Tawheed al-`Ibaadah (The Monothesim of Worship)

Tawheed al-`Ibaadah (The Monothesim of Worship)

By Br. Ahmad Ibrahim
Published in the 19th issue of Nida'ul Islam magazine, July - August 1997
http://islaam.com//Article.aspx?id=64

All those who profess the Islamic beliefs should naturally submit to Allah and worship Him alone, by doing whatever He commanded and by avoiding whatever He has forbidden, which is Tawheed ul `Ibaadah. Without this aspect of Tawheed, one's belief in Allah's Oneness is not complete.

We Muslims often use the term `Aqeedah, but what do we mean by it? Is `Aqeedah something that is memorized and simply rattled off on one's tongue? And what is the relationship between one's `Aqeedah and one's actions?

`Aqeedah is the firm creed that one's heart is fixed upon without any wavering and doubt, creed which excludes any supposition, doubt or suspicion. The Qur'an uses the term "Emaan" in its stead. In the understanding of Ahl us-Sunnah wal-Jama`ah, it is well known that Emaan is profession in the heart and by the tongue, and action by the heart, tongue and the limbs. [al-`Aqeedat ul-Wasitiyyah of Ibn Taymeeyah]. Therefore, Emaan is much more than just a mere profession. For that reason, we find that early Makkans refused to say the Shahada - even though mere saying of it is not a difficulty - as they understood its implications. They understood that one's belief in Allah which is stated by tongues must be present in the heart and must manifest in one's actions of heart (such as love and fear of Allah), of tongue (dhikr, saying of the Shahada...) and of limbs (prayer, enjoining good and forbidding evil...).

Today, however, some people pronounce the Shahada without a second thought and without realizing the intended meaning and implications of the testimony of faith..

To profess the Islamic belief is to believe in:

• The unity of Allah's Lordship (Tawheed ur-Ruboobeeyah): That Allah is the One who creates, owns and administers what He created, the One who brings benefit and averts harm, and the sole Power in the universe.
• Allah's unity regarding His Perfect Names and Attributes (Tawheed Asmaa' Allah wa Sifatih)- describing Allah according to the names and attributes by which He has described Himself in the Qur'an or by those used by Prophet Muhammad to describe Him.

All those who profess these beliefs should naturally submit to Allah and worship Him alone, by doing whatever He commanded and by avoiding whatever He has forbidden, which is Tawheed ul `Ibaadah. Without this aspect of Tawheed, one's belief in Allah's Tawheed (Oneness) is not complete. In fact, if any of the above aspects of Tawheed is missing, one's realization and maintaining of Tawheed in one's life is lacking and defective.

However, an aspect of Tawheed that perhaps needs to be stressed in particular is Tawheed ul-`Ibaadah, as it is often either not understood properly or is neglected to a varying degree. Absence of such understanding and practice leads to various deviations, from believing that faith is mere statement on the tongue and thus not fulfilling one's true purpose of creation, to the very common ritualism, wherein the religion is taken as a set of ritualistic actions without much meaning and impact on one's life.

What is Tawheed ul`Ibaadah?

Tawheed ul `Ibaadah is to single-out Allah alone for all worship and not to worship anything along with Him, whether it be an angel, a Messenger, a Prophet, a pious person, a tree, a stone, the sun, the moon, or other than these, such as money or one's desires. Allah says: "And your Lord is one Lord, there is none who has the right to be worshipped but He, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful" [2:163]. Also, "And the Mosques are for Allah (alone), so invoke not anyone along with Allah" [72:18]. And as regards to worshipping other than Him, Allah the Exalted says, "That is because Allah is the Truth, and what they invoke besides Him, it is falsehood. And verily, Allah is the Most High, the Most Great" [22:62].

At-Taghoot

How does one take others as god besides Allah? In brief, Ibn al-Qayyim says that "Taghoot" (false god, anything worshipped besides Allah) includes everyone who rules by other than the Revelation of Allah and the example of His Messenger; or that which is worshipped instead of, or in addition to, Allah; or which is followed in opposition to the Commands of Allah. Therefore, if one chooses to love, revere, obey or follow other that Allah and His Revelation, then he could be regarded as a god besides Allah.

The Implications of Tawheed ul-`Ibaadah

To understand the reality of ul-`Ibaadah and what it means to worship Allah alone, without attributing partners to Him, is of extreme importance, and all those who succeed in it will be a step closer to becoming true `Ibaad (worshippers, servants) of the Merciful, and those who are doing their best to fulfill the purpose of their creation and maintain Tawheed in their lives. The following are some reasons which point to the essentiality of Tawheed ul-`Ibaadah, hoping that they would increase us in our desire to understand it and apply it in our short lives:

