Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyya on Divine Wisdom and The Problem of Evil pdf download

Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyya on Divine Wisdom and The Problem of Evil – Translated by Tallal M. Zeni

Qayyim al-Jawziyya on Divine Wisdom and the Problem of Evil:

Introduction

Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya (1292-1350) was a renowned theologian, jurist, and Sufi mystic. He is one of the most influential Islamic scholars of all time, and his writings have been studied and debated for centuries. In his book, Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya On Divine Wisdom and the Problem of Evil, he addresses why evil exists in the world. He argues that evil is not an absolute but rather a relative concept. What we perceive as evil is often simply a lack of good. For example, poverty is not evil in itself but can be a source of evil if it leads to people committing crimes or becoming destitute.

The Wisdom of God

Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya argues that God is all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-good. He also argues that God has created the world with a purpose. Therefore, everything that happens in the world must be for a good reason, even if we cannot see it. He says that God’s wisdom is beyond our understanding and that we should trust in His goodness.

The Problem of Evil

One of the most challenging questions is why God allows evil to exist. Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya offers several possible answers to this question. He says that evil can be a test for humans. It can help us to grow in faith and patience. Evil can also be a punishment for sin. It can also be a way for God to show us His mercy. He says that God allows evil to exist to bring about more good ultimately.

Conclusion

Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya’s book is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the problem of evil. He offers a number of arguments that can help us to understand why evil exists, and how we can cope with it. His book is a valuable resource for anyone who has ever struggled with the question of why God allows evil to happen.

Here are some additional thoughts on the book:

• Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya’s book is a classic of Islamic thought and still relevant today. His arguments are insightful and thought-provoking, and they can help us to understand the problem of evil in a new way.
• The book is not easy, but it is worth the effort. It is a challenging and rewarding book that can help us to grow in our understanding of God and His creation.
• I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the problem of evil. It is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand why evil exists, and how we can cope with it.

Here is a brief overview of some of the books by Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya:

• Taqwa: The Provision of Believers is a book about the Islamic concept of taqwa, often translated as “God consciousness” or “piety.” Taqwa is a state of consciousness in which a person is constantly aware of God and His presence. Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya argues that taqwa is the most important virtue a Muslim can possess, and that it is the key to happiness in this life and the next.
• The Prophetic Medicine is a book about the medicinal benefits of following the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya cites numerous hadith, or sayings of the Prophet, that offer advice on how to stay healthy and prevent illness. He also discusses the use of natural remedies, such as herbs and plants, for treating various ailments.
• Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya on Knowledge is a book about the importance of knowledge and the different types of knowledge. Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya argues that knowledge is the key to understanding the world around us and our place in it. He also discusses the different types of knowledge, such as religious knowledge, worldly knowledge, and self-knowledge.
• Supporting the Distressed Against the Tricks of Satan is a book about how to resist the temptations of Satan. Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya argues that Satan is constantly trying to lead people astray, and that it is important to be aware of his tricks. He offers advice on how to strengthen one’s faith and resist temptation.
• The Advice of Prophet Yahya ibn Zakariya is a book about the advice of the Prophet Yahya ibn Zakariya, known as John the Baptist in Christianity. Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya cites numerous hadith and Quranic verses that offer advice on various topics, such as faith, worship, and relationships.
• The Evils of Music – The Devil’s Voice and Recitation is a book about the dangers of music. Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya argues that music distracts from worship and can lead to immorality. He cites numerous hadith and Quranic verses that warn against the evils of music.
• The Dunya and Its Reality by Ibn Qayyim is a book about the nature of the world and the importance of focusing on the hereafter. Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya argues that the world is temporary and that we should not become attached to it. He offers advice on how to live a life that is focused on the hereafter.
• Spiritual Disease and Its Cure is a book about the nature of spiritual disease and how to cure it. Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya argues that spiritual disease is caused by sin and that it can be cured by repentance, faith, and good deeds. He offers advice on how to overcome spiritual disease and live a life that is pleasing to God.

These are just a few of the many books that Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya wrote. He was a prolific writer, covering a wide range of topics, including theology, law, mysticism, and medicine. His writings are still studied and admired by Muslims around the world. To browse all the books of Ibn Qayyim on the website, click here

IBN QAYYIM AL-JAWZIYYA ON DIVINE WISDOM AND THE PROBLEM OF EVIL

Book Contents

• CHAPTER ONE: A Glorious Exposition of the Secrets of God in Making Adam Descend from the Garden to this Earth
• CHAPTER TWO: The Infallibility of the Divine Decree from Being Evil
• CHAPTER THREE: Affirming the Exalted Lord’s Wisdom in His Creation and Commandments
• CHAPTER FOUR: A Response to Those Who Deny God’s Wisdom and Causality
• CHAPTER FIVE: A Response to Those Who Question God’s Wisdom in Creating Disbelief, Wickedness and Sin
• CHAPTER SIX: A Response to Those Who Question God’s Wisdom in Creating Iblls and his Army
• CHAPTER SEVEN: An Exposition of Whether the Punishment of Hellfire is Eternal
• CHAPTER EIGHT: A Response to Those Who Question God’s Wisdom in Allowing His Enemies to Overpower His Saints
• CHAPTER NINE: An Exposition of the Statement of the Predecessors that One of the Principles of Faith is Contentment with Predestination Whether Good or Evil, Pleasing or Painful
• CHAPTER TEN: The Impermissibility of Stating that the Lord Intends Evil or Performs It
• CHAPTER ELEVEN: An Exposition of the Secrets Within the Hadith of the Prophet, ‘O God, I seek refuge in Your pleasure from Your wrath, and in Your forgiveness from Your punishment.
• I seek refuge in You from Yourself. I cannot praise You enough;
• You are as You have praised Yourself.’
• CHAPTER TWELVE: Faith in the Divine Determination and Decree, His Justice, Monotheism and His Wisdom are all Included in the Hadith of the Prophet, ‘Your judgment upon me will be carried out and Your decree for me is just.’
• CHAPTER THIRTEEN: The Rulings Regarding Contentment with His Decree and the Correct Position
• CHAPTER FOURTEEN: The Division of Matters into the Ontological Pertaining to Gods Creating and to the Religious Pertaining to Gods Commandments
• CHAPTER FIFTEEN: An Exposition of God’s Wisdom in Allowing People to Sin