The Shahaadah (Testimony of Faith) - Dr. Saleh As-Saleh

13 Pages·0.226 MB·English

The Shahaadah

Testimony of Faith

(cid:12)(cid:13) (cid:10)(cid:14) (cid:9) (cid:7)(cid:6) (cid:8)(cid:9) (cid:10) (cid:11)(cid:5) (cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:5)
(cid:12)(cid:13) (cid:15)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:18) (cid:13)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:20) (cid:11)(cid:5) (cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:16)

I Testify That There is No Deity Worthy of Worship Except Allaah
&
That Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah

Ash-hadu an la ilaaha illal-laah
Wa Ash-hadu anna Muhammadan rasulullaah

What does it Mean?

Saleh As-Saleh

1427 A.H - 2006 C.E.

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The Testimony of Faith
" ,ا ل/0ر 2345 ,ا 6ّ8إ :8إ ;"
What Does It Mean?

This is the first principle in the belief in Tawheed (Oneness and Uniqueness of
Allaah). Allaah is One in His Lordship, One in His Godship and One and Unique in
His Actions and Names and Attributes. Nothing is like Allaah. When someone
accepts Allaah as the only true God Who deserves to be worshipped, then he must
negate all worship to anyone (or anything) other than Allaah. This is the meaning of
laa ilaaha illal-laah: “There is no true God but Allaah.” It is composed of negation
and affirmation statements. The statement “but Allaah” confirms that Allaah is the
only true God Who deserves to be worshipped.

Allaah is All-Just and All-Wise. He created us and wants us to know of Him and
worship Him alone. He doesn’t leave us without guidance. This is part of His Mercy.
He, Most Exalted, sent Messengers and Prophets to convey a single message: man
must submit to the Will of His Creator, Allaah, and worship none but Him.

This is the essence of Islam. It is the same message conveyed by Adam, Ibraaheem
(Abraham), Moosa (Moses), ‘Eesa (Jesus) and finally to mankind until the Day of
Resurrection by Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon them all). These
Messengers and Prophets were created human beings. They were not divine. In the
final revelation to all mankind, man is called to testify that: “There is no true God but
Allaah and Muhammad is the true Messenger of Allaah.” This testimony is the key to
Paradise. But there is no key except that it has ridges. If you come with the key that
has the right ridges, the door will open for you, otherwise it will not. In order to
achieve Paradise through this testimony, one must fulfill certain conditions that
constitute the “right ridges” for this key statement. These conditions are:

1. Knowledge (Al-'Ilm)

Knowledge of Allaah and knowledge about the nature, concepts and methodology of
worship are essential to the practice as well as the understanding of Islam. The
beneficial knowledge is the one that leads to complete disassociation from false
deities and to the devotion of intentions to Allaah alone. Allaah, the Most High, says:

)
((cid:7)(cid:8) (cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)) ( (cid:6)%(cid:16)&(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4) (cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:11)(cid:3)(cid:12) (cid:6)(cid:9)(cid:13)(cid:14) (cid:15)(cid:16)(cid:4) (cid:17)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:16)(cid:4) (cid:22)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:9)(cid:24)(cid:4) (cid:25)(cid:8)(cid:26)(cid:27)(cid:24) (cid:28)(cid:29)(cid:30)(cid:11)(cid:31)(cid:16)(cid:4) (cid:15)(cid:16) ! "(cid:24)! "(cid:26)# (cid:6)(cid:9)$(cid:18)(cid:1)

“And know that none has the right to be worshipped but Allaah and ask
forgiveness for your sins, and also for the sin of believing men and believing
women. And Allaah knows well your moving about, and your place of rest in
your home” (Qur’an, soorat Muhammad, 47:19).

The Prophet Muhammad ((cid:1)) said:

(cid:10)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13) (cid:14)(cid:15)(cid:16)(cid:17) " ((cid:19))(cid:16) *+, (cid:15)(cid:16) ! "(cid:24)! -# (cid:6)(cid:9)(cid:13)(cid:14) &.(cid:4) (cid:17)(cid:18)(cid:3) /(cid:3)"

“He who died knowing (fully well) that there is no true God worthy of being
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worshipped except Allaah entered al-Jannah (Paradise).” [Collected by Muslim].

2. Certainty (Al-Yaqeen)

The testimony has to be made without any suspicion regarding its meaning. Allaah,
the Exalted, says:

(cid:6). (cid:25)1(cid:24)(cid:4)# (cid:15)(cid:16) *2(cid:8)(cid:31) 3 (cid:6)45(cid:29)(cid:26)#(cid:4) (cid:6)6(cid:16)&(cid:3)78 (cid:16)(cid:4)9.(cid:18):(cid:4) (cid:16)&8(cid:18);(cid:28)(cid:14) < = "(cid:24)&(cid:31)>(cid:4) (cid:15)(cid:18)8 (cid:16)&(cid:19)(cid:3)? /(cid:14)(cid:27)(cid:24)(cid:16) -&(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:16) (cid:18)@! )

((cid:7)(cid:25) (cid:3)(cid:18)(cid:15)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:15) (cid:22)(cid:17)(cid:23)(cid:24)) (-&A(cid:4),(cid:18)B(cid:24)(cid:16)

“Only those are the believers who have believed in Allaah and His Messenger
and never since doubted”. (Qur’an, soorat al-Hujuraat, 49:15).

The Prophet ((cid:1)) said:

" "
(cid:10)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13) (cid:14)(cid:15)(cid:16)(cid:17) /01(cid:15) 2. 3(cid:20)456 87 $# *+ (cid:4),-. $(cid:5)% (cid:28)(cid:15) &'(cid:11)( (cid:29) (cid:3)(cid:28)(cid:15) )(cid:23)(cid:24)(cid:17) (cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6) (cid:26)(cid:27)(cid:16) (cid:28)(cid:15) (cid:29)(cid:30) (cid:31) (cid:30) (cid:29) !(cid:27) (cid:4)"#(cid:27)

“I bear witness that there is no true God worthy of being worshipped except Allaah,
and I am His Messenger. The slave of Allaah who would meet Him without harboring
any doubt about his (testimony) would enter al-Jannah (Paradise).” [Collected by
Muslim].