• It is this aspect of Tawheed that the Prophets were sent to elaborate first and foremost, "And verily, We have sent amongst every nation a messenger (with the command): 'Worship Allah and avoid all false deities" [16:36]. Nooh (a.s.) said, "Worship Allah, you have no other deity but Him." [7:59] The Prophet (s.a.w.) said, "I was sent between the hands of the Hour with the sword until Allah will be worshipped alone with no partner, my sustenance was made under the shadow of my spear, and humiliation and lowliness were made for those who disobey my order." [Narrated as mu`allaq by al-Bukhari and Abu Dawood; Ibn Hajr classified it as hasan]
• It is only the case that when Tawheed al-`Ibaadah is affirmed, that the other two aspects of Tawheed - Tawheed ur-Ruboobeeyah and Tawheed Asmaa'illaahi wa Sifaatih - are affirmed as well, because if one performs true `Ibaadah to his Lord, then he would affirm Allah's Ruboobeeyah and also perfection in the Names and Attributes that can belong only to Him. But one can believe in either of the two other aspects of Tawheed without necessarily believing in Tawheed ul-`Ibaadah. "If you asked them who created them, they would surely say, 'Allah'." [43:87]
• Tawheed al-`Ibaadah is the essence of our deen and the purpose of our existence. "And I created not the Jinns and men except that they should worship Me (alone)." [51:56]
• It is this aspect of Tawheed that muwahhidoon (true worshippers of Allah alone and affirmers of Tawheed) are distinguished by from mushrikoon. This Tawheed is emphasized in the meaning of the testimony of faith, by which one enters into Islam. Therefore this Tawheed is the true essence of the first pillar upon which Islam is built.
• This aspect of Tawheed is based mainly on action, rather than knowledge, unlike the other two aspects of Tawheed, and it is by affirming this Tawheed that one truly submits to Allah (s.w.t.). To affirm this Tawheed by action until the end of this life is a command in the Qur'an: "And worship your Lord until there comes unto you the Hour that is certain (i.e.death)." [15:99]
• Da`wah as well as Jihad are performed primarily to establish this aspect of Tawheed. "And fight them until there is no more fitnah (disbelief and polytheism) and the religion is for Allah alone. But if they cease, then Allah is All-Seer of what they do." [8:39]
• This aspect of Tawheed is Allah's right upon His servants. "The right of Allah upon his `Ibaad is that they worship Him alone, and do not associate in worship anyone or anything with Him." [Agreed upon]
• The first commandment in the Mushaf relates to Tawheed al-`Ibaadah. "O mankind! Worship your Lord, Who created you and those who were before you so that you may attain Taqwa." [2:21]
• Affirming Tawheed al-`Ibaadah leads - by Allah's permission - to the intercession by the Prophet (s.a.w.) on behalf of the muwahhid. "I will say, 'O Lord, allow me to intercede for whoever said, 'Laa ilaaha ill Allah'.' Then Allah will say, 'By My Power, and My Majesty, and My Supremacy, and by My Greatness, I will take out of Hell whoever said, "Laa ilaaha ill Allah" [Al-Bukhari]. Of course mere saying, without affirming the testimony of faith with action, is not sufficient.
• This aspect of Tawheed is a qualifying distinction by which Allah described His Angels and Prophets. "Surely those who are in the presence of your Lord disdain not to worship Him; they celebrate His praises, and prostrate before Him" [7:206]. While those who are neglectful and disdainful of Tawheed al-`Ibaadah are disgraced by Allah: "Verily, those who scorn My worship, they will surely enter Hell in humiliation" [40:60].
• Allah describes the best of His creatures by their distinctive mark of performing `Ibaadah to Allah (s.w.t.). "As to the righteous, they shall drink of a cup containing a mixture of Kaafoor. A fountain where `Ibaad-Allah (worshippers of Allah) do drink, making it flow in unstinted abundance." [76:5-6]
• Those who affirm this aspect of Tawheed in truth are protected by Allah from the Shaytan, accursed. "Certainly, you have no authority over `Ibaadee (My worshippers), except those who follow you of the wrong-doers" [15:42].
• When Muhammad (s.a.w.) was mentioned in his most perfect states, he was called `abd, a true worshipper of Allah (s.w.t.) and affirmer of Tawheed al-`Ibaadah. "Glorified be He Who took His `Abd for a journey by night from the Sacred Masjid to the Farthest Masjid, the neighborhood whereof We have blessed that We might show him of Our signs. Verily, Allah is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer" [17:1]. Also, "And when `Abdullah stood up, calling unto Him, they gathered against him (s.a.w.) and almost suppressed him" [72:19].
• The perfection of the created being is in affirming Tawheed al-`Ibaadah. "And they say: 'The Beneficient (Allah) has begotten children.' Exalted be He! Those whom they call children, (i.e. angels), are but honoured `Ibaad. They speak not until He has spoken, and they act by His command. He knows what is before them, and what is behind them, and they cannot intercede except for him with whom he is pleased. And they stand in awe due to their apprehension of Him" [21:26-28] .

