Shahaadah: Testimony of faith

Ash-shadu anna Laa ilaha illa Allah. Ash-shadu anna Muhammadan abd-duhu waRasoolulah

The complete statement of the creed of the Muslim is: "Ash-shadu anna Laa ilaha illa Allah. Ash-shadu anna Muhammad ar Rasoolulah."

(I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and messenger).

Compiled by M A Ahmed

Contents

Introduction

The Meaning of the Declaration of Faith ash-Shahaadatain

La ilaaha illa Allah (there is none worthy of worship except Allah)

Deviations in the understanding of La ilaaha illa Allah

Merits of Laa Ilaaha illallah

Shuroot (Conditions) of ‘La ilaaha illa Allah’

Muhammad ar Rasool Allah (Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah)

Conditions of ‘Muhammad ar Rasoolullah’

The Nullifiers of Shahadatain

The Effects of the Shahaadah

So, What Are We Required To Do Now?

Introduction

Indeed all praise belongs to Allaah, we praise Him, seek His aid and seek His forgiveness. We seek refuge in Him from the evil [whisperings] to our souls and from our evil actions. Whosoever Allaah guides, none can misguide, but whosoever He leaves to stray, none can guide that person aright. I bear witness that none has the right to be worshiped except Allaah alone, without any partner; and I bear witness that

Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasallam is His Slave and Messenger.

It is by the blessings of Allah that we are able to embark on the journey of seeking knowledge. O seekers of knowledge have a sincere and pure intention in your search for knowledge. And exert yourself in acting upon what it necessitates (from action). For indeed knowledge is a tree and action is its fruit, and one can never be considered knowledgeable so long as he doesn't act upon what he has knowledge of. The following is a study and compilation on the Shahaadah: Testimony of Faith. It is a declaration (kalimah) that the Muslims proclaim in their daily lives; in their call to Prayer (adhaan), their call to establishing the Prayer (‘iqaamah), their sermons and their speeches. It is: “A declaration upon which the heavens and the earth are established, and for which the whole of the creation was created, and for which Allaah sent Messengers, revealed Books, and prescribed Divine Laws. Because of it the Scales and the Registers was set-up, as were Paradise and Hellfire. Due to it creation was divided into Believers and unbelievers; righteous and wicked. It is the root cause for [there being] creation, command, rewards and punishments. It is the right for which the creation was created and about it and its rights will they be questioned and brought to account. Because of it there is punishment and reward; due to it the direction of Prayer (qiblah) was set-up; upon it rests the very foundation of the Religion; and because of it swords are drawn for striving and fighting (jihaad). It is the Right of Allaah over His slaves; the Declaration (kalimah) of Islaam; and the key to Paradise; about it both the earlier and later people will be questioned. Indeed, no person will stand before Allaah without being asked two questions: What did you worship? And how did you respond to the Messengers? The reply to the first is by realization of laa ilaaha illallaah; knowing it, affirming it, and acting by it. The reply to the second is by realization that Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasallam is the Messenger of Allaah; knowing it, complying with it, and being obedient to it.” This kalimah is the dividing line between unbelief (kufr) and Islaam. It is the word of piety (kalimatut-taqwaa), the firm and trustworthy hand-hold (al-’urwatul-wuthqaa) and it is what Ibraaheem alaihis-salaam made as:

وجعلھا كلمة باقية في عقبه لعلھم يرجعون

“A Word to endure amongst his offspring that they may turn to Allaah in repentance and obedience.” [az-Zukhruf: 28] It is [a kalimah] that Allaah Himself has testified to, as have the angels and those who possess knowledge from amongst His creation. Allaah the Most High said:

شھد هللا أنه % إلـه إ% ھو والم/ئكة وأولوا العلم قآئما بالقسط % إلـه إ% ھو العزيز الحكيم

“Allaah bears witness that none has the right to be worshiped except Him; as do the angels and those who possess knowledge. He maintains His creation upon justice. None has the right to be worshiped except Him, the All-Mighty, All-Wise.” [Aal-’Imraan: 18] It is the word of purity and sincerity (kalimatul-ikhlaas), a witness and an invitation to the truth, a declaration of dissociation from shirk and it is the reason why the creation was created; as Allaah the Exalted said:

وما خلقت الجن وا4نس إ% ليعبدون

“I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.”[adh-Dhaariyaat:56] Because of it Messengers were sent and Divine Books and Scriptures were revealed, as Allaah said:

وما أرسلنا سول إ% نوحي إليه أنه % إله إ% أنا فاعبدون من قبلك من ر

“We did not send any Messenger before you, except that We revealed to him that none has the right to be worshiped except Me; so worship Me.” [al-Anbiyaa:25] Allaah the Exalted also said:

وح من أمره على من يشاء من عباده أن أنذروا أنه % إلـه ينزل المIئكة بالر إ% أنا فاتقون

“He sends down the angels with the revelation of His commands to whosoever of His slaves that He wills, saying: Warn mankind that none has the right to be worshiped except Me. So fear Me [by keeping away from sin and disobedience].” [an-Nahl: 2] Ibn ‘Uyaynah, (radhiyallahu anhu) said: “Allaah has not bestowed any favour upon His slaves greater than the favour of them realising laa ilaaha ilallaah. Indeed laa ilaaha illallaah is to the people of Paradise, what cool water is to the people of this world.” Related by Ibn Rajab in Kalimatul-Ikhlaas (p.53) Whoever utters it will have his wealth and his blood safeguarded, but whoever refuses to do so, then his property and his blood are not safeguarded. It has been reported in [one of] the Saheeh collections that the he sallallahu alaihi wasallam said: “Whoever says: laa ilaaha illallaah and rejects whatever else is worshiped besides Allaah, then his property and blood become sacred and his reckoning is with Allaah.” Reported by Muslim (no.37) It is the first thing sought from the unbelievers when they are invited to embrace Islaam, since as the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasallam was sending Mu’aadh to Yemen, he said to him: “You are going to a people from the people of the Book. So let the first thing to which you call them be the worship of Allaah.” Reported by al-Bukhaaree (no.1458) and Muslim (no.31). In the narration of Muslim (no.2 9) there occurs the wording: “So call them to testify to laa ilaaha illallaah ...“ Imaam Ibn al-Mundhir, (rahimahullaah) said in al-Awsat (p.73 5): “There is a consensus from all those whose views have been preserved from the people of knowledge, that when an unbeliever who has reached the age of puberty and is sound of mind, testifies to laa ilaaha illallaah; and to the fact that Muhammad is His Slave and Messenger; and that everything Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasallam came with is the truth and frees himself from every religion which contradicts the Religion of Islaam - then he is a Muslim.” So with this you have come to know about the place of laa ilaaha illallaah in the Religion, its importance in the life of a Muslim and that it is the very first obligation upon the people, since it is the foundation upon which all actions are based. Point of Benefit: There is a view that the first obligation upon each person is to know Allaah through rational proofs and contemplation - a view which has regrettably gained currency amongst a party of the present-day callers to Islaam - then this is indeed an error! Imaam Ibn Abil-’Izz, rahimahullaah, spoke about this in Sharhul Aqeeclatit -Tahaawiyyah (1/23): “What is correct is that the first obligation upon the one who is morally responsible (mukallaf) is to testify to laa ilaaha illallaah. It is not to rationally contemplate, nor intend to contemplate, nor to doubt - which are the views of the leaders of blameworthy and innovated speech (al-kalaamulmadhmoom). Rather, the scholars of the Pious Predecessors (Salaf) were all in agreement that the first obligation a person is ordered with are the two testifications of faith (shahaadatain).” Imaam an-Nawawee, rahimahullaah, stated the likes of the above in Sharh Saheeh Muslim (1/187) saying: “In this is an evident proof for the view of the verifying scholars, as well as the majority of the Salaf and the later scholars (khalaf), that when a person binds himself to the Religion of Islaam - with a decisive belief, having no doubt about it - then this suffices him. He is a Believer from the people of tawheed. It is not obligatory for him to learn the proofs of the rationalists (almutakallimoon) or to know Allaah the Exalted by them. This is contrary to those who obligate this and make it a condition for him to be from the people of the Qiblah [i.e. Muslims], claiming that the ruling of someone being a Muslim could not be applied except by this. This view, which is the saying of many of the Mu’tazilah and some of our colleagues from the people of kalaam, is a clear error, since what is required is a firm and decisive trust which has already been attained; and since the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasallam

declared trust in what he came with to be sufficient and he did not make knowing such [rational] proofs a condition.” Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah said in Dar’ut-Ta’aarudil-Aql wan-Naql (8/21): “A group held that knowing Allaah through rational contemplation was obligatory, there being no way to reach this except through it; so they obligated rational contemplation upon everyone. This view was spread in the ummah by the Mu’tazilah and their ilk.” Ibn Hajr al-’Asqalaanee, rahimahullaah, also rebutted this erroneous view in Fathul-Baaree (13/437) saying: “His words are supported by what Aboo Daawood reports from Ibn ‘Abbaas: “That a man said to Allah’s Messenger sallallahu alaihi wasallam: Did Allaah send you so that we should testify that none has the right to be worshiped except Allaah and that we should forsake [the deities] al-Laat and al-’Uzzaa? He replied: “Yes.” So the man became a Muslim.” The basis of this can be found in the report of the two Saheehs in the story of Dammaam ibn Tha’labah. In the hadeeth of ‘Amr ibn ‘Abasa, which is reported by Muslim, ‘Amr said: “I came to the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasallam and said: What are you? He replied: A Prophet of Allaah. I said: Did Allaah send you? He replied: Yes. I said: With what? He replied: To single out Allaah alone with worship and not to associate anything else in worship with Him. [‘Amr then embraced Islaam].” ... Also there are the letters that the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasallam sent to Hercules, Chosroes and other kings, calling them to tawheed. These and other continuously recurring (mutawaatir) reports (which are mutawaatir in meaning) prove that when the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasallam called the unbelievers to have faith in Allaah and to affirm what he came with, he did not increase upon this [i.e. he did not require them to contemplate or to know rational proofs]. So whoever responded to the message, it was accepted from him, regardless of whether he contemplated or not.” Point to Note: Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Maani’ said in Sharhul ‘Aqeedatis- Safaareeniyyah (p.61): “Some scholars have said: Rational contemplation (nadhr) is obligatory in some situations but not in others, and upon some individuals but not upon others. It is obligatory upon one whose natural instinct to submit to Allaah (fitrah) has been so corrupted that he is in need of rational contemplation. As for one who can acquire cognisence of Allaah without contemplation, nor has his fitrah been corrupted, then it is not obligatory upon him.” The likes of this was also stated by Ibn Taymiyyah in Majmoo’ Fataawaa (16/328). For a detailed treatment of this topic consult: Dar’ut-Ta’aarudil- ‘Aql wan-Naql (8/351-359) and Fathul-Baaree (13/432-439). 1

The Meaning of the Declaration of Faith ash-Shahaadatain The testimony (Shahaadah) is classified as an announcement, decree, notification, or explanation. The term Shahaadah was employed for the testimony that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah because it is the greatest declaration and testimony in existence, due to the greatness of the Truth that it testifies to [i.e.'that nothing deserves to be worshipped except Allah]. Thus, when the word Shahaadah is mentioned in an unrestricted (absolute) sense, it automatically implies this particular declaration. Allah bears witness for Himself that none has the right to be worshipped but Him, and likewise that the angels and the people of knowledge bear witness to that also, and that He, the Most High maintains justice and He affirms that with His saying:

شھد هللا أنه % إلـه إ% ھو والم/ئكة وأولوا العلم قآئما بالقسط % إلـه إ% ھو العزيز الحكيم

Allah bears witness that None has the right to be worshipped but He, and the angels, and those having knowledge (also give this witness); (He is always) maintaining His creation in Justice. None has the right to be worshipped but He, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. [Aali Imraan 3:18] This means that there is no true deity in existence but Him alone. He is the true deity and if anything is described as being a deity besides Him, it is the greatest falsehood and deviation. Allah is the true deity, who deserves worship alone, and nothing else. The first level of Shahaadah is knowledge, comprehension and believing the correctness of what one attests to. The second level is verbalization of that, and the third level is notifying others of what he attests to. The fourth level is his adherence to the meaning (purport) of what he testifies to. The testimony of Allah about His Self with Oneness and maintenance of justice includes [all] these four levels: His knowledge of that, His mention of it, His notification and announcement of it to His creation and His order to them to abide by it. This testimony is the greatest testimony due to the exaltedness of the One testifying and of that which is being testified to, since the witness is Allah, and His angels and the people of knowledge, and that which is witnessed to is the Tawheed of Allah in worship. 2

First Part of the Shahaadah: إله إ� هللا �

La ilaaha illa Allah (there is none worthy of worship except Allah)

This is the first part of the Shahaadah: إله إ� هللا �

شھد هللا أنه % إلـه إ% ھو والم/ئكة وأولوا العلم قآئما بالقسط % إلـه إ% ھو العزيز الحكيم

“Allah bears witness that there is no deity that has the right to be worshipped except Him, and so do the angels and those who possess knowledge. He is always maintaining His creation with justice. None has the right to be worshipped but Him – The Almighty, The All Wise” [Al Imran: 18] Shahaadah: No Ilaah except Allah. Ibn Abbas said ilaah is one whom everything turns to and worship. Ar-Raghib al-Asbahanee (d.425) wrote a dictionary of the Quran and said ilaah is a name given to every object that is worshpped. Ibn Mandhoor (d. 711) defined it as any object that is taken as an object of worship (Lisaan al-Arab). All the classical dictionaries defined it as an object of worship. Shaykhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (d.728H) rahimahullah said “The ilaah is the object of worship, the one who is obeyed. So al-Ilaah is al-Ma’looh (the one who is deified) and the ma’looh is the one who deserves to be worshipped. And due to the fact that He is deserving of worship, He must be described with Attributes that make it absolutely necessary for Him to be loved with the utmost limits of love and to be submitted to with the utmost limits of submission.” [Majmoo’ul-Fataawa (10/249)] And he said, “So the Ilaah is the beloved object of worship who is deified by the love of the hearts; they submit to Him, fear Him, have hope in Him, turn to Him repentantly in times of hardship, supplicate to Him for their important affairs, rely upon Him for their welfare, seek recourse to Him, seek contentment in His remembrance and tranquillity in love for Him. And all of that is for none but Allah alone. Due to that, laa ilaaha illallaah is the most truthful for speech and its people are the people and the party (hizb) of Allah. And those who reject laa ilaaha illallaah are His enemies and the people of His anger and His vengeful punishment. So when this becomes correct, every issue, condition and inclination will become correct. And if this is not correct by the servant, then corruption is inevitable for him in his knowledge and actions.” [Majmoo’ul-Fataawa (13/200)] Pillars of ‘La ilaaha illa Allah’

i) Nafyee - Negation ii) Ithbaat - Affirmation

‘La ilaaha illa Allah’ has two aspects: Negation and Affirmation. The meaning of إله � ‘La ilaaha’ (There is

no deity worthy of worship) is negation and هللاإ� ‘illa Allah’ (except Allah) is affirmation. The negation

is a negation of everything that is worshipped other than Allah and the affirmation is an affirmation that all worship is rightfully due to Allah alone without ascribing any partners to Him.