3. Purity and Sincerity (Al-Ikhlaas)

The intention of accepting Islam and performing all acts of worship must be purely
devoted to Allaah:

((cid:7)(cid:7)(cid:3)(cid:19)(cid:13)9 (cid:15) (cid:22)(cid:17)(cid:23)(cid:24)) ( /(cid:14)9(cid:24)(cid:16) "(cid:24) (cid:18)CB(cid:9)D (cid:15)(cid:16) 9(cid:8)$# -# (cid:17)(cid:28)(cid:3)# E! *A )

“Say, (O Muhammad (cid:1)): Verily, I am commanded to worship Allaah (alone) by
obeying Him and doing religious deeds sincerely for Allaah’s sake only and not
to show off, and not to set up rivals with Allaah in worship.” (Qur’an, soorat az-
Zumar, 39:11).

So, when one declares this testimony, he should be doing so solely for the sake of
Allaah, not for anyone else. Purity and sincerity is the opposite of Shirk (associating
others in that which is due to Allaah alone). The one who proclaims this Shahaadah
(testimony) for any worldly gain has failed to meet this condition of sincerity of
woprship and has failed to meet Allaah’s command, when He says:

( )
((cid:7): (cid:3)(cid:19)(cid:13)9 (cid:15)) F(cid:14), "(cid:24) (cid:18)CB(cid:9)D 9(cid:12)(cid:8)$# (cid:15)(cid:16) *A

“Worship Allaah, making the Religion pure and sincere for Him.”(Qur’an, soorat
az-Zumar, 39:14)

The Prophet ((cid:1)) said:
3
.((cid:31)5(cid:11). NOF(cid:13)) (...(cid:31)(cid:11)< (cid:15) (cid:31)=?> (cid:16)= @= ACBDA &EAF=->=( (cid:31)G(cid:11)< (cid:15) $ <(cid:30)A (cid:31)= B(cid:30)A $ B )B $HB 2> (cid:13)= (cid:17)A$0I (cid:15) J(cid:11)B.= K=(cid:19)IL= (cid:4)>HB (cid:31)=(cid:11)< (cid:15) !< MA6B...)

“Allaah has forbidden the Fire upon one who says laa ilaaha illal-laah seeking by this
the Face of Allaah.” [An agreed upon hadeeth].

4. Truthfulness (As-Sidq)

Truthfulness paves the way for a meaningful understanding of this declaration. It
strengthens the drive of man towards achieving knowledge about his Creator, Allaah.
The hypocrites utter the declaration, but they conceal rejection in their hearts:

((cid:7)(cid:7) (cid:3)PFO (cid:15)) ( (cid:6)G&(cid:9)A 3 H2(cid:24) (cid:18)(cid:3) (cid:6)4(cid:11)(cid:19)5(cid:24)78 -&(cid:24)&(cid:10)(cid:14) )

“They said with their tongues what is not in their Hearts.” (Qur’an, soorat al-
Fath, 48:11).

The heart is like the king and the limbs are the soldiers. The Prophet ((cid:1)) said:

2(cid:13) \9? ".3G (cid:11)W'B W(cid:15) &= XA(cid:16)= (cid:29)(cid:27)B (cid:31)G(cid:11)Y[Z (cid:4)G(cid:12)= (cid:20)= W(cid:15) (cid:4)=(cid:12)= 6B (cid:18)> (cid:4)=(cid:12)= 6B (cid:15)TB(cid:30)A(cid:16)= (cid:31)G(cid:11)Y[Z (cid:4)G(cid:12)= (cid:20)= W(cid:15) P= (cid:11)BS= R> 4= (cid:11)BS= (cid:15)TB(cid:30)A /UE=V> (cid:13)G (cid:4)A(cid:12)= (cid:20)= W(cid:15) &6A !< (cid:30)A(cid:16)= (cid:29)(cid:27)B"
.(cid:10)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:16) ](cid:17)$^- (cid:15) (cid:14)(cid:15)(cid:16)(cid:17) P54S _((cid:4)L

“Truly there is a piece of flesh in the body if it become good (reformed) the whole
body becomes good but if it gets spoilt the whole body becomes spoilt.” [Part of a
hadeeth collected by Al-Bukhaaree & Muslim].

When the love of Allaah fills the heart, truthfulness and honesty fill it too, but when
desire gets to the heart, the way for corruption and hypocrisy becomes opened and
man will utter what is not really in his heart. The whole and sound heart is the one
free from:

a) association of anyone /anything in the worship of Allaah,
b) false pride and arrogance
c) envy
d) misery
e) love for this life
f) love for leadership and domination
g) lust
h) bid’ah (innovation in religion)

This is the kind of heart that fulfills the declaration of Shahaadah. This is known in
the Qur’an as "Al-Qalb as-Saleem,"the clean, sound, safe and whole heart,” and it is
the thing that really counts on the Day of Reckoning :

(b(cid:8)cbb (cid:3)\(cid:15)(cid:19)`a (cid:15)) ( (cid:6)2(cid:9)(cid:31) I(cid:9)(cid:10)8 (cid:15)(cid:16) J;# /(cid:3) ! -&(cid:19)8 (cid:4) K(cid:18)(cid:3) L(cid:29)(cid:19)(cid:14) M&(cid:14) )
“The Day whereon neither wealth nor sons will avail except him who brings to
Allaah a clean heart.”(Qur’an, soorat ash-Shu’araa’, 26: 88-89).

