Unity of Religions A false Call

The Correct Creed Which Every Muslim Must Believe

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

The Correct Creed That Every Muslim Must Believe

Authored by Sheikh 'Abdus-Salaam Burjis Aal 'Abdul Kareem (May Allah have mercy upon him)

Translation prepared by Yazan Musa

Translator's Introduction

In a hadeeth that is reported in Saheeh Muslim and other books of hadeeth, 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said what translates into English as, "Once we were sitting with the Messenger of Allah (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) when a man rose upon us who had very white clothes and very black hair. No sign of travel was seen upon him, nor did anyone from amongst us know him. (He kept coming) until he sat next to the Prophet (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) and touched his knees to his knees and put his two hands on his thighs and said, 'Oh Muhammad inform me about Al-Islaam. So the Messenger of Allah (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) said, 'Al-Islaam is that you testify that laa ilaaha illa Allah (i.e. there is no true God except Allah or none truly deserves to be worshipped except Allah) and that Muhammad Rasool Allah (i.e. Muhammad is the messenger of Allah), and that you establish the Salat, and that you pay the Zakat, and that you fast Ramadaan, and to make pilgrimage to The House if you are able to find a way. He (i.e. the strange man) said, "You have spoken the truth.' He (i.e. 'Umar) said, "So we were amazed that he asked him (the question) and then confirmed (the truthfulness of the answer)." He (i.e. the stranger) said, 'Then inform me about Al-Imaan.' He (i.e. The Prophet [may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him]) said, 'That you believe in Allah and The Angels and The Books and The Last Day and that you believe in Al-Qadar (i.e. predestination), the good of it and the bad of it.' He (i.e. the stranger) said, 'You have spoken the truth.' He (i.e. the stranger) said, 'Then inform me about Al-Ihsaan.' He (i.e. The Prophet [may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him]) said, '(It is) that you worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you do not see Him then He sees you.' He (i.e. the stranger) said, 'Then inform me about The Hour (translator's note: the stranger was asking when the Last Day would occur.)' He (i.e. The Prophet [may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him]) said, 'The one being asked is not more knowledgeable about it then the questioner.' He (i.e. the stranger) said, 'Then inform me about its signs.' He (i.e. The Prophet [may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him]) said, 'That the slave woman gives birth to her mistress, and that you see the barefoot naked destitute shepherds competing with each other in constructing high buildings. He (i.e. 'Umar, the narrator of the hadeeth) said, "Then he (i.e. the stranger) departed so I remained for a while. Then he (i.e. The Prophet [may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him]) said: 'Oh 'Umar do you know whom the questioner was?' I said: 'Allah and His Messenger know best.' He said, 'Indeed it was Jibreel he came to teach you your religion.'"

So I, the translator, mentioned this hadeeth because it clarifies what the pillars of the Islamic Creed are, the creed of the people of the Sunnah (i.e. Prophetic Way). It is to believe in Allah, His Angels, His Messengers (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon them), His Books, The Last Day, and Al-Qadar (i.e. predestination). So it is these six things that the Sheikh began with in his book, following the same order mentioned in the hadeeth. Also he deals with some of the other main beliefs of the people of the Sunnah (i.e. the Prophetic Way). From those is the correct position concerning the status of the companions (may Allah be pleased with them) and the family of The Messenger of Allah (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) and the meaning and the reality of Al-Imaan (i.e. Faith) and the correct belief concerning the miracles of righteous people, as well as other important topics related to creed. The Sheikh has dealt with all of the topics in a short and concise manner such that it is easy for the beginning level student of Islamic knowledge to benefit greatly from this book and it is not to heavy on them. I occasionally put some translator's comments or footnotes to facilitate the understanding of what is being translated. The book is divided into portions on this blog within the same post. Each portion is numbered and titled and seperated from the others by dotted lines for easier reference. With that said I begin this task seeking the aid of Allah and His blessings by mentioning His Majestic name.

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

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#1

The Correct Creed Concerning Allah's Ruboobiyyah (i.e. His Lordship over all things and His creating and providing for all things and His giving life and death to all things and His being All-Powerful and in control over all things)

Ahlus-Sunnah wal Jamaa'ah (i.e. the People of the Prophetic Way and the Group) *1 believe that Allah is alone in His ability to create things and His ownership (of all things) and His control (over all things). Allah (high above is He) said, "Indeed your Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth in Six Days, and then He rose over the Throne. He brings the night as a cover over the day, seeking it rapidly, and (He created) the sun and the moon and the stars subjected to His Command. Surely, His is the Creation and Commandment. Blessed be Allah, the Lord of the 'Aalameen (i.e. mankind, jinn, and all that exists)!" (Surat Al-A'araaf, Ayah #54)

And Allah (high above is He) said, "To Allah belongs the Kingdom of the Heavens and the Earth. He creates what He wills. He bestows female (offspring) upon whom He wills, and bestows male (offspring) upon whom He wills." (Surat Ash-Shooraa, Ayah #49)

And He (high above is He) said, "His is the Kingdom of the Heavens and the Earth, it is He Who gives life and causes death; and He is Able to do all things." (Surat Al-Hadeed, Ayah #2)

The Mushrikoon*(1.5) did not Dispute Concerning Allah's Oneness in His Ruboobiyyah

And this aspect of At-Tawheed (i.e. belief in the oneness of Allah) *2 is what is called Ar-Ruboobiyyah (i.e. His Lordship over all things and His creating and providing for all things and His giving life and death to all things and His being All-Powerful over all things). And it is that which is well grounded in the souls of men, no one from amongst mankind disputes concerning it whether Muslim or Kaafir (i.e. disbeliever). *(3) This is as Allah (high above is He) said, "And if you (Oh Muhammad) ask them, 'Who has created the heavens and the earth?' They will certainly say, 'Allah.' Say, 'Al Hamdu lillah (i.e. all the praises and thanks belong and are due to Allah!)' But most of them know not." (Surat Luqmaan, Ayah #25)

And Allah (high above is He) also said concerning them (i.e. mankind), "And most of them do not have imaan (i.e. faith) in Allah except that they are Mushrikoon (i.e. ascribe partners to him along with their belief in Him)." (Surat Yusuf, Ayah #106)

Mujaahid *(4), may Allah have mercy on him, said, "Their (i.e. the majority of mankind's) imaan (i.e. faith) is their statement: 'Allah is our Creator and He provides for us and causes us to die.' So this (statement) is (a form of) imaan (i.e. faith) alongside their associating others with Him in their worship."

The Belief of the Mushrikoon was That Their Gods are Used as a Means of Seeking Nearness to Allah not That They Create or Provide.

So the Mushrikoon (i.e. pagan Arabs) did not believe that their gods shared with Allah in (His action of) Creating. Rather they believed that this was (the action) of Allah alone, and that their gods were (merely) to be used as a means of seeking nearness to Allah and that they were to be taken as intercessors (on their behalf) to Allah. This is as Allah (high above is He) said, "Surely, the religion is for Allah only. And those who take awliyaa (i.e. protectors and helpers) besides Him (say), 'We only worship them so that they will bring us near to Allah a nearness.' Verily, Allah will judge between them concerning that which they differ about. Truly, Allah does not guide he who is a liar, and a disbeliever." (Surat Az-Zumar, Ayah #3)

And He (high above is He) said, "Say (Oh Muhammad): 'Tell me or inform me (what) do you think about your (so-called) partner-gods whom you call upon besides Allah? Show me, what they have created of the earth. Or have they any share in the heavens?' Or have We given them a Book, so that they act on clear proof from it? No, the wrongdoers promise one another nothing but delusions." (Surat Faatir, Ayah #40)

And He (high above is He) said concerning the Mushrikoon (i.e. polytheist pagans) of Quraish, "And (they) said: 'Are we going to abandon our aaliha (i.e. gods) for the sake of a mad poet?'" (Surat As-Saaffaat, Ayah #36)

And Allah (high above is He) said that they said, "Has he made the aaliha (i.e. gods) into One Ilaah (i.e. God - Allah). Indeed, this is a strange thing." (Surat Saad, Ayah #5).

And verily Allah confirmed this (aspect of) At-Tawheed (i.e. belief in the Oneness of Allah) to make it firm (in the minds of people), and to use it as evidence for the obligation of worshipping Allah alone (i.e. Tawheed Al-Uloohiyyah). This is because the oneness of Allah in His Ruboobiyyah (i.e. His Lordship over all things and His creating and providing for all things and His giving life and death to all things and His being All-Powerful over all things and controlling all things) necessitates that none (deserves) to be worshipped except Allah. And He (high above is He) said, "Oh mankind! Worship your Lord (Allah), Who created you and those who were before you so that you may have taqwa (i.e. take precaution from His punishment)." (Surat Al-Baqarah, Ayah #21)

And He said, "He created you (all) from a single soul (i.e. Adam); then made from it it's spouse [Hawwa' (Eve)]. And He has sent down for you of cattle eight pairs. He creates you in the wombs of your mothers, creation after creation (i.e. stage after stage) in three veils of darkness; such is Allah your Lord. His is the kingdom, Laa ilaaha illa Huwa (i.e. there is no true God except Him or none deserves to be worshipped except Him). How then are you turned away?" (Surat Az-Zumar, Ayah #6)

And He (high above is He) said (what means in English), "(It is a great Grace and Protection from Allah), for the taming of the Quraish, (And with all those Allah's Grace and Protections for their taming, We cause) the (Quraish) caravans to set forth safe in winter (to the south), and in summer (to the north without any fear). So let them worship the Lord of this House (i.e. the Ka'bah in Makkah). Who has fed them against hunger, and has made them safe from fear." (Surat Al-Quraish) *5

So He (high above is He) mentioned that He alone is their Creator and Provider and this is something they do not doubt concerning. And He made that a proof upon them for the obligation of devoting (all) worship solely to Him alone without ascribing partners to Him.

And He (high above is He) said, "Say (Oh Muhammad), Al Hamdu lillah (i.e. all praise and thanks belong and are due to Allah), and peace be upon His slaves whom He has chosen (for His Message)! Is Allah better, or (all) that you ascribe as partners (to Him)?' Is not He (better than your gods) Who created the heavens and the earth, and sends down for you water (rain) from the sky, whereby We cause to grow wonderful gardens full of beauty and delight? It is not in your ability to cause the growth of their trees. Is there any ilaah (i.e. god) with Allah? Nay, but they are a people who ascribe equals (to Him)! Is not He (better than your gods) Who has made the earth as a fixed abode, and has placed rivers in its midst, and has placed firm mountains therein, and has set a barrier between the two seas. Is there any ilaah (i.e. god) with Allah? Nay, but most of them do not know. Is not He (better than your gods) Who responds to the distressed one, when he calls Him, and Who removes the evil, and makes you inheritors of the earth, generations after generations. Is there any ilaah (i.e. god) with Allah? Little is that you remember! Is not He (better than your gods) Who guides you in the darkness of the land and the sea, and Who sends the winds as heralds of glad tidings, going before His Mercy (i.e. rain)? Is there any ilaah (i.e. god) with Allah? High Exalted be Allah above all that they associate as partners (to Him)!" (Surat An-Naml, Ayahs #59-63)

So in all of these Ayaat (i.e. Qur'anic verses) Allah (high above is He) criticizes the Mushrikoon (i.e. polytheists), those who affirm that He (high above is He) alone is the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth and that He alone is the one who causes benefit and harm, because this affirmation (i.e. their affirmation of His Ruboobiyyah alone) will not benefit them since they have deified something else along with Him which they make du'aa to (i.e. invoke) just as they make du'aa to (i.e. invoke) Him. And this (i.e. this invoking of false gods while affirming Allah's oneness in His Ruboobiyyah) is the very essence of contradiction, which opposes the legislation and the intellect. This is because the one who is unique in (the doing) of all these actions as far as creating and providing and causing life and death then it is right that He should (also) be singled out for all types of obedience (i.e. worship). And that is why He (high above is He) rebuked them with His statement, "Is there any ilaah (i.e. deified being that truly deserves worship and deification) with Allah?" And He (high above is He) didn't say, "Is there any khaaliq (i.e. creator) with Allah?" (This is) because they did not dispute concerning that (i.e. that Allah is the only Creator.) And Allah (high above is He) clarified the invalidity of shirk in Ar-Ruboobiyyah (i.e. ascribing partners to him in His Lordship) because if that was the case then the Heavens and the Earth would fall into ruin. And this also is something grasped intuitively by the intellects. He (high above is He) said: "No son (or offspring or children) did Allah beget, nor is there any ilaah (i.e. god) along with Him; (if there had been many gods), behold, each god would have taken away what he had created, and some would have tried to overcome others! Glorified be Allah above all that they attribute to Him!" (Surat Al-Mu'minoon, Ayah #91)

