[18]. In both spiritual supremacy and temporal leadership.
[19]. Doubt is an experience common to all human beings. Even those who believe in Allāh may struggle with it in different ways — though not in their faith itself, but in its details or in moments of weakness. Some are greatly hindered by ordinary doubts; others see them as challenges to overcome; and some even regard them as opportunities for spiritual 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 warned them of 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 and deception. (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 to consider His judgment unlikely or unreasonable. Yet we cannot place all the blame on Satan. The Qur’an makes it clear that we are also responsible for our own doubts. For example, when Prophet Zakariyyā (Zechariah) was visited by the angel and told that he would be granted a son — Yaḥyā (John) — he expressed amazement, not disbelief. He marveled at Allāh’s power, though he questioned how this could happen since he and his wife were advanced in age. In humility, he asked for a sign, and in response, the angel told him that he would be unable to speak for a period of time. (Qur’an 3:38–41; 19:2–10).
Prophet Zakariyyā’s words expressed wonder, not doubt — an acknowledgment of his human limitations alongside his faith in the limitless power of Allāh. His humility and awe paved the way for divine reassurance and the fulfillment of his prayer.
Similarly, others have marveled at Allāh’s power to overcome what seems impossible, such as in the story of ʿUzayr (Ezra). 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 and control over all things.
(See Qur’an 2:259).
Whenever human reasoning overshadows trust in Allāh, sinful doubt arises.
True faith (īmān) means trusting Allāh completely, beyond any doubt — even when His plan appears to go against human logic or experience.
[20]. I.e., Jesus being a servant of God and a messenger, and having no share in Divinity.