Ink Of The Scholars

You can find a lot on this audio clip. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-dEQwEytg8

In the name of Allah:

Is it just me or are people less genuine nowadays? It seems most people have ulterior motives in every essence. I know for a fact that everybody knows a person who genuinely wants nothing from them except mere companionship. However, these numbers are scarce and so, you would find more and more people being less interested in you but rather more interested in what you possess.

“Indeed, We have sent down to you the Book, [O Muhammad], in truth. So worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion.” (39:2)

It’s sad really, coming to think of it that people live a life full of falsehood and dishonesty. Many people are artificial in all that they do. Their deceptive outward appearance masks their real inward objective. And what’s worse is that some people do things insincerely and yet still approve of their distorted hard work!

“…And Allah will surely make evident those who are truthful, and He will surely make evident the liars.” (29:3)

Nobody in this world who is of a sound mind would claim to know what is inside a person’s heart. Whether you are truthful or untruthful, Allah (may he be glorified and exalted) who created us and continues to sustain us, knows our deepest most hidden secrets and inner concealments.

“But do they not know that Allah knows what they conceal and what they declare?” (2:77)

We tell ourselves everyday that we can’t be conniving and a dishonest human being, but yet if we look closely within, we might find ourselves guilty of this very insincerity. Nobody likes a liar, a two-faced individual who manipulates others. So why is it then, that we express this insincerity to the One most deserving of every atom of sincerity our hearts can muster?

“And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion…” (98:5)

One of the names of Allah is (al-Ghani), the One who is completely free of any need, who is self-sufficient. Allah (The Most High) does not need anything from his creation. He is not in need of anything at all, let alone our sincerity. Rather we are in need of him. So us being insincere does not, in any way, harm or affect Him. We only end up hurting ourselves! As Allah (The Most High) says concerning this:

“…O My servants, even if the first amongst you and the last amongst you and the whole human race of yours and that of Jinns become as wicked as the most wicked heart of anyone amongst you, it will not decrease anything from My Power or Kingdom…” (Muslim)

This issue of being earnest and sincere is something that we all struggle with. We humans love to be praised and love to be applauded for things that we do or achieve, even from a young age. It’s in our very nature. I mean, take a child for example; a child would do the most wondrous things to get the attention of an elder just to be commended. Nevertheless, it is a flaw that needs to be fought and opposed constantly.

“Surely the hypocrites try to deceive Allah, and He is deceiving them; and when they rise up for prayer, they rise up lazily, showing off to (other) men, and they do not remember Allah except a little.” (4:142)

So what is sincerity?

Sincerity, which is known as Ikhlaas in Arabic, is to do everything and I mean everything for the sake of Allah. Not wanting anything from the people but rather seeking everything from Allah. Doing righteous actions inwardly and outwardly by only seeking the pleasure of one’s Lord. It is to forget the eyes of people, whether they see you or not, with the sole thought that Allah (The Most High) is forever watching you.

"We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.” (76:9)

And In a hadith Qudsi, Allah says:

"I am so self-sufficient that I am in no need of having partners. Thus, whoever does an action for someone else’s sake as well as Mine, will have that action rejected by Me to him whom he associated with Me." (Muslim)

The first principle mentioned in Sheikh Mohammed Ibn Abdulwahab’s famous book titled, The Six fundamentals, is the issue of sincerity. It states:

“First Principle: Sincerity in the religion for Allah only without associating any partners with him.”

Sheikh Saalih al-Fawzaan said in his explanation of this:

“…Therefore, it is not important that a person fasts, prays and performs great amount of religious actions. What is important is sincerity! It is better for a person to do little amounts of religious actions combined with sincerity than a person who does great amount, but excludes sincerity. So if a person prays night and day, gives alms using wealth and does righteous actions all without sincerity, then there is no benefit in his work because it must have with it sincerity.” (Sharh al-Osool as-Sittah p.9)

The opposite of Ikhlaas is showing off, a term known as Riya in Arabic. Riya is to do things for people’s sake in order to gain some sort of pleasure from them, whether it is praise, a worldly affair or even just to be seen. Riya is also connected to the heart and at times, our actions, though it may start off as being sincere to Allah alone, Riya can easily creep in and corrupt one’s actions.

“So woe to those who pray. [But] who are heedless of their prayer. Those who make show [of their deeds].” (107:4-6)

For example, a man who is praying to Allah and while praying, he hears someone coming into the room and at the moment, he decides in his head to prolong the prayer so that the person can think good and high of him! Another example, a man who is quietly reading the Qur’an in the Mosque and as soon as people start entering, he decides to read with a beautiful recitation aloud to gain their attention! The dangers and consequences of showing off are quite severe as illustrated in the hadith below.

“Verily, the first of people to have their case judged on the Day of Resurrection will be a man who was martyred. He will be brought and Allah’s blessings will be made known and he will recognise them. Allah will say: What have you done concerning these blessings? The man will say: I fought in your cause until I was martyred. Allah will say: You have lied because you fought so that it would be said how courageous you are, and it was said. Then Allah will order him to be dragged upon his face into the Hellfire. Another man learned religious knowledge, taught others, and recited the Quran. He will be brought and Allah’s blessings will be made known and he will recognize them. Allah will say: What have you done concerning these blessings? The man will say: I learned religious knowledge, taught others, and I recited the Quran for Your sake. Allah will say: You have lied because you learned religious knowledge so that it would be said you are a scholar and you recited the Quran so that it would be said you are a reciter, and it was said. Then Allah will order him to be dragged upon his face into the Hellfire. Another man was given abundance from Allah and was given every kind of wealth. He will be brought and Allah’s blessings will be made known and he will recognize them. Allah will say: What have you done concerning these blessings? The man will say: I spent money in every cause upon which you wished it to be spent. Allah will say: You have lied because you spent money so that it would be said how generous you are, and it was said. Then Allah will order him to be dragged upon his face into the Hellfire.” (Muslim)

The Messenger of Allah also said:

“Verily, actions are judged according to intentions and so every man shall have that which he intended. Thus, he whose migration was to Allah and His Messenger, his migration is to Allah and His Messenger; but he whose migration was for some worldly thing he might gain, or for a wife he might marry, his migration is to that for which he migrated.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

Thus, what we learn from the powerful hadith above, is that, deeds are not accepted nor are they sound if it is not solely done for the sake of Allah (The Most High).

“Say, Do you acquaint Allah with your religion while Allah knows whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth, and Allah is Knowing of all things?” (49:16)

Sheikh Saalih al-Fawzaan said concerning this verse above:

“And so no one knows what is inside the heart except Allah (The Most High). As for the people, they don’t have a clue. The place of the intention is the heart. No one knows it except Allah. And pronouncing it (i.e. the intention) is an innovation! So a person should not go around saying, ‘I intend to pray, I intend to do pilgrimage, I intend to give charity etc. This is an innovation. This is because the place of the intention is the heart. It is also an action of the heart and not the action of the tongue. And the disclosure of it is showing off. Therefore, one must not utter their intention. It is not established that the Messenger (may peace be upon him) uttered his intentions when he wanted to perform any action from the righteous actions.” (Sharh Arba’een an-Nawawi)

Ibn Mubarak said:

"Perhaps a small action is made great by its intention, and maybe a great action is made small by its intention." (Jami’ ul-Uloom wal-Hikam p.29)

A person may do a small righteous action and due to his complete sincerity towards Allah, he gains huge rewards. And likewise, a person may do a big righteous action but due to his lack of sincerity, he gains a reduced amount of rewards.

Fudail Ibn I’yaadh said:

"Allah only wants from you, your intentions and desires." (Jami’ ul-Uloom wal-Hikam p.29)

It is clear that Allah (The Most High) only accepts pure righteous actions and only wants from us, our sincerity. Yet still, Riya can be very subtle! A person may not even know he is showing off at times. This is why our beloved prophet emphasised this point by declaring he was more afraid for his Ummah this issue of Riya more so than the Dajjal (Anti-Christ)!

"Shall I not inform you of what I fear for you more than the Masih ad-Dajjal? It is the hidden shirk. It is when a man stands up for prayer, then beautifies his prayer for another to look at." (Ibn Majah)

Look, in this crazy systematic world that we live in, you will always find three types of muslims, Extremist, Moderates and Liberals. Extremists call for nefarious activities and bloodshed. While Liberals denounce their islamic identity totally to suit western ideologies and traditions. Islam, however, calls for moderation in every aspect and disavows all means of extremism.

"And thus We have made you a medium (just) nation that you may be the bearers of witness to the people…" {2:143}

But according to extremists and liberals, the ‘moderate’ muslim is considered far from the straight path. In fact, they would regard them as complete fanatics. And in all honestly, what the media and their cult want is a muslim nation which suits and works with their civilisation and morals. And not one which is based upon their correct sources. i.e. Qur’an & Sunnah

Terrorism is a disease that creates social instability and unrest. All communities especially a true devote moderate Muslim who understands the religion, should condemn all aspects of terrorism as it conflicts with human nature and is inconsistent with the purpose of life in this world.

However, Muslims should not be apologetic for every stupidity or ignorant behaviour that happens around the world by those who claim Islam. Our religion is free from fanaticism and has even foretold and warned against this blood thirsty mentality.

Lastly, one thing I’d like to mention, as an advice to myself and to my fellow Muslims & non-muslim friends alike, is the importance of seeking knowledge! Extremism can creep into any household thus making our own siblings and children turn away from the correct understanding of Islam and into one which will cause harm and regret. Knowledge is power as they say, and in Islam, this plays a heavy role. Knowledge proceeds both speech and action as Imam Bukhari once said. So it is incumbent upon us all to seek it thus making us act upon it in its true sound way.

“And this is my path, which is straight, so follow it; and do not follow [other] ways, for you will be separated from His way. This He has instructed you that you may become righteous.” (6:153)

In the name of Allah:

So it’s that time of the year again! That moment where many Muslims across the world will gather together and indulge in some sort of spiritual reconnection. That time, where faith seems to be lifted and rejuvenated. You may think I’m talking about the holy month of Ramadan or the blessed days of Hajj but in actual fact I’m leaning towards this actual month we are in! Yes you got it, the month of Rabi’ al-Awwal! I’m sure you all know the significance regarding this month, as it is the Mawlid (birth month) of our beloved Messenger (may peace and blessing be upon him).

“Say, [O Muhammad], “If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (3:31)

And it being said, celebrating the Prophet’s birthday has caused some sort of confusion and controversy around the Muslim Ummah for centuries now, so what is the real essence of this date according to the Qur’an and Sunnah? Having stated many times in these blogs, we base our deen around these two fundamental tools. So before we use our emotions or intellect for this great issue surrendering the Muslim Ummah, lets go back to these two perfect sources.

“Say, ‘Obey Allah and the Messenger.’ But if they turn away - then indeed, Allah does not like the disbelievers.” (3:32)

Before we engage in its ruling, it is imperative to mention that we Muslims very much love the Messenger of Allah. We love him more than we love our own selves, our parents, our wives, children etc. as the Messenger of Allah stated,

“None of you will have (complete) faith till he loves me more than his father, his children and all mankind.” (Bukhari)

The reason why I mentioned this particular hadith is that many Muslims will use this to support the idea of celebrating the Prophet’s birthday. Take nothing away from the Messenger of Allah. Our beloved Messenger has a special place in our hearts and he is the best creation to have ever existed. However, one should not go into excessiveness with him. For verily, the people before him went into extremes with their Prophets until they actually took them as worship! 

“Beware of excessiveness in religion. Indeed excessiveness in religion caused those [nations] before you to perish.” (Ahmad)

The commands in the Qur’an & Sunnah are quite clear. Allah (The Most High) commands us with obeying Him and the Messenger in all that we do especially when it comes to the matters of worship.

“Follow, [O mankind], what has been revealed to you from your Lord and do not follow other than Him any allies. Little do you remember.” (7:3)

“And, this is My path, which is straight, so follow it; and do not follow [other] ways, for you will be separated from His way. This has He instructed you that you may become righteous.” (6:153)

Likewise, the Messenger of Allah said:

"Whoever innovates anything in this matter of ours (i.e., Islam), that is not part of it will have it rejected." (Bukhari)

Therefore, the matter is quite simple and straightforward. This issue of celebrating the Prophet’s birthday should not cause any concern in the minds of the believers. This is because celebrating the Prophet’s birthday is a clear-cut detested innovation and a forbidden action, which was introduced after the three best generations of this Ummah.

