[18]. In both spiritual supremacy and temporal leadership.
[19]. Doubt is an experience common to all people. Even those with faith in Allāh may struggle with it in different ways. Some are greatly hindered by doubt; others view it as a challenge to overcome; and some even see it as a springboard for growth.
The Qur’an and Sunnah speak about the causes of doubt and provide examples of people who struggled with it. A useful definition of doubt is “to lack confidence, or to consider something unlikely.”
The Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ) said:
“Satan comes to one of you and says, ‘Who created such-and-such?’ until he says, ‘Who created your Lord?’ If he reaches that stage, one should seek refuge with Allāh and give up such thoughts.”
When Satan tempted Adam and Eve, Allāh had already given them a clear command regarding the tree and had specified the consequence of disobedience. Satan planted doubt in their minds when he asked: “Did Allāh really say, ‘You shall not eat from any tree in the garden’?” His aim was to make them lose confidence in Allāh’s command. When they affirmed what Allāh had said, including the warning, Satan followed up with denial. (See Qur’an 2:35–36; 7:20–22; 20:120–121)
Thus, doubt is one of Satan’s tools to make us lose confidence in Allāh’s Word and consider His judgment unlikely.
Yet we cannot place all the blame on Satan. The Qur’an makes clear that we are responsible for our own doubts. For example, when Zechariah was visited by the angel and told he would be granted a son (John), he doubted the message. Reasoning that he and his wife were too old to have children, he asked for a sign. In response, the angel told him that he would be mute for a period of time. (See Qur’an 3:38–41; 19:2–10)
Similarly, others have doubted Allāh’s power to overcome natural obstacles, such as in the story of Ezra (ʿUzayr). When he wondered how Allāh could bring life to a ruined city, Allāh caused him to die for a hundred years and then resurrected him, showing him His absolute power. (See Qur’an 2:259)
Whenever human reasoning overshadows trust in Allāh, sinful doubt arises.
Faith means trusting Allāh even when His plan seems to go against human reason or experience.
[20]. I.e., Jesus being a servant of God and a messenger, and having no share in Divinity.