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[11] Basics- [Revising and Revisiting The Most Important Fundamentals: (As-Sidq – Truthfulness) is The Fourth Condition of The Shahaadah]

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestowe of Mercy.

As-Sidq [Truthfulness] is the fourth condition of the Shahaadah [Laa ilaaha Illal laah- there is no deity worthy of worship except Allaah] which necessitates a negation of Kadhib [Lying]; therefore, one must utter the Shahaadah truthfully from his heart. The Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “There is none who truthfully testifies from his heart that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allaah and that Muhammad is Allaah’s Messenger, except that Allaah will make the fire forbidden for him”. [Al-Bukhaari 128 and Muslim 32]

Therefore, the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] made truthfulness a condition in this statement, that what a person say with his tongue should be what is concealed in his heart. As for if he says it with his tongue, but does not believe in his heart regarding what it necessitates, then such a person is a Munaafiq [hypocrite]. This is why Allaah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] said:

إذا جاءك المنافقون قالوا نشهد إنك لرسول الله والله يعلم إنك لرسوله والله يشهد إن المنافقين لكاذبون

When the hypocrites come to you (O Muhammad), they say: “We bear witness that you are indeed the Messenger of Allah.” Allah knows that you are indeed His Messenger and Allah bears witness that the hypocrites are liars indeed. [Surah Al-Munaafiqoon. Verse 1]

Meaning, they are liars with regards to that which they say with their tongues because it is not what they believe in their hearts. Therefore, whoever utters the Shahaadah with his tongue but does not believe in his heart what it necessitates, it will not be accepted by Allaah. [Ref 1]

Additional Benefit:

Allaah [The Exalted] said:

يَوۡمَ يُكۡشَفُ عَن سَاقٍ۬ وَيُدۡعَوۡنَ إِلَى ٱلسُّجُودِ فَلَا يَسۡتَطِيعُونَ
خَـٰشِعَةً أَبۡصَـٰرُهُمۡ تَرۡهَقُهُمۡ ذِلَّةٌ۬‌ۖ وَقَدۡ كَانُواْ يُدۡعَوۡنَ إِلَى ٱلسُّجُودِ وَهُمۡ سَـٰلِمُونَ

(Remember) the Day when the Shin shall be laid bare and they shall be called to prostrate (to Allah), but they (hypocrites) shall not be able to do so. Their eyes will be cast down, ignominy will cover them; they used to be called to prostrate (offer prayers), while they were healthy and good (in the life of the world, but they did not). [Surah Al-Qalam. Aayah 42-43]

When the Day of Resurrection takes place, anxiety, earthquakes and calamities appear and there will be no illusion regarding it, and the Creator comes to judge between the servants and recompense them, reveal His noble Shin which cannot be compared to anything, and the creation see something of Allaah Magnificence and Greatness that which cannot be described, then at that moment they will be called to prostrate to Allaah. The believers – those who used to prostrate to Allah willingly and by choice – will prostrate; then the wicked disbelievers and hypocrites will attempt to prostrate, but they will not be able to do so, rather their backs will be like horns of cattle- unable to bend. This is a recompense based on their deeds, because in the worldly life whilst they were in a state of wellbeing, they were called to prostrate to Allah, declare that Allah is the only true deity and worship Him alone, but they arrogantly turn away and refused. Therefore, do not ask about their state of affairs and evil destination on that day, because indeed Allah will be angry with them, the punishment will be justified against them and all their means to safety will be cut off from them, so neither will regret nor excuses benefit them on the Day of Resurrection. This should makes the heart tremble, prevents one from being disobedient and make an effort -as much as possible – to catch up with what one has missed. And due to this Allaah [The Exalted] said:

فَذَرۡنِى وَمَن يُكَذِّبُ بِہَـٰذَا ٱلۡحَدِيثِ‌ۖ سَنَسۡتَدۡرِجُهُم مِّنۡ حَيۡثُ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ
وَأُمۡلِى لَهُمۡ‌ۚ إِنَّ كَيۡدِى مَتِينٌ

Then leave Me Alone with such as belie this Qur’an. We shall punish them gradually from directions they perceive not. And I will grant them a respite. Verily, My Plan is strong. [Surah Al-Qalam. Aayaat 44-45] [Ref 2]


[Ref 1: An Excerpt From: Explanation of Important Lessons For The Muslim Ummah. page 50. Maktabah Malik Al-Fahad 1436AH. (2015)]

[Ref 2: Tafseer As-Sadi]

ibaadah, tawheed, worship