It is not part of the Sunnah of the beloved Messenger nor was it part of the righteous Caliphs who succeeded him. The Prophet himself didn’t do it nor did he command anyone of us to do it, neither during his lifetime nor after his death. Since this is the case, we can deduce that this matter is an innovation because the Messenger of Allah said,

"I urge you to follow my Sunnah and the way of the rightly-guided Caliphs after me; adhere to it and cling to it firmly. Beware of newly-invented things, for every newly-invented thing is an innovation (bid’ah) and every innovation is a going-astray." (Ahmad)

If anybody does an action whereby they single out this day as a day of getting closer to Allah which was not done by the Messenger himself nor by the his righteous companions, then this only implies that you know the religion better than the Messenger of Allah or that you are accusing the Messenger of not explaining the religion to the people and that he went against the verse where it says,

“…This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.” (5:3)

Another reason why celebrating al-Mawlid is a forbidden action is that it imitates the Christians because they themselves celebrate the birth of the Messiah (may peace be upon him). And so imitating them is something that is extremely abhorred in Islam especially with regards to things that are the symbols or rituals of their religion.

"Whoever imitates a people is one of them." (Ahmed)

"Be different from the mushrikeen (polytheists)." (Muslim)

One of the fundamental reasons why the scholars of Islam, past and present, forbid al-Mawlid and are very stern about it is that it leads to Shirk. Besides it being an innovation and it being an imitation of the Christians, celebrating al-Mawlid is also a means that leads to exaggeration and excess in venerating the Messenger. Some will go as far as seeking aid and blessings by calling upon him instead of Allah (The Most High). Just like we see the Christians today who actually worship Jesus!    

“Do not exaggerate in praising me like the Christians have praised ‘Isa Ibn Maryam (Jesus son of Mary). I am but a slave, so call me the slave of Allah and His Messenger.” (Bukhari)

Honestly, just ask yourself, why celebrate it? Do you really love the Messenger of Allah? Do you really have this zeal for our beloved Prophet? If so, then why don’t you obey the command in which Allah (The Most High) said,

“Say, [O Muhammad], “If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (3:31)

By Allah, the true love of the Messenger of Allah is manifested by following his footsteps and supporting his Sunnah.  Loving him is shown by protecting the Messenger’s honour and defending him against those who ridicule or misinterpret his teachings. If anybody loved the Messenger as much as Abu Bakr (may peace be upon him) and he was the closest of people to him, then surely he would have celebrated this day! Is it narrated that Umar (may peace be upon him) who ruled for twelve years or Uthmaan (may peace be upon him) who married two of the Messenger’s daughters or even Ali (may peace be upon him) his paternal cousin celebrated this Mawlid? The answer is No!

“The best of speech is the Book of Allah, and the best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad. The most evil of things are those which are newly-invented (in religion), and every innovation is a going astray.” (Muslim)

So my dear brothers and sisters, may Allah bless you, Know and understand that anything and I mean anything in which our beloved companions never delved into nor practised in their time can only mean that we should be cautious and wary about in our time.

Ibn Taymiyyah said,

"If Mawlid was genuinely good, the Salaf would have celebrated it because they had greater love for Prophet. (Iq’tadaa as-Siraatul Mustaqeem)

Hence, going back to the people of knowledge and to the examples that have been laid down for us should be sufficient for us all. That which was complete and established in the Messenger’s time, is complete and established for us today and for all eternity! 

“Whoever among you lives (for a long time) will see many differences. I urge you to follow my Sunnah and the way of the rightly-guided Caliphs who come after me. Hold on to it firmly. Beware of newly-invented matters, for every innovation is a going astray.”  (Ahmad)

Celebrating al-Mawlid in whatever form it may be is a reprehensible innovation. Whether you like it or not, it goes against the teachings of Islam and thus shows hate and rejection for the Messenger of Allah rather than love and obedience to him. One does not need any innovated ways to remember the best of creation; rather the Messenger of Allah is constantly kept alive by every Muslim on a daily basis.

Sheikh saalih al-Fawzaan said concerning al-Mawlid,

“Those who participate in the celebration of Mawlid an-Nabawi are of different types. Some simply gather on the occasion and read the story of birth, give speeches and recite poems. Some prepare food and sweets, and distribute it to the attendees. Some commemorate the celebration in the mosques while others in the houses. Some do not limit themselves to the above, they add to it prohibited actions of mingling between men and women, dancing, singing or acts of Shirk like invoking and calling upon Allah’s Messenger (may peace and blessing be upon him), etc. With all its various forms and intentions of those who celebrate it, commemoration of Mawlid an-Nabawi is indisputably a prohibited innovation…” (Taken from his book titled, The Ruling concerning Mawlid an-Nabawi)

In the name of Allah:

I know, I know, it has been a while. I haven’t done a blog for some time now and I do apologise, especially to those habitual and attentive readers. I have just been away from everything lately and needed some time off. Anyhow, I have decided to do something noteworthy to this new blog. Lets see if you can spot it… Any luck? I’ll give you a clue, (the title) Yes, I’m glad you have noticed! The title for this blog is quite self-explanatory and considering that I conventionally try to be a bit ambiguous with the title in relation to the topic, I decided to make this week’s blog straight to the point due to the subject at hand.

“So whoever Allah wants to guide - He expands his breast to Islam; and whoever He wants to misguide - He makes his breast tight and constricted as though he were climbing into the sky…” (6:125)

The Imam in every Friday Khutb’a (sermon) utters a few words in which every Muslim will hear or has heard before. He says, after pronouncing the declaration of faith, “…Verily, the best of speeches, is the book of Allah and the best of guidance, is the guidance of Mohammed (may peace be upon him)…” And from this, we deduce one important aspect from our religion. That is, Islam is based upon two fundamental sources, the Noble Qur’an and the Authentic Sunnah!

“And whoever opposes the Messenger after guidance has become clear to him and follows other than the way of the believers - We will give him what he has taken and drive him into Hell, and evil it is as a destination.” (4:115)

These two sources, which are full of knowledge and wisdom, sheds light in our darkest hour. They provide for us a ray, a glimmer and a floodlight of hope in the moments of despair and confusion. No other sources are required or ever needed for all eternity because they are indeed, perfect, excellent and complete in every aspect.

“…And We revealed to you (Oh Mohamed) the message that you may make clear to the people what was sent down (Qur’an) to them and that they might give thought.” (16:44)

When a person realises that our deen (religion) is based upon the Qur’an & Sunnah, they should also realise the importance of knowing the way it ought to be understood. I mean, just look around you! How many people have an opinion about Islam? How many people use their intellect and mind in answering questions pertaining to Islam? How many views and voices are out there? Everyone seems to believe they are upon the haqq (truth), everybody believes they hold the true understanding of Islam but yet, simultaneously, we remain disunited, divided and alienated to our own group or people that share the same belief.

“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. And remember the favour of Allah upon you - when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favour  brothers. And you were on the edge of a pit of the Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus does Allah make clear to you His verses that you may be guided.” (3:103)

Therefore, it illustrates the graveness of knowing this sacred religion in its correct way and methodology. One thing, which is crucial to mention here is that our beloved Prophet, foresaw all of this to happen. He prophesied this division around the world, this disunity amongst his Ummah (nation) and this splitting, which has lead to sects and partisanships. Al-Irbaad bin Sariyah narrates this famous hadith, which clarifies this point further. He said,

“The Messenger of Allah delivered an admonition that made our hearts fearful and our eyes tearful. We said, "O Messenger of Allah, it is as if this were a farewell sermon, so advise us." He said, "I enjoin you to have taqwa of Allah and that you listen and obey, even if a slave is made a ruler over you. He among you who lives long enough will see many differences. So for you is to observe my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly principled and rightly guided successors, holding on to them with your molar teeth. Beware of newly-introduced matters, for every innovation (bid'ah) is an error." (Abu Dawud & al-Tirmidhi)

Likewise the Messenger of Allah said:

"Indeed the Children of Israa'eel split up into seventy-two sects (72 sects) and my Ummah will split up into seventy-three (73 sects), all of them are in Fire except one.” It was asked, "what is the one?' He said, "That which I and my Companions are upon." (Tirmidhi & al-Haakim)

So how should a Muslim understand this deen?

Well, firstly, what the scholars of Islam have deduced from this latter hadith above, is that when the companions (may Allah be pleased with them all) asked inquisitively about this one sect that would enter into paradise, the Prophet answered by saying, "That which I and my Companions are upon."  Clearly showing that that which the Messenger and his righteous companions were upon, is the only correct way of understanding this great religion. The Prophet further indicated this righteous generation by praising them and their followers by saying,

“The best of people is my generation, then those who come after them, then those who come after them.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

These three generations that are mentioned in the above hadith are known as the As-salaf-ul-saalih. The term As-salaf-ul-saalih is a collective name that refers back to the pious forefathers in Islam. It refers back to the first and best three generations of this Ummah. The Salaf comprise of, the Sahaaba (companions), Taba’oon (the immediate followers of the companions) and Itba’u Taba’een (those that immediately followed the Taba’oon), just as the hadith above mentions.

Likewise in another hadith, the Messenger said:

"There shall not cease to remain a single group from my community upon the Truth, victorious; they are unharmed by those who abandon them and those who oppose them. They will remain (in my community and in such a state) until they fight the liar, i.e. the Anti-Christ, ‘Dajjal’." (Muslim)

Moosa Ibn Haroon said:

"I heard Ahmed ibn Hanbal being asked about the hadith, "the Ummah shall split… So he said, "If the Victorious Group is not Ashaabul hadith (the people of hadith), then I don’t know who they are." (Sharaf Ashaabul hadith (p.61) Al-Khaateeb al-Baghdaadee)

Therefore, “As-Salafiyaah”, refers to knowledge-rooted principles that are drawn from the preserved fundamental sources of the sharia, which are then understood in accordance to our beloved companions (may Allah be pleased with them all). In other words, this religion must be comprehended just like our early predecessors comprehended it.

"And the first forerunners [in the faith] among the Muhajireen and the Ansar and those who followed them with good conduct…" (9:100)

Sheikh Saalih al-Fawzan said,

"As-Salafiyyah is the Saved Sect, and they are Ahl us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah. It is not a hizb (party) from amongst the various parties, which are called "parties" today. Rather they are the Jamaa'ah, the Jamaa'ah upon the Sunnah and upon the Deen (religion). They are Ahl us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah. Hence, salafiyyah is a group of people upon the madhhab of the Salaf, upon what the Messenger and his companions were upon and it is not a hizb from amongst the contemporary groups present today. Rather it is the very old Jamaa'ah, from the time of the Messenger, which inherits (this way) and continues, and which never ceases to be upon the manifest truth until the establishment of the Hour, as he has informed." (at-Tahdheer min al-Bid'ah)

So in essence, ‘As-Salafiyaah’ is Islam. It is pure and free from any additions or alterations. It adheres solely to the path of the Messenger, his righteous companions and those that followed them in goodness.

"And whoever opposes the Messenger after guidance has become clear to him and follows other than the way of the believers - We will give him what he has taken and drive him into Hell, and evil it is as a destination." (4:114)

Ibn Taymiyyah commented on this above verse:

"All who contradict and oppose the Messenger after the right path has been clearly shown to them, have followed other than the Path of the Believers; and all who follow other than the Path of the Believers have contradicted and opposed the Messenger after the right Path has been shown to them. If one thinks that he is following the Path of the Faithful Believers and is mistaken, he is in the same position as one who thinks he is following the Messenger and is mistaken."

So when a person attaches himself to the methodology and understanding of our righteous predecessors, they automatically become a person upon the Sunnah and a person who adheres to the purest way of Islam. Many names have come, all describing the same thing. Some of which are, a Sunni, a Salafi, and an Athari etc. All these names mean the exact same thing. Yes, it is true, we are all Muslims, and Allah did name us Muslims as the verse below states,

“…Allah named you "Muslims" before [in former scriptures] and in this [revelation] that the Messenger may be a witness over you and you may be witnesses over the people…” (22:78)

However, not every Muslim out there adheres solely to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Messenger. It is not necessary to call yourself anything other than a Muslim but it is binding to ascribe yourself to the understanding of our righteous Salaf!