Laa ilaah”– negatory ‘laa.’ When negating, there must be a being and the concept being negated“ � إله

from that being. It is like saying “There is no person inside the house.” You cannot have “There is no person” or “inside the house” by itself. There must be 2 things after the negatory laa. In arabic this is an ism (noun) and a khabar (description). The noun here is ilaah, but there is no description. The description is understood by the context and therefore there is no need for it to be stated (this is a simple point of grammar). The description here would be “worthy of” (bi-haqqin). So the complete phrase “Laa ilaah” is “There is no deity that is worthy of worship.”

When the shahaadah is completed then, it is 'laa ma'bood bi haqq illallaah’ “There is no deity that is worthy of worship except Allah.” The first half of it is negation, and then there is an affirmation. The affirmation and negation gives us 1) exclusivity, and 2) it is the height of praise. Something that is negation only would be like saying, “there is no one who is intelligent.” There is no exclusivity or praise. To say so and so is intelligent, is to give praise, but not exclusivity. But if the two are combined and you say “there is no one who is intelligent except so and so” then it results in exclusivity and it is the height of praise. There is nothing else that can be done to praise more than that. This is how the shahaadah is, there is nothing at all worthy of any worship, except Allah. The meaning of these two pillars has been mentioned in many verses, like the Saying of Allah, 'Whoever disbelieves in Taghoot and believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break.' [al-Baqarah: 256] His Saying, 'Whoever disbelieves in Taghoot' is the meaning of the first pillar, i.e., La ilaah. His Saying, 'believes in Allah' is the meaning of the second pillar, i.e., illAllah. Similarly, the saying of Ibraheem (alaihis-salaam) which Allah relates in the Qur'aan, 'Verily, I am innocent of what you worship, except Him, Who did create me…' [az-Zukhruf: 26-27] 'I am innocent…' is the meaning of negation in the first pillar, 'except Him, Who did create me' is the meaning of affirmation in the second pillar.

Another example,

وما خلقت الجن وا4نس إ% ليعبدون

“I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.”[adh-Dhaariyaat:56] And there are many other examples found in the text of the Noble Qur’aan.

Deviations in the understanding of the Shahaadah This statement (i.e. the first testimony) has been explained with numerous deviant interpretations, from them are: 1. La Ma'bood illAllah (there is no deity in existence except Allah). This is the most deviant interpretation because it means that every true and false deity is Allah. There are many deities worshiped other than Allah and (saying, 'La Ma'bood Mawjood illAllah') will imply that worship of all these deities is worship of Allah and this is the most false statement and it is the Madhhab (position) of the people of Wahdat al-Wujood (pantheism), who are the most deviant people on the face of the earth. Also others are taken as gods besides Allah but none of them are the true God.

ذلك بأن هللا ھو الحق وأن ما يدعون من دونه ھو الباطل وأن هللا ھو العلي الكبير

That is because Allah He is the Truth (the only True God of all that exists, Who has no partners or rivals with Him), and what they (the polytheists) invoke besides Him, it is Batil (falsehood) And verily, Allah He is the Most High, the Most Great. [Hajj: 62] 2. La Khaliq illAllah (there is no Creator except Allah). This is only a part of the meaning of the statement, but this is not the intent as it only confirms Tawheed ar-Rububiyah, which is not enough (to enter Islam) and is the Tawheed of the Mushrikeen (i.e., the pagans admit to Allah's Rububiyah and commit Shirk in His worship).

ولئن سألتھم من خلق السماوات واTرض ليقولن هللا قل الحمد R بل أكثرھم % يعلمون

And if you (O Muhammad) ask them: "Who has created the heavens and the earth," they will certainly say: "Allah." Say: "All the praises and thanks be to Allah!" But most of them know not. [Luqman: 25] 3. La Hakimiyah illAllah (there is no judgment except for Allah). This is also only a part of the meaning of the statement and is not the intent because it is not enough. Because if one singles out Allah for judgment only and invokes other than Allah, then he has dedicated a form of worship to other than Allah and thus, he is not a muwahhid (one who declares and establishes Tawheed in its correct manner). All these interpretations are false and incomplete, and we have mentioned them here because they are found in some contemporary book. The correct meaning of the statement according to the Salaf as mentioned before is to say, 'La Ma'bood BiHaqqin illAllah' (there is none truly worthy of being worshiped except Allah) and that it is incorrect and impermissible to say ‘There is no Creator except Allah’ or ‘There is no Originator except Allah’ or ‘there is no True Deity except Allah’. 3

Merits of Laa Ilaaha illallah4

i. Greatest favour from Allah upon his servants

وح من أمره على من يشاء من عباده أن أنذروا أنه % إلـه ينزل المIئكة بالر إ% أنا فاتقون

“He sends down the angels with inspiration of His Command to whom of His slaves He pleases (saying): "Warn humankind that La ilaha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I), so fear Me (by abstaining from sins and evil deeds).” [Nahl: 2]

ii. The Most Trustworthy Handhold (al-’urwatul-wuthqaa)

% إكراه ف Rشد من الغي فمن يكفر بالطاغوت ويؤمن با ي الدين قد تبين الر فقد استمسك بالعروة الوثقى % انفصام لھا وهللا سميع عليم

“There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right (Path of) Guidance has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower.” [Baqarah: 256]

iii. The Covenant

% يملكون حمن عھدا الشفاعة إ% من اتخذ عند الر

“None shall have the power of intercession, but such a one as has received permission (or promise) from the Most Beneficent (Allah).” [Maryam: 87] Ibn Abbas and His father explained: “The promise that which is mentioned in this verse is the testimony that ‘There is no diety worthy of worship except Allah’.

iv. It is Al Husna

فأما من أعطى واتقى وصدق بالحسنى فسنيسره لليسرى

“As for him who gives (in charity) and keeps his duty to Allah and fears Him, And believes in Al Husna. We will make smooth for him the path of ease (goodness).” [Layl: 5-7] Husna here refers to ‘La ilaaha illallaa’ as explained by Ibn Abbas.

v. The Word of Truth

و% يملك الذين يدعون م ن دونه الشفاعة إ% من شھد بالحق وھم يعلمون

“And those whom they invoke instead of Him have no power of intercession; except those who bear witness to the truth (i.e. believed in the Oneness of Allah, and obeyed His Orders), and they know (the facts about the Oneness of Allah).” [Zukhruf: 86]

vi. Kalima at Taqwa (Word of Taqwa)

إذ جعل الذين كفروا في قلوبھم الحمية حمية الجاھلية فأنزل هللا سكينته على رسوله وعلى المؤمنين و ألزمھم كلمة التقوى وكانوا أحق بھا وأھلھا وكان

هللا بكل شيء عليما

When those who disbelieve had put in their hearts pride and haughtiness the pride and haughtiness of the time of ignorance, then Allah sent down His Sakinah (calmness and tranquillity) upon His Messenger () and upon the believers, and made them stick to the word of piety (i.e. none has the right to be worshipped but Allah), and they were well entitled to it and worthy of it. And Allah is the All-Knower of everything. [Fath: 26]

vii. The Firm Saying

يثبت هللا الذين آمنوا بالقول الثابت في الحياة الدنيا وفي اhخرة ويضل هللا الظالمين ويفعل هللا ما يشاء

Allah will keep firm those who believe, with the word that stands firm in this world (i.e. they will keep on worshipping Allah Alone and none else), and in the Hereafter. And Allah will cause to go astray those who are wrong-doers, and Allah does what He wills. [Ibraheem: 27] viii. Kalima at Tayba (Goodly word)

ألم تر كيف ضرب هللا مث/ ك لمة طيبة كشجرة طيبة أصلھا ثابت وفرعھا في السماء تؤتي أكلھا كل حين بإذن ربھا ويضرب هللا اTمثال للناس لعلھم . يتذكرون

See you not how Allah sets forth a parable? - A goodly word as a goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches (reach) to the sky (i.e. very high). Giving its fruit at all times, by the Leave of its Lord and Allah sets forth parables for humankind in order that they may remember. [Ibraheem: 24-25] The goodly word here is ‘Laa ilaaha illallaah’ and the goodly tree is the date palm tree. Allah ta’ala has mentioned a resemblance between the goodly word and the goodly tree. First resemblance, Palm tree needs three things to grow and give fruits

• It needs a deep and firm root • Needs a strong standing and firm base • High branches

Such is eeman that it requires three things:

• Attestation of the heart • Promounciation by the tongue • Action by the limbs

Second resemblance, is that the date palm does not just grow in any land and similarly the goodly word of tawhid does not settle in every heart except in the heart of the believer. Third resemblance, is that the date palm tree has a deep and firm root in the earth and its branches are high. Similarly, the goodly word of tawhid has its base firmly established in the hearts of the believer and if he utters it and acts in accordance to what it entails then this will go in an upward direction until it reaches Allah.

من كان يريد العزة فلله العزة جم الح يعا إليه يصعد الكلم الطيب والعمل الص يرفعه والذين يمكرون السيئات لھم عذاب شديد ومكر أولئك ھو يبور

Whosoever desires honour, power and glory then to Allah belong all honour, power and glory [and one can get honour, power and glory only by obeying and worshipping Allah (Alone)]. To Him ascend (all) the goodly words, and the righteous deeds exalt it (the goodly words i.e. the goodly words are not accepted by Allah unless and until they are followed by good deeds), but

those who plot evils, theirs will be severe torment. And the plotting of such will perish. [Faatir: 10] Fourth resemblance, the fruits of the date palm tree can be eaten day and night, in the summer and in the winter. Either as dates or unripe dates or wet dates. Similarly the actions of the believers it ascends in the beginning of the day and at the end of the day. And blessings of his faith are not discontinued. It always reaches him at all times.

ix. A means for salvation This googly word of ‘Laa ilaaha illalla’ is a means for salvation, a means for success; attaining Al Jannah.

كل نفس ذآئقة الموت وإنما توفون أجوركم يوم القيامة فمن زحزح عن النار وأدخل الجنة فقد فاز وما الحياة الدنيا إ% متاع الغرور

Everyone shall taste death. And only on the Day of Resurrection shall you be paid your wages in full. And whoever is removed away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise, he indeed is successful. The life of this world is only the enjoyment of deception (a deceiving thing). [Ali Imran: 185] Narrated Ubadah bin As-Samit that Allah’s Messenger sallallahu alayhi wasallam said: “Whoever testifies that there is nothing worthy of worship except Allah, who is without a partner, and that Muhammad is His slave and messenger, and that ‘Eesa is the slave of Allah, His messenger and His Word which He bestowed in Maryam and a spirit (created) from Him, and that Paradise and Hell-fire are realities, Allah will admit him into Paradise, whatever his deeds might be” [Al Bukhari; no. 3252] This shows that even if a believer acts in disobedience and if he is to be punished then he will never ever be in Hell forever.

x. A means of preventing eternal stay in Hell for those who deserve to enter it due to their sins. Abu Hurairah asked the Messenger sallallahu alayhi wasallam: "On behalf of whom will your intercession be most pleasing (to Allah), oh, Messenger of Allah?" He replied: Him who says: Laa ilaaha illal-laah, sincerely, from his heart." [Bukhari] Narrated Anas: The Prophet said, "Whoever said "None has the right to be worshipped but Allah and has in his heart good (faith) equal to the weight of a barley grain will be taken out of Hell. And whoever said: "None has the right to be worshipped but Allah and has in his heart good (faith) equal to the weight of a wheat grain will be taken out of Hell. And whoever said, "None has the right to be worshipped but Allah and has in his heart good (faith) equal to the weight of an atom will be taken out of Hell." [Bukhari] Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri: The Prophet said, "When the people of Paradise will enter Paradise and the people of Hell will go to Hell, Allah will order those who have had faith equal to the weight of a grain of mustard seed to be taken out from Hell. So they will be taken out but (by then) they will be blackened (charred). Then they will be put in the river of Haya' (rain) or Hayat (life) (the Narrator is in doubt as to which is the right term), and they will revive like a grain that grows near the bank of a flood channel. Don't you see that it comes out yellow and twisted?" [Bukhari]

xi. Anyone who says this goodly word sincerely seeking Allah’s Face then Allah will forbid him from being torment in the fire of Hell.

