Season Finale! Believing in the Unseen with Dr. Omar Suleiman
Mar 1, 2023
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Dr. Omar Suleiman, an expert in Islamic studies and theology, discusses the concept of the Unseen in Islam, the challenges it poses, and the rewards of belief without seeing. They explore the intersection of science and religion, Muslims' fascination with angels, and how to address doubts about the Unseen for children. The podcast also includes rapid-fire questions and reflections on wisdom, exposure to Islam, and the Palestinian cause.
Believing in the unseen requires trust in Allah and His Messenger and acting in accordance with it, even if not fully comprehended.
Trusting in Allah's wisdom and reliability allows believers to hold steadfast in their belief in the unseen.
Deep dives
The Importance of Believing in the Unseen
Believing in the unseen is a key aspect of Islam. It refers to everything that is unseen but commanded to be believed in. The story of Prophet Ibrahim's request to see the dead being brought back to life highlights the desire for a stronger level of faith and certainty. The unseen encompasses knowledge known only to Allah, such as angels, the afterlife, and predestination. Trusting in Allah and His Messenger involves acting in accordance with the unseen, even if it is not fully comprehended.
The Challenge of Connecting with the Unseen
In today's world, people are often consumed by immediate and visible concerns, making it challenging to connect with the unseen. The focus on immediate gratification and the reliance on tangible evidence can hinder belief in the unseen. However, sincere pursuit of truth and disciplined intellectual inquiry can help bridge this gap. Islam encourages a balance between using one's intellect to explore the rational proofs of faith while recognizing the limits of human understanding. Trusting in Allah and acknowledging His authority over the seen and the unseen can provide a sense of peace and certainty.
The Role of Faith and Certainty in Believing in the Unseen
Believing in the unseen requires faith and certainty. The Prophet Muhammad's companions, who witnessed his miracles and lived during his time, faced challenges of faith and uncertainty. However, the Prophet recognized the greater reward for those who believed in him without seeing him. Faith without direct observation is seen as a greater act because it requires trust in the source and the messenger. While intellectual inquiry is welcomed in Islam to strengthen faith, there is a recognition that one's perception and understanding have limits. Trusting in Allah's wisdom and reliability allows believers to hold steadfast in their belief in the unseen.
Helping Children Appreciate the Unseen
When guiding children to appreciate the unseen, it can be helpful to emphasize the concepts of trust and reliance on Allah. Comparing trust in the unseen to trust in scientific knowledge can provide a relatable analogy for children. Connecting them to the natural world and the signs of Allah's creation can also make the unseen more tangible. Limiting screen time and engaging children in reading books can help them develop their imagination and intellectual inquiry. By fostering an understanding of Allah's presence and the role of angels, children can develop a stronger appreciation for the unseen.
In Surat al-Hujurat verse 18, Allah (SWT) says: “Surely Allah knows the Unseen of the heavens and earth. And Allah is All-Seeing of what you do.” Al-Ghaib, or the Unseen, refers to knowledge that is only known to Allah, such as knowledge about the angels and jinn, heaven and hell, and fate and predestination.
Why do we struggle to connect with and be motivated by the Unseen? Can we prove the existence of the Unseen? How can connecting with the Unseen world help us come closer to God?
Join host Mohamad Zaoud for the season four finale of DoubleTake with Dr. Omar Suleiman, founder of Yaqeen Institute.