al-Dardeer (Maaliki), Zakariya al-Ansaari (Shaafa’i) and al-Bahooti (Hanbali).


In addition to the above, I read Dr. Umar Sulaiman Al-Ashqar's book Belief in Allah in the Light of the Qur'an and Sunnah [in Arabic].


Please click on the following link to read more details of the English translation ofthe above book:

http://islamicbookstore.com/b7933.html


The following is a picture of the cover of the translation [ISBN 9960850382; It was published by the International Islamic Publishing House in 2003]:

The following is a description of the above book, taken from the above mentioned link. Note the part I coloured red:

Although the vast majority of mankind believe in a Creator or Supreme Being, their concepts vary. Islam, in the Qur’an and Sunnah, affirms the existence and Oneness of the Creator and describes Him as having the most perfect attributes, thus enabling man to have the proper concept of Him and to establish a strong bond with Him based on the understanding of His sublime attributes. But the influence of philosophy and other ideas that are alien to Islam led to the emergence of distorted concepts about Allah.

In this book, Dr. Umar S. al-Ashqar discusses the wrong ideas that have crept into Muslims’ minds concerning Allah and His attributes, and highlights the fact that the only correct way to understand the verses of the Qur’an and the ahadeeth, which speak of Allah and His attributes, is the way in which they were understood by the first generations of this ummah (the salaf).

Dr. al-Ashqar also examines modern concepts, such as the theory of evolution, and proves that they are wrong and false. Following the Qur’anic injunction to ponder the signs of Allah in the universe, he also pays attention to the study of natural phenomena which clearly point to the existence and Oneness of the Almighty Creator. Thus, Dr. al-Ashqar affirms the principle which lies at the heart of Islamic faith and practice, namely Tawheed, the Absolute Oneness of the Divine.

Dr. Umar al-Ashqar also quoted many scholars of Islam who forbade the study of philosophy. If you want, I can go to the book and get the quotations for you.


The following is a contents page of the above book. It shows you that chapter 4 is about "'AQEEDAH VS. PHILOSOPHY AND 'ILM AL-KALAAM". Look at the subheadings under that chapter:

I have also witnessed, first hand, how some philosophers who professed Islam actually said statements of disbelief. If you want, I can get the quotations as well.


I have looked at the link you provided, and I read the fatwa stated in that website. For the benefit of all the readers of this thread, I have posted that fatwa below. Please take special note of the parts I coloured red:

Question

As-salamu `alaykum. I want to know the Islamic view of studying philosophy. Is there any Islamic reservation against studying philosophy?


Answer

Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

Dear questioner, we are greatly pleased to receive your question, which shows the confidence you place in us. May Allah reward you abundantly for your interest in knowing the teachings of Islam!

In fact, there is no Islamic reservation against seeking useful knowledge in all fields. Learning itself is considered a form of jihad as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said, “Whoever goes out to seek knowledge, he is in the path of Allah until he returns.” He further said, “All of Allah’s creatures implore Allah for forgiveness on behalf of a seeker of knowledge—including fish in the water.”

To furnish you with an answer to your question, we would like to cite for you the following fatwa issued by Sheikh `Atiyyah Saqr, former head of Al-Azhar Fatwa Committee, in which he states the following:

"In Islam, there is nothing wrong in studying philosophy as well as different philosophical branches as long as the aim of the study is to make the person well acquainted with the philosophical ideas and allow him to compare them with religion.

In this regard, if philosophy or the philosophical topics go in harmony with the teachings of Islam, then there is nothing wrong in studying them, and the issue is religiously accepted, but not the opposite. If a certain branch of philosophy is to be rejected because of its contradiction with the teachings of Islam, then those who reject it should mention the reason behind the rejection.

Here, I would like to stress that many books were compiled to refute different creeds that run counter to the teachings of Islam, and Muslim scholars discussed such creeds objectively and refuted their falsified ideas about Islam in light of sound religious reasoning and understanding. The responses and refutations to false philosophical ideas done by Imam Al-Ghazali in his well known book Ihya’ Ulum-ad-Deen is a clear example in this regard.

The Qur’an mentions the false creeds of the polytheists, those who deny the Existence of Allah, and those who deny the Resurrection and the Day of Judgment. In this regard, the Qur’an itself refutes those false creeds with clear evidence.