Also narrated by Otban bin Malik radi allah’anhu that the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam said: "Allah has forbidden hell for those who say: (none has the right to be worshiped except Allah) for the sake of Allah only" (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

xii. The reason for the creation of Mankind and Jinn

وما خلقت الجن وا4نس إ% ليعبدون

And I (Allah) created not the jinns and humans except they should worship Me (Alone). [Dhariyat: 56] xiii. A means of happiness in the two worlds

الذين آمنوا ولم يلبسوا إيمانھم بظلم أولـئك لھم اTمن وھم مھتدون

It is those who believe and confuse not their belief with oppression, for them there is security and they are the guided. [An’aam: 82] xiv. First obligatory duty upon the legally responsible

Narrated Ibn 'Umar: Allah's Apostle said: "I have been ordered (by Allah) to fight against the people until they testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that Muhammad is Allah's Apostle, and offer the prayers perfectly and give the obligatory charity, so if they perform a that, then they save their lives an property from me except for Islamic laws and then their reckoning (accounts) will be done by Allah." [Bukhari] xv. Last duty of the legally responsible

It was narrated that Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Exhort your dying ones to say Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah.” Narrated by Muslim, 916 It was narrated that Mu’aadh ibn Jabal (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: I heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: “If a person’s last words are Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah, Paradise will be guaranteed for him.” Narrated by Ahmad, 21529; Abu Dawood, 3116; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Irwa’ al-Ghaleel, 687 xvi. Reason for sending Prophets

وما أر سول إ% نوحي إليه أنه % إله إ% أنا فاعبدون سلنا من قبلك من ر

And We did not send any Messenger before you (O Muhammad) but We inspired him (saying): La ilaha illa Ana [none has the right to be worshipped but I (Allah)], so worship Me (Alone and none else)." [Anbiya: 25] xvii. First thing the messengers called to

وإلى ثمود أخاھم صالحا قال يا قوم اعبدوا هللا ما لكم من إلـه غيره قد بكم ھـذه ناقة جاءتكم بينة من ر هللا لكم آية فذروھا تأكل في أرض هللا و% وھا بسوء فيأخذكم عذاب أليم تمس

And to Thamood (people, We sent) their brother Saalih (Saleh). He said: "O my people! Worship Allah! You have no other Ilaah (God) but Him. (Laa ilaaha ill-Allah: none has the right to be worshipped but Allah). Indeed there has come to you a clear sign (the miracle of the coming out of a huge she camel from the midst of a rock) from your Lord. This she camel of Allah is a sign unto you; so you leave her to graze in Allah's earth, and touch her not with harm, lest a painful torment should seize you. It is the essence of tawheed, and why creation was created. It is because of this that mankind is divided into Muslim and Kafir, it is why books were revealed, and prophets sent. It is the first phrase that the Muslim child hears when it is born. [A’raf: 73]

سو% أن اعبدوا هللا واجتنبوا الطاغوت فمنھم من ولقد بعثنا في كل أمة ر ھدى هللا ومنھم من ح /لة فسيروا في اTرض فانظروا كيف قت عليه الض كان عاقبة المكذبين

And verily, We have sent among every nation a Messenger (proclaiming): "Worship Allah (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Taghut (all false deities, etc. i.e. do not worship Taghut besides Allah)." Then of them were some whom Allah guided and of them were some upon whom the straying was justified. So travel through the land and see what was the end of those who denied (the truth). [Nahl: 36] xviii. Best of good deeds “The best of my sayings and of the sayings of all Prophets before me is: There is no diety worthy of worship except Allah alone, without partner, to Him belong all sovereignty and glory, and He has power over all things.” (At-Tirmidhi)

من جاء بالحسنة فله عشر أمثالھا ومن جاء بالسيئة ف/ يجزى إ% مثلھا وھم % يظلمون

Whoever brings a good deed (Islamic Monotheism and deeds of obedience to Allah and His Messenger) shall have ten times the like thereof to his credit, and whoever brings an evil deed (polytheism, disbelief, hypocrisy, and deeds of disobedience to Allah and His Messenger) shall have only the recompense of the like thereof, and they will not be wronged. [An’aam: 160] xix. Best of remembrance

"...and the best (supplication) I and the other prophets who were sent who were sent before me proclaimed was: There is no deity worthy of worship but Allah, He is Alone and has no partner. To Him belongs the Ownership (of everything), and to Him belongs all Praise, and He has total power over all things." [Laa ilaaha ill Allah, wah.dahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul mulku wa lahul h.amdu wa huwa `alaa kulli shay'in Qadeer.] At-Tirmidhi “Musa said: ‘O my Lord, teach me something by which I can remember You and supplicate to You.’ Allah answered: ‘Say, O Musa, La ilaaha illAllah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah).’ Musa said: ‘O my Lord, all your slaves say this.’ Allah said: ‘O Musa, if the seven heavens and all of their inhabitants besides Me, and the seven earths were in a pan (of a scale), and La ilaaha illAllah was in (another) pan, La ilaaha illAllah would outweigh them.” (Ibn Hibbaan and Al-Haakim) xx. Heavist on the scale

In the Hadith of Bitaaqah, Abdullah bin Amr reported that the Messenger of Allah said: "A person from my Ummah will be summoned in the presence of all creatures on the Day of Judgement. Ninety-nine records (of his deeds) would be unfolded, each extending as far as the range of the vision can stretch, then he would be asked: 'Do you deny any of these deeds?' He will reply: 'No, My Lord.' He will be asked: 'Do you have any excuse or any good deed?' The man who will be scared will say: 'No' It will be said to him: 'Yes you have some good deeds. No iniquity will befall you.' A card wll then be shown to him, on it will be written: 'Laa ilaaha ill Allah, Muhammad Rasool Allah.' He will say: 'O Allah! What cards and records are these.' It will be said to him: 'No injustice shall befall you.' The (ninety-nine) records will then be placed in one pan of the scale and the card on the other. The card will then outweigh the records." [At-Tirmidhi and Al-Haakim] xxi. Highest of the branches of eeman

“Belief is seventy and some branches. Its lowest branch is the removal of harm from the road while its highest is to say: There is no deity worthy of worship but Allah.” (Muslim, At-Tirmidhee, An-Nasaa’ee, Ibn Majah, and Ahmad.)

xxii. Protection against Shaytaan Whoever says: "There is none worthy of worship but Allah alone, Who has no partner, His is the dominion and His is the praise, and he is Able to do all things," one hundred times, it will be a protection for him from Shaytaan throughout the day.' [Bukhari] xxiii. Opens the eight gates of Paradise The Prophet (saw) also said, "Whoever performs wudhu and does it properly, then lifts his gaze to the sky and says, "Ashhadu an laa ilaaha illa Allaah, wahdahu laa shareeka lah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan 'abdahu wa rasuluhu, the eight gates of Paradise will be opened to him, and he will enter it through whichever one he wishes". [Muslim, Ahmad and others on the authority of ‘Umar, an-Nihaayah, 2/219] xxiv. We will be asked about this goodly word on the Day of Standing

الذين جعلوا القرآن عضين عما كانوا يعملون.

So, by your Lord (O Muhammad), We shall certainly call all of them to account. For all that they used to do. [Hijr: 92-93]

فلنسألن الذين أرسل إليھم ولنسألن المرسلين

Then surely, We shall question those (people) to whom it (the Book) was sent and verily, We shall question the Messengers. [A’raaf: 6] xxv. The highest description

وھو الذي يبدأ الخلق ثم يعيده وھو أھون عليه وله المثل اTعلى في السماوات واTرض وھو العزيز الحكيم

And He it is Who originates the creation, then will repeat it (after it has been perished), and this is easier for Him. His is the highest description (i.e. none has the right to be worshipped but He, and there is nothing comparable unto Him) in the heavens and in the earth. And He is the Almighty, the All Wise. [Rum: 27] xxvi. Cause for happiness or misery

تجد قوما يؤمنون باR واليوم اhخر يوادون من حاد هللا ورسوله ولو % كانوا آباءھم أو أبناءھم أو إخوانھم أو عشيرتھم أولئك كتب في قلوبھم

ا4يمان وأيدھم بروح م نه ويدخلھم جنات تجري من تحتھا اTنھار خالدين فيھا رضي هللا عنھم ورضوا عنه أولئك حزب هللا أ% إن حزب هللا ھم

المفلحون

You (O Muhammad) will not find any people who believe in Allah and the Last Day, making friendship with those who oppose Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad ), even though they were their fathers, or their sons, or their brothers, or their kindred (people). For such He has written Faith in their hearts, and strengthened them with spirit (i.e. proofs, light and true guidance) from Himself. And We will admit them to Gardens (Paradise) under which rivers flow, to dwell therein (forever). Allah is pleased with them, and they with Him. They are the Party of Allah. Verily, it is the Party of Allah that will be the successful. [Mujadilah: 22]

قال اھبطا منھا جميعا بعضكم لبعض عدو فإما يأتينكم مني ھدى فمن اتبع ھداي ف/ يضل و% يشقى

(Allah) said: “Get you down (from the Paradise to the earth), both of you, together, some of you are an enemy to some others. Then if there comes to you guidance from Me, then whoever follows My Guidance shall neither go astray, nor fall into distress and misery. [Ta-Ha: 123]

xxvii. Right of Allah over us Verily the right of Allah upon His slaves is that they worship Him and not associate anyone in partners with Him and the right of the slaves upon Allah Is that He does not punish those who do not commit Shirk with Him [Bukhari]

xxviii. Foundation for every worldly and legal good

تؤتي أكلھا كل حين بإذن ربھا ويضرب هللا اTمثال للناس لعلھم يتذكرون

Giving its fruit at all times, by the Leave of its Lord and Allah sets forth parables for humankind in order that they may remember. [Ibraheem: 25] xxix. Cause for clarity against the self

والذين تبوؤوا الدار وا4يمان من قبلھم يحبون من ھاجر إليھم و% يجدون في صدورھم حاجة مما أوتوا ويؤثرون على أنفسھ م ولو كان بھم خصاصة

ومن يوق شح نفسه فأولئك ھم المفلحون

And those who, before them, had homes (in Madinah) and had adopted the Faith, love those who emigrate to them, and have no jealousy in their breasts for that which they have been given (from the booty of Bani An-Nadir), and give them (emigrants) preference over themselves, even though they were in need of that. And whosoever is saved from his own covetousness, such are they who will be the successful. [Hashr: 9] This is the effect of laa ilaaha illallaah xxx. Greatest means of liberation from superstition, delusion and falsehood xxxi. The Just Word

قل يا أھل الكتاب تعالوا إلى كلمة سواء بيننا وبينكم أ% نعبد إ% هللا و% نشرك به شيئا و% يتخذ بعضنا بعضا أربابا من دون هللا فإن تولوا فقولوا

اشھدوا بأنا م سلمون

Say (O Muhammad): "O People of the Scripture: Come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but Allah, and that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allah. Then, if they turn away, say: "Bear witness that we are Muslims." [Ibraheem: 64]

xxxii. The cause for courage The proof for this is the status of the Rasul sallallahu alayhi wasallam, and his followers.

xxxiii. Highest of motivations

xxxiv. Greatest source of might and honour

يقولون جعنا إلى المدينة ليخرجن اTعز منھا اTذل وR العزة لئن ر ولرسوله وللمؤمنين ولكن المنافقين % يعلمون

They (hypocrites) say: "If we return to Madinah, indeed the more honourable ('Abdullah bin Ubay bin Salul, the chief of hypocrites at Madinah) will expel there from the meaner (i.e. Allah's Messenger)." But honour, power and glory belong to Allah, His Messenger (Muhammad), and to the believers, but the hypocrites know not. [Munafiqin: 8]

xxxv. Speech of truthfulness

والذي جاء بالصدق وصدق به أولئك ھم المتقون

And he (Muhammad) who has brought the truth (this Qur'an and Islamic Monotheism) and (those who) believed therein (i.e. the true believers of Islamic Monotheism), those are pious. [Zumar: 33]

xxxvi. For its sake Jihad has been legalized

وقاتلوھم حتى % تكون فتنة ويكون الدين كله R فإن انتھوا فإن هللا بما يعملون بصير

And fight them until there is no more Fitnah (disbelief and polytheism: i.e. worshipping others

besides Allah) and the religion (worship) will all be for Allah Alone [in the whole of the world]. But if they cease (worshipping others besides Allah), then certainly, Allah is All-Seer of what they do. [Anfaal: 39] The fitnah here is kufr and shirk.

xxxvii. The relief from hardship (in this life and the hereafter)

وذا النون إذ ذھب مغاضبا فظن أن لن نقدر عليه فنادى في الظلمات أن % إله إ% أنت سبحانك إني كنت من الظالمين

And (remember) Jonah, when he went off in anger, and imagined that We shall not punish him (i.e. the calamites which had befallen him)! But he cried through the darkness (saying): None has the right to be worshipped but You (O Allah), Glorified (and Exalted) are You [above all that (evil) they associate with You]. Truly, I have been of the wrong-doers." [Anbiyah: 87]

xxxviii. Greatest reason behind good character

xxxix. Kalimah at Tawhid

حيم حمن الر وإلـھكم إله واحد % إله إ% ھو الر

And your god is One God (Allah), none has the right to be worshipped but He, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. [Baqarah: 163]

xl. A means of attaining the Shafa’aa of Allah’s Messenger Abu Hurairah asked the Prophet: “Who will be the happiest of people with your intercession?” He said, “Whoever said La ilaaha illa-Allah sincerely with pure intention from his heart.” (Bukhari)

xli. It paves the way for righteousness

The one whose Tawhid is perfected in his heart and knows the meaning of the shahaada and acts upon it then the path of doing good will be made easy for him. Also the path to abandon evil will be made easy for him. The effects of calamities and misfortune will be made easy for him. The act of worship will feel light for those who seek the reward of Allah’s Pleasure. That is because they fear Allah and have hope in Allah because they know their calamities are from Allah and everything that touches them is from Allah then it is good for him in this life and his deen. Allah makes eeman beloved to a man who abides by the Shahaada beautifying eeman in his heart and making kufr, dhulm and disobedience hated in his heart. xlii. Allah repels evil through this Kalima

إن هللا يدافع عن الذين آمنوا إن هللا % يحب كل خوان كفور

Truly, Allah defends those who believe. Verily! Allah likes not any treacherous ingrate to Allah [those who disobey Allah but obey Shaytan (Satan)]. [Hajj:38] xliii. Tight rope of Allah

قوا واذكروا نعمت هللا عليكم إذ كنتم واعتصموا بحبل هللا جميعا و% تفر أعداء فألف بين قلوبكم فأصبحتم بنعمته إخوانا وكنتم على شفا حفرة من

