The Knowledge Of Tauhid - Part One

CHAPTER No: 1

At- Tauhid (The Oneness of Allah) - Understanding of Tauhid 

Allah the Almighty said:

"And I (Allah) created not the Jinns and men except they should worship Me (Alone)."

(51:56)

And He stated:

"And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger

(proclaiming): 'Worship Allah (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Taghut (all false deities

etc. i.e. do not worship Taghut besides Allah).' "

(16:36)

And He said:

“And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful

to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them

a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honour. And lower

unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy, and say: 'My Lord! Bestow on

them Your Mercy as they did bring me up when I was small.' "

(17:23, 24)

And He said:

"Worship Allah and join none with Him in worship."

(4:36)

And He said:

"Say (O Muhammad May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him ): Come, I will recite

what your Lord has prohibited you from: Join not anything in worship with Him; be good and

dutiful to your parents; kill not your children because of poverty -We provide sustenance for you

and for them; come not near to shameful sins (illegal sexual intercourse, etc.) whether committed

openly or secretly, and kill not anyone whom Allah has forbidden, except for a just cause

(according to Islamic law), This He has commanded you that you may understand. And come not

near to the orphan's property, except to improve it, until he (or she) attains the age of full

strength; and give full measure and full weight with justice. We burden not any person, but that

which he can bear. And whenever you give your word (i.e. judge between men or give evidence,

etc.), say the truth even if a near relative is concerned, and fulfill the Covenant of Allah. This He

commands you, that you may' remember. And verily, this is My Straight Path, so follow it, and

follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you away from His Path. This He has ordained for

you that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious)."

(6: 151-153)

Ibn Mas'ud (May Allah be pleased with him) said:

Whoever wishes to ascertain the very will of Prophet Muhammad (May the peace and

blessing of Allah be upon him) on which the Prophet has put his seal, let him read the Statement

of Allah:

"Say (O Muhammad (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) ): Come, I will

recite what your Lord has prohibited you from: Join not anything in worship with Him... (up to)

...And verily, this is My Straight Path."

It is narrated that Mu'adh bin Jabal (May Allah be pleased with him) said:

I was riding behind the Prophet (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) on a

donkey and he said to me "O Mu'adh, do you know what is the right of Allah on his slaves and

what is the right of the slaves upon Allah?" I responded: "Allah and His Messenger know best."

He continued, "The Right of Allah upon His slaves is to worship Him Alone and never to

associate anything with him. The right of slaves upon Him is not to punish any person who does

not associate anything with Him." I said: "O Allah's Messenger, may I not give the glad tidings to

the people?" He replied: "No. Do not inform them lest they rely on (this promise and lapse in

their service to Him)1.” [The above Hadith is mentioned in two Sahih Books (Al-Bukhari and

Muslim)].

Important issues of the Chapter

1) Wisdom of Allah in creating jinn and mankind.

2) Worship is Tauhid, as, in this issue there had always been dispute (between the Prophets and

the polytheists).

3) Those who have not fulfilled the requirements of Tauhid are such as they have not worshipped

Allah, and in this sense is the meaning of the verse:

"Nor will you worship that which I worship"

(109:3).

4) The wisdom in sending the Messengers.

5) The message of the Prophet (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) (Tauhid)

applies to all nations.

6) All Prophets have brought one and the same religion.

7) The major issue is that the worship of Allah cannot be performed until Taghut is denounced

1 Mu'adh (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated this Hadith avoiding the sin of concealment. [Translator]

and rejected. In this meaning is the saying of Allah:

"Whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah then he has grasped the most

trustworthy handhold."

(2:256)

8) At-Taghut is inclusive of all that is worshipped other than Allah.

9) The tremendous importance of the three entirely clear verses of Surah Al-An'am (6:151-153)

among the early pious predecessors. In these verses are 10 issues, the first of which is the

prohibition of Shirk.

10) The clear verses in Surah Al-Isra (17:22-39) have 18 substantial issues. Allah begins them

with:

"Set not up with Allah any other ilah (god), (O man) or you will sit down reproved, forsaken

(in the Hell-fire)".

(17:22)

And ended with:

"And set not up with Allah any other ilah (god) lest you should be thrown into Hell,

blameworthy and rejected."

(17:39).

Allah informed us the importance of these issues by saying:

"This is (part) of Al-Hikmah (wisdom, good manners and high character, etc.) which your

lord has inspired to you."

(17:39)

11) The verse of Surah An-Nisaa (4:36) called "The verse of the ten rights" to which Allah the

Most High begins by saying:

"And worship Allah, and join none with Him in worship."

12) We must note the admonition of Prophet Muhammad (May the peace and blessing of Allah

be upon him) which he made before his death.

13) To recognize Allah's right upon us.

14) To recognize the rights of slaves on Allah, if they fulfill His right.

15) This issue was unknown to most of the Companions of Prophet Muhammad (May the peace

and blessing of Allah be upon him)

16) Permissibility to hide some knowledge for the common good (as determined by the Shari'ah).

