TAWHEED

TRANSLATED BY : MOHAMED HUSSEIN ALI

توحيــــــد ترجمة الداعية المكتب

محمد حسين علي

إعداد : قسم البحث والترجمة بالمكتب

First Edition 1425Hهـ 1425 الطبعة الأولى

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Tawheed Definition of tawheed. Tawheed is the singling out of Allah alone for worship. It is the religion of the messengers, who were sent to teach it to the people. Allah the almighty says :( and verily we sent among every community a messenger (proclaiming)"worships Allah and shuns false gods…). The categories of tawheed Tawheed can be divided into three categories: 1: Tawheed ar-rubuubeeyah (maintaining the unity of lordship). 2: Tawheed al-uluhiya (maintaining the unity of worship) 3: Tawheed al-asmaa waa sifat (maintaining the unity of the names and attributes.) . Part one: tawheed ar-rubuubeeyah: Definition: it is the singling out of Allah alone for his actions, example: creating, providing, giving life, causing death

Sending down rain and causing plants to grow. This category of tawheed was affirmed by the disbelievers but it was not enough for them to be considered Muslims and the messenger (p.b.u.h) fought them permitting the spilling of their blood and taking of their wealth. Proof for this is (and if you asked them who created the heavens and Earth They would certainly say Allah) Tawheed Ar-rubuubeeyah and man's innate nature and disposition (al fit rah)

Man was created with an innate disposition towards tawheed and an understanding of the exalted lord and creator .Allah the almighty says (So set O Muhammad your face towards the pure religion and worships none but Allah. Allah's fitrah with which he created mankind no change let there be in the religion of Allah…….) so the affirmation of Allah's lordship and turning to face it is an innate of disposition within man while associating partners with him (ashirk) is something unnatural and something imposed from out side of man .the prophet (p.b.u.h) said every child is born pure and upon al-fitrah then his parents make him a Jew, a Christian, or majus (fire worshipers)" related by bukhari and Muslim. So if a person was left to his (natural) innate disposition he would incline towards tawheed which was brought by the messengers and which was revealed in the scriptures and is affirmed by all the sings and phenomena in creation. However, incorrect upbringing and a heretical environment change the course and a direction of the child .children imitates and follows the misguidance and deviation of their parents, Allah the exalted ,says in a hadith qudsi (verily I created all my slaves true believers (Hunafaa)but the devils (ash-shayateen) deceived them away from their religion and made forbidden for them what I had permitted for them .And they ordered them to associate with me that which I had not sanctioned) related by Muslim .i.e., they diverted them to worship idols and take them as lords in place of Allah as a result they became lost and astray ,separate and divided .each took a different lord to worship because they abandoned the one true lord, they were tried and tempted with worship of false lords.

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The false conception of those communities which were astray: Some of the idol worshipers believed that they worshiped had the power and ability to dispose of some of the affairs in creation .shaytan played around with them, calling some of them, such as the people of Noah to idol worship, out of the respect for the dead who had fashioned their idols, another group took idols in the image of planets and stars which they claimed influence events in the world. these included those who worshiped the sun, the moon and the other planets .there were the majus,those who worshiped fire, others who worshiped cows,angles,trees,stones graves and tombs. All of this occurred because people imagined that these things possessed some aspects of lordship. Those who worship the graves both in the past and today for example: claim that the dead intercede on their behalf with Allah for the fulfilling of their needs. They say (we worship them only that they may bring us near to Allah). Likewise some of the Arabs and Christians who associated partners with Allah imagined that what they worshiped were Allah's offspring. The pagan Arabs therefore worshiped the angles believing them to be Allah's daughters while the Christians worshiped Christ peace be upon him, imagining him to be Allah's son. A refutation of these false conceptions.