Having stated the above, I would like to stress here that studying philosophy by the one who has no ability to discern what is right and what is wrong, especially in religious matters, constitutes a great harm.

In conclusion, the one who has the ability to differentiate between what is right and what is wrong in religious matters is permitted to study philosophy with its different branches as long as his Islamic creed remains intact and rock-solid.

Having said this, I would like to add that some of the scholastic topics that are taught in different educational stages do disseminate certain philosophical ideas without clarifying whether those ideas are right or wrong according to Islam. With this, they leave the Muslim mind of the layman baffled and confused. Unfortunately, those who study such ideas consider that they are taken for granted and they are uncontestable. They don’t know that such ideas and opinions might contradict the teachings of Islam and violate its high morals."

If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to write back!

May Allah guide you to the straight path, and guide you to that which pleases Him, Amen.

Allah Almighty knows best.

Source: http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/...h-Ask_Scholar/FatwaE/FatwaE&cid=1119503546592


So, the opinion you mentioned does not give an unqualified license to study philosophy. Sheikh `Atiyyah Saqr said that:

"if philosophy or the philosophical topics go in harmony with the teachings of Islam, then there is nothing wrong in studying them,..."

"I would like to stress here that studying philosophy by the one who has no ability to discern what is right and what is wrong, especially in religious matters, constitutes a great harm."

"In conclusion, the one who has the ability to differentiate between what is right and what is wrong in religious matters is permitted to study philosophy with its different branches as long as his Islamic creed remains intact and rock-solid."

"Having said this, I would like to add that some of the scholastic topics that are taught in different educational stages do disseminate certain philosophical ideas without clarifying whether those ideas are right or wrong according to Islam. With this, they leave the Muslim mind of the layman baffled and confused."


And that last quotation of Sheikh `Atiyyah Saqr fits your situation exactly. The Philosophy teacher confronted you with and question and did not tell you in the end that God Almighty is indeed perfect and capable of doing anything. He just threw the question at you without caring whether that affected your faith in Islam. If studying philosophy under a Muslim teacher is a very hazardous endeavor, you could imagine the situation with a non Muslim philosophy teacher.


So, you see that Sheikh `Atiyyah Saqr was very cautious and laid conditions before a Muslim embarks on studying philosophy.


I prefer to go with the view of the scholars I quoted above and not study philosophy at all. The only case where I might learn philosophy is:

1- After gaining a firm grounding in the Islamic Creed and actually attaining the status of a scholar of Islam [if I were to follow the path to becoming a scholar].

2- Doing so with the intention of defending Islamic principles against blasphemous assertions found in works of philosophy.


And please note what I have said at the end of my last post:

There have been some famous Muslim scholars who did study philosophy, but these scholars did so only after gaining firm knowledge about the Islamic Creed and other Islamic disciplines, and then they studied philosophy with the intention of refuting the disbelief contained in philosophy. Shaikh al-Islam Ahmad ibn Abdul-Haleem ibn Taymiyyah [who died around 700 years ago] was a prime example of such scholars.

One final point I'd like to mention is a response to your following assertion:

Before picking philosophy, i consulted many people, and they all said that as long as my iman is high then that will be a good defence against the ideas that the class put forward to me. Alhamdulillah, now the college year is ending, my imaan hasn't decreased at all, it has only increased. The only reason i asked those questions is because when i was asked them, i didn't know what to reply, except that you cannot compare the creator to the created in terms of characteristics etc.

Sister, you have said things like "We think that Allah is perfect right? Well he must be...but my brother was telling me that many people are mistaken into thinking that Allah can do anything he wishes. At first i was confused when he said this cuz i was like "well of course he can do anything he wants to." But my bro said that God is not capable of making a mistake, which means that he cannot do everything. I agreed with this because it's not a Godly characteristic."


So, you agreed with your brother that God Almighty "cannot do everything". I know that -God willing- you have changed your mind because of reading excellent posts such as post #5 [written by Sister N].


But you agreeing so quickly with your brother meant that you did not remember the many verses in the Qur'an [which I quoted in my previous post] which clearly say that God Almighty can do everything He wants.


Before I end this post, I'd like to thank you for bringing your questions to this forum and for seeking the advice of your brothers and sisters in Islam. That is a great quality, and may Allah the Almighty reward you for this.


