Having good thoughts about Allaah

Sources:

• Khutbah conducted by Shaikh ‘Abdur-Razzaaq al-Badr
• Tafseer Ibn Katheer
• Fat-h al-Majeed – Sharh Kitab at-Tawheed by ‘Abdur-Rahmaan Aal-Shaikh

Introduction

Having good thoughts about Allaah is a very important topic; every Muslim should make it his priority and give heed to it. It has a great rank for those seeking nearness to Allaah and is one of the obligatory elements of Tawheed. The Tawheed of the slave will not be upright except by having good thoughts of Allaah (Ta’ala).

There are many Ahadeeth (narrations) quoted by the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) exhorting us with that, showing the good consequences of having good thoughts about Allaah (Ta’ala); the praiseworthy impacts, noble benefits and beneficial fruits of that in this world and the Hereafter.

It is reported in the Saheehain on the authority of Abu Hurairah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Allaah says, ‘I am just as My slave thinks I am, (i.e. I am Able to do for him what he thinks I can do for him).’” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

Ahmad (Rahimahullaah) reported on the authority of Abu Hurairah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu), that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Allaah (Ta’ala) says, ‘I am just as My slave thinks of Me. If he thinks good of Me, I will be for him as he thinks and if he thinks ill of Me, I will be for him as he thinks.” [Authenticated by al-Albaani]

In another version, he (Rahimahullaah) reported on the authority of Waathilah ibn al-Asqa’ (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu), that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Allaah (Ta’ala) says, ‘I am just as My slave thinks I am, let him think what he wills.’” [At-Tabarani and al-Haakim, and authenticated by al-Albaani and graded Saheeh]

Muslim reported a Hadeeth on the authority of Jaabir ibn ‘Abdullaah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) that he said: “I heard Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) saying before his death by three (days or months), ‘Let not one of you die except he is thinking good of his Lord.’” [Muslim]

There are many Ahadeeth regarding this topic which clearly indicate the greatness of this matter and that thinking good of Allaah signifies a good act of worship of the slave and this results from his good/ correct knowledge about Allaah (Azza wa Jall).

Abu Dawoud, at-Tirmidhi and others reported a Hadeeth in which the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Having good thoughts of Allaah is a result of good worship.” Although the scholars are in dispute regarding the correctness of its chain, the meaning of this narration is true without a doubt. Having good thoughts of Allaah is due to good worship and having good knowledge about Allaah (Ta’ala).

Therefore, good thoughts of Allaah will be straightened with good actions of the person and his nearness to Allaah. The one who transgresses against his own self by committing sins and evil deeds will be prevented from attaining this high status and noble rank of thinking good of Allaah, the Blessed, the Most High.

Al-Hasan al-Basri (Rahimahullaah) said: “The believer thinks good of Allaah, therefore he perfects his actions and does good, while the wicked thinks ill of Allaah so he does evil and commits wrong deeds.”

Just contemplate the performance of good actions and the strong link and relation it has to have with good thoughts of Allaah. The more the slave approaches his Lord, returns to Him in repentance, asks forgiveness, remembers Allaah, maintains obedience to Allaah, the Blessed, the Most High, his care for these acts of worship will be greater, as his share of thinking good of his Lord will be (further) increased.

Conversely, if one transgresses against his own self by committing sins and evil deeds, that transgression and his sins will be a barrier (obstacle) that prevents him from thinking good of Allaah.

Therefore, it is incumbent upon one to learn and know that having good thoughts of Allaah is based on having good knowledge about Allaah (Ta’ala), His Names and Attributes.

The more knowledgeable the slave is of his Lord, His Names and Attributes, the more he thinks good of Allaah. This is because the source of having good thoughts of Allaah is based on having good knowledge of Allaah (Ta’ala), His Names and Attributes. Every Name and Attribute of Allaah has a specific servitude relative to it, and has a good thought particular to it.

For example if you know that one of Allaah’s Names is Al-Ghaffaar (the Forgiving), then have good thoughts of Him when asking for forgiveness from Him, saying, “Astaghfirullaah”. Take care to ask profusely for forgiveness from Him. Invoke Allaah and ask Him to forgive your mistakes, shortcomings and sins. [And expect good from Him that He will forgive your sins]. When contemplating His Name At-Tawwaab, (the One Who accepts the repentance), remember that He accepts the repentance and forgives sins, then have good thoughts that He will accept your repentance and pardon your evil deeds, regardless of what and how many sins you have.

