Amr Khaled (عمروخالد) and the 99 Names of Allah, “The Truth”
In this episode, Amr Khaled is discussing “The Truth” (الحق) one of the the 99 Names of Allah.
Amr Khaled is a Muslim preacher who has been described as combining “the trendiness of Egyptian pop singer Amr Diab with the down-home missionary appeal of Western televangelist Billy Graham, and the self-help wisdom of popular American TV psychologist Dr. Phil” (Lindsay Wise, “Words from the Heart“).
The reason the 99 names of Allah are important to Muslims is because they are mentioned in the Quran and traditions of Muhammad (hadiths).
- Say (unto mankind): Cry unto Allah, or cry unto the Beneficent, unto whichsoever ye cry (it is the same). His are the most beautiful names. And thou (Muhammad), be not loud-voiced in thy worship nor yet silent therein, but follow a way between (Quran 17:110).
- Allah! There is no Allah save Him. His are the most beautiful names (Quran 20:8).
- He is Allah, the Creator, the Shaper out of naught, the Fashioner. His are the most beautiful names. All that is in the heavens and the earth glorifieth Him, and He is the Mighty, the Wise (Quran 59:24).
Muhammad reportedly said Allah has 99 names,
There are ninety-nine names of Allah; he who commits them to memory would get into Paradise. Verily, Allah is Odd (He is one, and it is an odd number) and He loves odd number. And in the narration of Ibn ‘Umar (the words are):” He who enumerated them.” (Sahih Muslim 35:6475).
The 99 Names of Allah are very important to Muslim piety and provide many opportunities for Christians to talk with Muslims about Allah’s Name and the Name that is above every other name (Philippians 2:9-11).
“The Truth” (الحق) can be found in the following passages of the Quran:
- Then are they sent back to Allah, their Master, the True one; now surely His is the judgment and He is swiftest in taking account (Quran 6:62).
- This is because Allah is the Truth and because He gives life to the dead and because He has power over all things (Quran 22:6).
- That is because Allah is the Truth, and that what they call upon besides Him– that is the falsehood, and because Allah is the High, the Great (Quran 22:62).
- So exalted be Allah, the True King; no god is there but He, the Lord of the honorable dominion (Quran 23:116).
- On that day Allah will pay back to them in full their just reward, and they shall know that Allah is the evident Truth (Quran 24:25).
Another quranic verse Amr Khaled refers to repeatedly is, “Allah…created the heavens and the earth in Truth” (Quran 15:85).
The Arabic Meaning of ‘Al-Haqq’ (the Truth)
Amr Khaled discussed “Truth” as it occurs in the Quran
Stories of people who abided by the Truth (الحق)
The Truth (الحق) inevitably prevails!
Finally, I look at the question,
Is Islam True? Is the Quran the True Word of God?
0:00-3:44
Ponder on these verses: “This is Allah, your Lord, the Absolute Truth…” “High Exalted above all is Allah; the King, the Truth (الحق)…” “…and what is there after Truth except misguidance?” “This is Allah, your Lord, the Absolute Truth (الحق) …” “…and shall be brought back to Allah, their Lord, the Absolute Truth…” Allah’s Name “Absolute Truth” is cited 9 times in the Quran and the word “Truth” is mentioned 287 times in the Quran.
Allah mentions it in the Quran along with serious matters as in this verse: “Allah…created the heavens and the earth in Truth” [Quran 15:85] Today’s program aims to help you live by Allah’s Name ‘Absolute Truth’. So what we want is to help you love and live by the Truth (الحق), tell the Truth (الحق) and not hid the Truth (الحق) and to die abiding by the Truth (الحق). Never sacrifice the Truth for your personal interests giving precedence to your personal interests over the Truth (الحق)! Today’s program aims to help you love the Truth (الحق). One cannot accept Truth especially if it contradicts his desires. You should love the Truth (الحق) as Allahis “The Absolute Truth (الحق)’ so if you love the Truth (الحق), you will be loving Allah, Exalted be He.
Ever thought your love for the Truth (الحق) implies you love Allah, Absolute Truth (الحق)? See how great the value of Truth is! Allah has willed that one of His Beautiful Names be ‘The Absolute Truth (الحق)’! Do you love, speak and abide by the Truth in your lives? Or do you live by falsehood?
If you abide by falsehood or lies in your lives, you will be far from Allah, the Absolute Truth (الحق). One’s making Lesser Pilgrimage or crying out of piety or memorizing the Quran would be useless as long as he lived by falsehood. How can one claim to love Allah, when he does not live by Allah’s Name, ‘The Absolute Truth’?
See the greatness of this Name of Allah! You may not be able to sleep tonight, knowing you do not abide by the Orders of Allah, the Absolute Truth (الحق). If one does not abide by the Truth (الحق), how can he live with himself?
This Name makes hardships easy; Truth is hard to abide by, but knowing this Name will make it easy. Knowing that Allah is ‘The Absolute Truth (الحق)’ will help you abide by the Truth (الحق) and, so when you meet Allah on Doomsday you will have abided by the Truth (الحق), and lived by His Name “The Absolute Truth (الحق).” See how important the goal of today’s program is!
Again, today’s program aims to help you love, and tell the truth and die abiding by Truth (الحق)! Do not sacrifice the truth for personal interests giving precedence to your interests: Allah is the Absolute Truth (الحق)! Allah says: “This is Allah, your Lord, the Absolute Truth (الحق)…” “…and shall be brought back to Allah, their Lord, the Absolute Truth (الحق)…” Understand my point?”
Amr Khaled gives and overview of what he will be discussing about ‘Al-Haqq’, The Truth (الحق)
Today, we will discuss many important points: First, what does ‘Al-Haqq’ (Truth) (الحق) in Arabic mean? And what is the difference between ‘Al-Haqq’ (Truth) and ‘Al-Adl’ (Justice)?
Second, we will talk about some great facts about our lives: if you abide by such facts, you will be living by Allah’s Name ‘Absolute Truth (الحق)’.