You also wrote the following:

Before picking philosophy, i consulted many people.....

This shows that you care about knowing about what's forbidden in Islam in order to stay away from it, and this is also a commendable quality.


I'd also like to mention that I have been told that my style of writing posts can be a bit rough. If that was the case, then I sincerely apologize for my roughness.


I'd also like to admit to you that I had many erroneous ideas about certain aspects of Islam, and if it weren't for the grace of Allah the Almighty and then the advice of good Muslim brothers, I would still hold these wrong ideas.


I hope you see this post as a sincere piece of advice from myself, which carries no malice or ill feelings with it.


If you decide to continue studying philosophy as an A level subject, then I hope you click the following link to read a post I wrote concerning a book that will -God willing- be a shield [after the grace and mercy of Allah] against blasphemous beliefs found in philosophy:

http://www.turntoislam.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12439&highlight=jewel+world


Regards,

Bluegazer

Wassalamu Alaikum

 

[NoLongerLost]

inshaAllah im still thinking of studying it, even though i hate it so much and think it's a waste of time, especially since i have been given the truth, alhamdulillah:tti_sister: but i'm only doin it for the qualification

anyhoo i wanted 2 say, just because something is opposed to islam surely doesnt mean we cant study it e.g. we can study other religions...i dont see how this is different to philosphy. Also some good does come out of my philosophy lessons - i get to give dawah 2 peepz

 

[Delta]

Interesting question

First of all I'm not a Muslim, I asked some muslims friends, yes friends, the same question. I'm a Roman Catholic BTW

One of the most famous questions about God Attributes, or whatever He can do or not is the Paradox of Omnipotence

"Can God create a stone to heavy for Him to Lift ?"

It is also known as Paradox of the Stone, this is a vital question due to the impossibility to God became a man or not, creator and creation related questions

You may know the Bible, or some part of it, it says :

(Luke 1,37)
For with God nothing shall be impossible.

(Luke 18,27)
And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

The Holy Koran has a sura that says the same

Well, you all know that this is a contradiction, out of human logic

But could it have existed such a BIG STONE created by God ? can you answer to this paradox using Holy Quran ?

I would like to see your answers

 

[junaid hasan]

allah do those things which is godly.

if we say god can do everything does it means that he will also unjustice? HE will eat? He will sleep? There is a common mistakes made by all of us that we think god can do everything. God cant do oppress someonoe.God cant die.GOd cant sleep.

allah has power allover the things of world.(innallaha aála kulli shaiin kadir)

allah do only those things which is godly.

 

[Proud2BeHumble]

:salam2:

Yes, God is capable to do evrythng but he never do any thing that makes him "Un-Godly"

[yt]n0Vxmso5BuY[/yt]


Can God do anything?

For example: "Can He make a rock so big - nothing can move it?" - If He did make a rock so big nothing could move it, would this mean He couldn't move it too? Or would it be impossible for Him to make something so big He couldn't move it?"

Allah tells us "Allah is capable of doing anything He Wills to do." It should be noted in Islam we understand Allah never Wills to do anything that would make Him no longer be Allah. That is to say, He would never die as this would mean He is no longer "The Eternally Alive" (one of His charateristics mentioned in the Holy Quran).

Therefore, He can make a rock (or anything else for that matter) so large or heavy - nothing in the entire universe can move it. As regards Allah "moving" it, He is not in the universe and He does not resemble His creation. Therefore, Allah is never subject to the Laws of the Creation because He is both the Creator and the Law Giver. Whenever He wants anything done, He merely says "Qun! Faya Qun!" (Be! And so it will be!)

Speaking about Himself, Allah says:

She said: "O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me." He said: "So (it will be) for Allah (God) creates what He wills. When He has decreed something, He says to it only: "BE!" and it is.
[Holy Quran 3:47]


It is He Who has created the heavens and the earth in truth, and on the Day of Resurrection He will say: "BE!", - and it shall become. His Word is the truth. His will be the dominion on the Day when the trumpet will be blown. All*!Knower of the unseen and the seen. He is the All*!Wise, Well-Aware (of all things).
[Holy Quran 6:73]


It befits not Allah (in His Majesty) that He should beget a son. Glorified and Exalted is He. When He decrees a thing, He only says to it, "BE!" and it is.
[Holy Quran 19:35]


He it is Who gives life and causes death. And when He decides upon a thing He says to it only: "BE!" and it is.
[Holy Quran 40:68]

Creation as we see from these verses, is not a difficult thing for God at all. He merely gives a Command and everything comes about according to His Will.

