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An Introduction to the study of the Sound Islamic Creed

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of mercy

The sources of the (Islamic Creed) can only be established through the Qur’aan and the Sunnah. The Creeds are of two types: (a) the creed revealed by Allaah and the creed fabricated by the people. However, the sound and correct creed can only be from Allaah’s Wahi [the revelation sent down by Allaah (the Qur’aan and the authentic Sunnah)].  Allaah (The Most High) informed us about Yoosuf (alayhis-salaam) and what said to his companions in the prison:

يَا صَاحِبَيِ السِّجْنِ أَأَرْبَابٌ مُتَفَرِّقُونَ خَيْرٌ أَمِ اللَّهُ الْوَاحِدُ الْقَهَّارُ; مَا تَعْبُدُونَ مِنْ دُونِهِ إِلَّا أَسْمَاءً سَمَّيْتُمُوهَا أَنْتُمْ وَآَبَاؤُكُمْ مَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ بِهَا مِنْ سُلْطَانٍ إِنِ الْحُكْمُ إِلَّا لِلَّهِ أَمَرَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ ذَلِكَ الدِّينُ الْقَيِّمُ وَلَكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

“O two companions of the prison! Are many different lords (gods) better or Allah, the One, the Irresistible? You do not worship besides Him but only names which you have named (forged), you and your fathers, for which Allah has sent down no authority. The command (or the judgement) is for none but Allah. He has commanded that you worship none but Him (i.e. His Monotheism), that is the (true) straight religion, but most men know not.” [Soorah Yoosuf: Ayah: 39-40]

Allaah (The Most High) said:

أَفَرَأَيْتُمُ اللَّاتَ وَالْعُزَّى (19) وَمَنَاةَ الثَّالِثَةَ الْأُخْرَى (20) أَلَكُمُ الذَّكَرُ وَلَهُ الْأُنْثَى (21) تِلْكَ إِذًا قِسْمَةٌ ضِيزَى (22) إِنْ هِيَ إِلَّا أَسْمَاءٌ سَمَّيْتُمُوهَا أَنْتُمْ وَآَبَاؤُكُمْ مَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ بِهَا مِنْ سُلْطَانٍ إِنْ يَتَّبِعُونَ إِلَّا الظَّنَّ وَمَا تَهْوَى الْأَنْفُسُ وَلَقَدْ جَاءَهُمْ مِنْ رَبِّهِمُ الْهُدَى (23)

”Have you then considered Al-Lat, and Al-‘Uzza (two idols of the pagan Arabs) And Manat (another idol of the pagan Arabs), the other third? Is it for you the males and for Him the females? That indeed is a division most unfair! They are but names which you have named, you and your fathers, for which Allah has sent down no authority.’’ [Soorah Najm: 19-23]

Allaah (The Most High) said:

أَمْ لَهُمْ شُرَكَاءُ شَرَعُوا لَهُمْ مِنَ الدِّينِ مَا لَمْ يَأْذَنْ بِهِ اللَّهُ

 ”Or have they partners with Allah (false gods), who have instituted for them a religion which Allah has not allowed.’’ [Soorah Ash-Shoorah: Ayah:21]

Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَكَذَلِكَ أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ رُوحًا مِنْ أَمْرِنَا مَا كُنْتَ تَدْرِي مَا الْكِتَابُ وَلَا الْإِيمَانُ وَلَكِنْ جَعَلْنَاهُ نُورًا نَهْدِي بِهِ مَنْ نَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِنَا وَإِنَّكَ لَتَهْدِي إِلَى صِرَاطٍ مُسْتَقِيمٍ (52) صِرَاطِ اللَّهِ الَّذِي لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ أَلَا إِلَى اللَّهِ تَصِيرُ الْأُمُورُ

”And thus We have sent to you (O Muhammad) Ruhan (an Inspiration, and a Mercy) of Our Command. You knew not what is the Book, nor what is Faith? But We have made it (this Qur’an) a light wherewith We guide whosoever of Our slaves We will. And verily, you (O Muhammad) are indeed guiding (mankind) to the Straight Path (i.e. Allah’s religion of Islamic Monotheism).” [Soorah Ash-shoorah: ayah:52-53]

All these aayaat demonstrates the fact that sound Islamic creed can only be derived from the revelation (i.e. the Qur’aan and the Sunnah

