Shaitan and Domestic Violence

The Causes and Treatment of Domestic Violence from an Islamic Perspective!

October is Domestic Violence (DV) Awareness Month. Domestic violence has effected all segments of society, all races, all nationalities and faith groups around the world; Muslims are victims as well! Of all faith groups Muslims are the only ones that should not be so overwhelmed by DV. However, due to lack of understanding of the root cause they are unable to deal with it properly. Muslims have joined Christians, Jews and and others in DV seminars and have resigned to discussing all the horrible results and all the surface symptoms without going to the root cause.

Like going to a doctor complaining of pain; many doctors treats the symptoms by prescribing

painkillers. The painkillers do lessen the pain but does absolutely nothing for the cause of the pain; so, the pain will return! Or it is like putting a two inch Band-Aid on a knife wound – the wound still hemorrhages!

At all Muslim programs on DV the discussion is almost the same as the interfaith programs. Most of the discussions are center around male abusers and female victims. The biggest difference with Muslim seminars is the discussions centers around the fact Muslim men should be kind to women and follow the way Prophet Muhammad (SAW) treated women. This is absolutely correct! However....!

How many abusers come to these seminars? If they did do anyone really believe that telling them to act like Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is going cause them to change! Will anyone there tell them why they are behaving this way? It should be noted that almost all abusers are sorry and regretful after their abuse – but they will do it again and again! Why?

Domestic violence is like all other violence, murder, assault, rape, oppression, verbal insult, etc. The only different is that DV is committed by a family member to a family member they claim to love. Why?

To deal effectively with DV one needs to understand the cause of violence! The root cause of all violence including DV is Shaitan.

Allah (SWT) said: "(O Iblis) get down from this (Paradise), it is not for you to be arrogant here. Get out, for you are of those humiliated and disgraced." (Iblis) said: "Allow me respite till the Day they are raised up (i.e. the Day of Resurrection)." (Allâh) said: "You are of those respited." (Iblis) said: "Because You have sent me astray, surely I will sit in wait against them (human beings) on Your Straight Path. Then I will come to them from before them and behind them, from their right and from their left, and You will not find most of them as thankful ones (i.e. they will not be dutiful to You)." (Allâh) said (to Iblis) "Get out from this (Paradise) disgraced and expelled. Whoever of them (mankind) will follow you, then surely I will fill Hell with you all." (Qur'an 7:13-18)

Here we find the reason for the violence done by man. Iblis, Shaitan, is extremely angry and pledged to lead man to the Hell Fire! By persuading man to commit violence against another person almost guarantees his entrance to the Hell Fire; which is what Shaitan wants!

Shaitan's first victims were our parents, Adam (AS) and Hawwa (Eve); they were deceived by him!

"And O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in Paradise, and eat thereof as you both wish, but approach not this tree otherwise you both will be of the Zalimun (unjust and wrong-doers)." Then Shaitan (Satan) whispered suggestions to them both in order to uncover that which was hidden from them of their private parts (before); he said: "Your Lord did not forbid you this tree save that you should become angels or become of the immortals." And he (Shaitan) swore by Allâh to them both (saying): "Verily, I am one of the sincere well-wishers for you both." So he misled them with deception. Then when they tasted of the tree, that which was hidden from them of their shame (private parts) became manifest to them and they began to cover themselves with the leaves of Paradise (in order to cover their shame). And their Lord called out to them (saying): "Did I not forbid you that tree and tell you: Verily, Shaitan is an open enemy unto you?" They said: "Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You forgive us not, and bestow not upon us Your Mercy, we shall certainly be of the losers." (Qur'an 7:19-23)

The very first act of domestic violence was committed by Qabeel (Cain) when he killed his brother, Habeel (Abel)!

“And (O Muhammad SAW) recite to them (the Jews) the story of the two sons of Adam (Habeel and Qabeel — Abel and Cain)] in truth; when each offered a sacrifice (to Allâh), it was accepted from the one but not from the other. The latter said to the former: "I will surely kill you." The former said: "Verily, Allah accepts only from those who are Al-Muttaqûn (the pious)."If you do stretch your hand against me to kill me, I shall never stretch my hand against you to kill you, for I fear Allâh; the Lord of the 'Alamîn (mankind, jinn, and all that exists).” (Qur'an 5:27-28)

Shaitan convinced Qabeel (Cain) to kill his brother Habeel (Abel).

Allah's (SWT) has warned us about Shaitan!

“O Children of Adam! Let not Shaitan (Satan) deceive you, as he got your parents [Adam and Hawwa (Eve)] out of Paradise, stripping them of their raiments, to show them their private parts. Verily, he and Qabîluhu (his soldiers from the jinn or his tribe) see you from where you cannot see them. Verily, We made the Shayatin (devils) Auliya' (protectors and helpers) for those who believe not.” (Qur'an 7:27)

“O mankind! Verily, the Promise of Allah is true. So let not this present life deceive you, and let not the chief deceiver (Shaitan) deceive you about Allah. Surely, Shaitan (Satan) is an enemy to you, so take (treat) him as an enemy. He only invites his Hizb (followers) that they may become the dwellers of the blazing Fire.” (Qur'an 35 5-6)

“Verily, I will mislead them, and surely, I will arouse in them false desires; and certainly, I will order them to slit the ears of cattle, and indeed I will order them to change the nature created by Allah." And whoever takes Shaitan (Satan) as a Wali (protector or helper) instead of Allâh, has surely suffered a manifest loss.” (Qur'an 4:119)

We, all, have been seduced and continue to be seduced by Shaitan and each one of us have been assigned our own personal shaitan that never leaves us.

