Article Surah 112 · Ayah 1

The Fitnah of Wealth

قُل هُوَ اللهُ أَحَد اللهُ ٌ)

“ Say (O Muhammad (sallahAllahu alayhi wasallam)): " He is Allâh, (The) One.” [Al-Ikhlaas:1]

كما ورد معرفا بالألف واللام عند البخاري من حديث أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه أن النبيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قال:

( قال الله تعالى كذَّبني ابنُ آدمَ ولم يكُن له ذلك ، وشَتَمني ولم يكن له ذلك فأَما تكذيُبهُ إيايَ فقوله : لن يعيدني كما بدأنِي وليس أوَّلُ الخلقِ بأَهونَ عليَّ من إعادته ، وأما شتمُهُ إيايَ فقولُه : اتَّخَذَ اللَّهُ ولداً وأَنا الأَحدُ الصمدُ ، لم أَلِدْ ولم أُولَد ولم يكُن لي كُفواً أحد )

As it has come reknown , in the saheeh of Al-Bukhari from the hadeeth of Abu Huraira (radhiyaAllahu anhu) that The Prophet (sallahAllahu alayhi wasallam) said :

"Allah said : 'The son of Adam tells a lie against Me,, though he hasn't the right to do so. He abuses me though he hasn't the right to do so. As for his telling a lie against Me, it is his saying that I will not recreate him as I created him for the first time. In fact, the first creation was not easier for Me than new creation. As for his abusing Me , it is his saying that Allah has begotten children, while I am The One , the Self-Sufficient Master Whom all creatures need , I beget not , nor was I begotten, and there is none like unto Me." [Al-Bukhari :4690]

TAWHEED

Tawheed is the noun derived from the Arabic root verb :وحَّدَ- يوحِّدُ/ (wahhada / yuwahhidu) which means to make something one. This is not accomplished except by a negation and affirmation, both together – negating this characteristic from anything other than the thing which is being singled out, and affirming it to that thing. [1]

Linguistic meaning

Linguistically, the word Tawheed comes from the word wah-hada, which means to make something waahid (singular). Waahid is the opposite of two, three, etc., the opposite of plurality. So waahid is something that will continue to be singular and never become a partner of something else.

Islamic meaning

Islamically i.e., sharee'ah (shari'ah)'s definition, the Tawheed means to single out Allah with all forms of worship, so that you make all of your worship for Allah alone.

Allah says: "...and the religion will be entirely for Allah" (Soorah Al-Anfaal 8:39).The word religion in this ayath means worship, as Allah says: "and I have not created the Jinn nor Mankind except to worship Me" (Soorah Ath-Thaariyaat 51:56).And Allah says: "and worship Allah, and do not ascribe a single partner to Him" (Soorah An-Nisaa' 4:36).Allah also says: "So call on Allah, making the religion entirely for Him, even if the disbelievers detest it" (Soorah Ghaafir 40:14).

This is the meaning of Tawheed - to single out Allah in all acts of worship and to abandon the worship of anything else. [2]

Categories of Tawheed

As for the categories of Tawheed as it pertains to Allah, they all fall under the general definition of Tawheed as “Singling out Allah alone (Glory be to Him) with anything and everything that specifically pertains to only Him.”

The categories of Tawheed, as mentioned by the people of knowledge, are three:

1. Tawheed Ar-Ruboobiyyah (Tawheed of Allah’s Lordship)

2. Tawheed Al-Asmaa was-Sifaat (Tawheed of Allah’s names and attributes)

3. Tawheed Al-Uloohiyyah (Tawheed of Allah’s sole right to all worship)

The scholars know this categorization by studying and examining the aayaath of the Qur’an and Ahadeeth. They found that all forms of Tawheed fall under one of these three categories.

1. Tawheed Ar-Ruboobiyyah

Tawheed Ar-Ruboobiyyah is to single out Allah alone with the actions of creating (everything), owning (everything), and controlling (everything). The details of this meaning are as follows:

First, as for singling out Allah alone (Glory be to Him) with the action of creating; He is the Creator other than Whom there is no creator. Allah (Glory be to Him) says: Is there are creator other than Allah that provides you with sustenance from the heavens and earth? There is nothing deserving of worship besides Him alone. [Soorah Faatir, 35:3]

So Allah alone is the only Creator. He created everything, decreeing the creation before its existence. His creation includes what He Himself has made by His own actions as well as the actions of the creation. For this reason, it is from the completion of Eemaan in Qadr (Pre-decree) to believe that Allah is the Creator of the servants’ actions as He (Glory be to Him) said: Allah created all of you and what you do. [Soorah As-Saaffaat, 37:96]

2. Tawheed Al-Asmaa was-Sifaat

Tawheed Al-Asmaa was-Sifaat is to single out Allah alone with what He has named Himself with or described Himself with in His Book or upon the tongue of His Messenger (May Allah Honour him and Grant him Peace). This is by affirming whatever (names and attributes) Allah has affirmed for Himself without distorting or denying them or their meanings, nor believing them to be similar to the creation’s, and without questioning “How” they are (seeking thereby to arrive at the same level of understanding of them as Allah Himself has). It is incumbent to believe that whatever Allah has named and described Himself with of names and attributes are real and actual. However, we do not delve into them, asking “How” they are and we do not believe them to be similar to the names and attributes of the creation in any way.

This is the category of Tawheed regarding which various groups of this nation went astray, those who pray towards the same direction as we do and ascribe themselves to Islam.

The way of the Pious Predecessors, or those righteous predecessor Muslims who followed Islam correctly in belief, action, and manners; their way with regards to this type of Tawheed is that they name Allah and describe Him with what He has described Himself with. They accept and believe in these names and attributes as being real and actual, yet in a manner that befits Allah. They do not distort their meanings, deny them altogether, nor do they question them or believe they are similar to the names and attributes of the creation.

An example of this is that Allah (Glory be to Him) has named Himself with the names of al-Hayyu (The Ever-Living) and al-Qayyoom (The One Who controls and sustains everything). So it is obligated upon us to believe that al-Hayyu is one of Allah’s names and we must also believe in whatever characteristics this name implies which is a perfect, ever-lasting and complete life that was not preceded by inexistence nor will it ever end. Allah has also named Himself as-Samee’ (The All-Hearing) so likewise, it is upon us to believe it is one of His names and that He has the attribute of complete hearing of everything at all times. He is attributed with the action of hearing as well, which is necessitated by this name and its attribute, for one that is named “Hearing” yet does not actually have the characteristic of hearing, nor the action of hearing sounds and voices, then this is an impossible contradiction.

Allah (Glory be to Him) says: And the Jews say, “Allah’s hand is tied up (He is stingy)!” Be their hands tied up and be they accursed for what they uttered. Rather, both His hands are widely outstretched. He spends (of His Bounty) as He wills. [Soorah Al-Maaidah, 5:64]

Allah says, “Rather, both His hands are widely outstretched.” So He has affirmed to Himself two hands with the descriptions of being widely outstretched – which is that He gives generously. So from this, it is obligated upon us to believe that Allah does in fact have two actual hands, widely outstretched in giving and bestowing favors generously. However, it is also upon us that we do not try to imagine them with our hearts, nor speak about them with our tongues, questioning how they are in reality, nor do we believe they are similar to the hands of the creation because Allah says: There is nothing similar to Him. And He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing. [Soorah Ash-Shooraa, 42:11]

And He also said : Say: “My Lord has only forbidden al-Fawaahish (immoral sins, adultery, etc.) whether committed openly or secretly, sins (of all kinds), oppression committed without right, joining partners (Shirk - in worship) with Allah for which He has given no authority, and that you say things about Allah of which you have no knowledge.” [Soorah Al-‘Araaf, 7:33]

And He says: And follow not that of which you have no knowledge. Certainly, the hearing, the sight, and the heart – of each of those you will be questioned. [Soorah Al-Israa, 17:36]

3. Tawheed Al-Uloohiyyah

Tawheed Al-Uloohiyyah is to single out Allah alone with all acts of worship. People must not take anyone or anything else along with Allah, worshipping them or seeking nearness to them as they do with Allah (Glory be to Him). This is the type of Tawheed with which the polytheists went astray due to it – these same polytheists which the Prophet (S) fought, the safety of their blood and wealth being lost as well as their land and homes. It is this type of Tawheed with which the Messengers were sent, and by which the books were revealed along with the other two types: Tawheed Ar-Ruboobiyyah and Tawheed of Allah’s names and attributes. But most of what the Messengers focused on correcting among their people was this type of Tawheed – Tawheed Al-Uloohiyyah.