Third, we will cite examples of those who abided by the Truth (الحق) in their lives.
Fourth, we will discuss how the Truth (الحق) inevitably prevails!
The Arabic Meaning of ‘Al-Haqq’ (the Truth [الحق])
Amr Khaled says truth is the opposite of falsehood
3:45-5:13
Let’s start with the meaning of the Truth (الحق). ‘Truth is the opposite of ‘Falsehood’; opposites clarify each other! Let’s see the inclusive meaning of ‘Al-Haqq’ (Truth) in Arabic. ‘Al-Haqq’ refers to something which you are dead certain of so you will be undoubtedly sure that this thing exists and is true; this is the meaning of ‘Al-Haqq’, (Truth)! So, ‘The Absolute Truth (الحق)’ had to be one of Allah’s Most Beautiful Names, as the ultimate and greatest Truth ever is the existence of Allah, Exalted be He. Allah is the Absolute Truth (الحق), and His Words, Orders, prohibitions and His Decrees are truth! 1“The original meaning of the Arabic root ḥ-q-q has been obscured but can be recovered by reference to the corresponding root in Hebrew with its meanings of (a) ‘to cut in, engrave’ in wood, stone or metal, (b) ‘to inscribe, write, portray’” (Macdonald and Calverley, Ḥaqq). From this it can be inferred that “the primary meaning of ḥaqq in Arabic is ‘established fact’…, and therefore ‘truth’ is secondary; its opposite is bāṭil [vain] (in both readings)” (ibid.). Yet as one of the ninety-nine canonical “names of Allah”, ḥaqq will exploit both of these meanings as well as the original notions of forming or inscribing. Besides the five times the term is introduced formally as a divine name, it is found 247 times in the Qurʾān” (David B. Burrell, “Truth”, Encyclopaedia of the Qurʾān. General Editor: Jane Dammen McAuliffe . Brill [Leiden and Boston], 2005. CD-ROM version).
Allah says: “Allah…created the heavens and the earth in Truth” (Quran 15:85). “Say: “Is there any of your associates who can guide to the Truth?” Say, “Allah guides to the Truth, is He then Who guides to the Truth more worthy to be followed, or he who finds no guidance unless he is guided?” To reach the Truth, resort to none but Allah, the Absolute Truth (الحق)! “Say: ‘Is there any of your associates who can guide to the Truth?’ Say, ‘Allah guides to the Truth, is He then Who guides to the truth more worthy to be followed, or he who finds no guidance unless he is guided?'” How can you seek to get the Truth from anyone other than Allah!
Amr Khaled says the whole Universe is based on the Truth (الحق)
5:14-6:14
The Ultimate Truth (الحق) lies in Allah’s Book, the Qur’an. The Ultimate Truth (الحق) lies in Allah’s Words, and Promises, and in meeting Him and His Paradise. The Ultimate Truth (الحق) lies in your abiding by the rules of Allah, the Absolute Truth (الحق). The most difficult thing ever is to act against the norms of the Universe! Never act against the Universe norms; otherwise, you will always lose! Allah says: “Allah…created the heavens and the earth in Truth” (Quran 15:85) (الحق). If you act against the norms of the Universe, you will suffer a lot. These are established facts. The whole Universe is based on the Truth (الحق), following very precise laws; we will elaborate on this later on. If you act against the norms of hte Universe, you will suffer a lot and lead a very miserable life. If you do not abide by the Truth (الحق), you will feel guilty and uneasy deep inside. This is what ‘Truth (الحق)’ implies!
Amr Khaled discusses the difference between Truth (الحق) and Justice
6:15-9:21
Let me show you the difference between ‘Truth (الحق)’ and ‘Justice’. ‘Justice’ implies giving everyone their rights. Again, ‘The Truth (الحق)’ implies… ‘Justice’ implies giving everyone their rights. So, ‘Justice’ means giving people their rights and so, ‘Justice’ implies putting ‘The Truth (الحق)’ into action. Again, ‘Justice’ means putting ‘The Truth (الحق)’ into action. So, ‘The Truth (الحق)’ is a value that is manifested in preserving justice. As ‘Justice’ puts ‘Truth (الحق)’ into effect, Allah says: “most surely Allah enjoins justice…” But Allah calls Himself, ‘The Absolute Truth (الحق)’ and He calls Himself so because ‘Truth (الحق)’ is greater than ‘Justice’; “Justice” implies putting ‘Truth (الحق)’ into action. This is the difference between ‘Justice’ and ‘Truth (الحق)’!
What would have happened to the whole Universe if Allah had not called Himself, “The Absolute Truth (الحق)”?! What would have happened in life then? Someone would have desired to cause the Sun to rise at a certain hour or cause rain to fall down on certain countries, causing others drought, or deprive certain countries of air! Are you following? Allah says: “And had Allah, the Truth (الحق), followed their desires, surely the heavens and the earth…would have been corrupted…”
People’s desires would only result in corruption. Since Allah is the Absolute Truth (الحق), He does not prefer one race over another or one nation over another; there is no discrimination based on color or sex. Allah, the Absolute Truth (الحق), controls the whole Universe with Truth (الحق). “And had Allah, the Truth (الحق), followed their desires… the heavens and the earth…would have been corrupted…”
Muhammad used to invoke Allah to guide him to the Truth (الحق). It is always hard for one to seek the Truth (الحق), for Satan’s main job is to show you Truth (الحق) as falsehood and vice versa. Prophet Muhammad used to say: “O Allah, show us the Truth (الحق) and guide us to follow it, and show us falsehood and guide us to avoid it.” Muhammad invoked Allah to show him the Truth (الحق); he did not only ask to be shown Truth (الحق), but to be guided to follow it. One may know Truth (الحق) without following it, giving precedence to his interests. Muhammad invoked Allah to show him the Truth (الحق) and guide him to follow it, and invoked Allah nost just to show him falsehood, but also to guide him to avoid it! This requires Allah’s Support!