Confirmation That Judaism And Christianity Are Forms Of Disbelief

Confirmation That Judaism And Christianity Are Forms Of Disbelief

Shaykh Muhammad ibn Salih al-`Uthaymeen
From: "Answers to Common Questions From New Muslims"
Collected by Ali Abu Lauz
© IANA
http://islaam.com//Article.aspx?id=80

Question: One of the preachers in one of the mosques in Europe claimed that it is not allowed to consider Jews and Christians disbelievers. You know - may Allah preserve you - that most of the people who attend the mosques in Europe have very little knowledge. We fear that statements like this one will become widespread. Therefore, we request from you a complete and clear answer to this question.

Answer:I say: The statement that came from that man is misguidance. In fact, it can be blasphemy. This is because Allah has declared that Jews and Christians are disbelievers (kuffaar) in His Book. Allah has said, "And the Jews say, ‘Ezra is the son of Allah,’ and the Christians say, ‘The Messiah is the son of Allah.’ This is a saying from their mouths. They imitate the saying of the disbelievers of old. Allah’s curse be on them, how they are deluded away from the truth. They took their rabbis and their monks as lords besides Allah and [they also took as Lord] the Messiah, son of Mary. But they were commanded only to worship none but One God. Praise and Glory be to Him, [far above is He] from having the partners they associate with Him." [at-Taubah 9:30-31] That shows that they are polytheists who associate partners with Allah. In other verses, Allah has made it clear that they are disbelievers:

"Surely in disbelief are they who say that Allah is the Messiah, son of Mary." [al-Maidah 5:17 and 72]

"Surely, disbelievers are those who said, ‘Allah is the third of the three [in a Trinity]." [al-Maidah 5:73]

"Those among the Children of Israel who disbelieved were cursed by the tongue of David and Jesus, son of Mary." [al-Maidah 5:87]

"Those who disbelieve among the People of the Book and the idolaters will abide in the Fire of Hell." [al-Bayyinah 98:6]

Many verses and hadith express the same meaning. The one who rejects the idea that the Jews and the Christians who do not believe in Muhammad [peace be upon him] and deny him are disbelievers is, in fact, denying what Allah has said. Denying what Allah has said is blasphemy. If anyone has any doubt concerning them being disbelievers, then he himself is also a disbeliever.

Glory be to Allah!

How could that man be pleased to say that it is not allowed to say that they are disbelievers when they themselves say that Allah is one of a Trinity? Their Creator Himself has declared that they are disbelievers.

How could this man not be pleased to call them disbelievers when they actually say, "Jesus is the son of God" or "the hand of Allah is tied," and "Allah is poor and we are rich"?

How could this man not be pleased to call them disbelievers and apply the word of disbelief (kufr) to them in general when they describe their Lord in such ways that are nothing but cursing and abusing Allah?

I call upon that man to repent to Allah and to read Allah’s words, "They wish that you should compromise (in religion out of courtesy) with them, so that they (too) would compromise with you." [al-Qalam (68):9] He should make it clear to everyone that they are disbelievers and that they are the inhabitants of the Hell-fire. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "By the One in whose hand my soul is, no Jew or Christian of this community hears about me - that is from the community of people from the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him) until the Day of Judgment - and then does not follow me - or he said does not believe in what I brought - except that he is from the inhabitants of the Hell-fire." [Saheeh Muslim]

The one who made such a statement must repent to his Lord because of this great falsehood he has stated. He must make a clear announcement that they are disbelievers and that they are inhabitants of the Hell-fire. He must also announce that it is obligatory upon them to follow the unlettered Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). he is the one that the Jews and the Christians know and they know him like they know their own sons. Allah has stated, "Those who follow the Messenger, the illiterate Prophet whom they find written about with them in the Torah and the Gospel, he commands what is right and forbids what is evil. He allows them the good things and forbids for them disdainful things. He releases them from their heavy burdens and from the fetters that were upon them. So those who believe in him, honor him, help him, and follow the light which has been sent down with him, it is they who will be successful." [al-Araf 7:157]

He is the one of whom Jesus, son of Mary (peace be upon him) gave glad tidings. Jesus said, as His Lord states in the Quran, "O Israel, I am the Messenger of Allah for you confirming the Torah (which came) before me, and giving glad tidings of a Messenger to come after me, whose name is Ahmad [one of the names of the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him]. But when he came to them with clear proofs, they said, ‘This is clear magic.’" [as-Saff 61:6]

When the one, Ahmad, who was promised came to them with clear signs, they said that it was nothing but magic. By this, we can refute those Christians who say that the one Jesus promised was named Ahmad and not Muhammad. We say to that that Allah said, "When he came with clear proofs," and none has come to you after Jesus except Muhammad (peace be upon him). Muhammad is Ahmad and Allah inspired Jesus to call Muhammad Ahmad. This is because Ahmad is a name from the root meaning, "to praise," and the name itself means, "One who praises Allah more than others." Therefore, [Muhammad (peace be upon him)] is the most praiseworthy of Allah among all peoples...