Translator's Footnotes

*(1) This term literally means "The People of the Sunnah (i.e. Prophetic Way) and the Group". The noble scholar of Islam Sheikh Muhammed Saalih Al-'Utheymeen (may Allah have mercy on him) was asked the question, "Who are Ahlus-Sunnah wal Jamaa'ah?" So he answered saying, "Ahlus-Sunnah wal Jamaa'ah are those who adhere to the Sunnah (i.e. the Prophetic Way) and gather together (or unite) upon it, and they do not turn to (or consider) anything else; not in the knowledge based matters of belief nor in the practical issues related to actions. This is why they are called Ahlus-Sunnah (i.e. the People of the Prophetic Way), because they hold fast to it. And they are called Ahlul-Jamaa'ah (i.e. the People of the Group) because they group together upon it (i.e. the Sunnah, the Prophetic Way). And if you were to contemplate the situation of Ahlul-Bid'ah (i.e. the People of Innovations and Novelties in the religion) you would find them differing in their methodologies concerning matters of belief and practical matters, this is from those things which indicate that they are far from the Sunnah (i.e. the Prophetic Way) according to the extent which they have brought innovation (into the religion)." This answer was mentioned in a Collection of the Fataawaa (i.e. religous verdicts) of Sheikh Ibn Al-'Utheymeen concerning matters of belief. [Translator]

*(1.5) Literally Mushrikoon means polytheists in Arabic. Here the sheikh is referring to those pagan idol worshippers who were the first people that Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) was sent to. [Translator]

*(2) At-Tawheed in the Arabic language literally means to make something one. At-Tawheed in the Islamic terminology is sometimes defined in the following manner: "To single out Allah for all worship." This is a correct definition but there is a more comprehensive definition, that would be the following: "To make ifraad of Allah (i.e. to single out Allah) in all those things which are exclusively for Him." See Sheikh Ibn Al-Utheymeen's explanation of the book Kashfush-Shubuhaat for a similar comprehensive definition. [Translator]

*(3) You may be wondering about the Sheikh's statement that no one from mankind denies this aspect of At-Tawheed and say to yourself, "Rather there are atheists in our times that do not believe in God or a god or an All-Powerful Creator Being." The Scholars explained that these people's rejection of the existence of a Creator is only out of obstinacy and arrogance. They outwardly claim to reject the existence of a Creator while deep down they are convinced about His existence. Their rejection is like the rejection of Pharaoh and his followers with regards to The Lord of Moses (peace be upon him) and the signs from His Lord that he showed them. Allah said concerning Pharaoh and those with him in Surat An-Naml, "And they belied them (i.e. those signs) wrongfully and arrogantly, though their own selves were convinced thereof (i.e. that those signs are from Allah)..." See Kitaab At-Tawheed by Sheikh Saalih Aal-Fawzaan for the like of this explanation. [Translator]

*(4) He is Mujaahid Bin Jabr Al-Makkee, he learned explanation of The Qur'aan from the companion of The Messenger of Allah (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him), Ibn 'Abbaas. He is from the foremost of the explainers of The Qur'aan from the Muslim nation. The Muslim scholar Adh-Dhahabee said at the end of a biography of Mujaahid, "The Ummah (i.e. Islamic nation) has unanimously agreed about the imaamah (i.e. leadership in his field) of Mujaahid and him (i.e. his statement) being used as evidence." This short identification of Mujaahid is taken from a book by Sheikh Ibn Al-'Utheymeen. [Translator]

*(5) Taken from The Noble Qur'aan translation by Al-Hilali and Khan. A lot of text in the translation of this Surah is in parentheses because it is an explanation to help the English reader understand better.

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#2

The Correct Creed Concerning Tawheed Al-Asmaa' Was- Sifaat (i.e. Belief in Allah's Oneness in His Names and Attributes)

And from the totality of the creed of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah (i.e. the people of the Prophetic Way and the Group) is that they attribute to Allah that which He attributed to Himself and that which His Messenger (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) attributed to him as far as the Most Beautiful Names and the Most High Attributes. They do not go beyond the Qur'aan or the authentic narrations of The Messenger (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him).

They affirm the wordings of these (names and attributes) and they know what they mean in the Arabic language which the Qur'aan was sent in and they leave the (knowledge of the) kayfiyyah (i.e. the reality of how they are or how they occur) *8 to Allah (high above is He) because Allah alone knows it and he didn't inform anyone from mankind about it. So they approach this critical subject with established sharee'ah (i.e. Islamic law) principles. Whoever adheres to them is saved from deviation.

Principle #1: Describing Allah With Those Attributes Which are Mentioned in The Qur'aan and The Hadeeth

The first of these (principles) is to affirm that which Allah attributed to Himself or that which His Messenger (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) attributed to Him without adding or subtracting (anything).*(6) Because there is no one more knowledgeable about Allah than Himself, as Allah (high above is He) said, "...Say (Oh Muhammed), 'Do you know better or does Allah?' And who is more unjust than he who conceals the testimony he has from Allah? And Allah is not unaware of what you do." (Surat Al-Baqarah, Ayah #140)

And there is no one more knowledgeable about Allah after Allah than The Messenger of Allah (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him). He (high above is He) said, "Nor does he speak of (his own) desire. It is only an Inspiration that is inspired." (Surat An-Najm, Ayahs #3-4) *(7)

Principle #2: Allah (Majestic is His Majesty) Does Not Resemble The Creatures

The second (of these established sharee'ah principles) is the declaration that Allah is transcendent above resembling the creatures in His attributes. He (high above is He) said, "There is nothing like unto Him and He is The All-Hearing, The All-Seeing." (Surat Ash-Shooraa, Ayah #11)

And He (high above is He) said: "And there is nothing co-equal or comparable to Him." (Surat Al-Ikhlaas, Ayah #4)

Principle #3: No One Comprehends The Kayfiyyah *8 of His Attributes (High Above is He)

The third of these (principles) is not attempting to comprehend the kayfiyyah of His attributes (i.e. the true nature of how His attributes are). He (high above is He) said, "...and they will never encompass anything of His Knowledge." (Surat Taa Haa, Ayah #110)

And He (High above is He) said, "...Do you know of any who is similar to Him?" (Surat Maryam, Ayah #65)

So from His attributes is that which He (high above is He) mentioned textually in His statement, "The Most Merciful, over the Throne He rose." (Surat Taa Haa, Ayah #5)

(And the like of this ayah is mentioned) in various places in The Qur'aan. So what is gained from it is the affirmation of Allah's ascension over His Throne, a real ascension. We know its meaning but we are ignorant of its kayfiyyah (i.e. the true manner or method of this ascension or how it occurs.)

The Meaning of Istiwaa Over The Throne

So then its meaning is al-'uluww (i.e. highness) and al- irtifaa' (i.e. rising). This is (the meaning) that the Arabic language dictates. And Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah (i.e. the people of the Prophetic Way and the Group) have agreed upon this meaning.

The Lack of Comprehension of The Kayfiyyah of Al-Istiwaa

As for the kayfiyyah (i.e. the manner or method) of this istiwaa (i.e. ascension) then no one knows it except Allah alone there is no partner for Him.

Mention of The Attributes of Hearing and Vision

And from those (attributes) also (are those affirmed) in His (high above is He) statement, "...Truly, Allah is Ever All-Hearer, All-Seer." (Surat An Nisaa', ayah #58)

So what is gained from the Ayah and the like of it is the ascription of the attribute of hearing to Allah. And as-sama' (i.e. hearing) in the Arabic language is to grasp sounds. So we attribute to Allah (high above is He) hearing by which He hears all noises, which does not resemble (the hearing of) the creatures of Allah. And we leave (the knowledge of) the kayfiyyah (i.e. the method or manner) of this (hearing) to Allah (high above is He). So we do not say (for instance), "How does He hear?" And we do not (even) delve into that (knowledge) because He (blessed and high above is He) did not inform us of this, rather He kept this knowledge to Himself (majestic and high is He).

The Meaning of the Attribute of Al-Basr

And likewise (is our understanding of the attribute of) al-basr (i.e. vision). It means to grasp those things that are seen. This is like what has been authentically reported in Saheeh Muslim on the authority of Abu Musa Al-Ash'aree (may Allah be pleased with him) that The Prophet (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) said, "Indeed Allah does not sleep and it is not befitting for Him to sleep. He lowers the scale and raises it. The deeds of the night are raised to Him before the deeds of the day, and the deeds of the day (are raised to Him) before the deeds of the night. His veil is light, if He were to remove it than the subuhaat (i.e. light and majesty and splendor) of His face would burn all that His vision extends to of His creation." *9

So we affirm for Allah vision that is real by which He (majestic is His Majesty) grasps all seen things. But we don't know the kayfiyyah (i.e. method or manner) of this vision, but rather we know that which Allah has taught us in His statement, "There is nothing like unto Him and He is The All-Hearing, The All-Seeing." (Surat Ash-Shooraa, Ayah #11) So these are examples of the manner (in which) Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah (i.e. the people of the Prophetic Way and the Group) deal with the names of Allah (high above is He).

Translator's Footnotes

*(6) This means we affirm all those attributes mentioned in The Qur'aan and The Sunnah without attributing any additional attributes to Allah that we did not find in these two sources of revelation and without subtracting or negating any attributes that are mentioned in them. [Translator]

*(7) This Ayah makes the Sheikh's point clear. Allah is unseen; no one can claim to know about His Attributes except He Himself or someone He has informed about some of His Names and Attributes. When The Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) spoke about the unseen, especially the Names and Attributes of Allah he did not speak from his own thoughts or philosophies or his imagination rather it was all revelation that Allah revealed to him. [Translator]

*(8) The word kayfiyyah in Arabic could be translated as the manner or method or nature or state of something. In other words how something actually is or how it occurs. [Translator]

*(9) This means that the whole of creation would burn if Allah removed that which veiled Him from their sight, since Allah's vision extends to all things. Ash-Sheikh Ibn Al-'Utheymeen mentioned this in his explanation of the narration in Saheeh Muslim. In the life of this world seeing Allah is impossible. But in the Afterlife Allah will make it possible for whomsoever He wishes. Listen to the explanation of Ash-Sheikh Ibn Al-'Utheymeen or other scholars of the Sunnah for the narrations related to this topic in Saheeh Muslim to gain this understanding and further details on the subject of seeing Allah. [Translator]

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#3

The Correct Creed Concerning Tawheed Al-Ilaahiyyah *(10)

And from the totality of the creed of Ahlus-Sunnah (i.e. the people of the Prophetic Way) is their singling out Allah alone for (all) worship. So they do not worship alongside Allah any other deity. Rather they direct all acts of obedience (i.e. devotion or worship) which Allah commanded, whether it is an obligation or a preferred act, to Allah alone with out any partners.

So they do not prostrate except to Allah and they do not circumambulate except for Allah around the Ancient House (i.e. the Ka'bah) and they do not sacrifice (animals) except for Allah and they do not make vows except to Allah and they do not take oaths (or swear) except by Allah and they do not make tawakkul (i.e. rely) except on Allah and they do not make du'aa to (i.e. invoke) except Allah. And this is Tawheed Al-Uloohiyyah (i.e. declaring Allah's singularity in deserving to be worshipped). He (high above is He) said, "And worship Allah and do not make shirk of anything with Him (i.e. do not make anything as a partner with Him in your worship)..." (Surat An-Nisaa', Ayah #36)

And He said, "And your Lord (Oh Muhammad) has decreed that you worship none but Him." (Surat Al-Israa', Ayah #23)

And He said, "And they were not ordered except to worship one God." (Surat At-Tawbah, Ayah #31)

And He said, "And they were not ordered except to worship Allah whilst devoting sincerely to Him their religion (i.e. their worship) and being Hunafaa' (i.e. turning away from all other religions which oppose At-Tawheed.) and to establish the Salat and give the Zakat and that is the religion (of the nation) that is upright [see Tafseer Ibn Katheer and Tafseer As Sa'dee]." (Surat Al-Bayyinah, Ayah #5)

And He said, "And I have not created the Jinn and mankind except to worship Me." (Surat Adh-Dhaariyaat, Ayah #56). And the meaning of "worship Me" is "to single Me out for (all) worship."

The Opposite of At-Tawheed is Ash-Shirk *(11)

And the opposite of this (i.e. At-Tawheed) is (making) Ash-Shirk with Allah (i.e. to ascribe partners to Allah or worhsip anything besides Him) , may Allah grant us refuge from it. And it is the greatest sin by which Allah is disobeyed. He (high above is He) said, "Indeed Allah does not forgive that shirk is made with Him (i.e. that partners are ascribed to Him or that anything other than He is worshipped) but He forgives what is less than that for whomsoever He wills. And whoever does shirk (i.e. ascribes partners to Allah or worships anything other than Allah) then he has fabricated an enormous lie." (Surat An-Nisaa', Ayah #48)

And He (high above is He) said, "Indeed Allah does not forgive that shirk is made with Him (i.e. that partners are ascribed to Him or that anything other than He is worshipped) but He forgives what is less than that for whomsoever He wills. And whoever does shirk (i.e. ascribes partners to Him or worships anything other than Him) then he has strayed far away." (Surat An-Nisaa', Ayah #116)

And He (high above is He) said, "Hunafaa' Lillah (i.e. worshipping none but Allah), not ascribing partners to Him and whoever ascribes partners to Allah, it is as if he has fallen from the sky, and the birds have snatched him, or the wind has blown him to a far off place." (Surat Al-Hajj, Ayah #31)

And He (high above is He) said, "And (mention) when Luqmaan said to his son whilst admonishing him, 'Oh son do not do shirk with Allah (i.e. do not ascribe partners to Allah or worship anything besides Him). Indeed Ash-Shirk (i.e. the ascription of partners to Allah or the worship of anything besides Him) is a great wrongdoing." (Surat Luqmaan, Ayah #13)

And He (high above is He) clarified that Ash-Shirk nullifies the (good) deeds and is something that takes one out of the millah (i.e. nation) of Islam. Thus He (high above is He) said, "And if they committed shirk (i.e. ascribed partners to Allah or worshipped anything besides Him) then that which they did (i.e. of good deeds) would have been invalidated." (Surat Al-An'aam, Ayah #88)

And He (high above is He) said, "And it has certainly been revealed to you (oh Muhammad) and to those (Messengers) before you that if you were to commit Ash-Shirk (i.e. ascribe partners to Allah or worship anything besides Him) your deeds would surely be nullified (i.e. in vain) and you would certainly be from the loosers." (Surat Az-Zumar, Ayah #65)

And in Saheeh Muslim on the authority of Jaabir Bin 'Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) it is reported that the Messenger of Allah (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) said, "Whoever meets Allah not being one who does shirk of something with Him (i.e. while not associating something with Him or worhsipping something besides Him) then he will enter Al-Jennah (i.e. Heaven), and whoever meets Allah whilst being one who does shirk of something with him, then he will enter the Fire."

