What is the reason for the existence of a correct belief and an incorrect belief?
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The questioner : This questioner, from Dammam in the Eastern Region, says: "O honorable Shaykh, what is the reason for the existence of a correct belief and an incorrect belief? I hope you will provide an answer to my question."
The Shaykh : This is a strange question. So, let us ask: What is the reason for the existence of believers and disbelievers? What is the reason for the existence of open sinners and those who are moderate? We say that the reason for this is the wisdom of Allah (Mighty and Majestic), as He the Exalted said:[At-Taghabun 64:2] And He the Exalted said: [Hud 11:118] meaning on one religion and one belief. But [Hud 11:118-119] And were it not for this difference, the creation of Paradise and the Fire would have been in vain, because the Fire needs inhabitants and Paradise needs inhabitants. So difference is necessary. But one should ask: What is the criterion for correct belief and for defective belief? Our answer to this is to say: Whatever is in accordance with what the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), his family, and his Companions were upon, that is correct belief. And whatever is contrary to them, that is defective belief. Likewise, it is said regarding physical deeds: Whatever is in accordance with what the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), his family, and his Companions were upon, that is a righteous deed. And whatever is not so, that is a defective deed. This is what we should ask about, and this is what we should investigate: Are we in our belief, are we in our deeds, in accordance with what the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), his family, and his Companions were upon, or are we contrary to them? Yes.
The questioner : May Allah bless you.
The Shaykh : This is a strange question. So, let us ask: What is the reason for the existence of believers and disbelievers? What is the reason for the existence of open sinners and those who are moderate? We say that the reason for this is the wisdom of Allah (Mighty and Majestic), as He the Exalted said:
It is He who created you, and among you is the disbeliever, and among you is the believer
هو الذي خلقكم فمنكم كافر ومنكم مؤمنAnd if your Lord had willed, He could have made mankind one community
ولو شاء ربك لجعل الناس أمة واحدةbut they will not cease to differ. (119) Except whom your Lord has given mercy, and for that He created them.
ولا يزالون مختلفين إلا من رحم ربك ولذلك خلقهمThe questioner : May Allah bless you.