Tawheed Al-Uloohiyyah is that people are not to give any form of worship to other than Allah (Glory be to Him) – not an angel brought near (to Allah), nor a Messenger sent (by Allah), nor to a righteous servant (of Allah), nor to anything else created. Worship is not deserved by anyone but Allah alone. Whoever violates this type of Tawheed, not fulfilling what it entails, then he is a polytheist, a disbeliever even if he were to accept and believe in Tawheed Ar-Ruboobiyyah and the Tawheed of Allah’s names and attributes. If someone were to believe that Allah (Glory be to Him) is the only Creator, owner, and controller of all affairs and that He deserves what befits Him of names and attributes, yet he worships along with Allah other than Him; then his acceptance of the other two types of Tawheed would never benefit him. So if one were to completely believe in Tawheed Ar-Ruboobiyyah and Tawheed Al-Asmaa was-Sifaat, yet he goes to the grave of someone deceased, worshipping him, making vows to him and seeking nearness to him, then such a person is a polytheists, a disbeliever destined to reside in the Fire forever. Allah says: Indeed, whoever makes Shirk (associating partners in worship) with Allah, then Allah has forbidden Paradise for him, his destination is the Fire, and there will never be any helper for the transgressors. [Soorah Al-Maaidah, 5:72] [3]

Importance of Tawheed

1. It is the pillar upon which Islam is built. The Prophet said "Islam is built upon five : the Tawheed of Allah…..(Related by Muslim no. 19)

2. It was the key and essence of the call of the messengers: "Verily we have sent to every nation a messenger saying worship Allah and avoid the worship of false gods" (16:36)

3. Because Allah has created us to worship Him, "I have not created the jinn and mankind but to worship me" then how can we worship Allah, if we don't know who He is? It is only through knowledge of His names and attributes we can learn about Allah.

4. Its great emphasis in the Quran. The Quran begins with Tawheed (al fatihah) and ends with Tawheed (al Ikhlas) likewise the greatest ayat in the Quran describes Tawheed (of knowledge)

5. The prophet began his day with Tawheed by reciting surah al kafiroon and ikhlas in the sunan of fajr and end with reciting these two surahs in the witr prayer. (related by Muslim)

6. The prophet mentioned it during his last illness (shows its importance) when he said "the curse of Allah be upon the Jews and the Christians for they took the graves of their prophets as places of worship." (Bukhari)

7. It's the first thing the prophet invited to and preached to for thirteen years. "say, none has the right to be worshipped and thus be successful." (Ahmad 4/63)

8. And he ordered his companions to preach Tawheed when sending them to various communities. He sent Muadh ibn jabal to Yemen saying "Indeed you are going to the people of the book so let the first thing that you invite them to be the Tawheed of Allah" (Bukhari 9:469)

9. If a person dies upon this he will enter Paradise. When the Jewish boy accepted Islam, the Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) said, "All praise is for Allah who saved this boy from the fire." Although this person had no good deeds. (Bukhari) [4]

The Virtues of Tawheed

There is nothing that produces such good results nor holds such a variety of virtues like Tawheed; for Tawheed with its virtues : is the best produce in this world and the Hereafter.

- The forgiveness of sins and their removal is among the general virtues and results of Tawheed.

- Among its virtues is that it is the greatest means of removing the sorrows of this world and the Hereafter , and warding off punishment in both worlds.

- Among its virtues is that it grants guidance and perfection to its practitioner , complete safety in this world and the Hereafter.

- It is the exclusive reason for being granted Allah's pleasure and rewards , and the most fortunate of people - who are granted Muhammad's (sallahAllahu 'alayhi wasallam) intercession are those who said Laa ilaahi illa Allah with sincerity in their hearts.

- Among the important virtues is that all deeds and sayings - both inner and outer - are dependent upon tawhid.

- When Tawheed is complete in the heart of its bearer, Allah endears him with faith and adorns his heart with it. He would hate kufr , fisq and sin , and it places him among the ranks of the guided.

- It lightens the worshipper's mishaps and weakens his pain. It is based on the completeness of the worshipper's Tawheed and Eemaan that his heart is comfortable with his mishaps and misfortunes. And his soul is content, submitting and accepting that Allah has decreed such trials for him.

- Among the greateset virtues is that it frees the worshipper from slavery to created beings , from depending upon them, fearing them, hoping in them, and doing deeds for their sake, and this wins him true honour and respect.

- Among the virtues of Tawheed is that Allah has granted its people victory , honour , respect, and aid in this life. He grants them guidance and makes things easier for them, setting their affairs right and strengthening their sayings and actions.

- Allah protects the people of Tawheed and faith from the evils of this world and the hereafter, and he grants them a good tranquil life and solace in His rememberance. Testimony for this is well known and can be seen often in the Book and the Sunnah. And Allah knows best. [5]

The implications of Tawheed

1. Purpose of creation

2. Reason for sending prophets

3. Reason for revealing books

4. Differentiates between Muslim and kafir

5. Cause of peace and contentment

6. First call that we have been commanded

7. Rights of Allah over us

8. Cause for entrance into paradise

9. Forgiveness all sins and prevent from fire of hell

10. Dangers of its opposite ie. Shirk

Purpose of Creation

“I did not create the jinns and the humans except to worship Me alone.” (Adh-Dhaariyaat, 51:56)

This is the most explicit ayath in the Quran about the purpose of our creation.

Reason for Sending Prophets

“And We sent no Messenger before you but We revealed to him: There is no true god but I; so worship Me alone.”(Qur'an Surah Al-Anbiyaa’, 21:25)

And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): “Worship Allah (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Taghut (all false deities, etc. i.e. do not worship Taghut besides Allah).” Then of them were some whom Allah guided and of them were some upon whom the straying was justified. So travel through the land and see what was the end of those who denied (the truth). (Quran Surah Nahl16:36)

Reason for Revealing Books

“He sends down the angels with revelation by His command on whosoever of His servants He pleases, saying: Warn people that there is no true god but I, so take Me alone for your protector.” (An-Nahl, 16:2)

Every prophet and messenger received wahy which is the basis of a book. Sometimes it was written down, sometimes not. It is the inspiration they received. Many other books were written down, even though we are most familiar with the 4 famous ones.

Differentiates between Muslim and Kaafir

“It is He Who has created you, but some of you are disbelievers and some of you are believers, and Allah sees what you do.” (At-Taghaabun, 64:2)

Following Tawheed is a Cause of Peace and Contentment in this Life and in the Hereafter.

“Those who believe and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of Allah; surely, it is the remembrance of Allah that hearts can find comfort.” (Ar-Ra’d, 13:28 )

First Call that we have been Commanded to Do

“O mankind! Worship your Lord Who created you and those before you, that you may guard against evil.” (Al-Baqarah, 2:21)

This is the first commandment that occurs in the Quran.