Muslim recorded that Aisha narrated that one night the Prophet (SAW) left her room and she felt jealous. When he returned he saw her upset. He said to her, “Oh, Aisha, what has happened to you? Are you jealous?” She responded, “How could it be that a woman like myself would not be jealous with respect to a man like you?” He told her, “It was your shaitan that came to you.” She asked, “Oh, Messenger of Allah, is there a shaitan with me?” He said, “Yes.” She asked, “Is there a shaitan attached to everyone?” He said, “Yes.” She again asked, “Oh Messenger of Allah, even with you?” He answered, “Yes, but my Lord has aided me against him and, therefore, I am absolutely safe from his actions.”

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim and Musnad Ahmad that the (SAW) said, “There is none among you except that he has a partner entrusted to him from among the jinn.” The companions asked, “You too, Oh Messenger of Allah?” He responded, “Yes, but Allah aids me against him so I am safe from him and only orders me to do good.”

“And whosoever turns away blindly from the remembrance of the Most Gracious (Allâh) (i.e. this Qur'an and worship of Allah), We appoint for him Shaitan (Satan devil) to be a Qarin (a intimate companion) to him.” (Qur'an 43:36)

“And We have assigned them (devils) intimate companions (in this world), who have made fair-seeming to them,...” (Qur'an 41:25)

The root cause of domestic violence is Shaitan's whisperings to the heart of man. Violence is the key tool Shaitan uses to cause man that commit it to be lead to the Hell Fire. An incident of domestic violence has two victims not one. The greatest victim is the perpetrator! The he or she is the greatest victim because they have allow themselves to follow the whisperings of Shaitan and commit acts that will destine them to the Hell Fire!

The perpetrators of all violence have befriended Shaitan!

“And whosoever turns away blindly from the remembrance of the Most Gracious (Allâh) (i.e. this Qur'an and worship of Allâh), We appoint for him Shaitân (Satan devil) to be a Qarîn (a intimate companion) to him.” (Qur'an 43:36)

“Will you then take him (Iblîs) and his offspring as protectors and helpers rather than Me while they are enemies to you? What an evil is the exchange for the Zâlimûn (polytheists, and wrong-doers).”

(Qur'an 18:50)

“Allâh cursed him. And he [Shaitân (Satan)] said: "I will take an appointed portion of your slaves; (118)Verily, I will mislead them, and surely, I will arouse in them false desires; and certainly, I will order them to slit the ears of cattle, and indeed I will order them to change the nature created by Allâh." And whoever takes Shaitân (Satan) as a Walî (protector or helper) instead of Allâh, has surely suffered a manifest loss.” (Qur'an 4:118-119)

“Allâh is the Walî (Protector or Guardian) of those who believe. He brings them out from darkness into light. But as for those who disbelieve, their Auliyâ (supporters and helpers) are Tâghût [false deities and false leaders], they bring them out from light into darkness. Those are the dwellers of the Fire, and they will abide therein forever.” (Qur'an 2:257)

“Surely, Shaitân (Satan) is an enemy to you, so take (treat) him as an enemy. He only invites his Hizb (followers) that they may become the dwellers of the blazing Fire.” (Qur'an 35:6)

The perpetrator of violence is a victim destined to the Hell Fire, because he/she choice to listen to the whisperings of Shaitan! By listening to Shaitan's whisperings he/she becomes a follower or friend of Shaitan. In DV the perpetrator or abuser is a victim because of being tricked into believing the sincere advise of Shaitan. Shaitan is extremely good at giving sincere advise that will lead to destruction of those that listen and act on it!

Verily, We made the Shayâtin (devils) Auliyâ' (protectors and helpers) for those who believe not. (Qur'an 7:27)

And indeed Iblîs (Satan) did prove true his thought about them, and they followed him, all except a group of true believers (in the Oneness of Allâh). (Qur'an 34:20)

You cannot reason with the perpetrator because he/she is listening to Shaitan. The abuser cannot just stop his/her abuse because they have become friends with Shaitan and they are overwhelmed by him!

Now that we have determined the root cause of violence and DV we can apply the proper medical treatment! There are different levels of treatments; just like drug addiction! The first level is prevention! The prevention of DV must start with the potential abusers or the abuser. As Muslims we would like to believe all Muslims are striving to qualify to enter Jannah. Every Muslim wanting to achieve the greatest success must not forget their goal! Shaitan is extremely good in getting us to forget!

“And indeed We made a covenant with Adam before, but he forgot, and We found on his part no firm will-power.” (Qur'an 20:115)

“He said:"Do you remember when we betook ourselves to the rock? I indeed forgot the fish, none but Shaitân (Satan) made me forget to remember it. It took its course into the sea in a strange (way)!” (Qur'an 18:63)

“And he said to the one whom he knew to be saved: "Mention me to your lord (i.e. your king, so as to get me out of the prison)." But Shaitân (Satan) made him forget to mention it to his Lord [or Satan made [(Yûsuf (Joseph)] to forget the remembrance of his Lord (Allâh) as to ask for His Help, instead of others]. So [Yûsuf (Joseph)] stayed in prison a few (more) years” (Qur'an 12:42)

“Shaitân (Satan) has overpowered them. So he has made them forget the remembrance of Allâh. They are the party of Shaitân (Satan). Verily, it is the party of Shaitân (Satan) that will be the losers!” (Qur'an 58:19)

Muslims have forgotten that Shaitan is their avowed enemy! Therefore, they do little to nothing in fighting him. When it comes to DV Shaitan is the furthest from the minds of the abuser, the victim and those counselors of the DV victims! Shaitan has made everyone forget!