And in Saheeh Al-Bukhari on the authority of Ibn Mas'ood (may Allah be pleased with him) it is reported that the Messenger of Allah (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) said, "Whoever dies whilst being one who calls upon other than Allah a nidd (i.e. a rival) will enter the Fire."

Who is a Mushrik?

So whoever directs any type from the types of worship to other than Allah is a mushrik (i.e. polytheist) and a kaafir (i.e. disbeliever).

Du'aa is not to be Made Except to Allah

So du'aa (i.e. prayer, invocation, supplication) is an act of worship that Allah ordered, so whoever makes du'aa (i.e. prayer, invocation, supplication) to Allah only then he is a muwahhid (i.e. someone who worships Allah alone) and whoever makes du'aa to other than Allah, then he has committed Ash-Shirk (i.e. he has ascribed partners to Allah, he has worshipped other than Allah).

Allah (high above is He) said, "And do not make du'aa to (i.e. invoke, call upon) other than Allah that which does not benefit you nor can it cause harm to you, and if you were do that then you would be from the wrongdoers." (Surat Yunus, Ayah #106)

And He (high above is He) said, "And whoever makes du'aa to (i.e. invokes, calls upon), along with Allah, any other god, for whom he has no clear proof, then indeed his reckoning is only with his Lord, indeed the disbelievers will not be successful." (Surat Al-Mu'minoon, Ayah #117)

And He (high above is He) said, "And that the masaajid [translator's note: The masaajid could mean the mosques or the limbs that prostration are made on, see Tafseer Ibn Katheer] are for Allah, so do not make du'aa to (i.e. call upon or invoke) along with Allah anyone. And that when the slave of Allah (i.e. Muhammed [peace and commendations be upon him]) stood up making du'aa to Him (i.e. invoking Him in prayer) they (i.e. the jinn) just made round him a dense crowd as if sticking one over the other (i.e. in order to listen to his recitation). Say (Oh Muhammed) I only make du'aa (i.e. invocation, supplication) to my Lord, and I associate none as partners with Him." (Surat Al-Jinn, Ayahs #18-20)

And He (high above is He) said, "For Him (Alone) is the Word of Truth (i.e. none has the right to be worshipped but He). And those whom they (polytheists and disbelievers) make du'aa to (i.e. invoke), answer them no more than one who stretches forth his hand (i.e one who stretches forth his hand at the edge of a deep well) for water to reach his mouth, but it reaches him not, and the du'aa (i.e. invocation) of the disbelievers is nothing but in error (i.e. of no use)." (Surat Ar-Ra'd, Ayah #14)

And He (high above is He) said, "Those whom they (i.e. the polytheists) make du'aa to (i.e. invoke) besides Allah have not created anything, but are themselves created. (They are) dead, lifeless, and they know not when they will be raised up." (Surat An-Nahl, Ayahs #20-21)

And He (high above is He) said, "So do not make du'aa to (i.e. invoke) with Allah another god lest you be among those who are punished." (Surat Ash-Shu'araa, Ayah #213)

And He (high above is He) said, "He merges the night into the day and He merges the day into the night. And He has subjected the Sun and the Moon, each runs its course for a term appointed. Such is Allah your Lord; His is the kingdom. And those, whom you make du'aa to (i.e. invoke or call upon) instead of Him, own not even a qitmeer (i.e. the thin membrane over the date-stone). If you make du'aa to (i.e. invoke or call upon) them, they hear not your call, and if (in case) they were to hear, they could not grant it (i.e. your request) to you. And on the Day of Resurrection, they will disown your worshipping of them. And none can inform you (Oh Muhammad) like Him Who is the All-Knower (of each and everything)." (Surat Faatir, Ayahs #13-14)

And He (high above is He) said, "And verily, if you ask them (Oh Muhammad), 'Who created the heavens and the Earth?' Surely, they will say: 'Allah.' Say, 'Tell me then, the things that you make du'aa to (i.e. 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." (Surat Az-Zumar, Ayah #38)

And He (high above is He) said, "Say (Oh Muhammad to these pagans), 'Think about all that you make du'aa to (i.e. invoke) besides Allah. Show me! What have they created of the earth? Or have they a share in (the creation of) the heavens? Bring me a Book (revealed) before this, or some trace of knowledge (i.e. some trace of knowledge in support of your claims), if you are truthful!' And who is more astray than one who makes du'aa to (i.e. calls upon or invokes) besides Allah, such as will not answer him till the Day of Resurrection, and who are (even) unaware of their du'aa (i.e. calls or invocations) to them? And when mankind are gathered (i.e. on the Day of Resurrection), they (i.e. the false deities) will become enemies for them and will deny their worshipping of them." (Surat Al-Ahqaaf, Ayahs #4-6)

And it has been been confirmed in the Sunan (i.e. collections of Prophetic narrations) on the authority of An-Nu'maan Bin Basheer (may Allah be pleased with him) who said, "The Messenger of Allah said, 'Ad-du'aa (i.e. invocation, supplication), it is the worship."

The Dispute Between The Messengers (May Allah Bestow His peace and Commendations Upon Them) and Their People is Over This Type of At-Tawheed

And this type of At-Tawheed, Tawheed Al-Uloohiyyah (i.e. to single out Allah for all worship), is that in which the dispute between The Messengers (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon them) and their people occurred.

The Messengers Were Sent for This Type of At-Tawheed

And it (Tawheed Al-Uloohiyyah) is what (messengers) were sent to clarify and propagate and what scriptures were revealed to confirm and elucidate and be taken as proof for. As Allah (high above is He) said, “And We have sent out into every nation a messenger saying, ‘Worship Allah and avoid the taaghoot (i.e. false deities).’” (Surat An-Nahl, Ayah #36)

And He (high above is He) said, “And we have not sent down any messenger before you except that We revealed to him (saying) that laa ilaaha illaa anaa (i.e. there is no true god but I or there is nothing that truly deserves to be worshipped but I), so worship Me.” (Surat Al-Anbiyaa’, Ayah #25)

And He (high above is He) said, “He sends down the Angels with inspiration of His Command to whomsoever of His slaves He pleases (saying), ‘Warn mankind that laa ilaaha illa anaa (i.e. there is no true god but I or there is nothing that truly deserves to be worshipped but I), so fear Me.’” (Surat An-Nahl, Ayah #2)

And The Messengers (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon them) began with it in their da’wah (i.e. calling) of their people to Allah. For every messenger would say to his people, “Worship Allah you have no other ilaah (i.e. god) than Him.” (Surat Al-‘Araaf, Ayahs# 59, 65, 73, and 85) Noah and Hood and Shu’ayb and Saalih and every messenger said it, may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon them all.

And He (high above is He) said: “And Abraham when he said to his people, ‘Worship Allah and fear him, that is better for you if you only knew. Indeed you only worship besides Allah awthaan (i.e. idols or false deities) and you invent an enormous lie. Truly those who you worship besides Allah do not own any provisions for you, so seek sustenance from Allah and worship Him and thank Him. To Him you shall return (for judgment.)” (Surat Al-‘Ankaboot, Ayahs #16-17)

And Allah (high above is He) said about His Prophet Yusuf (i.e. Joseph), peace be upon him, (that he said), "Oh two companions of the prison! Are many different lords (gods) better or Allah, The One, The Irresistible? You do not (truly) worship besides Him anything but names, which you have named you and your fathers, (that) for which Allah has not sent down any authority. The command (or the judgment) is for none but Allah. He has commanded that you worship none but Him, that is the (true) straight religion, but most of mankind do not know.” (Surat Yusuf, Ayahs #39-40)

The Mushrikoon Have No Proof for Their Shirk

And the mushrikoon (i.e. polytheists) have nothing to support their shirk (i.e. ascription of partners to Allah in worship) not from sound logic nor from that which was conveyed from the Messengers (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon them). Allah (high above is He) said: “And ask (oh Muhammad) those who We sent before you of Our Messengers if We had made other than Ar-Rahmaan (i.e. The Most-Merciful) deities to be worshipped.” (Surat Az-Zukhruf, Ayah #45)

And the meaning of this is that there were no messengers that called to the worship of gods alongside Allah, rather all of them from the first of them to the last of them called to the worship of Allah alone without any partner. And Allah pointed out a logical proof which invalidates the shirk (i.e. ascription of partners to Allah in worship or others aspects of His oneness) of the mushrikoon (i.e. polytheists); He (high above is He) said, “Say (oh Muhammad): ‘Have you not seen that which you worship besides Allah? Show me! What have they created from The Earth? Or do they have a share in (the creation of) the Heavens? Come to me with a Book (revealed) before this or some trace of knowledge (i.e. some trace of knowledge to support your claims) if you are truthful.” (Surat Al-Ahqaaf, Ayah #4)

So this is an undeniable logical proof for the fact that the worship of anything besides Allah is invalid. Because they (i.e. all these false deities) did not create anything nor did they assist in creating anything. Only Allah alone is solely the one who did (all) that. So why worship them then? Then, also Allah rejected that there is any proof for the mushrikoon (i.e. polytheists), for what they do of shirk (i.e. ascription of partners to Allah or worship of other than Allah), from the Revealed Scriptures or the Messengers that were sent (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon them). So it has become clear (by all this) that there is no proof at all for the mushrikoon (i.e. polytheists) and thus they are from those who will dwell in the Fire forever and what a wretched end.

And from what has preceded it is known that this type (aspect) of At-Tawheed (i.e. Tawheed Al-Uloohiyyah, to single out Allah alone for worship) is the foremost of obligations and it is the most important of important things and it is the religion which Allah does not accept other than it from anyone.

Translator's Footnotes

*(10) Sometimes this category of At-Tawheed is referred to as Tawheed Al-Uloohiyyah or Tawheed Al-'Ibaadah. All of these phrases meaning to single out Allah alone for all forms of worship. [Translator]

*(11) Ash-Shirk in Arabic literally means to have a share or portion in something. In the religious terminology Ash-Shirk is sometimes defined as worshipping others alongside Allah. This definition is correct and true but not completely comprehensive as it only identifies one aspect of Ash-Shirk. A more comprehensive definition of Ash-Shirk would be the following: "To proclaim other than Allah equal to Allah in something that is exclusive to Allah." I gained this understanding from the Sheikh 'Abdul 'Azeez Ar Rayyis's comments on the book Thalathatul-Usool. [Translator]

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#4

The Correct Creed Concerning The Six Pillars of Imaan

And from the totality of the creed of Ahlus-Sunnah wal Jamaa'ah (i.e. the people of the Prophetic Way and the Group) is imaan (i.e. faith) in Allah and the Angels and His Books (i.e. His Scriptures) and the Messengers (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon them) and the Resurrection after Death and imaan (i.e. faith) in Al-Qadar (i.e. the pre-decree of Allah).

So having imaan (i.e. faith) in Allah is to confirm His Ruboobiyyah (i.e. His Lordship over all things and His creating and providing for all things and giving life and death to all things and His being All-Powerful and in control over all things) and His Uloohiyyah (i.e. His right to be worshipped to the exclusion of all other things) and His Asmaa was-Sifaat (i.e. His Most Beautiful Names and Perfect and Complete Attributes). And elucidation of this has preceded.

Belief in the Angels

And imaan (i.e. faith) in the Angels is by believing in their existence and what was mentioned to us of their names and their tasks. He (high above is He) said, "The Messenger believes in what was sent down to him and so do the believers. All of them believe in Allah and His Angels and His Books and His messengers..." (Surat Al-Baqarah, Ayah #285)

And He (high above is He) said, "Righteousness is not that you turn your faces to the east or the west, rather righteousness is (the characteristic of) the one who believes in Allah and The Last Day and The Angels and The Book and The Prophets..." (Surat Al-Baqarah, Ayah #177)

And (it is reported) in the Saheeh of Muslim from the long narration of 'Umar ibn Al-Khattaab in which Jibreel (peace be upon him) asked the Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) about Al-Imaan (i.e. Faith), thus (in response) the Prophet (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) said, "Al-Imaan (i.e. Faith) is that you believe in Allah and His Angels and His Books and His Messengers and the Last Day and Al-Qadar (i.e. the pre-decree), the good of it and the bad of it."