The Messenger (May Allah Honour him and Grant him Peace) said to Mu’aadh ibn Jabal, when he (saw) sent him to Yemen: “So let the first thing you call them to, be the testimony that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah.” And in another narration: “…that they worship Allah alone.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Right of Allah Over Us

The Prophet (May Allah Honour him and Grant him Peace) said, “O Mu’aadh! Do you know what Allah’s Right upon His slaves is?” I said, “Allah and His Apostle know best.” The Prophet said, “To worship Him (Allah) Alone and to join none in worship with Him (Allah). Do you know what their right upon Him is?” I replied, “Allah and His Apostle know best.” The Prophet said, “Not to punish them (if they do so).” (Sahih Al-Bukhari: Vol.9, Bk. 93, No.470)

Cause for Entrance into Paradise

“…..I bear witness that Allah is the only god worthy of worship and that I am His Messenger. No servant shall meet Allah with these two (testimonies) with no doubt regarding them, but he shall enter Paradise.” (Muslim: See Sharh An-Nawawi 1/224)

Forgives All Sins; Prevents Fire of Hell

“A man who never did any good deed, said that if he died, his family should burn him and throw half the ashes of his burnt body in the earth and the other half in the sea, for by Allah, if Allah should get hold of him, He would inflict such punishment on him as He would not inflict on anybody among the people. But Allah ordered the sea to collect what was in it (of his ashes) and similarly ordered the earth to collect what was in it (of his ashes). Then Allah said (to the recreated man), ‘Why did you do so?’ The man replied, ‘For being afraid of You, as You know. ‘So Allah forgave him.” (Al-Bukhari:Vol. 9, Book 93, No. 597)

Dangers of Its Opposite (Shirk)

“Surely, Allah will not forgive that a partner be associated with Him; but He will forgive whatever is short of that to whomsoever He pleases. And whoso associates partners with Allah has indeed devised a very great sin.” (An-Nisaa, 4:48 ) [6]

Reasons why Tawheed makes sense

One of the many common questions that are asked to me by non-Muslims is “If God does exist what reasons do we have to believe He is one?” This question is important as it addresses a fundamental concept in Islamic theology, the concept of oneness. The oneness of God, in Arabic 'Tawheed', is a central theme in the Qur’an and a message of all of the Prophets, the Qur’an eloquently describes the nature of God and His oneness in the 112th Surah,

{Say: He is God, the One. God the Eternal. He begot no one nor was He begotten. No one is comparable to him.}

In light of this there are many ways to answer the question referring to God’s singularity and uniqueness, thereby providing a positive case for the oneness of God, and they range from theological to philosophical arguments.

1. Logical Inference

2. Uniqueness

3. The Quranic Argument

Logical Inference

The logic of the existence of an infinite creator is one and one only. There cannot be another infinite being as this is illogical. He has to be unique, as only finite entities can be more than one. Thus, He cannot have a spouse or a child, nor can he have a gender. He cannot be divisible into different personalities, as only finite entities can all be divided. By the same token, He cannot be partitioned into different roles because partitioning means putting limits that negates infiniteness.

Uniqueness

The cause of the universe must be unique, as the Qur’an says “There is nothing like Him”. If the cause of the universe was not unique that would mean there are some similarities between the cause of the universe and the universe itself

The Quranic Argument

The argument the Qur’an uses to show that God is one is explained in the following verse, the divine book says, “If there were, in the heavens and the earth, other gods besides God, the heaven and the earth would have collapsed in disorder and chaos." The Qur’an points out that if there were more than one God who created the universe it would be in chaos and there would not be the level of order we find in the cosmos. [7]

The Excellence of Tawheed

1) Allah the Most High says:

Those who believe and do not mix their belief with dhulm, they are those upon whom is security and they are the rightly guided. [6:82]

From 'Abdullaah ibn Mas'ood, who said: When this verse was revealed, some Muslims began to grieve, and said: 'Which of us does not do dhulm (oppression) to his soul?' The Messenger of Allah said: "It is not that, verily it is shirk, have you not heard the saying of Luqmaan to his son:

Oh my Son! Do not make shirk with Allah. Verily, shirk is a great dhulm. [31:13] [Bukhari & Muslim]

This verse gives glad tidings to the believers, those who single out Allah alone for worship, those who do not mix their belief with shirk. Rather, they are far from it, they have complete security from the punishment of Allah in the Hereafter and they are the rightly guided in this world.

2) The Prophet said: "Imaan consists of sixty something branches, the highest of them is the saying 'Laa ilaaha illa Allah; and the lowest of them is to remove something harmful from the road." [Muslim]

It is reported from the Prophet that he said: "Whoever meets Allah without having associated with Him in anything will enter Paradise and whosoever meets Him associating partners with him in anything will enter the Fire. " [Muslim]

All these narrations clearly show the excellence of Tawheed, for it is that by which the happiness of the slave is achieved and the best means for the expiation of his sins and the elimination of his mistakes."

History of Tawheed

The Tawheed of the Prophets and Messengers

the message of the Messengers, from the first of them which is Nooh (’alayhis-salaam), to the last of them which is Muhammad (SallAllahu ’alayhi wa sallam); all of them called to Tawheed. Allah the Exalted said:

“And We have not sent before you any Messenger, except that We revealed to him that there is no deity worthy of worship except Me, so worship Me.”

http://www.askislampedia.com/en/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/MUHAMMAD-+THE+UNIVERSAL+MESSENGER

And Allah the Exalted said:

“And indeed We sent to every nation a messenger saying: Worship Allah, and leave off the false deities.”

It is not possible that Allah the Mighty and Majestic sent the Messengers to mankind to call to Tawheedur-Ruboobiyyah only, but to Tawheedul-Uloohiyyah also. That is because those who denied Tawheedur-Ruboobiyyah were very few; to the extent that those who denied it did not feel this denial to be possible in the depths of their hearts, except that their intellects knew of it, and recognized it, but they rejected it due to pride.

The Beginnings of Deviation

The beginnings of Shirk lay in the excessive praise and respect given to certain dead pious Muslims, who - due to peoples’ love for them - became idols that were worshipped and supplicated along with Allah. So what needs to be understood is why people felt that they had to worship these righteous people along with worshipping Allah.

1. MAN’S FITRAH (NATURAL DISPOSITION):

Allah - the Most High - said:

“I did not create jinn and mankind, except that they should worship Me. I do not seek any provisions from them, nor do I ask that they should feed me. Indeed Allah is the Provider, the Possessor of Might and Strength.”[Surah Al Dhaariyaat 51:56-58]

So the soul - if left to its fitrah (natural disposition and inclination) - would find itself acknowledging Allah’s Divinity, loving Him and worshiping Him alone, without worshipping others along with Him. However, this fitrah becomes corrupted and it deviates away from the pure worship of Allah, due to what the devils - from amongst mankind and jinn - whisper to some people, beautifying to them their whispers of deception. So Tawheed (to worship Allah alone) is the core and root of man’s fitrah, whereas Shirk (directing any part of worship that belongs only to Allah, to other than Allah) is alien to it and is something that deceptively enters into it. Allah

2. THE BEGINNING OF IDOL-WORSHIP:

Mankind was, in the beginning, a single Ummah (nation) upon Tawheed, the pure worship of Allah alone. Then Shirk gradually overcame them. The basis for this belief is what Allah - the Most High - said:

“Mankind was one Ummah (nation), then Allah sent Prophets bringing good news and warnings.” [Sooratul-Baqarah 2:213]

“Mankind was not except a single Ummah, then they differed.” [Soorah Yoonus 12:19]

Ibn ’Abbaas (radiyAllahu ’anhu) said: “Between Nooh and Aadam there were ten generations, all of them were upon the Sharee’ah (Law) of the truth, then they differed. So Allah sent Prophets as bringers of good news and as warners.”

So, “during the time of the Prophet Nooh(’alayhis-salaam), Shirk appeared amongst his people, and they started worshipping idols along with worshipping Allah. So Allah said:

“Indeed We sent Nooh to his people and he said to them: I have come to you as a clear warner; that you should worship only Allah.” [Soorah Hood 11:25-26].” [5]

3. THE ORIGINS OF SHIRK:

Allah - the Most Perfect - said about the people of Nooh:

“And they said: You shall not forsake your deities/gods, nor shall you forsake Wadd, nor Suwaa’, nor Yaghooth, nor Ya’ooq, nor Nasr.” [Soorah Nooh 71:23]

The beginnings of Shirk lay in the excessive praise and respect given to certain dead pious Muslims, who - due to peoples' love for them - became idols that were worshipped and supplicated along with Allah. So what needs to be understood is why people felt that they had to worship these righteous people along with worshipping Allah.