No matter how great your crime is, Allaah (Ta’ala) is Vast in Forgiveness; He accepts the repentance of those who repent, regardless of their sins, as He (Ta’ala) says in Surat az-Zumar (39:53):

قل يا عبادي الذين أسرفوا على أنفسهم لا تقنطوا من رحمة الله إن الله يغفر الذنوب جميعاً إنه هو الغفور الرحيم

“Say: ‘O my slaves who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of Allaah. Verily, Allaah forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’”

If some calamity, sickness or pain afflicts you – even if it is an incurable sickness, – have good thoughts of Allaah that Allaah (Ta’ala) is Ash-Shaafee (the Healer) and there is no remedy or cure except His.

The Khaleel of Ar-Rahmaan [Ibraheem (‘Alayhis-salaam)] said, as Allaah (Ta’ala) mentioned in Surat ash-Shu’araa’ (26:80):

وإذا مرضت فهو يشفين

“And when I am ill, it is He Who cures me.”

This was out of having good thoughts of Allaah.

Regardless of one’s sickness and its severity, have good thoughts of Allaah, the Blessed, the Most High, that He will cure you or your sick friend or relative. Supplicate to Allaah with the following Du’aa:

اللهم رب الناس مذهب البأس أنت الشافي لا شفاء إلا شفاؤك شفاءً لا يغادر سقماً

“O Allaah, the Rabb of the people! Remove the trouble and heal the patient, for You are the Healer. No healing is of any avail but Yours; healing that will leave behind no ailment.” [Muslim]

Have good thoughts of Allaah that He will cure you and remove what has afflicted you, or your son or relative, of pain or ailment.

Have good thoughts of Allaah in your invocation

When you ask Allaah and call Him to give you of the good things in this world and the Hereafter, then have good thoughts of Allaah, that He (Ta’ala) Hears you, Responds to your invocations and Grants your requests.

Allaah, the Exalted says in Surat Ghaafir (40:60):

وقال ربكم ادعوني أستجب لكم إنّ الذين يستكبرون عن عبادتي سيدخلون جهنم داخرين

“And your Lord said: ‘Invoke Me [i.e. believe in My Oneness and ask Me for anything], I will respond to your (invocation). Verily, those who scorn My worship [i.e. do not invoke Me, and do not believe in my Oneness] they will surely enter Hell in humiliation.’”

Allaah (Ta’ala) also says in Surat al-Baqarah (2:186):

وإذا سألك عبادي عني فإني قريب أجيب دعوة الداع إذا دعان

“And when My slaves ask you [O Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)] concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed Near (to them by My Knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor).”

Whenever any need or poverty afflicts you, have good thoughts of Allaah that he is Vast in Graciousness, bestowing His blessings abundantly. Whatever of blessings and good things you have are from Allaah.

Having good thoughts of Allaah accompanies the Muslim in all his affairs, states, actions and acts of worship. Having good thoughts about Allaah is one of the greatest blessings and bounties that Allaah bestows upon whomever He wills of His servants.

Ibn Abi Ad-Duniya reported in his book “Husn adh-Dhann Billaah”, that ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: “By Him Who there is none worthy of worship except Him, there is nothing better that has been given to a slave than having good thoughts of Allaah.” Then he said: “By Him Who there is none worthy of worship except Him, there is no slave who thinks good of Allaah but that Allaah will give him what he thought of. This is because all the good is in His Hands (Subhaanahu wa Ta’ala).”

Surely, the Husn adh-Dhann (good thoughts) are based on a firmly founded ‘Aqeedah (Creed), and a strong belief in the heart of the believer, and a trust in Allaah (Ta’ala).

When the slave has good thoughts of his Lord and is truthful in his good thoughts of Allaah, He will give him as he expects and thinks of Him. This is because all the good is in Allaah’s Hands. Everything one hopes and wishes of good for oneself or others, of worldly matters or matters of the Hereafter is in Allaah’s Hands.

One should have good thoughts about Allaah in all matters pertaining to religious and worldly interests. Nothing is impossible for Him (Subhaanahu wa Ta’ala). Therefore, our Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used to say: “If you ask Allaah, ask Him (for) al-Firdaus al-A’alaa [which is the middle (best) and the highest part of Paradise] and above it is the Throne of the Most Beneficent, Gracious (Allaah), and from it gush forth the rivers of Paradise.” [Reported by al-Bukhaari]

Have good thoughts of Allaah that He will make you one of the dwellers of al-Firdaus al-A’alaa and protect you from Hell-Fire.