Amr Khaled gives examples of those who do not abide by the Truth (الحق)
9:22-14:51
Today’s program is directed to many people. I address those businessmen who give precedence to their personal interests over their country’s needs. Do you really love the Truth (الحق)?
I address husbands who give preference to their desires, not taking care of their children and wives; do you really love the Truth (الحق)?
I address students who cheat in exames and violate others’ rights, giving preference to their own interests. Do you love the Truth (الحق)?
I address officials and policemen, who obey their bosses’ orders even if they contradict Truth (الحق). Do you love the Truth (الحق)?
I address the Western governments that sacrificed Iraq for their interests giving precedence to their interests. Do you love the Truth (الحق)?
The whole Universe is based on the Truth (الحق)!
I address media producers who give preference to their financial gains, producing materials that corrupt our youths and children. Do you really love the Truth (الحق)?
Let everyone judge themselves! I address women who encourage their husbands to make illegal deals, caring only about their personal interests. Do you love the Truth (الحق)?
To those adopting favoritism on hiring people. Do you love the Truth (الحق)?
I could go on forever here! Allah, the Absolute Truth (الحق), created the heavens and the Earth according to a precise system and then He let Man dwell on Earth. Allah entrusted the Earth to Man, showing him how to live by the Truth (الحق) sending Prophets with Divine Books to guide him to His Way. So Allah shows us the Truth (الحق) and wants us to populate the Earth accordingly. Those who give up Truth (الحق) contradict Allah’s rules in the Universe are they aware they are disobeying Allah, the Absolute Truth (الحق)? These are examples of those who do not abide by the Truth (الحق).”
Let me give you two more examples that show how the Earth can be corrupted when people give up Truth (الحق). These are two very simple examples and you can apply them to many situations in life! As for the first example, there was a very beautiful district, namely, “al-Mohandiseen”, in Egypt. The original plan for this district was to have 4-floor residential buildings; residents were happy there. The infrastructure suited the number of residents there. Though the law prohibits building higher than 4 floors in Al-Mohandiseen district, some developers broke this law to achieve personal gains, constructing high-rises of 20 or 30 floors! So, the quality of life decreased and many people moved out. This is but a very simple example and I’m sure you can find many others.
Those students who cheat in exams and violate other students’ rights and those who adopt favoritism instead of hiring qualified employees ignore the Truth (الحق) and spread corruption on Earth. Such wronged qualified people whose rights are violated may travel to Western countries that grow stronger, benefiting from our manpower, while our countries become weaker. This is because of the absence of Truth (الحق)!
Such simple examples show how the absence of Truth (الحق) leads to corruption. While Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was talking to the Companions, a Bedouin said: “O Messenger of Allah, when would the Hour (Doomsday) be? He interrupted the Prophet (PBUH), so he did not reply to continue his speech. Some said that he (PBUH) must have heard him but did not like his question, others said he (PBUH) could not have heard him. After finishing his speech, he (PBUH) said: “Who was asking about the Hour? The man said: “I was.” He said: “When the trust (among people) is breached, expect the Hour.” The man said: “How could the trust be breached?” He said: “When authority is entrusted to unreliable people, expect the Hour.” Unreliable people in positions of authority is a sign of the Hour. Allah, the Absolute Truth (الحق), created the heavens and earth with Truth (الحق), so if there was no Truth (الحق) on Earth, Doomsday would be imminent. Again the heavens and the earth were created in Truth (الحق) and if there was no Truth (الحق) on Earth, Doomsday would be imminent.
Can you realize the importance of today’s program? Do you realize how serious today’s topic is? People react differently to the Truth (الحق). Some people may prefer to hide the Truth (الحق). Some may fear revealing the Truth (الحق). Some may confuse the Truth (الحق) with falsehood. Allah says: “And do not confound the Truth (الحق) with falsehood, nor conceal the Truth (الحق) while you know it.” Some may not realize what the Truth (الحق) is, two partners may disagree not knowing who is right. Some people may know the truth and ignore it on purpose. So, people react to the Truth (الحق) differently! There might be situations in your life in which you did not know the Truth (الحق) and you did not know whether you were right or wrong.
Amr Khaled says there are 8 Great facts [truths] that if Muslims live by then they needn’t worry about anything
14:52-19:20
I will mention a wonderful point in the second part of today’s program.
Your beloved Prophet Muhammad made knowing the Truth (الحق) easy. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) mentioned eight Faith-related facts [truths] that, if you lived by them, would help you have clear vision in life. Then, you can discern the truth easily! He (PBUH) mentioned in an invocation eight facts [truths] related to Faith. He urged us to say this supplication everyday. He (PBUH) used to invoke Allah saying this supplication everyday. Actually he (PBUH) used to say it at midnight when the day’s bustle came to an end, and no one fought over rights! When silence prevails and you do not know the Truth (الحق) and when you are quiet, invoke Allah saying this invocation. He (PBUH) cited 8 facts related to Faith. Believing in these 8 facts, deep down in your heart, will be the key to all other missing facts in your life. If you are eager to live by Allah’s Name, the Absolute Truth (الحق), you should bear these eight facts in mind, as we agreed in this series we’d translate words into actions to get the rank of ‘Ihsan’ Perfection of Faith; “To worship Allah as if you see Him…for if you cannot see Him, He can.
He (PBUH) urged believers to invoke Allah focusing on these 8 facts so they would be instilled in believers. If you lived by them, any falsehood in life would not blind you to the truth, as you would then seek the Truth (الحق), even if temptations were irresistible, and if everyone was blinded to it and beguiled by falsehood. If you go on observing these 8 facts, the most important facts of life, you needn’t worry about anything for surely you will succeed.