4. TAKING THE DEAD AS INTERCESSORS:

Allah - the One free from all defects - said:

“Indeed We have sent down to you the Book in truth, so worship Allah alone by making the Religion purely for Him. Surely the Religion, worship and obedience should be for Allah alone. But those who take as awliyaa‘ (friends and protectors)others along with Allah say: We only worship them so that they may bring us closer to Allah. Indeed Allah will judge between them concerning that in which they differ. Indeed Allah does not guide those who are liars and disbelievers.” [Sooratuz-Zumar 39:2-3]

“And they worship those besides Allah that can neither harm nor benefit them, and they say: These are our intercessors with Allah. Say to them: Do you inform Allah about that which He does not have knowledge in the heavens and the earth. Glory be to Allah and how free He is from that which the associate as partners with Him.” [Soorah Yoosuf 10:18]

“So Allah - the Most Perfect - informed us in these two aayaat that the idolaters had taken others from the creation as awliyaa‘ along with Allah. They worshipped them along with Him, by offering du’aa (supplication) to them, and directing to them hope (of attaining safety or of being cured from some illness) and fear, sacrifice, vows, and their like claiming that directing such worship to these awliyaa‘ would bring them closer to Allah and that these awliyaa‘ would then act as intercessors between them and Allah.

5. DU’AA TO OTHER THAN ALLAH IS SHIRK:

The Prophet (sallAllahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whosoever dies whilst making du’aa (invocation, supplication) to others besides Allah, will enter the Hell Fire.” [8]

IMPORTANCE OF TAWHEED

Tawheed is the noun derived from the Arabic root verb :وحَّدَ- يوحِّدُ/ (wahhada / yuwahhidu) which means to make something one. This is not accomplished except by a negation and affirmation, both together – negating this characteristic from anything other than the thing which is being singled out, and affirming it to that thing.

Linguistic meaning

Islamic meaning

Islamicallyi.e., sharee'ah (shari'ah)'s definition, the Tawheed means to single out Allah with all forms of worship, so that you make all of your worship for Allah alone.

Allah says: "...and the religion will be entirely for Allah" (Surah Al-Anfaal 8:39).The word religion in this ayath means worship, as Allah says: "and I have not created the Jinn nor Mankind except to worship Me" (Surah Ath-Thaariyaat 51:56).And Allah says: "and worship Allah, and do not ascribe a single partner to Him" (Surah An-Nisaa' 4:36). Allah also says: "So call on Allah, making the religion entirely for Him, even if the disbelievers detest it" (Surah Ghaafir 40:14).

This is the meaning of Tawheed - to single out Allah in all acts of worship and to abandon the worship of anything else.

Main Importance of Tawheed

1. It is the pillar upon which Islam is built. The Prophet Muhammad صلىHYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/en/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/May+Allah+honour+Him+and+grant+Him+peace" HYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/en/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/May+Allah+honour+Him+and+grant+Him+peace"اللهHYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/en/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/May+Allah+honour+Him+and+grant+Him+peace" HYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/en/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/May+Allah+honour+Him+and+grant+Him+peace"عليهHYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/en/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/May+Allah+honour+Him+and+grant+Him+peace" HYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/en/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/May+Allah+honour+Him+and+grant+Him+peace"وسلم said "Islaam is built upon five: the tawheed of Allah…..(Sahih Muslim 19)

2. The greatest need for mankind, since there is no life for the hearts nor delight nor tranquility except through knowing their Lord , the one to be worshipped, the creator.

3. It is the most noble branch of knowledge. As Imaam Abu Hanifa mentioned, when he called his book which he compiled concerning the Usool ud Deen (fundamentals of the religion) " fiqh al akbar" (the greatest fiqh)

4. It was the key and essence of the call of the messengers"Verily we have sent to every nation a messenger saying worship Allah and avoid the worship of false gods" (16:36)

5. Because Allah has created us to worship Him, "I have not created the jinn and mankind but to worship me" then how can we worship Allah, if we don't know who He is? It is only through knowledge of His names and attributes we can learn about Allah.

6. Firmness upon the deen, excellence in this world and salvation in the Hereafter is built upon this. a) Because when you know Allah, His names, attributes and Actions this necessitates loving Him, fearing Him, placing reliance upon Him etc.

b) when you know what allah loves and is pleased with or angered and displeased with, you will rush to fulfil what He loves and avoid what He hates.

7. Its great emphasis in the Quran. The Quran begins with tawheed (al fatihah) and ends with Tawheed (al Ikhlas) likewise the greatest ayat in the Quran describes tawheed (of knowledge)

8. The prophet began his day with tawheed by reciting surah al kafiroon and ikhlas in the sunan of fajr and end with reciting these two surahs in the witr prayer. (related by Muslim)

9. The Prophet Muhammad صلىHYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/en/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/May+Allah+honour+Him+and+grant+Him+peace" HYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/en/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/May+Allah+honour+Him+and+grant+Him+peace"اللهHYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/en/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/May+Allah+honour+Him+and+grant+Him+peace" HYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/en/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/May+Allah+honour+Him+and+grant+Him+peace"عليهHYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/en/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/May+Allah+honour+Him+and+grant+Him+peace" HYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/en/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/May+Allah+honour+Him+and+grant+Him+peace"وسلم during his last illness (shows its importance) when he said "the curse of Allah be upon the Jews and the Christians for they took the graves of their prophets as places of worship." (Bukhari)

10. It's the first thing the prophet invited to and preached to for thirteen years. "say, none has the right to be worshipped and thus be successful." (Ahmad 4/63)

11. And he ordered his companions to preach Tawheed when sending them to various communities. He sent Muadh ibn jabal to Yemen saying "Indeed you are going to the people of the book so let the first thing that you invite them to be the tawheed of Allah" (Bukhari 1/13)

12. You have to compromise the three aspects together and not just believe in one, merely with the meaning "the one who has the power to create and originate" as the arab mushriks used to agree that Allah alone is the creator of everything, despite this they were still mushriks. Plus this was not the true reality which Allah sent the messengers with. But rather we must believe in his Ruboobiyah, uloohiyah Asma was Sifaat together.

13. When you belive in the three aspects of Tawheed. i.e Ruboobiyah- youwill negate any source of harm, blessing, power from any other than Allah. Uloohiyah- this will stop you from committing shirk. Asma was sifaat - to have the correct knowledge of this will prevent you from distorting any of Allah's Names and Attributes, or explaining them, or denying them or asking how they are.

14. If a person dies upon this he will enter Paradise. When the Jewish boy accepted Islam, the Prophet Muhammad صلىHYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/en/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/May+Allah+honour+Him+and+grant+Him+peace" HYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/en/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/May+Allah+honour+Him+and+grant+Him+peace"اللهHYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/en/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/May+Allah+honour+Him+and+grant+Him+peace" HYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/en/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/May+Allah+honour+Him+and+grant+Him+peace"عليهHYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/en/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/May+Allah+honour+Him+and+grant+Him+peace" HYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/en/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/May+Allah+honour+Him+and+grant+Him+peace"وسلم said, "All praise is for Allah who saved this boy from the fire."Although this person had no good deeds. (Bukhari)

15.Tawheed is a condition for an action to be accepted, because for a deed to be accepted it requires 2 conditions. a) The intention is purely for Allah (tawheed al ibaadah) b) It must be in accordance with the shariah of Muhammad

16. It strengthens ones heart and makes one firmer and well rooted. Then as a result ones deeds will multiply and likewise his worship of Allah will be greater.

17. It makes it easier to fulfil the commands of Allah and leave the prohibitions as Aaisha said: "had the first revelation been do not drink and fornicate or commit adultery etc they would have said we shall not give up adultery and fornication etc." (Bukhari from Yusuf ibn Maalik)

IKHLAS OR SINCERITY

Ikhlaas is the sanctification of your speech and action from every blemish of the soul's desire. For example, desiring your beautification in the hearts of people, desiring their praise so that they say 'a scholar', 'what a brave man' or 'a doer of good'. Also included in this is running away from the criticism of the people (i.e. abandoning certain actions because people may criticize or become angry), seeking people's magnification of yourself, their aid and assistance, the fulfillment of your needs or desiring other peoples wealth and possessions - while being contented with all of that because your soul is deceived and your amazement with yourself.

Know that Ikhlaas is not correct until you are truthful in your speech, action, striving and while you desire nothing but the Face of Allah سبحانهHYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/Subhanahu+wa+taala#.UoYzrfv9wqw" HYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/Subhanahu+wa+taala#.UoYzrfv9wqw"وHYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/Subhanahu+wa+taala#.UoYzrfv9wqw" HYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/Subhanahu+wa+taala#.UoYzrfv9wqw"تعالىand the Home of the Hereafter.