النار فأنقذكم منھا كذلك يبين هللا لكم آياته لعلكم تھتدون

And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allah, and be not divided among yourselves, and remember Allah's Favour on you, for you were enemies one to another but He joined your hearts together, so that, by His Grace, you became brethren, and you were on the brink of a pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus Allah makes His Signs clear to you, that you may be guided. [Ali-Imran: 103]

This rope of Allah is explained to be the Qur’aan and the saying Laa ilaaha illallah. There is no contradiction between the two because the whole Qur’aan calls to Laa ilaaha illallah (Tawhid) xliv. The good life is for the people of tawhid

من عمل صالحا من ذكر أو أنثى وھو مؤمن فلنحيينه حياة طيبة ولنجزينھم أجرھم بأحسن ما كانوا يعملون

Whoever works righteousness, whether male or female, while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter). [Nahl: 97]

الحات ليستخلفنھم في اTرض كما وعد هللا الذين آمنوا منكم وعملوا الص استخلف الذين من قبلھم وليمكنن لھم دينھم الذي ارتضى لھم وليبدلنھم من

بعد خوفھم أمنا يع بدونني % يشركون بي شيئا ومن كفر بعد ذلك فأولئك ھم الفاسقون

Allah has promised those among you who believe, and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present rulers) in the earth, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practise their religion, that which He

has chosen for them (i.e. Islam). And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear (provided) they (believers) worship Me and do not associate anything (in worship) with Me. But whoever disbelieved after this, they are the Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah). [Nur: 55] xlv. Glad tidings when death approaches

إن الذين قالوا ربنا هللا ثم استقاموا تتنزل عليھم الم/ئكة أ% تخافوا و% تحزنوا وأبشروا بالجنة التي كنتم توعدون

Verily those who say: Our Lord is Allah (Alone), and then they istaqamu, on them the angels will descend (at the time of their death) (saying): Fear not, nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised! [Fussilat: 30] xlvi. Banner of the Muwahiddeen

وجاھدوا في هللا حق جھاده ھو اج تباكم وما جعل عليكم في الدين من حرج سول ملة أبيكم إبراھيم ھو سماكم المسلمين من قبل وفي ھذا ليكون الر

/ة وآتوا الز شھيدا عليكم وتكونوا شھداء على الناس فأقيموا الص كاة واعتصموا باR ھو مو%كم فنعم المولى ونعم النصير

And strive hard in Allah's Cause as you ought to strive (with sincerity and with all your efforts that His Name should be superior). He has chosen you (to convey His Message of Islamic Monotheism to humankind by inviting them to His religion, Islam), and has not laid upon you in religion any hardship, it is the religion of your father Abraham (Islamic Monotheism). It is He (Allah) Who has named you Muslims both before and in this (the Qur'an), that the Messenger (Muhammad) may be a witness over you and you be witnesses over humankind! So perform the prayer, give Zakat and hold fast to Allah [i.e. have confidence in Allah, and depend upon Him in all your affairs] He is your Maula (Patron, Lord, etc.), what an Excellent Maula (Patron, Lord, etc.) and what an Excellent Helper! [Hajj: 78]

النبي أولى بالمؤمنين من أنفسھم وأزواجه أمھاتھم وأولو اTرحام بعضھم أولى ببعض في ك تاب هللا من المؤمنين والمھاجرين إ% أن تفعلوا إلى

أوليائكم معروفا كان ذلك في الكتاب مسطورا

The Prophet is closer to the believers than their ownselves, and his wives are their (believers') mothers (as regards respect and marriage). And blood relations among each other have closer personal ties in the Decree of Allah (regarding inheritance) than (the brotherhood of) the believers and the Muhajirun (emigrants from Makkah, etc.), except that you do kindness to those brothers (when the Prophet joined them in brotherhood ties). This has been written in the (Allah's Book of Divine) Decrees (i.e. the Gaurded Tablet)." [Ahzaab: 6] xlvii. Reason to attain the isthigfaar of the Angels

تكاد السماوات يتفطرن من فوقھن والم/ئكة يسبحون بحمد ربھم حيم ويستغفرون لمن في اTرض أ% إن هللا ھو الغفور الر

Nearly the heavens might rent asunder from above them (by His Majesty), and the angels glorify the praises of their Lord, and ask for forgiveness for those on the earth, verily, Allah is the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful. [Shura: 5]

الذين يحملون العرش ومن حوله يسبحون بحمد ربھم ويؤمن ون به حمة وعلما فاغفر للذين ويستغفرون للذين آمنوا ربنا وسعت كل شيء ر

تابوا واتبعوا سبيلك وقھم عذاب الجحيم

Those (angels) who bear the Throne (of Allah) and those around it glorify the praises of their Lord, and believe in Him, and ask forgiveness for those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah) (saying): "Our Lord! You comprehend all things in mercy and knowledge, so forgive those who repent and follow Your Way, and save them from the torment of the blazing Fire! [Ghaafir: 7]

xlviii. A means of forgiveness for one’s sins

فاعلم أنه % إله إ% هللا واستغفر لذنبك وللمؤمنين والمؤمنات وهللا يعلم متقلبكم ومثواكم

So know (O Muhammad) that La ilaha illAllah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah), and ask forgiveness for your sin, and also for (the sin of) believing men and believing women. And Allah knows well your moving about, and your place of rest (in your homes). [Muhammad: 19] xlix. Kalima al-Ikhlas It is Kalimat al-Ikhlas because the action of the heart is the basis and the essence of every action. And the one who is worshipping Allah alone according to the way of the Rasul sallallahu alayhi wasallam is a sincere follower of the Shahaada.

l. Kalimat ul Ihsaan

ھل جزاء ا4حسان إ% ا4حسان

Is there any reward for good other than good? [Rahman: 60]

للذين أحسنوا الحسنى وزيادة و% يرھق وجوھھم قتر و% ذلة أولـئك أصحاب الجنة ھم فيھا خالدون

For those who have done good is the best (reward, i.e. Paradise) and even more (i.e. having the honour of glancing at the Countenance of Allah) Neither darkness nor dust nor any humiliating disgrace shall cover their faces. They are the dwellers of Paradise, they will abide therein forever. [Yunus: 26]

li. Dawat-Al Haqq

له دعوة الحق والذين يدعون من دونه % يستجيبون لھم بشيء إ% كباسط كفيه إلى الماء ليبلغ فاه وما ھو ببالغه وما دعاء الكافرين إ% في ض/ل

For Him (Alone) is the Word of Truth (i.e. none has the right to be worshipped but He). And those whom they (polytheists and disbelievers) invoke, answer them no more than one who stretches forth his hand (at the edge of a deep well) for water to reach his mouth, but it reaches him not, and the invocation of the disbelievers is nothing but an error (i.e. of no use). [Ra’d: 14]

lii. Kalimat ul ‘Adl

إن هللا يأمر بالعدل وا4حسان وإيتاء ذي القربى وينھى عن الفحشاء والمنكر والبغي يعظكم لعلكم تذكرون

Verily, Allah enjoins justice and goodness, and giving (help) to kith and kin (i.e. all that Allah has ordered you to give them e.g., wealth, visiting, looking after them, or any other kind of help, etc.): and forbids shameful, indecent and evil deeds, and all kinds of oppression, He admonishes you, that you may take heed. [Nahl: 90]

liii. Goodly Speech

وھدوا إلى الطيب من القول وھدوا إلى صراط الحميد

And they are guided (in this world) unto goodly speech (i.e. La ilaha ill-Allah Muhammad ar Rasul Allah, Alhamdu lillah, recitation of the Qur'an, etc.) and they are guided to the Path of

Him (i.e. Allah's Religion of Islamic Monotheism), Who is Worthy of all praises. [Hajj: 24]

liv. Kalimat al Baaqiyah Tawhid is not abolished by everything, but everything is abolished by Tawhid.

وإذ قال إبراھيم Tبيه وقومه إنني براء مما تعبدون إ% الذي فطرني فإنه سيھدين وجعلھا كلمة باقية في عقبه لعلھم يرجعون

And (remember) when Abraham said to his father and his people: "Verily, I am innocent of what you worship, "Except Him (i.e. I worship none but Allah Alone) Who did create me, and verily, He will guide me." And he made it [i.e. La ilaha ill-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah Alone)] a Word lasting among his offspring (True Monotheism), that they may turn back (i.e. to repent to Allah or receive admonition). [Zukhruf: 26-28]

lv. Kalimat Ulyaah

فلى وكلمة هللا ھي العليا وهللا عزيز حكيم وجعل كلمة الذين كفروا الس

and made the word of those who disbelieved the lowermost, while it was the Word of Allah that became the uppermost, and Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise. [Tawbah: 40]

lvi. The Deliverance

ويا قوم ما لي أدعوكم إلى النجاة وتدعونني إلى النار

"And O my people! How is it that I call you to salvation while you call me to the Fire! [Ghaafir: 41] lvii. Kalimat al istiqama

إن الذين ق الوا ربنا هللا ثم استقاموا تتنزل عليھم الم/ئكة أ% تخافوا و% تحزنوا وأبشروا بالجنة التي كنتم توعدون

Verily those who say: Our Lord is Allah (Alone), and then they istaqamu, on them the angels will descend (at the time of their death) (saying): Fear not, nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised! [Fussilat: 30] lviii. The true means for unity This means that the Muslims cannot really be united except on this Kalima. It is the uniting the word of the Muslims: This will result in strengthening the Muslims and assisting them in defeating their enemies - as long as they continue to follow and practise the same single religion, and as long as they adhere to the same single 'aqeedah (belief). Allaah - the Most High - said:

قوا واعتصموا بحبل هللا جميعا و% تفر

"And hold fast to the rope of Allaah and do not be divided." [Aal-Imran: 103]

Tafsir Ibn Kathir: (And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allah, and be not divided among yourselves.) It was said that,

]������ ��� ��[

(to the Rope of Allah) refers to Allah's covenant, just as Allah said in the following Ayah,

]�� ���� ��������� ��� ����� ����� �� !"�#$���% &���'!(�)�*+�� ��,� -��.�/ ������ �,� -�� [

(Indignity is put over them wherever they may be, except when under a covenant (of protection) from Allah, and from men;) [3:112], in reference to pledges and peace treaties.

Allah's statement

]*'���0 ���/����1[

(and be not divided among yourselves), orders sticking to the community of the believers and forbids division. There are several Hadiths that require adhering to the Jama`ah (congregation of believers) and prohibit division. Muslim recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah said,

»�3������ "�4�� �5�67���/ 8�3������ "�4�� 9�('�� :;� �<�� : ��!>�?�@A�0 �<���/ 8�3B$�C ���� ���D�'E!0 ����/ !F/!G!�A�0 �<�� "�4�� 9�('���H��+�0 �<���/8���1*'���0 ����/ �IA$�>�J �;� ��� ��"�D�'��� K;� !F����/ ��� ��! .�3������ "�4�� �5�67���/ : �M�'�N�D�/ 8�O��1�/ �$�1

O��>��� ���%��(���/ 8�O��PQ7��«

(It pleases Allah for you to acquire three qualities and displeases Him that you acquire three characteristics. It pleases Him that you worship Him Alone and not associate anything or anyone with Him in worship, that you hold on to the Rope of Allah altogether and do not divide, and that you advise whoever Allah appoints as your Leader. The three that displease Him are that you say, `It was said,' and, `So-and-so said,' asking many unnecessary questions and wasting money.)

وإن يريدوا أن يخدعوك فإن حسبك هللا ھو الذي أيدك بنصره وبالمؤمنين

وألف بين قلوبھم لو أنفقت ما في اTرض جميعا ما ألفت بين قلوبھم ولـكن هللا ألف بينھم إن ه عزيز حكيم

“It is He Who has strengthened you with His help and with the Believers, and moreover, He has put love and affection between their hearts. If you were to spend all that is in the earth, then never could you have united their hearts, but Allaah has united them. Indeed He is the all-Mighty, the all-Wise." [8:62-63] And differing in matters of 'aqeedah (beliefs) is the cause for splitting, disunity and hostility, as Allaah - the Most High - said:

قوا دينھم وإ ن الذين فر كانوا شيعا لست منھم في شيء إنما أمرھم إلى هللا ثم ينبئھم بما كانوا يفعلون

“Indeed those who split-up their religion and become sects, you have no part with them in the least." [An’aam: 159]

فتقطعوا أمرھم بينھم زبرا كل حزب بما لديھم فرحون

“But people have cut-off their affair of unity between them and have become sects, each party rejoicing in that which is with itself.” [Mu’minoon: 53] So people cannot truly be united except upon the correct concept of eemaan (faith) and the correct 'aqeedah of Tawheed, which are both direct implications of Laa ilaha ilallaah. One need only consider the conditions of the Arabs before and after Islaam.

lix. The right word

يا أيھا ال ذين آمنوا اتقوا هللا وقولوا قو% سديدا

O you who believe! Keep your duty to Allah and fear Him, and speak (always) the truth. [Ahzaab: 70]

يصلح لكم أعمالكم ويغفر لكم ذنوبكم ومن يطع هللا ورسوله فق د فاز فوزا عظيما

He will direct you to do righteous good deeds and will forgive you your sins. And whosoever obeys Allah and His Messenger he has indeed achieved a great achievement (i.e. he will be saved from the Hell-fire and made to enter Paradise). [Ahzaab: 71]

lx. It is Al Birr (righteousness)

Rليس البر أن تولوا وجوھكم قبل المشرق والمغرب ولـكن البر من آمن با واليوم اhخر والمIئكة والكتاب والنبيين وآتى المال على ح به ذوي القربى

/ة وآتى آئلين وفي الرقاب وأقام الص واليتامى والمساكين وابن السبيل والس اء وحين ر ابرين في البأساء والض الزكاة والموفون بعھدھم إذا عاھدوا والص