Since having good thoughts of Allaah is based on good actions, then one should rectify and correct his actions.

Having Good Thoughts of Allaah is based on Perfect Knowledge of Allaah and His Names and Attributes.

Whomever Allaah guides to know Him by His Names and Attributes, Husn adh-Dhann (having good thoughts of Allaah), will be the fruit of that knowledge. Additionally, the reformation of one’s actions is another fruit.

It is said: “Whoever is more knowledgeable of Allaah will be the most fearing of Him. He will be foremost in acts of worship and will be furthest from acts of disobedience. Allaah (Ta’ala) says in Surat Faatir (35:28):

إنما يخشى الله من عباده العلماء

“It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allaah.”

When the slave knows that his Lord is Merciful, Forgiving, Generous, Benevolent (Benefactor), Tawwaab (Accepts the repentance), Noble, etc., then this knowledge will result in him attaining great fruits, blessed effects and good actions.

Indeed, having good thoughts is based upon perfect knowledge about Allaah, and this produces good actions and obedience, and seeking nearness to Allaah. This will also be one’s share (portion) of the people of Imaan (faith) and their description.

However, the hypocrites and the Mushrikeen (polytheists, disbelievers, etc.) have no share regarding having good thoughts of Allaah. Rather, they have ill thoughts of Allaah (Soo’ adh-Dhann).

Therefore, Allaah (Ta’ala) mentioned Soo’ adh-Dhann (having bad thoughts of Allaah) as one of the descriptions of the hypocrites, polytheists and disbelievers in many verses in the Qur’an.

Allaah says in Surat al-Fat-h (48:6):

ويعذب المنافقين والمنافقات والمشركين والمشركات الظانين بالله ظن السوء وغضب الله عليهم ولعنهم واعد لهم جهنم وساءت مصيرا

“And that He may punish the Munafiqoon (hypocrites) men and women, and also the Mushrikeen (polytheists, pagans, disbelievers, etc.) men and women who think evil thoughts about Allaah, for them is a disgraceful torment. And the Anger of Allaah is upon them, and He has cursed them and prepared Hell for them – and worst indeed is that destination.”

The scholars said that there is no punishment mentioned in the Qur’an more severe than the punishment for Soo’ adh-Dhann (having evil thoughts of Allaah), as mentioned in the previous verse. Their bad thoughts of Allaah are due to their disbelief in Allaah, corrupt ‘Aqeedah (Creed) and corrupt and deviated hearts.

Reflect considerably on the story that Allaah mentioned in Surat Aal-‘Imran which clearly shows the difference between the people who have good thoughts of Allaah and those who have bad thoughts of Him. The distinction between the believers and those who have doubts and hypocrisy was clearly shown in the trial they went through during the battle of Uhud. Allaah says, (3:154):

ثم أنزل عليكم من بعد الغم أمنة نعاساً يغشى طائفة منكم

“Then after the distress, He sent down security for you. Slumber overtook a party of you [i.e., the people of faith, those who are steadfast, who have complete reliance on Allaah. They are those who firmly believe that Allaah will bestow victory on His Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)].”

In this case, i.e. during the battle of Uhud, slumber, which carries the meanings of calmness and safety, was a favor from Allaah, such that the sword of one of them fell from his hand several times.

Ibn ‘Abbaas (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) recorded that slumber at the time of battle is (a blessing) from Allaah and slumber during the Salaat is from the Shaytaan.

The Companions of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) were people who had good thoughts of Allaah and trusted in Allaah that He would give victory to his believing Awliyaa’ and He would make His Religion triumph (victorious) over all other religions. Accordingly, Allaah sent down this slumber upon them as a security for them.

The second group were the hypocrites who only thought about themselves.

يظنون بالله غير الحق ظن الجاهلية

“…And thought wrongly of Allaah – the thought of ignorance.”

هل لنا من الأمر من شئ

“They said (in this situation), ‘Have we any part in the affair?’”

Allaah replied,

قل ان الامر كله لله يخفون في أنفسهم ما لا يبدون لك يقولون لو كان لنا من الامر …..

“Say, ‘Indeed, the affair belongs wholly to Allaah.’ They hide within themselves what they dare not reveal to you.”

