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!

 

Don’t Be Like Lot’s Wife!

Lot’s wife was not a homosexual!  So why was she destroyed when Allah (God) destroyed the town of homosexuals?  Two angles appeared at Lot’s house looking like very handsome men! They had come to warn Lot that Allah had given orders for them to destroy the town’s people except his family! Lot was informed that his wife would remain behind and be destroyed with the rest because she had told the town’s people of the handsome men at Lot’s house!  She was destroyed  because she sympathized with the homosexual behavior of the town’s people!

Today members of the Abrahamic faiths, Jews, Christians and Muslims must be very careful – not to end up like Lot’s wife! They must not support same sex marriages just because someone has defined it as a civil rights issue instead of a moral issue!  Supporting same sex marriage is saying to Allah (God) that you are against Him!

Homosexuality and same sex marriage are an abomination and the participants will end up in HELL! Non-homosexuals be careful and don't end up like Lot's wife!  Anyone who supports same sex marriage is like Lot's wife and will meet the same fate!

Two Questions Every Muslim Should Know The Answer To!

Where is Allah (SWT)?

If you answered: Allah (SWT) is everywhere then your answer is wrong!

Answer: Allah (SWT) is on His 'Arsh, (Throne) which is over the heavens and the earth!

“...His Kursi (Footstool) doth extend over the heavens and the earth, and He feeleth no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. For He is the Most High, the Supreme (in glory).” Qur'an 2:255

“Verily your Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days, then He established Himself on the 'Arsh (Throne) (of authority), regulating and governing all things. No intercessor (can plead with Him) except after His leave (hath been obtained). This is Allah your Lord; Him therefore serve ye: will ye not receive admonition?” Qur'an 10:3

“He Who created the heavens and the earth and all that is between in six days, and is firmly established on the 'Arsh (Throne) (of authority): Allah Most Gracious: ask thou, then, about Him of any acquainted (with such things).” Qur'an 25:59

“It is Allah Who has created the heavens and the earth, and all between them, in six Days, and then He established Himself on the 'Arsh (Throne) (of authority): ye have none besides Him, to protect or intercede (for you): will ye not then receive admonition?” Qur'an 32:4

Foot Note in “The Noble Qur'an” at 2:255

“Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: The Kursi compared to the 'Arsh is nothing but like a ring thrown out upon open space of the desert.” If the Kursi extents over the entire Universe, then how much greater is the 'Arsh. Indeed Allah (SWT), the Creator of both the Kursi and the 'Arsh, is the Most Great!

Fatawi ibn Taimya Vol. 5 Page 54-55: Ibn Taimya said:

(a) Chapter: To believe in the Kursi,
(b) Chapter: To believe in the 'Arsh (Throne). It is narrated from Muhammad bin Abdullah and from other religious scholars that the Kursi is in front of the 'Arsh (Throne) and it is at the level of the Feet!

Conclusion: Allah (SWT) is not in His creation! He (SWT) is over His Creation!

Is the Qur'an a creation of Allah (SWT)?

Answer: NO!

The Qur'an is Allah's (SWT) Speech; therefore, it is a part of Allah (SWT)!

Proof by Sheikh `Abd al-Rahmân al-Barrâk
The Qur’ân is the speech of Allah. He revealed it to Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is preserved in the hearts of people. Allah says: “Nay, here are signs self-evidence in the hearts of those endowed with knowledge.” [Sûrah al-`Ankabût: 49].
It was revealed by Allah. It was not created. Allah has already spoken it and transmitted it to Gabriel who is also referred to as al-Rûh al-Amîn and Rûh al-Qudus (The Holy Spirit).

It was revealed in the language of Muhammad (peace be upon him). Allah says: “With it came down the truthful spirit, to thy heart that thou mayest admonish, in the perspicuous Arabic tongue.” [Sûrah al-Shu`arâ’: 193-195] and says: “Say, the Holy Spirit has brought the revelation from thy Lord in truth” [Sûrah al-Nahl: 102].

The Qur’ân has a beginning and an end, and the Qur’ân is not the only speech of Allah to have been revealed. The Bible, the Torah, and the Psalms which were sent to Moses, Jesus and Dâwûd respectively (peace be upon them all) are also the speech of Allah. The speech of Allah cannot ever be enumerated. Allah say: “Say: If the ocean were ink (wherewith to write out) the words of my Lord, sooner would the ocean be exhausted than would the words of my Lord, even if we added another ocean like it, for its aid” [Sûrah al-Kahf: 109] and says: “And if all the trees on earth were pens and the ocean (were ink) with seven ocean behind it to add to its (supply), yet should not the words of Allah be exhausted (in the writing)” [Sûrah Luqmân: 27]

The sense of Allah’s speech has no end as it has no beginning. This means Allah is still speaking, if He wills, for whatever He wills and in the way He wills. The single instances of speech, such as when Allah spoke to Moses (peace be upon him), have a beginning and an end.

Note: Since the Qur'an is Allah's (SWT) Speech then the physical books are not the actual Qur'an; they are only physical representations of the Speech of Allah (SWT)! Therefore no one can destroy the Qur'an!

Compiled by: Imam Akmal M. Muhammad

Invocation of Idris (AS)

       O Allah, Praise be to You, there is no god but You, Lord and Heir of everything You have created!

O Lord of all lords highly Exalted!