البأس أولـ ئك الذين صدقوا وأولـئك ھم المتقون

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces to the east and the west. But righteous is the one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Scripture and the Prophets; who gives his wealth in spite of love for it to kinsfolk, orphans, the poor, the wayfarer, to those who ask and to set slaves free. And (righteous are) those who pray, pay alms, honour their agreements, and are patient in (times of) poverty, ailment and during conflict. Such are the people of truth. And they are the God-Fearing. [Baqarah: 177] The above is a manifestation of the Shahaada.

lxi. It is the entire Deen

lxii. Siratul Mustaqeem

اھدنــــا الصراط المستقيم

Guide us to the Straight Path. [Fatiha: 6]

ق بكم عن سبيله بل فتفر وأن ھـذا صراطي مستقيما فاتبعوه و% تتبعوا الس اكم به لعلكم تتقون ذلكم وص

And verily, this is my Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not other paths, for they will separate you away from His Path. This He has ordained for you that you may become pious. [An’aam: 153] lxiii. The means to attain victory against the enemies of Allah

يا أيھا ال ذين آمنوا إذا لقيتم فئة فاثبتوا واذكروا هللا كثيرا لعلكم تفلحون

O you who believe! When you meet (an enemy) force, take a firm stand against them and remember the Name of Allah much (both with tongue and mind), so that you may be successful. [Anfaal: 45] lxiv. A means to attain steadfastness on earth

الحات ليستخلفنھم في اTرض كما وعد هللا الذين آمنوا منكم وعملوا الص استخلف الذين من قبلھم وليمكنن لھم دين ھم الذي ارتضى لھم وليبدلنھم من

بعد خوفھم أمنا يعبدونني % يشركون بي شيئا ومن كفر بعد ذلك فأولئك ھم الفاسقون

Allah has promised those among you who believe, and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present rulers) in the earth, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practise their religion, that which He has chosen for them (i.e. Islam). And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear (provided) they (believers) worship Me and do not associate anything (in worship) with Me. But whoever disbelieved after this, they are the Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah). [Noor: 55] lxv. A means for attaining high rank and honour

lxvi. A safeguard from bloodshed of Muslim and protection of their wealth Narrated Ibn 'Umar: Allah's Apostle said: "I have been ordered (by Allah) to fight against the people until they testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that Muhammad is Allah's Apostle, and offer the prayers

perfectly and give the obligatory charity, so if they perform a that, then they save their lives and property from me except for Islamic laws and then their reckoning (accounts) will be done by Allah." [Bukhari] lxvii. It is the word of witnessing

شھد هللا أنه % إلـه إ% ھو والم/ئكة وأولوا العلم قآئما بالقسط % إلـه إ% ھو العزيز الحكيم

Allah bears witness that None has the right to be worshipped but He, and the angels, and those having knowledge (also give this witness); (He is always) maintaining His creation in Justice. None has the right to be worshipped but He, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. [Ali-Imran: 18]

lxviii. The greatest gift

ولتكن منكم أمة يدعون إلى الخير ويأمرون بالمعروف وينھون عن المنكر وأولـئك ھم المفلحون

Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all righteousness, enjoining good and forbidding evil. And it is they who are the successful. [Ali-Imran: 104] lxix. Starting point of ad Dawah It is reported on the authority of Ibn `Abbas (ra) that Allah's Messenger said when he sent Mu`aadh to Yemen: "You are going to a people who are from the People of the Book: So the first thing to which you call them should be the testimony that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah." - And in another narration: "that they testify to the Oneness of Allah." - "And if they obey you in that, then inform them that Allah has made compulsory upon them five prayers every day and night. And if they obey you in that, then inform them that Allah has made incumbent upon them a charity (Zakah) which is to be taken from the rich among them and given to their poor. And if they obey you in that then be careful not to take the best of their wealth (as Zakah), and be careful of the supplication of those who have suffered injustice, for there is no obstacle between it and Allah. (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim) lxx. The Deen of Ibraheem

وجاھدوا في هللا حق جھاده ھو اجتباكم وما جعل عليكم في الدين من حرج سول ملة أبيكم إبراھيم ھو سماكم المسلمين من قبل وفي ھذا ليكون الر

شھيدا عليكم وتكونوا شھداء /ة وآتوا الزكاة على الناس فأقيموا الص واعتصموا باR ھو مو%كم فنعم المولى ونعم النصير

And strive hard in Allah's Cause as you ought to strive (with sincerity and with all your efforts that His Name should be superior). He has chosen you (to convey His Message of Islamic Monotheism to humankind by inviting them to His religion, Islam), and has not laid upon you in religion any hardship, it is the religion of your father Abraham (Islamic Monotheism). It is He (Allah) Who has named you Muslims both before and in this (the Qur'an), that the Messenger (Muhammad) may be a witness over you and you be witnesses over humankind! So perform the prayer, give Zakat and hold fast to Allah [i.e. have confidence in Allah, and depend upon Him in all your affairs] He is your Maula (Patron, Lord, etc.), what an Excellent Maula (Patron, Lord, etc.) and what an Excellent Helper! [Hajj: 78] lxxi. It is the Zakaah (purification)

قل إنما أنا بشر مثلكم يوحى إلي أن ما إلھكم إله واحد فاستقيموا إليه واستغفروه وويل للمشركين الذين % يؤتون الزكاة وھم باhخرة ھم .

كافرون

Say (O Muhammad): "I am only a human being like you. it is revealed to me that your ilah (God) is One ilah (God Allah), therefore take Straight Path to Him (with true Faith islamic Monotheism) and obedience to Him, and seek forgiveness of Him. And woe to the polytheists (the polytheists, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah). Those who give not the Zakat and they are disbelievers in the Hereafter. [Fussilat: 6-7] Ibn Al Qayyim said: Most of the people of tafsir say that the zakaah meant in this ayat refers to the Shahaadah of Laa ilaaha ill Allah. We know linguistically that the word zakaah means to purify. And we know it is through faith that the heart is purified. This is because the heart will negate any divinity to other than Allah and will settle with the Truth. This Kalima is the basis of every purification and growth. lxxii. The cause due to which some faces will be brightened and others will be darkened

وم تبيض وجوه وتسود وجوه فأما الذين اسودت وجوھھم أكفرتم بعد ي إيمانكم فذوقوا العذاب بما كنتم تكفرون وأما الذين ابيضت وجوھھم ففي

رحمة هللا ھم فيھا خالدون

On the Day when some faces will become white and some faces will become black; as for those whose faces will become black (to them will be said): "Did you reject Faith after accepting it? Then taste the torment for rejecting Faith. "And for those whose faces will become white, they will be in Allah's Mercy (Paradise), therein they shall dwell forever. [Aal-Imran: 106-107]

Shuroot (Conditions) of ‘La ilaaha illa Allah’5

Shuroot is the plural of shart.

الشرط Ash-Shart (Condition):

1. Linguistically, the word الشرط (Ash-Shart) means a sign, a mark, an indication as mentioned in (Surah Muhammed: 18).

فھل ينظرون إ% الساعة أن تأتيھم بغتة فقد جاء أشراطھا فأنى لھم إ ذا جاءتھم ذكراھم

Do they then await (anything) other than the Hour, that it should come upon them suddenly? But some of its portents (indications and signs) have already come, and when it (actually) is on them, how can they benefit then by their reminder? (Muhammad: 18) 2. Technically the word الشرط (Ash-Shart) means that whose absence requires something else to be absent and whose existence in and of itself does not require something else to exist or be absent. [In other words: a is a condition of b if the absence of a necessitates the absence of b, while the existence of a does not in an of itself necessitate the existence or absence of b.] Wahab ibn Munnabih (d.110) was asked: ‘Is not la ilaha illa Allah the key to Jannah?’ He replied, ‘Yes, but every key has ridges, so if you come with the key that has the right ridges, the door will be opened for you, otherwise it will not.’ [Reported by Abu Nuaim in Hulyatul Awliya (4/66) and Al Bukhari in At Tarikh al Kabir (1/95)]

1. ‘Ilm, Knowledge (vs. Jahl, Ignorance) 2. Yaqeen, Certainty (vs. Shakk, Doubt) 3. Ikhlas, Sincerity (vs. Shirk) 4. Sidq, Truthfulness (vs. Kadhib, Lying and Nifaaq, Hypocrisy) 5. Mahabba, Love and dissociating those who oppose it. 6. Inqiyad, Submission 7. Qabul, Acceptance (vs. ar-Radd, Rejection)

By "conditions of La ilaha illa Allah" is meant the conditions that a person should know and act in accordance with so that he may be acknowledging the unity of Allah in open and in secret. The First Condition (Ash-Shart al-Awwal): Knowledge (Al-’Ilm) Knowledge of its meaning, what it negates (Nafyan) and affirms (Ithbaatan). The evidence for the condition of knowledge is Allah, the Exalted’s saying:

فاعلم أنه % إله إ% هللا واستغفر لذنبك و للمؤمنين والمؤمنات وهللا يعلم متقلبكم ومثواكم

“So know (O Muhammad) that La ilaha illAllah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah), and ask forgiveness for your sin, and also for (the sin of) believing men and believing women. And Allah knows well your moving about, and your place of rest (in your homes).” [Muhammed]:19 The confirmed tradition (hadith) in Sahih Muslim as narrated by Uthman (radiAllahu’anhu who said: The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said: "He who dies knowing that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, shall enter Al-Jannah (Paradise)" As Allah the truthful (The Exalted, The Majestic) has no partner in His Domain, Creations and Planning, similarly, He has no partner in our worship of Him. This is why Allah has sent the prophets and messengers, and their calls agree upon this. Allah The Majestic said:

سول إ% نوحي إليه أنه % إله إ% أنا فاعبدون وما أرسلنا من قبلك من ر

“And We did not send any Messenger before you (O Muhammad) but We inspired him (saying): La ilaha illa Ana [none has the right to be worshipped but I (Allah)], so worship Me (Alone and none else).” [Anbiya: 25] The ways to know that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah are: First: Most importantly – contemplation of His Names, Attributes and His Actions that manifest His Perfection, Greatness and Honour. These oblige one to make an effort to submit to Him and worship this Perfect Lord unto Whom all praise, glory, greatness and bounty are due. Second: Knowledge that He, the Exalted alone, creates and disposes. So, subsequently, knowledge that He is the only deity worthy of worship. Third: Knowledge that He alone is the Bestower of all gifts (bounties) apparent and concealed, religious and worldly. This would obligate the heart to attach to Him, love and submit to Him alone with no partners. Fourth: What we see and hear of the rewards of those protected (Awliyah) by Him, who acts upon the recognition of His Unity (Oneness). They are given victory and bounties in this world, whereas punishment belongs to His enemies – those who ascribe partners with him. This leads to the knowledge that Allah ta’ala alone is worthy of worship. Fifth: Knowledge of the attributes of idols and (supposed) equals that have been worshiped with Allah and have been regarded as god. This means knowing that they are deficient in all respects, poor in themselves, and are incapable of profiting or harming anyone. Sixth: Knowing that all of Allah’s scriptures agree upon this and are consistent with each other. Seventh: The knowledge that the chosen ones among mankind – those who are of perfect conduct, minds, judgment and knowledge – are the messenger, prophets and devout scholars. All have witnessed to Allah in that.

Eight: Knowing the proofs (signs) that Allah has provided both within the human creature and in the universe. These signs manifest the unity (Tawhid) of Allah, simply by their existence and by the beauty of His creation and the wonder of His Wisdom and in the variety of his creations. The Second Condition (Ash-Shart ath-Thaanee): Certainty (Al-Yaqeen) Certainty – it is perfect knowledge that counter-acts suspicion and doubt. The evidence of the condition of certainty is Allah’s saying:

إنما المؤمنون الذين آمنوا باR ورسوله ثم لم يرتابوا وجاھدوا بأموالھم ادقون وأنفسھم في سبيل هللا أولئك ھم الص

“Only those are the believers who have believed in Allah and His Messenger, and afterward doubt not but strive with their wealth and their lives for the Cause of Allah. Those! They are the truthful” [Hujurat: 15] This means that the people of true belief (Eeman), both apparent and hidden, are only those who believe in Allah and his Messenger. They believe without doubt or suspicion. They show this belief by their word of mouth and their deeds and they strive in the cause of Allah with their wealth and their lives. Allah made certainty, i.e., not having any doubts or suspicions, a condition of true belief (in Allah and His Messenger) since the doubter is from the ranks of the hypocrites. From the Sunnah, the confirmed Hadeeth in the Saheeh (i.e. Muslim), on the authority of Abu Hurairah, that the Messenger of Allah said: I bear witness that nothing deserves to be worshipped except Allah, and that I am the Messenger of Allah. No one will meet Allah with these two [words of testimony] – while he has no doubt about them, except that he will enter Paradise. [Muslim] Also, from Abu Hurairah – from a long Hadeeth – [the saying of the Prophet]: Whoever you meet on the other side of this wall, who testifies that nothing deserves to be worshipped except Allah, while his heart is certain of this (testimony) – give him the good news of al-Jannah. [Muslim] The Third Condition (Ash-Shart ath-Thaalith): Sincerity (Al-Ikhlas) Sincerity which negates Shirk. The evidence of sincerity is the Allah’s saying:

أ% R الدين

“Surely, the religion (i.e. the worship and the obedience) is for Allah only”. [Zumar: 3]

/ة ويؤتوا وما أمروا إ% ليعبدوا هللا مخلصين له الدين حنفاء ويقيموا الص

الزكاة وذلك دين ال قيمة

“And they were commanded not, but that they should worship Allah, and worship none but Him Alone (abstaining from ascribing partners to Him), and perform the prayer and give Zakat: and that is the right religion” [Bayyinah: 5] It is narrated from Abu Hurairah (radi allah’anhu) that the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam said: "The happiest person who will have my intercession will be the one who said sincerely (from the bottom of his heart): None is worthy of worship except Allah" (Sahih Al-Bukhari) Also narrated by Otban bin Malik radi allah’anhu that the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam said: "Allah has forbidden hell for those who say: (none has the right to be worshiped except Allah) for the sake of Allah only" (Sahih Al-Bukhari) In the two Sahihs, it is reported that Abu Ayyub (radhi Allaahu ’anhu) narrated that a man said:

"O Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wasallam inform me of a deed that will make me enter Al-Junnah." He said: "Worship Allah and do not associate anything with Him, perform regular prayers, practice (Zakah) charity and maintain familial relations". In the "Masnud", Bahsir bin Al- Khassasiyah said: "I went to the prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam to take the oath of allegiance. He made it a condition that I should testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is Allah’s servant and messenger, and that I perform regular prayers, practice (Zakah) charity, perform Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca), fast the month of Ramadhan and strive in the way of Allah (Jihad fi sabilillah)." I said: "O Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wasallam I cannot afford two of these: to strive in the way of Allah and practice charity." The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wasallam released his hand then moved it and said: "No striving (in the way of Allah) and no charity. With what shall you enter Al-Jannah then? I said: "O Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wasallam I swear allegiance on all of them."

