:: 'what Allah, then so and so, willed' ::

by Lives of the Salaf on Tuesday, 21 December 2010 at 00:49

It is forbidden to say the following expressions:

Had it not been for Allah and you!, I have no one but Allah and you!, I begin in the name of Allah and your name! etc.

Narrated Hudhayfah: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: do not say: "what Allah wills and so and so wills," but say: "what Allah wills and afterwards so and so wills. (Sunan Abudawud Book #41, Hadith #4962)

Scholars say: it is permissible to say, "Had it not been for Allah then so and so". But, "Had it not been for Allah and so and so", is not permissible to be said.

What is the difference between "and" and "then" in these expressions?

The conjunction "and" suggests comparison and equality. So, one who says: "What Allah and you willed", compares the Will of Allah and the will of the slave, and puts them on equal terms.

Whereas, he conjunction "then" suggests subordination and following. So, one who says: "What Allah then you willed" , he declares that the will of the slave is subordinate to and follow the Will of Allah Almighty. Almighty Allah says in His Glorious Qur'an,

But ye will not, except as Allah wills; for Allah is full of Knowledge and Wisdom.
( سورة الإنسان , Al-Insan, Chapter #76, Verse #30)

W'salam,

Khadijah C.