Ibn Taymiyyah says:

“There is no blame on the one who manifests/proclaims the way of the Salaf, who attaches himself to it and refers to it. Rather, it is obligatory to accept that from him by unanimous agreement because the way of the Salaf is nothing but the Truth.” (From Majmoo al-Fataawaa, 4:149.) 

Imam al-Barbahaaree, in his first point of his famous book said:

“Know, that Islam is the Sunnah and the Sunnah is Islam and one of them cannot be established without the other.” (Sharh-us-Sunnah)

Sheikh Ahmed ibn Najmee in his explanation said:

“…Meaning that true Islam is the Sunnah, so whoever is upright upon the Sunnah and establishes it then he has established Islam, and whoever deviates away from it (the Sunnah) and inclines away towards the right or left, then he has fallen short with regard to true Islam, in accordance with his deviation. However this inclining away is of two categories. Firstly, turning away totally, such that the person becomes a disbeliever and judgement is passed about him that he has exited from Islam altogether. Secondly is a partial turning away (from the Sunnah) through which a person does not become a disbeliever and he is not judged to be an apostate or to have left Islam, however he has rendered his Islam deficient in accordance with the level of his deviation, whether it be small deviation or a large one.” (Irshaad-us-Saree, P.26)

Sheikh Saalih al-Fawzan said, 

"Salafiyyah is to follow the companions and tabi'een upon their understanding in aqeedah and their manners." (Manaahij p.157)

Therefore, a true Salafi revives the Sunnah of our beloved Messenger in all aspects like in his worship, his behavior and his interactions etc. This makes him a stranger amongst the people as the Prophet described,

“Islam began as a stranger, and it will revert to being a stranger just as it began. So give glad tidings to the strangers.” (Muslim)

Sheikh Uthaymeen said,

“…Salafiyaah in the sense of being a particular party with its distinguishing characteristics and in which the members regard everyone else as misguided, these people have nothing to do with Salafiyaah at all. As for the Salafiyaah which means following the path of the Salaf in belief, word and deed, in calling for unity and harmony and mutual compassion and love, as the Prophet said: “The likeness of the believers in their mutual love, mercy and compassion is that of a single body; when one part of it is suffering the rest of the body joins it in fever and staying awake”, this is the true Salafiyaah. (Liqaa’aat al-Baab al-Maftooh, 3/246)

In the name of Allah:

There they were, under the scorching heat on the plains of Mount Arafat, more than 124’000 companions all assembling around him. All listening and giving an attentive ear, as this was the last time they would. That same day, that same time, our religion was completed and nothing more or nothing less was required.

“…This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed my favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” (5:3)

When this verse was revealed, it was the last time that our beloved Messenger (may peace be upon him) would perform Hajj with his companions. He delivered a sermon that triggered the hearts of the believers. So much so, upon hearing the verse above, Umar Ibn Khaatab (may Allah be pleased with him) cried and when he was asked “what makes you cry?” his answer was, “Nothing succeeds perfection but imperfection.” (al-Raheeq al-Makhtum, P.236).  

“Follow, [O mankind], what has been revealed to you from your Lord and do not follow other than Him any allies…” (7:3)

So the religion was complete. Nothing more was needed. Just like a full glass of water, adding anymore would do it no benefit. Rather it would cause the complete opposite. Our religion is exactly like that. Perfect in every sense. Neither intellect nor intervention would do it any good.

"Beware of the newly-invented matters, for every newly-invented matter is an innovation and EVERY innovation is misguidance and every misguidance is in the Hellfire." (Ahmed, Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, declared authentic by al-Albaani)

One of the biggest diseases to have hit this Ummah (nation) of Muhammad is the evil and wicked newly-invented matters, which have been introduced into Islam. Bid’a, which is also known as innovation, is something that the Prophet foresaw and warned us about.  As the Hadith above states, Bid’a is nothing more than a misguidance. It misguides people away from the straight path of Islam and the straight path of the Prophet’s prophetic Sunnah. Ibn Masood narrates that the Messenger of Allah once drew a line for them and then said,

"This is Allah’s Straight Path.’ Then he drew lines to its right and left, then he said, ‘These are paths, upon every one of them there is a devil calling towards it." (Ahmad)

He then recited the following verse,          

“And this is my path, which is straight, so follow it; and do not follow [other] ways, for you will be separated from His way. This He has instructed you that you may become righteous.” (6:153)

For us to get a real understanding of the reality of Bid’a, we must understand the term itself. Bid’a is taken from the root verb, (bada’a) and like all religious words, it can have a Luqha’ (linguistic) meaning and a Sharia (Islamic) meaning.

The scholars of the Arabic language state that the Luqha’ meaning is, “to originate something”, “to innovate something” or “to invent something” without a previous example to proceed it. (Hans Wehr, p.57).

“Say, ‘I am not something original among the messengers…” (46:9)

This verse above shows the term Bid’a being used by Allah informing the Messenger to tell the people, that he was not new with regards to the message. Many previous Messengers were sent before him all calling to Tawhid (oneness of Allah). So he did not start something new thus demonstrating the linguistic meaning.

As for the Sharia meaning, Sheik Uthaymeen states,

"It is something that has been added into the religion, which opposes that which the Messenger or his companions came with, whether in belief or in action.” (Lum’atul I’tiqaad, P.15)

And the evidence he gives in his book can be found in both the Qur’an and Sunnah. Allah (may he be glorified and exalted) says,

“And whoever opposes the Messenger after guidance has become clear to him and follows other than the way of the believers - We will give him what he has taken and drive him into Hell, and evil it is as a destination.” (4:115)

Likewise the Messenger of Allah says,

“And beware of newly-introduced matters for every newly introduced matter is a Bid’a (innovation) and every innovation is misguidance” (Muslim)

This Hadith above clearly shows the great danger of innovations. It also refutes those people who say, ‘there is a Bid’a hasana’ (a good innovation). How can somebody possibly say this when Abdullah Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) once said,

"Every innovation is misguidance, even if the people regard it as good." (Ad-Darimi) 

Those that say, ‘there is a Bid’a hasana’ often quote and use Umar Ibn Khaatab as an evidence when he said regarding the Taraweeh (voluntary prayers in the month of Ramadan), “what a good Bid’a this is. ”  The scholars of Islam totally refute this speech of theirs by stating that the Taraweeh was not something that was introduced and new! Rather it was something, which was practised by our beloved Messenger thus resulting that Umar’s speech was merely meant linguistically and not Islamically. 

In another powerful narration, Aaisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates that the Messenger of Allah said,

"Whoever does an action in our affair (Islam) which is not part of our religion, will have it rejected.” (Muslim)

Sheikh Fawzaan emphasises on this point further by commenting on the above narration,

"This Hadith proves that every type of Bid’a in the religion is rejected. It also refutes the one who says, ‘There is a Bid’a hasana’. Because the Messenger of Allah said in another narration, “every newly introduced matter is a Bid’a and every innovation is misguidance”. So when people say, ‘there is a Bid’a hasana’, this opposes the saying of the Messenger of Allah. Thus there cannot be a Bid’a that is good, rather every Bid’a is a sin and it is rejected as it says in the textual statement. But those people go around justifying Bid’a and try to beautify it by saying ‘there is a Bid’a hasana’ like for example, the Bid’a of Mawlid (celebrating the Prophet's birthday). They say it is a ‘Bid’a hasana’ because it proves the love of the Messenger of Allah. So, then if that is the case, Abu-Bakr, Umar, Othman, Ali and the Sahaba do not love the Messenger because they never established Mawlid, they never acted-out Mawlid. Likewise, the golden-generation do not love the Messenger of Allah because they never acted-out Mawlid. Therefore, Bid’a cannot be an evidence for the love of the Messenger of Allah rather Bid’a is an evidence for the hatred of the Messenger of Allah! Because the one who loves the Messenger, he is the one who follows his path and doesn’t oppose it nor does an action of Bid’a." (Taken from his explanation of Arba’een an-Nawawi)

With the evidences above and many more, we can easily decipher the actual ruling concerning all types of Bid’a in Islam. Bid’a is not allowed in Islam, it is Haram! Bid’a is the second deadliest weapon Iblees (Satan) uses against mankind. In fact, Iblees treasures Bid’a more than sins! Imam Sufyaan al-Thawri once said,

"Innovation is more beloved to Iblees than sin, since a sin may be repented from but innovation is not repented from." (Reported by al-Laalikaa’ee no.238) 

Why? You may ask. Well, we all know the danger and consequences of sins thus we repent from them. But as for innovation, those that indulge in them perceive it to be a good thing, assuming that they will get some sort of reward from Allah and get closer to him. However, in actual fact they are sinning more greatly so.  

Abdullah Ibn Masood said once said,

"Follow the Sunnah of Muhammad and do not innovate, for what you have been commanded is enough for you." (Ad-Darimi)

From the teaching of our beloved Messenger and the understanding of his righteous companions, we know that Islam is complete and already perfect. Nothing needs to be added. Imam Malik once said,

"Whoever introduces an innovation into Islam thinking that it is good is implying that Muhammad betrayed his mission because Allah says, ‘This day I have perfected for you your religion...’ (5:3) So whatsoever was not part of the religion on that day, cannot be part of the religion today” (ash-Shaatibi, al-I’tisaam)

So whenever we do an act pertaining to Islam, we should know why we are doing that act. We should know the proofs from the Qur’an and the Sunnah to save ourselves and to better educate people. Never do an act of worship that has not been prescribed by Allah or his Messenger. Everything has been made clear for us from the religion; all praise is due to Allah!

“…So he who follows my Sunnah has been guided, and he who follows the innovation has been destroyed." [Ahmad]

In the name of Allah: 

It’s frightening right? Knowing that you must change your ways. Confessing that sooner or later, you need to adjust your lifestyle to one that suits your creator. Don’t worry, it happens to everyone but not everyone takes heed from such apparent signs.

“Do they not know that it is Allah who accepts repentance from His servants and receives charities and that it is Allah who is the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful?” (9:104)

Turning back to Allah is one of the first few steps in purifying oneself. It is that thing which bridges a relationship with ones creator. That feeling of regret from sins and errors is in fact, a clear indication that Allah wants good for you.

“O you who have believed, repent to Allah with sincere repentance…” (66:8)

Tawbah, which can be translated as repentance onto Allah, is something, which a person must adhere to throughout his life. It is not something that a person performs on a single occasion such as, when a person first enters into Islam or when a Muslim wants to leave all that wickedness behind him and become a righteous individual or even when a person is on his deathbed and wants to make amends with his lord. Tawbah is not a one-off; rather Tawbah is something that one must be doing regularly throughout his life; from the moment he enters into Islam wholeheartedly until that last moment his soul departs his body.

“…And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed.” (24:31)

Just take this verse above for example. This verse was revealed in Medina, after the Muslims left the holy city of Makkah due to their persecution of faith by the polytheists. After they left their homes and belongings and made Hijra (migration) to Medina. After they struggled and fought the polytheists in the way of Jihad (Islamic war). After all this, Allah sent down this verse.

But who exactly was he addressing? Who were the Believers that are mentioned in the verse above? It was the likes of Abu-Bakr, the likes of Umar, Othman, Ali; it was the likes of Aaisha and Fatimah (May Allah be pleased with them all). So if Allah addressed the best of creation after the Prophets, The Sahaba, who strived so much for this great religion and worshipped Allah with such great worship, how much more does this verse concern us?

“…And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.” (49:11)

Another verse, which shows the importance of Tawbah, is the verse above where Allah divides the creation into two groups. Those that seek the forgiveness of their lord and those that transgress by not doing so. There’s no third category! If you are not part of those who constantly repent then surely you must be amongst those who oppress. You might question yourself and say, why are they considered wrongdoers? Well, this is because they think of themselves as being righteous and pious individuals. They are ignorant of themselves due to the amount of sins their souls commit. And likewise they are ignorant of their Lord because they do not realise that just like Allah is the most merciful, he is also severe in punishment! 

