Meaning of taking refuge in Allah

Q: We should all read duas and azkar. But I would like to share something about one dua (أعوذ بكلمات الله).

Our beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) didn't speak of his own accord and desire, all that he said emanated from Allah Ta'ala. It is mentioned in Surah Al Najm verses 1 to 4 *By the star when it descends Your companion [Muhammad] has not strayed, nor has he erred, nor does he speak from [his own] inclination. It is not but a revelation revealed.*

Allah Ta'ala taught us an amazing dua such as (أعوذ بالله... قل أعوذ برب الفلق... قل أعوذ برب الناس

أعوذ means (I seek refuge) ب (with) الله (Allah) and this dua أعوذ بكلمات الله means أعوذ (I seek refuge) ب (with) كلمات الله (word of Allah).

It is clearly shown that while reciting أعوذ بالله, it's meaning is concering Allah Ta'ala, we are taking refuge with Allah alone. But while we recite this dua (أعوذ بكلمات الله) it means that we are not taking refuge with Allah but with the Kalimatillah.

What is کلمات الله? Allah Ta'ala answered this question in the Quran. The answer is in Surah Al Nisaa verse 171, Allah Ta'ala says ( اِنَّمَا الۡمَسِیۡحُ عِیۡسَی ابۡنُ مَرۡیَمَ رَسُوۡلُ اللّٰهِ وَکَلِمَتُه)

Translation: The Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, was but a messenger of Allah and His kalimah "word".

It is clearly mentioned in this ayat that Isa (alaihis salaam) was "Word of Allah". Word (كلمه) actually means order. Isa (alaihis salaam) was order the of Allah. Allah says "Be" and he "was". In Surah Al Kahf verse 109 and Surah Al Luqman verse 27, Allah Ta'ala called كلمات (words of Allah) each and every thing which He created. It means that each and every thing which is created by God is the Order or Word of God.

So how can our beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) order us to recite this dua by which we are not taking refuge with Allah but with the (كلمات الله) word of Allah? 

A: There is some change in the person's understanding, not in the dua. Refuge is sort sometimes in the words of Allah and sometimes in the name of Allah. The kalaam of Allah is among His sifaat, and to take refuge in the sifaat is permissible, like it is permissible to take refuge in His names.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

 

Answered by:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)