I further say: If anyone claims that there is a religion on earth other than Islam that is acceptable to Allah, then the person who made that claim is a disbeliever and there is no doubt about his disbelief. This is because Allah has said in His Book, "Whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted from him and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers. [ali-Imran 3:85]. Allah has also said, "Truly, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam" [ali-Imran 3:19]. Another verse states, "This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion" [al-Maida 5:3]

Based on that - and I repeat it for a third time - the person who made that statement [mentioned in the question] must repent to Allah, Most High. And he must also make it clear to all the people that those Jews and Christians are disbelievers. This is so because the proof has been established against them, they have received the message but they have refused to believe.

The Jews have been described as those who have earned Allah’s wrath. That is because they knew the truth and chose to go against it. The Christians have been described as those who have gone astray. This is because they sought the truth but were misled from it. Now, all of them have knowledge of the truth and recognize it. However, they go against it. Therefore, they all deserve to have the wrath of Allah upon them. I call all those Jews and Christians to believe in Allah and all of His Messengers. I call upon them to follow the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This is what they have been ordered to do in their own books. Allah states in the Quran, "My Mercy embraces all things. That (Mercy) I shall ordain for those who are God-fearing and give zakat, and those who believe in Our revelations. Those who follow the Messenger, the illiterate Prophet whom they find written about with them in the Torah and the Gospel, he commands what is right and forbids what is evil. He allows them the good things and forbids for them disdainful things. He releases them from their heavy burdens and from the fetters that were upon them. So those who believe in him, honor him, help him, and follow the light which has been sent down with him, it is they who will be successful. Say (O Muhammad): O Mankind! Verily, I am sent to all of you as the Messenger of Allah, to whom belongs the heavens and the earth. There is no true God but He. It is He who gives life and causes death. So believe in Allah and His Messenger, the unlettered, who believes in Allah and His Words. And follow him so that you may be guided." [al-Araf 7:156-158].

[By having such faith, those converts from Judaism and Christianity] shall receive their reward twice. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, "There are three people who will receive their rewards twice: A person from the People of the Book [Jews and Christians] who believed in his prophet and believed in Muhammad..." [al-Bukhari and Muslim].

I have also found in the law book al-Iqna`, in the section on apostasy, where the author has stated, "One who does not consider as a disbeliever one who follows a religion other than Islam, such as the Christians, or who has doubt about their disbelief or who approves of their way himself is a disbeliever." And he quotes Ibn Taimiya as saying, "[The following is] a disbeliever: Whoever believes that churches are the houses of Allah in which he He is worshipped or who thinks that what the Jews and Christians do are valid acts of worship of Allah and obedience to Him and His Messenger, or loves or approves of what they do, or aids them in having such places and establishing their religion, and he does so thinking that is a way of getting closer to Allah or worshipping Allah." He also stated, "If someone believes that visiting the Jews and the Christians in their places of worship is an act that brings him closer to Allah, then he is an apostate."

These statements support what was stated in the text of the answer. This is a matter concerning which there is no room for doubt. And help is sought only with Allah.

This question was responded by Ibn Uthaimin, Fatawa Islamiya, vol. 1, p. 87

Types of Kufr

Types of Kufr (Disbelief)

Al-Firdous, Ltd. UK
http://islaam.com//Article.aspx?id=71

The Qu'ran uses the word Kufr to denote people who cover up or hide realities. The Qu'ran uses this word to identify those who denied Allah's favors by not accepting His Dominion and Authority. Kufr thus is an antonym for Iman or disbelief in Allah and a Kafir is a non-believer. This type of Kufr is called AL-KUFRUL AKBAR or major kufr. There are many types of Al-Kufrul Akbar

1. Kufrul-'Inaad:

Disbelief out of stubborness. This applies to someone who knows the truth and admits to knowing the truth and admits to knowing it with his tongue, but refuses to accept it and refrains from making a declaration. Allah(swt) says: Throw into Hell every stubborn disbeliever [Surah Qaaf (50), Ayah 24]

2. Kufrul-Inkaar:

Disbelief out of denial. This applies to someone who denies with both heart and tongue.

Allah(swt) says: They recognize the favors of Allah, yet they deny them. Most of them are disbelievers. [Surah Nahl(16), Ayah 83]

3. Kufrul-Kibr:

Disbelief out of arrogance and pride. The disbelief by the devils (Iblis) is an example of this type of Kufr.

4. Kufrul-Juhood:

Disbebelief out of rejection. This applies to someone who aknowledges the truth in his heart, but rejects it with his tongue. This types of kufr is applicable to those who calls themselves Muslims but who reject any necessary and accepted norms of Islam such as Salaat and Zakat.

Allah (swt) says: They denied them (OUR SIGNS) even though their hearts believed in them , out of spite and arrogance. [Surah Naml(27), Ayah 14]

5. Kufrul-Nifaaq:

Disbelief out of hypocrisy.This applies to someone who pretends to be a believer but conceals his disbelief. Such a person is called a MUNAFIQ or hypocrite.

