Tawhid (Monotheism)

A useful episode about the name of Allah Al-Jabbar (the compeller). This name was mentioned in the Quran one time, in surat Al-Hashr. This name is derived from the root “jabara” which linguistically has two meanings. The first is to force someone or something to do something. The other is to mend a broken bone or save someone from poverty. The name Al-Jabbar linguistically means arrogant and proud. Afterwards he shows the meaning of this name in relation to Allah and the effects of believing in this name.

An interesting episode in English in which Sh. Bilal Philips shows the meaning of Allah’s name Al-‘Aziz (the Mighty) which is one of the most indicated Allah’s Names in the Quran. It is often mentioned with other names such as Ar-Raheem (the Most Merciful) and Al-Hakeem (the All-Wise). This name is derived from izza (power, strengthen, and dominance) and refers that Allah is able to take revenge on the wrongdoers and they cannot reply him. It also refers that Allah could not be forced to do something. We learn from this Name that we should trust in Allah, be certain that he is able to answer our supplications, seek strength from him only as He says, “Whosoever desires honor, power and glory, then to Allah belong all honor, power and glory…” and forgive all people while we are able to take revenge on them as the Prophet (peace be upon him) did with those who hurt him and tortured his companions even they tried to kill him.

An interesting episode in English in which Sh. Bilal Philips explains Allah’s name Al-Muhaimen (the Guardian). He shows that this name means the Guardian and the Supreme Witness Who watches over all that takes place in His creation so this meaning leads us to reflect on our thoughts, deeds and words. When we do the righteous deeds, Allah will guard us from evils through his mercy. Afterwards Sh. Bilal gives us an effective remedy against the evil thoughts which lead us to commit what Allah forbids.

An interesting episode in English in which Sh. Bilal Philips shows the meaning of Allah’s name Al-Mo’men (the Granter of Security) and its impacts on the universe. He pays our attention that Allah confirms in his Book that he would never oppress any person. So we should believe in Allah’s justice and wisdom. Also, Sh. Bilal refers to the rights of the neighbor and that we should provide him with security as the Prophet taught us. Finally, he relates a story concerning this moral.

An interesting episode in English in which Sh. Bilal Philips shows the meaning of Allah’s name "As-Salaam" (the Bestower of Peace) which means to free Allah from any defect and to know that Allah is the source of security and safety. So the believer trusts in Allah’s promise and as a result, he lives in this world while being sure that Allah will reward him for abiding by His law. Afterwards Sh. Bilal gives some points about Islamic greeting.

An interesting episode in English in which Sh. Bilal Philips shows the meaning of Allah’s name "Al-Quddoos" (the Holy) which means the one who is perfectly free from deficiency and holy in all aspects. So we reject all qualities which are unsuitable for Allah such as resting mentioned in Genesis (2:2) or repentance mentioned in Exodus (32:14). Also, we reject the claims of those who say that Allah’s law is backward and unsuitable for our times. Afterwards Sh. Bilal shows that Allah did not create us aimlessly but He is the All-Wise.

A wonderful series of lectures in English delivered by Sh. Bilal Philips in which he explains the beautiful names of Allah. He tries to pay Muslims’ attention to the importance of understanding them correctly. This explanation is simply presented to help Muslims apply them in their life.

In this episode, Sh. Bilal Philips explains three Names of Allah i.e. Al-Malek (the Sovereign Lord), Al-Maalek (the Owner), and Al-Maleek (the King), and shows the linguistic difference between them. Although there is a linguistic difference but this is only applicable to the human qualities not the Attributes of Allah. Afterwards he gives answer to a frequently asked question i.e. why is there evil in the world although Allah doesn’t like evil?

In this episode, Sh. Bilal Philips resumes talking about rules by which we abide during studying Allah’s Names. Afterwards he explains the issue of the greatest Name of Allah and shows opinions of the scholars, as Ibn Taymeya and Ibn Al-Qayyim, about this issue.

Definition of Tawhīd al-’Ulūhiyyah and if it has another name

The universe around you with its wonders, the sun, the moon, stars, mountains, seas, trees, etc., did not come to existence by chance. Every single atom of it leads us to the realization of a Loving, Merciful and All- Powerful Creator. Without the Creator, nothing can exist. Every single soul knows that he is existing and that his existence is dependent upon a Creator.