Also, visit for other general info:

http://www.watchislam.com/videos/index.php?catid=-1

Wasalam

 

[Proud2BeHumble]

:salam2:

Interesting...kindly read carefully.

Is the Universe Infinitely Old?

To answer this question, let's see if the concept of actual infinity itself is true.


Self-Evident Assumptions
1) Impossible for anything to possess two contradictory attributes simultaneously.
2) When a body is added to one of the two equal bodies, the one receiving the addition becomes greater than it was before, hence the greater of the two bodies.

Now If...
a = infinity and
b = infinity + 1 = infinity. 'b' should be bigger than "a", see assumption #2
Therefore we have two infinities !, one is bigger than the other; 'b' is both equal to 'a' and simultaneously bigger than 'a', Which is absurd. Therefore, actual infinity doesn't exist. See assumption # 1. Also... What is infinity minus 1, or plus one, or infinity minus infinity. Thus, the concept of infinity leads to all kinds of absurdities.


Conclusion
Therefore actual infinity doesn't exist, see # 1. It is impossible to continue subtracting numbers (Or segments of time) to reach negative 'infinite', and likewise it is impossible to add up numbers (or segments of time) to reach positive 'infinite' future.

Aristotle states: "Though we can imagine infinite, it is impossible for it to actually exists"

David Hilbert, the greatest mathematician of this century likewise states, "The infinite is nowhere to be found in reality. It neither exist in nature nor provide a legitimate basis for rational thought...the role that remains for the infinite to play is solely that of an idea..."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Scientific Confirmation of Universes' Beginning

Big Bang: Edwin Hubble's discovery in 1929 of the red shift in light from distant galaxies implies that the universe is expanding. 'If we trace this expansion back in time, the universe becomes an infinitely dense point. An infinite density is synonymous with 'nothing'. Cambridge astronomer Fred Hoyle points out, 'the Big Bang theory requires the creation of matter from nothing'.

Second Law of Thermodynamics: 'Processes taking place in a closed system always tend to move towards a state of equilibrium (entropy)'. The universe is a gigantic closed system (since it is everything that there is, and no energy is being fed into it from outside). Therefore, this Law implies that given enough time, the universe will reach a state of thermodynamic equilibrium, known as "heat death" of the universe. Since the universe is not now in a state of heat death, it means it is not infinitely old. Therefore the universe had a beginning (it is 'temporal').

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Who Created the Universe?

Self-evident Assumptions

1) Everything that begins to exist has a cause of its existence.
2) Out of nothing comes anything.
3) Only an existing entity can cause a change or produce something.
4) Infinite succession of events doesn't exist, because actual infinity doesn't exist in reality.


Conclusions
a) Can it be by no one: Impossible. See assumption # 2
b) Can it be itself: impossible. See #3
c) Can it be another temporal entity: yes, but who then created this Second temporal entity; you can take this chain of causes back to infinity. But that's not possible, see #4. Therefore, you reach an 'entity' that doesn't need anyone to push it into existence. An entity that created the universe and itself was uncaused. We call this entity "Necessary to exist".
d) Can it be by a 'Necessary to exist': Yes, see the above point.

Attributes of this 'Necessary to exist'...
1) Creator
2) Eternal
3) Independent

We will add more attributes later.

This 'Necessary to Exist' is God!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


How many Gods?

Many, 3 in 1 (Trinity), or Only One


Self-evident Assumptions

1) If 'x' has all the properties as 'y', then 'x' is the same entity as 'y' - The principle of Indiscernibility of Identities.
2) For two items to have separate entities, they have to be different in at least one property.
3) Impossible for two contradictory attributes to exist in an entity, simultaneously.
4) A physical body is dependent on the space it is occupying. No space = no physical body.
5) For an entity to change in form, it has to be made of parts. The parts have to rearrange to assume this new form.
6) Anything that is made of parts needs someone to assemble the parts; therefore dependent on someone outside.
7) If made of parts, then it was not in the present form before. The old unassembled form disappeared and the new assembled form now exists, hence its only 'Temporal'.
8) Removing a portion from an entity makes that entity less whole; therefore not perfect (anymore).
9) If someone produces an entity, it means that this entity is not independent.