Allah has refuted all these false conceptions and ideas: a) The refutation of idol worship. Allah the exalted says (and recite to them the story of ibrahim –when he said to his father and his people what do you worship?"-they said: we worship idols we are ever devoted "he said "do they hear you when you call (on them) - or do they benefit you or do they harm you they said: nay but we found our fathers doing so) they agreed that mere statues and idols do not hear supplication nor do they bring benefit or cause harm. They only worshipped them in imitation of their fathers and blind imitation is a false argument. b) The almighty also refuted those who worshiped the sun, moon and other planets and stars and saying :{ and from among his signs are the night and the day and the sun and the moon. Prostrate not to the sun, moon and others, but prostrate to Allah who created them if you (really) worship him.}.Fusilat-37 c) He , the exalted also refuted those who worship the angles and Christ , peace be upon him, claiming that they are Allah's offspring .Allah the Almighty says:{how can he have children while he has no consort ..}.Al an, am101, He the sublime, also says {he begets not nor he was begotten and there is none equal or comparable to him.}.

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QUESTIONS: (1)-what is the definition of tawheed? (2)-what are the categories of tawheed? (3)-what is tawheed ar-rubuubeeyah? Is affirmation of it by itself sufficient for acceptance into Islam? Mention a proof for your answer? (4)-which is man's natural inclination and disposition: tawheed or shirk? Mention a proof from the quran and Sunnah? (5)-what was the reason for some of mankind misunderstanding the meaning of "lord"? How did this happen with the people of Noah, grave worshipers and the Christians? Complete the following: A) Allah refutes the idol worshipers saying……….. b) Allah refutes those who worship the sun, moon and stars saying …… c) Allah refutes those who worship the angles and Christ the son of Mary saying……..

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Tawheed al-ulluheeyah

Definition: it's the singling out of Allah for prescribed worship which people perform in order to draw close to him, such as prayer, supplication, vows, sacrifice, fear, trust and so forth.

Prayer: so it is not permitted for us except to Allah (s.w).

Supplications: it is not permitted for us to supplicate other than Allah (s.w).

Sacrifice: it is not permitted for us to make sacrifice to other than Allah (s.w).

Seeking help: it is not permissible to seek help from other than Allah (s.w).

This is Tawheed that the disbelievers denied and it was the cause of dispute between the messengers and their people, from the time of Noah (p.b.u.h) to the prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h). The importance of Tawheed al-ulluuheeyah: 1) It is the subject of the call of the messengers, from the first of the to the last, Allah the almighty says :{ and verily we have sent among every community a messenger (proclaiming)" worship Allah alone and avoid false gods} an-nahl-36. In addition every messenger begins the task of calling his people with Tawheed al Ulluuheeyah, as Noah did Hud, Salah, Shuayb, all said :{O my people worship Allah, you have no other God but him.}Al-Araaf 59-85, 2) It is the first obligation upon those who are of age and accountable (al-mukallaf) it is related by in umar, may Allah be pleased with him that the messenger, (p.b.u.h) said I have been ordered to fight the people until they testify that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah}.related by al bukhari and Muslim. Allah the exalted says {so know that there is no God but Allah and ask forgiveness for your sin…} Muhammad-19. In Addition the first thing that a person who wants to be a Muslim is asked to do is to pronounce the shahaadatayn (there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah). 3) Happiness in this life is dependent upon it. 4) It is the foundation upon which all deeds and actions are based. therefore without it all

actions are invalidated because if it is not there then shirk takes place .Allah the almighty says :{and we shall turn to whatever deed they (the disbelievers) did, and we shall make such deeds as scattered floating particles of dust.}Al-furqan: 23, he the sublime also says :{ verily, Allah does not forgive that partners are associated with him,} an-nisa: 48,116.