17) It is desirable to pass the pleasing news to other Muslims.

18) Fear of depending (of the people) upon the expansiveness of Allah's mercy.

19) The statement of one, who is asked on matters that are not known to him: "Allah and His

Messenger know the best".

20) It is correct to impart knowledge selectively to someone and not to others.

21) The humility of Prophet Muhammad (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) on

riding a donkey with a companion behind.

22) It is legitimate to have a second rider behind.

23) Superiority of Mu'adh bin Jabal (May Allah be pleased with him) The great importance of

this issue (of Tauhid).

CHAPTER No: 2

The superiority of Tauhid

And what it removes of sins

Allah the Most Exalted said:

"It is those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah and worship none but Him Alone) and

confuse not their belief with Zulm (wrong i.e. by worshipping other besides Allah), for them

(only) there is security and they are guided ones."

(6:82)

Narrated Ubadah bin As-Samit (May Allah be pleased with him), that Allah's Messenger (May

the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) said:

"Whoever testifies that there is nothing worthy of worship in truth (no God) except Allah

Alone, Who is without (peer or) partner, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger, and

that 'Iesa (Jesus) is the slave of Allah, His Messenger, and His Word which He bestowed in

Maryam (Mary) and a spirit (created) from Him, and that Paradise & Hell-fire are realities, Allah

will admit him into Paradise, whatever his deeds might be." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 3252)

'Itban (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (May the peace and blessing of

Allah be upon him) said:

"Indeed Allah has forbidden for Hell the person who testifies: 'There is nothing worthy of

worship in truth (no true God) but Allah', seeking thereby nothing but Allah's Face (pleasure)."

(Al-Bukhari, Muslim).

Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that Allah's Messenger (May the

peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) said:

"Musa (Moses) (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) said: 'O my Rabb, teach

me something through which I can remember You and supplicate to You.' Allah answered: 'Say,

O Musa, La ilaha ilIa-Allah'. Musa said: 'O my Rabb, all your slaves say these words'. Allah said:

'O Musa, if the seven heavens and all they contain other than Me1 (Ghairy) and the seven earths

as well, were all put in one side of a scale and La ilaha ilIa-Allah put in the other the latter would

overweigh them.'" [This Hadith has been reported by Ibn Hibban, and Al-Hakim declared it

Sahih].

1 This phrase (Ghairy) is the exception from what is in the heavens. It should not be misunderstood that

Allah is contained within the heavens or earth since He has described Himself in the Qur'an as the

Transcendent, Most High, Above All, i.e. in 2:255, 20:5, 25:59 and many places elsewhere in His Book.

Indeed the statement is another proof that Allah cannot be considered within the creation. [Detailed

explanation can be seen in "Fath-ul-Majid Sharh Kitab-ut-Tauhid -Translator].

At-Tirmidhi reports from Anas (May Allah be pleased with him): He heard Allah's Messenger

(May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) saying:

"Allah the Most Exalted said: 'O son of Adam, were you to come to Me with the world full of

sins, and meet Me without making anything partner to Me (Shirk), I would come to you with a

similar amount of forgiveness.' "

Important issues of the Chapter

1) Abundance of Allah's favour.

2) The abundant reward of Tauhid towards Allah.

3) Besides earning rewards, Tauhid recompenses sins.

4) Explanation of the verse 82 in Surat Al-An'am.

5) Ponder the five points mentioned in the Hadith narrated by Ubadah (bin As-Samit (May Allah

be pleased with him))

6) If you look at the Ahadith from Ubadah and 'Itban (May Allah be pleased with him) and what

follows altogether, the meanings of La-ilaha illa Allah become clear to you along with the

error of those who are the deceived ones (Al-Maghrurin).

7) Take note of the condition in Itban's Hadith.

8) That the Prophets needed to be apprised of the tremendous virtue of La ilaha ilIa-Allah (There

is no true God but Allah).

9) The point of overweighing of the Kalimah (May Allah be pleased with him) in respect to all

other creation, though many who enunciate it will not get the full weight in their balance.

10) The text showing that there are seven earths like seven heavens.

11) That the seven earths and heavens are full of creatures.

12) Confirmation of the Attributes of Allah, contrary to the claims of Ash'ariyah.

13) Undoubtedly, if you understand the Hadith of Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) you

would understand the statement in the Hadith of Itban (May Allah be pleased with him):

"Indeed Allah has forbidden for Hell the person who testifies: 'There is nothing worthy of

worship in truth (no true God) but Allah,' seeking thereby nothing but Allah's Face (pleasure)"

that it constitutes abandonment of Shirk practically and not merely confessing La-ilaha ilIa-

Allah by the tongue.

14) Reflection and consideration of the shared characteristics of Muhammad (May the peace and

blessing of Allah be upon him) and Iesa (May Allah be pleased with him) both as Prophets

and slaves of Allah.

15) Knowing the peculiarity of Jesus (May Allah be pleased with him) being created as Kalimat-

Allah (the Word of Allah).

