Is It Permissible to Say: “This Happened by Virtue of Allah, Then the Qur’an”?
In Islam, Muslims are encouraged to be careful with the words they use, especially when speaking about Allah’s blessings, guidance, and causes behind what happens in our lives. A common question is whether it is permissible to say:
“This happened by virtue of Allah, then the Qur’an.”
The answer requires understanding the difference between Allah as the ultimate cause and the means through which Allah brings about His blessings and guidance.
Allah Is the Ultimate Source of Every Blessing
A Muslim believes that every blessing, benefit, and good ultimately comes from Allah. Allah says:
“And whatever blessing you have is from Allah.”
(Qur’an 16:53)
Therefore, when something good happens, it is appropriate to attribute it first and foremost to Allah.
For example, a person may say:
- “Allah guided me through the Qur’an.”
- “Allah blessed me through the Qur’an.”
- “By Allah’s grace, and through the guidance of the Qur’an, this happened.”
These expressions recognize that Allah is the One who created the means and granted them their effect.
What About Saying “Allah, Then the Qur’an”?
The wording “Allah, then the Qur’an” needs some clarification.
If someone means that Allah is the ultimate source and the Qur’an was a means through which Allah brought about the blessing, then the intended meaning can be correct.
However, it is better to use clear wording that does not make the Qur’an appear to be an independent cause alongside Allah.
For example, instead of saying:
“This happened by virtue of Allah then the Qur’an,”
a clearer expression would be:
“This happened by the grace of Allah and through the guidance of the Qur’an.”
This makes the relationship between Allah and the Qur’an clear: Allah is the One who gives benefit, while the Qur’an is a means of guidance and blessing.
The Qur’an Is the Word of Allah
The Qur’an is not an ordinary created object or an independent force. It is the Word of Allah, revealed as guidance and mercy for humanity.
Allah says:
“Indeed, this Qur’an guides to that which is most suitable.”
(Qur’an 17:9)
Thus, when a person says that the Qur’an guided them, they are acknowledging the role Allah has given His revelation.
For example, someone might say:
“The Qur’an helped me overcome this difficulty.”
If the intended meaning is that Allah guided, comforted, or helped them through His Book, there is nothing problematic in the intended meaning. Nevertheless, saying “Allah helped me through the Qur’an” is more precise.
Be Careful When Describing Causes
Islam teaches Muslims to recognize both the ultimate cause and the means.
A person may say:
- “Allah cured me through the medicine.”
- “Allah helped me through my parents.”
- “Allah provided for me through my work.”
- “Allah guided me through the Qur’an.”
In each example, Allah remains the One upon whom the believer ultimately relies. The medicine, parents, work, and Qur’an are mentioned as means.
This is an important principle because causes themselves do not operate independently of Allah's will.
Why the Wording Matters
The Prophet ﷺ taught Muslims to avoid expressions that could imply equality between Allah and something else.
For example, when attributing something to Allah and another person, it is preferable to say:
“What Allah willed, then what you willed.”
rather than wording it in a way that makes the two wills appear equal.
The same principle encourages us to choose expressions that clearly establish Allah's supremacy and ultimate control.
Therefore, if the intention behind “by virtue of Allah then the Qur’an” is that Allah granted the blessing and the Qur’an was the means of guidance, the meaning can be understood correctly. But clearer wording is preferable, particularly in matters of Islamic belief and speech.
Better Expressions to Use
Instead of saying:
“This happened by virtue of Allah then the Qur’an.”
you can say:
“This happened by the grace of Allah and through the guidance of the Qur’an.”
Or:
“Allah blessed me through the Qur’an.”
Or:
“By Allah’s mercy, the Qur’an guided me to this.”
These expressions preserve the correct understanding: Allah is the ultimate source of every blessing, and the Qur’an is a means of guidance that Allah has provided.
Conclusion
Our words should reflect Tawheed—the belief that Allah alone is the ultimate Lord, Creator, and giver of benefit and harm.
The Qur’an is a magnificent means of guidance, healing, mercy, and blessing, but its benefits occur by Allah’s permission and grace. Therefore, when speaking about something good that happened through the Qur’an, it is best to attribute the blessing to Allah while describing the Qur’an as the means.
A safe and beautiful expression is:
“It happened by the grace of Allah and through the guidance of the Qur’an.”
May Allah make the Qur’an the light of our hearts, the source of our guidance, and a means through which we draw closer to Him. Ameen.
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