Allah( swt) says: Verily the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of Hell. You will find no one to help them. [Surah An Nisaa (4), Ayah 145]

6. Kufrul-Istihaal:

Disbelief out of trying to make HARAM into HALAL. This applies to someone who accepts as lawful (Halal) that which Allah has made unlawful(Haram) like alcohol or adultery.Only Allah(swt) has the prerogative to make things Halal and Haram and those who seek to interfere with His right are like rivals to Him and therefore fall outside the boundries of faith.

7. Kufrul-Kurh:

Disbelief out of detesting any of Allah's(swt) commands. Allah(swt) says: Perdition (destruction) has been consigned to those who disbelieve and He will render their actions void. This is because they are averse to that which Allah has revealed so He has made their actions fruitless. [Surah Muhammed (47), Ayah 8-9]

8. Kufrul-Istihzaha:

Disbelief due to mockery and derision.

Allah (swt) says: Say: Was it at Allah, His signs and His apostles that you were mocking? Make no excuses. You have disbelieved after you have believed. [Surah Taubah (9), ayah 65-66]

9. Kufrul-I'raadh:

Disbelief due to avoidance. This applies to those who turn away and avoid the truth.

Allah(swt) says: And who is more unjust than he who is reminded of his Lord's signs but then turns away from them. Then he forgets what he has sent forward (for the Day of Judgement) [Surah Kahf(18), Ayah 57]

10. Kufrul-Istibdaal:

Disbelief because of trying to substitute Allah's Laws. This could take the form of: (a) Rejection of Allah's law(Shariah) without denying it (b) Denial of Allah's law and therefore rejecting it, or (c) Substituting Allah's laws with man-made laws.

Allah (swt) says: Or have they partners with Allah who have instituted for them a religion which Allah has not allowed. [Surah Shuraa(42), Ayah 8]

Allah(swt) says: Say not concerning that which your tongues put forth falsely (that) is lawful and this is forbidden so as to invent a lie against Allah. Verily, those who invent a lie against Allah will never prosper. [Surah Nahl (16), Ayah 116]

The Summit of Evil in this World is Disbelief

The Summit of Evil in this World is Disbelief

"Good And Evil" By Sh. M. Al-Sha`rawi
© Taqwa
http://islaam.com//Article.aspx?id=81

Many non-Muslims to whom we talk about religion have a hard time understanding why they could be punished in the Hereafter if they are kind, honest, just etc. with other fellow humans. Their problem is that they do not realize that Allah ta`aalaa may forgive killing of a hundred people, but has promised not to forgive taking anyone as a partner to Him. They do not realize that their crime against their Creator is much worse than any crime against creation that they can imagine. So their being kind and just towards the creation is of no use if they show arrogance, heedlessness, denial and ungratefulness towards the Lord of the worlds, His Law, His Books, His Prophets etc..

AlHamdulillaah, I have found a written piece that discusses the greatness of the crime of kufr, may Allah ta`aalaa protect us from it.

---

The Summit of Evil in this World is Disbelief

"Good And Evil" By Sh. M. Al-Sha`rawi

The summit of evil in this world is disbelief. There is no greater evilto be found than that because there is no sin grater than disbelief. An unbeliever has committed something which causes Allah to exclude him from His mercy. That is why Allah Almighty says: "Allah does not forgive anything being made a partner with Him but He forgives apart from that to anyone He wills." (4:48)

Thus even if someone who enters into disbelief were to be given the entire world, it would be evil for him, because however much he has, the enjoyment of this world is very little. However much wealth, rank, or power he has it will leave him. That is why Allah Almighty says: "The worst of beasts in the sight of Allah are those who reject and do not believe." (8:55)

Why are they the worst of beasts? We know that beasts have no intellect. They cannot think or understand. Nonetheless, they carry out their appointed tasks in full. They carry loads and perform all that is asked of them or for which they were created. They are ruled by instinct. When food is brought they eat what they need and then stop eating. If you try to tempt them with more food they refuse it, no matter what it is, because the rule of instinct is a true one which only lets the animal have what it needs. On the other hand, you find man, who has been given choice, stuffing his belly with food. Someone tells him, "You did not try this sweet," or "You have never tasted this variety," and he does not respect the fact that Allah has forbidden us excess with regard to food. He fills his stomach until he is unable to move. The human species directs itself to sensual gratification and not simply to self-preservation.

Allah Almighty has honored man with intellect so that he can reflect on His signs in existence and come to believe that this universe has a Creator who brings things into existence. But instead of that, he uses his intellect as a means to disbelief and heresy and so it distances him from Allah and makes him disobedient to Allah. So it is as if he repudiates this great honour which Allah has given him. Indeed, he directs it to the opposite of its appointed task and in doing so he is lower than a beast which crawls on the earth on all fours.

