The Shaykh’s warning about the error of some people in saying “Allah the Mighty and Majestic said” after “I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan.”
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The questioner : In Surat al-Kahf, Allah the Mighty and Majestic speaks about the people of Gog and Magog at the end of the surah, and He says, after “I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan,”
The Shaykh : Do not say it, do not say it. One should say, after “I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan,” because this is a grave error.
The questioner : Please clarify this, Professor, because the people...
The Shaykh : Yes, unfortunately, as you heard, on this occasion they say, “Allah the Mighty and Majestic said,” after “I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan,” or they say, “Allah said, ‘I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan,’ such and such.” This is an error, because in Arabic expression, “Allah said, ‘I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan’” makes the phrase the object of the verb “said,” meaning that Allah is the one who said it, and this is what Allah said. This meaning is confirmed if it is said that He said “I seek refuge” and then said such and such after it, but that is not the case. The verse you wish to cite regarding the story of Gog and Magot and that they “come out from every height” does not contain the phrase “I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan.” So what is the correct practice? The correct practice involves two cases that must be distinguished: if a Muslim intends to recite the Qur’an as an act of drawing near to Allah through recitation, then the phrase “Allah the Mighty and Majestic said” is appropriate, as in[An-Nahl 16:98]. However, if you intend to recite a verse for the purpose of citation, questioning, or the like, and not for recitation, then the seeking of refuge is not appropriate. This is known from following the many hadiths of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) in which numerous verses are mentioned. So now, correct your question so that we may correct the answer, if Allah wills.
The Shaykh : Do not say it, do not say it. One should say, after “I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan,” because this is a grave error.
The questioner : Please clarify this, Professor, because the people...
The Shaykh : Yes, unfortunately, as you heard, on this occasion they say, “Allah the Mighty and Majestic said,” after “I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan,” or they say, “Allah said, ‘I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan,’ such and such.” This is an error, because in Arabic expression, “Allah said, ‘I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan’” makes the phrase the object of the verb “said,” meaning that Allah is the one who said it, and this is what Allah said. This meaning is confirmed if it is said that He said “I seek refuge” and then said such and such after it, but that is not the case. The verse you wish to cite regarding the story of Gog and Magot and that they “come out from every height” does not contain the phrase “I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan.” So what is the correct practice? The correct practice involves two cases that must be distinguished: if a Muslim intends to recite the Qur’an as an act of drawing near to Allah through recitation, then the phrase “Allah the Mighty and Majestic said” is appropriate, as in