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Questions: 1) Define Tawheed al-ulluheeyah. What is the difference between Tawheed al-

ulluheeyah and Tawheed ar-rubuubeeyah? 2) Which of the following sentences are true and which are false m mentioning the proof.

a)-Tawheed al ulluheeyah necessitates Tawheed ar rubuubeeyah. b)-Tawheed ar rubuubeeyah is the subject of the call of the messengers. C-Tawhed al ulluheeyah is firmly rooted in man's basic instinct and natural disposition (fitrah) and nobody in the world denies it. d)-It is sufficient for a person to be a Muslim that he affirms Tawheed ar rubuubeeyah. e)-Tawheed al ulluheeyah is the first obligation upon those who are of age and accountable (al-mukallaf). f)-Man's happiness depends upon Tawheed al ulluheeyah. g)-Tawheed ar rubuubeeyah is the foundation upon all deeds and actions are based on.

Definitions: 1)- At-tahrif al lafthee(distortion of the wording): this occurs through changing the word by adding to it or by changing it's form an example of this is how al ashairah and heretics who follow them change the Allah's words (the most beneficent rose over (istawaa), the throne )taha-13, they changed to took possession /seized(istawlaa), ii)-At tahreef al ma'nawee (distortion of the meaning: this is when the wording remains intact but a false and incorrect meaning is intended from it .an example of this is: the meaning of the 'two hands' attributed to Allah is strength ' bounty' and so forth. 2)- At Ta'teel (negation): this is the denial of what is necessary for Allah of names and attributes or the denial of some of them, such as the denial of Allah's speech (kalaam). His coming (majee'), (ru'yah) and others. 3)- At-Takyeef(knowing about manners this is ascribing a known manner to something or to an attribute, such as someone describing how Allah's hand is, or how his descent to the lower heaven is and so forth .Allah is far above this because the manner is not mentioned in the Quran or in the sunnah,. 4) -At-Tamtheel: this is the affirmation of an equal to something else. 5)- At-tashbeeh: this is the affirmation of something similar to something else, so at-tamtheel necessitates an equal in every aspect while at-tashbeeh necessitates equality in most of the attributes.

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Tawheed al asmaa wa' sifaat (unity of the names and attributes): Definition: It is the believe of the names and attributes of Allah which indicate his perfection and greatness and we believe in them just as they are in the quran and sunnah without changing their meanings, negating them without knowing about manner Allah the almighty says {there is nothing like him and he is the all hearing, all seeing} ash-shura: 11, In this verse we negate that there is anything like him and at the same time we affirm that he is the All hearing All seeing .this is the methodology of the righteous predecessors (as-salaf) and they were the companions of the prophet , their followers And those that follow them , who applied the sunnah of the messenger (p.b.u.h), concerning the names and attributes , therefore Allah is not named or described with anything that he or his messenger (p.b.u.h), did not named him or described with, this is because no has more knowledge of Allah than himself and his messenger(p.b.u.h), therefore whoever names Allah with other than his names , denies his names, likens his names and attributes to those of creation or changes their meanings has spoken about Allah without knowledge . Allah the exalted says {and who does more wrong than he who invents a lie against Allah}.al-kahf: 15, Examples of Allah's names and attributes: i) - Allah's names: the most beneficent (ar-rahmaan), the most merciful (ar-raheem), the all-compelling (al-qaahir), the most able (al-qaadir), the all hearing (as-samee'), the all-seeing (al-baseer) and the most holy (al-qudus) ii)- Among the attributes of Allah: elevation (al-uluu), hearing (as-sam') sight (al-basr), ability (al-qudrah), having a face and a hand what Allah's the most excellent names indicate of the attribute of his perfection: These noble names are not mere names which do not indicate meaning and attributes, rather they are noble names which indicate profound meaning and vast attributes. Every name indicates an attribute. For example ar-rahmaan and ar-raheem (the most beneficent, the most merciful) ar-rahmaan indicate (mercy) as-samee' al baser( the all hearing the all-seeing) indicates hearing and sight, Al Aleem(the all knowing )indicates the knowledge that encompasses everything, al-kareem (the generous) indicates his generosity al khaaliq(the creator) indicates that he is the creator , ar-razaaq(the provider) indicates that he provides and so forth . The virtue of having knowledge of the names and attributes of Allah, belief in them and their effect on the individual and society: 1-There is no way for someone to really have knowledge of his lord except by way of his

names and attributes. There are many proofs in the Quran and Sunnah which indicate this. In fact the whole Quran is an account about Allah, the almighty, from this we can see the seriousness of the sin of those deny Allah's attributes, names and actions or deny some of them. By doing so they lock the door to knowledge of Allah, the sublime, because if the attributes, names and actions of any existent thing are unknown, it becomes only a mere idea from which no benefit can be derived.