As part of the prevention there must be pre-marriage counseling by the imam warning the future married couple that Shaitan will attack them because they are doing something that is for the pleasure of Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) established the institution of marriage; therefore, any time a man and a woman gets married this angers Shaitan and he wants to destroy the marriage! He should advise them to establish a home environment that Allah (SWT) is remembered 60/60/24/7 or at least 24/7.

The second part of first level of prevention is to create a defense in the homes since that is where DV is committed. As Muslims we are blessed to have the greatest ability to prevent DV. The best defense is a great offense! Muslims can take the offense against Shaitan's negative whisperings by Dhikr (remembering) Allah (SWT) 66/66/24/7, i.e., to bring Allah (SWT) to mind every second of every minute of every hour of every day. By doing this we will not forget, insha'Allah. Each member of the family must worship Allah (SWT) at home in this manor. They should make all five daily salats, Fard and Sunnahs. They should perform extra salats, Duha and Tahajjud. They should Dhikr, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah one hundred times each per day. By doing all the above and more Shaitan's whisperings will be nullified, insha'Allah! There will not be anywhere for DV to occur in the home! By doing these and other forms of Dhikr like reading the Qur'an regularly we will not forget but...if we forget!

Allah (SWT) has given us instruction as to what to do when we relies we have forgotten;

“...And remember your Lord when you forget ...” (Qur'an 18:24)

Along with Dhikr Allah each family member should always recite ayat Kursi (Qur'an 2:255) after every Fard salat. From time to time recite the entire Surah Al-Baqara (2^nd surah) in the home. Each member of the family should do all the other items that are in the arsenal to fight Shaitan. SEE ATTACHMENT! If the abuser truly desires to enter Jannan then he/she will be one who does all of the above.

It was narrated that Abu Umamah Al-Bahili (RA) said: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said; “Whoever recites Ayat al-Kursi immediately after each prescribed Prayer, there will be nothing standing between him and his entering Paradise except death.” [an-Nasa’l, Ibn Sunni, at-Tabarani, ibn Hibban - Sahih]

When you lie down in your bed, recite Ayat al-Kursi, and then you will have a protector from Allah and no shaitan will come near you until morning comes. [Saheed Bukhari]

It is narrated from Abu Hurairah (RA) that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said; “In Surat- al-Baqarah there is a verse which is the best of all the verses of Qur’an. It is never recited in a house but Shaitan leaves: Ayat al-Kursi.”

Abdullah bin Mas’ud (RA) narrates that a person said to the Prophet (SAW): “O Messenger of Allah (SAW), teach me something through which Allah (SWT) will give me benefit.” He said: “Continue reciting Ayatul Kursi. This will be a means of protection for you, your children and even those houses which are near your house.”

It is reported by at-Tabrani that the Prophet (SAW) said: “The one who recites Ayat al-Kursi after the conclusion of an obligatory prayer, he is under the care of Allah until the next prayer commences.” [at-Tabarani’s At Targheeb wat-Tarheeb (2:435)]

The second level of treatment is fighting back! Unfortunately, there are Muslim homes that DV is running rampant, husband abusing wife, wife abusing husband, husband and wife fighting each other, parents abusing children , children abusing parents, etc. Shaitan has set up home there and has settled in for a long stay. This can be stop! One member of the family must start doing all of the above. That one person then must get the others to do the same! Someone in the family must remind everyone the reason Allah (SWT) created them is to worship Him! This worship should be 60/60/24/7!

“And I (Allâh) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone).” (Qur'an 51:56)

When you start fighting back against Shaitan he will become very angry and come call in a army of his imps to get you back in line. Once you start to fight don't stop! SEE ATTACHMENT! Clean your home of Shaitan's influence!

Now lets deal with the victim of DV. Every victim has the same weapons to stop the attacks! What is stated here applies to any and all attacks of violence and DV. Remember Shaitan is the cause of all evil violent acts. First the potential victim should be one to Dhikr Allah (SWT) 60/60/24/7 if not then at least 24/7. To deal a with sudden violent attack she/he should recite out loud, ayat Kursi! Recite it over and over until the attacker stops! It does work; Allah (SWT) is the only One that can deal with Shaitan. By reciting ayat Kursi you are calling Allah (SWT) and Shaitan will run away, insha'Allah!

A wife at home alone and her husband has been abusive then should recite ayat Kursi out loud in her home just before he comes home. And do the same whenever she detects a violent event. A husband should do the same upon entering his home if his wife is the one who is abusive. Come in reciting ayat Kursi out loud. Don't shout just recite it out loud. Shaitan will run away – the potential DV as been prevented.

Now, if this does not work there is a more serious problem, the abuser is possessed. If a person is in the habit of Dhikr Allah (SWT) 60/60/24/7 they can excise the possessed person. However, if the person worships Allah (SWT) only 24/7 they should leave if reciting ayat Kursi does not work! This means the shaitan that has possessed the the person is very strong and doesn't fear them or anything they say or do. But a person who Dhikr 60/60/24/7 can deal with this without harm, insha'Allah. It is highly recommended that if reciting ayat Kursi does not work then the victim should leave and don't come back!

