Tawheed Lesson 05 (Men) – The Jaʾiz of Allah, Qidam & Baqa, and the Reality of Contingent Existence This lesson continues the systematic study of the core attributes of Allah in classical Sunni theology, building upon the thirteen attributes previously discussed. The focus of this session begins with the Jaʾiz fi Haqqihi Taʿala — the one thing that is conceivable regarding Allah: the ability to create or not create any possible thing (mumkin). Creation is not obligatory upon Allah, nor impossible for Him; rather, it exists purely by His will. Understanding this distinction prevents subtle theological errors where people unknowingly judge divine actions according to human preference or reasoning. The lesson emphasises that true belief in Allah requires clarity about three categories in theology:• Wājib – what is necessary for Allah• Mustahīl – what is impossible for Allah• Jaʾiz – what is conceivable for Allah Without grounding in these principles, a person may fall into mistaken assumptions about how creation “should” be. The discussion then revisits several essential attributes in greater depth: Wujūd (Existence) – Allah’s existence is affirmed through both revelation and reason. The constant change observed throughout creation points to a creator who brings things into existence from non-existence. The universe itself becomes a rational proof that existence cannot arise independently. Qidam (Pre-Eternity) – Allah has no beginning. If He had a beginning, it would imply something created Him. This leads to two impossible logical scenarios rejected by reason:• Dawr – circular causation (A creates B and B creates A)• Tasalsul – infinite regress of creators with no first cause Both ideas collapse under rational analysis, affirming that the Creator must be without beginning. Baqa (Everlastingness) – Allah’s existence has no end. Negating Baqa would undermine Qidam, since something that can perish cannot truly be pre-eternal. The scholars distinguish between Allah’s true eternal existence and things that continue by His will alone. The lesson introduces the concept of Baqa ʿĀriḍī (derivative permanence) — things that endure because Allah wills their preservation. Among those mentioned are Paradise, Hell, the Divine Throne, the Preserved Tablet, the Pen, the Kursi, the human soul, the ʿajb al-dhanab (the subtle seed from which humans are resurrected), and the preserved bodies of the prophets. Another major topic explored is Mukhalafatu Taʿala lil-Hawadith — the absolute dissimilarity between Allah and creation. To safeguard correct belief, ten misconceptions are explicitly negated, including the idea that Allah occupies space, possesses physical dimensions, exists within time, or resembles created attributes. The lesson concludes with a deeper reflection on the purpose of studying Tawheed. The attributes of Allah are not meant to remain abstract theological concepts; they are meant to transform the believer’s understanding of reality. Through contemplation and reflection, one begins to realise the difference between Wājib al-Wujūd (the Necessary Existent) and Jaʾiz al-Wujūd (contingent existence). Recognising that one’s own existence is dependent and powerless leads to humility, gratitude, and sincere worship. True faith emerges when the knowledge of Tawheed moves beyond intellectual understanding and becomes an internal realisation that shapes one’s consciousness, actions, and relationship with Allah. This session therefore bridges formal theological doctrine with spiritual awareness — showing how reflection upon the divine attributes awakens humility, dependence upon Allah, and sincere devotion.
