English Translation of Seminal Islamic Texts

8.  On Allah’s Sight and Hearing   Allah has described Himself as samī ‘ and baṣīr . Those whom the [polytheists] worshipped has been described as lacking these two attributes. Allah says: “Allah has heard the taunt of those who say: “Truly, Allah is indigent and we are rich!” (Q 3:181) At another place He says: “Allah has indeed heard (and accepted) the statement of the woman who pleads with you concerning her husband and carries her complaint to Allāh [……] for Allah hears and sees.” (Q 58:01)  ِAbu Bakr said: I have mentioned the ḥadīth of ‘ Ᾱ ’ ishah in the chapter on ẓihār . It goes as follows:  Pure is my Lord and all praise is due to Him. His hearing faculty covers all the sounds. The mujādilah (arguer) complained to the Prophet and I did not understand a part of her dialogue. At this occasion Allah revealed the verse, “Allah has indeed heard the statement of the woman who pleads with you concerning her husband and carries her complaint to Allāh.” ...

7. On Allah's Eyes Our creator has affirmed in the holy Qur’ān and through the tongue of His Prophet that He has eyes. Allah Almighty said to his Prophet Noah: “Construct an ark under Our eyes and inspiration ( waḥy ).” (Q 11:37) He said: “While it floated under our eyes.” (Q 54:14) Allah said to Moses: “I cast love over you from Me and in order that you may be reared under My eye.” (Q 20:39). He said: “Now await in patience the command of your Lord: for verily you are in Our eyes.” (Q 52:48) Every believer must affirm for his Creator what the Creator has affirmed Himself about His eyes besides other attributes. Those who negate what Allah has affirmed about Himself in the holy Qur’ān are non-believers. What Allah has affirmed in the holy Qur’ān has further been elaborated upon by the Prophet of Allah who was appointed as explicator of the word of Allah. For the Almighty says in the holy Qur’ān: “And We have sent down to you the reminder; that you may explain clearly to men wha...

6.1       On the Light and Glory of Allah’s Face : Arguments from the Prophetic Traditions   These are sound prophetic traditions which have been incorrectly interpreted ( ta’awwalahā ) by those who lack sound knowledge. This put a group of people from among the ignorant folk in great trial. Their ignorance has led them to believe that the narratives give meaning implying tashbīh . Allah is pure from having a face like that of His creatures. He attributed glory and honor to His Face. He ordained that His Face would not perish. These narratives follow: 35. (1) Rabī ‘ b. Sulaymān al-Murādī → Shu‘ayb (b. al-Layth) → al-Layth → Muḥammad b. ‘Ajlān → Sa‘īd b. Abī Sa‘īd al-Maqbarī → Abū Hurayrah → the Messenger of Allah: Nobody should say to the other, “May Allah disfigure your face and the face that resembles yours” for Allah created Adam in his image. 36. (2) Rabī‘ has narrated, through the same isnād , another similar tradition which sa...