In this episode, Dr. Abdullah Hakim Quick explained the importance of the monotheism doctrine which is to believe in the oneness of Allah. He also shows the importance of paying zakah and purifying one's wealth.

This is one of the best talks on the subject of Tawheed (Islamic Monotheism) and ranks high in authenticity. Till date it has gone through various publications; and had been the means for guidance of the millions of people throughout the world; by taking them out of the darkness of polytheism and error, a must watch lecture.

In this episode, Sh. Bilal Philips mentions some impacts of Allah’s mercy as sending Prophets and Books, Paradise and rain. Some people confirm that it is wrong to describe Allah as the Beneficent or the Most-Merciful and they do that based on invalid deductions away from the clear message of Islam. Afterwards Sh. Bilal gives some methods through which we receive Allah’s mercy and confirms that one of them is to show mercy to people because Allah will not show mercy to one who doesn’t show mercy to people.

In this interesting episode, Sh. Bilal Philips gives answer to a frequently asked question i.e. we know that Allah is the Beneficent, the Most-Merciful and his mercy conquers his anger but why some people will remain in Hell forever? Afterwards Shaikh Bilal mentions some issues refer to Allah’s mercy. Finally, He advises people not to remember Allah fast but in a careful way to reflect the great meanings of Adhkaar (supplication).

In this episode, Sh. Bilal Philips explains two Names of Allah i.e. Arrahmaan (the Beneficent) and Arraheem (the Most-Merciful) because of the fact that they come from the same root and carry the same meaning. He shows that according to the Quran and the Sunnah.

In this series, Sh. Bilal Philips explains two Hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad which begin with the word Allahummah. The first Hadith is concerned with seeking Allah’s forgiveness, which is called “The master form of repentance.” The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "The most superior request for forgiveness is to say, 'O Allah, You are my Lord. There is no god beside You. You created me and I am Your servant following Your covenant and my promise to You as much as I can. I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done. Before You, I acknowledge Your blessings bestowed upon me and I confess my sins to You so forgive me, for indeed no one forgives sins beside You." The second Hadith is called “The prayer for seeking good”. Jabir ibn Abdillah (one of the companions of the Prophet) shows that the Prophet used to teach them this payer for seeking good in all of their affairs the way he used to teach a chapter from the Quran. The Prophet says, "If any of you decide on a matter, he should pray two units of voluntary prayer then he should say this supplication, "O Allah, I seek Your guidance to what is good for me because of Your infinite knowledge, I seek Your help because of Your infinite power and I ask You from Your infinite grace for surely You are able and I am not and You know and I do not and You alone know the unseen. O Allah, if You know that this affair – and this is where you will mention the name of it – is favorable for my religion, my livelihood, and my aftermath of my affairs then decree it for me, make it easy for me, and bless me in it but if You know that this affair is harmful for my religion, my livelihood, and the aftermath of my affairs then turn it away from me and turn me away from it, and decree for me what is better wherever it may be and make me content with it."

In this episode, Sh. Bilal Philips resumes his speech about the supplications and adhkaar which begin with basmalah or saying Allahummah such as saying basmalah before intercourse and saying some supplications which begin with the word Allahummah before sleeping or when we visit the sick people. At the end of this episode, Shaikh Bilal simply explains a hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). The Prophet said, "O Allah! I seek refuge in You from a heart which doesn’t fear you, from a prayer which will not be heard, from soul which never satisfied and from knowledge which has no benefit."

In this episode, Sh. Bilal Philips resumes his speech about the supplications and adhkaar which begin with basmalah or saying Allahummah. Afterwards he mentions some supplications which protect the Muslim from the devils and shows that we have to abide by the Prophet’s way concerning this issue and not to listen to other’s thoughts and experiments such as treating the possessed with beating or other methods which are not stated in the Quraan nor the Sunnah. He also confirms that not all what the Muslim suffers are stemmed from the devils or envy, but it maybe due to physiological reasons. So the Muslim ought not to always think that he is possessed or envied.

In this episode, Sh. Bilal Philips resumes his explaining of the meaning of the greatest Name of Allah and shows the root of the word "Allah". He also shows that the Prophet (peace be upon him) always urged and encouraged his companions to remember Allah through the day-to-day supplications and adhkaar (remembrance of Allah).