“And it is He who accepts repentance from his servants and pardons misdeeds, and He knows what you do.” (42:25)

If you analyse and read the biography of our beloved Messenger (may peace be upon him), you would find in his Sunnah how much, he himself, made Tawbah and sought nearness to his creator by indulging in Istighfaar (plea for pardon). In one narration he said;

“By Allah, I ask Allah's forgiveness and turn to Him more than seventy times a day.” (Bukhari)

Remember, this is who? The Prophet of Allah, the best of creation! Indeed the companions used to sit and watch the Messenger of Allah and count how many times he would seek forgiveness. In another narration, Ibn Umar states;

“We used to count out for the Messenger of Allah, in one assembly a hundred times, "Lord forgive me and turn to Me, You are the Returning, the Merciful.” (Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi)

Once we acknowledge the importance of Tawbah and seeking the forgiveness of our lord due to our shortcomings, we must now understand the manner in doing so. Just like everything in Islam, there are guidelines in which our religion has set forth for us to follow. And so when a person wants to make Tawbah, the scholars of Islam have stated that one must meet three or four qualities in order for it to be fruitful. They are, 

One must feel remorseful of that sin they had committed.

One must immediately drop that particular sin.

One must sincerely intend never to return back to that sin again.

If one of these three are missing, then your repentance is not sincere. If the sin they committed encroached upon the rights of others he/she must meet another quality. For example, a sin like backbiting or stealing encompasses doing an action against another person. In these types of scenarios he/she must include the forth quality which is;  

One must remedy the situation with those people. Repair the rights of that person by asking forgiveness or by other means to fix that issue. 

“Except those who repent, have faith and do righteous deeds for it is those whom God will replace their bad deeds with good deeds. God is continually Forgiving and Merciful. Whoever returns to God and does righteous deeds then he has truly turned to God in repentance.” (25:70-71)

There are many stories, which indicate Allah’s vast and complete compassion towards his creation. Take the famous story of the prostitute woman, for example, who fed a thirsty dog and by doing so, Allah forgave all of her previous sins and entered her into paradise. Or take the story of the man who killed 99 men but sought forgiveness and when he asked a worshipper if Tawbah was open to him, he was told in the negative. He reacted and killed him too thus taking his tally to 100 men. He then asked a scholar the same question and he was told that it was open but only if you leave the city. While on his way, death approached him and eventually he was emitted into paradise.

“…And who can forgive sins except Allah?” (3:135)

These stories also show that the door of Tawbah and the door of forgiveness are open for us all. So if you find yourself in fault or have fallen into error then do not despair in the mercy of your lord. But, it doesn’t mean you can rely or depend upon being hopeful only and say that Allah is the most forgiving, the most merciful and continue sinning! This is incorrect, rather we must initiate in Tawbah and stop sinning.     

“Say, O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful." (39:53)

To whom will Allah be forgiving? To those that beg for forgiveness, that ask for Tawbah and actually seek to make amends to their errors.

Ibn Kathir said concerning this verse in his Tafsir (explanation of the Qur’an),

“This Ayah is a call to all sinners, be they disbelievers or others, to repent and turn to Allah. This Ayah tells us that Allah, may He be blessed and exalted, will forgive all the sins of those who repent to Him and turn back to Him, no matter what or how many his sins are, even if they are like the foam of the sea.” (Taken from Tafsir Ibn Kathir, 39:53)

However, there will come a day where this door of Tawbah will be shut and closed. When exactly? At the time of death, every person will die sooner or later and when they do, there will be no acceptance of Tawbah for that person.

“Indeed, Allaah accepts the repentance of man as long as he hasn’t started gargling (i.e. dying).” (Tirmidhi)

Tawbah can be made anytime! One should not procrastinate about seeking forgiveness because nobody knows when he/she will perish and return back to their lord. So it is imperative that a believer is in the state of Tawbah always and constantly thinks about his errors throughout the day and night.

“Allah holds out His Hand during the night to receive the repentance of the one who has committed wrong during the day and holds out His Hand during the day to receive the repentance of the one who has committed wrong during the night.” (Muslim)

Indeed, Allah is extremely happy when any of his slaves repent. If he responds to the call of his Lord and repents, he will have a prosperous life in this world and the good rewards in the hereafter. This is emphasised in the Hadith below.

“Allah is happier when a servant of his repents to him than a man who was on his camel in a waterless desert and the camel escaped from him with his food and water. When he has lost hope of finding it, he retired to a tree and lied down under its shade. As he was there, the camel suddenly appeared in front of him. He took hold of its halter and said in his state of excessive joy: ‘O my Lord You are my servant and I am Your Lord’. He uttered this erroneous statement as a result of his being over-joyed.” (Muslim)

As said before, making mistakes and falling short are undoubtedly part of human nature by which not one person is free from. All of us commit sins, sometimes turning back to Allah and sometimes turning away from him. Hence why the Messenger of Allah said,  

“…By the One in Whose Hand is the soul of Muhammad, if you did not commit sin, Allah would bring other people who would commit sins and then ask Allah for forgiveness so that He could forgive them.” (Ahmed)

Concerning the last Hadith in an-Nawawi's 40 Hadith, it really illustrates the true love and mercy Allah has towards his creation. Allah the Almighty has said,  

“O son of Adam, so long as you call upon Me and have hope in Me, I shall forgive you for what you have done and I shall not mind. O son of Adam, were your sins to reach the clouds in the sky and were you then to ask forgiveness of Me, I shall forgive you. ‘O son of Adam, were you to come to Me with an earth full of sins and were you then to face Me, without having associated anything with Me, I shall grant you an earth full of pardon.” (Tirmidhi)

If we seek Tawbah sincerely and Allah accepts our repentance, not only does he forgive us but also he turns those bad deeds into good! Imagine, all those years of sins turning into years of rewards. How exactly? Allah says in the Qur’an,

“Except for those who repent, believe and do righteous work. For them Allah will replace their evil deeds with good. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.” (25:70)

In the name of Allah: 

Know, that a Muslim is one that hears and obeys the commands of his/her lord even though it may go against his/her desires. The term Islam derives from the root verb (salima), which means ‘to submit’ or ‘give in’ or ‘to surrender’. And so when you and I say we are Muslims, it means that we are ready to submit and surrender all our willpower to the religion of Allah (may he be glorified and exalted).

“Say, ‘Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah’, Lord of the worlds.” (6:162)

And part of this submission is to avoid the limits that Allah has set. Allah, in his Book and through the Sunnah of his final Messenger (may peace be upon him) has set many limits and in no such way or form can we exceed these limits even if we don’t understand them!

“…These are the limits of Allah, so do not transgress them.And whoever transgresses the limits of Allah - it is those who are the wrongdoers.” (2:229)

Allah has created us with a pure innate and natural disposition, which is known as the Fitra in Arabic. This means to love the truth and the good and to hate falsehood and evil.  But due to our environment or surroundings, this fitra of ours can be corrupted and distorted. A person may start to like and appreciate what is bad or evil and dislike the truth and goodness.

“…But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah Knows while you know not.” (2:216)

Sins, which can be interpreted as immoral acts that are considered to be a transgression against divine law, are things, which Islam tells us to avoid and evade. Our beloved Messenger defined its meaning when he said,

"Righteousness is good character, and sin is that which wavers in your heart and that which you do not want people to know about." (Muslim)

Sins are those things, which causes an aversion or a dislike in ones heart. The people referred to in the hadith are righteous and respected people. And sins in general, are things that nobody on the face of the earth is free from! Everybody sins, Yes! Everybody. Our beloved Messenger told us this when he said,

“All of the children of Adam are sinners, and the best of sinners are those who repent.” (Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, Ahmad, Hakim)

So no matter what a person’s perception of someone is, we are all bound to sin. This is because firstly, mankind were created weak and so when any temptation befalls them they fall and succumb to their whims and desires. Allah tells us in the verse below that commands were made easy due to our shortcomings and our deficiency.

“And Allah wants to lighten for you [your difficulties]; and mankind were created weak.” (4:28)

Ibn Abi Hatim records that Tawus said concerning this verse,

“(And mankind were created weak), “Concerning women”. Waki` said, “Man's mind leaves when women are involved.” (Tafsir Ibn Kathir)

The other reason is due to the whispers of Satan. Allah tells us that he is a clear enemy towards us and that his only purpose of existence is to lead all of us into his final abode, the hell-fire. Satan takes advantage of man’s weakness by enticing us with desires and turning us away from good deeds and towards evil ones.

“[Satan] said, "By your might, I will surely mislead them all. Except, among them, your chosen servants." (38:82-83)

It is therefore binding upon us to not only know what is permissible for us but what is deemed to be impermissible and a sin. Otherwise, we would fall into a sin and be persistent on it without ever realising we were oppressing not only ourselves but also potentially oppressing Allah due to the sin of shirk. This is exemplified in the hadith of Hudayfa bin al-Yaman, the Messenger’s secret holder, when he said,

“The people used to ask the Messenger of Allah about the good but I used to ask him about the evil lest I should be overtaken by them...” (Bukhari)

The notion of sin in the Qur'an and Sunnah is illustrated using many different words and examples. Without going into all the technical terms, a sin is presented as not living up to Allah’s standard, mistakes so to speak, that could be intentional or unintentional. The difference in meaning of these words is subtle and often not perceptible to the reader. Thus not only showing that sins are many but also that they are of levels. Allah (may he be glorified and exalted) says, 

If you avoid the major sins, which you are forbidden, we will remove from you your minor sins and admit you to a noble entrance [into Paradise]. (4:31)

So what constitutes a major sin?

As we can see from the verse above, Allah has stated two types of sins. Below are more evidences that exhibit this further,

“And those who avoid the major sins and immoralities, and when they are angry, they forgive” (42:37)

“Those who avoid the major sins and immoralities, only [committing] slight ones. Indeed, your Lord is vast in forgiveness…” (52:32)

Likewise the Messenger of Allah said:

“The five daily prayers, from Friday to Friday, are an expiation for the sins committed in the time between prayers, so long as no major sins are committed” (Muslim)

“Beware of minor sins. Verily, they gather upon a man until he is destroyed.” (Ahmad)

Therefore, it becomes essential for the one claiming Islam that they learn about sins, especially major sins so that they can avoid them. The scholars of Islam have differed about the exact number of major sins. Some believe that they are only seven due to the well-known hadith,

"Avoid the seven heinous sins: Worshipping others with Allah, sorcery, taking a life which Allah has made sacred except in the course of justice, devouring usury, appropriating the property of the orphan, fleeing from the battlefield, and charging believing women, unmindful though innocent, with adultery.” (Muslim)

Others like Ibn Abbas was asked,

“How many major sins are there? Seven?” He replied, “They are closer to seven hundred than seven…” (al-Tabari, al-Tafsir article 9207, et al.)

Major sins have been given various specific numbers by the scholars of Islam but what we know regarding theses sins is that they have clear indications. Imam al-Dhahabi, a famous scholar in Islam, states in his book, (Major sins) three signs that make a major sin.

Any sin, which explicitly states a threat of punishment in the hereafter such as gambling or usury or backbiting etc

Any sin, which entails a prescribed legal penalty (Hadd) such as theft or committing fornication or drinking alcohol etc.

Any sin, which mentions a curse such as plucking the eyebrows or being arrogant or lowering clothes below the ankles out of conceit etc.

Imam al-Dhahabi narrates 70 major sins within his book, some being more severe than others. Some sins mentioning all three signs and others just mention one or two. But the greatest sin of all, and one that mentions all three signs is the grievous sin of Shirk! Which is to associate someone or something with Allah in those matters specific to him. This grave sin has existed since the time of Prophet Noah (may peace be upon him) and it is still within our midst today.

“Indeed, Allah does not forgive that anything should be associated with him, and he forgives what is less than that to whosoever he pleases” (4:16)

“Verily, whoever associates (others) with Allah, then Allah has forbidden paradise and his abode is the fire and there shall be no helpers for the unjust” (5:72)

One thing I must add is the evil consequences that sins entail. As mentioned earlier, when we sin, we are not only oppressing Allah but ourselves also.

“Say, "O my servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning]…” (39:53)

And by doing so, we create consequences which may result in harm being afflicted to us. These harms come in different ways and forms. This is alluded to in many times in the Qur’an and the Sunnah of our beloved Messenger.