(Allaah revealed their secrets, that is,)

“Saying: ‘If we had anything to do with the affair, none of us would have been killed here.’”

The hypocrites uttered their statement when defeat and failure happened to the Muslims in the beginning of the battle. They thought ill of Allaah and thought that the matter and victory is for the Mushrikeen and that the believers [the Companions of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)] would totally perish.

They uttered this statement denying Allaah’s Wisdom and Qadar (Preordainment) and this is due to their disbelief in Allaah, and due to their ignorance about Allaah (Ta’ala) and His Names and Attributes, His Grandeur and Majesty. They ignored that Allaah is the Supporter and the Giver of victory to his Awliyaa’, and He would Support and Protect His Religion and make it triumph over other religions.

Concerning the Battle of Uhud, Ibn Al-Qayyim (Rahimahullaah) said, concerning this verse (3:154):

“The explanation of this thought (of the unbelievers) is that they believed that Allaah (Glorified be He) would not help His Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and that his (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) affair (i.e. Islam) would soon fail and vanish. It is also explained as meaning that the afflictions which befell him (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) were not from Allaah’s Divine Decree and His Wisdom. It is therefore explained as a denial of Allaah’s Divine Decree and His Wisdom and denial that the matter (i.e. message) of His Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would be completed and that it would prevail over all religions. These were the evil thoughts of the hypocrites and the polytheists as mentioned in the Glorious Qur’an in Surat al-Fat-h.

Any person who believes in any of the following has the thoughts of those who disbelieve:

• That falsehood will prevail over truth (i.e. Islamic Monotheism) continuously, and that it will cause truth to disappear.
• That things do not occur in accordance with Allaah’s Divine Decree and His Decision
• That the overriding Wisdom behind Allaah’s Divine Decree, which is deserving of all praise, is due to an aimless purposeless will.”

It is obligatory upon the Muslim to mold his life based on having good thoughts of Allaah. He should trust in Allaah and be strong in his reliance upon Him. He should take refuge in Him and turn to Him in repentance.

Whoever transgresses against himself by committing sins and evil deeds, should not despair of Allaah’s Mercy. Rather he should hasten towards having good thoughts of Allaah, that He (Ta’ala) will forgive him all his sins, the great and the minor, the first and the last.

It is narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used to say the following supplication in his Sujood:

اللهم اغفر لي ذنبي كلَّه، دقَّه وجُلّه، أوَّله وآخره، علا نيته وسرَّه

“O Allaah! Forgive all my sins, the small and the great, the first and the last, the open and the secret.” [Muslim]

It is reported that al-Fudail ibn ‘Iyadh (Rahimahullaah) saw a man who indulged excessively in committing sins. Al-Fudail ibn ‘Iyadh asked the man: “How old are you?” The man replied: “Sixty years old.” Al-Fudail said: “Do you not know that you have been on your way to Allaah for 60 years and you are about to reach its end?” The man said: “Inna lillaahi wa inna ilayhi Raji’oon (Truly to Allaah we belong and truly to Him we shall return).” Al-Fudail said: “Do you know the meaning of these words which you uttered?”

This is because many people say the prescribed remembrances without knowing their meanings. They repeat the words (statements) “Subhaan Allaah” and “La hawla wa laa Quwwata illa Billaah” etc., without knowing their meanings.

Even though one is saying all the prescribed remembrances, their benefits will not be attained and their impacts will not become great – unless one knows their meanings and what they indicate.

So al-Fudail said to the man when the man asked about its meaning: “That I am a slave to Allaah and truly I am going back to Him. And if you know that you are a slave to Allaah and you will go back to Him, then know He will ask you and if you know that He will ask you, then prepare an answer for every question.”

Here the man woke up (became alert) and the admonition affected him, so he asked: “What is the way of salvation? Al-Fudail said: “Easy, do good the rest of your life and you will be forgiven for your previous sins, and if you do not do good in what remains of your life, you will be taken with punishment for your past and future sins.”

No one knows how much remains of his life. Even if one is young, he does not know how many days or months remain of his life. How many youths, male and female have passed away? How many of them were wishing to live long lives, but death came between them and their wishes?

Therefore, one should be like a stranger in this life, as the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said to ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma): “Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveler.” Ibn ‘Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) used to say: “If you survive till the evening, do not expect to be alive in the morning, and if you survive till the morning, do not expect to be alive till the evening. And (take) from your health for your sickness, and take from your life for your death.” [Al-Bukhaari]

Do not delay the work of the day till tomorrow.

