Divine Decree The Sh:!

Divine Decree The Sh:!a believe in the concept of revelation in the divine decree (bad"’) but in the correct way according to Alla>h’s words: eAlla>h effaces whatever He wishes and affirms [whatever He wishes]f144 The meaning of bad"’ is revealing after concealing. This does not mean that Almighty Alla>h did not know something and then came to know it, for that is blatant heresy and no Muslim would say such a thing.

Compulsion and Delegation The Sh:!a, based on the traditions, believe that [on the question of human free will] ‘there is no compulsion (jabr) and no delegation (tafwid}) rather a matter between the two matters.’145 This means that a person is not compelled in his/her actions, nor is he/she absolutely free to act. Bodily organs and limbs and powers are from Almighty Alla>h, and the will to act well or ill is from the person.

If he/she acts well then this is due to Alla>h’s blessing, and if he/she acts ill then this is due to the person in question. Dissimulation The Sh:’ah believe in dissimulation (taq:yyah) as sanctioned by Islamic Law. Dissimulation in its correct form is one of the teachings of Islam. Its meaning is that it is obligatory for a person to protect his person and property and honour and those of all other believers from the unbelievers and the wrongdoers.

The Holy Qur’"n and the Prophet (N) and Imams (a.s.) have sanctioned this. In the Qur’"n it says: eLet not the believers take the unbelievers for allies instead of the believers. Whoever does this is not of Alla>h at all, unless that ye guard yourselves against themf146 Almighty Alla>h has also said in the Qur’"n: eAnd He has not placed upon you any hardship in the religionf147. Temporary Marriage The Sh:!a believe in the legality of the divine law of temporary marriage or nik"9 al-mut!ah148.

Almighty Alla>h has said: And those of whom ye seek content (by marrying them), give unto them their dowries as an obligationf149. Also they believe that the mut!ah of the .ajj pilgrimage which the Messenger of Alla>h (N) ordered his companions to do in the farewell pilgrimage is part of Islam.