Conclusions
a) If there are many gods, then they each have to be different from one another in at least one attribute. See # 1. If they are different in attributes, then some lack the attributes the others have. Therefore, some of these gods are missing in least one attribute. Therefore they are not perfect. See # 8. Therefore, they can't be Gods. It is impossible for an all perfect being to be more than One.
b) God does not assume human (or any physical) form. See #4. Therefore, Incarnation of God is impossible.
c) Change of form means composed of parts. Therefore, it is not independent See #6.Therefore God is not made of parts.
d) An entity can't be both dependent and independent simultaneously. see #3. It is Impossible for anyone to be both 100% human (dependent) and 100% divine (independent) simultaneously.
d) God is not begotten. See #9
e) Begetting involves a part of one transferring into other. Therefore God doesn't beget anyone. See #8


Derived Attributes of God

1. Absolutely One
2. Creator
3. Independent, Eternal
4. Formless and Timeless
5. Doesn't come down in physical form
6. Not made of parts
7. Is not begotten
8. Doesn't beget
9. All Powerful
10. All knowing.

PS: Plz Refer to the attached image.

Wasalam

 

[Delta]

=======
if we say god can do everything does it means that he will also unjustice?
=======

Well, that is something easy that man does all day of. But God doesn't do that just because it doesn't want to. But that is not a omnipotent limitation, is it ? because that is to easy for man to do, don't you agree ?

One thing is sayin "He can't" and another thing is "He doesn't want to", or he hates, as the bible says :

Hebrews, 1-9
Thou hast loved justice, and hated iniquity: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

=======
HE will eat? He will sleep? There is a common mistakes made by all of us that we think god can do everything.
========

Eat and Sleep is a kind easy man to do. Being God so powerful can't He do such a simple tasks ? doesn't make sense, does it ?

I can sleep and eat, so I'm God because I can do things that the Creator can't do. I'm more powerful


====
allah has power allover the things of world.(innallaha aála kulli shaiin kadir)
=========

And He can do a lot more, it is not limited


=====
allah do only those things which is godly.
=====

There is some things that He hate, it is not a true Hate, He just can't face the iniquity or evil or sin....JUST BECAUSE HE IS PERFECT...but that doesn't mean that He couldn't

Because that is what man does all the time

But I ask again :

"Can God create a stone to heavy for Him to Lift ?"

This is a hard question, it is only God related and not with man, i.e., something that man can do...or related to this world

 

[justoneofmillion]

assalam allah swt does everything he wants to do yet we human beings want him to do what we want!!! we being be used to define and categorise things according to our our own limited experience this gave us a certain feeling of supremacy , "self adoration"(that depends of where one stands...lol),and overestimation we can not get used to the idea of being ourselves categorised and analised we long uncosciously may be for distinction that is also a mini option of that beautifuly imposed freewill meal but while the nasa is celebrating africa is starving,while some maybe buying boats for their fishes and jets for their birds others are dying for a piece of bred i have travelled through the jungle to find some peace but even there i found some mad monkeys complaining of being resembled to men they eat, drink,play and reproduce but never hide their *!*!*!*! after defecating unless men who seem to wanna cover it from all and pretend to reach for higher values and purity to serve humanity

"the belief in god is a matter of practical reason and not of any metaphisycal speculation"( emanuel kant)
http://www.islambasics.com/view.php?bkID=13&chapter=5
http://www.islambasics.com/view.php?bkID=13&chapter=7

 

[Noor to shine]

Interesting question

First of all I'm not a Muslim, I asked some muslims friends, yes friends, the same question. I'm a Roman Catholic BTW

One of the most famous questions about God Attributes, or whatever He can do or not is the Paradox of Omnipotence

"Can God create a stone to heavy for Him to Lift ?"

It is also known as Paradox of the Stone, this is a vital question due to the impossibility to God became a man or not, creator and creation related questions

You may know the Bible, or some part of it, it says :

(Luke 1,37)
For with God nothing shall be impossible.