On Being Pleased When Sin is Widespread

On Being Pleased When Sin is Widespread

Shaykh `Abdul Rahman `Abdul Khaliq
From the book, "The Clear Distinction Between Iman & Kufr"
© Dar Ihyaa at-Turaath
http://islaam.com//Article.aspx?id=400

The Messenger of Allah said, what translated means:

"There was not a Prophet whom Allah sent berfore me, but he had disciples and companions from among his people. They follow his way (Sunnah) and obey his orders. After that, later generations come. They would claim to do what they do not do. They would do what they were not ordered to do. Whoever struggles against them with his hand, is a believer. Whoever struggles against them with his tongue, is a believer. Whoever rejects them with his heart, is a believer. There is no Iman left after this, even the weight of a mustard seed." [Muslim]

The above Hadith states that Iman requires rejecting sin. The rejection can be practiced by using physical strength, with the tongue or at least in the heart. To reject sin with the hand is to remove it using force. As for removing and opposing sin with the tongue, it is clear. Rejecting sin with the heart means to hate and despise it and whoever does it. This type of rejection is the least a Muslim can do. It does not subject the Muslim to harm from others. This is the weakest of Iman. This Hadith means that whoever does not reject sin, and whoever commits it, in his heart, is not a believer. This is what the Prophet meant by "There is no Iman left after this, even the weight of a mustard seed."

This Hadith is clear evidence that whoever has less Iman than what the Hadith described, will never leave hell. There is no Iman less than that. Therefore, those who are pleased that sin is spreading have lost their Iman, even if they claim to be Muslims. Then how about those who love sin and love that it spreads?

Many Muslims today love to see women not wearing Hijab, in markets and at public gatherings. They love intermingling between men and women, to satisfy their sinful desires. Many curse conservative Muslim societies and ridicule them, calling them reactionary and uncivilized. Many of this type of Muslims are terrified if one called for judging by what Allah has revealed. This call will lead to the disappearance of what their hearts love: Sins, bars and cheap sinful desires. This type of people has opened their hearts to Kufr. They dislike adhering to Islam in matters of life and religion. They hate societies that are clean of sin. To call such people "Muslims" is unjust, and shows ignorance in the religion, what Islam calls for and its goals.

Each Mu’min must reexamine his Iman to know if he chose Allah’s Religion to be a complete way of life and to join the camp of Muslims. If he does that, then he will have to love Islamic Laws and will have to hate Kufr and sin, however and wherever they may be. This is Iman.

Abu Sa`id al-Khudri said that he heard the Prophet say, what translated means: "Whoever witnesses a sin, he must reject it with his hand. If he cannot, then with his tongue. If he cannot, then with his heart, and this is the least of Iman." [Al-Bukhari, Muslim & At-Tirmithi] "This is the least of Iman," means that there is no Iman lesser than rejecting sin with the heart.

Iman requires loving Allah’s Laws and Commandments and seeking to implement them till Allah’s Word is the Highest, and the word of Kufr is the lowest. If the heart is not moved by sin, by hating it and whoever performs it, then this heart is pleased with sin. To be pleased with sin is approving of it. To approve of sin is rejection of the Religion of Allah, the Praised One, and of Iman in Him. If satisfaction and approval is followed by love, obedience, praise and blessing of sin, then two crimes exist. The first is Kufr and rejection of Allah. The second is hindering from the Path of Allah. Accepting the spread of sins and misguidance is a result of seeking the demise of Allah’s Word and victory of Kafir word. This is the exact opposite of Iman. Iman requires one to seek to make Allah’s Word the Highest and the Kafir word the lowest.

This serious matter requires special attention and care from the believer. He must rid his heart of love for other than Allah’s Laws (Shari`ah), and of every desire that is in opposition to the Religion of Allah, the Praised One. Allah is always sought for help.‹

Iman Must Be Taken as a Whole

Iman Must Be Taken as a Whole

Shaykh `Abdul Rahman `Abdul Khaliq
From the book, "The Clear Distinction Between Iman & Kufr"
© Dar Ihyaa at-Turaath
http://islaam.com//Article.aspx?id=184

Iman must be taken as a whole. It is a total truth that cannot be separated from its parts. Dividing Iman into different categories is only to help study it. To shun and reject any of these parts, however, means that Kufr in all other parts exists. To prove the above, we mention what Allah said, translated it means: "Then do you believe in a part of the Scripture and reject the rest? Then what is the recompense of those who do so among you, except disgrace in the life of this world, and on the Day of Resurrection they shall be consigned to the most grievous torment. And Allah is aware of what you do." [2:85]

And, "Verily, those who disbelieve in Allah and His Messengers and wish to make distinction between Allah and His messengers and wish to make distinction between Allah and His messengers (by believing in Allah and disbelieving in His messengers) saying: ‘We believe in some but reject others’ and wish to take a way in between. They are in truth disbelievers. And We have prepared for disbelievers a humiliating torment." [4:150-151]

These are clear Nusus (texts) from the Quran. They prove that Iman and implementation cannot be separated from each other. The above Ayat, although directed at the Jews, must be taken as general. Whatever Allah blames others for doing, must be known to Muslims that the same blame will be directed at them, if they commit them. The first Nass (text), [2:85], is about a type of actions. The second, [4:150-151], is about a type of belief.