In shelters for women and children who have been victims of DV there should be a program to teach everyone there women and children all of the above! The shelter is home and all the members of the shelter are family and they all should Dhikr Allah 60/60/24/7.

The counselors of DV victims should teach them all the above, especially the victim who cannot leave home and go to a shelter. They need to be given more than, “Make du'a to Allah!” Prayer without action is like whistling in the wind! Give the action plan stated above! Insha'Allah, they will be okay!

The Muslim Ummah all around the world needs to FIGHT SHAITAN; everything stated here applies to all evil attacks of Shaitan not just DV. Study the ATTACKMENT and apply the information in your daily lives.

May Allah (SWT) bless each member of the Muslim Ummah with a life free of all violence including DOMESTIC VIOLENCE! Ameen!

Seven Conditions of Shahadah

Dear Believer:

As salaamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu wa maghfiratuh!  The SHAHADAH  is what we say to become Muslims! Many Muslims are not aware that there are conditions that one must meet to be truly Muslim! Please read and study the following and reflect on yourself as you do so! Then ask yourself, "Am I a Believer or a Disbeliever?" Only you and Allah (SWT) know the answer!

SHAHADAH

A condition is a necessary requirement for something to be or happen. The conditions of Tawheed (The Oneness of Allah) are of great importance, it is compulsory on every Muslim to know and implement them in their daily lives. This is because if a person breaks one of these conditions, his Islam is nullified. Look at Prayer for example, if one of its’ conditions like facing the Qibla (direction of pray) or covering the Awra is violated, then the whole Prayer is invalid.

Seven conditions of Tawheed

1. The first condition is Al-Ilm (Knowledge)

It is mandatory upon every individual who pronounces the Shahadah to know what it means.

Allah (SWT) says: “So know that there is nothing worthy of worship except Allah  …” (Qur'an 47: 19)

Therefore if anyone ignores that Allah (SWT) is the only One Worthy of Worship, then his Islam is nullified, and due to this reason knowledge is considered as a basic condition in the acceptance of one’s Islam.

Uthman (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (RA) said: “He who dies knowing ‘La ilaha illallah’ that there is nothing worthy of worship except Allah , shall enter Jannah (Paradise).” [Reported by Muslim]

Abdur Rahman Bin Hasan Aal AsSheikh (RA) said: The scholars of Ahl Sunnah Wal Jama’ah have stated while discussing the meaning of ‘La ilaha illallah’ and what makes it and breaks it, that knowledge with absolute belief has been made compulsory by Allah (SWT) upon everyone and that it is one of the conditions that can make or break the Shahadah.

Al-Wazir (Abul Muthafar) stated in his book Al ifsah: That to testify that there is no ilah but Allah requires that the witness should know fully the meaning of it.

As Almighty Allah (SWT) says: “So know that there is nothing worthy of worship except Allah” (Qur'an 47:19)

Abul Muthafar also stated that this declaration of faith “La ilaha illallah” consists of the rejection of Taghut (anything worshiped other than Allah) and the belief in Allah , therefore when one rejects all alihah (gods, deities) other than Allah (SWT) and then affirms that worship should be directed to no one but Allah (SWT), he has disbelieved in Taghut (anything worshiped other than Allah) and believed in Allah (SWT) Alone.” [Copied & Translated from Adurur Assaniyya 2/216]

Abdullah Bin Abdur-Rahmaan Aba Batteen (RA) said: “Allah  (SWT) says: “This is a message to mankind in order that they may be warned thereby and that they may know that He is One and that the people of understanding may take heed.” (Qur'an 14:52)

It is very important to note that Allah (SWT) didn’t say-“… and that they may say that He is One” He (SWT) said “…and that they may know that He is One.”

Allah (SWT) also says: “And those whom they invoke instead of Him have no power of intercession; except those who bear witness to the truth (i.e. believed in the Oneness ofAllah , and obeyed His Orders), and they know (the facts about the Oneness of Allah).” (Qur'an 43:86.)

That is to say they should know in their hearts what they gave witness to with their tongues. The Prophet of Allah (SAW) said: “Whoever dies with the knowledge that there is nothing worthy of worship except Allah shall enter Jannah.” [Muslim]

The scholars referred to the previous Ayah and others like it as evidence to prove that the first obligation on a person is to know Allah (SWT). This Ayah proves that the largest of obligations is the knowledge of the meaning of 'La ilaha illallah' and that the greatest form of ignorance is to be ignorant of the meaning of 'La ilaha illallah'. Yet surprisingly, we still find that there are people who if they hear someone talking about the meaning of 'La ilaha illallah' as rejection and affirmation, they disagree because they think it is not their duty to judge people.

