al-Furqan bayna Awliya al-Rahman wa Awliya al-Shaytan 1
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- al-Furqan bayna Awliya al-Rahman wa Awliya al-Shaytan 1
al-Furqan bayna Awliya al-Rahman wa Awliya al-Shaytan 1 (The Criterion Between the Allies of the Most Merciful and the Allies of Satan, Part 1) is a commentary by Yasir Burhami on the classic theological treatise of the same title by Ibn Taymiyyah (d. 728 AH / 1328 CE) . The work explicates Islamic creed regarding the distinction between the true allies of God (awliya al-Rahman) and the allies of the devil (awliya al-Shaytan) .
Overview and Purpose
The work presents an explanation of Ibn Taymiyyah's text, which Burhami identifies as among his essential counsels . The central objective of the commentary is to establish the scriptural standard for divine alliance (wilayah), emphasizing that God grants this status exclusively to those characterized by faith and piety who abide by Islamic law . It counters false claimants to sainthood who seek the rank of wilayah without adhering to religious obligations, as well as those who treat illicit acts as evidence of saintly distinction .
Key Themes and Content
The volume addresses several foundational creedal themes through commentary on Quranic verses and textual excerpts from Ibn Taymiyyah's treatise:
- Definition and Signs of the Allies of God: Drawing upon Quranic passages such as أَلَا إِنَّ أَوْلِيَاءَ اللَّهِ لَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَكَانُوا يَتَّقُونَ ("Unquestionably, for the allies of Allah there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve: those who believed and were conscious of Allah"), the author explains that the allies of God are uniquely characterized by belief (iman) and God-consciousness (taqwa) . He details the glad tidings (bushra) promised to them in both this worldly life—such as righteous dreams and the praise of the faithful—and in the hereafter through the comforting announcements of angels at death and the resurrection .
- Degrees of Piety and Ranks in Paradise: The commentary explains that Paradise contains vastly disparate ranks, and the status of believers within those ranks corresponds directly to the strength of their faith and piety .
- Distinction Between Miracles and Demonic Feats: The text differentiates between genuine gifts of divine honor (karamat) and Satanic paranormal occurrences (al-ahwal al-shaytaniyyah) . The commentary emphasizes that an extraordinary feat alone does not establish sainthood, because true karamat stem from obedience, prayer, and adherence to revelation, whereas demonic feats result from prohibited deeds, polytheistic invocations, and sinful actions . It highlights that the highest divine favor bestowed upon a servant is guidance and steadfastness in obeying God .
- Loyalty and Disavowal (al-Wala' wa al-Bara'): Burhami examines verses addressing alliance and enmity, explaining that true alliance with God requires love for the believers and disavowal of the enemies of God . He warns against hypocrisy, noting that allegiance to disbelief nullifies deeds and contradicts genuine faith .
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