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5. Love (Al-Mahabah)

Love means:

a) to love Allaah and His Messenger, Muhammad ((cid:1)), more than all else,
b) to love what Allaah and His Messenger ((cid:1)) love and
c) to hate or dislike what Allaah and His Messenger ((cid:1)) hate or dislike in all matters
that are related to Islam.

The Prophet ((cid:1)) said:

:
(cid:3)(cid:28) (cid:29)(cid:30) (cid:31)-i (cid:29) \(cid:19)j(cid:15) &i !(cid:27)(cid:16) (cid:3)$k(cid:15)(cid:23)(cid:24) $l (cid:31)5 (cid:30) 3L(cid:27) (cid:31) (cid:23)(cid:24)(cid:17)(cid:16) (cid:28)(cid:15) !(cid:23)m( !(cid:27) !$de(cid:15) (cid:22)(cid:16)fL (cid:4)?(cid:16) (cid:31)56 2[ 2(cid:13) gfh "

(cid:10)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:16) ](cid:17)$^- (cid:15) (cid:14)(cid:15)(cid:16)(cid:17) ".(cid:17)$0 (cid:15) o J'(cid:11)( !(cid:27) (cid:14)(cid:19)m( $(cid:5)[ (cid:3)(cid:31)0(cid:13) (cid:28)(cid:15) (cid:14)C'n(cid:27) !(cid:27) (cid:4)`D (cid:19)Om (cid:15) o p(cid:23)`( !(cid:27) (cid:14)(cid:19)m( !(cid:27)(cid:16)

“Whoever possesses (the following) three qualities will relish the sweetness (delight)
of Eemaan (Faith): The one to whom Allaah and His Messenger ((cid:1)) becomes dearer
than anything else; that he loves a person for Allaah alone (i.e. to purely seek Allaah
and His Pleasure); that he hates to revert to Kufr (disbelief) after Allaah has rescued
him from it as he hates to be thrown into Hell.” [Collected by Al-Bukhaaree and
Muslim].

The love of Allaah and His Messenger Muhammad ((cid:1)) must be translated into
following their orders. This negates following innovators and/or their innovations,
those who introduce concepts and/or ways that are not according to Islamic
teachings: like the mystics of Sufism and their so-called "Tareeqas (ways)" which
have nothing to do with Islam. Their ideas originated from Hindu concepts. They
elevate their Sufi Sheikhs and leaders (Aqtab) to divine levels. Similarly, the
Raafidhah (Rejectionist Shia) elevate 'Ali and other members of the household of the
Prophet ((cid:1)) to divine levels, invoking them besides, or to the exclusion of Allaah:

/N (cid:14)(cid:27)OP(cid:24)(cid:16) Q(cid:28)N(cid:14)N &R(cid:24)S(cid:4)N "OT(cid:9)U(cid:24) (cid:18)V(cid:8)W(cid:12) X9YN #S (cid:16)Z&(cid:19)(cid:12)(cid:3)N? /N (cid:14)(cid:27)OP(cid:24)(cid:16)(cid:4)N "OT(cid:9)(cid:24)(cid:16) [I\(cid:12) %S (cid:6)R 4(cid:12)(cid:26)N&X(cid:8)\O (cid:14)(cid:12) (cid:16)C,(cid:16)9N(cid:26)#S O"T(cid:9)(cid:24)(cid:16) -O (cid:4),(cid:12) /(cid:3)O (cid:27)]^O _(cid:11)(cid:14)N /(cid:3)N `O (cid:18)_(cid:19)(cid:24)(cid:16) /N (cid:3)O(cid:4)N)

.((cid:7)q(cid:25) (cid:3)(cid:22)(cid:19)'- (cid:15)) ( b(cid:16)(cid:27)S(cid:13)N(cid:24)Z(cid:16) 9(cid:12)(cid:14)9OYN "NT(cid:9)(cid:24)(cid:16) P-#S(cid:4)N (cid:18)C(cid:13)2(cid:23)O:N "OT(cid:9)(cid:24)O aS_&(cid:10)](cid:24)Z(cid:16) P-#S bN (cid:16)(cid:27)S(cid:13)N(cid:24)Z(cid:16) -S (cid:4)R(cid:28)N(cid:14)N cZ!O (cid:16)Z&(cid:23)(cid:12)(cid:9)SdS

"And of mankind are some who take (for worship) others besides Allaah as rivals
(to Allaah). They love them as they love Allaah. But those who believe love Allaah
more (than anything else)." (Qur'an, soorat al-Baqarah, 2:165)

In the following narration, Abdullah bin Mas'ud ((cid:2)) said:

)
(cid:31)G(cid:11)< (cid:15) J(cid:11)<S= &t -A0I (cid:15) )B $HB u(cid:19)=v> (cid:27)Z RG (cid:11)WHZ(cid:16)= /U(cid:5)=A(cid:11)[B (cid:10)=(cid:11)<(cid:24)= (cid:16)= (cid:31)A5>(cid:11)B.= (cid:31)G(cid:11)< (cid:15) J(cid:11)<S= &t -A0I (cid:15) )B $HB :((cid:31)0. (cid:28)(cid:15) &r(cid:17)) p(cid:23)`(cid:12)(cid:13) 2D(cid:15) (cid:31)A(cid:11)< (cid:15) (cid:4)A->.= 2> .=
(
/B0I(cid:20)= W(cid:15) wB v= p= (cid:15)(cid:4)xnA (cid:31)A(cid:11)< A (cid:23).G(cid:4)> =( $ B (cid:23)=X>(cid:16)= (cid:18)= $(cid:13)= 2> (cid:13)= $n=(cid:27)B RG (cid:11)WHZ(cid:16)= (cid:17)=$0I (cid:15) wB v= p= (cid:15)(cid:4)xnA (cid:31)A(cid:11)< (cid:15) !A (cid:16)pG 2> (cid:13)A (cid:23).G(cid:4)> =( (cid:23)=X>(cid:16)= (cid:18)= $(cid:13)= 2> (cid:13)= (cid:10)=(cid:11)<(cid:24)= (cid:16)= (cid:31)A5>B(cid:11).=
](cid:17)$^- (cid:15) (cid:14)(cid:15)(cid:16)(cid:17)

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"The Prophet ((cid:1)) said one statement and I said another. The Prophet ((cid:1)) said:
"Whoever dies while still invoking anything other than Allaah as a rival to Allaah,
will enter Hell (Fire)." And I said, "Whoever dies without invoking anything as a rival
to Allaah, will enter Al-Jannah (Paradise)." [Collected by Al-Bukhaaree].