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2-Faith(al imaan) increases and decreases with knowledge and action, so the more a person

knows about Allah and his signs the more his faith increases. In the same way, faith decreases because of lack of knowledge and action. Allah, the exalted says :{ and whenever a surah (chapter of the Quran) is revealed, some of them (the hypocrites) say ''which of you has had his faith increased by it?" as for those who believe, it has increased their faith, and they rejoice. But as for those in whose hearts is disease (of doubt, disbelief and hypocrisy). It will add suspicion and doubt to their suspicion, disbelief and doubt and they die while they are disbelievers} al-tauba: 124-125,

3-Whoever memorizes Allah's names, understands their meaning and acts according to what

they necessitates obtains a reward which only Allah knows. It's related by Abu hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him that the messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h)said "Allah has ninety nine names, one hundred except for one, whoever memorizes, comprehends and acts according to them (ahsaa) enters paradise " related by al-bukhari. An-nawaawee,may Allah have mercy on him said "al-bukhari and other scholars have said that the meaning of ahsaa"is memorizes".

4-If the names and attributes of Allah indicate and show the greatness,exaltedness and

perfection of the creator, then they are the best way that a person can take to glorify, magnify and supplicate to Allah (s.w).

5-Every one of Allah's name and attributes has its own particular effect upon a person's

worship of his lord. So if he knows that his lord is severe in punishment, that he becomes angry. That he is able and does whatever he wishes, that he hears, sees and knows everything and that nothing is hidden from him, and then this will cause him to be aware of Allah, fear him and avoid disobeying him. If a person knows that Allah is forgiving merciful, generous, that he rejoices at a person's repentance, that he forgives sins and turns to those that repent, then this leads him to repent and seek forgiveness and to have a good opinion of his lord and prevent him from losing hope in his lord. If a person knows that Allah is the provider of all bounty and blessings, that in his hands is all good, that he is capable of all things, that he gives, provides and rewards with and honors his believing slaves, then this causes him to love Allah, the exalted, to draw close to him, to seek and desire what is with him and to do good to his fellow brothers. If a person knows that Allah is the equitable judge, that he does not like oppression, injustice and enmity that he takes revenge from those who oppress and spread corruption, then he will desist from oppression, enmity, transgression, corruption and deception with other people and be just and fair and deal well with his fellow brothers, likewise there are other beneficial effects which come from knowledge of Allah's names and faith in them.

Note: the subjects will be studied in detail, God wiling in subsequent levels.

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Questions. 1. Define Tawheed al asmaa wa Sifaaat and mention a proof? 2. Who are sa-laaf as-saalih (righteous predecessors)? What was their methodology

for affirming the names and attributes of Allah? 3. Why is Allah not described except by what he or his messenger (p.b.u.h) described

him by? 4 Define the following terminology. a) At-tahreef. b) At-takyeef. c) Al-ta'teel. d) At-tashbeh. e) At-tamtheel. 5 Mention two names and two attributes together with their meanings and a proof for

each one? 6 what is the way for people to have true and correct knowledge of their lord? 7 Faith increases and decreases with knowledge and action. Mention a proof for

this? 9 Mention the benefits that can be derived from having knowledge of Allah's names and attributes? The Three fundamental doctrines: Introduction: It is incumbent upon a Muslim to know his lord and to worship him alone. It is

also obligatory for him to know his religion and his prophet, Muhammad (p.b.u.h) and by doing so be a sincere believer. This can not be achieved except through knowledge of these three fundamental doctrines about which he will be asked in his grave.