(Luke 18,27)
And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

The Holy Koran has a sura that says the same

Well, you all know that this is a contradiction, out of human logic

But could it have existed such a BIG STONE created by God ? can you answer to this paradox using Holy Quran ?

I would like to see your answers

I think that The problem with most people that they think they can understand the creator with their own bare created minds and their human logic ....this is wrong Our creator is much greater and bigger to be understood in this way .....The true revealation is the only way that can make things clear : the Quran which is the final words of Allah swt if understood with open heart can lighten hearts........ who is God? What is his noble attributes ? The whole practise of Islam if done with sincerity can make man have more understanding about the noble attributes of God(Allah). But please try to step out of creature attributes and human way .......The creator is the creator of all ....only his true words can lighten hearts ......The Satan can put very silly questions in hearts of humans to block people from true faith but people of understanding never listen to the evil whisper .......Allah swt (God) can do anything .....but their are many things that Allah swt forbid himself from doing it like oppression , and Allah swt decided that his mercy is wider than his anger so the clever ones who step in this wide mercy and neglect the foolish whispers of Satan.

 

[Oem Soufiane]

Interesting question

First of all I'm not a Muslim, I asked some muslims friends, yes friends, the same question. I'm a Roman Catholic BTW

One of the most famous questions about God Attributes, or whatever He can do or not is the Paradox of Omnipotence

"Can God create a stone to heavy for Him to Lift ?"

It is also known as Paradox of the Stone, this is a vital question due to the impossibility to God became a man or not, creator and creation related questions

You may know the Bible, or some part of it, it says :

(Luke 1,37)
For with God nothing shall be impossible.

(Luke 18,27)
And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

The Holy Koran has a sura that says the same

Well, you all know that this is a contradiction, out of human logic

But could it have existed such a BIG STONE created by God ? can you answer to this paradox using Holy Quran ?

I would like to see your answers

surat al ikhlaas:

qul huwa allahu ahad
allahu samad
lam yaleed wa lam yulad
wa lam yakun lahu kufu'an ahad

say: there is no God but he,
he is selfsufficient,
he begets not, neither is he begotten,
and there is nothing to compare with him (translation out of my head, don't know how to translate the last sentence exactly)

Wich means Allah/God is not like a persn who can lift things, God/Allah created our universe, he didn't pick it up or put it toghether like we would make somethng on our desk or garage. He just says be, and it will be, don't know how to say it in english, but God comments something and it will happen, so a rock or tone is nothing for Allah.

 

[junaid hasan]

But I ask again :

"Can God create a stone to heavy for Him to Lift ?"

This is a hard question, it is only God related and not with man, i.e., something that man can do...or related to this world

Allah doesn´t have to do something, as sister oem soufiane said.

Allah give just command (kun, faya kun) be and it is.

how prophet Jesus(peace be upon him) came in his mothers belly?

allah didn´t came to the maria, there was the command of allah (kun faya kun) be and it is .

 

[Delta]

I think that The problem with most people that they think they can understand the creator with their own bare created minds and their human logic ....this is wrong Our creator is much greater and bigger to be understood in this way .....The true revealation is the only way that can make things clear : the Quran which is the final words of Allah swt if understood with open heart can lighten hearts........ who is God? What is his noble attributes ? The whole practise of Islam if done with sincerity can make man have more understanding about the noble attributes of God(Allah). But please try to step out of creature attributes and human way .......The creator is the creator of all ....only his true words can lighten hearts ......The Satan can put very silly questions in hearts of humans to block people from true faith but people of understanding never listen to the evil whisper .......Allah swt (God) can do anything .....but their are many things that Allah swt forbid himself from doing it like oppression , and Allah swt decided that his mercy is wider than his anger so the clever ones who step in this wide mercy and neglect the foolish whispers of Satan.

By that poit of view the Creation is Above the Creator, and the Creator can't interact with His Creation or take full control, is it ?

If I'm a simple Human, and I can eat, sleep, or whatever, and God can't...then that makes me God...which is a BIG SIN or BLASPHEMY...either to you muslims or to Christians

Man is a kind a creator in a small scale, doesn't the man have full control of his creations ? and when you as a man create things, you put your love our your likings in it....so does God...the whole universe or creation is a image of Him