Allah سبحانه و تعالىThe Exalted said: {And whoever desires the Hereafter and strives for it as it should be strived for while being a believer then his striving will be acknowledged (rewarded)} Qur’an.Surah Al-'Isra 17:19.

Different meaning of Ikhlaas

1. It is the freedom of the desire for nearness to Allah سبحانهHYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/en/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/Subhanahu+wa+taala" HYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/en/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/Subhanahu+wa+taala"وHYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/en/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/Subhanahu+wa+taala" HYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/en/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/Subhanahu+wa+taala"تعالىfrom every blemish or impurity.

2. It is singling out Allah سبحانه و تعالىwith ones intention in all acts of worship

3. It is forgetting the sight of the creation by continual observance of the Creator

4. It is to hide your good deeds just like you would hide your evil deeds.

As for ikhlaas, then that is one of the meanings of the testimony "there is nothing which has the right to ibaadah except Allah سبحانه و تعالى" in that your ibaadah should be exclusively and sincerely for Allah سبحانه و تعالى

Qur’an

Eeman by itself is not sufficient for our ibaadah to be accepted by Allah سبحانهHYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/en/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/Subhanahu+wa+taala" HYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/en/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/Subhanahu+wa+taala"وHYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/en/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/Subhanahu+wa+taala" HYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/en/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/Subhanahu+wa+taala"تعالى. Rather it is necessary that your action is out of eemaan in Allah سبحانه و تعالىand complete ikhlaas to him so that you do not make anyone a partner with him. The exalted said: {those who have eemaan and confuse not their eemaan with injustice. For them there will be security and they are the rightly guided}Qur’San.Surah An'aam 6:82.

Injustice here means shirk as was explained by the messenger ﷺto the companions رضيHYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/en/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/Radhiallahu+Anhum+or+Raziallahu+Anhum" HYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/en/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/Radhiallahu+Anhum+or+Raziallahu+Anhum"اللهHYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/en/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/Radhiallahu+Anhum+or+Raziallahu+Anhum" HYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/en/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/Radhiallahu+Anhum+or+Raziallahu+Anhum"عنهمand as has been recorded by bukhaaree in the kitaabut-tafseer of his saheeh.

Allah سبحانه و تعالىhas laid down a condition for the perfection of eemaan, which gives its possessor security, guidance and freedom from shirk and that is ikhlaas; the abundance of which is necessary for ibaadah to be accepted. The exalted has said: {and they were not commanded except with this: that they should worship Allah سبحانه و تعالى, being completely sincere in the deen}Qur’an.Surah Bayyinah 98:5.

And the exalted also said: Say, [O Muhammad ﷺ], "Indeed, I have been commanded to worship Allah , [being] sincere to Him in religion.Quran.Surah Zumar 39:11.HYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/quran/-/view/Surah/39#11" 39:2,3

Hadith

And there is also the Hadith E Qudsi reported by Muslim:"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" Reported by Muslim

Ikhlaas is the Necessary Condition of Ibadah

As for Ikhlaas, then that is one of the meanings of the testimony "there is nothing which has the right to Ibaadah except Allah سبحانهHYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/Subhanahu+wa+taala#.UoY8cvv9wqw" HYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/Subhanahu+wa+taala#.UoY8cvv9wqw"وHYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/Subhanahu+wa+taala#.UoY8cvv9wqw" HYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/Subhanahu+wa+taala#.UoY8cvv9wqw"تعالى" in that your Ibaadah should be exclusively and sincerely for Allah سبحانه و تعالى. Eeman by itself is not sufficient for our Ibaadah to be accepted by Allah سبحانه و تعالى. Rather it is necessary that your action is out of Eeman in Allah سبحانه و تعالىand complete Ikhlaas to Him so that you do not make anyone a partner with Him. The Exalted said: {Those who have Eeman and confuse not their Eeman with Injustice. For them there will be security and they are the rightly guided} Qur’an.Surah An'aam 6:82.

Injustice here means Shirk as was explained by the Messenger ﷺto the companions رضيHYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/Radhiallahu+Anhum+or+Raziallahu+Anhum#.UoY9I_v9wqw" HYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/Radhiallahu+Anhum+or+Raziallahu+Anhum#.UoY9I_v9wqw"اللهHYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/Radhiallahu+Anhum+or+Raziallahu+Anhum#.UoY9I_v9wqw" HYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/Radhiallahu+Anhum+or+Raziallahu+Anhum#.UoY9I_v9wqw"عنهand as has been recorded by Bukhaaree in the Kitaabut-Tafseer of his Saheeh.

Allah سبحانهHYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/Subhanahu+wa+taala#.UoY9efv9wqw" HYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/Subhanahu+wa+taala#.UoY9efv9wqw"وHYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/Subhanahu+wa+taala#.UoY9efv9wqw" HYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/Subhanahu+wa+taala#.UoY9efv9wqw"تعالىhas laid down a condition for the perfection of Eeman, which gives its possessor security, guidance and freedom from Shirk and that is Ikhlaas; the abundance of which is necessary for Ibaadah to be accepted. The Exalted has said: {And they were not commanded except with this: that they should worship Allah سبحانه و تعالى, being completely sincere in the Deen} Qur’an.Surah Bayyinah 98:5.

And the exalted also said: Say, [O Muhammad ﷺ], "Indeed, I have been commanded to worship Allah , [being] sincere to Him in religion.Quran.Surah Zumar 39:11.

Scholars View

That no action is acceptable to Allah سبحانه و تعالىif somebody else is given a share in it. Reflect carefully upon the words of Yoosuf bin al Hussain ar-Raazee رحمتHYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/Rahima%27ullah#.UoY-k_v9wqw" HYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/Rahima%27ullah#.UoY-k_v9wqw"الله: "Indeed the hardest thing (to achieve) in this world is Ikhlaas. How many times have I struggled to extinguish riyaa (showing off) from my heart except that it only appeared again in a different colour" Jaami ul-Uloom wal-Hikam] of Ibn Rajab al-Hanbalee رحمت الله

MONOTHEISM IN ISLAM

Monotheism is the message that all of the Prophets came with. People then deviated from the truth. Then Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) came as the final Messenger and restored true monotheism to humanity. Below is a detailed explanation of monotheism in Islam. You may compare it with concept of monotheism advanced by other religions.

The Arabic word ‘Tawheed’is generally translated in English as Monotheism. The term is derived from the three consonants root w-h-d, which serves as the vehicle for the basic concept of ‘oneness,’ or ‘unity,” along with the closely related ideas of ‘singularity’ and ‘uniqueness.’ These root letters are clearly apparent in the numerical adjective wahid [one]. In the words of the Qur`an:“inna Ilaaha-kum-la-Wahid”, Verily, your Ilah (God) is indeed One (i.e. Allah);.Qur’an.Surah Saffath 37:4

Based on the teachings of Qur’an and Sunnah, Tawheed can be classified as:

• Tawheed al-Rububiyah	-Unity of Lordship
• Tawheed al- Uluhiyah	-Unity of Worship
• Tawheed al- Asma wa Sifaat	-Unity of His Names and His Attributes

Importance

Monotheism forms the basis of Islam, one cannot enter into Islam without proclaiming that he believes in one Creator, who is unique and who is the Sustainer and Maintainer of everything that exists. He has the Divine power and nothing happens without His will.

Allah HYPERLINK "http://www.askislampedia.com/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/Subhanahu+wa+taala#.UosOk8Tini8"(Glory be to Him) is one without partners, children, or associates. He is the Most Merciful, the Most Wise, and the Most Just. He hears all things, sees all things and knows all. He is the only one who is worthy to be worshipped.

Qur’anic Reflections

Qur’an.Surah.Al-Ikhlas Surah No. 112defines monotheism in the best way. It answers the most fundamental question, who should we worship and who can qualify to be God.

The surah is articulated in the Qur’an in this way (translation of the meanings): “Say, He is Allah, (Who is) One. Allah, the self-sufficient. He did neither beget and nor is He begotten. And there is none comparable unto Him.”

God bears witness that there is no god except He, and so do the angels and those who possess knowledge. Qur’an.Surah Al Imran 3:18.