Al-Fudail said: “Do good in what remains of your life.” Maybe only a few days remain. If one would perfect his deeds during them, Allaah would forgive him all his previous sins, even if what is remaining is only a few hours.

It is reported by al-Bukhaari on the authority of al-Baraa’ (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) that a man whose face was covered with an iron mask (i.e. clad in armor) came to the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and said: “O Allaah’s Messenger! Shall I fight (first) or embrace Islam first?”

The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Embrace Islam first and then fight.”

So he embraced Islam, and was martyred. Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “A little work but a great reward.” [He did very little (after embracing Islam), but he will be rewarded in abundance.]

Abu Hurairah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) used to say: “Tell me about a man who entered Paradise without him offering one Rak’ah prayer for Allaah (Ta’ala).” He was told about this man.

There are many evidences for that. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the slave to have good thoughts of Allaah (Ta’ala), that He forgives sins and accepts the repentance regardless of the sins and their abundance or greatness.

Bear in mind that Iblees is the Imaam (the leader) of the people who have bad thoughts of Allaah (Ta’ala). He is one of the greatest (worst) ones to have bad thoughts of Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’ala); he doesn’t want the believer to reform his state and have good thoughts of Allaah.

Therefore, Shaytaan causes one to despair of Allaah’s Mercy and motivates one to procrastinate in repenting to Allaah in order to make the slave have bad thoughts of Allaah and despair of His Mercy till he dies upon this evil state.

It is incumbent upon the Muslim to seek refuge in Allaah from the outcast devil, the leader of those who have bad thoughts of Allaah. One should turn to Allaah in repentance, having good thoughts of his Lord.

It is important in this position, to emphasize the importance of Du’aa. One should be asking Allaah persistently while having trust in Him, that He will accept his Du’aa, fulfill his hope, grant his request, and not make him unblessed in his invocation. One should approach Allaah truthfully and ask Him to reform his affairs for him. He should ask Allaah to guide him to what Allaah wants and is pleased with because all the good is in Allaah’s Hands. One will not be able to attain any of that good except if Allaah guides him.

One should be asking Allaah for a sound heart as the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used to ask Allaah, saying:

اللهم إنّي أسألك قلباً سليماً ولساناً صادقاً

“Oh Allaah! I ask you for a sound heart and a truthful tongue,” [soundness of the heart from having bad thoughts about Allaah, Shirk, desire, falsehood, etc.] [This is a part of the Duaa reported in as-Silsilah as-Saheeha no. 3228¹]

Also, he (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used to invoke Allaah (Ta’ala) saying:

اللهم آت نفسي تقواها وزكّها أنت خيرُ من زكَّاها أنت ولِّيُّها ومولاها

“O Allaah! Grant me a sense of piety and purify my soul as You are the Best to purify it. You are its Guardian and its Protecting Friend.” [Muslim]

Soo’ adh-Dhann (Having Evil Thoughts about Allaah)

As having good thoughts of Allah is one of the attributes of the believers, having evil thoughts about Allaah is one of the attributes of the hypocrites and polytheists, and it is one of the major sins.

Allaah (Ta’ala) says in Surat al-Fat-h (48:6):

ويعذِّب المنافقين والمنافقات والمشركين والمشركات الظانين بالله ظن السوء عليهم دائرة السوء

“And that He may punish the hypocrites, men and women, and also the Mushrikeen, men and women, who think evil thoughts about Allaah. For them is a disgraceful torment.”

Having evil thoughts regarding Allaah (Ta’ala) may cause the person to reach the state of Kufr. Most people have bad thoughts of Allaah, however some have less than others. Some even have bad thoughts of Allaah that reach to the degree of Kufr and atheism, taking them far away from the religion.

Shaikh Muhammad ibn ‘Abdul-Wahhab (Rahimahullaah) mentioned in his book “Kitab at-Tawheed”, in the chapter “Prohibition of Evil Thoughts regarding Allaah,” the statement of Ibn al-Qayyim (Rahimahullaah):

“Most people think ill of Allaah (Glorified Be He) when it concerns that which affects them in particular, and in what He afflicts others with, and none is safe from such evil thoughts except those who truly know Allaah (Ta’ala) and His Divine Names and Attributes and understand the necessity of His Wisdom and Praise (the necessity of praising Him). Let the wise recipient of good counsel (advice) look at himself closely in this matter and repent to Allaah (Ta’ala) and ask His Forgiveness for having ill thoughts of his Lord. And if you were to examine such individuals, you would see each of them in distress and anger about what Allaah (Ta’ala) has decreed, blaming and finding fault in it and thinking it should rather be such and such. In having this thought, some are guiltier than others. Examine yourself! Are you free from such thoughts? If you are safe from them, you have been saved from a great calamity, but if you are not, I cannot regard you as being saved.”