“And whatever strikes you of disaster - it is for what your hands have earned; but He pardons much.” (42:30)

Likewise the Messenger of Allah said:

“A man is deprived of provision because of the sins that he commits,” (Ibn Majah)

If we just reflect for a moment and think why we are harmed by sins in our lives, we would acknowledge that it is, in fact, a mercy from Allah. Why? Well it is to get us to return back to Allah by way of repentance. Had we not have had any problems and shortcomings in our lives; we would continuously sin and thus be taken to account altogether on the day of reckoning. However, Allah through his complete mercy, tests us with harms and tribulations as a result of our sins so that we may ponder and return back to him in repentance. The Messenger of Allah said,

"No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that." (Muslim)

Understanding this will help us think twice about committing sins and allow us to have a closer relationship with our creator as well as making us more conscious of our actions.

In the name of Allah:

…So whoever would hope for the meeting with his Lord - let him do righteous deeds and not associate in the worship of his Lord anyone. (18:110)

On many occasions Allah (may he be glorified and exalted) has assured abundant rewards to those who believe and perform righteous deeds. And through his unlimited grace and mercy, Allah promises rewards for even the smallest of deeds. So much so that the mere intention to do any good, is rewarded even if one doesn’t actually perform that intended deed. The messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said:

“Verily, Allah has recorded good and bad deeds and He made them clear. Whoever intends to perform a good deed but does not do it, then Allah will record it as a complete good deed. If he intends to do it and does so, then Allah the Exalted will record it as ten good deeds up to seven hundred times as much or even more. If he intends to do a bad deed and does not do it, then Allah will record for him one complete good deed. If he does it then Allah will record for him a single bad deed.” (Bukhari &Muslim)

This narration illustrates the complete love and mercy Allah has towards his creation. Yet how unfortunate would it be if, without realizing, we were the cause for our deeds being rejected? We pray daily, give charity, strive to help those in need and perform many other acts of worship. However, as honorable and fulfilling it may be, it is important to bear in mind that the sheer acceptance of a deed is not a given reality.

“Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayer and give zakah will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.” (2:277)

The life we live in is a place where righteous actions are performed. There are many of us who perform countless acts of worship yet on the day of reckoning, they will see them scattered to dust. Similarly, there are those who may perform few acts of worship but earn mountains worth of rewards on the day of reckoning. Therefore the intelligent one is he who understands the importance of doing righteous deeds correctly. 

“[Allah] is the one who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deeds and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving” (67:2)

Sheikh Saalih al-Fawzaan said regarding this verse;

"He (may he be glorified and exalted) said,’which of you is best in deeds’ and not ‘which of you has the greatest number of deeds’! because the lesson here concerning this verse, is not by way of quantity of deeds rather the lesson here is by way of quality of deeds.'Indeed, We have made that which is on the earth adornment for it that We may test them [as to] which of them is best in deed. (18.7)' Here again, Allah did not say, ‘which of you has the greatest number of deeds’ Thus a great number of deeds, if they are not righteous and good, it will be rejected!" (Taken from The Happy Life Lecture)

While none of us truly know if our actions are accepted or rejected, we know for certain that any act of worship must meet three basic but yet vital conditions for it to have any value. These conditions are unanimously agreed upon by the scholars of Islam and are taken from our two sources of guidance, the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of our beloved Messenger. 

These conditions are as follows:

Believer:

In order for a deed to have any value in the sight of Allah, the doer must be a believer in Islam. Allah only accepts deeds from the believers. This is because the believers recognise their true creator and that there will be a day of recompense, thus they prepare for it. While there are many disbelievers who do good on the earth and perform many acts in which Muslims are ordered to perform, these deeds were rendered futile the moment they disbelieved in Allah and his religion by committing Shirk. Therefore the deeds of a disbeliever and a hypocrite are rejected.

“And it was already revealed to you and to those before you that if you should associate [anything] with Allah, your deeds would surely become worthless, and you would surely be among the losers.” (39:65)

Sincerity:

Any action one performs must be exclusively for Allah. The doer must do good deeds purely for the pleasure of Allah and not out of self-conceit to seek appreciation or praise from the people. There can be no ulterior motive. Shirk cannot exist whether it is minor or major. If there is any Shirk involved, Allah will have it rejected and returned back to the one they committed Shirk with.

“And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion, inclining to truth, and to establish prayer and to give Zakah. And that is the correct religion.” (98:5)

Likewise, the Messenger of Allah said’

Allah said, “I am independent and completely free from all partners ascribed to me. Whoever performs a deed while associating partners with me, I will leave him and his shirk.” (Hadith qudsi)

Adherence:

Lastly, these righteous deeds must be in accordance to what the Messenger of Allah came with. It must be an approved practice which is free from innovation or superstition that agrees with the Book of Allah & the Sunnah of the Messenger. If it conflicts with either of the two then that act will be rejected and nullified.

“O you who believe! obey Allah and obey the Messenger (Muhammad) and render not vain your deeds.” (47:33)

 Likewise, the Messenger of Allah said’

“Whoever does an action in our affair (Islam) which is not part of our religion, will have it rejected.” (Muslim)

These three conditions by which righteous deeds are rewarded in Islam confirm that only those who sincerely accept and practice Islam will have their rewards with Allah in the hereafter.

“And whoever desires other than Islam as religion - never will it be accepted from him, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers.” (3:85)

Al-Fudayl b. ‘Ayyad [187H] – (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

“Allah (may he be glorified and exalted) accepts only those deeds which are both correct and sincere. If the deed is done correctly but not sincerely, it will not be accepted. And if it is sincere but not correct, it will not be accepted.” He was asked, “Abu ‘Ali! What is the sincere and correct deed?” He replied, “The sincere deed is one that is done only for Allah and the correct deed is one done according to the Sunnah.” (Abu Nu’aym, Hilyah al-Awliya)

In the name of Allah:

We say in the Shahaada, ‘Muhammadan rasoollul-Allah’, which can be translated as, “Mohammed is the Messenger of Allah”, but for many of us we don’t comprehend and realise what this is actually supposed to mean to us. The Shahaada can never be complete if the second segment is not correctly instilled in the hearts of the believers. The Shahaada alone testifies this by incorporating the final Messenger within it. Therefore having the correct meaning is incumbent upon us all. It is not enough to merely utter the statement, like we mentioned previously in Part 1 with regards to the first segment of the Shahaada, ‘la ilaha illa-llah’.

So what is the correct meaning of ‘Muhammadan rasoollul-Allah’?

When we say, ‘Muhammadan rasoollul-Allah’, we are actually confirming and bearing witness that He (may peace be upon him) is in actual fact a Messenger sent by Allah (may he be exalted and glorified) to both Jinn (unseen creatures) and mankind. We must believe in this inwardly and outwardly. Inwardly by way of belief in the heart and outwardly by way of utterance with the tongue. As for the one who simply testifies that he is a Messenger outwardly but rejects or doubts it inwardly, then he is a hypocrite! Allah clearly states,

“When the hypocrites come to you, [O Muhammad], they say, “We testify that you are the Messenger of Allah.” And Allah knows that you are His Messenger, and Allah testifies that the hypocrites are liars.” (63:1)

The hypocrites during the time of prophethood used to always come to the Messenger and utter this same Shahaada constantly. And so in this verse, Allah exposed them by informing his Messenger that the hypocrites are liars in terms of their testimony. Moreover, the Jews and Christians during his prophethood also acknowledged inwardly that he was the Messenger as we see from the verse below.

“Those to whom we gave the Scripture know him [Muhammad] as they know their own sons. But indeed a party of them, conceal the truth while they know [it].” (2:146)

So the Shahaada is made void if one utters it outwardly but rejects it inwardly and it is also made void if one believes in it inwardly but doesn’t utter it outwardly! Thus recognition and confession in him being a Messenger, sent by Allah, both inwardly and outwardly must be achieved.

Once we acknowledge and confess this, then it is upon us to believe in everything that came from him, irrespective of what it is. Whatever he says or does didn’t come from his own whims and desires! Rather our Lord inspired and revealed it all to him.

“Nor does he speak from [his own] inclination. It is not but a revelation revealed…” (53:4-5)

And from Allah’s wisdom (exalted he may be), he choose a Prophet who was illiterate to convey his final message.

“Say [O Muhammad]: “I am only a man like you, to whom has been revealed that your god is one God. So whoever would hope for the meeting with his Lord - let him do righteous work and not associate in the worship of his Lord anyone.” (18:110)

From the characteristics and ways of the hypocrites was to act upon what he came with but not believe in his message. They prayed, gave in charity and even performed fasting, but all this was done out of deceit and deception and not due to believing in what he said was true!

“They [think to] deceive Allah and those who believe, but they deceive not except themselves and perceive [it] not.”(2:9)

So whatever the Messenger said concerning the past, present or future, we believe in it. Everything he said concerning that which we can see and that which we can’t see, we believe in it. Those things he has informed of from enjoining the good and prohibiting the evil, we assert. Even those things that we cant comprehend with our own brains, we must trust and believe in it, for verily he is the truthful one that has to be believed!

“And whatever the Messenger has given you - take; and what he has forbidden you - refrain from…” (59:7)

Likewise the Messenger of Allah said:

“Will you not trust me, whilst I am trusted by He who is above the heavens? News comes to me from the heavens in the morning and the evening.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

Once we truly believe in all that which came from him, it is upon us to obey and follow him unconditionally. One does not correct their Shahaada if they believe that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah but rejects following or obeying him wholeheartedly! 

“O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is the best and best in result.” (4:59)

In actual fact, obeying the Messenger is tantamount to obeying Allah (may he be glorified and exalted)! On numerous occasions, throughout the Qur’an, you would find that Allah has placed obedience to Himself alongside obedience to his Messenger.

“And obey Allah and the Messenger that you may obtain mercy.” (3:132)

“O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and do not invalidate your deeds.” (47:33)

“O you who have believed, obey Allah and His Messenger and do not turn from him while you hear [his order].” (8:20)

“He who obeys the Messenger has obeyed Allah; but those who turn away - We have not sent you over them as a guardian.” (4:80)

“Say, “Obey Allah and obey the Messenger; but if you turn away - then upon him is only that [duty] with which he has been charged, and upon you is that with which you have been charged. And if you obey him, you will be [rightly] guided. And there is not upon the Messenger except the [responsibility for] clear notification.” (24:54)

Furthermore, obeying him leads one to eternal happiness and reward while disobeying him leads one to eternal punishment and anguish. 

The Prophet (may peace be upon him) said:

"All of my followers will enter paradise except those who refuse." They said: ‘O Allah’s Messenger! Who will refuse?’ He said, “Whoever obeys me will enter paradise and whoever disobeys me has refused.” (Bukhari)

Once we obey and follow his laws and commands, we must satisfy the Shahaada and make it complete within ourselves by having recognition towards his Sunnah. Dr. Saleh as-Saleh gives us a clearer understanding;

“The matters discussing worship of Allah, discipline, orders, advice, approvals, and recommendations as detailed by Muhammad [may peace be upon him] are collectively known as Sunnah. The Sunnah is also meant to emphasize the correct way of understanding the religion of Islam, in contrast with the ways of deviations and Bid’a [innovations]. The Sunnah is an Inspiration from Allaah and is not the Prophet’s idea, thought or desire.” (Taken from The Shahaada: What does it mean?)

As Dr. Saleh as-Saleh explained, it is incumbent that we worship Allah exactly as our Messenger worshipped Allah! Part of the meaning of the Shahaada is leaving off newly invented matters as this ultimately leads a person to the hellfire. Just like ‘la ilaha illa-llah’ calls us to Tawhid and to leave off Shirk, ‘Muhammadan rasoollul-Allah’ calls us to the Sunnah and to leave off Bid’a. Al-Irbad ibn Sarriyah (may Allah be pleased with him) relayed the severe warning of the Prophet when he narrated, 

"…And beware of new things as these new things are innovations and every innovation is misguidance and every misguidance is in the fire.” (Muslim)

Likewise, the Messenger of Allah said:

“Whoever does an action in our affair [Islam] which is not part of our religion, will have it rejected.” (Muslim)

Dr. Saleh as-Saleh further states,

“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.”

