Civil War is Coming: Britain & America's Violent Future. Prof David Betz, King’s College London

On today’s #NCFWhittle, we are joined by Prof. David Betz, Professor of War in the Department of War Studies at King's College London where he heads the MA War Studies programme. He is also a Senior Fellow of the Foreign Policy Research Institute. Prof. Betz's most recent book, The Guarded Age: Fortification in the 21st Century, is published by Polity.

Al-Wilayah al-Takwiniyyah (الولاية التكوينية) refers to the Shia theological concept that certain divinely chosen figures—especially the Prophets and the Imams of Ahlul Bayt—have God-given authority over creation (Takwīn), allowing them to act beyond natural laws with Allah’s permission.

### Two Types of Wilayah (Authority) in Shia Thought:
1. Al-Wilayah al-Tashri’iyyah (الولاية التشريعية) → Legislative Authority
- Authority over religious laws (e.g., the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the Imams being the rightful interpreters of divine law).

2. Al-Wilayah al-Takwiniyyah (الولاية التكوينية) → Cosmic/Creational Authority
- A higher metaphysical power over the universe, granted by Allah.
- The Imams (AS) can perform miracles, control nature, and have deep knowledge of the unseen (but not independently of Allah).

### Quranic & Hadith Justifications (Used by Shia Scholars):
1. Prophet ‘Isa’s Miracles
- *"I create for you out of clay the likeness of a bird, then I breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allah’s permission."* (Qur’an 3:49)
- If Prophet Jesus (AS) had such power, Shia scholars argue that the Prophet (ﷺ) and the Imams (AS) could also have it.

2. Prophet Sulayman’s Control Over Creation
- *"My Lord, grant me a kingdom that no one after me will have. Indeed, You are the Bestower."* (Qur’an 38:35)
- Sulayman (AS) controlled jinn, wind, and animals—a form of Wilayah Takwiniyyah.

3. Hadith of the Light (Hadith al-Nur)
- *"I was a prophet while Adam was between water and clay."*
- Shia scholars use this and similar hadiths to argue that the Imams’ authority extends beyond normal human limits.

### Sunni Criticism of Wilayah Takwiniyyah
- Most Sunni scholars reject this concept, considering it an exaggeration (*ghuluww*).
- They argue that only Allah controls creation and that attributing such power to humans risks shirk (associating partners with Allah).
- Qur’an 7:188 is often cited:
> *"Say [O Muhammad]: I do not have power over benefit or harm for myself, except what Allah wills."*

### Conclusion: Controversial Concept
- Twelver Shia Islam strongly upholds Wilayah Takwiniyyah as part of the Imams’ divine role.
- Sunnis generally reject it, believing miracles are occasional and not a permanent authority over creation.

Not listened to this but definitely alot of people saying he is a bad actor- Ian Carroll The Fraud - The receipts https://www.youtube.com/live/vDVmdH9VI8w