The first Doctrine: Knowledge of the Lord: 1 So if you are asked who is your lord? Say "my lord is Allah who raised and cared for me (rabanee) just as he raised and

cared for every one with his blessing and bounty. The proof for this is Allah the Almighty says : { all praise is for Allah, the lord (rabb) of the worlds}.al-fatiha: 1.

2 If you are asked 'what is the meaning of Al-rabb? Say: the meaning of Al-rabb is the one worshiped the authoritative king. 3. By what thing do you know your Lord? Say I know my lord by his signs and by his creation. 4 What is the greatest thing you witness of his creation?

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The greatest thing I witnessed of his creation is the heaven and earth. proof for this is his words:{verily, your lord is Allah who created the heavens and earth in six days ….}Al-Araaf: 54.

5 What are the greatest of Allah's signs that you witness? The greatest of signs which I witness are the night and the day, the sun and the moon a proof for this is his words :{and from his signs are the night and day, and the sun and the moon …}fusilat:37.

6 What is the meaning of Allah?

It means the possessor of divinity and worship over all his creation.

7 Why did Allah created you? He created me to worship him. A proof for this is his words {and I (Allah) created not the jinn's and men except that they should worship me} adh-dhariyaat: 56

8 What is worship of Allah?

Worship of him is affirmation of his oneness and unity (Tawheed) and obedience to him. A proof for this is his words {and I (Allah) created not the jinn's and men, except that they should worship me} adh-dhariyaat: 56

9 What is the first thing Allah made obligatory for you?

The first thing that Allah made obligatory for me was the denial of false gods (at-taaghut) and belief in Allah. He the sublime, says {whoever disbelieves in taaghut (false gods) and believe in Allah, and then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold (al-urwah al-wuthqah) that will never break. And Allah is all hearing all knowing.}Al baqarah: 256.

10 What is the meaning of Al-urwah Al-wuthqah? It is ''la ilaha illallah (there is no God but Allah). 11 What is the meaning of la illaaha illallah?

It means that none has the right to be worshiped except Allah. The second doctrine: knowledge of the prophet (p.b.u.h).

1 Who is your prophet? He is Muhammad Ibn Abdullah, ibn Abd al Mutalib, ibn hashim, from quraysh, and quraysh is from the Arabs and the Arabs are from the offspring of ismail ibn ibrahim al khaleel, upon him and upon our prophet be prayers and peace.

2 How old was he?

The prophet (p.b.u.h) died when he was sixty three years old, forty of which were before his prophet hood and for twenty three years he was a Prophet and Messenger he became a prophet with the revelation of "iqrah" and a messenger with the revelation of "Mudathir" .

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3 Why did Allah send him? Allah sent him to warn about shirk (associating partners with him) and to call to Tawheed Allah the almighty says {O you (Muhammad) wrapped up arise and warn and magnify your lord and purify your garments and shun the idols and give not a thing in order to have moral more and be patient for the sake of your Lord} Al-mudathir:1-7. This he did for ten years, calling to Tawheed and then after ten years he was taken a night to the heavens, and the five daily prayers were made compulsory. He prayed in Mekkah for three years and then he was commanded to Emigrate to medina.

THE THIRD DOCTRINE Knowledge of Religion.

1 If you are asked "what is your religion"? Say my Religion is Islam which was sent down with Muhammad (p.b.u.h) to all People. Allah ordered him to follow his commands and to avoid what he forbade, both in speech and action.

2 What is the greatest thing that Allah has commanded?

The greatest thing that Allah has commanded is to Worship him alone without partner. 3 What is the greatest thing that Allah has forbidden?

The greatest thing that Allah has forbidden is to associate partners with him in Worship. Allah, the Almighty says:{verily, Allah does not forgive that partners be associated with him in Worship, but he forgives what is less than that to whom he wishes….} An-nisaa:48.