The Truth (الحق) is sometimes bitter and some peole may fear to reveal it. To tell the Truth (الحق), you have to be brave. You should discern the Truth (الحق) to be able to stick to it! You may not recognize the Truth (الحق) when hidden among falsities! What are the 8 facts Muhammad (PBUH) used to cite in his invocation? Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to invoke God every night saying: “O Allah, praise be to You. You are the Master of…heavens and the earth and all that dwell therein.” “…You are the Light of the heavens and Earth and all that dwells therein.” “…You are the Lord of the heavens and Earth and all that dwells therein.”
Pay attention to the following eight:
1. O Allah, You are the Truth (الحق).
2. Your Words are Truth (الحق).
3. Your Promise is Truth (الحق).
4. Meeting You is Truth (الحق).
5. Paradise is Truth (الحق).
6. The Hell-fire is Truth (الحق).
7. The Prophets are Truth (الحق).
8. Muhammad (PBUH) is Truth (الحق)…
You may wonder how those 8 facts could solve all your problems in life. They will do so, only if you abide by them in life and sense them. Harithah, one of Prophet Muhammad’s Companions, met the Prophet (PBUH) one day, then he (PBUH) said: “How are you this morning Harithah? He said: “I am a faithful believer.” He (PBUH) said: “Every statement must have a proof. So, what is the proof of your belief?”
Harithah then told the Prophet (PBUH) of the proof of his true Faith. He said: “I feel as if I can see the Throne of Allah before my eyes, the dwellers of Paradise enjoying the pleasures of Paradise, the dwellers of Hell screaming in Hell-fire. So I have banished worldly life, praying by night and fasting by day.” He (PBUH) said: “O Harithah, you have known the Truth (الحق), so stick to it.”
Harithah had an unshakable Faith in these facts. The eternal bliss in Paradise should make you tell the truth. The eternal torture in Hell should make you keen on telling the Truth (الحق). “To worship Allah as if you see Him…” “…as if I can see the Throne of Allah…” For then, people will not accept falsehood; employees will not be corrupt or seek to please their bosses at the expense of other people’s rights. If people worship Allah, as if they see Him, they will abide by the Truth (الحق).”
19:21-25:02
“Since all the previously mentioned things are Truths, Prophets must be Truth (الحق) too. Prophets are Truth (الحق) who believed Muhammad would be the last Prophet, so he is Truth (الحق). See the order of these eight facts! “O Allah, You are the Truth (الحق). Your Words are Truth (الحق). Your Promise is Truth (الحق). Meeting You is Truth (الحق). Paradise is Truth (الحق), Hell-fire is Truth (الحق), the Prophets are Truth (الحق), and Muhammad (PBUH) is Truth (الحق)…
Let’s discuss every one of these 8 facts in detail! We should bear each of them in mind. Write them down. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to say them before offering Vigil Prayer reminding himself of them, invoking Allah with them. After saying this invocation, Prophet Muhammad used to say: “…O Allah, for You I fight.” “…through You I pass judgment…on You I rely…” So after one knows these basic facts, one should find everything, including dealing with people, easy. So after one has an unshakable Faith in the eight facts, it will be easy for him to live by Allah’s Name, the Absolute Truth (الحق). You should live by these truths related to Faith. Did you write them down? “O Allah, You are the Truth (الحق), Your Words are Truth (الحق), Your Promise is Truth (الحق), Meeting You is Truth (الحق), Paradise is Truth (الحق), Hell-fire is Truth (الحق), the Prophets are Truth (الحق), and Muhammad (PBUH) is Truth (الحق)…
#1 O Allah, You are the Truth (الحق)
Living by these eight basic facts, you are ready now to deal with [every] situation in life. Living by these eight truths, you should have no worries. The first is: “O Allah, You are the Truth (الحق).
Allah says: “Have you not seen how Allah merges the night into the day, and merges the day into…night and He has subjected the sun and the moon, each one runs its course for an appointed term, and that Allah is All-Aware of what you do? This is because Allah is the Truth (الحق)…” None but Allah, the Absolute Truth (الحق), could do all this. “We shall show them Our Signs on the furthest horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the Truth (الحق).” “Allah is the One Who created the heavens and the earth in Truth (Quran 15:85) (الحق).” Allah, the Absolute Truth (الحق), urges mankind to live on Earth by the Truth (الحق) just as He created everything in the Universe with Truth (الحق). Allah has made the 4 seasons alternate for all creatures to have equal shares and willed every creature to have a share in the annual rainfall. Rains fall everywhere so all creatures can get their share of it. “Allah is the One Who created the heavens and the earth in Truth” (Quran 15:85) (الحق). Some don’t see how Truth (الحق) and the creation of heavens relate thinking it has to do with humans, but truth is like a highly sensitive scale whereby to decide the amount of rainfall, number of fruits, Man’s provision, the alternation of the 4 seasons, how each creature will benefit. Allah does not favor certain races, or nations, there is no discrimination based on color or sex. Allah, the Truth (الحق), has given all His creatures their share in provision.
If the Sun was a little bit closer to the Earth, we would burn! If the Sun was a little further away from the Earth, we would freeze! Allah created everything perfectly in Truth. The Universe was created in Truth, so Man should also live by Truth.
We will show you a short film so you can understand the verse: “We shall show them Our Signs on the furthest horizons…” The yellow ball you see is the Sun. This is the Moon. This is the Earth. The camera is focusing on the Sun and now we are moving down to Earth. This is the Earth! You will realize that everything was created in Truth. This is a model of the solar system. Here is the Sun, and this is its position in the solar system. Here is the Earth revolving round the Sun. Here is the solar system including our planet, the Earth. The Earth is 150 million km from the Sun. Let’s see what will happen now! This green color represents the safe zone. The Earth is in that safe zone. It is surrounded by fire on both sides. So the Earth is in this safe zone in space! See the implications of Allah’s Name, the Absolute Truth? “Allah is the One Who created the heavens and the earth in Truth (Quran 15:85).” The Earth would burn this way if it came closer to the Sun! If the Earth were 149 million km from the Sun rather than 150 million km, it would turn into a fire ball like this! This one-minute film is so simple, but it explains the verse: “Allah…created the heavens and the earth in Truth (Quran 15:85).”