Description of The Angels

And Allah has described them in His Book by His statement, "To Him belongs whosoever is in the Heavens and on Earth. And those who are near Him (i.e. the Angels) are not too proud to worship Him, nor are they weary (of His worship). They (i.e. the Angels) glorify His Praises night and day, (and) they never slacken (to do so)." (Surat Al-Anbiyaa', Ayahs #19 and 20)

And He (high above is He) also said, "...Rather they are (but) honored slaves. They do not precede Him (i.e. Allah) in speech and they act (only) according to His command." (Surat Al-Anbiyaa', Ayahs #26 and 27)

And He (high above is He) said, "Indeed those who are with your Lord (i.e. the Angels) are not too proud to worship Him and they glorify Him and to Him they prostrate." (Surat Al-A'araaf, Ayah #206) *(13)

The Angels Are Slaves of Allah

Hence they are slaves of Allah and creatures from His tremendous creatures; they do not deserve anything of worship. He (high above is He) said, "And on the day when He will gather them all together (and) then He will say to the Angels, 'Was it you that these ones used to worship?' They will say, 'Glory be to You, You are our Walee (i.e. Lord) to the exclusion of them. Rather they used to worship the Jinn, most of them (i.e. these people) having believed them (i.e. the devils from the Jinn).'" (Surat Saba', Ayahs #40 and 41) *(14)

And He (high above is He) said, "Nor is it for him to order you to take the Angels or the Prophets as lords. Would he order you with disbelief after you were Muslims?" (Surat Aal-'Imraan, Ayah #80)

And in the Saheeh of Muslim (it is narrated) on the authority of 'Aaishah (may Allah be pleased with her) who said, "The Messenger of Allah (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) said, 'The Angels were created from light and the Jinn were Created "min maarijin min naar" (i.e. from a flame of smokeless fire) *(15) and Adam was created from that which has been described to you.'"

And from the description of their physical appearance is that they have wings, so from them are those who have two wings by two wings (i.e. two wings on each side), and three wings by three wings (i.e. three wings on each side), and four wings by four wings (i.e. four wings on each side) and like this, Allah (high above is He) said, "All Praise is for Allah, the Originator of the Heavens and the Earth, Who made the Angels messengers with wings, two or three or four. He increases in creation what He wills. Indeed Allah Allah is able to do all things." (Surat Faatir, Ayah #1)

And (it is narrated) in the Saheeh of Al-Bukhari on the authority of Ibn Mas'ood (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) saw Gabriel (peace be upon him) and he had six hundred wings.

Their Ability to Change States

And Allah has made them able to change into beautiful forms, just as Gabriel (peace be upon him) appeared to Maryam (i.e. Mary) in the form of a complete and handsome man, and like they appeared to Abraham (may peace and commendations be upon him) when they stopped over by him as honored guests, and like when they came to Lot (peace be upon) in order to bring down the punishment upon his people, and (in occurrences) similar to these.

The Refutation of the Statement of the Mushrikoon: "The Angels are the Daughters of Allah"

And Allah has refuted the statement of the mushrikoon (i.e. the polytheisits, Arab pagans) that the Angels are the daughters of Allah (high above is He). He is extremely far above all that the wrongdoers say about Him. Thus He, high above and holy is He, said (in response to this claim), "And they say, 'The Most Merciful (Allah) has begotten a son (or children).' Glory to Him! Rather they are (but) honored slaves. They do not precede Him in speech, and they act on His Command. He knows what is before them, and what is behind them, and they cannot intercede except for him with whom He (i.e. Allah) is pleased. And they stand in awe for fear of Him." (Surat Al-Anbiyaa', Ayah #26-28)

"Now ask them (Oh Muhammad), 'Are there (only) daughters for your Lord and sons for them?' Or did We create the Angels females while they were witnesses? Truly, it is of their falsehood that they (i.e. the Quraish pagans) say, 'Allah has begotten (i.e. begotten children - their statement that the Angels are the daughters of Allah).' And, indeed, they are liars! Has He (then) chosen daughters rather than sons? What is the matter with you? How do you decide? Will you not then remember? Or is there for you a plain authority (i.e. a clear proof)? Then bring your Book if you are truthful!" (Surat As-Saaffaat, Ayahs #149-157)

Then He (High Above is He) Also Said About The Angels...

"There is not one of us (angels) but has his known place (or position); and verily we (i.e. the Angels), we stand in rows (for the prayers), and verily we (i.e. the Angels), we are they who glorify (Allah's Praises)." (Surat As-Saaffaat, Ayahs #164-166)

Jibreel (Peace be Upon Him)

From them (i.e. the Angels) is Jibreel (Gabriel), peace be upon him, who is entrusted with (bringing down) the revelation. He (high above is He) said: "Say (oh Muhammad) whosoever is an enemy to Jibreel (Gabriel) then verily he is the one that brought it (i.e. the Qur'aan) down upon your heart by the permission of your Lord..." (Surat Al-Baqarah, Ayah #97)

And The Prophet (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) saw him in Al-Ubtuh and he had 600 wings, the vastness of his physique having covered the horizon. Then also he saw him the Night of Ascension, in Heaven. Just as He (high above is He) said, "And indeed he (Muhammad [may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him]) saw him (Gabriel) at a second descent (i.e. another time). Near Sidratul-Muntahaa [the lote-tree of the utmost boundary (beyond which none can pass)], Near it is the Paradise of Abode." (Surat An-Najm, Ayahs #13-15)

And he did not see him in his (true) form except on these two occasions. As for all the other times (that he saw Gabriel), then (Gabriel came) in the form of a man, and mostly in the form (of a man named) Dahya Al-Kalbee.

Allah (high above is He) said concerning Gabriel (peace be upon him), "Verily, this is the Word (this Qur'aan brought by) a most honorable messenger [Jibreel (Gabriel), from Allah to the Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him)], (he is a) possessor of strength (and a possessor of) high rank with the Lord of the Throne. (He is) obeyed (by the angels), trustworthy there (in the heavens). And (Oh people) your companion (Muhammad [may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him]) is not a madman. And indeed he saw him (i.e. Gabriel) in the clear horizon (towards the east)." (Surat At-Takweer, Ayahs #19-23)

Mikaa'il (Peace be Upon Him)

And from them (i.e. the Angels) is Mikaa'il (i.e. Michael) who is entrusted with the raindrops and directing them to wherever Allah (mighty and majestic is He) orders him to. Imam Ahmed cited (a narration) on the authority of Anas (who mentioned) that the Prophet (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) said to Jibreel (Gabriel), "Why do I not see Mikaa'il (Michael) smiling ever?" So he said, "Mikaa'il (i.e. Michael) has not smiled since the Fire was created."

Allah (high above is He) said, "Whoever is an enemy of Allah and His Angels and Messengers and Jibreel (Gabriel) and Mikaal (i.e. Michael) then indeed Allah is an enemy to the disbelievers." (Surat Al-Baqarah, Ayah #98)

Israafeel (Peace be Upon Him)

(And from the Angels is) Israafeel, and he is the one who is entrusted with the soor (i.e. the horn). He will blow into it three times by the command of His Lord, mighty and majestic is He. (These three instances are), the blow that will strike terror into the hearts of the creatures *16, the blow that will cause all the creatures to pass away except for whomsoever Allah wills to exempt *17, and the blow that will cause the creatures to arise in order to stand before the Lord of the 'Aalameen (i.e. mankind, jinn, and all that exists). *18 And these three angels are those who The Messenger of Allah (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) mentioned in his du'aa (i.e. invocation) in the night prayer, "Oh Allah, Lord of Jibreel (Gabriel) and Mikaa'il (Michael) and Israafeel, Originator of The Heavens and The Earth, Knower of the unseen and the visible; You judge between Your slaves concerning that which they used to dispute about. Guide me, by your permission, to that which is correct concerning that which was differed about of the truth. Indeed, You guide whomsoever You will to a straight path." (Narrated by Muslim)

And (it is narrated) in the Sunan of An-Nasaa'i on the authority of A'aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) that she said, "The Messenger of Allah (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) said, 'Oh Allah, Lord of Jibraa'il (Gabriel) and Mikaa'il (Michael) and Lord of Israafeel, I seek refuge in You from the heat of the Fire and from the punishment of the grave.'"

The Angel of Death

And from them is Malakul Mawt (i.e. the Angel of Death). And He is the one who is entrusted with taking the souls (at the point of death). He (high above is He) said, "Say, 'Malakul Mawt (i.e. the Angel of Death), who is set over you, will take your souls, then you shall be brought back to your Lord.'" (Surat As-Sajdah, Ayah #11)

The Guardian Angels (Peace be Upon Them)

And from them (i.e. the Angels) are the Angels that are entrusted with guarding the children of Adam in all of their circumstances whether they are at their places of residence or traveling or sleeping or awake. He (high above is He) said, "It is the same (to Him) whether any of you conceal his speech or declare it openly, whether he be hid by night or go forth freely by day. For him (i.e. for each person), there are Mu'aqqibaat (i.e. angels in succession), before and behind him. They guard him by the Command of Allah. Indeed Allah will not change the condition of a people as long as they do not change what is within their selves. But when Allah wills a people's punishment, there can be no turning back of it, and they will find besides Him no protector." (Surat Ar-Ra'd, Ayahs #10-11)

Ibn 'Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him) said with regards to His (high above is He) statement "For him, there are Mu'aqqibaat": "(They are) angels that guard him (i.e. a person) from in front of him and behind him, then if his qadar (i.e. whatever is pre-ordained for the person) comes they depart from him."

The Noble Scribes (Peace be Upon Them)

And from them are the Noble Scribes. And they are those who write down the deeds of the slaves whether good or bad. He (high above is He) said, "And indeed there are watchers over you. (They are) kiraaman kaatibeen (i.e. noble ones who are writing). They know (all) that you do." (Surat Al-Infitaar, Ayahs #10-12.)

The Great Number of Angels (Peace be Upon Them)

And he (the Prophet Muhammad), may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him, informed, "Verily Al-Bayt Al-Ma'moor (i.e. name of a place of worship) in Heaven; 70,000 angels enter it..." And (it is reported) in another narration "(70,000 angels) pray in it each day, then they do not return to it; that is the last (time) for them (i.e. that is the last time they enter it)."

Whosoever Rejects the Existence of Angels Has Disbelieved

And whosoever rejects the existence of the Angels then he has disbelieved according to the consensus of the Muslims. He (high above is He) said, "Oh you who believe! Believe in Allah and His Messenger and the Book (i.e. the Qur'aan) which He has sent down to His Messenger, and the Scripture which He sent down to those before (him), and whosoever disbelieves in Allah and His Angels and His Books and His Messengers and the Last Day, then indeed he has strayed far away." (Surat An-Nisaa', Ayah #136)

Translator's Footnotes

*(13) This particular Ayah (i.e. verse) is an ayah (i.e. verse) of prostration, which means it is legislated for the person reciting it to prostrate after finishing it. And from what it is legislated to say whilst in this prostration is (what means in English), "My face is prostrated to the one Who created it and made its hearing and sight by His Ability and Strength, therefore blessed is Allah the best of creators." [Translator]

*(14) The Angels will disavow themselves before Allah from those who used to worship them and they will say that it was the Jinn, meaning the devils from the Jinn, that these people truly used to worship. This is because when they claimed to worship the Angels they were actually worshipping the devils from The Jinn who used to whisper to them to worship other than Allah and they believed what these devils were telling them and complied with and obeyed these devils. See the explanation of Ibn Katheer and As-Sa'dee and Al-Jalaalayn to gain this understanding of the Ayah. [Translator]

*(15) I translated this phrase in the hadeeth "من مارج من نار min maarijin min naar" as "a flame of smokeless fire" due to the fact that this translation is in The Noble Qur'aan translation by Al-Hilali and Khan and also Tafseerul-Jalaalayn for the verse in The Qur'aan that has this phrase. There are other close explanations for what it means though. [Translator]

*(16) نفخة الفزع Nafkhatul Faza' [Translator]

*(17) نفخة الصْعق Nafkhatus-Sa'q [Translator]

*(18) نفخة القيام لرب العالمين Nafkhatul Qiyaam li Rabbil-A'alameen [Translator]

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#5

Belief in The Revealed Scriptures

And as for having imaan (i.e. faith) in the Revealed Scriptures, then indeed Allah (high above is He) revealed with every messenger a book. Just as He (high above is He) said, "Indeed We have sent Our messengers with clear proofs and We revealed with them the Scripture and the Balance (the Scale), so that mankind may maintain justice..." (Surat Al-Hadeed, Ayah #25)