The Fourth Condition (Ash-Shart ar-Raabi’): Truthfulness (Al-Sidq)

Truthfulness, which negates lying (kadhib) and prohibits hypocrisy (nifaaq). The evidence of the condition of truth is The Exalted’s saying:

أحسب الناس أن يتركوا أن يقولوا آمنا وھم % يفتنون الم ولقد فتنا الذين من قبلھم فليعلمن هللا الذين صدقوا وليعلمن الكاذبين

“Alif-Lam-Mim. Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: "We believe," and will not be tested. And We indeed tested those who were before them. And Allah will certainly make (it) known (the truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make (it) known (the falsehood of) those who are liars, (although Allah knows all that before putting them to test).” [Ankabut: 1-3] Also, the Exalted’s saying:

ومن الناس من يقول آمنا باR وباليوم اhخر وما ھم بمؤمنين

يخادعون هللا والذين آمنوا وما يخدعون إ% أنفسھم وما يشعرون

في قلوبھم مرض فزادھم هللا مرضا ولھم عذاب أليم بما كانوا يكذبون

“And amongst humankind, there are some who say: "We believe in Allah and the Last Day," While in fact they do not believe. They (think to) deceive Allah And those who believe, While they only deceive themselves, and do not perceive! In their hearts is a disease And Allah has increased their disease. Theirs is a painful torment because they used to lie.” [Baqarah: 8-10] It is narrated by Mu’adh bun Jabal radi allah’anhuthat the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam said: "There is none who testifies truthfully from his heart that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammed sallallahu alayhi wasallam is His servant and Messenger, except that Allah will save him from Hell-fire" (Sahih Al-Bukhari) Regarding Allah’s saying: "And of mankind, there are some (hypocrites) who say: ‘We believe in Allah and the Last Day’... etc", Allah, the High, the Exalted, informs us about what the hypocrites used to do i.e., to show their Eeman (faith) by (merely) pronouncing it (with their tongues) whilst their hearts concealed Al-Kufur (Disbelief). They thought that they could deceive Allah, and deceive the Believers into being misled by them and inclined towards them. The opposite was the result of this deceit. They were in fact deceiving themselves but did not know because of their utter ignorance and their evil conscience. What drove them to this deceit and lying was suspicions. In Surah An-Nisa, Allah tells similar stories, about the hypocrites:

الذين يتربصون بكم فإن كان لكم فتح من هللا قالوا ألم نكن معكم وإن كان للكافرين نصيب قالوا ألم نستحوذ عليكم ونمنعكم من المؤمنين فاR يحكم

بينكم يوم القيامة ولن يجعل هللا ل لكافرين على المؤمنين سبي/

“Those (hypocrites) who wait and watch about you; if you gain a victory from Allah, they say: "Were we not with you," but if the disbelievers gain a success, they say (to them): "Did we not gain mastery over you and did we not protect you from the believers?" Allah will judge between you (all) on the Day of Resurrection. And never will Allah grant to the disbelievers a way (to triumph) over the believers. Verily, the hypocrites seek to deceive Allah, but it is He Who deceives them. And when they stand up for the prayer, they stand with laziness and to be seen of men, and they do not remember Allah but little” These disgraceful characteristics, by themselves, indicate that the believers have the opposite characteristics of truthfulness and sincerity – outwardly and inwardly. They are always active in performing their prayers and other acts of worship. It is also obvious that they are the ones whom Allah has guided to the Straight Path. The wise person should consider these two alternatives and choose what is best for him and it is Allah’s help we seek: (Ibn Sa’adi 1:429) The Fifth Condition (Ash-Shart al-Khaamis): Al-Mahabbah (Love) Love for this Kalimah (laa ilaaha ill Allah) and for that which it indicates (entails), and being happy, joyous and delighted with it. The evidence for love: His, the Exalted, saying:

ومن الناس من يتخذ من دون هللا أندادا يحبونھم كحب هللا والذين آمنوا أشد حبا R ولو يرى الذين ظلموا إذ يرون العذاب أن القوة R جميعا وأن هللا

شديد العذاب

“And of humankind are some who take (for worship) others besides Allah as rivals (to Allah). They love them as they love Allah. But those who believe, love Allah more (than anything else). If only, those who do wrong could see, when they will see the torment, that all power belongs to Allah and that Allah is Severe in punishment.” [Baqarah: 165] And His saying:

يا أيھا الذين آمنوا من يرت د منكم عن دينه فسوف يأتي هللا بقوم يحبھم ويحبونه أذلة على المؤمنين أعزة على الكافرين يجاھدون في سبيل هللا و%

يخافون لومة hئم ذلك فضل هللا يؤتيه من يشاء وهللا واسع عليم

"O you who believe! Whoever from among you turns back from his religion, Allah will bring a people whom He will love and they will love Him; humble towards the believers, stern towards the disbelievers, fighting in the Way of Allah, and never afraid of the blame of the blamers. That is the Grace of Allah which He bestows on whom He wills. And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knowing." [Ma’idah: 54] It is narrated from Anas radi allah’anhu who said: Whoever possesses the following three characteristics will taste the sweetness of faith: (1) That he loves Allah and His Messenger more than anything else; (2) that he loves a person, and he only loves him for the sake of Allah; (3) and that he hates to return to disbelief after being saved from it just as he would hate to be thrown into the Fire [Muslim] The love of Kalimah is achieved by two things, Firstly: Sincerity of worship for Allah who is alone without any partners. Secondly: To repudiate associating partners (to Allah) Al-Qadhi (rahimahullah) said that he, who has accepted Allah as his Lord, Islam as is Deen and Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wasallam as the Messenger, has tasted the sweetness of Eeman (faith). That

is because real love for Allah and His Messenger sallallahu alayhi wasallam, love for the sons of Adam for the sake of Allah and His Messenger sallallahu alayhi wasallam, and hatred to revert to disbelief (Kufr), is not attained except by one whose conviction has been strengthened, whose soul has felt tranquillity and whose heart has delighted in Eeman (faith) which has inter-mingled with his flesh and blood. That is the one who has found the sweetness of Eeman.

Sixth Condition (Ash-Shart as-Saadis): Al-Inqiad (Submission)

Complete Submission and Compliance with its rights, which are the obligatory duties, doing it purely for Allah, seeking His Pleasure. The evidence for submission from the Quran is what Allah, the Exalted, says:

وأنيبوا إلى ربكم وأسلموا له من قبل أن يأت يكم العذاب ثم % تنصرون

“And turn in repentance and in obedience with true Faith (Islamic Monotheism) to your Lord and submit to Him, (in Islam)…” [az-Zumar :54] And His saying:

ومن أحسن دينا ممن أسلم وجھه R وھو محسن واتبع ملة إبراھيم حنيفا واتخذ هللا إبراھيم خلي/

And who can be better in religion than one who submits his face to Allah; and he is a doer of good, and follows the religion of Abraham: Hanifa. And Allah did take Abraham as a friend. [An-Nisa: 125]

ف/ وربك % يؤمنون حتى يحكموك فيما شجر بينھم ثم % يجدوا في أنفسھم حرجا مما قضيت ويسلموا تسليما

“But no, by your Lord, they can have no Faith, until they make you (O Muhammad) judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission.” [An-Nisa: 65]

ومن يسلم وج ھه إلى هللا وھو محسن فقد استمسك بالعروة الوثقى وإلى هللا عاقبة اTمور

“And whosoever submits his face (himself) to Allah [i.e.(follows Allah's Religion of Islamic Monotheism), worships Allah (Alone) with sincere Faith in the (1) Oneness of His Lordship,(2) Oneness of His worship, and (3) Oneness of His Names and Qualities], while he is a Muhsin (good doer i.e. performs good deeds totally for Allah's sake without any show-off or to gain praise or fame etc. and does them in accordance with the Sunnah of Allah's Messenger Muhammad), then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold [La ilaha ill-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah)]. And to Allah return all matters for decision.” [Luqman: 22] The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam said: “None of you shall believe until his desires follow what I have come with” [al-Baghawee, Sharh as-Sunnah 1/213. Its chain contains Nu’aim ibn Hammad, who has been declared to be da’eef (weak)] This means total submission and compliance. It is incumbent upon every believer to love what Allah loves in such a way that it will make him perform what he has been commanded.

If his love reached such a point so as to perform extra act of worship, that would be better. The believer is also to hate all that Allah, the Exalted, hates in such a way that it will make him abstain from what Allah has forbidden from him. If his hate reached such a point as to abstain from what Allah disliked, that would be better. In the two Sahihs, it has been confirmed that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said: “None of you shall have Faith until he loves me more than he loves himself, his children, his family and all of mankind”. Therefore, a person is not a believer until the love of the Messenger sallallahu alayhi wasallam is placed above all the rest of mankind. The love of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam follows from the love of One who sent him and true love requires following-up and agreement in loving the loved (things) and hating the hated (things).

The Seventh Condition (Ash-Shart as-Saabi’) : Acceptance (Al-Qubool)

Acceptance, which negates ar-Radd (rejection). The evidence for acceptance from the Quran is the Exalted’s saying:

وكذلك ما أرسلنا من ق بلك في قرية من نذير إ% قال مترفوھا إنا وجدنا آباءنا على أمة وإنا على آثارھم مقتدون

قال أولو جئتكم بأھدى مما وجدتم عليه آباءكم قالوا إنا بما أرسلتم به كافر ون

“And similarly, We sent not a warner before you (O Muhammad) to any town (people) but the luxurious ones among them said: "We found our fathers following a certain way and religion, and we will indeed follow their footsteps." (The warner) said: "Even if I bring you better guidance than that which you found your fathers following?" They said: "Verily, We disbelieve in that with which you have been sent."” [Az-Zukhruf: 23-24] This ayat indicates: First: To make firm the heart of Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam and console him that what his people are saying is nothing new nor are they unique species of liars. Second: Warning against disobedience of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam. Third: The danger of imitating and that it is one of the greatest things that dissuade people from accepting the Truth and Guidance. The Exalted also says:

إنھم كانوا إذا قيل لھم % إله إ% هللا يستكبرون

ويقولون أئنا لتاركوا آلھتنا لشاعر مجنون

“Truly, when it was said to them: Laa ilaaha ill-Allah "(none has the right to be worshipped but Allah)," they puffed themselves up with pride (i.e. denied it). And (they) said: "Are we going to abandon our gods for the sake of a mad poet?” [As Saffaat: 35-36] From the Sunnah: what has been confirmed that Abu Musa radi allah’anhu reported that the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam said: “The similitude of the guidance and knowledge with which Allah has sent me is like abundant rain falling on the earth, some of which is fertile soil that absorbed the water and brought forth vegetation and grass in abundance. Another portion of it was hard and held the rain water and Allah benefited the people with it and irrigated their land for cultivation. And a portion of it was barren which could neither hold the water nor bring forth vegetation. The first is the example of the person who comprehends Allah’s religion and gets benefit (from that knowledge) which Allah, the Exalted, has revealed through me and learns, then

teaches others. The last example is that of a person who does not care for it and does not take Allah’s guidance revealed through me”. (Sahih Al-Bukhari-The Book of knowledge) An-Nawawi rahimahullah said: the meaning of the hadith and its objective is to liken the guidance brought (to us) by him sallallahu alayhi wasallam with rain and means that the soil is of three kinds and so are the people. The first kind of soil benefits from the rain and comes to life, having been dormant; vegetation grows benefiting man, beast, plants and others. Similarly, the first kind of person receives the guidance and knowledge, learns it, and his heart comes to life, practicing it and teaching others. Therefore benefiting himself and others. The second kind of soil is that which does not benefit itself but has an advantage; that of holding the later for the others thus benefiting man and beast. Similarly, the second kinds of people have hearts that hold (knowledge) but do not have insight in judgment to extract the meanings or rules, nor do they act according to what they have learnt (memorized). When a needy student thirsty for the knowledge, which they have, is able to benefit himself and others acquire their knowledge and benefit from it, then this kind of people have benefited others from what has reached them. The third kind of soil is barren and nothing grows in it. It neither benefits from the water, nor holds it so that others benefit from it. Similarly, the third kinds of people are those who have neither hearts that hold knowledge nor intelligence. If they hear knowledge, they do not benefit from it or learn it, to benefit others. And Allah knows best.