25:03-26:10
#2 Your Words are Truth
26:11-27:56
The next fact is: “…Your Words are Truth.” Allah’s Words are true; “…Allah speaks the Truth (الحق) and guides to the Right Way.” Recite the Quran in Ramadan bearing in mind every word in its true and right. I want you to believe that every word in it is true. When reading: “…do not undervalue people’s things…” act upon it, for if you don’t, you will not be sticking to the Truth (الحق)! “Woe unto the defrauders…” Allah threatens those who are dishonest in trade and in all other aspects of life. Knowing Allah’s Word is Truth, you will adhere to this verse in life! “O Allah, You are the Truth (الحق)…Your Words are Truth, and Your Promise is Truth…
#3 Your Promise is Truth
Allah’s Promises are Truth. “So We restored him to his mother that she might be comforted…and that she might know that the Promise of Allah is true.” You have to be dedicated to Islam, because it is the truth; “Allah has promised those…who believe and do righteous deeds…He will…grant them inheritance…as He granted those before them…establish their Religion in authority, the one He has chosen for them, and He will change their state of fear into one of security: “They shall worship Me, and never associate anything with Me.” Know that Allah’s promises are true; “…in heaven is your sustenance, and that which you are promised. By the Lord of heaven and earth, this is surely true…” Never worry about sustenance as it is guaranteed by Allah; believe in these 8: “O Allah, You are the Truth (الحق)…”; how come your Allah is the Truth (الحق) and you live by falsehood? “…Your Words are Truth…” How come the Quran is Truth and you do not abide by it? “…Your Promise is Truth…”; believe in anything Allah promises you.
#4 Meeting You is Truth
27:57-30:10
“O Allah, You are the Truth (الحق) and Your Words are Truth and Your Promise is Truth and Meeting You is Truth…” Those advocating falsehood must remember Meeting Allah is Truth. The verse reads: “If you…see when they are assembled before their Lord! He will say: ‘Is not this the Truth (الحق)?’ They will say: ‘Yes indeed, by our Lord’!” How can some advocate falsehood? These 8 facts should urge you to maintain the Truth (الحق) in life. If you observed these 8 facts, Allah would make you prosper and show you the Truth (الحق) through them. “O Allah, You are the Truth (الحق), Your Words are Truth, Your Promise is Truth, meeting You is Truth…” “The Inevitable Truth, What is the Inevitable Truth?” Doomsday is inevitable, it will come because it is Truth; the Truth (الحق) will then be triumphant over falsehood. Imagine the scenes of Doomsday; “The Inevitable Truth…how would you know what the Inevitable Truth is?” “That Day is a certainty…” Falsehood would not lead to salvation then! Why cheat in exams to enjoy such a transient life? Why sacrifice the Truth (الحق) for your personal interests?
#5 Paradise is Truth
“O Allah, You are the Truth (الحق)…Your Promise is Truth, Meeting You is Truth…Paradise is Truth…” Those seeking to enter Paradise must abide by the Truth (الحق) in life. “And the inhabitants of Paradise shall call the inhabitants of the Fire: ‘We have found the promises of our Lord to be true, have you found the promises of your Lord to be true?'” In Arabic, the verse is in the past tense, emphasizing Paradise is an established fact; the Truth (الحق). Let’s see what those advocating the truth would say then! “And the inhabitants of Paradise shall call the inhabitants of the Fire: ‘We have found the promises of our Lord to be true, have you found the promises of your Lord to be true’?” “…have you found the promises…true’?” They shall say: ‘Yes’. Then a herald shall call in their midst: ‘The curse of Allah is on wrongdoers'” Those who violate others’ rights not abiding by the truth are wrongdoers! “‘The curse of Allah is on the wrongdoers'”.
#6 Hell is Truth
30:11-32:18
“O Allah, You are the Truth (الحق), Your Words are Truth, …Your Promise is Truth, and Meeting You…is Truth, and Paradise is Truth, and Hell is Truth…” When Satan said: “…by Your Supreme Power, I shall lead them all astray…” Allah replied to him saying: “The Truth is, and the Truth (الحق) I pronounce, That I shall fill Hell with you, and with those among them who follow you, all.” Notice this verse in which Allah says: “…the Day when the unbelievers shall be exposed to the Fire… ‘Is this not true?’ They shall say: ‘Yes indeed, by our Lord!’ He will say: ‘Then taste the chastisement…” Shouldn’t you adopt the Truth (الحق)?”
#7 The Prophets are Truth
“…the Prophets are Truth…”; Jesus, Abraham, Moses, Solomon, Adam are all Truth; their Mission was to make Truth triumphant over falsehood. We have to follow in the footsteps of Prophets. “…And Muhammad (PBUH) is Truth…” Allah says about him: “…We have sent you with Truth to give glad tidings and to warn…” Muhammad (PBUH) spent 23 years defending the Truth (الحق) and fighting falsehood but Quraish rejected him as their interests depended on idolatry; their trade depended on the idols round the Kaaba, that were falsehood! Abu Lahab fought his own nephew Muhammad whom he loved before as his business relied on the idols Muhammad rejected! “Perished are the hands of Abu Lahab, doomed he is! His wealth and his gains shall not avail him…” After 23 years of exile, the Prophet (PBUH) conquered Mecca; he entered Mecca repeating a verse representing the core of his Message: “Truth has come and falsehood has vanished…” He circumambulated the Kaaba saying: “Truth has come and falsehood has vanished, in deed, falsehood is bound to vanish.” “O Allah, You are the Truth (الحق), Your Promise is Truth, Meeting You is Truth, Paradise is Truth, Hell is Truth, and all Prophets are Truth, and Muhammad (PBUH) is Truth…” 2“Because for Muslims, the Qurʾān is inextricably linked with the sunna, the meaning of “truth” in the Qurʾān will be unveiled in practices characteristic of that community” (David B. Burrell, “Truth”, Encyclopaedia of the Qurʾān. General Editor: Jane Dammen McAuliffe . Brill [Leiden and Boston], 2005. CD-ROM version).