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THE LEVELS OF RELIGION

There are three levels of religion. (i) Islam (2) Imaan (3) Ihsaan and every level have its pillars (Arkan). The first level is: Islam Definition: It is to submit to Allah in Tawheed and obey him and to be free with Shirk (association) and its people. A person is a Muslim if he says the Shahaadatayn (there is no god except Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah) and adheres to the remaining Pillars of Islam. There are five pillars of Islam: 1-To testify that there is no god except Allah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. 2- To establish the Prayer. 3- To give zakat (obligatory alms-tax). 4- To fast Ramadhan. 5- To perform hajj to Allah's sacred house.

The proofs for these pillars: The proof for there is no god except Allah is:{Allah bears witness that " la ilaaha illa huwa" (none has the right to be worshiped but he) and the angles and those having knowledge (also bear witness); he is always maintaining his creation with justice " la illaaha ila huwa"(none has the right to be worshiped but he") the Almighty the wise} Al imran; 18. The meaning of this is that none has the right to be worshiped except Allah alone 'la illaaha"(there is no god) negates everything that is worshiped other than Allah "illallah" affirms the worship of Allah alone, without partner in worship of him. Likewise he has no partner in his kingdom. The proof for the testimony that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah: {verily, there has come unto you a messenger (Muhammad) from amongst yourselves. It grieves him that you should suffer any injury or difficulty, he (Muhammad) is anxious for you, for the believers (he is) full of pity, kind and merciful.}Al-taubah: 128.

The meaning of the testimony that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah: obedience to him in what he orders, believing him in what he informs about, avoiding what he has forbidden and warned against and not to worship Allah except in the way that he prescribed and made lawful.

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The proof for the prayer, zakat and explanation of Tawheed, his words {and they were only commanded to worship Allah alone and with sincerity and to establish the Prayer and give Zakat (obligatory alms-tax) and that is the true and right religion} Al-bayinah: 5. The proof for fasting :{O you who believe fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those who were before you, that you might fear and obey Allah}Al-baqarah:183. The proof for hajj is:{and hajj (pilgrimage to mekkah) to the house is a duty mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses; and whoever disbelieves, then Allah stands not in need of any of the Aalameen (mankind and jinn)}Al-imraan:47. The second level; imaan. Definition: it is saying with the tongue, belief with the heart and action with the limbs. It increases with obedience and decreases with disobedience. It has more than seventy braches the highest of which is "la illaaha illallah" (there is no god except Allah) and the lowest of which is the removal of harm from the path, modesty is also one of the branches of faith. (Related by Muslim). Its pillars: Imaan has six pillars; Belief in Allah, his Angles, his Books, his Messengers, the Last Day and Al-Qadar (the fate/Destiny/Decree.), Both the Good of it and Bad, The proof for this is Allah's words {it is not pity and righteousness that you turn your faces towards the east or west (in prayers) but piety is (the quality of) the one who believes in Allah, the last day, the Angles, the book, the prophets….} Al-baqarah: 177. The proof for fate is :{ verily, we have created all things with Qadar (Fate/Destiny/Decree)} Al-Qamar: 49. The third level: ihsaan. Definition and pillar: Ihsaan has one pillar which is to worship Allah as though you see him and if you do not see him, verily he sees you. (Part of a hadeeth related by Al bukhari and Muslim) The proof for this is {verily, Allah is with those who fear and obey him and those who are muhsinuun (the pious and sincere)} Al-nahl: 128. And also {and put your trust in the Almighty, the most merciful. Who sees you (Muhammad) when you stand up (for prayers at night) and your movements with those who fall prostrate? Verily he, only he, is the All hearing the all knowing} Ash-shu'araa:217-220.