The Sunnah: The delegation of Abdul Qais:

The delegation said: ”O Messenger of Allah, we come to you from a far-off distance and there lives between you and us a tribe of the kuffaar of Mudar, and it is not possible for us to come to you except in the sacred months. So direct us to a clear command, concerning which we are to inform others and by way of which we may enter paradise. He (Sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: I command you to do four things and forbid you from four things, and he added: I command you with Imaan in Allaah, and then he (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) asked them: Do you know what Imaan in Allaah is? They said: Allah and His Messenger know best. The Prophet said: It is the testimony that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah….to the end of the Hadeeth [Saheeh Muslim]

These people were Arabs and people of eloquence in their language, however when the Messenger asked them about what Imaan is, they replied: ”Allaah and His Messenger know best.’’  This shows that the affairs of the creed and Eemaan are only established by way of the revelation. As for the people of innovation and desires, some of them derive their creed by way of the intellect, opinions, dreams, fables and what they relish of beliefs. 

Principles We Must Establish In This Affair

The First Principle:

We believe that the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) has clarified all the affairs of the religion. He has clarified its fundamentals, subsidiary issues, beliefs and prescribed laws. Allaah (The Most High) said:

الْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِي وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ الْإِسْلَامَ دِينًا

”This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” [Soorah Al-Maa-idah: Ayah:3]

So when it is the case that the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) has even explained in detail the etiquettes of using the toilet, then it is not possible that he would not have detailed the affairs of the creed, thus giving an allowance for others to come along and make up beliefs based on their intellects, opinions etc. Indeed, the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) has clarified all the Religion, its creed and laws. 

The Second Principle

The Book of Allaah (The Most High) and the Sunnah of the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) are the sources of the religion, and every dispute between the Muslims is to be referred back to them. Allaah (The Most High) said:

فَلَا وَرَبِّكَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ حَتَّى يُحَكِّمُوكَ فِيمَا شَجَرَ بَيْنَهُمْ ثُمَّ لَا يَجِدُوا فِي أَنْفُسِهِمْ حَرَجًا مِمَّا قَضَيْتَ وَيُسَلِّمُوا تَسْلِيمًا

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

Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَمَا كَانَ لِمُؤْمِنٍ وَلَا مُؤْمِنَةٍ إِذَا قَضَى اللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ أَمْرًا أَنْ يَكُونَ لَهُمُ الْخِيَرَةُ مِنْ أَمْرِهِمْ وَمَنْ يَعْصِ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ فَقَدْ ضَلَّ ضَلَالًا مُبِينًا

”It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he has indeed strayed in a plain error.”[Soorah Al-Ahzaab: Ayah:36]

Allaah (The Most High) said:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا أَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ وَأُولِي الْأَمْرِ مِنْكُمْ فَإِنْ تَنَازَعْتُمْ فِي شَيْءٍ فَرُدُّوهُ إِلَى اللَّهِ وَالرَّسُولِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآَخِرِ ذَلِكَ خَيْرٌ وَأَحْسَنُ تَأْوِيلًا

”O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger (Muhammad), and those of you (Muslims) who are in authority. (And) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger (), if you believe in Allah and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination.’’ [Soorah An-Nisaa: Ayah: 59]

And referring back to Allaah is to refer to His Book (i.e. the Qur’aan), and referring to the Messenger is to refer to his Sunnah. The one who does not do this, then indeed he has deviated from the straight path. Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullaah) used to say often:

مَنْ فَارَقَ الدَّلِيل ضَلَّ السَّبِيل وَلَا دَلِيل إِلَّا بِمَا جَاءَ بِهِ الرَّسُول

Whoever opposes the proofs will be led away from the path, and there is no proof, except that which the Messenger came with.

Ibn Abil Izz Al-Hanafi (rahimahullaah) said:

كَيْفَ يُرَام الْوُصُول إِلَى عِلْمِ الْأُصُولِ بِغيْرِ مَا جَاءَ بِهِ الرَّسُول

How can one aim at reaching knowledge of the fundamental principles of the (religion) with other than what the Messenger brought?!