We answer them by saying that everyone is entrusted to learn Tawheed, for which Allah created both the Jinn and Mankind, and sent all His Prophets and Messengers to call to. You are required to know the opposite of Tawheed, which is Shirk, that Allah (SWT) does not forgive nor excuse out of ignorance, and it is also forbidden to blindly follow on this matter because it is the corner-stone and root of one’s Islam. Therefore anyone who does not enjoin the good and forbid evil is surely led far astray especially because the greatest good is Tawheed and the worst evil is Shirk.”
[Copied & Translated from Addurar Assoniyya 58/12]

Abdul Latif Bin Abdur-Rahmaan Bin Hasan Aal Ashaikh (RA) said: Muhammad Bin Abdul Wahab (RA) said: “Anyone who says the Shahadah without knowing its meaning and without living or acting according to it is not a Muslim. In fact it would be used against him unlike Al Karamiya who claim that iman is fulfilled by mere acknowledgement or Al Jahriyya who claim that iman is achieved simply by belief.” [Copied & Translated from Addurur Assaniyya 535/12]

Allah (SWT) called the Munafiqeen liars after they came with false testimony claiming to be Muslims. They had verbally accepted Islam but Allah (SWT) exposed them as liars when He (SWT) said: “If the hypocrites come unto you and say: we bear witness that you are a Messenger of Allah: and Allah knows that you are his Messenger and Allah bears witness that the hypocrites are liars.” (Qur'an 63:1)

And from this we conclude that iman is achieved through belief in theory and practice. As for the one who says ‘La ilaha illallah’ and then goes and worships others besides Allah, his Shahadah is invalid even if he prays, gives Zakat (alms), fasts and implements all the other Islamic rituals.

Allah (SWT) addresses him in the Qur'an and says: “Do you believe in part of the book and disbelieve in another part…” (Qur'an 2:85)

2. The second condition of Tawheed is Al-Yaqeen (Certainty)

After a person learns Tawheed and understands the meaning of ‘La ilaha illallah’, he must have absolute certainty about the fact that all forms of worship should be directed to Allah (SWT) alone and entertain no doubt or hesitation about it.

Allah (SWT) says: “Only those are the believers who have believed in Allah and his Messenger, and afterward doubt not but strive with their wealth and lives for the Cause of Allah. Those! They are the truthful people.” (Qur'an 49:15)

In a hadith of the Prophet (SAW), he is reported to have said: “I bear witness that there is nothing worthy of worship other than Allah and that I am the Messenger of Allah. Any slave who meets Allah and has no doubt about the truth of those two statements shall be placed in Jannah.” [Bukhari and Muslim]

3. The third condition of ‘La ilaha illallah’ is Al-Qubool (Acceptance)

Once a person has learned Tawheed and the meaning of ‘La ilaha illallah’ and has Al-Yaqeen, he must next verbally acknowledge that he has accepted the Shahadah and never deny it for any reason other than Ikrah (Compulsion).

Allah (SWT) says: “Truly when it is said to them La ilaha illallah, they puffed themselves up with pride. And they would say “Are we going to abandon our alihah (gods) for an insane poet.” (Qur'an 37:35-36)

4. The fourth condition of Tawheed is Al-Inqiyaad (Compliance)

After a person has learned Tawheed and the meaning of ‘La ilaha illallah’ and has Al Yaqeen and has passed Al-Qubool, he next has to strive towards ‘La ilaha illallah’ with his actions and comply with what it requires. They should reject all false deities and direct all forms of worship to Allah (SWT) Alone.

Allah (SWT) says: “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.” (Qur'an 4:65)

Note that the difference between Al-Qubool and Al-Inqiyaad is that Al-Qubool is accepting the Shahadah verbally but Al-Inqiyaad is acting according to what the Shahadah requires.

Abdur-Rahman Bin Hasan Al Ashaikh (RA) said: “It is not enough to claim to be a Muslim or to verbally declare ‘La ilaha illallah’. What Islam really means is to assert Allah’s (SWT) Oneness and submit fully to Him in terms of Lordship and worship both theoretically and practically.

Allah (SWT) says: “And whoever rejects the Taghut and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break…” (Qur'an 2:256)

And He ((SWT)) also says: "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 judgment) is for none but Allah. He has commanded that you worship none but Him (i.e. His Monotheism), that is the (true) straight deen, but most men know not.” (Qur'an 12:40) [Addurar Assaniyya- The Book of Tawheed 264/2]

5. The fifth condition of Tawheed is As-Sidq (Truthfulness)

Once a person has understood Tawheed and the meaning of ‘La ilaha illallah’ and accepts it with full certainty and absolute compliance to its requirements, he should be truthful in what he has done. The Prophet (SAW) said: “Allah shall forbid the fire from anyone that bears witness truthfully from his heart that there is nothing worthy of worship except for Allah and that Muhammad is his slave and messenger.” [Bukhari and Muslim].

The Prophet (SAW) also said: “Whoever says 'La ilaha illallah' truthfully shall enter Jannah.” [Reported by Ahmad]

As for someone who declares Tawheed with his tongue and then rejects what it means in his heart then his Tawheed will not be accepted and it will not save him as Allah (SWT) clearly states about the Munaafiqeen when they said: “we bear witness that you are a Messenger of Allah” (Qur'an 63:1)

Allah (SWT) answered them by saying: “When the hypocrites come to you (O Muhammad SAW), they say: "We bear witness that you are indeed the Messenger of Allah." Allah knows that you are indeed His Messenger and Allah bears witness that the hypocrites are liars indeed.” (Qur'an 63:1)

Allah (SWT) has also called them liars by saying: “And of the people are those who say - we have believed in Allah and in the final day while in fact they believe not.” (Qur'an 2:8)

6. The sixth condition of Tawheed is Al-Ikhlaas (Sincerity)

After a person has learned Tawheed and the meaning of ‘La ilaha illallah’ and has Al-Yaqeen, Al- Qubool, Al-inqiyaad and has done it with As-Sidq he next has to have Al-Ikhlaas. Al-Ikhlaas is to make all forms of worship for Allah Alone, not for anyone or anyone else.