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The proof from the Sunnah for these three levels is the well known hadeeth about Gibreel, Narrated by Umar ibn al khataab. He (r.a) said: while we were sitting with the prophet (p.b.u.h) a man wearing a white cloth and having a very black hair, upon whom no effects of travel could be seen and who nobody knew, approached and sat in front of the prophet (p.b.u.h) placing his knees next to the prophet's thighs and said " O Muhammad tell me about islam"? the prophet (p.b.u.h) replied: That you testify that there is no god except Allah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah, that you establish the prayer, give zakat(the alms-tax ), fast Ramadan and make Hajj to the sacred house if you are able " you have spoken truly" the Man replied. We were astonished how asked and then affirmed the answer. "Tell me about Imaan"? he then asked the Prophet (p.b.u.h) replied: " that you believe in Allah, His Angles, His Books, His Messengers, the last day and Fate, both it's Good and Bad. 'you have spoken truly", said the man " tell me about Ihsaan"? The Prophet (p.b.u.h) replied "that you worship Allah as though you see him and if you do not see him, verily He sees you." "Tell me about the hour" asked the man. The prophet replied: "when a woman slave gives birth to her master, when the bare footed, naked and poor shepherds construct tall buildings." "The man left "Narrated umar" and so I stayed for a while" O umar asked the prophet (p.b.u.h) "Do you know who the questioner was?" "Allah and his Messenger are more aware of that," I replied." That was Gibreel. He came to teach you your religion," replied the prophet (p.b.u.h). Related by Muslim.

Questions:

1 -What are the three levels of religion? Give a definition of each level?

2- What are the pillars of Islam? Mention them together with proofs?

3- What are the pillars of imaan? Mention them together with proofs?

4- What is Ihsaan? Mention a proof for it?

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Worship, (Al-IBaadah). The meaning of worship: It is a general term that includes everything that Allah loves and that He is pleased with, including speech and action, both inward and outward. It is divided between the heart, tongue and limbs. Therefore Fear, Hope, Love and trust are acts of worship performed by the heart. Glorification, saying la illaaha illalah and Allahu Akbar, praising and thanking Allah are acts of worship performed by the tongue. Prayer, Zakat, Hajj and Jihad are acts of worship performed by the body and heart. Likewise, with the many other acts of worship which are performed by the Heart, tongue and limbs. It is for worship that Allah created creation. Allah the exalted says :{ and I (Allah) did not create the jinn and men, except that they should worship me. I seek not any provision from them nor do I ask that they should feed me. Verily Allah is the provider, possessor of power, the most strong.}Adh-dhaariyaat: 56-58.

Types of Worship and their Comprehensiveness: Worship has many types and forms. It includes every outward form of obedience on the tongue and limbs. It includes therefore, all the actions of the believer, if he intends by that to draw close to Allah. Even ordinary actions, such as sleeping, Eating, Drinking, buying, selling, seeking ones provision and Marriage are acts of worship and therefore rewarded if it is intended by them to increase ones obedience to Allah. Worship, therefore, is not restricted to the well-known religion rites. A Muslim must therefore, have sincere intention for all actions in this world, such as working or studying and so forth, in order that he receives a reward for them.

Mistaken concepts concerning the limiting of worship. Worship is tawqifeeyah: which means that no worship is prescribed within Islam except

with a proof from the Quran and Sunnah. Whatever has not been prescribed in this way is considered Bidah '(reprehensible innovation) which is rejected. The prophet (p.b.u.h) said: whoever does something which is not in accordance with our affair (Islam) then it is rejected." (Related by al Bukhari and Muslim) this means that his deeds return to him and are not accepted from him. Rather, he is punished for them because they are disobedience and not obedience. In addition, a Muslim, when performing a prescribed, lawful acts of worship must strike a balance between being to lax and going to excess. Allah the Almighty, said to his prophet:{ So stand firm and straight as you are commanded and those who turn in repentance with you, and transgress not (la-tatqhu) Allah's limits }Hud:112.

