Combining the two verses: “Indeed, you cannot guide whom you love” and “You will not find a people who believe”
Machine translationRead the Arabic original
Question:
The questioner asks: How do we reconcile these two verses, between His saying, the Exalted:[Al-Qasas 28:56], and His saying: [Al-Mujadila 58:22].
Answer:
But one might ask: How do we reconcile His saying[Al-Qasas 28:56] with His saying [Ash-Shuraa 42:52]? In one verse, it is negated that He guides, right? And in another verse, it is affirmed that He guides. So we say: “Indeed, you cannot guide” — the intended meaning here is guidance of steadfastness and acceptance. This is in the hand of Allah; the hand of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) does not control it. He does not have the power to put faith in the hearts of people. He does not have the power to make people accept faith. This is in the hand of Allah. So, “you cannot guide.” [Al-Qasas 28:56] regarding the Muslims. So, guidance of acceptance is in the hand of Allah. As for guidance of indication, direction, and calling, this is in the hand of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). He calls, explains, commands, and forbids, (peace and blessings be upon him). This is in the hand of the Messenger. Guidance of indication and direction is controlled by the Messenger, and it is controlled by everyone who calls to Allah. And guidance of acceptance is controlled by none but Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He).
The presenter:
May Allah reward you.
The questioner asks: How do we reconcile these two verses, between His saying, the Exalted:
Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like
إِنَّكَ لَا تَهْدِي مَنْ أَحْبَبْتَYou will not find a people who believe in Allah and the Last Day having affection for those who oppose Allah and His Messenger
لَّا تَجِدُ قَوْمًا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ يُوَادُّونَ مَنْ حَادَّ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُAnswer:
But one might ask: How do we reconcile His saying
Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like
إِنَّكَ لَا تَهْدِي مَنْ أَحْبَبْتَAnd indeed, [O Muhammad], you guide to a straight path -
وَإِنَّكَ لَتَهْدِي إِلَىٰ صِرَاطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍbut Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing
وَلَٰكِنَّ اللَّهَ يَهْدِي مَن يَشَاءُ وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُThe presenter:
May Allah reward you.
Source
شرح كتاب التوحيد 18-07-1435هـ — af.org.sa (46:43)
The Arabic text is a machine transcription of the audio recording.