And He (high above is He) said, "Mankind was one community, then Allah sent Prophets with glad tidings and warnings, and with them He sent the Scripture in truth to judge between people in matters wherein they differed. And only those to whom it (i.e. the Scripture) was given differed concerning it after clear proofs had come to them, because of hatred for each other. Then Allah, by His Leave, guided those who believed to the truth of that wherein they differed. And Allah guides whom He wills to a Straight Path." (Surat Al-Baqarah, Ayah #213)

So we believe in these Scriptures and we know they are from Allah, and (we do this) in compliance with His (high above is he) statement: "Say (Oh Muslims), 'We believe in Allah and that which has been sent down to us and that which has been sent down to Ibraaheem (Abraham), Ismaa'eel (Ishmael), Ishaaq (Isaac), Ya'qoob (Jacob), and to Al-Asbaat [the offspring of the twelve sons of Jacob], and that which has been given to Musa (Moses) and 'Iesaa (Jesus), and that which has been given to the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him (Allah) we have submitted (in Islaam).'" (Surat Al-Baqarah, Ayah #136)

And (in compliance with) His (high above is He) statement, "Oh you who believe! Believe in Allah, and His Messenger, and The Book (The Qur'aan), which He has sent down to His Messenger, and The Scripture, which He sent down to those before (him). And whosoever disbelieves in Allah and His Angels and His Books and His Messengers and The Last Day; then indeed he has strayed far away." (Surat An-Nisaa', Ayah #136)

And (in compliance with) His (high above is He) statement, "...And say (Oh Muhammad), 'I believe in whatsoever Allah sent down of Scripture...'" (Surat Ash-Shooraa, Ayah #15)

And He (high above is He) said, "Alif-Laam-Meem. [These letters are one of the miracles of The Qur'aan and none but Allah knows their meanings]. This is the Book (The Qur'aan), whereof there is no doubt, guidance to those who are Al-Muttaqoon (i.e. the pious, the Allah-fearing). Those who believe in the unseen and perform As-Salat (i.e. the Islamic prayer), and spend out of what we have provided for them. And who believe in that which has been sent down to you and in that which was sent down before you (i.e. the previously revealed scriptures like the Torah and the Gospel, etc.) and they believe with certainty in the Afterlife." (Surat Al-Baqarah, Ayahs #1-4)

The Revealed Scriptures are from The Speech of Allah (High Above is He)

And we believe that these scriptures are from the Speech of Allah (mighty and majestic is He) not from the speech of other than Him, and we believe that Allah (high above is He) actually spoke them as He willed in the manner He desired. So from them (i.e. the types of Speech of Allah) is that which is heard from behind a veil without an intermediary (i.e. without an Angel conveying it to the human messenger), just as Allah spoke directly to Musa (Moses) without an intermediary. Allah (high above is He) said, "And when Musa (Moses) came at the time and place appointed by Us, and his Lord spoke to him..." (Surat Al-A'araaf, Ayah #143)

And He said, "He (Allah) said: 'Oh Musa (Moses) I have chosen you above mankind by My Messages, and by My speaking (to you)..." (Surat Al-A'araaf, Ayah #144)

And from them (i.e. the types of Speech of Allah) is that which Allah (high above is He) causes the angelic messenger to hear and orders him to convey to the human messenger. He (high above is He) said, "It is not for any human being that Allah should speak to him unless (it be) wahyan (i.e. by inspiration), or from behind a veil, or (that) He sends a messenger to reveal what He wills by His Leave. Verily, He is Most High, Most Wise." (Surat Ash-Shooraa, Ayah #51)

Believing in The Laws That Are in The Scriptures

Likewise faith in The Scriptures includes believing in what is in them of laws, and that complying with them (i.e. these Scriptures) and ruling by what is in them was obligatory upon the nations that they were revealed to.

The Scriptures Confirm Each Other

And (likewise faith in The Scriptures includes) that (we believe) that these books confirm each other, they do not disprove each other.

Some of The Scriptures Abrogating Others is a Reality

And (likewise it includes) that (we believe) that the earlier Scriptures abrogation of each other (i.e. the later Scriptures abrogation of the previous ones) is true, just as some of the laws of the Torah were abrogated in The Injeel (i.e. Gospel). He (high above is He) said about 'Iesaa (Jesus), may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him, "And I have come confirming that which was before me of the Torah, and to make lawful to you part of what was forbidden to you..." (Surat Aal-'Imraan, Ayah #50)

And just as the Qur'aan abrogated (all) that came before it of the Heavenly Scriptures. Allah (high above is He) said, "And We have sent down to you (Oh Muhammad) the Book (i.e. the Qur'aan) in truth, confirming the Scripture that came before it and Muhayminan *19 (i.e. a trustee, witness, or judge) over it (i.e. the old Scriptures)..." (Suratul Maa'idah, Ayah #48)

And He (high above is He) said, "And it (i.e. the Qur'aan) is not but a reminder for Al-'Aalameen *20 [translator's note: here referring to all of Mankind and the Jinn]." (Surat Al-Qalam, Ayah #52)

And faith in the Scriptures of Allah must be in a general manner where He mentioned (them) in general and in specific where he specified (them by name).

The Names of the Scriptures of Allah

So Allah (high above is He) mentioned in particular the name of some of His Books. Allah mentioned the Torah which he sent down to Musa (Moses) and the Injeel (i.e. the Gospel) which he sent down upon 'Iesaa (Jesus) and the Zaboor which he sent down upon Dawood (David), and the Qur'aan which was sent down upon Muhammed (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him). Allah mentioned the Suhuf (i.e. Scriptures) of Ibraheem (Abraham) and Musa (Moses), may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon them all.

So we believe in these (aforementioned) Books in this specific manner, likewise Allah mentioned there being many (Revealed) Books in general which he did not specifically name at all - so we also believe in them in this general way. He (high above is He) said, "...And say (Oh Muhammed), 'I believe in whatsoever Allah sent down of Scripture...'" (Surat Ash-Shooraa, Ayah #15)

Al-Qur'aan Al-Kareem is the Last of the Revealed Books

And Al-Qur'aan Al-Kareem, which Allah sent down upon our Prophet (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him), is the last of Heavenly Books, thus there is no Book after it. And it abrogates all Books that came before it; it is a Book that is for all of the Thaqalayn, Mankind and Jinn. Allah (high above is He) said, "And it is not but a reminder for all of Al-'Aalameen *20 (translator's note: here reffering to all of Mankind and the Jinn)" (Surat Al-Qalam, Ayah #52)

It contains all that mankind needs for their religion and their worldly life. Allah (high above is He) said, "...This day I have perfected your religion for you and completed my favor upon you and have chosen for you Al-Islam as your religion. But as for him who is forced by severe hunger, with no inclination to sin (such can eat the above mentioned meats), indeed Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Surat Al-Maa'idah, Ayah #3)

The Qur'aan is Mu'jiz (i.e. an inimitable miracle)

The Qur'aan is inimitable no one is able to come with the like of it, Allah (high above is He) said, "Say (Oh Muhammed), 'If Mankind and the Jinn were to gather together to come up with the like of this Qur'aan they would not be able to come with its like, even if they helped one another.'" (Surat Al-Israa, Ayah #88)

Allah (high above is He) said, "Falsehood can not come to it from before it or behind it, it is sent down by the All-Wise, Worthy of all praise." (Surat Fussilat, Ayah #42)

The Qur'aan is Preserved

The Qur'aan is protected from additions and subtractions (being made to it). Allah (high above is He) said, "Indeed We, We have sent down the Reminder (i.e. the Qur'aan) and indeed We shall certainly protect it." (Surat Al-Hijr, Ayah #9)

Translator's Footnotes

*(19) Ibn Katheer says in his explanation of this verse, "...For indeed the name Al-Muhaymin includes all of these, thus it is an ameen (i.e. trustee) and a shaahid (i.e. witness) and a haakim (i.e. judge) over every book that came before it. Allah made this Great Book which He sent down the last of the Books and the seal of them and the most comprehensive of them and the greatest of them and the most complete of them, because he gathered in it the good qualities of that which came before it (of the Heavenly Scriptures) and added to it attributes of perfection which are not in other than it..." [Translator]

*(20) The Term Al-'Aalameen literally means the Worlds, meaning all the various creatures of Allah whether they are humans, animals, angels, or jinn or any of Allah's creatures. Here in this Ayah the term Al-'Aalameen is referring to the Jinn and Mankind since they are the ones who are held responsible for following this heavenly guidance. See Tafseer Al-Jalaalayn for this understanding. [Translator]

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#6

Faith in the Messengers (May the Peace and Commendations of Allah be Upon Them All)

And imaan (i.e. faith) in the Messengers (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon them all) is by having firm belief that Allah sent into every nation a messenger calling them to worship only Allah without ascribing any partners to Him and to reject (the worship of) all that is worshipped besides Him. And it is (to have firm belief) that all of them are truthful, trusted, righteous, rightly guided, honorable and obedient, pious, reliable, guides who are (themselves) well guided, and that they all conveyed the Messages of Allah.

And (it is to have firm belief) that Allah took Ibraaheem (i.e. Abraham) as a khaleel *22 (i.e. the closest type of friend) and that He (also) took Muhammad (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon them both) as a khaleel (i.e. the closest type of friend). *22 And that He spoke to Musa (i.e. Moses) directly. And He raised Idrees to a high place. And That 'Iesaa (i.e. Jesus) is the slave of Allah and His Messenger and His Word *23 (i.e. He came into existence by Allah's Command "Be!") that He cast into Maryam (i.e. Mary) and a (created) spirit *24 from Him (i.e. from that which He created).

And (to believe) that Allah gave precedence to some over others and raised some in ranks over others. And (to believe) that Muhammad (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) will be the sayyid (i.e. the best) of the Children of Adam on The Day of Judgment, and there is no boasting in this.

And (to believe) that their da'wah (i.e. what they called to) from the first of them to the last of them was the same in terms of the basis of the religion, and that is Tawheed of Allah (i.e. to declare and believe in Allah's Oneness), high above is He, in His Uloohiyyah (i.e. His right to be worshipped to the exclusion of all others) and His Ruboobiyyah (i.e. His Lordship, Mastery, Creation, and Control over all others, etc.) and His Asmaa' was-Sifaat (i.e. His Names and Attributes). *25

He (high above is He) said, "Indeed the deen (i.e. religion) with Allah is Al-Islaam." (Surat Aal-'Imraan, Ayah #18) *26 And He said, "And whosoever seeks other than Al-Islaam as a religion then it (i.e. this other religion) will not be accepted from him, and he in the Afterlife will be from the losers." (Surat Aal-'Imraan, Ayah #85)

And He (high above is He) said about Nooh (i.e. Noah), "And I (i.e. Noah) was ordered to be from amongst the Muslims (i.e. those who submit to Allah's Will)." (Surat Yunus, Ayah #72)

And He (high above is He) said about Musa (i.e. Moses), "And Musa (i.e. Moses) said: 'Oh my people! If you have believed in Allah, then put your trust in Him if you are Muslims (i.e. those who submit to Allah's Will)." (Surat Yunus, Ayah #84)

And He (high above is He) said about Sulaymaan (i.e. Solomon) in the words of Bilqees (i.e. The Queen of Sheba), "'My Lord! Indeed I have wronged myself and I have made Islaam (i.e. submitted) along with Sulaymaan (i.e. Solomon) to the Lord of Al-'Aalameen (i.e. all of the worlds, all of the creatures)." (Surat An-Naml, Ayah #44)

And He (high above is He) said, "He (Allah) has ordained for you the same religion which He ordained for Nooh (i.e. Noah), and that which We have inspired in you (Oh Muhammad), and that which We ordained for Ibraaheem (i.e. Abraham), Musa (i.e. Moses) and 'Iesa (i.e. Jesus); (saying) that you should establish (perform) the Religion, and make no divisions in it (i.e. don't split up into different sects). Intolerable for the Mushrikoon (i.e. polytheists) is that to which you (Oh Muhammad) call them. Allah chooses for Himself whom He wills, and guides to Himself the one who turns to Him in repentance and in obedience." (Surat Ash-Shooraa, Ayah #13)

The Number of Prophets and Messengers (Peace and Commendations be Upon Them All)

And the number of messengers is 315. And the prophets are 124,000. This is confirmed in the narrations of The Messenger of Allah (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) from the narration of Abu Umaamah and Abu Dharr.

The Difference Between a Prophet and a Messenger

The difference between a prophet and a messenger is that a prophet is whosoever Allah yunabbi' (i.e. gives some revelation to) and that person informs with what has been revealed to him, so if that person along with that (i.e. along with being given some revelation) is sent to someone who is in opposition to the Command of Allah to relay to them a message from Allah then they become a messenger. But as for the one who only acts according to the previous sharee'ah (i.e. he follows the divine legislation that was given to a messenger before him), and he himself was not sent to anyone to convey to them a message from Allah, then he is a prophet but not a messenger.

Mujaahid *4 (may Allah have mercy on him) said, "(One who is) a prophet only: is the one who is spoken to and (something) is sent down upon him (revealed to him) but he is not sent as a messenger." So based on this every messenger is a prophet but not every prophet is a messenger.

