RP - Islamic beliefs

Question 1

Shirk paradox

Answer 1

Allah’s nature/essence cannot be known, describing Allah using empirical terms (99 Names) commits shirk, Quran commits shirk.

Question 2

“World effects” reply to shirk paradox

Answer 2

We cannot know the essence of Allah as the cause of all beings, however we can see the multiple effects in the world, and these correspond to the via negativa statements from the Quran. Muslims realise he is beyond these anthropomorphic statements, otherwise conflation arises.

Question 3

“Exception” reply to shirk paradox

Answer 3

99 names are God given exceptions, they are given by Allah via special revelation

Question 4

“Analogous” reply to shirk paradox

Answer 4

99 names cannot be understood literally, instead they are analogous/metaphorical names a Muslim can use when talking about Allah in a modified via positiva way

Question 5

2 differing beliefs regarding life after death

Answer 5

Some Muslims follow a hadith suggesting Yawmuddin includes crossing the Bridge of Siraat, those who fail the 7 tests fall to Jahannam. “We shall set up just scales…Actions as small as a grain of mustard seed will be weighed out”.
Sufis would stress Allah’s mercy over justice, those who repent will be raise from Jahannam to Jannah.

Question 6

Predestination paradox

Answer 6

Allah = transcendent/eternal/timeless. He has omniscient knowledge of the past/present/future and knows all future decisions. Muslims believe the soul is free to make decision, Yawmuddin judges us upon our souls. If Allah knows the future, we are not free to make our own decision, and therefore we are rewarded/punished unjustly/unbenevolently in Yawmuddin

Question 7

Predestination paradox replies

Answer 7

Some Muslims deny free will, state all actions are caused by Allah’s omniscience and omnipotence.
Al Ghazali - Allah’s omniscience/foreknowledge does not cause the future, it is not casually determinative. He sees all at once but His omniscience is not at odds, but 2 different perspectives of reality - Allah’s power sustains humanity (Rabb) and his power is a necessary condition which provides humans with rational nature to freely choose between right/wrong. Allah’s power and free will co-operate, but do not compete.