The Third Principle:

A Muslim is not to put himself forward before Allaah and His Messenger. He is not to speak about the Religion without knowledge from Allaah and His Messenger, because that is from the greatest of sins and crimes. Allaah (The Most High) said:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا لَا تُقَدِّمُوا بَيْنَ يَدَيِ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ

 ”O you who believe! Do not put (yourselves) forward before Allah and His Messenger (), and fear Allah. Verily! Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.” [Soorah Al-Hujuraat: Ayah:1]

This means: Neither speak (about the religion) until Allaah and His Messenger speak, nor act (in the name of the religion) until you are commanded; neither in the affairs of creed and acts of worship nor in the affairs of knowledge.

Allaah (The Most High) said:

 وَلَا تَقْفُ مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِ عِلْمٌ إِنَّ السَّمْعَ وَالْبَصَرَ وَالْفُؤَادَ كُلُّ أُولَئِكَ كَانَ عَنْهُ مَسْئُولًا

‘’And follow not (O man i.e., say not, or do not or witness not, etc.) that of which you have no knowledge (e.g. one’s saying: “I have seen,” while in fact he has not seen, or “I have heard,” while he has not heard). Verily! The hearing, and the sight, and the heart, of each of those you will be questioned (by Allah).’’ [Soorah Al-Israa: Ayah:36]

The Fourth Principle:

Our understanding of the Book (of Allaah) and the Sunnah of the Messenger has to be in agreement with the understanding of the salaf (i.e. the pious predecessors). They (i.e. the pious predecessors) possessed the most pious of hearts and purest of souls. They were the ones who received the religion directly from the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) and transmitted it to the Ummah as they heard it, and they fulfilled its requirements. Indeed, Allaah selected them to be the companions of the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) and carriers of His religion. Allaah was pleased with them and they were pleased with Allaah. Allaah (The Most High) sent down tranquillity upon them and bestowed them with piety. Therefore, it is obligatory to understand the religion the manner in the manner in which they understood it. And it not for a person to come along thereafter and say: ‘’They (i.e. the companions of Muhammad) were men and we are men;’’ and if someone says this, then indeed he is a person of misguidance. And for this reason, Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَمَنْ يُشَاقِقِ الرَّسُولَ مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُ الْهُدَى وَيَتَّبِعْ غَيْرَ سَبِيلِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ نُوَلِّهِ مَا تَوَلَّى وَنُصْلِهِ جَهَنَّمَ وَسَاءَتْ مَصِيرًا

 ”And whoever contradicts and opposes the Messenger (Muhammad ) after the right path has been shown clearly to him, and follows other than the believers’ way. We shall keep him in the path he has chosen, and burn him in Hell – what an evil destination.’’ [Soorah An-Nisaa: Ayah:115]

And Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَالسَّابِقُونَ الْأَوَّلُونَ مِنَ الْمُهَاجِرِينَ وَالْأَنْصَارِ وَالَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوهُمْ بِإِحْسَانٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ وَرَضُوا عَنْهُ وَأَعَدَّ لَهُمْ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي تَحْتَهَا الْأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا أَبَدًا ذَلِكَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيمُ

”And the first to embrace Islam of the Muhajirun (those who migrated from Makkah to Al-Madinah) and the Ansar (the citizens of Al-Madinah who helped and gave aid to the Muhajirun) and also those who followed them exactly (in Faith). Allah is well-pleased with them as they are well-pleased with Him. He has prepared for them Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise), to dwell therein forever. That is the supreme success.”[Soorah At-Tawbah: Ayah: 100]

This is the aim: We follow them exactly (in faith) and we follow their path. The closer a person is in following them, then the closer is he to guidance. And in a hadeeth, the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said:”the best of people are those living in my generation, then those who come after them, and those after them….’’ 

 The Fifth Principle:

It is obligatory upon the person who has been bestowed with this favour of (holding unto the Book of Allaah, the Sunnah of the Messenger and the understanding of the pious predecessors) to be steadfast upon it. He is to be steadfast upon it by way of knowledge, creed and action until Allaah takes his soul. Allaah said:

فَاسْتَقِمْ كَمَا أُمِرْتَ

”So stand (ask Allah to make) you (Muhammad) firm and straight (on the religion of Islamic Monotheism) as you are commanded.” [Soorah hood: Ayah:112]

Steadfastness can only be through what Allaah has revealed. Allaah (The Most High) said:

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا رَبُّنَا اللَّهُ ثُمَّ اسْتَقَامُوا فَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ

”Verily, those who say: “Our Lord is (only) Allah,” and thereafter Istaqamu (i.e. stood firm and straight on the Islamic Faith of Monotheism by abstaining from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which Allah has forbidden and by performing all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained), on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.”[Soorah Al-ahqaah: Ayah:13]

Allaah (The Most High) said:

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا رَبُّنَا اللَّهُ ثُمَّ اسْتَقَامُوا تَتَنَزَّلُ عَلَيْهِمُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ أَلَّا تَخَافُوا وَلَا تَحْزَنُوا وَأَبْشِرُوا بِالْجَنَّةِ الَّتِي كُنْتُمْ تُوعَدُونَ

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

This steadfastness is sought from a (slave of Allaah); steadfastness upon the (sound) creed, righteous action and deeds that draws him close to Allaah until Allaah takes away his soul. Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَاعْبُدْ رَبَّكَ حَتَّى يَأْتِيَكَ الْيَقِينُ

 And worship your Lord until there comes unto you the certainty (i.e. death). [Soorah al-Hijr: Ayah:99]

And Allaah (The Most High) said:

 يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ حَقَّ تُقَاتِهِ وَلَا تَمُوتُنَّ إِلَّا وَأَنْتُمْ مُسْلِمُونَ

 ”O you who believe! Fear Allah (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islam (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allah. [Soorah Aala Imraan: Ayah: 102]

And amongst the tremendous supplications is what has been reported by Ibn Abee Shaybah that Abu Dardaa (radiyallaahu-anhu) used to supplicate saying:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي

أَسْأَلُكَ إيمَانًا دَائِمًا وَعِلْمًا نَافِعًا وَهَدْيًا قَيِّمًا

 ”O Allaah! I ask you for abiding Imaan, beneficial knowledge and upright guidance.”

Mu-aawiyyah Ibn Qurra (rahimahullaah) transmitted this narration from Abu Dardaa and then said: ”Because there is Imaan that is not abiding, knowledge that is not beneficial and guidance that is not upright.”   Therefore, a Muslim must ask Allaah for these (things) and he should employ the means to attainting them, as the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: ‘’be eager for what is of benefit to you, and place your reliance upon Allaah’’

The Sixth Principle:

And after being steadfastness upon the (sound creed, in following the Qur’aan, the Sunnah and the way of the pious predecessors), one must call to it. Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَالْعَصْرِ (1) إِنَّ الْإِنْسَانَ لَفِي خُسْرٍ (2) إِلَّا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالْحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالصَّبْرِ (3)

By Al-‘Asr (the time). Verily! Man is in loss, Except those who believe (in Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, and recommend one another to the truth (i.e. order one another to perform all kinds of good deeds (Al-Ma’ruf)which Allah has ordained, and abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds (Al-Munkar)which Allah has forbidden), and recommend one another to patience (for the sufferings, harms, and injuries which one may encounter in Allah’s Cause during preaching His religion of Islamic Monotheism or Jihad, etc.). [Soorah al-Asr]

Therefore, one has to call to the (path and religion) of Allaah in accordance with what Allaah makes easy for the person in that. The Messenger (sallal-laahu-alahi-wasallam) said to Ali (radiyallaahu-anhu): ”By Allaah, for Allah to guide one man by you is better for you than red camels.” The Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) also said: ”hoever calls to guidance, he will be rewarded, and (also) receive reward equal to those who follow him, without their rewards being reduced in the least.” The Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) also said: ”The one who guides to good is like the doer of that deed itself’’ 


[Source: Madkhal Li-Diraasati Aqeedah Al-Islaamiyyah: lesson:2′ by Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr (may Allaah preserve him)]

 

Salafiyyah is founded upon Three Fundamental Principles

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy

Shaikh Muhammad Baazmool (may Allaah preserve him) stated:

Salafiyyah is founded upon three fundamental principles; The First Fundamental Principle: (To carry out) acts of worship sincerely for the sake of Allaah (Glorified Be He). The Second Fundamental Principle: Adhering to the Jamaa’ah; listening to the (Muslim Rulers) and obeying (them in that which is good). The Third Fundamental Principle: Caution against Bidah and the Innovators. These three fundamental principles are established by way of evidence in the narration of Irbaad Ibn Saariyah (radiyallaahu-anhu) who said:

”The Messenger of Allaah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wsallam) gave us an admonition that made our hearts fearful and our eyes tearful. We said, “O Messenger of Allaah, it is as if this were a farewell sermon, so advise us.”He said, “I enjoin you to have Taqwa of Allaah and that you listen and obey, even if an Abyssinian slave is place in charge over your affairs; for indeed he who lives long among you will see many differences. Beware of newly invented matters (in the religion), for indeed it is misguidance. So whoever among you reaches that then upon him is (to follow) my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided khulafaa and bite on to it with your molar teeth.” [1]

Suhail Ibn Abee Saalih narrated from his father, who narrated from Abu Hurairah (radiyallaahu-anhu) that the Messenger of Allaah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam said: Verily Allaah loves three things for you and he hates three things for you. He loves that you worship Him alone and that you do not join anyone else in your worship of him and that you do not worship other than him; He loves that you hold tight altogether to the rope of Allaah and that you do not be divided; and that you advice the one placed in charge over your affairs. And Allaah hates for you Qeel Wa Qaal (he said and she said spreading rumours); He hates for you the wasting of wealth and He hates for you excessive questioning (i.e. questioning devoid of benefit). [2]

These three affairs (i.e. Tawheed; obedience to the rulers and caution against bidah and the innovators) combine that which establishes the religious and worldly affairs of the people. Shaikhul Islaam Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhaab (rahimahullaah said: Defects have not occurred in the religion of the people and their worldly affairs, except as a result of defects in these three affairs or in some of them. [3]


[1] [Hasan hadeeth. Reported by Imaam Ahmad 4/126, 127 and declared authentic by Imaam Albaani in Irwaa Al-Ghaleel 8/107. Number 2455]

[2] [Recorded by Imaam Maalik in Muwatta 1863. Muslim 1715]

[3] [Al-Manhajus Salafi pages 8-10…abridged and slightly paraphrased]

 

Created to Know Our Creator and to Worship Our Creator Alone! Shaykh Abdur Razzaq al Badr

Created to Know Our Creator and to Worship Our Creator Alone!

Shaikh Abdur-Razzaaq Al-Badr

 

Allaah (The Most High) said:

 

اللَّهُ الَّذِي خَلَقَ سَبْعَ سَمَاوَاتٍ وَمِنَ الْأَرْضِ مِثْلَهُنَّ يَتَنَزَّلُ الْأَمْرُ بَيْنَهُنَّ لِتَعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ وَأَنَّ اللَّهَ قَدْ أَحَاطَ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عِلْمًا

It is Allah Who has created seven heavens and of the earth the like thereof (i.e. seven).  His Command descends between them (heavens and earth), that you may know that Allah has power over all things, and that Allah surrounds (comprehends) all things in (His) Knowledge.” [Soorah At-Talaaq: Ayah: 12]

 

Allaah (The Most High) said:

 

وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ

 

And I (Allah) created not the jinns and humans except they should worship Me (Alone). [Soorah Dhariyaat: Ayah: 56]

[Source: Arabic Audio ‘A Beneficial Abridgement In Clarifying The Subject Matter of Tawheed’ lesson: 1]

The Study of Tawheed – Shaikh Abdur-Razzaaq Al-Badr (may Allaah preserve him)

 

 

The Study of Tawheed

Shaikh Abdur-Razzaaq Al-Badr (may Allaah preserve him)

The study of Tawheed is based on seeking knowledge about the Oneness of Allaah in His Lordship, Names and Attributes and His sole right to be worshipped without partners. This is the most virtuous of all knowledge. And among the virtues of Tawheed is that it is what makes acts of worship sound and accepted by Allaah (The Mighty and Majestic). All acts of worship-be they few or numerous-are not accepted unless when established upon Tawheed. And for this reason, Allaah (The Most High) said:

فَمَنْ كَانَ يَرْجُوا لِقَاءَ رَبِّهِ فَلْيَعْمَلْ عَمَلًا صَالِحًا وَلَا يُشْرِكْ بِعِبَادَةِ رَبِّهِ أَحَدًا

”So whoever hopes for the Meeting with his Lord, let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord.” That is: (righteous actions) sincerely perform for Allaah (alone).” [Soorah Al-Kahf: Ayah:110]

And in another ayah, Allaah (The Mighty and Majestic) said:

وَمَنْ أَرَادَ الْآَخِرَةَ وَسَعَى لَهَا سَعْيَهَا وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَأُولَئِكَ كَانَ سَعْيُهُمْ مَشْكُورًا

”And whoever desires the Hereafter and strives for it, with the necessary effort due for it (i.e. do righteous deeds of Allaah’s Obedience) while he is a believer (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism), then such are the ones whose striving shall be appreciated, thanked and rewarded (by Allah).”[Soorah Al-Israa: Ayah: 19]

Therefore acts of worship will not be accepted, except when accompanied by Tawheed. And if Tawheed is absent, then acts of worship will not be accepted. Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَمَا مَنَعَهُمْ أَنْ تُقْبَلَ مِنْهُمْ نَفَقَاتُهُمْ إِلَّا أَنَّهُمْ كَفَرُوا بِاللَّهِ وَبِرَسُولِهِ

”And nothing prevents their contributions from being accepted from them except that they disbelieved in Allah and in His Messenger (Muhammad)….”[Soorah At-Tawbah: Ayah: 54]

And Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَلَقَدْ أُوحِيَ إِلَيْكَ وَإِلَى الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكَ لَئِنْ أَشْرَكْتَ لَيَحْبَطَنَّ عَمَلُكَ وَلَتَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ (65) بَلِ اللَّهَ فَاعْبُدْ وَكُنْ مِنَ الشَّاكِرِينَ

”And indeed it has been revealed to you (O Muhammad), as it was to those (Allah’s Messengers) before you: “If you join others in worship with Allah, (then) surely (all) your deeds will be in vain, and you will certainly be among the losers.” Nay! But worship Allah (Alone and none else), and be among the grateful.” [Soorah Az-Zumar: Ayah: 65-66]

And Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَمَنْ يَكْفُرْ بِالْإِيمَانِ فَقَدْ حَبِطَ عَمَلُهُ

”And whosoever disbelieves in the Oneness of Allah and in (one or all the other Articles of Faith [i.e. His (Allah’s), Angels, His Holy Books, His Messengers, the Day of Resurrection and Al-Qadar (divine Preordainments)], then fruitless is his work’’[Soorah Al-Maa-idah:Ayah:5]

Therefore, actions (i.e. acts of worship, righteous actions) cannot be sound and they are not accepted by Allaah, unless when founded upon Tawheed, and sincerely carried out for the sake of Allaah.

[Source: Arabic Audio ‘Introduction to the study of Tawheed’ Lesson 4]

Patience During Calamities with Short Commentary by Shaikh bin Baaz ( rahimahullaah )

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Patience During Calamities’With Short Commentary by Shaikh Bin Baaz (rahimahullaah)

Narrated Anas Bin Maalik (radiyallaahu-anhu) The Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) passed by a woman who was weeping beside a grave. He told her to fear Allah and be patient. She said to him, “Go away, for you have not been afflicted with a calamity like mine.” And she did not recognize him. Then she was informed that he was the Prophet. So she went to the house of the Prophet and there she did not find any guard. Then she said to him, “I did not recognize you.” He said, “Verily, the patience is at the first stroke of a calamity.” [1]

Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz (rahimahullaah) said: This hadeeth is in relation to the time when one is excused for (grieving). It is incumbent upon him to exercise patience and  hope for the (reward and mercy of Allaah,) and not to become (weak and fearful at heart, which may lead to questioning the decree of Allaah) [2]

Ref 1: Source: Sahih al-Bukhari.com: www.salafipublications.com

Ref2: Al-Hulalul Ibreeziyyah Min At-Ta-liqaat Al-Baaziyyah Alaa Saheeh Al-Bukhaari Vol: 1 (page: 378: Footnote: 1) Also see: Al-Furooq Ash-Shar-iyyah Wal-Lughawiyyah Inda Ibnul Qayyim Al-Jazziyyah: page: 328]

Heard- on his death bed- what was a source of comfort for the eyes

Allaah (The Most High said:

أَمۡ كُنتُمۡ شُہَدَآءَ إِذۡ حَضَرَ يَعۡقُوبَ ٱلۡمَوۡتُ إِذۡ قَالَ لِبَنِيهِ مَا تَعۡبُدُونَ مِنۢ بَعۡدِى قَالُواْ نَعۡبُدُ إِلَـٰهَكَ وَإِلَـٰهَ ءَابَآٮِٕكَ إِبۡرَٲهِـۧمَ وَإِسۡمَـٰعِيلَ وَإِسۡحَـٰقَ إِلَـٰهً۬ا وَٲحِدً۬ا وَنَحۡنُ لَهُ ۥ مُسۡلِمُونَ