Amr Khaled summarizes the 8 points saying Muslims must understand them so they understand the purpose behind our creation, which is to populate the earth and make reforms on it with Truth.
32:28- 37:14
In the Name of Allah, praise be to Him, peace be upon His Messenger. “O Allah, You are the Truth (الحق), Your Words are Truth, Your Promise is Truth, meeting You is Truth, Paradise is Truth, Hell is Truth, and Prophets are Truth, and Muhammad (PBUH) is Truth…” If you live by these, all the truths in the Universe will be clear; you will then abide by Truth and abhor falsehood! You will then advocate the Truth (الحق) easily! Allah will make the Truth (الحق) clear for you, so it won’t be confused with falsehood. You will then live advocating the Truth (الحق), not hiding it; you will then love the Truth (الحق) out of love for Almighty Allah Who is the Absolute Truth. If you believed in these eight truths, they would lead you to another important fact. You should firmly believe in these eight truths, and believe Allah is the Absolute Truth, and that His Promise is Truth, and that He honors believers and provides for you. You must believe that His Words are Truth; every sintle Word in the Quran is true and right. Believe in meeting Allah and believe that Paradise and Hell are Truths. If you believed in these facts, you would answer an important question: What is the wisdom behind our creation? Allah has willed all these things to be true: Paradise, Hell, Prophets and Muhammad; Allah created the Universe with Truth because people have a great mission in life which is to populate the Earth and make reforms on it with Truth. Almighty God says: “Did you then think that We had created you in jest, and that you would not be returned to Us? High Exalted above all is Allah; the King, the Truth (الحق)…” Allah did not create us frivolously! We do not exist just to eat, drink and marry, then die! The eight facts we tackled lay the foundation for another great fact; each fact of these lead to the next one! We have to believe in those facts, regarding Paradise and Meeting God, so we can understand the purpose behind our creation, which is to populate the earth and make reforms on it with Truth.
God says: “And We did not create the heavens and the Earth and what is between them in play. We did not create them except in Truth…” What is the implication of creating heavens and earth in Truth (Quran 15:85)? They were created to help man populate and reform the Earth with Truth. If you really want to worship God, you must observe the Truth (الحق). If you really want to worship God, you must observe the Truth! If you believe in Paradise, Hell and Prophets, you need to fulfill the purpose of your creation; God says: “Do you then think that We had created you in jest…? High Exalted above all is God, the King, the Truth (الحق).” The truth is that God has created us to accomplish a mission which is to populate and reform Earth.
Listen to the next verse; God says: “O David, We have appointed You Our deputy on Earth, so judge among the people with Truth, and do not follow vain desire, lest it leads you astray from the Way of God…those who go astray from the Way of God, for them awaits a severe chastisement, as they forgot the Day of Reckoning…We have not created…heaven and the Earth and waht is between them in vain.”
Stories of people who adhered to the Truth
The exoneration of a Jew by Muhammad
37:15-41:46
I will tell you some stories about people who adhered to the Truth even in the most difficult situations when the Truth was not in their favor! According to the 8 basic facts, you should live on Earth with Truth. God created Earth and heaven with Truth, and ordered us to observe it too, so we should reform Earth and populate it with Truth, and not spend our life caring only about worldly pleasures! Imagine when God asks you saying: “Did you then think that We had created you in jest, and that you would not be returned to Us?” You will be asked about abiding by the Truth!
Here are some examples of holding to the Truth; God says: “O you who believe! Stand up firmly for justice as witnesses for God even against yourselves or your parents or your near of kin…” Then God says: “So do not follow your lusts, lest you deviate…” “…and do not let detestation of a people move you to be unfair…” Never wrong anyone even if you dislike them! “…be equitable, that is closer to piety.
Consider this example which is amazing: “It is about Muhammad’s stances after the Trench Battle. Some Jews incited the Arab tribes against Prophet Muhammad, namely, Huyay ibn Akhtab with some other Jews. At that time, there were Jews living in Medina. What did Muslims feel then towards those Jews? Muslims’ lives were at stake as 10,000 enemy fighters surrounded Medina! After the Confederates had retreated, the Muslims and Jews in Medina must have held a grudge to each other! What about the Helpers; Al-Aws and Al-Khazraj tribes? Prophet Muhammad was keen to unite them as they were the Helpers who helped and protected Islam.
Listen to the story mentioned in “The Women” Chapter: Prophet Muhammad was on his way back from a battle, accompanied by one of the Helpers, namely, Qatadah. Qatadah’s shield was stolen! Qatadah suspected that the one who had stolen the shield was another Helper, from the Al-Khazraj tribe. Qatadah suspected that man, and kept investigating the matter until he was convinced that man was the thief, Qatadah went to the Prophet Muhammad and told him so-and-so from the tribe of such-and-such had stolen his shield! The thief knew that Qatadah knew what he had done, so he told his family to go to Prophet Muhammad, but after that he had thrown the stolen shield into the house of a Jew! He had to find a way out, at whatever cost! He wanted his family to go to the Prophet to tell him he was innocent and the thief was the Jew who kept the shield in his house!
Muhammad sent someone to search the Jew’s house and they found the shield there! Muhammad stood in the Mosque to declare that the Helper was innocent, and that he had not stolen the shield! Yet God would never let falsehood vanquish the Truth! This very example nullifies all the false claims that Islam is a barbaric religion; this proves Islam does not call for violence, as some claim. At that time, God revealed to the Prophet: “We have revealed to you the Book (Qur’an) in Truth, that you may judge between the people as God has shown you, so do not plead for the treacherous people. Implore the forgiveness of God, God is All-Forgiving, All-Merciful. And do not plead on behalf of those who betray their own souls…” Gabriel told Muhammad that the Jew was innocent! “And do not plead on behalf of those who betray their own souls, surely God does not like him who is a treacherous sinner. They hid their conspiracy from the people, but they cannot hide from God. For He is with them when they hide this saying that does not please Him.” Muhammad stood in the Mosque and cleared the Jew, and declared that the real thief was so-and-so from the tribe of Al-Khazraj. I have never heard of something like this in history! The Muslim State was then facing the threat of the Jews, however, that Jew was publicly exonerated! Can you follow this example in abiding by the Truth?