The Names of the Prophets and the Messengers (peace and commendations be upon them all)

Allah (high above is He) specified by name for us a portion of them, like Adam and Noah and Idrees and Hud and Saalih and Ibraaheem (i.e. Abraham) and Ismaa'eel (i.e. Ishmael) and Ishaaq (i.e. Isaac) and Ya'qoob (i.e. Jacob) and Yusuf (i.e. Joseph) and Loot (i.e. Lot) and Shu'ayb and Yunus (i.e. Jonah) and Musa (i.e. Moses) and Haaroon (i.e. Aaron) and Ilyaas (i.e. Elias) and Zachariah and Yahyaa (i.e. John) and Al-Yasa' and Dhul Kifl and Dawood (i.e. David) and Sulaymaan (i.e. Solomon) and Ayyub (i.e. Job) and he mentioned Al-Asbaat (i.e. the offspring of the twelve sons of Jacob) in a general manner and 'Iesaa (i.e. Jesus) and Muhammed, may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon them all.

And Allah told us from their stories and accounts of them that which is sufficient and that in which there is a lesson or something to be reflected upon: " And messengers We have told you about before (oh Muhammed) and Messengers We have not told you about, and to Musa (i.e. Moses) Allah spoke directly." (Surat An-Nisaa', Ayah #164)

So we believe in all of them, we believe in them specifically (i.e. by their names) where Allah was specific and in a general manner where Allah mentioned them in general.

The Messengers and Prophets (Peace and Commendations be Upon Them All) are Humans Whom Allah Honored With Prophethood and Messengership

And we believe that the Messengers and Prophets (peace and commendations be upon them all) are humans who have been created and have no charecteristics of Ruboobiyyah (i.e. Lordship and mastery and control over the creatures, creation of them, the giving of life and death, providing for the creatures, etc...) at all. Allah (high above is He) said, "Say (Oh Muhammed), 'I am only a man like you. It has been revealed to me that your Ilaah (i.e. God) is one Ilaah (i.e. God). So whoever hopes for the Meeting with his Lord, let him work righteousness and not associate anything in worship with his Lord.'" (Surat Al-Kahf, Ayah #110)

And Allah (high above is He) said, "Their Messengers said to them, 'We are no more than human beings like you, but Allah bestows His Grace upon whomever He wills from His slaves. It is not for us to bring you an authority (i.e. a proof) except by the Permission of Allah. And in Allah (alone) let the believers put their trust...'" (Surat Ibraheem, Ayah #11)

And Allah (high above is He) said, "And We never sent before you (oh Muhammad) any of the Messengers except that indeed they ate food and walked in the markets. And We have made some of you as a trial for others: will you have patience? And your Lord is Ever All-Seeing." (Surat Al-Furqaan, Ayah #20)

And He said, "Say (oh Muhammad), 'I am not saying to you that with me are the treasures of Allah, nor (that) I know the unseen; nor am I saying to you that I am an angel. I only follow what is revealed to me by inspiration.' Say, 'Are the blind and the one who sees equal? Will you not then think?'" (Surat Al-An'aam, Ayah #50)

And He said, "Say (oh Muhammad), 'I possess no power of benefit or hurt to myself except as Allah wills. If I had the knowledge of the unseen, I should have secured for myself an abundance of good, and no evil should have touched me. I am but a warner, and a bringer of glad tidings unto people who believe.'" (Surat Al-A'araaf, Ayah #188)

The Messengers and Prophets (Peace and Commendations be Upon Them) Are Slaves of Allah

And we believe that they are slaves from the slaves of Allah whom Allah honored with messengership and whom he described as having (the attribute of) servitude (to Him) in their most dignified situations and in the context of praising them.

Our Prophet Muhammad (May The Peace and Commendations of Allah Be Upon Him) is The Seal of The Prophets

And we believe that Allah sealed (ended) The Messages with The Message of Muhammad (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him). Thus He (Allah) sent him to all of the thaqalaan, Jinn and Mankind, as He (high above is He) said, "Say (Oh Muhammad) , 'Oh mankind indeed I am The Messenger of Allah to you all...'" (Surat Al-A'araaf, Ayah #158)

And He (high above is He) said, "And We have not sent you except as a mercy for Al-'Aalameen (i.e. Mankind, Jinn, and all of the creatures)." (Surat Al-Anbiyaa', Ayah #107)

And He (high above is He) said, "And We have not sent you (Oh Muhammad) except as a giver of glad tidings and a warner to all mankind, but most of men know not." (Surat Saba', Ayah #28)

And He (high above is He) informed (of the fact) that he took a pledge from the Prophets (peace be upon them) that if they were to reach the time of our Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) that they would follow him. And in this there is a clear proof that his (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) message is the seal of the messages and that it abrogates every message that came before it.

He (high above is He) said, "And when Allah took the Covenant of the Prophets, saying, 'Take whatever I gave you from the Book and Hikmah (i.e. understanding of the Laws of Allah, etc.), and afterwards there will come to you a Messenger confirming what is with you; you must, then, believe in him and help him.' Allah said, 'Do you agree (to it) and will you take up My Covenant (which I conclude with you)?' They said, 'We agree.' He said, 'Then bear witness; and I am with you among the witnesses (for this).' Then whoever turns away after this, they are the Faasiqoon (i.e. rebellious, those who turn away from Allah's Obedience)." (Surat Aal 'Imraan, Ayahs #81-82)

The Messengers' Conveyance of Glad Tidings About Our Prophet Muhammad (May The Peace and Commendations of Allah Be Upon All of Them)

And the Messengers (may the Peace and commendations of Allah be upon them all) conveyed the glad tidings of Muhammad's (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) Message. He (high above is He) said, "And when 'Iesa (i.e. Jesus), son of Maryam (i.e. Mary), said, 'Oh Children of Israel! I am the Messenger of Allah to you confirming the Torah, which came before me, and giving glad tidings of a Messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmed. But when he (i.e. this Messenger) came to them with clear proofs, they said, 'This is plain magic.'" (Surat As-Saff, Ayah #6)

And He (high above is He) said, "'And ordain for us good in this world, and in the Hereafter. Certainly we have turned to You.' He said, '(As to) My Punishment I afflict therewith whom I will and My Mercy embraces all things. That (Mercy) I shall ordain for those who are the Muttaqoon (i.e. the pious, those who fear Allah), and give Zakat; and those who believe in Our Ayaat (i.e. proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs and revelations, etc.); Those who follow the Messenger, the Prophet who is Umiyy (i.e. can neither read nor write) whom they find written with them in the Torah and the Injeel (i.e. Gospel)...'" (Surat Al-A'araf, Ayahs #156-157)

And in the Saheeh of Muslim (it is narrated) on the authority of Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him), he said, "The Messenger of Allah (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) said, 'By The One in whose Hand Muhammad's soul is in, there is no one from this ummah *27 (i.e. nation) whether they be Jew or Christian who hears about me and then dies without having believed in me except that he will be from the companions of The Fire."

Whoever Rejects The Message of Muhammad (May The Peace and Commendations of Allah Be Upon Him) Has Disbelieved

So whoever rejects the message of Muhammad (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) then he has disbelieved in all of the Messengers, even the Messenger that he claims to believe in and follow. Allah (high above is He) said, "The people of Nuh (i.e. Noah) rejected the Messengers." (Surat Ash-Shu'aaraa, Ayah #105)

So He (Allah) declared them to be rejecters of all of the Messengers (may The Peace and commendations of Allah be upon them) despite the fact that no messenger preceded Nuh (i.e. Noah).

Whoever Claims Prophethood After Muhammad (May The Peace and Commendations of Allah Be Upon Him)

And we believe that there is no prophet after Muhammad (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him), thus whoever claims Prophethood after him has disbelieved. Allah (high above is He) said, "...But rather he is The Messenger of Allah and The Seal of The Prophets." (Surat Al-Ahzaab, Ayah #40)

And (it is narrated) in the Saheeh of Muslim on the authority of Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) said, "I have been preferred over the (other) Prophets in six (matters). I have been given jawaamiu'l kalim (i.e. short concise speech that is filled with a lot of meaning), I have been aided by fright, the war booty has been made permissible for me, the Earth has been made a place of prayer and a means of (ritual) purification for me, I was sent to all of the creation, and The Prophets were sealed off with me."

Whoever Rejects The Message of One of The Prophets or Messengers (May The Peace and Commendations of Allah Be Upon All of Them) Has Disbelieved

And whoever rejects the message of one of the Prophets or Messengers (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon all of them) has disbelieved. Allah (high above is He) said, "Verily, those who disbelieve in Allah and His Messengers and wish to make distinction between Allah and His Messengers (i.e. by believing in Allah and disbelieving in His Messengers) saying, 'We believe in some but reject others', and wish to adopt a way in between; they are truly disbelievers. And We have prepared for the disbelievers a humiliating torment. And those who believe in Allah and His Messengers and make no distinction between any of them (i.e. the Messengers), We shall give them their rewards, and Allah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Surat An-Nisaa', Ayahs #150-152)

Translator's Footnotes

*(21) And proof for this is in Ayah #125 of Surat An-Nisaa'. Imaam As-Sa'dee said in his explanation of the Ayah: "And al-khullah is the highest type of love but verily Allah took Ibraaheem as a khaleel (i.e. very close friend) because he carried out that which he was ordered to do and performed that which he was tested with, thus Allah made him an imaam (i.e. leader) for mankind and took him as a khaleel (i.e. very close friend) and caused him to be highly praised (commended) in Al-'Aalameen (i.e. The Worlds)." [Translator]

*(22) And proof that Allah took Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) as a khaleel (i.e. the closest type of friend) is in his statement which is conveyed in Saheeh Muslim: "If I were to take a khaleel from the inhabitants of the earth I would take Ibn Abee Qahaafah (i.e. Abu Bakr) as a khaleel but your companion (i.e. The Prophet [may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him]) is the khaleel of Allah." [Translator]

*(23) His Word is "Kun!" (i.e. "Be!"), that is how Jesus (peace be upon him) came about. Allah said, "Kun (i.e. "Be!") and it was. The Word itself didn't become Jesus (peace upon him) rather it was by the Word that he came into existence. See Tasfseer Ibn Katheer or Tafseer As-Sa'dee for Ayah # 171 in Surat An-Nisaa' for this explanation. [Translator]

*(24) "Wa ruhun minhu" this phrase occurs in Ayah #171 in Surat An-Nisaa'. It means: "And a spirit from Him". "From Him" in this case means from what He (Allah) created. It does not mean physically from within Allah like Christians say. The usage of "From Him" to mean it is from what He created is also found in Ayah # 13 of Suratul Jaathiyyah: "And He has subjected to you all that is in the Heavens and all that is in the Earth; all of it is from Him." So "from Him" means that He created it and it is a great blessing and a great favor "from Him". Please see Tafseer Ibn Katheer for this explanation. [Translator]

*(25) Please refer back to the sections about the correct creed concerning Allah to gain further understanding of these three categories of At-Tawheed (i.e. declaration and belief in Allah's oneness). [Translator]

*(26) Here the author brings several Ayaat (i.e. Qur'aanic verses) to show that they all called to the same creed, though they were sent to different people in different times and some of the laws that were given to them may have differed. The essence of their message was the same. They all called the people to Al-Islaam, the basis of which is to submit oneself in worship to the One and only true God alone without ascribing partners to Him. [Translator]

*(27) The word Ummah sometimes means nation or community in Arabic. The Scholars of Islaam clarify that here, in this narration, it is referring to everyone that the Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) was sent to, which is everyone on the earth from his time until the Day of Judgment from every race and in every place. This is called Ummat Ad-Da'wah, which means the nation whom The Message is propagated to. [Translator]

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#7

Faith in The Afterlife

And [from the creed is to have] faith in the Last Day, and it is the Day of Judgment and that which will occur on it of matters and horrifying things. And Ahlus-Sunnah (i.e. the people of the Prophetic Way) are certain of this, as Allah (high above and exalted is He) said, "...And of the Afterlife they are certain." (Surat Al-Baqarah, Ayah #4)

And He (high above and exalted is He) said, "Allahu laa ilaaha illaa huwa (i.e. Allah, there is no true god or there is none that truly deserves to be worshipped but Him). Certainly, He will gather you (all) together on the Day of Judgment of which there is no doubt. And who is more truthful than Allah in speech." (Surat An-Nisaa', Ayah #87)

And He (high above and exalted is He) said, "...The Hour is surely coming, so overlook (Oh Muhammad) their faults with gracious forgiveness." *29 (Surat Al-Hijr, Ayah #85)

* * * * * * * * *

Sheikh Ibn Al-'Utheymeen On Life in The Grave *30

And [also] associated with faith in the Last Day is having faith in everything that will occur after death, like the trial of the grave: and it is the questioning of the deceased after his burial about his Lord and his Religion and his Prophet. Allah will make those who believe unwavering with the statement that stands firm; thus the one who believed will say, "My Lord is Allah and my Religion is Al-Islaam and my Prophet is Muhammad (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him)." And Allah will cause the wrongdoers to falter; thus the disbeliever will say (when asked these three questions), "Haah haah, I don't know." And the hypocrite or the one who had doubts will say, "I don't know; I heard the people saying something so I said it."