As the verse below conforms,

“But no, by your Lord, they will not [truly] believe until they make you, [O Muhammad], judge concerning that over which they dispute among themselves and then find within themselves no discomfort from what you have judged and submit in [full, willing] submission.” (4:65)

Once all this is met, both, ‘la ilaha illa-llah’ and ‘Muhammadan rasoollul-Allah’ must be in harmony together. As we mentioned before, the Shahaada is in two segments. It doesn’t make any sense to believe in one part and reject the other. 

Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen mentions a wonderful benefit regarding this matter:

“And the demands and requirements of this witness is the conformation of what the Prophet has informed us about, and obedience to his order from what he has ordered us to do, and the leaving off of what he forbid and prohibit for us. And that we do not worship Allah except by what the Prophet legislated. And the demands and requirements of this Shahaada also necessitate that we do not believe that the Messenger of Allah has any part in the Lordship of Allah or any control of the world. And that no worship can be directed towards him, Verily, he is a Messenger and a servant and no worship is to be directed to him. And he does not control for himself or for anyone else anything from benefit or harm, except what Allah wills.” (Taken from his Explanation on the Three Fundamental Principles)

The declaration that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah is an integral part of faith, even though it is one of two complementary parts within the Shahaada. So obeying him in what he has commanded and believing him in what he has informed us of is required. Likewise, it is imperative that we avoid what he has forbidden or warned us against and that we do not worship Allah except how he (may peace be upon him) did. All these points are encompassed concisely within the testimony of ‘Muhammadan rasoollul-Allah’. 

“Say, [O Muhammad], “If you really love Allah, then follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (3:31)

In the name of Allah:

If you were asked to name your favourite football player or a famous person who lives today you would probably be able to tell me a whole lot about that person. You may even be able to say where he was born, where he resides and who his parents are! But what if I asked you about the man who was chosen to spread this amazing religion of ours, the man who sacrificed his whole life to convey this message to us?

“So believe in Allah and His Messenger and the Qur'an which we have sent down. And Allah is all acquainted with what you do.” (64:8)

Therefore, having written last week’s blog about the first segment of our Shahaada, I felt it was only befitting and appropriate to dedicate this week’s blog on the correct meaning and understanding of the second part of the Shahaada, “Muhammadan rasoollul-Allah”, which unfortunately, many Muslims have no clue about.

I had to make this a two-part blog due to the detail that this topic entails. The first being a brief account on his life and the second, being about the Shahaada.

“Say, "O mankind, indeed I am the Messenger of Allah to you all, to whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. There is no deity except Him; He gives life and causes death." So believe in Allah and His Messenger, the unlettered prophet, who believes in Allah and His words, and follow him that you may be guided.” (7:158)

One of the three questions that every soul, Muslims and non-Muslims alike will be asked about is who the final Prophet was! Such an easy question that would roll off the tongue if it was asked right now but yet how many of us just know his name? How many of us just know where he was born?

Such a sad reality we live in but it is nothing far from the truth. How many parents read bedtime stories about fictional characters to their young ones and neglect telling them who their biggest non-fictional hero should be?

So who was he? (May peace and blessing be upon him)

He is, Mohammed Ibn Abdullah Ibn Abdul-Mutalib (who was called Shaiba) Ibn Haashim (named Amr). And Haashim is from the tribe of Quraysh. And Quraysh is a tribe from amongst the Arabs. And the Arabs are from the progeny of Prophet Ismael. And Prophet Ismael is the son of Prophet Ibraheem (may peace and blessing be upon all of them).

He lived for 63 years, 40 of which were before prophethood thus making the remaining 23 years as a Prophet and a Messenger. He was born in the city of Makkah and migrated to the city of Medina during his 13th year of prophethood.

"We did not send any messenger before you, O Muhammad, except that we revealed to him that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah, so make all of your worship purely for Him." (21:25)

He was made aware that he was Prophet when the first verses of the Noble Qur’an were revealed, which were from the chapter ‘al-Alaq (96). He then became a Messenger when the verses of the chapter ‘al-Muddathir (74) were revealed. You may ask yourself ‘what the difference is between a Prophet and a Messenger?’ Well, a number of scholarly opinions exist and from them is what Sheikh Ibn Taymiyyah said:

"A Prophet is someone who is informed by Allah about something, and he conveys what Allah revealed to him. If he is sent with it to those who reject Allah's commands (so as to convey to them the Message of Allaah) then he is a Messenger. But if he follows the previous sacred law and is not himself ordered to convey the message of Allah, then he is a Prophet, not a Messenger." (Taken from Kitaabun-Nubuwwaat)

With regard to the verse,

“Muhammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allah and last of the Prophets…” (33:40)

Some may ask why it said the ‘last of the prophets’ and not ‘last of the messengers…’ Well, Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen gives a clear understanding:

“If he was the Seal of the Prophets then he was also the Seal of the Messengers for sure, because there is no Messenger who is not also a Prophet. Hence it is said: Every Messenger is a Prophet but not every Prophet is a Messenger.” (Taken from his Explanation on the Three Fundamental Principles)

He was sent as a warner and a bringer of glad tidings just as the previous Prophets were. For 13 years, the Messenger of Allah would call the people of his tribe to Tawhid and warn against the punishment and consequences of Shirk. In the 10th year, the commandment of Salaat was revealed when he ascended into the heavens where he spoke to Allah directly.

“And we have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.”(21:107)

Within those years, there was no other laws or commandments instructed by al-Mighty. Rather the mission was to soften the hearts of the people and guide them to the remembrance of Allah! It was not until he migrated and settled in the city of Medina that the obligations of the, Athaan, Zakat, Hajj, Jihad, commanding the good and forbidding the evil and other laws of Islam were revealed.

“Say, [O Muhammad], ‘O mankind, indeed I am the Messenger of Allah to you all, [from Him] to whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. There is no deity except Him; He gives life and causes death.’ So believe in Allah and His Messenger, the unlettered prophet, who believes in Allah and His words, and follow him that you may be guided.” (7:158)

As the verse above shows, the Messenger of Allah was sent to everyone, both mankind and Jinn! There was no goodness except that he guided his followers to it and there was no evil except that he warned them against it. And from the goodness that he showed them was the matter of Tawhid and all that which Allah loves and is pleased with. And from the evil that he warned against is the matter of Shirk and all that which Allah hates and cursed.   

“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed my favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.” (5:3)

Allah then perfected and completed his religion through him during his first and last ever pilgrimage to Makkah. The Messenger of Allah never withheld any information or knowledge from his companions regarding this sacred religion. So much so that he even taught his companions on how to use the toilet!

A man from amongst the polytheists quizzed Salmaan al-Farsi (may Allah be pleased with him) by saying:

"Your Prophet even teaches you about how to go to the toilet!" He replied: "Yes! He forbade us to face the Qiblah whilst defecating or urinating, or that we should clean ourselves with less than three stones, or that we should clean ourselves with a piece of animal dung or a bone."(Muslim)

Abu Dhaar (may Allah be pleased with him) further narrates,

“ The Prophet (may peace be upon him) did not leave any bird that spreads its wings in the sky except that he mentioned some knowledge about it to us” (Musnad imam Ahmed)

The Messenger of Allah sadly died on a Monday aged 63 during the 11th year after migration. Allah chose him to join the highest companionship, that of the Prophets, their sincere followers, the martyrs and the righteous folks.

“Indeed, you [Mohammed] are to die, and indeed, they are to die.” (39:30)

The Prophets of Allah are buried where they die and so He (may peace be upon him) was buried on his deathbed in Medina. He left behind 9 windows and only 1 of his 7 children; Fatima bint Mohammed (may Allah be pleased with her) is where his lineage carries on till today.  

May the most excellent praise of his Lord and perfect peace be upon him. And Allah knows best. 

In the name of Allah:

We Muslims believe in many things surrounding this universe and even if we can't see it with our eyes. However, like in every religion, faith is the most essential aspect of a person, especially in Islam, whereby one’s beliefs determine their final abode. A person, who dies upon the first pillar of Islam, even though he may be a wicked sinner, will eventually enter paradise by the mercy of Allah. However, a person who dies upon other than the first pillar or even belies it entirely, will reside in the hellfire forever by the justice of Allah.

“And whoever desires other than Islam as religion - never will it be accepted from him, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers.” (3:85)

So what is the first pillar of Islam & why is it given such importance?

The Shahaada (declaration of faith) which is the first pillar of Islam is, "La ilaha illa-llah, Muhammad rasoollul-Allah". This translates as, “There is none Worthy of Worship except Allah and Muhammad is His messenger”.

The Shahaada is the sole requirement for any individual wishing to enter the realm of Islam and the Muslim community. It represents acceptance not only of Allah and his Messenger, but the entirety of Islam.

One area that I would like to dedicate this week’s blog on is the correct meaning and understanding of the first segment of the Shahaada, ‘la ilaha illa-llah’, which unfortunately, many Muslims fall short in and comprehend in an erroneous way. There seems to be a generic universal meaning that is falsely ascribed to it thus rendering the Shahaada incomplete. 

So what is the correct meaning of ‘la ilaha illa-llah’?

The first segment of the Shahaada comprises of two key concepts within the belief and conviction of a Muslim, They are, 'Negation' and 'Affirmation'.

It first exhibits Negation, “la ilaha”, translated as, “there is none worthy of worship”, which negates that anything or anyone deserves to be worshipped. Thus denial in this respect is not a denial of existence but rather the denial of divinity that is attributed to them.

The last part exhibits Affirmation, “illa-llah”, translated as, “except Allah”, which affirms that Allah alone truly deserves to be worshipped. That is, the believer must attribute and dedicate all types of worship solely to Allah and to no one else and affirming divinity only to Allah as the verse below mentions. 

“And [mention, O Muhammad], when Abraham said to his father and his people, “Indeed, I am innocent from that which you worship. Except for He who created me; and indeed, He will guide me.” (43:26-27)

Sheikh Saalih al-Fawzaan (may Allah preserve him) says regarding this issue,

   “And the meaning of ‘la ilaha illa-lla’, is that I bear witness and know and have no doubt that there is none worthy of worship except Allah. And its meaning is not; ‘there are no gods except Allah’. What is intended is not to negate that gods do not exist. But rather what is intended is to negate that there is none worthy of worship. This is because there are many gods, which are in falsehood that people worship. There are some who worship the sun, the moon, planets, trees, stones; some even worship the dead, graves and tombs. Even cows are worshipped and taken as gods in our day and age like what is apparent in India. And some even worship the private parts of humans, (and we seek refuge from Allah). So gods are many but the one true god worthy to be worshipped is Allah (may he be glorified and exalted) as Allah says, 'That is because Allah is the Truth, and that what they call upon other than Him is falsehood, and because Allah is the Most High, the Grand.' (31:30) And so, the correct meaning is ‘there is none worthy of worship except Allah’. And the meaning of ‘ilaha, is god, something which is taken as a means of worship. Thus the Shahaada negates everything that is taken as a god and anything that seen as a God is in falsehood, as the above verse mentions, “and that what they call upon other than Him is falsehood…” (31:30) Therefore this is the correct meaning of the Shahaada. It is also incorrect to say that the meaning is ‘only Allah exists’ as some of the Muslims believe today. This is incorrect because gods are present, abundantly in our time and are taken as some sort of worship. Everybody knows that a god exists. Many people worship different types of gods, ever since the existence of Shirk on the earth and it will be like this until the end of times. Shirk exists, numerous gods exist but the one true god who is truly worthy of worship is Allah (may he be gloried and exalted). Uloohiyah (His Worship) is exclusively for him, the Uloohiyah that is in truth. Therefore, Uloohiyah that is given to anything else is falsehood. This is the correct meaning of ‘la ilaha illa-llah’ ” (Taken from the Sheikh’s explanation of An-Nawawi’s Forty Hadith)

So to summarise, the Sheikh mentions, we are not affirming Allah’s Rubooiyah (His Lordship) but rather, we are affirming Allah’s Uloohiyah (His exclusive right of Worship). This is the correct meaning of ‘la ilaha illa-llah’.

We Muslims know that the statement “la ilaha illa-llah” is the key to paradise. However, unfortunately, many are those amongst the Muslims who believe that uttering this statement alone is sufficient and that nothing will harm them. They think that the mere verbal speech of the Shahaada will grant them eternal abode in paradise.