16) Knowledge that Jesus (May Allah be pleased with him) is a spirit from Allah (Ruhan Minhu).

17) Knowing the merits of belief in Paradise and Hell.

18) Knowledge of the meaning of the statement (of the Prophet (May the peace and blessing of

Allah be upon him) "... whatever his deeds might be."

19) Knowledge that Al-Mizan (the Scale) consists of two sides.

20) What is meant by the mention of the "Face" (of Allah).

CHAPTER No: 3

Who purifies Tauhid (from Shirk..etc) will enter Paradise without giving an

Account

Allah the Most Exalted said:

"Verily Abraham (May Allah be pleased with him) was indeed a model, devoutly obedient to

Allah, unswervingly true in faith and he was not of those who ascribed partners to Allah."

(16: 120)

And He further said:

"And those who ascribe not anyone (in worship) as partners with their Lord."

(23:59)

Husain bin Abdur-Rahman narrated:

Once when I was with Sa'id bin Jubair, he asked, "Who among you did see the shooting star

last night?" I answered, "I had seen it," and then explained that I was not at the prayer at the time

because I had been stung by a poisonous scorpion. He said, "What did you then do?" I replied, "I

used Ruqyah1 to cure it!" He said, "What compelled you to do that?” I said, "A Hadith I heard

from Ash-Sha'bi." He asked, "Which Hadith Sha'bi narrated?" I replied, "He reported from

Buraidah bin Al-Husaib, who said that Ruqyah is not allowed except for the treatment of 'evil eye'

('Ain) and (poisonous) sting." He (Sa'id bin Jubair) said, "He has done well by stopping on what

he has heard (i.e. to act according to the knowledge as opposed to ignorance). However Ibn

Abbas narrated us that the Prophet(May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) said, 'All

the nations were made to pass before me, and I saw a Prophet with a small group with him, and a

Prophet with two or three people and a Prophet with none. Then there appeared a large group of

people which I took to be my nation (Ummah). But I was told that those were of Musa and his

people. Later, a larger group appeared and I was told that those were my people. Among them

were seventy thousand who would enter Paradise without reckoning or punishment.' The Prophet

(May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) then got up and went to his house, and the

people went into discussion as to who they might be. Some said, 'Perhaps they are the

Companions of the Messenger of Allah.' Others said, 'May be they belong to those who were born

in Islam and therefore had never ascribed anyone partner with Allah.' And while they were

exchanging their views like this, the Prophet (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him)

came out and was informed about the news. He said, 'Those people are those who do not treat

1 Translator's footnote: To translate Ruqyah as 'incantation' may bring to mind connotations of magic or sorcery which

are forbidden in Islam. To use the term "By spiritual means" may not convey the meaning in full. [See Ismail L. Faruq's

Translation] Ruqyah is when a person recites part of the Qur'an such as Al-Fatihah or makes supplication using words

transmitted from the authentic Hadith of the Prophet (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) upon

someone. What appears to be a blanket forbiddance of doing so except for the two exceptions mentioned is actually a

strong pronouncement of its allowance in these cases. It is confirmed in the authentic Seerah that the Prophet (May the

peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) himself allowed Ruqyah in other instances, but he (May the peace and

blessing of Allah be upon him) admonished against a person doing so for other than himself. (Ref. Fath-ul-Majid)

themselves with Ruqyah, nor do they believe in bad or good omen (from birds etc.), nor do they

get themselves branded (cauterized), but they put their trust (only) in their Lord.' On that

'Ukashah bin Mihsan got up and said (to Prophet (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon

him) 'Invoke Allah to make me one of them.' He (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon

him) said, 'You are one of them.' Then another man got up and said, 'Invoke Allah to make me

one of them.' He (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) said, 'Ukashah has preceded

you.' "

Important issues of the Chapter

1) In Tauhid, people are classified into various ranks.

2) What is the meaning of 'purification of Tauhid'.

3) Ibrahim (May Allah be pleased with him) was praised by Allah for he was not of the

polytheists.

4) Allah praised all those Auliya for they did not make anyone with Him as the partner (did not

practice polytheism).

5) Keeping away from cauterization and Ruqyah is the fullest purification of Tauhid.

6) Possessing these characteristics (traits) is Tawakkul (trust in Allah Alone).

7) The deep knowledge of the Companions of Prophet Muhammad (May the peace and blessing

of Allah be upon him) who knew that such degree of trust (Tawakkul) in Allah could not be

attained without action.

8) This shows how earnest the Companions were in doing good deeds.

9) The superiority of the followers of Muhammad (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon

him) quantitatively as well as qualitatively.

10) The superiority of the Ummah (followers) of Musa (May Allah be pleased with him).

11) All the Ummah (nations) will be paraded before Prophet Muhammad (May the peace and

blessing of Allah be upon him) .

12) Every Ummah (nation) will be accompanied by its respective Prophet.

13) Generally, few people responded to the call of Prophets.

14) The Prophets, whom nobody responded to, will come alone before Allah.

15) The substance of these facts is that man should not worry about numbers, neither must he feel

proud about huge numbers nor be disheartened by less numbers.