The Love of Allaah and His Message of Islam is related to the Knowledge of Him and
of His Names and Attributes. The more the person knows of Allaah, the love of Him
becomes stronger. This makes the believer eager to meet Allaah, see Him, and listen
to His Words in the Hereafter. This becomes the goal and all the worldly attachment
gets weaker and weaker. The spirit is lifted up. It aims high towards its Creator. It
would not trap itself on any road that would lead to other than the submission to
Allaah alone. The person becomes motivated to comply with Allaah's command to the
best of his abilities. This produces the true happiness in this life and in the Hereafter.

6. Compliance (Al-Inqiyaad)

The testimony is fulfilled by obedience to Allaah and His Messenger Muhammad ((cid:1))
and by safeguarding against what Allaah forbids:

(yy (cid:3)!$(cid:5)' ) ( >&(cid:3)e(cid:16) ((cid:8)A(cid:18)$ (cid:15)(cid:16) f!(cid:4) J(cid:10)g&(cid:24)(cid:16) a(cid:4)(cid:28)(cid:13)(cid:24)(cid:18)8 (cid:25)5(cid:23)(cid:11)(cid:31)(cid:16) 9(cid:10)(cid:1) /5h &.(cid:4) (cid:15)(cid:16) f! "4:(cid:4) (cid:6)(cid:9)5(cid:14) /(cid:3)(cid:4) )

“Whoever submits his face to Allaah (i.e. follow Islam), while he is doing good
(i.e. obey Allaah and His Messenger Muhammad ((cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)) in all respects) has grasped
the most trustworthy hand-hold” (Qur’an, soorat Luqman, 31:22).

The compliance to the declaration of the Shahaadah must be free of hesitation. Rather
it is a matter of full submission. This is well illustrated in the saying of Allaah:

)
"(cid:24)&(cid:31)>(cid:4) (cid:15)(cid:16) i(cid:13)(cid:14) /(cid:3)(cid:4) (cid:6).(cid:28)(cid:3)# /(cid:3) ajk(cid:16) (cid:6)6 -&(cid:7)(cid:14) -# (cid:16)(cid:28)(cid:3)# "(cid:24)&(cid:31)>(cid:4) (cid:15)(cid:16) JlA (cid:16)c! ((cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:3) (cid:4) /(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:21) -(cid:18)% (cid:18)(cid:3)(cid:4)
(
(|q(cid:3)z(cid:15)9L{(cid:15)) . (cid:18)(cid:19)2(cid:8)(cid:3) C mn *n 9(cid:10)(cid:1)

“It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allaah and his Messenger have
decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision. And
whoever disobeys Allaah and his Messenger, he has indeed strayed in a plain
error.”[Qur’an, soorat al-Ahzaab, 33:36].

The decrees of Allaah and His Messenger are not subject to human evaluation. The
Message is a Revelation. What it contains is for the benefit of man. Therefore, man’s
submission in Islam is for his own good.

7th Acceptance (al-Qubool)

It is not enough to recognize the greatness of Islam and that it is the Truth, but this
recognition must be ascertained by humble acceptance and humility. The adherence to
the meaning of this declaration safeguards the believer from false pride, arrogance
and disdainfulness:

(|(cid:25) (cid:3)(cid:18)$6$} (cid:15)) ( -(cid:4)q(cid:7)(cid:11)5(cid:14) (cid:15)(cid:16) ! "(cid:24)! (cid:6)6 *2A (cid:16)c! (cid:16)&(cid:26)(cid:18)% (cid:6)p! )
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“Truly when it was said to them: laa ilaaha illal-laah (None has the right to be
worshipped but Allaah), they puffed themselves up with pride (i.e. denied it).”
(Qur’an, soorat as-Saafaat, 37:35).

The Muslim must realize that this declaration stands against bigoted and blind
imitation and calls for an acceptance of the teachings of Islam according to the
understanding of those who followed the correct path. They are the companions and
those who follow their footsteps until the day of resurrection. This path is knows as
the Path of as-Salafus-Saalih (righteous predecessors).

The Prophet ((cid:1)) gave amazing parables for those who accept and those who reject the
guidance and teachings of Islam. He said:

/(cid:127)5I'An= $"=0>(cid:13)A !B $mB 6B $r€ (cid:17)>(cid:27)B z= $S= (cid:27)B *A ~AmB W(cid:15) _A 5>E= W(cid:15) wA ~B(cid:5)=[B (cid:10)A(cid:11)W`A W(cid:15)(cid:16)= u(cid:4)="G W(cid:15) 2> (cid:13)A (cid:31)ADA (cid:31)G(cid:11)< (cid:15) &0A~B`=D= $(cid:13)= wZ ~B(cid:13)=" :Kf(cid:12) (cid:15)(cid:16) (cid:22)f} (cid:15) (cid:31)5(cid:11). )$H
(cid:15)(cid:23)>'B(cid:24)= (cid:16)= (cid:15)(cid:23)DG(cid:19)Aa= 6B „= $0I (cid:15) $"=DA (cid:31)G(cid:11)< (cid:15) …=OB0=6B \ƒ$(cid:5)= W(cid:15) R> mB (cid:12)= (cid:13)>(cid:27)B zG pA$?= (cid:27)B $"=0>(cid:13)A R> n=$[B (cid:16)= *= ~AmB W(cid:15) 3= a> `G W(cid:15)(cid:16)= (cid:129)mB W(cid:15) R> F=-=n>‚B6B \ƒ$(cid:5)= W(cid:15) R> (cid:11)B-AHB
.
(cid:31)A(cid:11)< (cid:15) 2A (pA &6A (cid:31)='Z6B 2> (cid:13)= wZ ~B(cid:13)= @= ACB6B (cid:129)† [B RG -A0>‡G (cid:29)(cid:16) \†$(cid:13)= @G (cid:12)A (cid:5)> ‡G (cid:29) !(cid:127)$`=5HA &= XA $(cid:5)=nI(cid:30)A u(cid:19)=v> (cid:27)Z /UOBˆA$‰B $"=0>(cid:13)A R> D=$S= (cid:27)B(cid:16)= (cid:15)(cid:23).G(cid:17)=Š=(cid:16)=
(cid:14)(cid:15)(cid:16)(cid:17) " .(cid:31)DA RG (cid:11)W(cid:24)A (cid:17)>(cid:27)Z ]CA <(cid:15) (cid:31)A(cid:11)< (cid:15) u(cid:4)=XG wW -='W=( (cid:10)> B(cid:16)= $(cid:24)€ (cid:27)W(cid:17)= @= ACBDA …> 6B(cid:19)>=( (cid:10)> B 2> (cid:13)= wZ ~B(cid:13)=(cid:16)= (cid:10)=(cid:11)<.=(cid:16)= (cid:10)=(cid:11)A`=6B (cid:31)ADA (cid:31)G(cid:11)< (cid:15) &0A~B`=D= $(cid:13)= (cid:31)G`=OBn=(cid:16)=

](cid:17)$^- (cid:15)

“The example of guidance and knowledge with which Allaah has sent me is like
abundant rain falling on the earth, some of which was fertile soil that absorbed rain
water and brought forth vegetation and grass in abundance. (And) another portion of it
was hard and held the rain water and Allaah benefited the people with it and they
utilized it for drinking, making their animals drink from it and for irrigation of the
land for cultivation. (And) a portion of it was barren which could neither hold the
water nor bring forth vegetation (then that land gave no benefit). The first is the
example of the person who comprehends Allaah’s religion and gets benefit (from
knowledge) which Aِِ llaah has revealed through me (the Prophet) and learns and then
teaches others. The last example is that of a person who does not care for it and does
not take Allaah’s guidance revealed through me (he is like that barren land).
[Collected by Al-Bukhaaree].

7
The Second Part of the Shahaadah
,ا ل/0ر ٌ234ُ5
Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah

This is the second part of the declaration of the Shahaadah. It is the belief that
Muhammad ((cid:1)) is the final and last Messenger of Allaah. This means that:

1) Whatever Allaah told us about Muhammad ((cid:1)) must be true

((cid:7)yb (cid:3)/D(cid:23)F (cid:15)) ((cid:6)2WO _> wr (cid:4)x(cid:12)>N (cid:22)N (cid:19)O(cid:3)O(cid:20)R(cid:23)(cid:12)(cid:24)Z(cid:18)8O (cid:6)(cid:7)] 2R(cid:9)S$N sr (cid:14)(cid:28)OWN (cid:6)R X(cid:11)(cid:19)O$N (cid:18)(cid:3)N "O2R(cid:9)S$N tr(cid:14)tO$N (cid:6)R (cid:7)] 5O (cid:29)](cid:26)#S /R [(cid:3) Ku &(cid:31)(cid:12) >N (cid:6)R %] v(cid:18):N 9R (cid:10)S(cid:24)S )

"Verily, there has come unto you a Messenger (Muhammad-(cid:1)) from amongst
yourselves (i.e. whom you know well). It grieves him that you should receive any
injury or difficulty. He (Muhammad-(cid:1)) is anxious over you (to be rightly guided,
to repent to Allaah, and beg Him to pardon and forgive your sins, in order that you
may enter Paradise and be saved from the punishment of the Hell-Fire), for the
believers (he-(cid:1)-is) full of pity, kind, and Merciful."(Qur'an, soorat at-Tawbah, 9:
128).

*
(:qc:(cid:25) (cid:3)z(cid:15)9L{(cid:15)) ( (cid:16)Cj(cid:19)O(cid:3)(cid:12) (cid:18)C:(cid:16)(cid:28)N(cid:31)O (cid:4)N "O(cid:26)OcZ}O8O "OP(cid:9)(cid:24)(cid:16) J(cid:24)S!O (cid:18)C2$O(cid:16),N(cid:4)N y(cid:16)(cid:28)(cid:14)(cid:27)O(cid:26)N(cid:4)N (cid:16)C(cid:28)[z(cid:8)N(cid:3)(cid:12)(cid:4)N (cid:16)C9.O(cid:18)YN {N (cid:18)(cid:19)N(cid:9)Z(cid:31)N >R#S (cid:18)_(cid:26)O! X|(cid:8)O_(cid:19)(cid:24)(cid:16) (cid:18)4NX(cid:14)#S (cid:18)(cid:14)N )

"O Prophet (Muhammad-(cid:1))! Verily, We have sent you as a witness, and a bearer
of glad tidings and a warner, And as one who invites to Allaah {i.e. to worship
none but Allaah} by His leave, and as a lamp spreading light (through your in-
structions from the Qur'an and Sunnah)."(Qur'an, soorat al-Ahzaab, 33: 45-46)