Umar ibn Abdul-Aziz
41:47-44:31
I am giving such great examples that can benefit individuals so that you can find it easy to do the same in your life. Umar ibn Abdul-Aziz sent a Muslim army to conquer Samarqand. They conquered Samarqand, that is now part of the former USSR. Muslims were very happy to know that and celebrated their victory. The Judge of Samarqand was not a Muslim. He sent a message to Umar saying: “You have strayed from the Truth! Your Prophet said you should not conquer a city except after giving its people 3 days to surrender, yet your army had conquered our land before the 3 days ended!” What did Umar ibn Abdul-Aziz do then? No ruler could afford making such a decision: Umar ibn Abdul-Aziz ordered the Muslim army to leave Samarqand! “…He…Who guides to the Truth is more worthy to be followed…” Umar made such a sacrifice for the sake of Truth; follow his example! It is very hard for any ruler to make such a decision! Muslims were then celebrating their victory, yet Umar ordered the army to retreat from Samarqand!
Muslims are a nation of Truth and cannot be called savages! After the Muslim army had left the city, the people of Samarqand realized these were the manners of followers of Truth so, they embraced Islam! They converted to Islam and served it due to Umar’s abiding by Truth! Can you stick to the Truth like Umar?
Amr Khaled says, “A woman from Quraish stole something, and Usamah ibn Zaid went to intercede on her behalf with the Prophet as she belonged to a noble family. The Prophet’s face flushed out of anger, Usama wished he had adopted Islam only after that situation; he (PBUH) said, “…intercede for somebody in a case related to God’s…punishments?” “By God, if Fatimah, the daughter of Muhammad stole, I would cut off her hand.” “What destroyed the nation preceding you, was that if a noble person among them stole, they would forgive him…if a poor person among them stole, they would inflict God’s punishment on him.””
Amr Khaled explains how to remain steadfast in the Truth as the truth will prevail
44:32-45:57
I will give some other examples on following the Truth explaining how you can love Truth until it becomes the dearest thing to you! I gave examples on abiding by Truth, even if against your personal interests. Now we will see how to remain steadfast and never give up the Truth.
Muhammad was tempted to give up Islam
The infidels offered to give Muhammad whatever he wanted to give up Islam, but he remained steadfast as he was on the side of Truth. You should follow Muhammad’s example in your work place and at home with your family, and even when it comes to serving Islam! Muhammad said: “O my uncle! By God if they put the Sun in my right hand and the Moon in my left…” He (PBUH) could not give up Islam for anything in the world! “…if they put the Sun in my right hand and the Moon in my left, on condition that I abandon this course, until God has made it victorious or I perish therein, I would not abandon it.” Prophet Muhammad wept because he wanted someone to encourage him! Then God revealed to him the verses: “So put your trut in God, indeed you are on the manifest Truth.” Fear nothing as long as you are on the side of the Truth! Never fear anyone as long as you adhere to the Truth! “So put your trust in God, indeed you are on the manifest Truth!
The example of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal
45:58-48:08
Consider the example of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal when he was once wronged; he was harmed though he was defending the Truth. One of Imam Ahamad’s friends advised him to give up his principles so he could spare himself and his family the problems they suffered. Imam Ahmad could not act upon that advice and pitied his friend who was ignorant of the importance of defending the Truth. Imam Ahmad was taken to be lashed. On his way Imam Ahmad invoked God saying that he did not fear death as if he died, he would be a martyr. He did not even fear being imprisoned; being in prison or at home made no big difference to him! Imam Ahmad was mainly worried about being lashed. Imam Ahmad was taken to be lashed; he dreaded being lashed, but did not want to give up the Truth! Imam Ahmad was a true believer; he had strong Faith, hoping for Paradise! So God sent him a Sign that helped him remain steadfast. That Sign came through one of the prisoners; a thief. Fear showed on Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal’s face; Imam Ahmad encountered the thief who was used to being lashed and imprisoned. The thief knew that Imam Ahmad was afraid of being lashed, so he told him to remain steadfast, defending the Truth, so he would either live with honor or die as a martyr! The thief’s words strengthened Imam Ahmad and supported him! Do not be afraid to stick to the Truth or to defend it.
The example the non-Muslim Winston Churchill
I would like to conclude saying one thing: Truth must prevail in the end, simply because God is the Absolute Truth! God has entrusted us with reforming the Earth with Truth! God has willed the Truth to prevail in His Universe. This is an established fact! God has established Truth in the heavens and Earth; falsehood may prevail sometimes, but not forever!
Prophet Muhammad conquered Mecca 23 years after being forced to leave it! In Badr Battle, he (PBUH) addressed Utbah and Shaiba, sons of Rabi’ah, and said: “O Utbah ibn Rab’ah, O Shaiba ibn Rabi’ah, O Walid, O Umar ibn Hisham! Have you found what God has promised you true? I have found what God has promised me true. The Truth will be victorious sooner or later! “…We hurl the true against the false…it does break its head..It vanishes.” Are not the words of God truthful? This verse was revealed by God, “…We hurl the true against the false…it does break its head and…It vanishes.” This is as strong as shooting someone in the head! “…We hurl the true against the false…it does break its head and lo! It vanishes.” “And say, ‘Truth has come and falsehood has vanished, indeed falsehood is bound to vanish’.” If you truly believe in these words of God, believe that falsehood is transient; falsehood can prevail for years! Lying or cheating may help one and betraying your spouse can help you, but not forever, for the truth will prevail sooner or later and it must prevail in the end, for God is the Absolute Truth! Believe in this fact! So, falsehood is doomed, but this is conditional on something: “And say, ‘Truth has come and falsehood has vanished…” For falsehood to be defeated, the truth must prevail first! So people must advocate the Truth, for it cannot come on its own! The Truth requires true believers, men and women, to champion it! “And say, ‘Truth has come and falsehood has vanished…” This verse implies something serious: falsehood is doomed to be defeated, even if the truth does not prevail, but it will be just replaced by another form of falsehood! Falsehood cannot stand the test of time; “…falsehood is bound to vanish’.” However a falsity may vanish just to be replaced by another falsity and only the coming of Truth can put an end to this vicious circle!