You shall know that: “ There is no other god beside God, and ask forgiveness of your sins and the sins of all believing men and women. God is fully aware of your decisions and your ultimate destiny.” Qur’an.Surah Muhammad 47:19

Say, “God has proclaimed the truth: you shall follow Abraham’s religion- monotheism. He never was an idolater.” Qur’an.Surah Al Imran 3:95

“Keep yourself devoted to the religion of monotheism; you shall not practice idol worship.” Qur’an Surah Yunus 10:105 [2]

Conclusion

The three types of tawhid, it can seen that the outward tawhid al-ibada refers to our actions, while tawhid ar-rububiyya and tawhid al-asma wa as-sifat refer to our knowledge and understanding, and the inner tawhid al-ibada refers to our motivations.

In other words, in order to be truly monotheistic, you must not only worship God alone in your prayer (outward tawhid al-ibada) but you must have the correct knowledge (tawhid ar-rububiyya), the correct understanding (tawhid al-asma wa as-sifat), and the correct motivation (inner tawhid al-ibada). [3]

THE AQEEDAH OF TAWHEED

There is no doubt that the knowledge of Islamic ‘AQEEDAH is the basic knowledge which deserves full attention in order to be learned, taught and acted upon, so that actions may become correct and acceptable to Allah, the Mighty and Majestic and beneficial to the doers. Especially since this is the time whereby deviated movements have spread, such as that of deviation, grave and idol worship as well as innovations which oppose the Prophetic guidance.

However all these dangerous movements cannot affect a Muslim who is armed with the weapon of the correct ‘AQEEDAH based upon the Book and the Sunnah and that which the pious predecessors of this ummah were upon. So the Muslim takes care not to be swept away by the deviated movements and this necessitates giving complete care and concern to teaching the correct ‘AQEEDAH to the Muslim youth from its original sources.

Linguistic Meaning

It is derived from ‘al-‘aqd’ which means to be firm upon something. ‘Itaqadtu’ such and such, means my heart and mind are firm upon it. ‘AQEEDAH is what a person holds as his religion. It is said: “His AQEEDAH is sound”, meaning safe from doubt. ‘AQEEDAH is an action of the heart and the belief and affirmation of something within the heart.

Islamic meaning

It is belief in Allah, His Angels, Books, Messengers, the Last Day and belief in Qadr (divine decree), the good and the bad. These are known as the pillars of imaan.

The shari‘ah is divided into two categories: Beliefs and Actions.

Beliefs:

Those issues which are not related to how an action is performed, like belief in the rububiyyah (Lordship) of Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, the obligation to worship Him alone and the belief in the rest of the pillars of imaan mentioned above. These are regarded as the basic foundations.

Actions:

Those issues related to how actions like salaat, zakaat, fasting and other deeds are performed. These are regarded as the branches because they are built upon correct or corrupt beliefs.

Qur’an

The correct ‘AQEEDAH is the foundation upon which the deen(way of life) is built and by which actions become sound and correct, as Allah, the Most High, said: “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.” [al-Kahf (18): 110]

“And indeed it has been revealed to you, as it was to those 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.”” [az-Zumar (39): 65]

“So worship Allah (alone) by doing religious deeds sincerely for Allah’s sakeonly. Surely the religion is for Allah alone.” [az-Zumar (39): 2-3]

So these ayah and numerous narrations about their meanings, prove that actions are only accepted when they are pure and free from shirk. This is what the messengers gave importance to by rectifying the beliefs first and foremost. So the first thing that they called their nations to, was the worship of Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, alone and the abandonment of worship to others besides Him.

The Message of all the Prophets

“And verily, We have sent amongst every nation, a messenger (proclaiming): “Worship Allah (alone) and abandon the taaghoot 1.”” [an-Nahl (16):36]

The first thing that every prophet addressed his nation with was: “Worship Allah, you have no other ilaah (deity worthy of worship) but Him.” [al-A’raaf (7): 59]

As was said by Nuh, Hud, Saaleh, Shu’aib and all the other prophets to their people.

“And to (the people of ) ‘Aad (We sent) their brother Hud. He said: “O my people! Worship Allah, you have no other Ilaah (deity worthy of worship) but Him.”” [al-A’raaf (7): 65]

“And to (the people of ) Thamud (We sent) their brother Saaleh. He said: “O my people! Worship Allah, you have no other Ilaah (deity worthy of worship) but Him.”” [al-A’raaf (7): 73]

“And to (the people of) Madyan (We sent) their brother Shu’aib. He said: “O my people! Worship Allah, you have no other Ilaah (deity worthy of worship) but Him.”” [al-A’raaf (7): 85]

Rectification of AQEEDAH

The Prophet ﷺ, stayed in Makkah for thirteen years calling the people to Tawheed, and the rectification of ‘AQEEDAH because it is the foundation upon which the deen is built. The Islamic callers in every time have followed the footsteps of the prophets and messengers who began with the call to Tawheed and the rectification of ‘AQEEDAH, after which they moved onto rest of the affairs of the deen.

The sources of ‘AQEEDAH

‘AQEEDAH is ‘tawqeefiyyah’, meaning that it is only established through evidence from the shari‘ah. There is no room in it for opinions or conjecture. Thus, its sources are restricted to that which has been reported in the Book and the Sunnah, since no one is more knowledgeable than Allah about the obligations due to Him and what He is free from and after Allah, there is no one more knowledgeable about Him than the Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alaihi wasallam). Thus the manhaj of the Pious Predecessors and those who followed them in learning the ‘AQEEDAH was restricted to the Book and Sunnah.

So they believed and acted upon whatever was proved by the Book and the Sunnah regarding the rights of Allah. They rejected and negated whatever was not proved in the Book of Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, and the Sunnah of His Messenger (sallAllahu alaihi wasallam). Due to this, differences did not arise amongst them in ‘AQEEDAH, rather their ‘AQEEDAH was one, and their Jamaa‘ah was one. This is because Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, guarantees whoever clings to His Book and the Sunnah of His Messenger (sallAllahu alaihi wasallam), with a unified position, correctness in ‘AQEEDAH and a single manhaj. He, the Most High, said: “And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allah (ie. this Qur`aan).” [aal-‘Imraan (3):103] “Then if there comes to you guidance from Me, then whoever follows My Guidance shall neither go astray, nor fall into distress and misery.” [Taa Haa (20):123]

Ways of deviation from the ‘AQEEDAH

Deviation from the correct ‘AQEEDAH causes destruction and ruin, since the correct ‘AQEEDAH is the strong driving force towards beneficial actions. An individual without correct ‘AQEEDAH becomes prey to suspicion and doubt which pile up on him. So the correct perspective for the paths to a happy life become obscured from him, until his life becomes depressing and he attempts to seek an end to this depression by committing suicide. This is the case with those individuals who lose the guidance of the correct ‘AQEEDAH.

A society which is not predominantly governed by the correct ‘AQEEDAH is an animalistic society which has lost all the components of happiness. And even if it possesses many elements of material life, it is eventually led to destruction, as can be witnessed in the disbelievers societies. This is because these material elements need direction and guidance in order to benefit from their qualities and advantages and there is no direction for them except through the correct ‘AQEEDAH. Allah, the Most High, said: “O (you) messengers! Eat of the tayyibaat (permissible foods) and do righteous deeds.” [al-Mu’minoon (23): 51]

Causes of deviation

• Ignorance of the correct ‘AQEEDAH due to turning away from learning and teaching it, or due to lack of importance and attention given to it. Hence people are brought up not knowing the ‘AQEEDAH or that which opposes and differs from it.

• Partisanship (ta‘assub) to that which the forefathers were upon, and clinging to that, even if it is false as well as abandoning that which opposes their way, even if it is the truth.

• Blindly following the statements of people in issues of ‘AQEEDAH without knowing the proof, or the degree of authenticity.

• Exaggeration regarding the awliyaa and the righteous by raising them above their status whilst believing that they can bring about good and repel harm, in a way that only Allah has the ability to. This was exactly what occurred in the nation of Nuh (‘alaihi salaam) regarding the righteous, when the people said: “And they have said: “You shall not leave your gods, nor shall you leave Wadd, nor Suwaa’, nor Yaghooth, nor Ya‘ooq, nor Nasr(names of the idols).”” [Nooh (71): 23]

• Lack of reflection over the universal signs and Qur`aanic ayah of Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, and being dazzled by that which the material civilisations have been given such that it is thought that these things are from the abilities of mankind alone.