Muhammad ar Rasool Allah (Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah) 6 محمد رسول هللا

This is the second part of the Shahaada: محمد رسول هللا

The meaning of the testification that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah is to affirm with the tongue and to truly believe with the heart that Muhammad ibn ‘Abdullah al-Qurashee, al-Haashimee, is the Messenger of Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, to all creation, to the jinn and mankind. As Allah, the Most High, says,

وما خلقت الجن وا4نس إ% ليعبدون

And I (Allah) created not the jinns and humans except they should worship Me (Alone). [Adh-Dhariyat: 56]

لقد جاءكم رسول من أنفسكم عزيز ع ليه ما عنتم حريص عليكم بالمؤمنين حيم رؤوف ر

"Verily, there has come unto you a Messenger (Muhammad) from amongst yourselves (i.e. whom you know well). It grieves him that you should receive any injury or difficulty. He (Muhammad) is anxious over you (to be rightly guided, to repent to Allaah, and beg Him to pardon and forgive your sins, in order that you may enter Paradise and be saved from the punishment of the Hell-Fire), for the believers (he is) full of pity, kind, and Merciful." [Tawbah: 128]

يا أيھا النبي إنا أرسلناك شاھدا ومبشرا ونذيرا

وداعيا إلى هللا بإذنه وسراجا منيرا

"O Prophet (Muhammad)! Verily, We have sent you as a witness, and a bearer of glad tidings and a warner, And as one who invites to Allaah {i.e. to worship none but Allaah} by His leave, and as a lamp spreading light (through your instructions from the Qur'an and Sunnah)." [Ahzaab: 45-46]

ل إنما أنا بشر مثلكم يوحى إلي أنماق إلھكم إله واحد فمن كان يرجو لقاء ربه فليعمل عم/ صالحا و% يشرك بعبادة ربه أحدا

"Say (O Muhammad): "I am a man like you. It has been inspired to me that your Ilaah (God) is One Ilaah (i.e., Allaah). So, whoever hopes for the meeting with his Rabb (Allaah), let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Rabb (Allaah)." [Al-Kahf: 110]

أكان للناس عجبا أن أوحينا إلى رجل منھم أن أنذر الناس وبشر الذين آمنوا أن لھم قدم صدق عند ربھم قال الكافرون إن ھـذا لساحر مبين

"Is it a wonder for mankind that We have sent Our inspiration to a man from among themselves (Prophet Muhammad)(saying):"Warn mankind (of the coming torment in Hell) and give good news to those who believe (in the Oneness of Allaah & in His Prophet), that they shall have with their Rabb (Allaah) the rewards of their good deeds." [Yunus: 2]

There cannot be any worship for Allah, the Most High, except by way of the Revelation that Muhammad

came with, as Allah, the Most High, says,

تبارك الذي نزل الفرقان على عبده ليكون ل لعالمين نذيرا

Blessed be He Who sent down the criterion (of right and wrong, i.e. this Qur'an) to His slave (Muhammad) that he may be a warner to the worlds. [Furqan: 1]

This testification necessitates that a person believes whatever Allah’s Messenger has informed us of; that he obeys him in whatever he orders; and keeps away from whatever he forbade and prohibited, and that he does not worship Allah except with what he prescribed.

سول فخذوه وما نھاكم عنه فانتھوا واتقوا هللا إن هللا شديد العقاب وما آتاكم الر "And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad) gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it) and fear Allaah. Verily, Allaah is severe in punishment." [Hashr: 7] The meaning of the above ayah (verse) is very well illustrated in the following narration:

◌فسوي ◌نب ◌دمحم انثدح ◌لع : ◌نع ◌ميھاربإ ◌نع ◌روصنم ◌نع ◌نايفس ان ثدح.ق ◌ھل. ◌دبع ◌نع ◌ةمق ◌تامشاو� ◌و: " ◌ھل. ◌نعل ◌تامشتوم. ◌كنع ينغلب ◌ھنإ ◌ت.قف ◌تءاجف ◌بوقعي ◌مأ اھل ◌�قي ◌دسأ ينب ◌نم ◌ةأرما ◌كلذ ◌غلبف ◌ھل. ◌قلخ ◌تاريغم. ◌نسحلل ◌تاج لفتم.و ◌تاصمنتم.واقف ◌تيكو ◌تيك ◌تنعل ◌كنأ ◌نيب ام ◌تأرق ◌دقل ◌ت.قف ◌ھل. ◌باتك يف ◌وه ◌نمو ◌ملسو ◌ھيلع ◌ھل. ٮلص ◌ھل. ◌لوسر ◌نعل ◌نم Qنع◌ يل امو ◌للوقت ام ◌ھيف ◌تدجو امف ◌نيحول. ◌�ق . ◌مأ : ◌ھيتدجو ◌دقل ◌ھيتأرق ◌تنك ◌نئل ◌ت.ق اوھتناف ◌ھنع ◌مكاھن امو ◌ھوذخف ◌لوسر� ◌مكاتآ امو ◌تأرق اھتجاح اش ◌نم ◌رت ◌ملف ◌ترظنف ◌تبھذف يرظناف يبھذاف ◌�ق ◌ھنولعفي ◌كلھأ ٮرأ ينإف ◌ت.ق ◌ھنع ٮھن ◌دق ◌ھنإف ◌�ق ٮلب ◌تناك ◌ول ◌�قف ائياھتعماج ام ◌كلذك . ھاور يراخب/."Narrated 'Alqama: Abdullaah (bin Mas'ud) said, "Allaah curses those ladies who practice tattooing and those who get themselves tattooed, and those ladies who remove the hair from their faces and those who make artificial spaces between their teeth to look more beautiful whereby they change Allaah's creation. "His saying reached a lady from Bani Asd called Um Ya'qub who came (to Abdullaah) and said: "I have come to know that you have cursed such-and-such (ladies)?" He replied: "Why should not I curse these whom Allaah's Messenger cursed and who are cursed in Allaah's Book!" Um Ya'qub said, "I have read the whole Qur'an and I have not found in it what you say." He said, "Verily if you have read it (i.e. the Qur'an), you have found it. Didn't you read: "And whatsoever the Messenger gives you, take it and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it)." She replied, "Yes, I did." He said, "Verily, Allaah's Messenger forbade these things." She said, "But I see your wife doing these things?" He said, "Go and watch her." She went and watched her but could not see anything in support of her statement. On that he said, "If my wife were as you thought, I would not keep her in my company (i.e. I would divorce her)."

سول فقد أطاع هللا ومن تولى فما أرسلناك عليھم حفيظام ن يطع الر

"He who obeys the Messenger (Muhammad), has indeed obeyed Allaah, but he who turns away, then We have not sent you (O Muhammad) as a watcher over them." [An-Nisaa’: 80] The Prophet (R) said:

◌مو" ،ھل. ٮصع ◌دقف يناصع ◌نمو ،ھل. ◌عاطأ ◌دقف ينعاطأ ◌نميناصع ◌دقف ييرمأ ٮصع ◌نمو ،ينعاطأ ◌دقف ييرمأ ◌عاطأ ھاوريراخب/ ." ◌ن

"Whoever obeys me, he obeys Allaah, and whoever disobeys me, he disobeys Allaah, and whoever obeys the ruler I appoint, he obeys me, and whoever disobeys him, he disobeys me." [Reported by Al-Bukhaaree]. He (R) also said:

ٮبأ" ◌دقف يناصع ◌نمو ◌ةنج. ◌لخد ينعاطأ ◌نم ◌�ق ٮبأي ◌نمو ◌ھل. ◌لوسر اي او�ق ٮبأ ◌نم eا ◌ةنج. ◌نولخدي يتمأ ◌لك ھاور يراخب/ ." "All of my followers will enter Paradise except those who refuse." They said: 'O Allaah's Messenger! Who will refuse?' He said,"Whoever obeys me will enter Paradise and whoever disobeys me is the one who refuses (to enter it)." [Reported by Al-Bukhaaree]. The matters discussing worship of Allaah, discipline, orders, advice, approvals, and recommendations as detailed by Muhammad are collectively known as Sunnah. The Sunnah is also meant to emphasize the correct way of understanding the Deen of Islam, in contrast with the ways of deviations and (or) innovations. The Sunnah is an Inspiration from Allaah and is not the Prophet's idea, thought or desire:

وما ينطق عن الھوى إن ھو إ% وحي يوحى

"Nor does he (Muhammad) speak of (his own) desire. It is only an Inspiration that is inspired." [an-Najm: 3-4) So, in obeying the Prophet's Sunnah we are obeying Allaah. There should be no resistance to the way of the Prophet. He must be taken as a judge in all disputes as Allaah clearly commands:

ف/ وربك % يؤمنون حتى يحكموك فيما شجر بينھم ثم % يجدوا في أنفسھم حرجا مما قضيت ويسلموا تسليما

"But no, by your Rabb (Allaah), they can have no Faith, until they make you (O Muhammad) judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) fully with submission." [An-Nisaa’:65]. "And let those who oppose the Messenger's commandment (i.e. his Sunnah, legal ways, orders, acts of worship, statements, etc.) (among the sects) beware, lest some Fitnah befall them, or a painful torment be inflicted on them." [An -Noor: 63]. The Prophet (R) said:

نمدر لمع“ ◌وھف ھاور ملسم كلذكو يراخب/ في ◌ظفل رخآ. " ◌�مع سيل ◌ھيلع انرمأ "He who does an act which our matter (i.e. our religion) is not in agreement with, will have it rejected." [Related by Muslim and Al-Bukhaaree with a different wording]. The Sunnah of the Prophet is surely safeguarded as Allaah promised to save the Message of Islam from any human corruption. The following of the Sunnah of the Prophet (R) is the manifestation of the Declaration: "Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah":

قل إن كنتم تحبون هللا فاتبعوني يحببكم هللا ويغفر لكم ذنوبكم وهللا غفور حيم ر

Say (O Muhammad to all mankind): "If you (really) love Allaah then follow me (i.e. what I was trusted with, the Qur'an and Sunnah), Allaah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." [Aal-Imraan: 31]

This testification also necessitates that he does not believe that Allah’s Messenger has any share of, or

any right to, Lordship or control over creation, not any right to be worshipped at all. Rather he is a slave and worshipper, not one to be worshipped; and he is a Messenger who is not to be belied. He does

not posses, either for himself or for anyone else, the power to bring harm or benefit, except as Allah wills. Allah, the Most High, says,

قل % أقول لكم عندي خزآئن هللا و% أعلم الغيب و% أقول لكم إني ملك إن أتبع إ% ما يوحى إلي قل ھل يستوي اTعمى والبصير أف / تتفكرون

Say (O Muhammad): "I don't tell you that with me are the treasures of Allah, nor (that) I know the unseen; nor I tell you that I am an angel. I but follow what is revealed to me by inspiration." Say: "Are the blind and the one who sees equal? will you not then take thought?" [An’aam: 50] He is a slave who acts as he is commanded and follows the orders he is given, and Allah the Most High, says

قل إني % أملك لكم ضرا و% رشدا قل إني لن يجيرني من هللا أحد ولن أجد من دونه ملتحدا

Say: "It is not in my power to cause you harm, or to bring you to the Right Path." Say (O Muhammad): "None can protect me from Allah's punishment (if I were to disobey Him), nor should I find refuge except in Him. [Jinn: 21-22]

قل % أملك لنفسي نفعا و% ضرا إ% ما شاء هللا ولو كنت أعلم الغيب وء إن أنا إ% نذير وبشير لقوم يؤمنون %ستكثرت من الخير وما مسني الس

Say (O Muhammad): "I possess no power of benefit or hurt to myself except as Allah wills. If I had the knowledge of the unseen, I should have secured for myself an abundance of wealth, and no evil should have touched me. I am but a Warner, and a bringer of glad tidings unto people who believe." [A’raaf: 188] From this it is known that nothing from the creation deserves or has the right to be worshipped not Allah’s

Messenger , nor any of the creation lesser than him; and that worship may only be for Allah, the Most High, alone,

قل إن ص/تي ونسكي ومحياي ومماتي R رب العالمين % شريك له وبذلك أمرت وأنا أول المسلمين

Say (O Muhammad): "Verily, my prayer, my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. He has no partner. And of this I have been commanded, and I am the first of the Muslims." [An’aam: 162-3]

The declaration that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah is an integral part of faith. Muhammad must be trusted in all that he informed us about Islaam. He must be obeyed in all that he had ordered and we must stay away from all that he forbade. The obedience to Muhammad is obedience to Allaah. He left us with all that leads to Paradise and warned us from all that leads to Hell.

The right of the Prophet is that you give him the position and standing which Allah, the Most High, gave to him, which is that he is the slave of Allah and His Messenger, may Allah extol and send blessings of peace upon him.

Conditions of ‘Muhammad ar Rasoolulah’ 7 Someone’s testimony to the Prophethood of Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wasallam is rejected, if the one who testifies by the tongue does not act in accord with their testimony. How can someone oppose the Messenger – if they truly believe that he is the Messenger of the Lord of the Worlds? It is the Right of the Messenger of Allah that We Love him (al-Mahabbah) We also love the Prophet due to the great respect we have for him, as a direct result of our Love for Allah Who has chosen Muhammad as His Final Messenger to all of mankind. It is through the Prophet, and the guidance which he brought, that we are able to know Allah and worship Him properly. It is related in the Sahihain of al-Bukhari and Muslim, rahimahumallaah, from Anas, radhiallahu `anhu, that the Prophet, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, said: "None of you truly believes until I am more beloved to him than his father, his child and all of mankind." It is the Right of the Messenger of Allah that We Honour him (at-Ta’dheem) We also give the highest honour and respect to him, since he has the highest place of honour in front of Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. However, we don’t raise him up to a status beyond the status given to him by Allah. He is Allah’s slave-servant and Messenger. He is the greatest and most perfect of all humanity in the worship of Allah. It is for this reason that we honour and respect him. The Prophet Does Not Have Knowledge of the Unseen (al-Ghaib) We also believe that the Messenger of Allah does not have knowledge of the unseen, except what Allah reveals to him. Say (O Muhammad): I don’t tell you that with me are the Treasures of Allah, nor that I know the unseen; nor do I tell you that I am an angel. I only follow what is revealed to me (by Allah)... [Al-An’aam 6:50]. Hence, anyone who claims that the Prophet has knowledge of the unseen has denied the words of Allah and His Messenger! Nor does he control the benefit or harm that may come to him, or that which may befall others. Allah, the Most High, says: Say (O Muhammad): It is not in my power to cause you harm, or to bring you to the Right Path. Say (O Muhammad): None can protect me from Allah’s Punishment (if I were to disobey Him), nor can I find refuge except in Him. [Al-Jinn: 21, 22] The Prophet is a Human Being, Having No Characteristic of Lordship (Ruboobiyyah) We also believe that the Prophet of Allah is a human being who has no share in the divine Lordship over the universe. Sometimes he was asked about a matter of the Divine Law (Sharee’ah), and was unable to answer until he was informed by revelation; while other times he was corrected by revelation. This proves that he is not All-Knowing, but only a Slave-Servant and Messenger of Allah. The Prophet Possessed Human Characteristics (al-Khasaa’is al-Bashariyyah) Like other human beings, he slept, ate, drank, suffered illness and pain, grieved, become angry and pleased. He died like every other human being. And his family and companions did for him everything which is normally done for a person who dies. Whoever claims that he is alive – in his grave – praying, fasting, performing pilgrimage, etc. has indeed spoken without knowledge. Allah, the Most High, says: Verily, you (O Muhammad) will die and verily, they too will die. Then, on the Day of Resurrection, you will be disputing before your Lord. [az-Zumar 39:30, 31] Allah says: Muhammad is no more than a Messenger, and indeed (many) Messengers have passed away before him. If he dies or is killed, will you then turn back on your heels (as disbelievers)? And he who turns back on his heels, not the least of harm will be do to Allah, and Allah will give reward to those who are grateful. [Aali Imraan 3:144]