(cid:18)(cid:24)S(cid:4)N (cid:18)\~ (cid:24)O(cid:18)(cid:127)N (cid:18)(cid:9)C(cid:23)N$N *Z (cid:23)N(cid:13)R2N(cid:9)Z(cid:1)S "O[8>N v(cid:18)(cid:10)S(cid:24)O &:(cid:12) (cid:28)R(cid:14)N -S (cid:18)%S /(cid:23)N(cid:1)S 9rWO (cid:16)(cid:4)N "r(cid:24)S!O (cid:6)R (cid:7)] 4(cid:12)(cid:24)S!O (cid:18)(cid:23)N_(cid:26)#S _|(cid:24)S!O JWN &(cid:14)(cid:12) (cid:6)R (cid:7)] (cid:9)](cid:2)Z[(cid:3) (cid:28)rzN 8N (cid:18)(cid:26)N#S (cid:18)(cid:23)N_(cid:26)!O *Z A] )

((cid:7)(cid:7)Œ (cid:3)‹"m (cid:15) (cid:22)(cid:17)(cid:23)(cid:24)) ( (cid:16)9~WN #S "O[8>N aO,N(cid:18)(cid:8)N(cid:13)O8O {R (cid:28)OzR (cid:14)(cid:12)
"Say (O Muhammad-(cid:1)): "I am a man like you. It has been inspired to me that
your Ilaah (God) is One Ilaah (i.e., Allaah). So, whoever hopes for the meeting
with his Rabb (Allaah), let him work righteousness and associate none as a
partner in the worship of his Rabb (Allaah)." (Qur'an, soorat al-Kahf, 18:110)

(cid:6)R 4O[8>N 9N(cid:19)$O (cid:129)€ 9R (cid:127)O MN9NAS (cid:6)R 4(cid:12)(cid:24)S P-#S (cid:16)Z&(cid:19)(cid:12)(cid:3)N? /N (cid:14)(cid:27)OP(cid:24)(cid:16) (cid:28)O[z8N(cid:4)N `N (cid:18)_(cid:19)(cid:24)(cid:16) >O(cid:27)O(cid:26)#S -Z #S (cid:6)R 4(cid:12)(cid:19)R[(cid:3) *€ (cid:12):>N J(cid:24)S!O (cid:18)(cid:19)N2RWN (cid:4)R#S -Z #S (cid:18)(cid:8)~‚N $N `O (cid:18)_(cid:19)(cid:9)(cid:24)O -S (cid:18)%S #S )
(y (cid:3)(cid:141)n(cid:23)( (cid:22)(cid:17)(cid:23)(cid:24)) ( (cid:22)r (cid:8)OX(cid:3) (cid:28)rWO (cid:18)5N (cid:24)S (cid:16)(cid:27)Sƒ.N P-!O -S (cid:4)(cid:28)(cid:12)(cid:1)O(cid:18)(cid:7)S (cid:24)Z(cid:16) KS (cid:18)AS

"Is it a wonder for mankind that We have sent Our inspiration to a man from
among themselves (Prophet Muhammad-(cid:1))(saying):"Warn mankind (of the
coming torment in Hell) and give good news to those who believe (in the Oneness
of Allaah & in His Prophet-(cid:1)), that they shall have with their Rabb (Allaah) the
rewards of their good deeds."? (Qur'an, soorat Younus, 10: 2).

8
|N (cid:19)O_5(cid:3)N (cid:18)(cid:3)N(cid:4)N (cid:28)O2R^N (cid:24)Z(cid:16) /N (cid:3)O (cid:17)(cid:12) (cid:28)R(cid:2)S(cid:7)Z (cid:11)N(cid:31)R S IN 2RN(cid:30)(cid:24)Z(cid:16) (cid:6)(cid:12)(cid:9)S$R #S „(cid:12) (cid:19)%] &R(cid:24)S(cid:4)N "(cid:12)T(cid:9)(cid:24)(cid:16) v(cid:18)YN (cid:18)(cid:3)N P !O (cid:16)V(cid:28)nN S (cid:4)N (cid:18)(cid:13)~(cid:29)Z(cid:26)N |5O (cid:29)Z(cid:19)N(cid:24)O (cid:25)(cid:12) (cid:9)O(cid:3)R#S P *A] )

((cid:7)bb (cid:3)Ž(cid:15)(cid:19).{(cid:15) (cid:22)(cid:17)(cid:23)(cid:24)) ( -&(cid:19)(cid:12)(cid:3)O(cid:20)R(cid:14)(cid:12) M€&R(cid:10)SU(cid:24) jr zO 8N(cid:4)N (cid:28)r(cid:14)(cid:27)O(cid:26)N P !O (cid:18)Z(cid:26)N#S -Z !O v…&X5(cid:24)(cid:16)

"Say (O Muhammad-(cid:1)) I possess no power of benefit or hurt to myself except
as Allaah will. If I had the knowledge of the Ghaib (unseen), I should have
secured for myself an abundance of wealth, and no evil should have touched me:
I am but a warner, and a bringer of glad tidings unto people who be-
lieve."(Qur'an, soorat al-A’raaf, 7:188).