”Or were you witnesses when death approached Ya’qub (Jacob)? When he said unto his sons, “What will you worship after me?” They said, “We shall worship your Ilah (God – Allah), the Ilah (God) of your fathers, Ibrahim (Abraham), Isma’il (Ishmael), Ishaque (Isaac), One Ilah (God), and to Him we submit (in Islam).” [2:133]

They responded to their father with what was a source of comfort for the eyes.

They mentioned Tawheed and Deeds (in their response).

————————————————————————–

[For further details, see Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan

Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan of Imaam (rahimahullaah)

The Qur’aan contains the Noblest Affair of knowledge without exception—Imaam Sadi (rahimaullaah)

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy

 

The knowledge of Sound Creed and the Fundamental Principles of Tawheed

This is the noblest of all affairs of knowledge without exception. It is the most virtuous and perfect. By way of it the hearts are established upon sound affairs of creed and the manners are purified and made to flourish. And by way of it deeds are corrected and made perfect. The subject matter of this affair of knowledge is based on the following:

Studying what is obligatory to establish for Allaah of perfect Attributes and lofty descriptions, and that which prevents and makes it impossible for Him to be described with deficient and blameworthy attributes, or making similarities to Him with others.

(Studying) what establishes the fact that Allaah brought about all the things in the existence and that He does whatever He pleases-whatever He wishes will take place and whatever he does not wish cannot take place.

Likewise, studying what is obligatory regarding belief in the Messengers, their qualities and the rights due to them, and what is forbidden with regards to violation of such rights.

Belief in the Books revealed to the Messengers and in that which Allaah has stated Himself, and that which His Messengers stated regarding the events of the past and the future.

Belief in the last day, recompense, reward and punishment, the paradise and hell fire; and that which is stated and connected to these affairs.

These are the general affairs of this lofty affair of knowledge. Indeed the Qur’aan has explained these affairs with a profound explanation and it has clarified it in a manner that is not equal to the other revealed books. There is no fundamental affair except that it has explained it. It (i.e. the Qur’aan) combines between giving explanation and proofs; between the important lofty affairs and clear cut sound intellectual proofs, divine proofs and the proofs that are in harmony with sound (uncorrupted) innate human nature.

——————————————————————————————————————————
[Slightly paraphrased…see: Fat-hul Raheem Al-Malikil Allaam Fee Ilmil Aqaa-id Wat-Tawheed Wal-Akhlaaq Wal-Ahkaam of Imaam Sadi (rahimahullaah). Page: 7]

Another Important Supplication

يا حَـيُّ يا قَيّـومُ بِـرَحْمَـتِكِ أَسْتَـغـيث ، أَصْلِـحْ لي شَـأْنـي كُلَّـه ، وَلا تَكِلـني إِلى نَفْـسي طَـرْفَةَ عَـين

”O The Ever-Living! O The One Who sustains and protects all that exists! By Your mercy I seek aid and deliverance, rectify all my affairs for me and do not leave me to myself, even for the blink of an eye.” [ صحيح الترغيب والترهيب 1/273]-[Number 654]

Shaikh Muhammad Bin Ibraaheem Aala Shaikh (rahimahullaah) said: It is neither obligated nor permissible to depend on oneself, as reported in the hadeeth (i.e. the supplication a believer makes): [فَلاَ تَكِلْنِى إِلَى نَفْسِى طَرْفَةَ عَيْنٍ ] ”Do not leave me to myself even for the blink of an eye.” [Majmoo al-Fataawaa of Shaikh Muhammad Bin Ibraaheem 1/70]

[1] Intro: The difference between legislated and innovated acts of worship

 بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullaah) said:

Indeed, there has been much confusion in this subject matter just as it is the case in the subject matter of halaal and haraam.  Indeed a group of people make permissible some of the things which Allaah has declared impermissible and others declare impermissible some of those things which Allaah has made permissible.  Likewise some people innovate acts of worship that have not been legislated by Allaah; rather He (The Most High) prohibited them.