16) The permission of using Ruqyah to treat effects of evil eye and poisonous sting.

17) By the Hadith "He has done well by stopping on what he has heard”, the depth of knowledge

of the predecessors is known, and it is also known that the first Hadith does not contradict the

second.

18) The avoidance of the predecessors of praising anyone undeservedly.

19) The Prophet's statement that 'You are one of them' is a sign of Prophethood.

20) The excellence of Ukashah (May Allah be pleased with him)

21) Using Ma'areed (to mention something casually among other things, or a description open to

various interpretations).

22) The excellent manners of Prophet Muhammad (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon

him) .

CHAPTER No: 4

Fear of Shirk (Polytheism)

Allah the Almighty said:

"Verily, Allah forgives not that partners should be set up with Him in worship, but He

forgives except that (anything else) to whom He pleases."

(4:48, 116)

Prophet Ibrahim (May Allah be pleased with him) said:

"And keep me and my sons away from worshipping idols."

(14:35)

It is narrated in the Hadith that Allah's Messenger (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon

him) said:

"What I fear most for you is a form of Shirk." When asked about it, he said, "Ar-Riya

(showing oft)."

Ibn Mas'ud (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that Prophet Muhammad (May the peace

and blessing of Allah be upon him) said:

"Whoever dies while ascribing partners to Allah, enters the Hell-fire." (Al-Bukhari)

Muslim reports from Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) that Allah's Messenger (May the

peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) said:

"Whoever meets Allah (on the Day of Judgement) not having associated anyone with Him (in

worship), shall enter Paradise; and whoever meets Him having committed Shirk in any way will

enter the Hell-fire."

Important issues of the Chapter

1) Fear of Shirk (polytheism)

2) Showing off (Riyaa) is a type of Shirk

3) Showing off is a lesser type of Shirk.

4) Falling into minor Shirk (Riyaa) is more fearful to the righteous and pious people than other

matters (because of the ease, one can fall into it due to its being so subtle).

5) Nearness of Paradise and Hell.

6) Combination of the nearness of Paradise and Hell has been stated in the same Hadith

7) Whoever meets Allah (on the Day of the Judgement) having associated nothing with Him,

shall enter Paradise; and whoever dies while committing Shirk with Allah in any way shall

enter Hell, even though he might have been a great worshipper.

8) The important issue of the invocation of Ibrahim (May Allah be pleased with him) for himself

and his progeny, being the protection from worship of idols.

9) The acknowledgement of Ibrahim (May Allah be pleased with him) of the condition of most

people that “O my Lord, they have indeed led astray many among mankind."

10) An explanation of the meaning of (the Kalimah) (May Allah be pleased with him) "There is

nothing deserving of worship in truth besides Allah" as reported by Al- Bukhari.

11) The superiority of one who is free from Shirk.

CHAPTER No: 5

The Call to testify that there is nothing deserving of Worship in truth except

Allah

Allah the Exalted said:

"Say you (O Muhammad (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) : 'This is my

way; I invite unto Allah (i.e. to the Oneness of Allah –Islamic Monotheism) (with sure

knowledge), I and whosoever follows me (also must invite others to Allah i.e. to the Oneness of

Allah -Islamic Monotheism) with sure knowledge. And Glorified and Exalted is Allah (above all

that they associate as partners with Him), and I am not of the polytheists.' "

(12: 108)

Ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated:

When Allah's Messenger (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) sent Mu'adh

(May Allah be pleased with him) to Yemen, he said, "You will come upon the People of the

Book, let your first act be to call them to testify that -There is nothing worthy of worship in truth

but Allah."

And in another version of this tradition (it is said):

"To single out Allah Alone in the worship, i.e. actualize the Oneness (Tauhid) of Allah-if

they obey you in this, inform them that Allah has prescribed for them to offer 5 prayers (Salat)

every day and night. If they obey you in this, then inform them that Allah has imposed upon them

the duty of Sadaqah (Zakat) to be levied from their rich and distributed to the poor, If they obey

you in this, then be careful not to take the best of their properties (as payment of Zakat), and

safeguard yourself against the supplication of those who have suffered injustice because there is

no veil between his supplication and Allah," [Al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 1389/1425 and Muslim]

Both collectors have also reported that Sahl bin Sa'd (May Allah be pleased with him) said:

On the day of Khaibar, Allah's Messenger (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him)

asserted, "Tomorrow I shall indeed give the flag to a person who loves Allah and His Messenger

and is loved by Allah and His Messenger. Allah will grant victory under his leadership." The

people spent the night absorbed in discussing as to whom might the flag be given! In the morning

they came eagerly to Allah's Messenger (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) each

of them hoping to be given the flag. Allah's Messenger (May the peace and blessing of Allah be

upon him) asked, "Where is Ali bin Abi Talib?" They replied, "He is suffering from an eye

ailment." He was sent for and brought. Allah's Messenger (May the peace and blessing of Allah

be upon him) then spat in his eyes and prayed for him, where upon he was cured as if he had no

previous pains. Allah's Messenger (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) then gave

him the flag and said, "Advance with ease and gentleness until you arrive in their midst, then call

them to Islam and inform them of their duties to Allah in Islam. By Allah, if He may guide

through you a single man to Islam then it is better for you than the red camels."