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This verse clarifies the correct and sound way of performing acts of worship. This is by following a balanced way, which contains neither neglect nor excess, when performing worship. Allah the exalted, says: "la tatqhuu" which means to exceed the bounds through being severe and obstinate. When the prophet (p.b.u.h) found out that one of his companion had said, "I will fast and not break my fast" and another one said "I will pray and not sleep" and a third said " I will not marry," the prophet (p.b.u.h) then said But I fast and break my fast, I pray and sleep and I marry women, so whoever dislikes my sunnah is not from me. Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim. There are now two groups of people at the opposite extremes with respect to worship: The first group: Fall short in their understanding of worship and are lax in performing it. They even deny many kinds of worship and have limited it to a few actions and rites which are only performed in the masjid. They do not consider that there is scope for worship at home, in the office, in business, in the street, in transactions and in politics. These are the secularist, who have separated religion from life. It is true that there is great virtue in the mosque and that the five daily prayers must be performed there but worship includes a Muslim's whole life both inside the mosque and outside. Worship of Allah is not performed in one situation or state over and above another. Rather a Muslim must worship Allah whatever his state and at all times. Allah, the sublime, says :{ say, O Muhammad: verily, my prayer, my sacrifice, my living and my Dying are for Allah, the Lord of the worlds.}Al-an'aam:162. The second group: Are extreme and severe in performing acts of worship. They have made recommended acts of worship obligatory and forbidden some things which are permitted. They then proclaim that those who do not follow their way are astray and misguided. This is from the excessiveness extremism in religion in which Allah warned about. Allah, the Almighty says :{ O people of the scriptures (Jews and Christians) do not exceed the limits in your religion…} An-nisaa':171. The prophet (p.b.u.h) also warned against exceeding the limits in religion saying:" O people, beware of exceeding the limits in religion for verily those who before you were destroyed for exceeding the limits in religion "(authentic hadeeth related by An-nasaae). He (p.b.u.h) also said: "Destroyed are the obstinate" (related by Muslim). The best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (p.b.u.h) and the worst matters are those newly invented.

The Pillars of correct Worship. Worship is supported by three pillars, which are: Love, Fear and Hope and it is essential that these three things are present in Worship. Allah the exalted in describing the Worship of the believers says: {He (Allah) loves them and they love him} Al-maidah: 54. Allah the almighty, in describing His Prophets, also says :{…verily they would rush to do good deeds, and they would call on us with hope and fear and would humble themselves before us.}Al-anbiyaa: 90.

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So worship includes the utmost of limit of humility in front of Allah coupled with the utmost love for him. Whoever humbles himself to a person, while at the same time despising him, is not worshiping him. Also, whoever loves something but does not humble himself to it is not worshiping it, as a man loves his child or his friend. For this reason, it is not sufficient that only one of these qualities is present for worship of Allah, the Almighty. Rather, Allah must more beloved and greater than everything to a person. In fact, nothing is deserving of complete and perfect submission and love except Allah.

Conditions for the Acceptance of Worship and Deeds. First condition: That it must be sincere for Allah. Second condition: That it must be accordance to the Sunnah of the Messenger (p.b.u.h) The first condition is necessitated by La ilaaha illallah (there is no god except Allah). This necessitates that all worship be sincerely for Allah without any association with him. The second condition is necessitated by the testimony that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. This necessitates obedience to the Messenger (p.b.u.h), following his commands and leaving bid'a (innovation). Allah, the Almighty says :{ rather, whoever submits his face (worship Allah sincerely) to Allah and he is a muhsin (follows the messenger p.b.u.h) then his reward is with his lord. On such shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.}Al-baqarah: 112.

Questions. 1-what is the general definition of worship? 2-complete the following statement: a) Love, trust and desire are acts of worship of-------------- b.) saying" laillaha illallah and Allahu Akbar and praise are acts of worship of-------------, c.) prayer, zakat and Hajj are acts of worship of------------------. 3- How do ordinary actions change to acts of worship? 4- From where is worship taken? Mention a proof for this. 5-why did the prophet (p.b.u.h) warned against exceeding the limits of religion? Mention a proof for this. 6- What is your opinion of this expression: worship is what is performed by a Muslim in the Masjid. 7-what are the pillars of correct Worship? Give a proof for your answer. 8-why is it essential that Allah is more beloved and greater to a person than everything?