The foundation of the religion of Islaam is that the permissible affairs are those that Allaah and His Messenger have made permissible, and the impermissible affairs are those that Allaah and His Messenger have made impermissible.  It is not allowed (or befitting) for anyone to leave the straight path which Allaah sent His Messenger with.  Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَأَنَّ هَـٰذَا صِرَٲطِى مُسۡتَقِيمً۬ا فَٱتَّبِعُوهُ‌ۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ ٱلسُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِكُمۡ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ‌ۚ ذَٲلِكُمۡ وَصَّٮٰكُم بِهِۦ لَعَلَّڪُمۡ تَتَّقُونَ

”And verily, this is my Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you away from His Path. This He has ordained for you that you may become pious’”[6:153]

Abdullaah Ibn Mas’ood (radiyallaahu-anhu) reported that the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) drew a line for us and said: ”This is Allaah’s Straight Path.” Then he drew lines to its right and left and then said: ”These are other paths. Upon every one of them there is a devil calling towards it.” Then he recited: وَأَنَّ هَـٰذَا صِرَٲطِى مُسۡتَقِيمً۬ا فَٱتَّبِعُوهُ‌ۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ ٱلسُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِكُمۡ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ‌  ”Indeed this is My Straight Path, so follow it. And do not follow other paths; they will separate you from His Path.” [Hadeeth reported by Imaam Ahmad  in Al-Musnad 4437]

Indeed Allaah has mentioned in Soorah Al-An’aam, Soorah Al-A’raaf and other them regarding the deeds the idol worshipers were rebuked for, when they made impermissible the things that Allaah (The Most High) have not declared impermissible, such as the Baahirah (i.e. a she-camel whose milk was spared for the idols and nobody was allowed to milk it) and the Saa’ibah (a she-camel let loose for free pasture for their false gods, e.g. idols, etc., and nothing was allowed to be carried on it).   They (also) made permissible those (deeds) which Allaah made impermissible, such as the killing of their children, and they instituted a religion which Allaah did not allow.   Allaah (The Most High) said:

أَمۡ لَهُمۡ شُرَڪَـٰٓؤُاْ شَرَعُواْ لَهُم مِّنَ ٱلدِّينِ مَا لَمۡ يَأۡذَنۢ بِهِ ٱللَّهُ‌ۚ

”Or have they partners with Allah (false gods), who have instituted for them a religion which Allah has not allowed.” [42:21]

And there were impermissible affairs which they established as acts of worship, such as shirk, and lewd behaviour, such as Tawaaf around the Kabah, whilst being naked.

To be continued In-Shaa-Allaah

 

[Source: Al-Ibaadaat Ash-Shar-iyyah Wal-Farq Baynahaa Wa Baynal Bid’ah (page 7-8). Abridged and partly paraphrased]

How would the slaves (Mankind and Jinn) know what Allaah loves….?

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

Question:

How would the slaves (i.e. Mankind and Jinn) know what Allaah loves and what Allaah hates?

Answer:

They know it through Allaah sending the Messengers and revelation of the Books [i.e. the Zaboor, Tawraat, Injeel, and the Qur’aan (the final revelation)]— commanding what Allaah loves and is pleased with; and forbidding what Allaah hates and disdains.  And by way of this, Allaah’s irrefutable proofs are established against them (i.e. Mankind and Jinn) and His Perfect Wisdom is manifested.

Allaah (The Most High) said:

رُّسُلاً۬ مُّبَشِّرِينَ وَمُنذِرِينَ لِئَلَّا يَكُونَ لِلنَّاسِ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ حُجَّةُۢ بَعۡدَ ٱلرُّسُلِ‌ۚ

”Messengers as bearers of good news as well as of warning in order that mankind should have no plea against Allah after the Messengers.” [4:165]

And Allaah (The Most High) said:

قُلۡ إِن كُنتُمۡ تُحِبُّونَ ٱللَّهَ فَٱتَّبِعُونِى يُحۡبِبۡكُمُ ٱللَّهُ وَيَغۡفِرۡ لَكُمۡ ذُنُوبَكُمۡ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ۬

”Say (O Muhammad to mankind): “If you (really) love Allah then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic Monotheism, follow the Qur’an and the Sunnah), Allah will love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”  [3:31]

 

[Source: 200 hundred questions and answers on the Islamic creed by Haafidh Hakami (rahimahullaah) page: 14]