Kashf Ash-Shubuhat – Chapter 2: The Second Doubt - Seeking Help
A study of Chapter 2 from Kashf Ash-Shubuhat by Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahab, focusing on the second doubt regarding seeking help from other than Allah.
Kashf Ash-Shubuhat – Chapter 2: The Second Doubt - Seeking Help
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Introduction
Continuing our journey through Kashf Ash-Shubuhat, this post covers Chapter 2: The Second Doubt - Seeking Help from Other Than Allah.
Chapter 2: The Second Doubt - Seeking Help
The Second Doubt: Seeking Help
The second doubt that the author addresses is about seeking help - the belief that help can be sought from other than Allah.
Quranic Evidence
“It is You we worship and You we ask for help.” (Quran 1:5)
“And if Allah should touch you with adversity, there is no remover of it except Him. And if He touches you with good - then He is over all things competent.” (Quran 6:17)
“And rely upon Allah; and sufficient is Allah as Disposer of affairs.” (Quran 33:3)
Hadith Evidence
- The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “If you ask, ask Allah, and if you seek help, seek help from Allah.” (Tirmidhi)
- The Prophet (ﷺ) also said: “Know that if the nation were to gather together to benefit you with something, they would not benefit you except with what Allah has decreed for you.” (Tirmidhi)
The Doubt
Some people believe that:
- Help can be sought from the dead
- Certain people have special power to help others
- Objects or places can provide help
- Magic or sorcery can solve problems
- Jinn or spirits can assist humans
The Clarification
The Quran and Sunnah clarify that:
- All help comes from Allah - He is the only true source of assistance
- Seeking help from other than Allah is shirk - This is a form of worshiping other than Allah
- Allah is sufficient as a helper - No other help is needed
- Relying on Allah is the key to success - Tawakkul (reliance) is essential
Types of Forbidden Help-Seeking
1. Seeking Help from the Dead
- Asking deceased people for assistance
- Believing they can hear and respond to requests
- Making dua to them instead of Allah
2. Seeking Help through Magic
- Using sorcery or black magic
- Consulting fortune tellers or psychics
- Using amulets or talismans for protection
3. Seeking Help from Jinn or Spirits
- Believing supernatural beings can help
- Making deals with jinn or spirits
- Using occult practices
4. Seeking Help from Objects
- Believing certain objects have power
- Using holy water, relics, or sacred places
- Making tawaf around objects for help
Permissible Help-Seeking
1. Seeking Help from Living People
- Medical treatment from doctors
- Education from teachers
- Business assistance from experts
- Legal help from lawyers
2. Using Lawful Means
- Working and earning a living
- Studying and gaining knowledge
- Using medicine and treatment
- Following proper procedures
The Correct Understanding
- Allah is the only true source of help
- We should rely on Allah alone for matters only He can control
- Using lawful means while relying on Allah is the correct approach
- Tawakkul (reliance on Allah) is essential for success
Key Lessons
- All help ultimately comes from Allah
- Seeking help from other than Allah in spiritual matters is shirk
- Using lawful means while relying on Allah is permissible
- Tawakkul is the key to success and contentment
Next: Chapter 3 – The Third Doubt - Seeking Refuge