However, simply saying, "I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger," is not sufficient for salvation. In actual fact, the hypocrites at the time of the Prophet (may peace be upon him) used to utter this statement quite frequently yet Allah describes these people as liars and that they shall abide in lowest pits of hellfire forever!           

“When the hypocrites come to you, [O Muhammad], they say, “We testify that you are the Messenger of Allah.” And Allah knows that you are His Messenger, and Allah testifies that the hypocrites are liars.” (63:1)

Wahb Ibn Munabbih (may Allah be pleased with him), a famous person amongst the Sahaba quizzed the Messenger of Allah once by saying,

"Isn’t the statement of ‘la ilaha illa-lla’ the key to Paradise?" The Prophet answered: "Yes, but every key has ridges. If you come with the key that has the right ridges, the door will open for you. Yet if you do not have the right ridges the door will not open for you."  

What our Salaf-ul-Saalih (righteous predecessors) understood from this great narration is that saying the testimony of faith must meet certain conditions for it to have any benefit. These conditions distinguish a person who is sincere from the one who is not, regardless how many times a day he or she may utter it.

Many narrations have been reported from the Prophet, which explain the correct ridges that this key to paradise must have. Based on the Qur’an and Sunnah, the scholars of the Salaf have concluded that seven conditions must be fulfilled for this statement to serve as a benefit. Likewise, certain factors must not be present for this statement to serve as a key to Paradise.

So what are these conditions?

1.    KNOWLEDGE: which negates ignorance.

“So know, that there is no deity except Allah…” (47:19)

 Likewise, the Messenger of Allah said’

“Whoever dies knowing that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah will enter paradise.” (Muslim)

2.    CERTAINTY: which negates doubtfulness.

“The believers are only the ones who have believed in Allah and His Messenger and then doubt not but strive with their properties…” (49:19)

Likewise, the Messenger of Allah said’

“Bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah and that I am his Messenger, for no person meets Allah with these two (testimonies), having no doubt in them, except that they will enter Paradise.” (Muslim)

3.    ACCEPTANCE: which negates rejection & denial.

“Indeed they, when it was said to them, ‘There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah,’ they would become arrogant (denied it), And were saying,”Are we to leave our gods for a mad poet?” (37:35-36)

4.    SUBMISSION: which negates disobedience.

“And whoever submits his face to Allah while he is a doer of good, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold…” (31:22)

5.    TRUTHFULLNESS: which negates hypocrisy

“…They say with their tongues what is not within their hearts…” (48:11) 

Likewise, the Messenger of Allah said’

“There is no one who bears witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, truly from his heart, but Allah will protect him from the Fire.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

 6.    SINCERITY: which negates shirk (polytheism).

“And they were not commanded except to worship Allah [being] sincere to Him in religion, inclining to truth, and to establish prayer and to give Zakah. And that is the correct religion.” (98:5)

Likewise, the Messenger of Allah said’

“The people who will be most deserving of my intercession will be those who say ‘la ilaha illa-lla’ sincerely from their hearts or their souls.” (Bukhari)

7.    LOVE: which negates hatred & disdain.

“And yet, among mankind are those who take unto themselves (objects of worship which they set as) rivals to Allah. They love them as they [should] love Allah. But those who believe are stauncher in their love for Allah…”  

Likewise, the Messenger of Allah said’

"Whoever has three characteristics has tasted the sweetness of faith. [The first of these] is that he loves Allah and His Messenger more than he loves anyone else…” (Bukhari)

So my dear brothers and sisters, these are the conditions of the Shahaada and the correct ridges for the key to paradise. These are aspects of the Shahaada that each and every one of us should look deep down into our own hearts and ask ourselves every time, “Am I meeting these conditions or am I deficient in certain points?” “Am I denying all other false gods or do I love other things more than Allah & his Messenger? Etc.

I will mention just some of the benefits that the Shahaada entails and how significant it truly is, if we only knew…

"Whoever says: there is none worthy of worship except Allah enters Paradise." (Tabarani, Ibn Hibban)

"Whoever says there is none worthy of worship except Allah enters Paradise even if he commits adultery and even if he steals (i.e. even if he commits great sins)." (Nasa'i, Tabarani and others from Abu al-Darda' -sahih)

"Whoever witnesses that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is his Messenger, Allah will forbid the Fire from touching him." (Bukhari & Muslim)

"The best Dhikr (remembrance) of Allah is to say: There is none worthy of worship except Allah." (Tirmidhi (hasan), Nasa'i, Ibn Majah, Ibn Hibban, Bayhaqi in Shu`ab al-imam)

"A human being cannot do anything that is more effective in saving him from the punishment of the grave than the Dhikr (remembrance) of Allah." (Malik in his Muwatta', Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)

"What action is most beloved to Allah?" The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied: "That you die with your tongue still moist with the remembrance of Allah." (Tabarani and al-Bazzar (hasan).

It is important to make sure that we are meeting the appropriate conditions in our own lives and in our own testimony of faith. We must do our best to satisfy these conditions before it is too late and before our testimony will be of no avail whatsoever. By stating the testimony correctly and with Allah’s mercy, the doors to paradise will be open for us by the key of ‘la ilaha illa-llah’.

In the name of Allah: 

Have you ever noticed how beautiful our Ocean is? How it covers more than half the surface of our planet and yet for the most part, it is beyond our reach! Its waves skirmish by each other causally as it reaches the shore. Strange to say the least, a thing being so beautiful on the eyes albeit being deadly and fierce at times. The same mesmerising waves that we appreciate, can also be the cause for our death and destruction.

The Dunya (this worldly life) is just like the Ocean. It is a means to get us to where we want to be. It is a means to seek food, a means to travel through and wonder across and a means to obtain its provisions. Nothing more, nothing less! But what happens when the Dunya is no longer just a means?

Then what?

“Know that the life of this world is but amusement, diversion, adornment, boasting to one another and competition in increment of wealth and children…” (57:20)

Allah (may He be exalted and glorified) tells us in this verse, the sad reality of this Dunya. This “Ocean” that we constantly chase, is the only thing that some humans actually live for. Some go as far as spending their entire life pursuing it and yet do not achieve what they hoped for.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said,

“The Dunya is cursed! Cursed is all that is in it except for the remembrance of Allah, and that which brings one near to him, a scholar, and a student (of knowledge).”

If we look towards our example Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him), you would find that he never made this Dunya his primary objective. Our Prophet was given two clear options: “be a King in this Dunya or be a Messenger in this Dunya”, he chose the latter. He knew with certainty the truth regarding this Dunya. Upon an occasion, while roaming with his Sahaba (companions), they came past a deformed sheep. The Prophet took it by its ear and then said,

"Would one of you have this for a dirham?" They said, "We would not like to have it for anything. What would we do with it?" He said, "Would you like to have it?" They said, "By Allah, even if it was alive, it would be defective since it is deformed, and now it is dead." He said, "By Allah! this Dunya has less value with Allah than this has with you."

When you read the biography of our noble Prophet you would realise how simple a life he lived. So simple that even Abdullah bin Mas’ud (May Allah be pleased with him), queried the Messenger’s living conditions! He noticed that the Prophet would sleep on a mat made from straws and when he got up, the texture from it would leave deep marks on his back and so Ibn Mas’ud said to him:

“O Messenger of Allah! Would that you make us spread out a soft bedding for you.” The Prophet replied, “What have I to do with this Dunya? I am like a rider who had sat under a tree for its shade, then went away from it.”

Besides the humbleness of the Messenger of Allah, this hadith really illustrates how he saw the reality of this Dunya. This world was exposed to him, the giltz and glamour, the gold and silver, the power and status, however he chose to live like a traveller! A traveller knows he won’t be around for long. He doesn’t take the land as being a lasting residence but rather a path and route to his final destination.

“O my people, this worldly life is only [temporary] enjoyment, and indeed, the Hereafter - that is the home of [permanent] settlement.” (40:39)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said,

“By Allah, this world (is so insignificant in comparison) to the hereafter, that If one of you should dip his finger in the sea, then he should see as to what has stuck to it.” (Muslim)

Here, we have another powerful hadith, illustrating how trivial our Dunya is, compared to the Akhira (the hereafter). If we actually did this, how much water do you really think would come out? Something insignificant, right? Well this is what the life of this Dunya is compared to the Akhira. The Akhira is for eternity but how long is this Dunya for? Well, our beloved Messenger told us that most of his nation would live up to 60 or 70 years! 

“…Are you satisfied with the life of this world rather than the Hereafter? But what is the enjoyment of worldly life compared to the Hereafter except a [very] little.” (9:38)

Similarly, in another narration, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said,

"The Dunya is a prison for the believer and paradise for the disbeliever." (Muslim)

Again, we get this explicit image of the reality of the Dunya. Why, you may ask? Why is it a prison? Well a true believer understands that he is confined and limited. The Dunya has this pastime, this play, this beauty but the believer cannot indulge in that. The believer is restricted, which limit him from committing sins. He is bound by the Book of Allah and the guidance of our final Messenger, with regards to matters which he can or cannot do, just as a prisoner is obliged to follow the rules and regulations imposed upon him while in prison.

As for the disbeliever, Never! It is the opposite. For him, it is his garden that he plays in. He has this concept of YOLO (you only live once). This is why you see the disbelievers never holding back on anything. They worship their desires and whims and seek that which will fulfil their hunger even if it is contrary to their own religion!

Similarly, The Prophet (peace be upon him) said,

“If Allah had considered the world as worthy as the wing of a mosquito, He would not let an disbeliever take a drink of water from it.”

Imagine now, that you see a fly or a mosquito… Who would care about it? Would its presence have any significance? However, if it were five pounds that you happen to find, you would certainly pick it up (I know I would) and say it is something valuable! Well how about a wing of a mosquito? Let alone the mosquito itself! So since the disbelievers have more than just a cup of water, it must mean that this Dunya has no value in the sight of Allah whatsoever. 

What we really need to understand regarding these verses and narrations from the Book of Allah and statements of the Messenger respectively, is that we must view the Dunya in the same way our previous predecessors saw it. We live in the Dunya and in actual fact; it was solely created for our purpose. So detachment from it, is not what our Messenger taught us.

There was a time where three individuals asked about how the Prophet worshipped Allah. When they were informed, it was as if they thought it was marginal and so as a result, they said, 

‘Where are we in relation to the Messenger of Allah who has been forgiven his past and future wrong actions?’ “One of them said, ‘I will pray all of every night.’Another said, ‘I will fast all the time and not break the fast.’The other said, “I will withdraw from women and never marry.’The Messenger of Allah came to them and said, ‘Are you the ones who said such-and-such? By Allah, I am the one among you with the most fear and awareness of Allah, But I fast and break my fast, I pray and I sleep, and I marry women! Whoever disdains my Sunnah (my way) is not with me.’”

The Prophet didn’t withdraw from this world in order to be detached from it. It was much deeper than that. Rather what is meant is the detachment of the heart. Both his mind and heart were away from this Dunya and solely focussed on the Akhira. For verily, he understood the statement of Allah; 

“And this worldly life is not but diversion and amusement. And indeed, the home of the Hereafter - that is the [eternal] life, if only they knew.” (29:64)

He understood the true nature of this life. He understood what it meant to be in this Dunya without being consumed by it. He realised the danger of becoming occupied in this life. In actual fact, there was nothing more he feared for us! The Prophet (peace be upon him) said,

“By Allah I don’t fear for you poverty, but I fear that the Dunya would be abundant for you as it has been for those before you, so you compete for it as they have competed for it, so it destroys you as it has destroyed them.”

A poet once said,

“To Allah belongs intelligent and perceptive slaves that abandoned attachment to this Dunya and they are cautious of its trails and temptations. They examined it, and when they realised that it was an unfathomably deep sea (of which the bottom cannot be reached) they made righteous deeds a ship (to cross over it).

These people who know this Dunya for what it is truly worth, are among the best of mankind because they recognise the true value of this worldly life. They invest their time in doing righteous actions, which will profit them the most in the Akhira. So let us not be from those whom Allah mentions when he says;

“Those are the ones who have bought the life of this world [in exchange] for the Hereafter, so the punishment will not be lightened for them, nor will they be aided.” (2:86)

The more you chase this world, the greater the distance you need to cover so is it really worth the endeavour? The Dunya cannot divert you unless you allow it to. It cannot own you unless you permit it to. And if you have given your heart to it for a while, take it back! This is not the end; rather the end is with Allah (may He be exulted and glorified).   