O Allāh, Who is praised in everything He does!

You Are indeed Merciful and Compassionate to everything!

You are the Everlasting while nothing alive needs to sustain Your domain!

 O You Sustainer of everything from Whose knowledge nothing escapes, nor keeping it tires You!

O One Who remains when everything starts, then ceases to be!

O You Who is Everlasting without an end, nor does Your domain ever ceases to be!

O One Who is unlike any other!

O You Who starts the creation of everything, Who has no peer, nor can anyone truly describe Him!

O Great One! No mind can ever grasp Your greatness!

O Originator of everything without a peer, Unique!

O Pure and Purifier of every ill through His sanctity!

O You Who suffices everyone, Who gives His creation in abundance out of His bounty!

O Pure of any injustice which displeases Him, nor does injustice ever mingle with His doings!

O Compassionate One Whose mercy has encompassed everything!

O Giver Whose bounty has overwhelmed all His creation!

O One to Whom all servants owe everything, and through Whose power all are subdued!

O Creator of those in the heavens and those on earth, and to Whom all shall return!

O Helper of everyone who pleads to Him, everyone in distress, everyone who needs to be helped, and the One Who can be relied on!\

Lord! No tongues can ever do justice while attempting to describe the greatness and dignity of Your domain!

O Originator of everything that needs to be originated, without being in need of Your creation to originate anything You please!

O Knower of the unknown! Nothing that you safeguard can tire You!

 O You Who shall repeat the creation after its extinction, when the creation are raised again, responding to and fearing Him!

 O Clement One, Patient! Nothing in Your creation may be compared to You!

O You Whose deeds are praised, Who is ever-giving to His creation out of His Grace!

O Gracious One Who has nothing in existence to compare to Him!

O Vanquisher Whose Might is devastating, Whose revenge is unbearable!

O Lofty One Who is near despite His Loftiness!

O Powerful One Who makes everything easy through the might of His domain!

O You, Light of Everything! Your Light dispels every darkness!

O Holy and Pure One! There is nothing like You!

O near One Whose nearness is nearer than everything else!

O Sublime One in the heavens Whose loftiness is more sublime than anything else!

O Originator of everything! You repeat the creation of things even after their extinction through Your might!

O Great One Who is above everything! Justice is Your command; true is Your promise!

O Glorified One Whose Glory no minds can ever conceive!

O Generous One when Forgiving, Just! Your Justice has filled everything!

O Great One worthy of all the best praise and glory! Your Greatness never humiliates!

O Wonderful One! All tongues can never count Your Signs or utter the praise due to You! I pray You, on Whom I rely in every distress and with Whom I seek refuge in every calamity, by the greatness of these Attributes to grant me a security against the penalties of this life and the life to come, and I ask You to shun through them everything evil and everything I dread, and to divert the eyes of those wrong-doers who wish to inflict on me the wrong which You have prohibited of the evil of what they hide and change it into the goodness which they do not have and which none has other than You!

O Glorious One! Do not let me, Lord, rely on my own self so I become unable to bear it, nor on people so they might inflict harm on me! I pray You not to disappoint me while I have set my hopes on You, and do not torment me while I have invoked You! Lord! I plead to You as You have enjoined me to plead; so, answer my plea as You have promised! Fill my life-span with goodness and my fate too, and do not change the soundness of my body nor let my luck fail! I invoke You not to change my friend into a foe, and I seek refuge with You against all deadly illnesses, against poverty, humiliation, and bad company! Lord! Divert my heart from anything which does not benefit me on my journey to You, nor do I benefit from it on the Day when I meet You, be it permissible or prohibited, and grant me the ability to shun it and despise it seeking Your pleasure in its regard!

O You Who Has mercy more than all those who are merciful! Lord! Praise is due to You for all Your generous gifts, and praise is due to You for all Your successive boons whereby You shielded me against evil consequences, and my deeds did not dissuade You from forgiving me, and You protected me and endeared to me the blessings with which You have blessed me and even continued to grant me out of Your generosity and forgiven the ugly sins I have revealed to You which I have committed! Lord! I pray You in every Attribute which is Yours and which obliges You to answer the plea when invoked! I pray You in the right of everyone who has a right with You of those who are Your servants to send blessings unto Muhammad, Your servant and Messenger, and unto his progeny, and to effect evil against anyone who plots evil schemes against me, to take away his hearing and sight from before him, from behind him, from his right side and from his left, and to keep him away from me through Your Might!

O You with Whom there is no other god to call on!

 O You besides Whom there is no creator to be feared!

And O You besides Whom there is no other god to be feared, nor a vizier to be approached, nor a care-taker to be bribed, nor a door-man to be called on!

O You Who does not topple His generosity of giving except by giving even more, nor does He follow up His forgiveness of the sins except with more forgiveness! I pray You, Lord, to send blessings unto Muhammad and the progeny of Muhammad and to deal with me in a way worthy of You, for You are worthy of all piety and of forgiving. Lord! This is my plea, and from You do I seek the favor of a favorable response. This is my endeavor and on You do I rely; and there is no power nor might except in Allāh, the Sublime, the Great. Amen!

Note this du’a has forty of Allah’s (SWT) attributes! After reciting this du’a say your personal du’a and say Amen after your du’a! Compiled by: Imam Akmal M. Muhammad