Allah (SWT) says: “And they were commanded not, but that they should worship Allah, and worship none but Him Alone and perform Salat, and give Zakat, and that is the right deen.” (Qur'an 98:5)

Also in the meaning of Al-Ikhlaas is that the person should not pronounce their Islam with the willingness to please anyone or anything other than Allah (SWT). The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “Allah has forbidden to the fire the one who says ‘La ilaha illallah’ in the cause of Allah.” [Reported by Bukhari & Muslim].

He (SAW) also said: “The happiest people with my intercession on the day of Judgment are those who say ‘La ilaha illallah’ sincerely from their hearts (to Allah).” [Bukhari]

7. The seventh condition of Tawheed is Al-Mahabba (Love)

After a person has learned Tawheed and the meaning of ‘La ilaha illallah’ and has Al-Yaqeen, Al- Qubool, Al-inqiyaad and has done it with As-Sidq and Al-ikhlaas, he should love the fact that the only one worthy of worship is Allah (SWT) and show his love for Allah (SWT) with his tongue.

Allah (SWT) says: “And of mankind are some who take others for worship besides Allah as rivals. They love them as they love Allah. But those who believe love Allah more. If only, those who do wrong could see, when they will see the torment that all power is with Allah, and that Allah is Severe in punishment.” (Qur'an 2:165)

Abdur-Rahmaan Bin Hasan Aal Ashaikh (RA) said: “Most people ignore the meaning of 'La ilaha illallah', and even if they declare it with their tongue, they have denied its meaning. One should pay attention to these six or seven conditions without which one cannot be safe from Kufr (disbelief) or Nifaaq (hypocrisy). A person can only become a Muslim if these conditions are met and implemented because the heart should confirm with the tongue in terms of theory, knowledge, action, practice, belief, acceptance, love and compliance.

So knowledge is essential as opposed to ignorance, sincerity as opposed to Shirk and truthfulness as opposed to lies unlike the Mushrikeen and the hypocrites. Certainty is also essential as opposed to doubt, because one can say 'La ilaha illallah'… and be doubtful of its meaning and requirements. Love as opposed to hatred, and acceptance as opposed to rejection, because one can understand its meaning but rejects it as was the case with the Pagan (Mushrikeen) Arabs.

Compliance with ‘La ilaha illallah’ as opposed to shirk in the sense that the one who does not act according to it and complies with its requirements will certainly be a Mushrik, a person who associates partners with Allah (SWT). So anyone who fulfills all these conditions, has gained the light with which he worships Allah (SWT) and he has ultimately followed the right and straight path.” [Copied and translated from Addurur Assaniyya - The Book of Tawheed 255/2]

DEEN OF ISLAM!

As salaamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu wa maghfiratuh! Sadly, today in the twenty first century to many, way to many Muslims practice Islam as a religion! The reason they do is due to the way they have been taught through thousands of books by Muslim scholars who call Islam a religion. They have called Islam a religion in many English translations of the Qur'an. In talking to non-Muslim they will equate Islam with the religions of the Christians and the Jew, i.e., Christianity and Judaism. It is impossible to equate Islam with any religion; because Islam is not a religion, it is a deen.

“...This day, I have perfected your deen for you, completed My Favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your deen....” (Qur'an 5:3)

Why would Muslim scholars say Islam is a religion when they know perfectly well that Allah (SWT) never called it such. I truly believe it is due to the whisperings of Shaitan who vowed to lead mankind astray.

“[Iblîs (Shaitan)] said: "By Your Might, then I will surely mislead them all,..” (Qur'an 38:82)

Think of an archer shooting an arrow at the bulls eye of a target. Just a slight degree off will cause the arrow to miss the bulls eye. In life an archer's (hunter's) livelihood depends on him being very accurate; just a small miss-direction of the arrow will determine whether he brings home the the dinner.

Shaitan knows Muslims are striving to achieve the ultimate success, Jannah - Paradise. So in keeping with his promise he devised a very shrewd and subtle plan to cause a large majority of Muslims to miss the target even though they are aiming directly at it. He whispers to the Muslims, “Islam is a religion!” By getting Muslims to believe this he causes Muslims to compromise their deen! When Muslims practice Islam as a religion they are extremely limiting their worship of Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) created man to worship Him!

“And I created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me.” (Qur'an 51:56)

When a Muslim only thinks of Allah (SWT) when he prays the five daily salat, attend Jumu'ah salah, fast during Ramadan and go to hajj he is practicing Islam as a religion. Is what many Muslims worldwide are doing – many a lot less than.

It is impossible to worship Allah (SWT) as He requires if one has religion on his mind. Words are powerful! Words makes mind! If a person is called 'stupid' continuously from an early age they will feel and act stupid at an older age. The reverse of this is also true. To call a child smart at an early age will cause the child to group up thinking and being smart. Words create mental aspirations to be achieved. To tell a Muslim that Islam is a religion will cause the Muslim to strive to worship Allah (SWT) with the limitations that are inherited to religion, i.e., rituals.

It is important that we fully comprehend the difference between the deen and a religion. The following analogy may help to know the difference, in sha Allah.

Think of the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. The Library of Congress has millions of books. Now, change the name from Library of Congress to Deen of Islam. Now select one book in the Deen of Islam and that book is called religion. What is being illustrated here is that Deen of Islam contains religion and a lot more. Consider another analogy. You live in a large house with many rooms. Your house is called Deen and one room is religion. The Muslims who practice Islam as a religion will take out one book of the library; at home they will worship in only one room when it comes to worshiping Allah (SWT). Religion is the rituals of the Deen!