2) That we must worship Allaah as taught by Muhammad ((cid:1))

The obedience to Muhammad ((cid:1)) is an Order from Allaah:

((cid:143) (cid:3)(cid:19)a(cid:21)(cid:15)) ( b(cid:18)(cid:10)S(cid:13)O(cid:24)Z(cid:16) 9(cid:12)(cid:14)9OYN "NP(cid:9)(cid:24)(cid:16) P-!O "NP(cid:9)(cid:24)(cid:16) (cid:16)&(cid:10)]_;(cid:16)(cid:4)N (cid:16)&4(cid:12)(cid:11)N(cid:26)R(cid:18)(cid:1)S "(cid:12)(cid:19)R$N (cid:6)R %] (cid:18)4N(cid:26)N (cid:18)(cid:3)N(cid:4)N †(cid:12)(cid:4)(cid:27)]^(cid:12) (cid:1)S K] &(cid:31)(cid:12) _(cid:28)(cid:24)(cid:16) (cid:6)(cid:12)%] (cid:18);N? (cid:18)(cid:3)N(cid:4)N )

"And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad-(cid:1)) gives you, take it, and
whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it) and fear Allaah. Verily, Allaah is
severe in punishment." (Qur'an, soorat al-Hashr, 59:7)

The meaning of the above ayah (verse) is very well illustrated in the following
narration:

(cid:18)A $(cid:5)=#A (cid:15)(cid:23)= W(cid:15) (cid:31)G(cid:11)< (cid:15) 2= `= B " :)$HB (cid:31)A(cid:11)< (cid:15) (cid:4)A->.= 2> .= /B(cid:5)='B(cid:11)W.= 2> .= (cid:10)=5XA(cid:15)(cid:19)=D>(cid:30)A 2> .= (cid:17)7(cid:23)}G 0>(cid:13)= 2> .= !Z $5=OWG(cid:24) $0=hB(cid:4)IL= : ‹= (cid:24)G (cid:23)G( 2G D> (cid:4)G(cid:5)I4= (cid:13)G $0=hB(cid:4)IL=
Kt(cid:27)Z $"= B )Z $'BG( (cid:4)7(cid:24)= (cid:27)B &0AD= 2> (cid:13)A (cid:22)U(cid:27)B(cid:19)=(cid:13)>(cid:15) @= A TB (cid:144)B(cid:11)B-=6B (cid:31)A(cid:11)< (cid:15) N= (cid:11)Wv= (cid:18)A (cid:15)(cid:19)=5‘E=(cid:5)G W(cid:15) 2A (cid:12)> 4G (cid:11)WA (cid:18)A $(cid:20)= (cid:11)’OBF=(cid:5)G W(cid:15)(cid:16)= (cid:18)A $}= (cid:5)‘0=F=(cid:5)G W(cid:15)(cid:16)= (cid:18)A $(cid:5)=aA ‡=(cid:23)G(cid:5) W(cid:15)(cid:16)=
(cid:31)G(cid:11)< (cid:15) J(cid:11)<S= (cid:31)A(cid:11)< (cid:15) )Z (cid:23)(cid:24)G (cid:17)= 2= `= B 2> (cid:13)= 2G `= W(cid:27)B & A $(cid:13)=(cid:16)= )B $'B6B R= 5>[B (cid:16)= R= 5>[B R= 0>`= B @= nI(cid:27)B @= 0>.= &0AE=(cid:11)BD= (cid:31)GnI(cid:30)A R> B$'B6B (cid:18)> ƒ\$(cid:20)= 6B z= (cid:23)'Z`>=(
: .
(cid:31)A5‡A(cid:27)W(cid:19)=HB RA 0>[Z 2> “A B )B $HB )Z (cid:23)'Z‡= $(cid:13)= (cid:31)A56A (cid:18)G (cid:4)> ?= (cid:16)= $(cid:5)=6B 2A 5>L= (cid:23)>(cid:11)< (cid:15) 2= 5>=D $(cid:13)= (cid:18)G (cid:27)W(cid:19)=HB (cid:4)> 'B B R> B$'B6B (cid:31)A(cid:11)< (cid:15) zA $F=[A &6A (cid:23)=XG 2> (cid:13)=(cid:16)= (cid:10)=(cid:11)<(cid:24)= (cid:16)= (cid:31)A5>(cid:11)B.=
&n‘MA6B R> B$HB (cid:31)G0>.= J"=n= (cid:4)> HB (cid:31)GnIMA6B )B $HB J(cid:11)BD= R> B$HB (cid:15)(cid:23)"GF=n>$6B (cid:31)G0>.= (cid:10)>[Z $"=n= $(cid:13)=(cid:16)= (cid:14)G(cid:16)CZ^G 6B )Z (cid:23)(cid:24)G (cid:19)I (cid:15) (cid:10)> [Z $‡=” $(cid:13)=(cid:16)= (cid:18)A (cid:27)W(cid:19)=HB $(cid:13)=(cid:27)B (cid:31)A5A‡(cid:4)>?= (cid:16)= (cid:4)> 'B B
$(cid:13)= @= ACB[B R> n=$[B (cid:23)> B )B $'B6B $“U5>#= $"=FA?= $L= 2> (cid:13)A (cid:19)=‡= (cid:10)> (cid:11)B6B (cid:18)> (cid:19)=•B 0=6B R> -=X=CB6B ](cid:19)A•Z n>$6B &-AX=TW$6B )B $HB (cid:31)Gn=(cid:23)(cid:11)Z`=OW=( @= (cid:11)BX>(cid:27)B u(cid:17)=(cid:27)B
".
.](cid:17)$^- (cid:15) (cid:14)(cid:15)(cid:16)(cid:17) $"=FG`>(cid:13)=$?=