And like the punishment or bliss of the grave. As for the punishment of the grave then it is for the wrongdoers; the hypocrites and the disbelievers. *31 Allah (high above and exalted is He) said, "...And if you could only see when the wrongdoers are in the agonies of death, while the angels are stretching forth their hands (saying), 'Deliver your souls! This day you shall be recompensed with the torment of degradation because of what you used to say against Allah other than the truth. And you used to reject His Ayaat (i.e. proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) with disdain!" (Surat Al-An'aam, Ayah #93)

And He (high above and exalted is He) said concerning the people of Pharaoh, "The Fire; they are exposed to it, morning and evening, and on the Day when the Hour will be established (it will be said to the angels): 'Cause Pharaoh's people to enter the severest torment!'" (Surat Ghaafir, Ayah #46)

And [it is narrated] in Saheeh Muslim from the narration of Zayd Ibn Thaabit that The Prophet (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) said, "'If it wasn't for the fact that you wouldn't bury each other I would have prayed to Allah to let you hear from the punishment of the grave that which I hear.' (Zayd said) then he turned his face towards [us] saying, 'Seek refuge in Allah from the punishment of The Fire!' They said, 'We seek refuge in Allah from the punishment of The Fire!' He said, 'Seek refuge in Allah from the punishment of the grave!' They said, 'We seek refuge in Allah from the punishment of the grave!' He said, 'Seek refuge in Allah from fitan (i.e. trials) that which is apparent of them and that which is not apparent!' They said, 'We seek refuge in Allah from fitan (i.e. trials) that which is apparent of them and that which not apparent!' He said, 'Seek refuge in Allah from the trial of The Dajjaal (i.e. The Anti-Christ)!' They said, 'We seek refuge in Allah from the trial of The Dajjaal (i.e. The Anti-Christ)!'

As for the bliss of the grave then it is for the true believers. Allah (high above and exalted is He) said, "Indeed those who say, 'Our Lord is Allah', and then they istaqaamoo (i.e. maintain al-istiqaamah, or remain firm on the Straight Path), on them the Angels will descend (at the time of their death) (saying): 'Fear not, nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings of Al-Jennah (i.e. The Garden, Heaven) which you have been promised!'" (Surat Fussilat, Ayah #30)

And He (high above and exalted is He) said, "Then why do you not (intervene) when it (i.e. the soul of a dying person) reaches the throat? And you at the moment are looking on. But We (with Our angels and Our Knowledge) *32 are nearer to him than you, but you see not. Then why don't you, if you are exempt from the reckoning and recompense, bring back the soul (to its body), if you are truthful? Then, if he (i.e. the dying person) is of the Muqarraboon (i.e. those brought near to Allah), (There is for him) rest and provision, and a Garden of Bliss (Heaven)." (Surat Al-Waaqi'ah, Ayahs #83-89) To the end of what Allah said in this surah.

And it is narrated on the authority of Al-Baraa' Ibn 'Aazib (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) said concerning the situation of the believer when he answers the two angels (that come to him) in his grave, "A caller will call out from the sky saying, 'My slave has spoken the truth so furnish him from Al-Jennah (i.e. The Garden, Heaven) and clothe him from Al-Jennah (i.e. The Garden, Heaven) and open up for him a door to Al-Jennah (i.e. The Garden, Heaven).' He (i.e. the Prophet Muhammed, peace and commendations be upon him,) said, "So some of its (i.e. Heaven's) breeze and fragrance will come to him and his grave will be expanded for him to as far as his vision extends." This is part of a longer narration which Ahmed and Abu Dawood narrated. *33

* * * * * * * * *

The Resurrection

And also a part of this (i.e. faith in The Afterlife) is having faith in Al-Ba'th (i.e. the Resurrection), which is the bringing to life of the dead (for The Day of Judgment). Allah (high above and exalted is He) said, "And the Trumpet will be blown, and all who are in the heavens and all who are on the earth will swoon away, except whomsoever Allah wills. Then it will blown a second time and behold, they will be standing, looking on (waiting)." (Surat Az-Zumar, Ayah #68)

And He (high above and exalted is He) said, "...Just as We started the first creation, We shall repeat it, [it is] a promise binding upon Us. Truly, We shall do it." (Surat Al-Anbiyaa', Ayah #104)

The Records of Deeds

And faith in the Records of Deeds [is also part of faith in The Afterlife]. They will either be given [to people] in their right hands or from behind their backs in their left hands. Allah (high above and exalted is He) said, "Al-Haaqqah (i.e. the Inevitable, the Day of Resurrection)! What is Al-Haaqqah? And what will make you know what Al-Haaqqah is? Thamud and 'Ad people denied the Qaari'ah (i.e. the striking Hour of Judgment)! As for Thamud, they were destroyed by the awful cry! And as for 'Ad, they were destroyed by a furious violent wind; which Allah imposed on them for seven nights and eight days in succession, so that you could see men lying overthrown (destroyed), as if they were hollow trunks of date-palms! Do you see any remnants of them? And Pharaoh, and those before him, and the cities overthrown (i.e. the towns of the people of Lot) committed sin, and they disobeyed their Lord's Messenger, so He punished them with a strong punishment. Verily! When the water rose beyond its limits (i.e. the flood that occurred in Noah's time), We carried you (mankind) in the floating [ship]. That We might make it a reminder for you, and the keen ear may (hear and) understand it. Then when the Trumpet will be blown with one blowing (the first one) and the earth and the mountains shall be removed from their places and crushed with a single crushing; then on that Day the (Great) Event will occur. And the heaven will split asunder, for that Day it (the heaven) will be frail (weak) and torn up. And the angels will be on its sides, and eight angels will, that Day, bear the Throne of your Lord above them. That Day shall you be brought to Judgment, not a secret of yours will be hidden. Then as for him who will be given his Record in his right hand, then he will say, 'Take, read my Record! Surely, I did believe that I would meet my reckoning!' So he will be in a life well pleasing, in a lofty garden, the Qutoof (i.e. fruits that are picked) of which will be low and near at hand (i.e. easy to pick). Eat and drink at ease for that which you have sent on before you in days past! But as for him who will be given his Record in his left hand, then he will say, 'I wish that I had not been given my Record and that I had never known, how my account is? I wish that it were the end (death)! My wealth has not availed me. My power and arguments (to defend myself) have gone from me!' (It will be said): 'Seize him and fetter him, then throw him in the Blazing Fire, then fasten him with a chain the length of which is seventy cubits! Verily, He used to not believe in Allah, the Most Great. And he did not encourage the feeding of Al-Miskeen (i.e. the poor). So no friend has he here this Day, nor any food except filth from the washing of wounds. None will eat it except the Khaati'oon (i.e. those who were in error, the sinners, disbelievers, polytheists, etc.)." (Surat Al-Haaqqah, Ayahs #1-37)

The Scales

And faith in the scales [is also part of faith in The Afterlife]. They will be set up on The Day of Judgment and no soul will be wronged in the least. Allah (high above and exalted is He) said, "Then those whose scales (of good deeds) are heavy, these, they are the successful." (Surat Al-Mu'minoon, Ayah #102)

The Intercession

And belief in the shafaa'ah (i.e. the intercession), which will occur at that time, is of different types:

1) The Greatest Intercession- This is something specifically for The Prophet Muhammad (may The Peace and Commendations of Allah be upon him) to do, and it is when the people ask him to plead [to Allah] on their behalf that He (i.e. Allah) judges between them.

2) The Intercession for the Gate of Al-Jennah (i.e. Heaven) to be Opened for its People- this is something specifically for The Prophet [Muhammad], may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him, to do.

3) The Intercession to Lighten the Punishment Upon Those Who Deserve it- This is something specifically for The Prophet (may The Peace and Commendations of Allah be upon him) to do, and it is when he will plead on behalf of his uncle Abu Taalib that the punishment upon him in Hell-fire be lightened, and this a recompense for the fact that he (i.e. Abu Taalib) used to protect him and become angry for his (i.e. the Prophet's [may The Peace and Commendations of Allah be upon him]) sake.

4) The intercession to raise the ranks of people in Al-Jennah (i.e. Heaven)- It is said that this is something specifically for the Prophet (may the Peace and Commendations of Allah be upon him) to do, and it is [also] said that this is not specific to him (may the Peace and Commendations of Allah be upon him).

5) Intercession on behalf of those who committed major sins- This [intercession] is on behalf of the sinners from the Muwahhidoon (i.e. those who believed in and died upon the true monotheistic creed of Al-Islam), those who entered the Fire due to their sins, (an intercession asking) that they be removed from it. The Messenger of Allah (may The Peace and Commendations of Allah be upon him) and other than him from The Messengers (peace be upon them all), (as well as) the Angels, the righteous, and the martyrs will intercede for that. And The Qur'aan and fasting will be intercessors for their companions on the Day of Judgment. Likewise the children of the believers will be intercessors for their parents.

The Pool

And (from faith in The Afterlife) is faith in Al-Hawd (i.e. the Pool); the pool of our Prophet Muhammad (may The Peace and Commendations of Allah be upon him). Its water is whiter than milk and sweeter than honey and more fragrant than the smell of musk. Whoever takes one drink from it will never be thirsty after that.

The Bridge

And (from faith in The Afterlife) is faith in As-Siraat (i.e. the Bridge), which is erected over the center of Jahannam (i.e. Hell). People will pass over it according to their deeds, so the first of them (i.e. the fastest of them) will pass over it like lightning, then (there are those who will) pass over it like wind, then (there are those who will) pass over it like a bird. All the while The Prophet (may The Peace and Commendations of Allah be upon him) is calling out saying, "My Lord! Save! Save!". (This will continue) until the deeds of the slaves would be failing in strength to the point where there will come a man who will not be able to move (across The Bridge) except crawling. On the two sides of the bridge there are hooks that are attached, they are ordered to take certain people. So there will be those who are injured and cut but safe and those who are cast into and heaped up in the Fire.

And we believe in everything that is in the Qur'aan and the Sunnah about that day's events and horrors; may Allah aid us in dealing with them.

Translator's Footnotes

(29) Please read from the credible books of Tafseer (i.e. Explanation of The Qur'aan) in order to correctly understand this Ayah . [Translator]

(30) The following section is not from the original author. I added this section from a book by Sheikh Ibn Al-'Utheymeen whose title translates as: Explanation of The Fundamentals of Faith. The author did not speak about the subject of life in the grave, so I added this section from the book of another scholarly author for further benefit. [Translator]

(31) And some of the sinful people who were believers may receive this punishment as well as we know from the Sunnah. May Allah protect us from it. [Translator]

(32) See Tafseer As-Sa'dee for this explanation. [Translator]

(33) This is the end of what Sheikh Ibn Al-'Utheymeen said about life in the grave in the Explanation of The Fundamentals of Faith. [Translator]

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#8

Faith in Predestination; The Good and The Bad

Faith in Al-Qadaa (i.e. the execution of Allah's Will) and Al-Qadar (i.e. Predestination)- It is to have firm belief that Allah pre-ordained the maqaadeer (i.e. quantities, proportions, measures, numbers, descriptions, lifespan) of His creatures, and that whatever Allah willed occurs, and whatever he did not will, does not come about. Allah (high above and exalted is He) said, "Verily We have created everything with a qadar (i.e. divine preordainment)" (Surat Al-Qamr, Ayah #49)

And He (high above and exalted is He) said, "And The Command of Allah is a decree determined." (Surat Al-Ahzaab, Ayah #38)

The Aspects of Predestination are Four

1) The Knowledge of Allah- We believe that Allah (high above and exalted is He) knows all things. He knew what would be and how it would be in His eternal everlasting Knowledge (which has no beginning or end), so no new knowledge comes to Him after ignorance nor does forgetfulness overtake Him after knowledge. * Translator's note: To rephrase this sentence, in order to make sure it is well understood- Allah's perfect and complete knowledge is not gained by learning because He always had knowledge of all things and He was never ignorant or unaware of anything, and also Allah never forgets anything ever.*

2) The Writing- And we believe that Allah wrote everything that will happen until The Day of Judgment is in Al-Lawh Al-Mahfooth (i.e. The Preserved Tablet). He (high above and exalted is He) said, "Don't you know that Allah knows all that is in the heaven and the earth, verily it is all in a book, verily that is easy for Allah." (Surat Al-Hajj, Ayah #70)

He (high above and exalted is He) said, "He (i.e. Pharaoh) said, 'What about the generations of old?' He (i.e. Moses) said, 'The knowledge thereof is with my Lord in a book, my Lord does not err nor does he forget.'" (Surat Taa Haa, Ayahs #51-52)

And He (high above and exalted is He) said, "And We have taken account of all things in a clear book." (Surat Yaa Seen, Ayah #12)

The Azalee (i.e. Eternal) Preordainment, which took place before the creation of the heavens and the earth, enters under this (aspect of predestination). He (high above and exalted is He) said: "Say (Oh Muhammad), 'Nothing will happen to us except that which Allah has written for us.'" (Surat At-Tawbah, Ayah #51)

And (also) the writing of the Covenant on the Day of "Am I not your Lord?" He (high above and exalted is He) said, "And when your Lord brought forth from the children of Adam, from their loins, their offspring (or from Adam's loins his offspring) and made them testify as to themselves saying (to them), 'Am I not your Lord?' They said, 'Yes, we testify.'" (Surat Al-A'araaf, Ayah #172)

And (also) The Lifetime Preordainment, when the nutfah (i.e. the mixed male and female sexual fluids) takes form and the angel is sent to blow the spirit into the mudghah (i.e. the embryo) and he (i.e. the angel) is commanded to write four (things about the person who is being formed); their provisions, their lifespan, their deeds, and wether they will be wretched or happy. And (also) The Yearly Preordainment, which takes place in Laylatul-Qadr [a special night that occurs once a year in the Islamic Lunar Month of Ramaadan], Allah (high above and exalted is He) said, "Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments." (Surat Ad-Dukhaan, Ayah #4)

Ibn 'Abbaas said, "That which will occur in the (coming) year of death and life and provisions and rain is written from Ummul-Kitaab (i.e. The Mother of The Book, The Preserved Tablet) in Laylatul-Qadr; even those who will make Al-Hajj (that year), it is said so and so will make Al-Hajj and such and such will make Al-Hajj."