Many Muslims don't understand that referring to Islam as a religion is extremely limiting their worship of Allah (SWT). That is the way they have been taught and that is what they understand. This could be a large reason the Muslim Ummah is in such dire straights. Remember, Allah (SWT) created man to worship Him. Worshiping Allah (SWT) properly is a 60/60/24/7 – every second of every minute of every hour of every day involvement. To accomplish this requires Muslims to Dhikr – remember – Allah (SWT) all day every day - not just at times of the rituals.

The Deen of Islam involves both internal (within individuals and society) and external (governing individuals and society: laws, social, political, educational, legal and all other systems of governance) components. Therefore, the Deen of Islam has millions of books, economics, hundreds of branches of sciences, health, law, religion, engineering, finance, medical, nursing, teaching, etc. and the list goes on and on! All the books of the Deen are necessary for Mankind to live the life that Allah (SWT) requires us to live. Allah (SWT) having created Mankind and all that exist is concerned about all that His creation does. Therefore, Allah (SWT) is concerned about every aspect of our lives.

Living Islam as a Deen is a mind set - state of mind, the intent in which ones does whatever they do. The key to practicing Islam as a Deen is to do everything 24/7 with a conscious effort to do everything 'fi sabilillah' - for the Pleasure of Allah! From the time one awakens he is giving praises and thanks to Allah (SWT). When at home he utilizes all rooms for worshiping, i.e, he Dhikr Allah throughout his home not just during salat. Whatever job he does he does it 'fi sabilillah '! Remember it is our intent that is most important! Dhikr Allah in all that you do, which not only involves praying salat and attending Jumu'ah and observing Ramadan and attending Eid salat and going on Hajj – the rituals. Rituals are of utmost importance to the Deen of Islam! However, to practice Deen of Islam fully requires one to Dhikr Allah all day every day! Throughout the day one is constantly bringing Allah (SWT) to mind.

Whenever a person does something that Allah (SWT) requires one to do and they do it with the intent to please Allah (SWT) and with the guidelines that Allah (SWT) has set down in the Qur'an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) then one is truly practicing Islam as a Deen and not a religion.

May Allah (SWT) bless all Muslim scholars to start writing books referring to Islam as a deen! Ameen! May Allah (SWT) bless imams and khateebs to refer to Islam as deen in their khutbahs! Ameen! May Allah (SWT) bless all Muslims to start thinking of Islam as Deen! Ameen! May Allah (SWT) bless all Muslims to say deen and not religion when speaking of Islam to others. Ameen! May Allah (SWT) bless all Muslims to stop compromising Deen Al-Islam by practicing Islam as a deen 24/7! Ameen!

It is important to note that there are Muslims who do all of the above, alhamdulillah. The Muslim Ummah must do better!

“...Verily! Allâh will not change the (good) condition of a people as long as they do not change their state (of goodness) themselves...” (Qur'an 13:11)

Meaning of Allâh!

Dear Believers:

As salaamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu wa maghfiratuh! Ramadan mubarak! Please consider and reflect on the following which reference the Supreme Being's proper name Allâh!

“And (all) the Most Beautiful Names belong to Allâh, so call on Him by them, and leave the company of those who belie or deny (or utter impious speech against) His Names. They will be requited for what they used to do.” Qur'an 7:180

“Allâh! Lâ ilâhla illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshiped but He! To Him belong the Best Names” Qur'an 20:8

“He is Allâh, the Creator, the Inventor of all things, the Bestower of forms. To Him belong the Best Names . All that is in the heavens and the earth glorify Him. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.” Qur'an 59:24

Meaning of Allâh

Dictionary of the Holy Qur'an by 'Abdul Mannan 'Omar pages 28-29

Allâh is the proper noun applied to the Supreme Being, Who is the sole possessor of all perfect attributes, Who is free from all defects and Who exists necessarily by Himself. It is not a common noun! All Divine attributes mentioned in the Holy Qur'an are qualities of the proper name Allâh! No other language has a distinctive name for the Divine Being. The names found in other languages are either attributive or descriptive and can be used in plural form, but the word 'Allâh' is never used for any other thing, being or deity. It is never used as a qualifying word. The word Allâh is not a contraction of al-ilah, as some people tend to believe. Allâh being the proper name of the Supreme Being, and having no parallel or equivalent in any other language of the world; the original name 'Allâh' should be retained in all translations!

The English word God, which is the common Teutonic word for a personal object of religious worship applied to all superhuman beings of heathen mythologies who exercise power over nature and human being, can hardly an approximate substitute.

Conclusion: As Muslims who follow the Holy Qur'an, Allâh's Speech to mankind, in which Allâh has defined how He wants to be called we have no authority to call Allâh by any other name in any other language! I truly believe such practice is due to the whisperings of Shaitan causing Muslims to believe it is okay to call the Supreme Being 'God” a very limited and poor descriptive common noun of German origins!

Muslims should be giving proper guidance to non-Muslims by calling the Supreme Being by His proper name, 'Allâh' and not trying to appease them just to get along! What non-Muslims call the Supreme Being is their right due to their ignorance! As Muslims we need to stop saying and writing the word God when referring to 'Allâh'!