• The home has mostly become empty of sound guidelines. The Prophet (sallAllahu alaihi wasallam) said: “Every newborn is born upon the fitrah, then his parents make him a Jew, a Christian or a Magian”. Bukhaari (2/262 no.4760) So the parents have a great role in directing the children.

• Lack of importance to the means of teaching and spreading knowledge in most of the Islamic world. So the methods of teaching do not give great importance to the deen or to its foundations.

They do not give importance to those things which establish character and good conduct and implant the correct ‘AQEEDAH which resists the streams of deviation, such that a people grow up defenceless and unarmed in front of the armies of heresy, unable to offer any resistance.

The ways to protect oneself

• Returning to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (sallAllahu alaihi wasallam). To obtain the correct ‘AQEEDAH from them, just as the Pious Predecessors used to derive it.

• Giving concern to teaching the correct ‘AQEEDAH - the ‘AQEEDAH of the Pious Predecessor - in different educational levels. Giving it sufficient lessons in the syllabus and giving great importance in setting strict exams in this subject.

• To establish study of the pure books of the Pious Predecessors and to stay far away from the books of the deviated sects, except from the reason of studying them for the sake of refuting the evil they contain and warning against them.

• The establishment of callers who rectify and revive the ‘AQEEDAH of the Pious Predecessor for the people and refute the misguidance of those who deviate from it.

Conclusion

The one who protect themselves from deviation are termed as ‘the Saved Sect’ because the Prophet (sallAllahu alaihi wasallam), testified safety (from the Fire) for them when he mentioned the splitting of the ummah into seventy three sects, all of them in the Fire except one. When he was asked about this one sect, he said: “That which I and my Companions are upon today. Tirmidhee (2641)

The Aqeedah of Tawheed

A clarification of that which opposes and harms it, from major and minor shirk, ta’teel and bid‘ah

By the Noble Shaikh,

Dr. Saaleh bin Fawzaan bin Abdullaah al-Fawzaan

(A member of the Committee of Senior Scholars)

Translated by

Abu Naasir ‘Abid bin Basheer

Part 1: The Islamic Aqeedah

INTRODUCTION

PART 1

1.1 The ‘aqeedah and its importance with regard to it being the foundation upon which the deen is built.

1.2 The sources of ‘aqeedah and the manhaj of the Salaf in learning it.

1.3 The ways in which deviation from the ‘aqeedah occurs and the ways to protect oneself.

Introduction

All praise is due to Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon the Prophet, the truthful, the trustworthy, and his family and all his Companions.

This book is about the knowledge of tawheed and I have filled it with brevity and ease of explanation. I have relied upon many sources from the books of our lofty Imaam’s, especially the books of Shaykh ul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah and ‘Allaamah Ibn ul-Qayyim as well as the books of Shaykh ul-Islaam Muhammad ibn ‘Abdul Wahhaab and his students from the Imaam’s of this blessed da’wah.

There is no doubt that the knowledge of Islamic ‘aqeedah is the basic knowledge which deserves full attention in order to be learned, taught and acted upon, so that actions may become correct and acceptable to Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic and beneficial to the doers. Especially since we are living in a time whereby deviated movements have spread, such as that of heresy, tasawwuf (sufism) and monasticism, grave and idol worship as well as innovations which oppose the Prophetic guidance.

However all these dangerous movements cannot affect a Muslim who is armed with the weapon of the correct ‘aqeedah based upon the Book and the Sunnah and that which the Salaf of this ummah were upon. So the Muslim takes care not to be swept away by the deviated movements and this necessitates giving complete care and concern to teaching the correct ‘aqeedah to the Muslim youth from its original sources.

May the peace and blessings of Allaah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and his Companions.

Dr. Saaleh al-Fawzaan

1.1 The ‘aqeedah and its importance with regard to it being the foundationupon which the deen is built.

The meaning of ‘aqeedah in the language: It is derived from ‘al-‘aqd’ which means to be firm upon something. ‘Itaqadtu’ such and such, means my heart and mind are firm upon it.

‘Aqeedah is what a person holds as his religion. It is said: “His aqeedah is sound”, meaning safe from doubt. ‘Aqeedah is an action of the heart and the belief and affirmation of something within the heart.

The meaning of ‘aqeedah in the shari‘ah: It is belief in Allaah, His Angels, Books, Messengers, the Last Day and belief in Qadr (divine decree), the good and the bad. These are known as the pillars of imaan.

The shari‘ah is divided into two categories: Beliefs and Actions.

Beliefs: Those issues which are not related to how an action is performed, like belief in the rububiyyah (Lordship) of Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, the obligation to worship Him alone and the belief in the rest of the pillars of imaan mentioned above. These are regarded as the basic foundations.

Actions: Those issues related to how actions like salaat, zakaat, fasting and other deeds are performed. These are regarded as the branches because they are built upon correct or corrupt beliefs.

So the correct ‘aqeedah is the foundation upon which the deen is built and by which actions become sound and correct, as He, the Most High, said:

“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.” [al-Kahf (18): 110]

“And indeed it has been revealed to you, as it was to those before you: “If you join others in worship with Allaah, (then) surely (all) your deeds will be in vain, and you will certainly be among the losers.”” [az-Zumar (39): 65]

“So worship Allaah (alone) by doing religious deeds sincerely for Allaah’s sake only. Surely the religion is for Allaah alone.” [az-Zumar (39): 2-3]

So these noble verses and numerous narrations about their meanings, prove that actions are only accepted when they are pure and free from shirk. This is what the messengers gave importance to by rectifying the beliefs first and foremost. So the first thing that they called their nations to, was the worship of Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, alone and the abandonment of worship to others besides Him. As He, the Most High, said:

“And verily, We have sent amongst every nation, a messenger (proclaiming):

“Worship Allaah (alone) and abandon the taaghoot [1].”” [an-Nahl (16):36]

The first thing that every prophet addressed his nation with was:

“Worship Allaah, you have no other ilaah (deity worthy of worship) but Him.”

[al-A’raaf (7): 59]

As was said by Nuh, Hud, Saaleh, Shu’aib and all the other prophets to their people.

“And to (the people of ) ‘Aad (We sent) their brother Hud. He said: “O my people! Worship Allaah, you have no other Ilaah (deity worthy of worship) but Him.”” [al-A’raaf (7): 65]

“And to (the people of ) Thamud (We sent) their brother Saaleh. He said: “O my people! Worship Allaah, you have no other Ilaah (deity worthy of worship) but Him.”” [al-A’raaf (7): 73]

“And to (the people of) Madyan (We sent) their brother Shu’aib. He said: “O my people! Worship Allaah, you have no other Ilaah (deity worthy of worship) but Him.”” [al-A’raaf (7): 85]

The Prophet, (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam), stayed in Makkah for thirteen years calling the people to tawheed, and the rectification of ‘aqeedah because it is the foundation upon which the deen is built.

The Salaficallers and reformers in every time have followed the footsteps of the prophets and messengers who began with the call to tawheed and the rectification of ‘aqeedah, after which they moved onto rest of the affairs of the deen.

1.2 The sources of ‘aqeedah and the manhaj of the Salaf in learning it.

‘Aqeedah is ‘tawqeefiyyah’, meaning that it is only established through evidence from the shari‘ah. There is no room in it for opinions or conjecture. Thus, its sources are restricted to that which has been reported in the Book and the Sunnah, since no one is more knowledgeable than Allaah about the obligations due to Him and what He is free from and after Allaah, there is no one more knowledgeable about Him than the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam). Thus the manhaj of the Salaf us-Saalih and those who followed them in learning the ‘aqeedah was restricted to the Book and Sunnah.

