Title: Itmam al-Hujjah of the offspring of Abraham (pbuh) and their Dominance Question: I refer to the two recent responses posted at "Understanding Islam" regarding Itmam al-Hujjah of the Israelites and the Ishmaelite and the dominance of their offspring. Both the responses, if read in conjunction, open the discussion that as the progeny of Ishmael (pbuh) still exists and has not been permanently disqualified by the Qur'an, therefore it can still be the source of Itmam al-Hujjah if they again start to adhere to the Divine directives. By the same token, can they again enjoy the same miraculous privileges as were bestowed upon their forefathers and extend the Shahadah to the other nations? I will appreciate your specific response. Regards, Ausie Green Australia Answer: There are a few points that need to be clarified with reference to the phenomenon of Shahadah and Itmam al-Hujjah . Firstly, the position of Shahadah was granted to the two groups in their collective capacity, not to each and every individual member of the group. Secondly, from the information given in the Qur'an it can be derived that when a collectivity is appointed on the position of Shahadah , that collectivity - contrary to the other nations of the world - becomes a living example of God's justice in this world. This collectivity is severely punished for its deviations from God's directives and is rewarded through dominance, power and honor in the world for their adherence to God's directives at the collective level. Thus, such a nation, in effect, becomes a living and practical witness [1] of God's justice - and, thereby, a reminder for the Hereafter - for the rest of the world. It is with this clear, physical and practical 'witness' - or Shahadah - of the selected nation that the phenomenon of Itmam al-Hujjah is achieved over others. Thirdly, the appointment of the Ishmaelites on the position of Shahadah was made by the Qur'an, which was the last of God's revelations to man. There is not going to be any further revelation by God. Therefore, there is going to be no express revelation declaring the disqualification and removal of the Ishmaelites from this position. However, we know in the light of the Qur'an that God's laws do not change for any people. The same laws which applied to the Israelites and disqualified and removed them from the position of Shahadah , apply equally to the Ishmaelites. It seems, in the light of the historical course of events, that these laws have, in fact, applied to the Ishmaelites who, for all practical purposes, not only no longer enjoy the position of dominance and Shahadah in the world but also have lost their collective existence in the world. Lastly, because the Qur'an has not given any information about whether or not a group which has previously been removed from the position of Shahadah can, through its adherence to the directives of God, revive its status of Shahadah , therefore, we are not in a position to say, with any degree of certainty, that even if there is a revival of the collective capacity of the Ishmaelites and even if the rejuvenated collectivity of the Ishmaelites fully adheres to the directives of the Almighty, whether or not they shall be granted their lost position of Shahadah . In view of the foregoing points, the issue of the revival of the position of Shahadah for a people who seem to have been previously removed from that position seems to be open for interpretation. With best regards Moiz Amjad January 15, 2003 [1] It may be noted that 'Shahadah' actually means bearing witness.