Narrated 'Alqama: Abdullaah (bin Mas'ud) said, "Allaah curses those ladies who
practice tattooing and those who get themselves tattooed, and those ladies who
remove the hair from their faces and those who make artificial spaces between their
teeth to look more beautiful whereby they change Allaah's creation. "His saying
reached a lady from Bani Asd called Um Ya'qub who came (to Abdullaah) and said: "I
have come to know that you have cursed such-and-such (ladies)?" He replied: "Why
should not I curse these whom Allaah's Messenger cursed and who are cursed in
Allaah's Book!" Um Ya'qub said, "I have read the whole Qur'an and I have not found
in it what you say." He said, "Verily if you have read it (i.e. the Qur'an), you have
found it. Didn't you read: "And whatsoever the Messenger gives you, take it and
whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it)." She replied, "Yes, I did." He said,
"Verily, Allaah's Messenger forbade these things." She said, "But I see your wife
doing these things?" He said, "Go and watch her." She went and watched her but
could not see anything in support of her statement. On that he said, "If my wife were
as you thought, I would not keep her in my company (i.e. I would divorce her)."
9
(bŒ (cid:3)\$(cid:12)0 (cid:15) ) ( (cid:18)‡C 2(cid:29)OWN (cid:6)R 4O2R(cid:9)S$N {N (cid:18)(cid:19)N(cid:9)Z(cid:31)N >R#S (cid:18)(cid:23)N(cid:1)S JP(cid:24)&N;N /(cid:3)N(cid:4)N "NT(cid:9)(cid:24)(cid:16) ˆN (cid:18)‰S #S 9R (cid:10)S(cid:1)S KS &(cid:31)(cid:12) _(cid:28)(cid:24)(cid:16) LO ŠO (cid:14)(cid:12) /R _(cid:3) )

"He who obeys the Messenger (Muhammad-(cid:1)), has indeed obeyed Allaah, but he
who turns away, then We have not sent you (O Muhammad-(cid:1)) as a watcher over
them." (Qur'an, soorat an-Nisaa’, 4:80)

The Prophet ((cid:1)) said:

(cid:4)>'B6B ]*A (cid:13)A(cid:27)B J}= .= 2> (cid:13)=(cid:16)= (cid:3)&0A.=$‰B (cid:27)B (cid:4)>'B6B ]*A (cid:13)A(cid:27)B –= $‰B (cid:27)B 2> (cid:13)=(cid:16)= (cid:3)(cid:31)=(cid:11)< (cid:15) J}= .= (cid:4)>'B6B &nA$}= .= 2> (cid:13)=(cid:16)= (cid:3)(cid:31)=(cid:11)< (cid:15) =–$‰B (cid:27)B (cid:4)> 'B6B &0A.=$‰B (cid:27)B 2> (cid:13)="

](cid:17)$^- (cid:15) (cid:14)(cid:15)(cid:16)(cid:17) ".&nA$}= .=

"Whoever obeys me, he obeys Allaah, and whoever disobeys me, he disobeys Allaah,
and whoever obeys the ruler I appoint, he obeys me, and whoever disobeys him, he
disobeys me." [Collected by Al-Bukhaaree].

He ((cid:1)) also said:

"
(cid:4)> 'B6B &nA$}= .= 2> (cid:13)=(cid:16)= /B0I(cid:20)= W(cid:15) wB v= p= &0A.=$‰B (cid:27)B 2> (cid:13)= )B $HB JD=‚W=( 2> (cid:13)=(cid:16)= (cid:31)A(cid:11)< (cid:15) )B (cid:23)(cid:24)G (cid:17)= $=( (cid:15)(cid:23) Z$HB JD=(cid:27)B 2> (cid:13)= $ <(cid:30)A /B0I(cid:20)= W(cid:15) !B (cid:23)(cid:11)ZvG (cid:4)> =( &FA(cid:13)I(cid:27)Z wY [Z

](cid:17)$^- (cid:15) (cid:14)(cid:15)(cid:16)(cid:17) ".JD=(cid:27)B

"All of my followers will enter Paradise except those who refuse." They said: 'O
Allaah's Messenger! Who will refuse?' He said,"Whoever obeys me will enter
Paradise and whoever disobeys me is the one who refuses (to enter it)." [Collected by
Al-Bukhaaree].

The matters discussing worship of Allaah, discipline, orders, advice, approvals, and
recommendations as detailed by Muhammad ((cid:1)) are collectively known as Sunnah.
The Sunnah is also meant to emphasize the correct way of understanding the Deen of
Islam, in contrast with the ways of deviations and (or) innovations. The Sunnah is an
Inspiration from Allaah and is not the Prophet's idea, thought or desire:

(:c| (cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:20)0 (cid:15) (cid:22)(cid:17)(cid:23)(cid:24) ) ( (cid:141)N &(cid:14)(cid:12) |r WR (cid:4)N (cid:18)P(cid:24)!O &N.(cid:12) -Z !O * Q&N4N(cid:24)Z(cid:16) /O $N ‹(cid:12) ŠO (cid:19)(cid:14)N (cid:18)(cid:3)N(cid:4)N )

"Nor does he (Muhammad-(cid:1)) speak of (his own) desire. It is only an Inspiration
that is inspired."(Qur'an, soorat an-Najm, 53:3-4)

So, in obeying the Prophet's Sunnah we are obeying Allaah. There should be no
resistance to the way of the Prophet ((cid:1)). He ((cid:1)) must be taken as a judge in all
disputes as Allaah clearly commands:

(cid:16)Z&(cid:23)(cid:12)U(cid:9)5N (cid:14)(cid:12)(cid:4)N „N 2RlN AS (cid:18)_(cid:23)[(cid:3) (cid:18):~ (cid:28)NWN (cid:6)R 4O5O (cid:29)](cid:26)# |(cid:1)O (cid:16)Z(cid:4)9(cid:12)‚O (cid:14)N S _(cid:6)g] (cid:6)R 4(cid:12)(cid:19)N2R8N (cid:28)N‚N YN (cid:18)(cid:23)N2(cid:1)O {N &(cid:23)(cid:12)U(cid:7)\N (cid:14)(cid:12) NJ_(cid:11)WN -S &(cid:19)(cid:12)(cid:3)O(cid:20)R(cid:14)(cid:12) S (cid:25)N [8>N(cid:4)N mS (cid:1)S )

(q(cid:25) (cid:3)\$(cid:12)0 (cid:15) (cid:22)(cid:17)(cid:23)(cid:24)) ((cid:6)~2(cid:9)O5R ;N

"But no, by your Rabb (Allaah), they can have no Faith, until they make you (O
Muhammad-(cid:1)) judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no
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