So they believed and acted upon whatever was proved by the Book and the Sunnah regarding the rights of Allaah. They rejected and negated whatever was not proved in the Book of Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, and the Sunnah of His Messenger (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam). Due to this, differences did not arise amongst them in ‘aqeedah, rather their ‘aqeedah was one, and their Jamaa‘ah was one. This is because Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, guarantees whoever clings to His Book and the Sunnah of His Messenger (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam), with a unified position, correctness in ‘aqeedah and a single manhaj. He, the Most High, said:

“And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allaah (ie. this Qur`aan).” [aal-‘Imraan (3):103]

“Then if there comes to you guidance from Me, then whoever follows My Guidance shall neither go astray, nor fall into distress and misery.” [Taa Haa (20):123]

Thus they were termed ‘the Saved Sect’ because the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam), testified safety (from the Fire) for them when he mentioned the splitting of the ummah into seventy three sects, all of them in the Fire except one. When he was asked about this one sect, he said: “That which I and my

Companions are upon today.”[2]

So that which he mentioned has occurred since some people have built their ‘aqeedah upon other than the Book and the Sunnah, such as rhetoric and the principles of logic inherited from the Greek philosophy. They fell into deviation and splitting in ‘aqeedah which resulted in differing positions, splitting the Jamaa‘ah and destruction of the structure of the Islamic society.

1.3 The ways in which deviation from the correct ‘aqeedah occurs and theways to protect oneself.

Deviation from the correct ‘aqeedah causes destruction and ruin, since the correct ‘aqeedah is the strong driving force towards beneficial actions. An individual without correct ‘aqeedah becomes prey to suspicion and doubt which pile up on him. So the correct perspective for the paths to a happy life become obscured from him, until his life becomes depressing and he attempts to seek an end to this depression by committing suicide. This is the case with those individuals who lose the guidance of the correct ‘aqeedah.

A society which is not predominantly governed by the correct ‘aqeedah is an animalistic society which has lost all the components of happiness. And even if it possesses many elements of material life, it is eventually led to destruction, as can be witnessed in the kuffaar societies. This is because these material elements need direction and guidance in order to benefit from their qualities and advantages and there is no direction for them except through the correct ‘aqeedah.

He, the Most High, said:

“O (you) messengers! Eat of the tayyibaat (permissible foods) and do righteous deeds.” [al-Mu’minoon (23): 51]

“And indeed We bestowed grace on Dawood from Us (saying): “O you mountains ad birds, glorify (Allaah) with him.” And We made the iron soft for him, (saying): “Make perfect coats of mail, balancing well the rings of chain armour, and work righteously. Truly, I am All Seer of what you do.” And to Sulaiman (We subjected) the wind, its morning (stride from sunrise till midnoon) was a month’s (journey), and its afternoon (stride from the midday decline of the sun to sunset) was a month’s (journey i.e. in one day he could travel two month’s journey). And We caused a fount of (molten) brass to flow for him, and there were jinn that worked in front of him, by the Leave of his Lord, and whosoever of them turned aside from Our Command, We shall cause him to taste of the torment of the blazing Fire. They worked for him as he desired, (making) high rooms, images, basins as large as reservoirs, and (cooking) cauldrons fixed (in their places). “Work! O family of Dawood, with thanks.” But only a few of My slaves are grateful.” [Saba’ (34): 10-13]

So it is necessary not to separate strength in ‘aqeedah from material strength. For if the ‘aqeedah deviates and becomes false then the material strength becomes a means to destruction and decay as is the situation today in the kuffaar lands, which possess material wealth but not the correct ‘aqeedah.

Deviation from the correct ‘aqeedah has many causes which are necessary to know. Amongst the most important are:

1) Ignorance of the correct ‘aqeedah due to turning away from learning and teaching it, or due to lack of importance and attention given to it. Hence people are brought up not knowing the ‘aqeedah or that which opposes and differs from it. So the truth is regarded as falsehood and falsehood as truth. As ‘Umar ibn Khattaab (radiallaahu ‘anhu) said: “Verily the bonds of Islaam will be destroyed one by one, when there rise up in Islaam people who do not know or recognise jaahiliyyah.”

2) Partisanship (ta‘assub) to that which the forefathers were upon, and clinging to that, even if it is false as well as abandoning that which opposes their way, even if it is the truth.

As He, the Most High, says:

“When it is said to them: “Follow what Allaah has sent down.” They say: “Nay!

We shall follow what we found our fathers following.” (Would they do that!)

Even though their fathers did not understand anything nor were they guided?” [al-Baqarah (2):170]

3) Blindly following the statements of people in issues of ‘aqeedah without knowing the proof, or the degree of authenticity. This is the case with the differing sects of the Jahmiyyah, Mu’tazilah, Ashaa‘irah and Sufiyyah, whereby they blindly followed their misguided leaders who preceded them. So they were misguided and they deviated from the correct ‘aqeedah.

4) Exaggeration regarding the awliyaa and the righteous by raising them above their status whilst believing that they can bring about good and repel harm, in a way that only Allaah has the ability to. As well as taking them as intermediaries between Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, and His creation in fulfilling the needs and responding to supplications, such that the affair leads to worship of them besides Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, and seeking nearness to them at their graves by sacrificing, vowing, supplicating, seeking aid and asking for help. This was exactly what occurred in the nation of Nuh (‘alaihi salaam) regarding the righteous, when the people said:

“And they have said: “You shall not leave your gods, nor shall you leave Wadd, nor Suwaa’, nor Yaghooth, nor Ya‘ooq, nor Nasr(names of the idols).”” [Nooh (71): 23]

This is the case with the grave worshippers today in many countries.

5) Lack of reflection over the universal signs and Qur`aanic verses of Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, and being dazzled by that which the material civilisations have been given such that it is thought that these things are from the abilities of mankind alone. So such people glorify men and attribute these things to their efforts and creation, as the previous generations said:

“He said: “This has been given to me only because of the knowledge I possess.”” [al-Qasas (28): 78]

As man says:

“This is for me (due to my merit).” [Fussilat (41): 50]

“Only because of knowledge (that I possess) I obtained it.” [az-Zumar (39): 49]

They do not contemplate and look at the glory of the One who created the Universe and placed splendid things in it, the One who created mankind and gave them the ability to extract and benefit from these things.

“And Allaah has created you and that which you do.” [as-Saaffaat (37):96]

“Do they not look in the dominion of the heavens and the earth and all things that Allaah has created.” [al-A’raaf (7): 185]

“Allaah is He Who has created the heavens and the earth and sends down water (rain) from the sky, and thereby brought forth fruits as provision for you; and He has made the ships to be of service to you, that they may sail through the sea by His Command; and He has made rivers (also) to be of service to you. And He has made the sun and the moon, both constantly pursuing their courses, to be of service to you; and He has made the night and the day, to be of service to you. And He gave you of all that you asked for, and if you count the Blessings of Allaah, never will you be able to count them.” [Ibraaheem (14): 32-34]

6) The home has mostly become empty of sound guidelines. The Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) said: “Every newborn is born upon the fitrah, then his parents make him a Jew, a Christian or a Magian”.[3]So the parents have a great role in directing the children.

7) Lack of importance to the means of teaching and spreading knowledge in most of the Islamic world. So the methods of teaching do not give great importance to the deen or to its foundations. The means of transmitting knowledge whether visual, audio or verbal have mostly become tools of destruction and deviation and more concerned with material luxuries.

They do not give importance to those things which establish character and good conduct and implant the correct ‘aqeedah which resists the streams of deviation, such that a people grow up defenceless and unarmed in front of the armies of heresy, unable to offer any resistance.

The ways of protection from these deviations can be summarised as follows:

1) Returning to the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam). To obtain the correct ‘aqeedah from them, just as the Salaf as-Saalih used to derive it. The latter part of this ummah will never be rectified except by that which rectified its earlier part. It is also necessary to study the beliefs of the deviated sects and to know their doubts and confusions, in order to refute and warn against them. This is because it is feared that the one who does not know evil will fall into it.

2) Giving concern to teaching the correct ‘aqeedah - the ‘aqeedah of the Salaf as-Saalih - in different educational levels. Giving it sufficient lessons in the syllabus and giving great importance in setting strict exams in this subject.

3) To establish study of the pure books of the Salaf and to stay far away from the books of the deviated sects such as the Sufiyyah, the innovators, the Jahmiyyah, the Mu’tazilah, the Ashaa‘irah and the Maaturidiyyah and others, except from the reason of studying them for the sake of refuting the evil they contain and warning against them.

4) The establishment of callers who rectify and revive the ‘aqeedah of the Salaf for the people and refute the misguidance of those who deviate from it.