Let me conclude with a beautiful verse and today’s practical task is to contemplate on this verse! This verse should reassure you that Truth will prevail! It is a verse in “The Thunder” Chapter! This verse includes some Signs in the Universe, this Qur’anic example is found in real life! Actually, it is an example about water and fire; it is more of an analogy between truth and falsehood on the one hand and water and fire on the other, denoting tht truth is bound to prevail and falsehood, strong and prevalent as it may seem, is doomed to end! The verse reads: “God sends down water from the sky…” This is a symbol of Good and Truth; “God sends down water from the sky so that the rivers flow according to their measure.” Still, all this refers to Truth and good! “…the rivers flow according to their measure.” So the rain water falling from the sky stands for Truth and good! “The torrent bears away an increasing foam…” [Quran 13:17]. You usually find foam carrying scum on the surface of a torrent this represents falsehood and evil! However, these float on the surface of water; see what I mean? Have you ever regarded this verse this way? It is in “The Thunder” Chapter, verse 17. “God sends down water from the sky…rivers flow according to their measure.” “The torrent bears away an increasing foam…” [Quran 13:17] So, such foam carrying scum is always on the surface! You must have seen such foam and scum on the surfae of water! “The torren bears away an increasing foam…” God goes on saying “Thus does God compare truth and falsehood…” The rain water in this verse stands for Truth; “…as for the foam it vanishes and that which is good for the people remains on the earth” [Quran 13:17].” I skipped that part in the middle of the verse…”God sends down water from the sky so that the rivers flow according their measure. The torren bears away an increasing foam, and out of that which they melt over the fire for making ornaments…” What does this imply? “…out of that which they melt over the fire for making ornaments…” To rid gold of impurities, it must be melted first. During the melting process, impurities float to surface just as the foam and scum float on the water surface! This is the norm of life; the truth is not always noticed like falsehood! The Truth may remain unnoticed and one may think it has vanished, but this is not true! Conversely, falsehood may seem to be prevailing, but this is not true; “…as for the foam it vanishes…” After you get pure gold, you will get rid of impurities. You just need pure gold or real pearls, not the impurities! The Truth is like gold or pearls!
55:00-56:31
This verse implies such Signs in the Universe help us discern Truth and falsity. “God is the One Who created the heavens and the earth in Truth (Quran 15:85).”
We should derive lessons from this verse: “…as for the foam it vanishes and that which is good…remains on the earth” [Quran 13:17]. Colonialism and Communism have been vanquished!
“…as for the foam it vanishes and that which is good…remains on the earth” [Quran 13:17]. Should we not feel reassured by this verse? Doomsday will come when there will be Truth no more! The Truth will exist till Doomsday; “The Inevitable Truth! What is the Inevitable Truth?” Let’s agree on something in the end; I have already told you this in the beginning. Love the Truth because God is the Absolute truth! Live by the Truth! Tell the truth! Never hide the Truth! Die defending the Truth! As of now, never sacrifice the Truth for personal interests! Never give precedence to your personal interests over Truth! Live by God’s Name, the Absolute Truth, and love God, the Absolute Truth! Love the Truth whole-heartedly, simply because God is the Absolute Truth! Do not spread corruption and falsehood on Earth; “God…created the heavens and the Earth in Truth.” Those living by the Truth should know it will have the upper hand in the end! “Say: ‘The Truth has come…falsehood shall perish and never return” [Quran 17:81].”
In the end, I ask God to forgive us all! Time for prayer; say, “Amen”.
Is Islam True? Is the Quran the True Word of God?
Amr Khaled said in this lecture, “If you abide by falsehood…you will be far from God, the Absolute Truth…Prophets are Truth who believed Muhammad would be the last Prophet, so he is Truth”. Is this true? How does Amr Khaled know that true Prophets believed in Muhammad? How does Amr Khaled know true Prophets believed Muhammad would be the last Prophet? This testimony may have come from Muhammad’s mouth, but it was not the testimony of biblical Prophets.
A careful study of the Quran and hadiths reveals that Muhammad could not be a true Prophet because he falsified previous Scripture and what true Prophets revealed about the Absolute Truth (Isaiah 8:20).
Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?”
But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.”
“Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy.
What do you think?” “He is worthy of death,” they answered.
Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him
and said, “Prophesy to us, Christ. Who hit you?” (Matthew Chapter 26 verses 62-68)
Muslims abide by falsehood because they reject Jesus’ sworn testimony which lead to His death on the cross. How can Muhammad be a true prophet of God when the Quran and Muslims rejects the testimony of Jesus and His death on the cross?
Jesus is the Truth (John 14:6), and He is now alive (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Those who believe in Him will inherit eternal life (John 5:24).
Posts you may be interested in:
Jesus Believed the Bible was Truth. Shouldn’t you?
References for the Beautiful Name: Al-Haqq
The Truth, The Reality, The Just and Correct, The Truly Existing
ArtHafez.com – Arabic calligraphy with 99 beautiful names
David B. Burrell, “Truth”, Encyclopaedia of the Qurʾān. General Editor: Jane Dammen McAuliffe . Brill [Leiden and Boston], 2005. CD-ROM version
References