In the name of Allah:

Without a doubt, Allah revealed this noble Qur’an to clarify every single matter to his creation. And by doing so, he sent us a final Messenger to explain and educate this divine book. Every Messenger was given a miracle, for Moses, it was his Stick and for Jesus, it was his ability to heal and give life to the dead. Our Final Prophet was given the speech of the All Mighty, a book that was revealed in Arabic to a nation of poets. 

We Muslims consider the Qur’an to be a solution to humanity. It has explained every single matter that involves us humans. It has not left anything out.  It answers all questions that you may have, from a psychological point to historical events, from economics to sanitation. Everything has been mentioned! 

“…We have neglected nothing in the Book…” (6:38)

One of the greatest and upmost matters of clarifying from this book is the subject of Tawhid and Shirk. Which is also the most important knowledge for all mankind to know and understand. This is because Tawhid is the origin and foundation of this entire religion. It is that which all actions are built upon! However, Shirk renders and destroys this foundation by corrupting it and making it nonexistent. Since Tawhid and Shirk are two conflicting and opposing matters, they can never come together thus nullifying one another!

“Worship Allah and join none with Him in worship…” (4:36)

If you read and scrutinize the Qur’an, you would notice all over, numerous verses, which clarify the matters of Tawhid and Shirk. You would not find a single chapter from the Qur’an without the mentioning of these two affairs. However, it is the minority who comprehends and recognizes its significance. This is why you would see a lot of people reciting the Qur’an but yet falling into Shirk and mixing it with Tawhid even though these matters are apparent, all over the Book of Allah.

So what is Tawhid and what is Shirk?

Before defining the meaning of Tawhid, I think it would be appropriate to give its types first. Tawhid is categorised into three aspects:

Tawhid in his Lordship

Tawhid in his Worship

Tawhid in his Names and Attributes.

Tawhid is to single out and unify Allah alone in his Worship. And It isn’t to single him out in his Lordship ONLY. Rather what is required is that we unify Allah alone in his Worship! This is because the entire world acknowledges this reality. Even the polytheists recognise that Allah is the Creator, the Sustainer and the Director of all things.

“Say, “Who provides for you from the heaven and the earth? Or who controls hearing and sight and who brings the living out of the dead and brings the dead out of the living and who arranges [every] matter?” They will say, ” Allah,” so say, “Then will you not fear Him?” (10:31)

So we can see from this verse that the polytheists at the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him) knew Allah by way of his Lordship, but when it came to his Worship, they associated other false deities with him. Consequently, a Messenger was sent to them. Our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) didn’t come to them and say, “recognise Allah because he is the Creator, the Sustainer etc” Rather the Messenger said to them,

"Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him…”(4:36)

Therefore, if you only acknowledge Allah in his Lordship and neglect his Worship, then this would not benefit you in anyway. It didn’t benefit the polytheists at the time of the Messenger, so how would it benefit you at this day and age? Therefore, what is required is that you single out Allah in his Worship alone, associating no partners with him!

The polytheist used to worship Allah! They used to Fast, Pray, Slaughter, fulfill Hajj and many other acts of worship however, they used Idols as an intermediary to worship and to get closer to him. As a result, the Messenger recited the following verses to them,

“Say, “O disbelievers, I do not worship what you worship. Nor are you worshippers of what I worship. Nor will I be a worshipper of what you worship. Nor will you be worshippers of what I worship. For you is your religion, and for me is my religion.” (109:1-6)

As for Shirk, it is to associate partners with Allah in those matters specific to him. It is the greatest and most grievous type of sin. If a person dies upon Shirk, then Allah will never forgive that individual. It renders all good deeds as void. We cannot even make Du’a (supplication) for such a person!

“Indeed, Allah does not forgive that anything should be associated with him, and he forgives what is less than that to whosoever he pleases” (4:16)

“Verily, whoever associates (others) with Allah, then Allah has forbidden paradise and his abode is the fire and there shall be no helpers for the unjust” (5:72)

Shirk also has its types. We can categories them into two, the Greater Shirk and Lesser Shirk.

Greater Shirk: committing this type takes a person outside the fold of Islam and makes him a Disbeliever. If a person dies upon it, then Allah will never forgive that individual. But if one repents sincerely during their lifetime then Allah will forgive them, as he is the All Merciful.

There are four subcategories:

Shirk in worship and supplication – like praying to idols or supplicating to the dead.

Shirk in intention, desire and goal – like acts of worship that are not for the sake of Allah but directed towards other false deities.

Shirk in obedience – like to obey scholars in making something unlawful what Allah has made lawful or vice-versa.

Shirk in love – like to love someone or something as Allah should be loved.

Lesser Shirk: committing this type of Shirk does not take a person outside the fold of Islam and make him a disbeliever but it is still a grave sin, which one can be punished for severely.

There are two subcategories:

Apparent Shirk – which is related to sayings, such as swearing an oath in the name of someone or something other than Allah or it can be related to acts such as believing in omens. An omen is when someone predicts that certain evil will befall upon them when seeing certain birds or the like, or when hearing certain names of people, certain places that they perceive being evil etc.

Hidden Shirk – which is like showing off in an act of worship like performing a long prayer so that the people can think high of them or gaining praise for worldly purposes etc.  

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever dies whilst calling upon other than Allah enters the Fire.”

There are several differences between the two forms of Shirk. Among the differences is that the one who commits Greater Shirk is judged to be a disbeliever and will reside in the hellfire forever, whereas the one who commits the Lesser Shirk, is not judged as a disbeliever and will not reside in the hellfire forever. Another difference is that the Greater Shirk renders all good deeds worthless, whereas the Lesser Shirk renders only that particular deed worthless.  Lastly, the Greater Shirk makes ones blood and wealth lawful, whereas the Lesser Shirk does not make these things lawful.

Ibn Qayyim said:

‘‘Allah the Exalted informed that the purpose and affair of creation was to know His Names and to worship Him alone, without associates so that the people could become trustworthy (qist), and that is the justice (’adl) by which the heavens and the earth are established, as Allah the Exalted said:

‘We have already sent our messengers with clear evidences and sent down with them the Book and the balance that the people may maintain their affairs in justice.’’ (57:25)

So Allah the Glorified informed that he sent Messengers and revealed Books to establish the people upon fairness (qist) and that is justice (’adl).  And from the greatest fairness is Tawhid, and it is the head of justice, and its maintainer, and Shirk is injustice, as Allah the Exalted said:

‘‘Verily Shirk is a great injustice.’’ (31:13)

So Shirk is the greatest injustice and Tawhid is the best form of justice. Therefore, it is upon every Muslim to know what Tawhid is, to know its importance and to stay steadfast upon it. And likewise, it is upon every Muslim to know what Shirk is, to know its consequences and to avoid falling into it.  

“And whosoever seeks other than Islam as a religion, then it will never be accepted from him.  And in the Hereafter, he will be from amongst the losers.” (3:85)

In the name of Allah:

Are you tired of this worldly life, this materialistic life? Wanting to pass all these examinations? Yearning for them to end and getting to your final destination? This on going and continuous world that never seems to finish; feeling that all your problems and worries will never come to a halt? Your life being a routine battle that never appears to modify or adjust to the world’s dilemmas?

Happiness is a common goal that every individual seeks and pursues from this world, Muslims and Non-Muslims alike. Many people spend years and years trying to find the keys to happiness, their ways in achieving it being diverse. Some spend thousands of pounds daily and others seek medication for it. However, the sad reality is that these proposed solutions only yield partial or superficial happiness. Their similitudes being like that of a drug where it only provides temporary relief and when their affects wear off, anxieties return, often much worse!

“Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire - of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of this worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return.” (3:14)

From mankind, there are some who think that a life full of happiness and goodness is achieved through worldly pleasures and desires; thinking that all their grief and worries will disappear by them. Not realising that true happiness and a goodly life can only be achieved through the help and guidance of the one who created “happiness” in the first place.

A Poet once said, 

“you firmly believe that happiness is amassing wealth, But the one who fears Allah is truly the happy one”

One must comprehend that this world is a brief enjoyment. The only lasting life of goodness is in the hereafter. This portion of mankind who forget or even disbelieve that there is a world to come, have a restricted view of reality because their sight is constricted and trapped to this worldly life. They assume that true happiness lies within this world with all its fleeting pleasures and indulgences.

“They know what is apparent of the worldly life, but they, of the Hereafter, are unaware.” (30:7)

The undeniable reality is that permanent happiness cannot be attained except by believing in Allah, which is the greatest means of achieving happiness in this worldly life. Iman (faith) is what keeps us on our feet. It is the very thing that helps us stay content and serene. Without this, you would notice many people living a life filled with misery and depression. Since it is Allah who created mankind, it is he who knows what pleases and benefits us just like he knows what saddens and harms us. 

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him), states, 

“there is no (true) bliss nor any delight, joy or completeness for him expect in knowing Allah, loving him, being tranquil in the remembrance of him, feeling delighted in drawing closer to him and yearning to meet him: this being the paradise of the worldly life. Likewise, there is no delight or success for him in the afterlife, except with his being enveloped in the abode of bliss in the paradise of the next life. So there are for him two paradise, he will not enter the latter without first entering the former”

So if belief in Allah leads to ultimate happiness, then the real question is, how do we achieve it?

“Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer - We will surely cause him to live a good life, and we will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do.” (16:97)

Well, Allah tells us in this verse, two prerequisites. He promises us that whoever combines faith with righteous deeds will have a goodly life and a good reward in the hereafter.

If we look at the first condition, righteousness is exhibited in both speech and action. However, a person must first be a believer; this is because such people like the hypocrites perform many good deeds just like a believer. Although they outwardly portray Islam by praying, giving charity and the likes of it, inwardly they disbelieve in Islam thus making their actions worthless. So belief is incumbent within this regard.

These deeds must also be in accordance with the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of his Prophet (peace be upon him). There is no point in doing a good deed, which is not sincerely for Allah alone and also not in agreement with Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Allah will have it rejected and they will be amongst the losers in the hereafter. Our mother A’aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reports that the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated that, 

“Whoever does an action that is not from our affair (i.e. Islam) will have it rejected.” (Related by Muslim)      

What is interesting is that you would find those who are obedient to Allah are the most pleased and content with life. They are in a state of tranquillity. This is because true tranquillity is in the heart not that of the physical body. They employ happiness and peace by worshipping Allah alone and constantly being in a state of remembrance rather than indulging in lowly desires, pleasures or lusts from this deceiving world.

“Verily, in the remembrance of Allaah do hearts find rest” (13:28)

Thus, if a goodly life is what you seek then it is imperetive to perform righteous deeds for as long as you live. Do not solely focus your attention and efforts on this world and its pleasures. Rather seek from this world that which will help you in pursuit of eternal happiness.

“Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children…” (57:20)

Once we understand that true happiness and a goodly life are only connected to the remembrance of Allah, then we will utilise this world to bring us closer to him. Undeniably, the promise is near, the appointed time will soon come to pass. Therefore, it is upon us to constantly be on guard and to not let this life, which is filled with delusions, deceive us from our real goal.

“O mankind, fear your Lord and fear a Day when no father will avail his son, nor will a son avail his father at all. Indeed, the promise of Allah is truth, so let not the worldly life delude you and be not deceived about Allah by the Deceiver.” (31:33)

This life is the location where one performs righteous deeds. Whoever fails in performing righteous deeds in this world, has failed in the hereafter in terms of reward. Likewise, the happy life is that which contains neither fear nor grief. Whoever is granted faith and has Taqwa (being God conscience) of Allah, will be from those close and devoted to him. 

“Unquestionably, [for] the allies of Allah there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve, Those who believed and were fearing Allah, For them are good tidings in the worldly life and in the Hereafter. No change is there in the words of Allah. That is what the great attainment is.” (10:62-64)

Therefore, it is essential that the believer supplicates not only for success in this life, but also for the life of the hereafter. This was the position of our noble Prophet (peace be upon him) who frequently advised and practised the following supplication, 

"…Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire."(2:202)