Important issues of the Chapter

1) It is the way of the followers of Prophet Muhammad (May the peace and blessing of Allah be

upon him) to call people to Islam.

2) Stress upon sincerity of intention, for many who supposedly call to the truth merely call to

themselves.

3) Calling people to Allah with sure knowledge is obligatory.

4) Of the signs of the beauty of Tauhid is its being free of any blasphemy towards Allah.

5) The ugliness of Shirk is that it vilifies Allah.

6) Of the most important issues of the chapter is that a Muslim must and should remain aloof

from polytheists in order to not become like them even if he does not himself commit Shirk.

7) Having Tauhid (and calling towards it) is the foremost obligation.

8) We must first begin with Tauhid before everything, even Salat.

9) The meaning of singling out Allah Alone in worship and being sincere in His Oneness is the

meaning of the Shahadah "La ilaha illa-Allah ".

10) Among the people of the Scriptures are some who either have no knowledge of Tauhid, or if

they do, they don't follow it accordingly.

11) Stress on teaching step by step.

12) The most important issues must be explained first.

13) How to spend Zakat (obligatory charity).

14) The scholar (learned) must try to clear away misunderstandings of the learner.

15) The best properties of people must not be taken for Zakat (obligatory charity).

16) Beware of the supplication of the oppressed.

17) We are informed that there is no barrier to the supplication of the oppressed one (to be

accepted).

18) The afflictions, hardship, hunger and epidemics suffered by the head of all the Prophets and

the best of those close to Allah (May Allah be pleased with him) are nothing but exact

evidences of Tauhid.

19) The Prophet's assertion: "I shall indeed give the flag ..." is a sign from among the signs of

Prophethood.

20) Applying spit to the eyes of Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) and the subsequent cure he

received, is another sign of the Prophethood.

21) The superiority of Ali (May Allah be pleased with him)

22) The merits and virtues of the Companions (May Allah be pleased with him) that they kept

speculating among themselves throughout the night (as to whom the flag might be handed

over to) and their preoccupation with it over the news of lasting victory.

23) An illustration of the faith in Qadar -how the predetermined occurs to those who do not seek

it and denial to those who wished it all along the night.

24) The manner of the Prophet's advice to Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) "Go to the people

with ease and gentleness."

25) Calling to Islam before waging war.

26) Legitimacy of fighting with those who were previously called to Islam but rejected it.

27) Preaching Islam with wisdom as evidenced in his (May Allah be pleased with him) words:

"Inform them of the obligations upon them".

28) Recognizing the duty to Allah in Islam.

29) The reward of a person by whose hand a single man is guided.

30) To swear in support of a juristic verdict.

CHAPTER No: 6

An Explanation of Tauhid and the Testimony: La ilaha illa-Allah

Allah the Almighty said:

"Those whom they call upon (like Jesus- son of Mary, Ezra, angels, etc.) desire (for

themselves) means of access to their Lord (Allah) as to which of them should be nearest and they

(Jesus, Ezra, angels etc.) hope for His Mercy and fear His Torment. Verily; the Torment of Your

Lord is something to be afraid of"

(17:57)

And He said:

"And (remember) when Abraham (May Allah be pleased with him) said to his father and his

people: 'Verily, I am innocent of what you worship. Except Him (i.e. I worship none but Allah

Alone), Who did create me and verily, He will guide me.' And he made it (i.e. La ilaha illa-Allah)

a Word lasting among his offspring that they may turn back (i.e. to repent to Allah or receive

admonition)."

(43:26-28)

Allah the Almighty said:

"They (Jews and Christians) took their rabbis and their monks to be their lords besides

Allah."

(9:31)

He said:

"And of mankind are some who take (for worship) others besides Allah as rivals (to Allah).

They love them as they love Allah but those who believe love Allah more (than anything else.)."

(2: 165)

And in Sahih (Muslim) it is reported that the Prophet (May the peace and blessing of Allah be

upon him) said:

"He who professed that there is no God to be worshipped but Allah and made a denial of

everything which the people worship besides Allah, his property and blood become inviolable,

and his affair rests with Allah."

Important issues of the Chapter

This chapter contains the greatest and most important of issues namely the explanation of

Tauhid and the testimony of Faith and a clarification of it through clear matters.

Of them is the verse in Surah AI-Isra '. It is a clear rejection to the polytheists who supplicate

the righteous ones as well as making clear that to do so is major Shirk.

Also the verse in Surah AI-Bard 'a clearly shows that the People of the Book took their

priests and their rabbis as lords besides Allah. It is also clear that they were not ordered except to

worship a single deity (i.e. Allah). The explanation of the Verse which has no ambiguity in their

obedience to the scholars and other slaves of Allah in sinful things and not calling or supplicating

them.