The Nullifiers of Shahadatain 8 The Nullifiers of Shahadatain are those that are the nullifiers of Islam. Because it is the Shahadatain that one pronounces in order to enter Islam. Uttering the Shahadatain is affirming their intent, and being steadfast in establishing their prerequisite like fulfilling the rituals of Islam. If one forsakes this steadfastness then he has invalidated the pledge he took when he uttered the Shahadatain. The nullifiers of Islam are many and the scholars have collected them in books of Fiqh under the title, 'The Chapter of Riddah (Apostasy).' However, the most important of them are ten, which have been mentioned by Shaikhul-Islam Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhab (rahimahullah) (they are the following). 1. Shirk in the worship of Allah. Allah says, 'Verily! Allah forgives not (the sin of) setting up partners in worship with Him, but He forgives whom he pleases - sins other than that…' [Soorah an-Nisa (4): 116] and, 'Verily, whosoever sets up partners in worship with Allah, then Allah has forbidden Paradise for him, and the Fire will be his abode. And for the Zalimoon (polytheists and wrongdoers) there are no helpers' [Soorah al-Maida (5): 72] and it includes sacrificing for other than Allah, like tombs and jinn. 2. Setting up intercessors between oneself and Allah, invoking them, asking them for Shifa'ah and relying upon them. One who does this is considered a disbeliever by consensus. 3. He who does not declare the Mushrikeen (those who associate partners in worship with Allah) to be disbelievers, or doubts their disbelief, or approves their Madhhab (faith, creed) has disbelieved (in Allah). 4. Believing that the guidance of someone other than Allah's Messenger (sallalalhu alaihi wa-sallam) is more complete than his (sallalalhu alaihi wa-sallam) guidance, or that the ruling of other than him (sallalalhu alaihi wa-sallam) is better, like those who prefer the ruling of the tawagheet (pl. of Taghoot meaning things worshiped other than Allah) over the ruling of Allah's Messenger and they prefer the man-made laws to Islam. 5. He, who hates something from that which the Messenger came with, has disbelieved, even if he was acting upon it. 6. He, who mocks at something from the Religion of the Messenger, its rewards or punishments, has disbelieved. The proof of this is the Saying of Allah, 'Say, 'Was it at Allah, and His Ayat and His Messenger that you were mocking? Make no excuse, you have disbelieved after you had believed.' [(9): 65-66] 7. Magic and from among its types is causing unity and disunity among people (like that which causes separation of the husband from his wife or causes him to love her). He, who does this or is pleased with it, has disbelieved. The proof is the Saying of Allah, '…but neither of these two (angels) taught anyone (such things) until they had said, 'We are only for trial, so disbelieve not (by learning this magic from us).' [Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 102] 8. Aiding and cooperating with the Mushrikeen (disbelievers) against the Muslims. The proof is the Saying of Allah, 'And if any amongst you takes them as Awliya, then surely he is one of them. Verily, Allah guides not those people who are the Zalimoon (polytheists and wrongdoers and unjust).' [(5): 51] 9. He, who believes that some people can be excused from the Sharee'ah of Muhammad (sallalalhu alaihi wa-sallam), just like Khidr (alaihis-salaam) was not liable to the Sharee'ah of Moosa (alaihis-salaam), is a disbeliever. I (i.e., Shaikh Saleh al-Fawzan) say, 'this is just like what the extremist Sufis believe that they reach a stage (through their piety), where they are not in need of following the Messenger (sallalalhu alaihi wa-sallam). 10. Turning away from the Religion of Allah, neither learning it, nor acting upon it. The proof is the Saying of Allah, 'But those who disbelieve, turn away from that whereof they are warned.' [(46): 3] 'And who does more wrong than he, who is reminded of the Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of his Lord, then he turns aside therefrom? Verily, We shall exact retribution from the Mujrimoon (criminals, disbelievers, polytheists, sinners, etc.).' [Soorah as-Sajdah (32): 22] Shaikhul-Islam Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhab (rahimahullah) said, 'There is no difference if one does any of them (the above nullifiers) jokingly, seriously or in fear, except under force. They are all very dangerous and most likely to happen. So, it is necessary for a Muslim to be aware of them, and fear them for himself. And we seek Allah's protection from that which brings about His Anger and severe punishment.’

The Effects of the Shahaada 9 If this kalimah is pronounced with truthfulness and sincerity and its essential requirements are acted upon, both inwardly and outwardly, then its effects upon both the individual and the society will indeed be praiseworthy. From the most important of these effects are: 1- Having a united word which results in the Muslims acquiring strength and achieving victory over their

enemies. This is because they submit to one Religion and to a single creed (‘aqeedah), as Allaah the Most High said: “And hold fast altogether to the rope of Allaah and do not become divided.” [Soorah Aal-’Imraan 3:101] And Allaah the Most High said: “He it is that has strengthened you with His help and with the Believers. And moreover, He has united their hearts with love and affection. If you had spent all that is in the earth, you could not have united their hearts with love and affection. However, Allaah has united them. Indeed Allaah is the All-Mighty, All-Wise.” [Soorah al-Anfaal 8:62-63] And differing in the creed is a cause for divisions, disputes and hostility - as Allaah the Exalted said: “Indeed those who split up their religion and become sects, you have no concern with them in the least.” [Soorah al-An’aam 6:159] And Allaah the Most High said: “But people have cut off their affair of unity between themselves, into sects; each party rejoices in that which is with itself.”

[Soorah al-Mu’minoon 23:53] So people cannot be united except upon a common creed of faith (eemaan) and tawheed; which is the implication of laa ilaaha illallaah - and this can be seen in the condition of the Arabs before and after Islaam.

2- The prevalence of peace and tranquility in a society that professes tawheed and submits to the requirements of laa ilaaha illallaah. This is because every individual will take only that which Allaah has made lawful and leaves that which He has prohibited, doing so in response with what the kalimah requires of him. So he will refrain from aggression, injustice and transgression and in its place will be co-operation, love and allegiance for the sake of Allaah; acting upon Allaah, the Most High’s, saying: “Indeed the Believers are but brothers.” [Soorah alHujuraat 4 9:10] This is clearly reflected in the condition of the Arabs before they submitted to this kalimah, and after they submitted to it. Before they submitted to it they used to be enemies, slaughtering one another, boasting about killing, looting and plundering. But when they submitted to it, they became brothers who had mutual love for one another. Allaah the Exalted said: “Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah; and those with him are harsh against the unbelievers, but kind and merciful to each other.” [Soorah al-Fath 48:29] And Allaah the Most High said: “And remember the favor of Allaah upon you, for you were once enemies to one another but He joined your hearts together in love, so that by His Grace you became rothers.” [Soorah Aal-’Imraan 3:103]

3- Achieving authority and succession of rule (khilaafah) pon the earth, and [maintaining] purity

of the Religion and firmness against the various destructive thoughts and ideologies; just as Allaah, the Exalted, said: ”Allaah has promised those amongst you who truly believe and act in obedience to Allaah and His Messenger, that He will grant them rulership upon the earth, just as He granted it to those before them, and that He will establish their Religion for them and grant them the authority to practice the Religion which He chose and ordered for them. And He will certainly change their situation to one of security, after their fear, providing they worship Me, obey Me, and do not associate anything else in worship with Me.” [Soorah an-Noor 24:55] So Allaah has firmly tied the achievement of these lofty goals and objectives with worshipping Him alone and not worshipping others along with Him. And this is the meaning and requirement of laa illaaha illallaah.

4- Achieving peace and tranquility of the soul, as well as mental and psychological relief for whoever says laa ilaaha illallaah and acts by its requirements. This is because such a person is a slave and worshipper of only one Lord. He knows what his Lord wants and what pleases Him, so he does it. Likewise, he knows what angers Him, so he abstains from it. This is contrary to one who worships and is enslaved by many deities, each one desiring from him what the other does not desire, and each one planning and arranging for him something different to what the others plan and arrange. Allaah,

the Most High, said: “Are many different lords and deities better or Allaah, the One, the Irresistible?” [Soorah Yoosuf 12:39] And Allaah the Most High said: “Allaah puts forth a similitude: a slave belonging to many partners who dispute and argue with one another and a slave who belongs entirely to one master. Are the two equal in comparison?” [Soorah az-Zumar 39:29] Imaam Ibnul-Qayyim remarked: “This similitude that Allaah the Most Perfect strikes is like that of one who worships others besides Allaah (mushrik) and one who worships only Allaah (muwahhid). So the example of a mushrik is like a slave who is owned by a group [of masters] who constantly dispute, argue and show enmity towards each other; so the person becomes ill-natured. Thus, since the mushrik is one who worships different deities, he is likened to a slave who is owned by a group of masters who compete with one another to employ his service and obedience. It is therefore not possible for him to appease all of them! On the other hand, the example of a muwahhid who worships Allaah alone is like a slave who has just one master to whom he submits. The slave knows the master’s intent and knows also the ways to please him. Thus he is relieved of all the feuds and confusion [that are bound to arise if he has more than one master]. Rather, he is safe from his master, with no dispute over who he should serve and obey, with the fact that themaster shows clemency, mercy and kindness to him, does good to him, and looks after his best interests. So are the two slaves alike?”1

5- Acquiring dignity and eminence, both in this world and in the Hereafter, for the people of laa ilaaha illallaah.Allaah the Most High said: “Worshipping none but Allaah alone; not ascribing any partner in the worship of Him. And whoever commits shirk with Allaah, it is as if he had plummeted from the sky and the birds had snatched him, or the winds had hurled him to a far off place.” [Soorah al-Hajj 22:31] So this Verse proves that tawheed is loftiness and ascendancy, whereas shirk is lowliness and ignominy. The great scholar, Ibn al-Qayyim, rahimahullaah, said: “Allaah likened the loftiness, expanse and nobility of faith and tawheed to that of the heavens, which are its place of ascent and descent. From it faith and tawheed descend to the earth and to it they ascend. Abandoning faith and tawheed has been likened to plummeting from the heavens to the lowest of the lowly places with regards to the severe constriction [of the heart] and the ever-accumulating pain. The birds that snatch at his limbs and completely sever them are a similitude of the Shaytaan whom Allaah sends to drive him towards evil, to harass him and to steer him to the place of his destruction. The wind that hurls him to a far off place is his false desires which cause him to cast his soul into the most despicable of places, furthest away from the heavens.”2

6- Safeguarding one’s blood, property and honors; due to the Prophet’s saying sallallahu alaihi wasallam: “I have been ordered to fight mankind until they say laa ilaaha illallaah. So if they say it, then their blood and their wealth will be protected, except if they fail to fulfill its right, and their reckoning is with Allaah.”3 What is meant by except if they fail to fulfill its right is: If they say it, but refuse to fulfill its obligations - which implies not fulfilling what it requires as regards singling-out Allaah alone with worship and staying clear of worshipping others besides Allaah, and establishing the pillars of Islaam - then their property and blood will not be safeguarded. Rather, they will be fought and their property will be confiscated and given to the Muslims as war booty, which is what the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasallam and his successors did.

1 I’laamul-Muwaqqi’een (1/187). 2 I’laamul-Muwaqqi’een (1/180). 3 Reported by al-Bukhaaree (13/419).

So, What Are We Required To Do Now? What is required is that each one of us must say Laa ilaaha illa-llah - on the tongue - while knowing it in their heart - knowing and understanding its meaning, and believing in that which it indicates. This means believing in the fact that Allah should be singled out as being Unique and Alone, nothing being equal to Him, similar to Him or comparable to Him and that He Alone deserves to be worshipped. Singling out Allah as being One and Unique in His Divinity; and He is also One and Unique in His right to be worshipped. It is expected that the person should believe in his heart what is required or what is indicated by the meaning of Laa ilaaha ill Allah. The importance of that is singling out Allah with Al Wahdaniyyah (Uniqueness) and Al Uboodiyyah (Worship). This is the affirmation that Allah is Unique and Alone, and there is nothing like him in His Qualities or Characteristics (Sifaat) and His Actions (Af'aal) and that He Alone deserves to be worshipped. So, after knowing what Laa ilaaha ill Allah means, and saying it with sincerity, truthfulness, and certainty, while also having love for it and acceptance, then one must comply with whatever this Shahaadah necessitates of action, and the most important of these is the Prayer [along with the other pillars of Islam].

Footnotes 1 The Declaration of Faith - Shaikh Saalih al-Fawzaan 2 www.islamlecture.com/documents/shuroot.doc 3 Aqeedah at Tawheed - Shaikh Saaleh al-Fawzaan 4 Transcribed from Shahaadah: Testimony of Faith by Dr Saleh as Saleh 5 Evidences of the Conditions of Laa ilaaha ill Allah explained - Shaykh Ubaid Al Jabari 6 Explanation of the Three Fundamental Principles by Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen & Explanation of Muhammad ar Rasullah by Dr Saleh as Saleh 7 Methodology (Minhaaj) of Ahlus-Sunnah wa-l-Jamaa’ah rRelated to Beliefs (al-‘Aqeedah) and Actions (al-‘Amal) - Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih ibn Uthaimeen 8 Nullifiers of Islam - Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhab 9 The Declaration of Faith - Shaikh Saalih al-Fawzaan