The first Ayah explains what the Jews used to do in Madinah. Some of them were allies of one Arab tribe, Al-Aws, while other Jews were allies of Al-Khazraj, another Arab tribe of Madinah. Whenever war started between these two camps, Jews on either side would kill other Jews on the opposing camp. Jews would kill Jews and occupy their houses. When the war ends , leaders of Jews on both camps would meet to exchange prisoners and treat the injured. Therefore, Allah said, what translated means: "And (remember) when We took your covenant (saying): ‘Shed not the blood of your people, nor turn out your own people from their dwelling. Then, (this), you ratified and (to this) you bear witness. After this, it is you who kill one another and drive out a party of you from their homes, assist (their enemies) against them, in sin and transgression. And if they come to you as captives, you ransom them, although their expulsion was forbidden to you. Then do you believe in a part of the Scripture and reject the rest? Then what is the recompense of those who do so among you, except disgrace in the life of this world, and on the Day of Resurrection they shall be consigned to the most grievous torment. And Allah is aware of what you do." [2:84-85]

The second text is also about the Jews. Jews accepted the prophecy of Moses and rejected the prophecy of Jesus and Mohammad. This is discrimination between Allah’s Messengers.

The purpose behind mentioning these two examples is to show that Iman must be taken as a whole. This rule will be further explained with the introduction of examples as to what negates belief.

Iman is nullified when a part of it is disputed. This is because rejection of a part of belief is in reality rejection of the whole belief. Whenever one believes that Allah is the All-Knower, the All-Wise, then, he has believed. However, whenever one thinks that any action or order of Allah’s is unwise, then, he has negated his previous belief. Also, whoever believes in all Prophets except one Prophet, negates his belief. In reality, such a person does not believe in any Prophet. Allah is the One who sent all Prophets. To discriminate against one Messenger is rejection of the wisdom of He Who sent all Prophets, Allah, all praise be to Him. Likewise, disbelieving in angels is like relating falsehood to Allah, a clear Kufr.

To regard Haram (impermissible) as Halal (permissible) is Kufr. It is equal to saying to Allah, "I do not accept this Commandment form you, nor approve the wisdom behind it. It should be Halal". This will negate the previous Iman, f there was previous Iman. This is similar to whoever refuses to obey Allah out of arrogance, as if saying to Him: "I will not obey you or implement your Law. Your Commandment is not out of knowledge or wisdom." This type of Kufr is what Satan had. His arrogance led him to reject Allah’s order, claiming that there is neither wisdom nor knowledge behind it. This is the reason why such rejection and disobedience are Kufr. It is not disobeying Allah anymore, rather, it is refuting Allah’s Commandments, believing that they did not proceed out of wisdom or knowledge. This will negate and destroy all previous Iman and obedience.

Three Misconceptions

Three Misconceptions

Abu `Abdil Kareem
http://islaam.com//Article.aspx?id=78

There are three misconceptions that some of us Muslims have that are important to clarify.

Misconception #1

Not declaring kufr in what is worshipped besides Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala.

Declaring Kufr in what is worshipped besides Allaah is as essential as affirming the true Unity of Allaah ta`aalaa. In fact they go hand in hand, as our shahaadah contains both a negation of all deities (Laa ilaaha…) besides Allaah ta`aalaa and affirmation that Allaah ta`aalaa Alone is worthy of worship (…illa ‘Llaah).

There is many ahaadeeth that whoever says Laa ilaaha ill Allaah will enter Jannah. However, as if we at times leave an important hadeeth that explains this issue in more detail: "Whoever says Laa ilaaha ill Allaah and declares Kufr (disbelief) in whatever is worshipped besides Allaah then his money and blood are Haraam (forbidden to be harmed) and the judgment (upon this person) is up to Allaah."

Dr. Saleh as-Saleh says in his book on the Shahadatain, "The above Hadeeth is a great explanation for the true meaning of ‘There is no God but Allaah.’ It emphasizes that there must be a complete disassociation from anyone/anything (a righteous man, a star, moon, fire, river, cow, Buddha, Ghandi, Jesus, Khomeini, Malcolm X, or Y, Farrakhan, graves, statues, money, lust, heads of states, etc.) introduced between man and Allaah. When the person disbelieves in whatever is being worshipped other than Allaah, then he becomes a Muslim."

So it is essential for our maintaining of tauheed of Allaah ta`aalaa in our lives to declare disbelief in all that is worshipped besides Him. In fact, one of the principles in Islam that one who does not declare in kufr in what is kufr has himself committed an act of kufr, may Allaah protect us from it.

Misconception #2

Misconception that whoever declares himself Muslim, utters the shahaada, and even prays and pays zakaah and fasts, is necessarily a Muslim and that we cannot criticize his actions, "as we don’t know their intention". This is obviously incorrect, as the punishment of killing for apostasy (ridda) was instituted in Islaam for a reason - Allaah ta`alaaa does not give us legislation that has no application. The issue of takfeer is complicated one, but if a person, say, denies a single aayah in the Qur’aan, even if he does everything else that Islaam requires of him, he may leave Islaam by that act alone and he cannot marry a Muslim, nor can meat he slaughters be eaten, nor can he be buried with Muslims, nor are Muslims allowed to pray for his forgiveness.