One should take account of himself before Allaah takes him to account and weighs his deeds.

Most people, when some matters occur to them or to others, may utter words which are produced by these ill thoughts about Allaah (Ta’ala).

For example, when people become severely sick, sometimes we hear, “so-and-so the worshipper, the one who prays and fasts; really he does not deserve all that.”

This statement indicates their ignorance of Allaah (Ta’ala). That is because these sicknesses for such righteous people are an elevation in rank with Allaah. Allaah (Ta’ala) may afflict His slave with prosperity and with adversity.

Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “How wonderful is the case of a believer, there is good for him in everything and this applies only to a believer. If prosperity attends him he expresses gratitude to Allaah and that is good for him; and if adversity befalls him, he endures it patiently and that is better for him.” [Muslim]

Oftentimes when calamities or sicknesses befall someone who is dedicating himself in worship to Allaah, he utters words which indicate his objection or displeasure.

One should have good thoughts of Allaah in all his affairs, hoping that Allaah makes all his affairs good, as is mentioned in the Du’aa quoted by the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam):

اللهم اجعل كل قضاء قضيته لي خيراً

“Oh Allaah! Make every decree that you ordained for me good.”

If one considers the state of most of the people, many forms and states of Soo’ adh-Dhann in Allaah will appear to one which he has never perceived.

Ibn Al-Qayyim (Rahimahullaah) mentioned some forms of Soo’ adh-Dhann in his book “Zaad al-Ma’aad, vol. 2” as follows:

Whoever thinks that Allaah will torture His guardians, though they are obedient and sincere, and that He will equate between them and His enemies, then he thinks ill of Allaah (Glorified be He).

Whoever thinks that Allaah would leave His creatures without ordainments and prohibitions and without sending Messengers to them and revealing Divine Scriptures to them, then he thinks ill of Allaah (Glorified be He).

Whoever thinks that Allaah would not gather all His creatures together on the Day of Resurrection in order to give a good reward to the obedient and punish the disobedient, and to show all His creatures that which they disputed over in this present life of ours, and the truthfulness of all His Messengers (‘Alayhumus-salaam), then he thinks ill of Allaah, the Almighty (Glorified be He).

Whoever thinks that Allaah would waste the reward of the believers and punish them because of sins they never committed, or that He (Glorified be He) would aid His enemies with miracles from Himself, then he thinks ill of Allaah (Glorified be He).

Whoever thinks that Allaah, the Almighty has informed us about Himself by likening and resembling Himself to any of His creatures, then he thinks ill of Allaah (Glorified be He).

Whoever thinks that there is, in Allaah’s Kingdom, what He does not like or want, or what He is unable to make, then he thinks ill of Allaah (Glorified be He).

Whoever thinks that Allaah, the Almighty was not capable of doing something and then He (Glorified be He) became Able to do it, then he thinks ill of Allaah (Glorified be He).

Whoever thinks that Allaah, the Almighty does not hear, listen, or know what exists, or the number of heavens, stars, children of Adam and their actions and sayings, then he thinks ill of Allaah (Glorified be He).

Whoever thinks that Allaah, the Almighty has no Hearing, Sight, Speech, Will, Knowledge, and that He does not speak with any of his creatures or moreover never speaks, then he thinks ill of Allaah (Glorified be He).

Whoever thinks that Allaah, the Almighty is not above His Throne, apart from His creation, then he thinks ill of Allaah (Glorified be He).

Whoever thinks that Allaah, the Almighty loves disbelief, debauchery, disobedience and corruption just like His love for belief, righteousness, obedience and doing good, then he thinks ill of Allaah (Glorified be He).

Whoever thinks that Allaah, the Almighty does not love or hate or get angry or show wrath, or take friends, or take enemies, then he thinks ill of Allaah (Glorified be He).

Whoever thinks that Allaah, the Almighty has begotten a son or has taken a partner, or that one can intercede with Him without His Permission, or that there are between Him and His creatures, means or intercessors who raise the creatures’ requests and supplications, or that He set up guardians for His creatures to seek their intercession with Him, then he thinks ill of Allaah (Glorified be He).

