Lecture Notes: Allah's Attribute of Al-'Alim (The All-Knowing)

Introduction

• Recap of a historical event: Whistleblower in the U.S. revealed government surveillance
• Similar cases: Wikileaks and other whistleblowers
• Importance: Realization of being constantly monitored
• Transition to lesson: Understanding Allah's constant knowledge and surveillance

Allah's Knowledge and Surveillance

• Names of Allah related to knowledge
  • Al-'Alim (The All-Knowing)
  • As-Sami (The All-Hearing)

Quranic Usage of Names

• Names often used in pairs in the Quran
  • Example: Alim and Hakim (The Wise)
• Explanation by Scholars: Samir first, then Alim
  • Samir implies closeness required for hearing
  • Alim implies knowledge that doesn't require proximity

Teachings in the Quran

• Example from Surat Luqman
  • Allah's awareness of even the smallest things, e.g., mustard seed
• Human behavior on social media vs. reality
  • Allah knows the true self beyond masks and personas

Allah's Comprehensive Knowledge

• Allah knows hidden and public deeds
• Allah's awareness extends to thoughts and intentions
• Verses highlighting Allah's closeness and intimate knowledge

Practical Implications

• Allah's monitoring
  • Human tendency to behave differently in private
  • Modern surveillance vs. divine surveillance

Real-World Applications and Lessons

• Actions matter to Allah
  • Every small deed is known and appreciated by Allah
  • Don’t seek appreciation from people, focus on Allah's knowledge
• Dua and Allah's Attributes
  • Example: Maryam’s mother dedicating her child to Allah
  • Allah hears and knows our deepest calls and struggles

Comfort and Reassurance

• Yusuf's story
  • Sustenance through trials due to trust in Allah's wisdom and knowledge
  • Pairing of Alim and Hakim

Wisdom in Divine Decrees

• Quranic rulings paired with Alim
  • Emphasizes trust in the wisdom behind divine laws

Modern Example: Chancellor’s Expertise

• Knowledge isn’t enough without wisdom (Alim vs. Hakim)

Conclusion

• Reflecting on our trust and reliance on Allah's knowledge and wisdom
• Allah’s monitoring extends beyond privacy to the depth of our beings
• Encouragement to speak to Allah, knowing He is always listening