May Allâh (SWT) will bless all Muslims around the world to stop putting the word 'God' on their tongues or lips and keep it out of their minds and hearts when referring to the Supreme Being! Ameen! May Allâh (SWT) bless all Muslims to think, say and write 'Allâh' or the other ninety nine attributes when referring to the Supreme Being! Ameen!

Origin of “Eid al Adha” the “Feast of Sacrifice”

According to Islamic tradition, approximately four thousand years ago, the valley of Makka, Arabia was a dry, rocky and uninhabited place. Allah instructed Ibraheem (Abraham) to bring Hājar (Hāǧar), his Egyptian wife, and Ismā'īl (Ishmael), his only child at the time, to Arabia from the land of Canaan.

As Ibraheem was preparing for his return journey back to Canaan without his family, Hajar asked him, "O Ibraheem! Where are you going, leaving us in this valley where there is no person whose company we may enjoy, nor is there anything (to enjoy)?" She repeated that to him many times, but he did not look back at her! Then she asked him, "Has Allah ordered you to do so?" He said, "Yes." She said, "Then He will not neglect us! Though Ibraheem had left a large quantity of food and water with Hajar and Ismā'īl, the supplies quickly ran out, and within a few days the two began to feel the pangs of hunger and dehydration.

Hajar ran up and down between two hills called Al-Safa and Al-Marwah seven times, in her desperate quest for water. Exhausted, she finally collapsed beside her baby Ismā'īl and prayed to Allah for deliverance. Miraculously, a spring of water gushed forth from the earth at the feet of baby Ismā'īl. Other accounts have the angel Jibrail (Gabriel) striking the earth and causing the spring to flow in abundance.  Hajar surrounded the spring with soil to trap it! Had she not done this it would have become a stream! With this secure water supply, known as the well of Zamzam, they were not only able to provide for their own needs, but were also able to trade water with passing nomads for food and supplies. Because of the well of Zamzam travelers soon settled there in Makka!

One of the main trials of Ibraheem’s life was to face the command of Allah to sacrifice his dearest possession, his only son. When Ismā'īl was about 13 years old, Ibraheem about 99 had a recurring dream, in which Allah was commanding him to offer his son as a sacrifice – an unimaginable act – sacrificing his son, which Allah had granted him after many years of deep prayer. Ibraheem knew that the dreams of the prophets were wahy, divinely inspired revelations, and one of the ways in which Allah communicated with his prophets. Upon hearing this command, he prepared to submit to Allah’s will. When the intent of the dreams became clear to him, Ibraheem decided to fulfill Allah’s command and offer Ismā'īl for sacrifice.

Although Ibraheem was ready to sacrifice his dearest for Allah’s sake, he could not just go and drag his son to the place of sacrifice without his consent. Ismā'īl had to be consulted as to whether he was willing to give up his life as fulfillment to Allah’s command. This consultation would be a major test of Ismā'īl's maturity in faith, love and commitment for Allah, willingness to obey his father and sacrifice his own life for the sake of Allah.  

Ibraheem presented the matter to his son and asked for his opinion about the dreams of slaughtering him. Ismā'īl did not show any hesitation or reservation even for a moment. He said, "Father, do what you have been commanded. You will find me, Insha'Allah (God willing), to be very patient." His mature response, his deep insight into the nature of his father’s dreams, his commitment to Allah, and ultimately his willingness to sacrifice his own life for the sake of Allah were all unprecedented.

During this preparation, Shaitan (Satan) tempted Ibraheem and his family by trying to dissuade them from carrying out Allah’s commandment, and Ibrahim drove Shaitan away by throwing pebbles at him. In commemoration of their rejection of Shaitan, stones are thrown at symbolic pillars signifying Shaitan during the Hajj rites.

When Ibraheem attempted to cut Ismā'īl's throat, he was astonished to see that Ismā'īl was unharmed and instead, he found a dead ram which was slaughtered. Ibraheem had passed the test by his willingness to carry out Allah's command.

This is mentioned in the Qur’an as follows:

"O my Lord! Grant me a righteous (son)!" So We gave him the good news of a boy, possessing forbearance. And when (his son) was old enough to walk and work with him, (Ibraheem) said: O my dear son, I see in vision that I offer you in sacrifice: Now see what is your view!" (The son) said: "O my father! Do what you are commanded; if Allah wills, you will find me one practicing patience and steadfastness!" So when they both submitted and he threw him down upon his forehead, We called out to him saying: O Ibraheem! You have indeed fulfilled the vision; surely thus do We reward those who do good. Most surely this was a manifest trial. And We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice. And We perpetuated (praise) to him among the later generations. "Peace and salutation to Ibraheem!" Thus indeed do We reward those who do right. Surely he was one of Our believing servants!” Qur’an 37:100

As a reward for this sacrifice, Allah then granted Ibraheem the good news of the birth of his second son, Ishaaq (Isaac):

“And We gave him the good news of Ishaaq, a prophet from among the righteous,” Qur’an 37:112

Ibraheem had shown that his love for Allah superseded all others: that he would lay down his own life or the lives of those dearest to him in submission to Allah's command.  Muslims commemorate this ultimate act of sacrifice every year during Eid al-Adha.

Compiled by: Imam Akmal M. Muhammad

 
Side note: Ibraheem’s sacrifice (Test) is a lesson that we should seriously reflect on and contemplate! I truly believe everyone will be given Ibraheem’s Test at least once in their lives! When the test comes there will not be any warning! The test will be of the nature where you will have to make a choice between two different things or situations! This test will question your love for Allah (SWT)! Allah (SWT) knows best!