Renew the Self Course - Week 1
Asad Jafri
Online Course
Speaker: Asad Jafri
Nov. 22, 2021
Begin with the end in mind.
(Quran 23:115 on slide) → gonna talk about this verse.
“Did you think that We had created you for a playful purpose and that you were not to return to Us?"
How can parts of the whole have their respective objectives, but the whole be void of purpose?
Look at the human body. Ever part of a human has its own purpose/role to play (kidney, leg, etc.), but does that mean that the human itself is purposeless? Are we, as a creation of Allah (swt), purposeless?
Belief in the Wisdom of Allah (swt) and attention towards the purpose of the various parts of man, imparts a firm conviction to us that there exists a great significance behind the creation of man
Allah (swt) won’t create someone/something and it not having a purpose; that would give Him a deficiency.
“Can God create a rock even He can’t move?” It’s not the issue of CAN He, but an issue of WOULD He.
God will not create anything without a purpose.
Key Points
Every good thing, it can be said, is backed by existence, while every evil is “backed” by non-existence - the giving-nature necessitates creation.
To give when you can is generous. To not give when you should be giving is stinginess.
If you’re able to give life to something, you’ve done it good.
A blank canvas is meant to be drawn on. If you paint something on it. you gave life to that canvas. You gave it existence - goodness.
Knowledge is good, existence of knowledge; ignorance is evil.
Existence = good; non-existence = evil.
It’s impossible that Allah (swt) exists without His attributes. He is merciful, but He will never exist without being merciful.
When Allah (swt) is able to give and show mercy, he has to give graciously. It’s not possible for Him to be stingy. Same with creation - if He’s able to create, He will. Why did He create us? His giving, creating nature necessitates that. When you combine Him being a creator, gracious, having wisdom, etc., we can’t attribute Him without any of his attributes. He graces us with His creation.
Therefore, if we are asked, “Why does Allah (swt) create?” we will reply that “because He is Allah.” Therefore, the cause for His creating is Himself. All His attributes are included.
It is clear that the perfection that man obtains with his own free will is loftier than that given to the angels.
He doesn’t make “mistakes” in His creation, unless with a condition.
The purpose given to the human being is far greater than that of the angels (Surah Baqara, verse 28 onwards? almizan.org → “I know what you do not” to angels).
Everything returns to Him (verse 5:105) → look at translation
Believers, save your own souls, for if you have the right guidance, no one who strays can harm you. You will all return to God who will tell you about what you have done.
“Adhere to yourselves”
Allah (swt) is telling us to take care of ourselves; don’t wait for others to come and save the day.
Continues to say that the misguided people can’t hurt you; just keep looking after your own self.
Deviation & guidance denotes ONE reality: The path!
You measure someone’s guidance/deviation based on one path, not multiple paths
An unavoidable return to Him.
The focus should be on our individual path and not be consumed with others.
Don’t pull someone out of poverty just for you to be pulled into poverty; don’t help someone through their anxiety at the cost of your own mental health; need to be a balance.
To help others through their spirituality, you yourself need to be spiritual.
Three things to reflect/improve upon: (for next time)
Salaat (take the time to stand in front of Allah (swt) in peace.
Quran (50-5-1 ration - 50 verses read, 5 translation, implement one.)
Get to the point where reading 50 verses isn’t a daunting task for us.
Gratitude (say Alhamdulillah to small, everyday things. Practice.)