The following excerpt from Sh. J.Zarabozo’s "The Friday Prayer: Part III: Khutbahs (II)" explains very well some misconceptions that some of us Muslims may have in this regard.

After explaining how the Jews and Christians went astray believing they are chosen people, and how we should not take the religion in the same way, Sh. Zarabozo writes:

"…The wrong actions we perform can harm us greatly as we many be sent to the Hell-fire due to our actions. Furthermore, and this is the point that I want to stress in today’s khutbah, we may even be performing actions that take us completely out of the realm of Islam to the realm of kufr. These acts - even if we call ourselves Muslims - are such that they negate any belief we claim to have and they can land us in the Hell-fire forever.

Many people don’t realize that leaving Islam does not necessarily mean leaving it completely by not performing any of its acts. Someone can leave the fold of Islam even if he continues to call himself a Muslim, claims to be a believer and even if he continues to perform some of the acts of Islam, such as praying and fasting. A Muslim is not simply one who performs any part of the religion. What happens sometimes is that a person performs part of Islam and at the same time he performs many acts of apostasy - such that, in fact, nothing is left of his Islam. He has left the fold of Islam even if he still claims to be Muslim. He is like the person who performs wudhu and then invalidates his wudhu; obviously nothing is left of his wudhu after he has invalidated it. Similarly, nothing is left of a person’s Islam after he has invalidated it by acts of apostasy and kufr.

Islam or being Muslim is not simply a name that we can call ourselves. Instead, it is testifying to something specific. Our actions must also be representative of that testimony. There are acts that one might perform that completely contradict that testimony. In such a case, nothing is then left of his testimony of Islam and he is no longer a Muslim.

At the outset, however, let me clarify one important point. There is a difference between kufr (act of disbelief) and kafir (a disbeliever). It is possible for a person to commit an act of kufr while he himself is not a kafir. If a person does an act of kufr out of ignorance, this does not automatically make him a disbeliever unless his kufr is explained and clarified to him and he then insists on following that act of kufr.

When you realize this fact - that there are certain acts or beliefs that may take one out of the realm of Islam and into kufr - you will then realize the importance of knowing those acts in order to avoid them. One of the best ways of protecting yourself from evil is by knowing what evil is in order to recognize it when it appears and in order to remain away from the roads that lead to it. Therefore, everyone of us should take the time to study those acts of kufr that may lead us out of Islam. Study them in order to makes sure that we ourselves are not performing them. We should know them in order to keep ourselves away from them. We should also be familiar with them in order to teach them to others to protect them from such acts also.

We should also realize that if we stay within the realm of iman and Islam, then even if we commit sins in this life - which is not something we may strive to do or be pleased with - but we should know that if we stay within the boundaries of Islam then even if we should commit many sins, Allah will enter us into Paradise as promised in many statements of His Messenger (peace be upon him). We may be punished in Hell for some time - and I ask Allah to save all of us from such an event - but then Allah will shower His mercy upon us and remove our sins from us, purify us and enter us into Paradise. But if we should leave the fold of Islam, then all of our deeds that we may perform will be worth nothing and we shall be in the Hell-fire forever. So this topic of knowing what takes one from the realm of Islam to the realm of kufr is of tantamount importance.

Misconception #3

Misconception that we should not write or speak about deviations that occur among Muslims.

Ibn Taymeeyah, in Majmoo`ah ar-Rasaa’il wa al-Masaa’il, 4/110, writes, "When some people mentioned to Imaam Ahmad ibn Hambal that they felt uneasy about criticizing people, he replied, ‘If I were to remain silent, how would the ignorant masses know truth from falsehood?’ Those who introduce heretical writings and deviant religious rites contrary to Quraan and Sunnah have to be exposed and the Muslim nation warned against them, according to the unanimous agreement of Muslim scholars. In fact, when Ahmad ibn Hambal was asked if one who fasted, prayed and secluded himself in the masjid was dearer to Him than one who spoke out against people involved in deviations, he replied, ‘When he fasts, prays and secludes himself, he does so for himself alone, but if he speaks out against deviations, he does so for Muslims in general which is more noble’. Hence it is clear that openly opposing innovation and deviation is of general benefit to Muslims in the practice of their religion and comes under the heading of Jihaad Fee Sabeelil-laah. Purification of Allaah’s religion and the repulsion of attacks against it is a general obligation (Fard Kifaayah) on Muslims by unanimous agreement. For, if Allaah did not raise up some people to oppose the corruption preached by heretics, the religious would surely become distorted and deviant. The corruption of divinely revealed religion is far more terrible than the corruption resulting from the military conquest of non-Muslims over Muslims. For, when non-Muslims overpower Muslims, they are not able to corrupt the hearts of Muslims or their religion, except after some time, whereas, heretics corrupt the hearts from the very outset."