Whoever thinks that what is with Allaah, the Almighty can be gained through sins and disobedience whereas it is really gained by good deeds and obedience, then he thinks ill of Allaah (Glorified be He).

Whoever thinks that one who leaves something for Allaah’s Sake will not be rewarded and compensated, then he thinks ill of Allaah (Glorified be He).

Whoever thinks that Allaah, the Almighty shows His Wrath to one of His slaves without a just cause and that He (Glorified be He) punishes him for nothing, then he thinks ill of Allaah, the Almighty (Glorified be He).

Whoever thinks that if he obeys Allaah, invokes Him and seeks His Aid, and puts his trust in Him, that He will let him down and disappoint him, then he thinks ill of Him (Glorified be He).

Whoever thinks that if he disobeys Allaah, He will reward him and let him enter Paradise, then he thinks ill of Allaah (Glorified be He).

Whoever thinks that if he angers Allaah and disobeys Him and then takes besides Him guardians and invokes an angel, a human being – dead or alive – seeking their intercession with Him and looking for their benefit and salvation from the torment of the Hell-Fire, then he thinks ill of Allaah (Glorified be He).

In fact, most people think ill of Allaah, the Almighty. This is because many humans think they are unlucky, that they deserve much more than they already possess, as if they are saying: “I have been wronged by my Lord, (i.e. Allaah) Who deprived me of that which I rightly deserve.” So Muslims should never think ill of Allaah (Glorified be He) in any of the aforementioned ways or in any other possible way. Allaah, the Almighty knows best.

Having Evil Thoughts of Allaah is a Destructive Matter

Having evil thoughts of Allaah destroys the one who has them, in this life and the Hereafter. Allaah says in Surat Fussilat (41:22-24):

“And you have not been hiding yourselves (in the world) lest your ears and your eyes and your skins should testify against you; but you thought that Allaah knew not much of what you were doing. And that thought of yours which you thought about your Lord, has brought you to destruction; and you have become (this Day,) of those utterly lost!

Then, if they bear the torment patiently, yet the Fire is the home for them, and if they seek to please Allaah, yet they are not of those who will ever be allowed to please Allaah.”

In these verses, Allaah is mentioning the people of misguidance and falsehood. They believed and thought that Allaah did not know much of what they were doing. This indicates the defect in their belief, and their lack of knowledge about Allaah made them to have evil thoughts of Allaah. These evil thoughts caused them to be doomed and has made them losers before their Lord. They have lost their own selves and their families.

Imaam Ahmad recorded that ‘Abdullaah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: “I was hiding beneath the covering of the Ka’bah and three men came along – a man from the Quraish and two of his brothers-in-law from Thaqif, or a man from Thaqif and two of his brothers-in-law from the Quraish. Their bellies were very fat, and they did not have much understanding. They said some words I could not hear, then one of them said, ‘Do you think that Allaah can hear what we are saying now?’

The other said, ‘If we raise our voices, He will hear it, but if we do not raise our voices, He will not hear it.’ The other said, ‘If He can hear one thing from us, He can hear everything.’ I mentioned this to the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), then Allaah revealed the words:

وما كنتم تستترون أن يشهد عليكم سمعكم ولا أبصاركم ولا جلودكم

“And you have not been hiding yourselves (in the world) lest your ears and your eyes and your skin should testify against you.”

until

من الخاسرين

“of those utterly lost!” [Surat Fussilat 41:22-23]

This is how it was recorded by at-Tirmidhi. A similar report was also narrated by Ahmad (through a different chain). Muslim, at-Tirmidhi, and al-Bukhaari. Muslim also recorded (a different chain).

فإن يصبروا فالنار مثوى لهم وإن يستعتبوا فما هم من المعتبين

“Then if they bear the torment patiently, then the Fire is the home for them, and if they seek to please Allaah, yet they are not of those will ever be allowed to please Allaah,” [Surat Fussilat 41:24]

It means, whether they bear it patiently or not, they are in the Fire and they will have no escape or way out from it, and even if they try to please Allaah and offer excuses, nothing of that will be accepted from them. Ibn Jarir said: “The meaning of the Ayah,

وإن يستعتبوا

“and if they seek to please Allaah,”

Is: They will ask to go back to this world but this plea will not be answered.