Additionally is the statement of Ibrahim (Peace be upon him) to the disbelievers wherein he

excepted his Lord from other deities:

"Verily, I am innocent of what you worship except Him, Who did create me."

(42:26, 27)

Allah mentioned that this disassociation and being free from Shirk explain the testimony of

La ilaha ilIa-Allah, for He said:

"And He made it [i.e. La ilaha ilIa-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah

Alone)] a Word lasting among his offspring that they may turn back."

(43:28)

There is the verse of Surah AI-Baqarah regarding the disbelievers where Allah said of them:

"They will not get out from the Fire"

(2:167)

It is mentioned that they love those whom they associate with Allah, as they love Allah, and

this points to the fact that they do indeed love Allah tremendously but this nevertheless did not

bring them into the fold of Islam. Then how about the one who loves the false deity more than he

loves Allah? How about the one who loves none other than his false deity and has no love for

Allah?

The Prophet (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) stated:

"Whoever says La ilaha ilIa-Allah and rejects all other things that are worshipped besides

Allah, his wealth and his blood are inviolable and his account rests with Allah."

This is of the weightiest statements clarifying the meaning of La ilaha ilIa-Allah. It shows

that a mere pronouncement does not protect the pronouncer's blood and wealth. It is insufficient

to simply understand its evident meaning and words, to acknowledge it, or even for the

pronouncer to call on none other than Allah, Who is Alone and without partners. Rather, the

pronouncer's wealth and blood do not become inviolable until in addition to all of the above, he

totally rejects all else that is falsely worshipped besides Allah. For, if one has doubt or hesitates in

this, neither his wealth nor blood is safe. What greater or more splendid an example can be given?

What could elucidate the point in more clear manner? What more conclusive argument is there to

cut off any dispute of the point?

CHAPTER No: 7

To wear a Ring, Twine,

or anything similar to them for prevention or lifting

of Harm or Affliction, is an act of Shirk

Allah the Almighty said:

"Say: Tell me then, the things that you invoke besides Allah, -if Allah intended some harm

for me, could they remove His harm, or if He (Allah) intended some mercy for me, could they

withhold His Mercy? Say: Sufficient for me is Allah; in Him those who trust (i.e. believers) must

put their trust."

(39:38)

Imran bin Husain (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated:

The Prophet (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) once saw a man with a brass

ring on his hand and asked him, "What is this?" The man replied, "To overcome the weakness of

old age." He said, "Remove it, for, it can only add to your weakness. Should death overtake you

while you are wearing it, you would never succeed." [This Hadith was recorded by Ahmad (bin

Hanbal) (May Allah be pleased with him) with a good chain of narrators.]

He also recorded a Marfu’ Hadith; Uqbah bin Aamir (May Allah be pleased with him)

narrated that Prophet Muhammad (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) said:

"Whoever wears talisman or an amulet would never see his wish fulfilled by Allah. And

whoever hangs a sea shell would never get peace and rest."

In an another version the Prophet (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) is

reported to have said:

"Whoever wears a talisman has committed Shirk (polytheism)."

Ibn Abi Hatim reported about Hudhaifah (May Allah be pleased with him):

He saw a man with a piece of twine on his hand (as a protection or cure from fever) so he cut

the twine and read the verse: "Most of them believe in Allah and still practise Shirk

(polytheism)."

(12: 106)

Important issues of the Chapter

1) The strict forbiddance of wearing rings, twines and the like.

2) If the Companion had died wearing such a thing, he would not have succeeded (in the

Hereafter). This is a confirmation to the statement of the Companions that minor Shirk is

greater (worse) than major sins.

3) Ignorance was no excuse.

4) Wearing any such article will not benefit this life. Indeed, it is harmful as was stated by the

Prophet (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) "It will do nothing except

increase weakness."

5) The intense disapproval and censure of whoever does such a deed.

6) The declaration that whoever attaches something to himself will have that thing put in charge

of him.

7) The declaration that whoever wears an amulet has committed Shirk.

8) Hoping to get cured from fever by using a talisman is Shirk.

9) Hudhaifah's reciting the verse of Qur'an is a clear-cut proof that Companions used to recite the

verses dealing with the major Shirk to condemn minor Shirk. As Ibn Abbas (May Allah be

pleased with him) did by reciting the verse from Surah Al-Baqarah. (2: 165).

10) Seeking relief against evil eye by using amulets is Shirk.

11) The curse upon those who use amulets that their wishes should not be granted by Allah and

those who use shells will not get rest nor peace. That is, Allah has left them.

