Know the Qur’an
Iman and Islam are being contrasted and the internal
nature of iman is juxtaposed against the external nature
of Islam. The reader has to appreciate the internal
consistency of the terms used in the Qur’an. In this
section, the ayah is referring to people who had accepted
Islam because it was becoming fashionable to do so after
the treaty of Hudaybiyya and the conquest of Makka
Mukarrama. Iman had not yet entered the hearts of these
converts. Thus, Allah instructs them on the difference
between iman and Islam.
We believe that every word and every letter in the
Qur’an has been divinely chosen and eternally placed by
Allah. Now, let’s observe an interesting Quranic point: as
mentioned previously, the opposite of iman and Islam is
the same: kufr. Notice the contrast made in the following
ayahs:
First iman: That is because they believed (iman) and then
disbelieved (kufr) (63:3).
Then, Islam: And who is a greater wrongdoer than he who
attributes falsehoods to Allah when he is being invited to Islam?
(61:7-8).
Now, let us turn our attention to an age-old polemic in
Islamic theology. Does iman increase and decrease? Is
iman only in the heart or in our actions as well? A majority
of scholars say that iman fluctuates and that it dwells
both in the heart and in the action. However, Imam Abu
Hanifa’s opinion is that iman does not fluctuate nor does
it dwell in our actions,; it is only an affirmation from the
heart. Why would Imam Abu Hanifa hold a most unpopular
opinion especially when the proof that iman fluctuates is
explicit in the Qur’an. For example:
Whenever a chapter is revealed, some of them say, “Which
of you has this increased in iman?” As for those who
believe: it increases them in faith and they rejoice (9:124).
We have appointed only angels to be wardens of the Fire
and caused their number to be a stumbling block for those
who disbelieve; so that those given the Scripture may attain
certainty; and those who believe may increase in faith...
(74:31).
And when Abraham said, “My Lord, show me how You give
life to the dead.” He said, “Have you not believed?” He said,
“Yes, but to put my heart at ease…” (2: 260).
These and many other ayahs clearly prove that the iman
does, indeed, fluctuate. If the proof is so self-evident,
why does Imam Abu Hanifa claim that iman does not
fluctuate? To understand the answer to this question is to
It is important to
remember that Imam
Abu Hanifa was a jurist,
and that jurists always
base their opinion on
the zahir (outward).
understand the profound nature of the Quran, but also to
see the excellence of Imam Abu Hanifa and his proficiency
over the language of Qur’an.
It is important to remember that Imam Abu Hanifa was
a jurist, and that jurists always base their opinion on the
zahir (outward). Let us clarify this point. If someone
converts to Islam and declares the testimony of faith, he
will be considered a believer from an Islamic standpoint,
even if he converts out of subterfuge. In the court of
law, a judgment is based on the outward and not on the
condition of the heart. Furthermore, such a person can
marry a Muslimah and be a recipient of zakat. He might
be a hypocrite by every definition of the word, but a court
of law does not handle any legal case on the basis of the
condition of the heart.
From a legal perspective, iman and Islam are one and the
same. Islam neither increases nor decreases because it
follows the all-or-none principle: one either has it or he
does not. Imam Abu Hanifa was a jurist who knew the
depth of Arabic language and understood the synonymous
nature of iman and Islam. So, iman in the court of law, is
Islam. Here is another example:
“Thus, We made you a moderate community so, that you
may be witnesses to humanity, and that the Messenger may
be a witness to you. We only established the qibla, which
you once followed in order that We may distinguish those
who follow the Messenger from those who turn on their
heels. It is indeed difficult, except for those whom Allah has
guided. But Allah would never have caused you to lose your
faith (salat). Allah is Kind towards the people, Merciful”
(2:143).
continued on page 29
22 January - February 2020 | AL-MADINAH