Can the Terms Makr, Khidāʿ, and Istihzāʾ Be Used for Allah?
Source: Fatāwā Amanpuri by Shaykh Ghulam Mustafa Zaheer Amanpuri
Question:
Can the terms makr (plotting), khidāʿ (deception), and istihzāʾ (mockery) be used for Allah?
Answer:
Allah ﷻ has affirmed these terms for Himself in a manner befitting His Majesty.
❀ Ḥāfiẓ Ibn Kathīr رحمه الله (d. 774H) said:
إن المكر والخداع والسخرية على وجه اللعب والعبث منتف عن الله عز وجل، بالإجماع، وأما على وجه الانتقام والمقابلة بالعدل والمجازاة فلا يمتنع ذلك.
"Makr (plotting), khidāʿ (deception), and istihzāʾ (mockery), if taken in the sense of play and frivolity, are negated from Allah the Mighty and Majestic by consensus. However, when they are in the sense of retribution, justice, and requital, then they are not impossible with regard to Allah ﷻ."
(Tafsīr Ibn Kathīr: 1/184)