CHAPTER No: 8

Ruqa (incantation), Talismans and Amulets

Narrated Abu Bashir Al-Ansari (May Allah be pleased with him):

He was in the company of Allah's Messenger (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon

him) on one of his journeys, Allah's Messenger (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon

him) sent a messenger ordering: "There shall not remain any necklace of bowstring or any other

kind of necklace round the necks of camels except it is cut off' (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Ibn Mas'ud (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that he heard Allah's Messenger (May

the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) saying:

"Ar-Ruqa, At-Tama'im and At-Tiwalah are all acts of Shirk (polytheism)," (Musnad Ahmad;

Abu Dawud)

At-Tama'im is the act of putting an amulet around the necks of children to save them from the

effects of evil eye! If the amulet contains the verses of the Qur'an or Allah's Names or Attributes

then it is allowed by some ancestors and disallowed by some. Ibn Mas'ud (May Allah be pleased

with him) was among those who disapproved it,

Ar-Ruqa or Al-Aza'im is the act of reciting incantations, charm etc. Those are allowed in

which there is no trace of Shirk (polytheism), Prophet Muhammad (May the peace and blessing of

Allah be upon him) has permitted it in case of being bitten by poisonous insects or disturbed

under the effect of an evil eye, At-Tiwalah (bewitchment) is something done by those who claim

they can cause a woman to be more beloved by her husband or vice-versa.

Abdullah bin Ukaim narrated the following Marfu’ Hadith:

"Whoever uses, attaches or wears a talisman to himself, will have that talisman put in charge

of him" (Ahmad & Trimidhi)

Ahmad reported the tradition of Ruwaifi' (May Allah be pleased with him) who said that

Allah's Messenger (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) said to him:

"O Ruwaifi', it may be that you will live a longer time after me, so inform people that

whoever ties a knot in his beard, places any string or cord around the neck (as a charm), or cleans

himself (after toilet) with animal dung or bone, then Muhammad (May the peace and blessing of

Allah be upon him) has disowned him (has nothing to do with him)."

Sa'id bin Jubair said:

"Whoever cut an amulet or talisman from anyone, it would be equal to liberating a slave."

It was Waki', who recorded it and he reported from Ibrahim Nakh'i that they used to dislike

every type of amulets and talismans whether that contained the verses of Qur'an or anything else,

[They were the companions of Abdullah bin Mas'ud (May Allah be pleased with him)

Important issues of the Chapter

1) Explanation of incantations (Ar-Ruqa) and amulets (At- Tama'im).

2) Explanation of bewitchment (At-Tiwalah).

3) That all the three above-mentioned are acts of Shirk without exception.

4) Reciting an incantation (Ruqyah), using words of truth, for seeking protection from evil eye or

scorpion bite is not like Shirk.

5) Ulama have different opinions about using the amulets containing the verses of Qur'an.

6) Putting on necklaces on animals against evil eye amounts to committing Shirk.

7) Anyone tying the bowstring (or committing such practices) has been warned of severe

punishment.

8) The reward of a person who cuts off an amulet of someone.

9) The statement of Ibrahim Nakh'i that early Muslims used to avoid amulets whether it contained

Qur'anic verses or anything else is not contradictory as the reference here is to the

companions of Abdullah bin Mas'ud (May Allah be pleased with him).

CHAPTER No: 9

Whoever seeks Blessing through a tree,

a Stone, or the like

Allah the Most Exalted said:

"Have you then considered AI-Lat and Al-'Uzza (the two idols of the pagan Arabs)." And

Manat (another idol of the pagan Arabs), the other third?

(53:19,20)

At- Tirmidhi reported and declared as Sahih (sound), that Abu Waqid Al-Laithi (May Allah

be pleased with him) said:

We went out with Allah's Messenger (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) on

the campaign to Hunain while we had just left disbelief (Kufr) for Islam. The Mushrikin had a

Sidra (lote-tree) that they would stay there and hang their arms on, called Dhat Anwat. When we

passed a Sidra, we asked, "0 Messenger of Allah, won't you make for us another Dhat Anwat just

like their Dhat Anwat?" Allah's Messenger (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him)

said, "Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Most Great)! By the One (Allah) Who holds my soul in His

Hand, verily these are the ways of earlier nations, you have said exactly as Bani Israel said to

Musa (May Allah be pleased with him): 'Make for us a god just as their gods.' "He said: " 'Verily

you are a people who know not.' (7:138) Certainly you will follow the ways of those who went

before you."

Important issues of the Chapter

1) Explanation of the verse (Surah An-Najm 53:19,20).

2) The nature of the matter requested by the companions (May Allah be pleased with him)

(regarding a tree similar to Dhat-Anwat).

3) In fact they (Companions (May Allah be pleased with him)) did not act upon it.

4) Their intention was to become closer to Allah by their act as they thought He would like it.

5) If the Companions (May Allah be pleased with him) were unaware of the nature of their

intended act, it stands to reason that other than they (of much lesser status) are more likely to

fall into ignorance.

6) For the Companions (May Allah be pleased with him) is the reward of good deeds and the

promise of forgiveness that is not for others.

7) The Prophet (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) did not excuse them but

denied by saying: "Allahu Akbar, these are ways and you would follow those who came

before you"- thereby expressing the weightiness of the matter by these three things.

8) This is a major issue which is intended, that the Prophet (May the peace and blessing of Allah

be upon him) informed them that their request was like that of Banu Israel when they asked

Musa (May Allah be pleased with him) "Make for us a god."

