The excuse of Iblis (not to prostrate to Adam) is false, because he used analogy to refute a command. This is why some of the predecessors said: the first who used analogy is Iblils, and the sun and moon were not worshipped except by applying analogies.
The analogy of iblis is false for five reasons:
Iblis refused to prostrate to Adam and expressed his reason as mentioned in Quran:
(Allâh) said: "What prevented you (O Iblîs) that you did not prostrate yourself, when I commanded you?" Iblîs said: "I am better than him (Adam), You created me from fire, and him You created from clay." [al-aaraf 12]
The excuse of Iblis (not to prostrate to Adam) is false, because he used analogy to refute a command. This is why some of the predecessors said: the first who used analogy is Iblils, and the sun and moon were not worshipped except by applying analogies.
The analogy of iblis is false for five reasons:
One
He claimed that Fire is better than Clay, which is not necessarily true. In fact, clay is characterized by being stable, rigid, calm and so on, whereas fire is characterized by being dynamic, whimsical, quick reaction, etc. also, clay contains water and soil.
Second
Even if fire were better than clay, it is not necessary that whatever is created from a better ingredient must be better. For the outcome of something might enjoy features not present in the original. For example, this soil produce animals, minerals and trees which is better than this soil. Argument of preference based on origin is fallible started by Iblis, and it is the argument of those who feel proud of their blue blood. The Prophet –peace be upon him- said: “Those who fall short because of their (wrong) deeds will never reach destination because of their (prestigious) origin” [Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, Ahmad by Abu Hurairah]
Third
Even if he (Adam) was created from clay, he got high rank because of the holy blow from God. This is why Allah says
So when I have fashioned him and breathed into him (his) soul created by Me, then you fall down prostrate to him." [Saad, 72]
In this verse the prostration was tied with this holy breathe, and this is the criteria of excellence (and not just creation from clay) which Iblis do not enjoy.
Fourth
Adam is created by the Hands of Allah, as in the following verse:
(Allâh) said: "O Iblîs (Satan)! What prevents you from prostrating yourself to one whom I have created with Both My Hands. [Saad 75]
Also, this verse is similar to the Athar narrated (whithout chain to the Prophet) where Abdullah ibn Amro narrates, that the angels said: “O our Lord, you have give the son of Adam this world, they enjoy eating, drinking, wearing clothes and getting married, so grant us the world hereafter, as you granted son of Adam this world”, Allah said: “No, I will not do that”, then the angels repeated the request. Allah said “I will not do it”, the angels repeated the third time, Allah said “Swearing by my Excellence, I will never make the noble among those whom I created by my hand, similar in rank with those whom I created by uttering : “Be” and they were”.
Fifth
Even if –for the sake of argument- Iblis was better, it is not unusual to alleviate the rank of the better over the good.
source: Fatawa vol. 15 page. 5
Filter
No comments...
Write Comment
Please keep the topic of messages relevant to the subject of the article.
Personal verbal attacks will be deleted.
Please don't use comments to plug your web site.. Such material will be removed
Do not become weak (against your enemy), nor be sad, and you will be superior (in victory) if you are indeed (true) believers. [Quran aal-Imran (3):139]
Garden of Ibn Taymiyyah