9) The negation of this act is of the meanings of "There is no true God except Allah", which being

subtle and hidden, was not perceived by them.

10) Swearing made by the Prophet (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) upon the

ruling and he did not swear except for a beneficial purpose.

11) Shirk is of two types, i.e. major and minor because the Companions were not turned apostates

due to their request.

12) Their submission that "we had just left disbelief," tells us that other Companions (May Allah

be pleased with him) were not unaware of the matter.

13) The saying of Allahu Akbar to express surprise. It contradicts those who consider it

undesirable (Makruh).

14) To put an end to all possible ways leading to Shirk (polytheism).

15) Prohibition of any resemblance with the people of ignorance (disbelievers).

16) A teacher can become unhappy over his students (for the sake of any goodness) while

educating.

17) The general tendency of mankind has been expressed by the Prophet (May the peace and

blessing of Allah be upon him) by saying: "These are the ways".

18) It is one of the signs of the Prophethood that the events occurred accordingly as he informed.

19) In every place where Allah has censured the Jews and Christians in the Qur'an, He has also

warned us against those deeds.

20) The Companions (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) knew this principle that

worships were based on direct commandment. It therefore, becomes a reminder concerning

questions pertinent to the grave. The question (to be asked of the dead) "Who is your Lord"?

is clear. The second question "Who is your Prophet?" depends on the information of the

Prophet (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) regarding unseen. But the third

question "Which is your religion" is related to their (the Jews) request (from Musa (May

Allah be pleased with him)). "Make for us a god".

21) That the ways of the People of the Book are condemned as those of polytheists.

22) The one who has moved from falsehood (i.e. became Muslim) and get accustomed to certain

beliefs or habits is not totally safe from having remnants of these habits as is evidenced in

their (the Companions) words "and we had just left disbelief (Kufr)."

CHAPTER No: 10

Slaughtering for other than Allah

Allah the Exalted said:

"Say: Verily my prayer, my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allah, the Lord of the

worlds. He has no partner. And of this I have been commanded, and I am the first of the

Muslims."

(6:162,163)

Allah the Exalted also said:

"Therefore turn in prayer to your Lord and sacrifice (to Him only)".

(108:2)

Muslim reports that Ali bin Abi Talib (May Allah be pleased with him) said:

"Allah's Messenger (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) informed me about

four Judgments (of Allah): (1) Allah's curse is upon the one who slaughters (devoting his

sacrifice) to anything other than Allah; (2) Allah's curse is upon the one who curses his own

parents; (3) Allah's curse is upon the one who shelters an heretic (who has brought a Bid'ah in

religion); (4) Allah's curse is upon the one who alters the landmarks (who changes boundary

lines)."

Ahmad reports that Tariq bin Shihab narrated that Allah's Messenger (May the peace and

blessing of Allah be upon him) said:

"A man entered Paradise because of a fly, and a man entered Hell-fire because of a fly." They

(the Companions) asked, "How was that possible O Messenger of Allah?" He said, "Two men

passed by the people who had an idol by which they would not allow anyone to pass without

making sacrifice to it. They ordered one man to make a sacrifice. He said, 'I have nothing to

present as an offering.' The people told him, 'Sacrifice something, even if it be a fly.' So he

presented a fly (to their idol). They opened the way for him, and thus he entered the Hell-fire.

They said to the other man, 'Sacrifice something.' He said, 'I will never sacrifice anything to any

other than Allah, Most Majestic and Glorious.' So they struck his throat and killed him; and he,

therefore, entered Paradise." (Ahmad)

Important Points

1) Explanation of the verse:

"Verily my prayer, my sacrifice..."

(6:162)

2) Explanation of the verse:

"Therefore turn in prayer to your Lord and sacrifice to Him only."

(108:2)

3) The beginning of the principle of cursing from those who sacrifice to other than Allah.

4) Curse is upon those who curse their parents (by cursing other parents and, in turn, the latter

curses his parents).

5) Cursed is the person who shelters the heretic (Muhdith) in religion that is, he innovates

something that is necessarily only Allah's right to do and he seeks shelter with someone who

assists him in it.

6) Curse upon him who unjustly alters the landmark, i.e. the boundaries that differentiate one

person's land from his neighbour's, and changes those borders to encroach upon that land or

obstruct it.

7) The difference between a specific curse and a curse upon the disobedients and rebels in

general.

8) The tremendous story of the fly.

9) The person who presented a fly to the idol went to Hell though not intending to do such an act

(beforehand). Indeed, he did it to save himself from the threat of idolaters.

10) Knowing the extent of how hated Shirk is to the hearts of the believers seeing how the man

was patient in facing execution and he did not give in to their demand in spite of the fact that

they only demanded an external act from him.

11) The man who went to Hell-fire was a Muslim. If he would have been a disbeliever (Kafir),

the Prophet (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) a would not have said: "He

went to Hell merely for a fly."

12) This is a confirmation of the Hadith "Paradise is closer to you than the laces of your shoes

and the Hell-fire is likewise".

13) The action of the heart is aimed, even among the idol worshippers.