And The Daily Preordainment (enters under this aspect), Allah (high above and exalted is He) said, "Every day He has a matter to bring forth." (Surat Ar-Rahmaan, Ayah #29)

So The Daily Preordainment is a part of The Yearly Preordainment, and The Yearly Preordainment is a part of The Lifetime Preordainment that takes place when the nutfah (i.e. the mixed male and female sexual fluids) takes form, and (that) Lifetime Preordainment is a part of the first Lifetime Preordainment, which took place The Day of The Covenant, and that is a part of The Azalee (i.e. Eternal) Preordainment, which The Pen wrote in Al-Imaam Al-Mubeen (i.e. The Clear Book, The Preserved Tablet), and Al-Imaam Al-Mubeen (i.e. The Clear Book, The Preserved Tablet) is (from) the knowledge of Allah (mighty and majestic is He). Likewise, in the end, the knowledge of the matters that are pre-ordained is with Allah. So the first things that were preordained are in His Eternal [Knowledge] (which has no beginning) and the last things that are preordained are in His Everlasting [Knowledge] (which has no end). "And that to your Lord (Allah) is the End (i.e. return of everything)." (Surat An-Najm, Ayah #42)

3) The Will of Allah- So we believe that Allah decreed everything that is in The Heavens and The Earth and there is nothing that exists except by His Will. Whatever He wills comes into existence and whatever He did not will does not come about. He (high above and exalted is He) said, "Verily, His Command, when He intends a thing, is only that He says to it, 'Be!' and then it is!" (Surat Yaa Seen, Ayah #82)

And He (high above and exalted is He) said, "...If Allah had willed, they would not have fought against one another..." (Surat Al-Baqarah, Ayah #253)

And He (high above and exalted is He) said, "...And had Allah willed, He could have gathered them (all) together upon guidance..." (Surat Al-An'aam, Ayah #35)

And He (high above and exalted is He) said, "And if your Lord had so willed, He could surely have made mankind one Ummah (i.e. one nation following one religion), but they will not cease to disagree." (Surat Hud, Ayah #118)

And He (high above and exalted is He) said, "And if We had willed, surely We would have given every person his guidance, but the Word from Me took effect..." (Surat As-Sajdah, Ayah #13)

And He (high above and exalted is He) said, "...Allah is not such that anything in the heavens or in the earth escapes Him..." (Surat Faatir, Ayah #44)

4) The Aspect of Creation- So He (high above and exalted is He) creates every doer and the deeds he does, and every thing that moves and its movement, and everything that is still and its stillness. He (high above and exalted is He) said, "While Allah has created you and what you make!" (Surat As-Saaffaat, Ayah #96)

And He (high above and exalted is He) said, "Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is the Wakeel (i.e. Trustee, Disposer of affairs, Guardian, etc.) over all things." (Surat Az-Zumar, Ayah #62)

The Actions of The Slaves

And we believe along with (all) that (preceded), that the slaves have ability to do their deeds and they have volition and will. And Allah (high above and exalted is He) is their Creator and the Creator of their wills and abilities and statements and actions. And the statements and deeds, which come from them, are attributed to them in reality, and they will be rewarded or punished for them. And they are not able to do except that which Allah made them able to do, and they cannot will anything unless Allah (high above and exalted is He) willed it. He (high above and exalted is He) said, "Verily! This (i.e. these verses of Al-Qur'aan) is an admonition, so whosoever wills, let him take a Path to his Lord. But you cannot will, unless Allah wills. Verily, Allah is Ever All-Knowing, All-Wise." (Surat Al-Insaan, Ayahs #29-30)

And He (high above and exalted is He) said, "Verily, this (i.e. The Qur'aan) is no less than a Reminder to (all) the 'Aalameen (i.e. Mankind and Jinns). To whomsoever among you who wills to walk straight, and you will not, unless (it be) that Allah wills, the Lord of the 'Aalameen (i.e. the Worlds; Mankind, Jinns, and all that exists)." (Surat At-Takweer, Ayahs #27-29)

And He (high above and exalted is He) said, "Allah does not burden a soul beyond its ability. It gets reward for that (good) which it has earned, and it is punished for that (evil) which it has earned..." (Surat Al-Baqarah, Ayah #286)

And He (high above and exalted is He) said, "This is the Paradise which you have been made to inherit because of what you used to do." (Surat Az-Zukhruf, Ayah #72) Meaning: because of the action (deeds) you used to do.

And He (high above and exalted is He) said, "...And taste the everlasting punishment because of what you used to do." (Surat As-Sajdah, Ayah #14)

And He (high above and exalted is He) said, "So whosoever does good equal to the weight of a dharrah (i.e. the smallest ant), shall see it. And whosoever does evil equal to the weight of a dharrah (i.e. the smallest ant), shall see it." (Surat Az-Zalzalah, Ayahs #7-8)

Preordainment should not Prohibit One From Taking the Means nor Does it Obligate Neglecting Them

And we believe that preordainment should not prohibit one from taking the means and does not obligate neglecting them. That is why when the Prophet (may peace and commendations be upon him) informed his companions about (the fact that) matters are preordained and they will occur and the drying up of The Pen, it was said to him, "Shall we not then be reliant on what is written for us and leave off work (i.e. taking the means)?" He said, "No! Work, for verily it is made easy for everyone (i.e it is made easy for everyone to do that which they were created for)." Then he (may peace and commendations be upon him) recited, "As for him who gives (in charity) and keeps his duty to Allah and fears Him, and believes in Al-Husna *36 (i.e. The Best), We will make smooth for him the path of ease (i.e. goodness). But he who is miserly and thinks himself self-sufficient, and rejects Al-Husna *37 (i.e. The Best); We will make smooth for him the path of difficulty (i.e. evil)." (Surat Al-Layl, Ayahs #5-10)

Thus the preordained matters have means that lead to them; so just as getting married is the means for (the attainment of) children and tilling is a reason for the presence of crops, then also good deeds are a means to enter Heaven and bad deed are a means to enter Hell.

Translator's Footnotes

(36) Al-Imaam As-Sa'dee says in his Tafseer in explanation of this, "Meaning: the one who believes in [the statement] laa ilaaha illa Allah (i.e. There is no true God except Allah or none has the right or deserves to be worshipped except Allah) and all that it indicates of all the beliefs of the religion and that which results from them of compensation in The Afterlife." [Translator]

(37) As-Sa'dee says in his Tafseer in explanation of this, "Meaning: (the one who rejects) what Allah obligated the slaves to believe in of good beliefs." [Translator]

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#9

The Correct Creed Concerning Al-Imaan

And from the totality of the creed of Ahlus-Sunnah is that Al-Imaan (i.e. faith) is speech of the tongue; that is that one pronounces the testification of At-Tawheed: there is no true deity (or none deserves to be worshipped) except Allah and Muhammad is The Messenger of Allah (may peace and commendations be upon him). And (it is) belief in the heart: which is that one is absolutely certain of the truthfulness of the statement (testification) of At-Tawheed and (faith is) actions with the limbs.

The Increasing and Decreasing of Al-Imaan

And Al-Imaan (i.e. faith) increases due to obedience (i.e. good deeds) and decreases due to disobedience (i.e. sins). He (high above and exalted is He) said, "Those (i.e. believers) unto whom the people (hypocrites) said, 'Verily, the people (pagans) have gathered against you (a great army), therefore, fear them.' But it (only) increased them in Imaan (i.e. Faith), and they said: 'Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us).' (Surat Aal-'Imraan, Ayah #173)

And He (high above and exalted is He) said, "...And when His Verses (this Qur'aan) are recited unto them, they (i.e. the Verses) increase their Faith; and they put their trust in their Lord (Alone)." (Surat Al-Anfaal, Ayah #2)

And He (high above and exalted is He) said, "And when the believers saw Al-Ahzaab (the Confederates), they said: This is what Allah and His Messenger had promised us; and Allah and His Messenger had spoken the truth. And it only added to their faith and to their submissiveness (to Allah)." (Surat Al-Ahzaab, Ayah #22)

And He (high above and exalted is He) said, "He it is Who sent down As-Sakeenah (i.e. calmness and tranquility) into the hearts of the believers, that they may grow more in Imaan (i.e. Faith) along with their (present) Imaan (i.e. Faith)." (Surat Al-Fath, Ayah #4)

And He (high above and exalted is He) said, "...And (in order that) the believers may increase in Imaan (i.e. Faith)..." (Surat Al-Muddaththir, Ayah #31)

And He (high above and exalted is He) said, "And whenever there comes down a Surah (i.e. chapter from The Qur'aan), some of them (i.e. the hypocrites) say, 'Which of you has had his Imaan (i.e. Faith) increased by it?' As for those who believe, it has increased their Imaan (i.e. Faith), and they rejoice." (Surat At-Tawbah, Ayah #124)

And [it is narrated] in the two Saheehs (i.e. the two most authentic collections of Prophetic Narrations those of Al-Bukharee and Muslim), on the authority of Ibn 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with both of them), that The Prophet (may peace and commendations be upon him) admonished the women and he said to them, "I have not seen anyone deficient in intelligence and religion who could make a strong-willed man loose his intellect more than one of you." So this is a proof that Al-Imaan (i.e. Faith) decreases. And similar to this is his (may peace and commendations be upon him) statement, "The most complete of believers in Imaan (i.e. Faith) are those who have the best character (manners)." Ahmed and other than him narrated it on the authority of Abu Hurairah.

So if the one who is described as having good character is the most complete of believers in Imaan (i.e. Faith), then other than him, whose character is poor, has less Imaan (i.e. Faith).

Al- Imaan is not Without Conviction

And Al-Imaan (i.e. Faith) is not (just) statements and actions without conviction (in the heart), for this is the Imaan of the hypocrites. Allah (high above and exalted is He) said, "And of mankind, there are some who say, 'We believe in Allah and the Last Day.' While in fact they do not believe." (Surat Al-Baqarah, Ayah #8)

Al-Imaan is not Just Having The Knowledge

And Al-Imaan (i.e. Faith) is not just having the knowledge, because that is The Imaan of the disbelievers and those who make juhood (i.e. reject while knowing). *38 He (high above and exalted is He) said, "And they made juhood of (i.e. rejected) them (i.e. those signs) wrongfully and arrogantly, though their own selves were convinced thereof..." *39 (Surat An-Naml, Ayah #14)

And He (high above and exalted is He) said, "...It is not you (Oh Muhammad) that they make takdheeb of (i.e. that they see as being untruthful), rather it is the ayaat of Allah that the thaalimoon (i.e. polytheists, wrongdoers) make juhood of (i.e. reject while knowing the truth). (Surat Al-An'aam, Ayah #33)

And He (high above and exalted is He) said, "Those to whom We gave the Scripture to (i.e. the Jews and Christians) recognize him (i.e. Muhammad [may peace and commendations be upon him] or the Ka'bah at Makkah) as they recognize their sons." (Surat Al-Baqarah, Ayah #146)

And He (high above and exalted is He) said, "...Then when there came to them that which they had recognized, they disbelieved in it." (Surat Al-Baqarah, Ayah #89)

And He (high above and exalted is He) said, "And 'Aad and Thamood (people)! And indeed (their destruction) is clearly apparent to you from their (ruined) dwellings. Satan made their deeds seem fair to them, and turned them away from the (Right) Path, though they were mustabsiroon (i.e. intelligent)." (Surat Al-'Ankaboot, Ayah #38)

Al-Imaan is not Without Action

And it (i.e. Al-Imaan) is not speech and conviction without action (deeds), because Allah called (good) deeds imaan (i.e. faith). Hence He (high above and exalted is He) said, "And Allah would never make your imaan (i.e. faith) to be lost." This means: (He will not make) your prayers towards Jerusalem (that they did before the Ayah commanding them to turn towards The Ka'bah was revealed) lost. And (it is narrated) in the two Saheehs (i.e. the two most authentic collections of Prophetic Narrations by Al-Bukhari and Muslim) from the narration of Ibn 'Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with them both) that the Prophet (may peace and commendations be upon) said to the delegation of 'Abdul Qays, "I order you with four things: to have Al-Imaan (i.e. Faith) in Allah, do you know what Al-Imaan (i.e. Faith) in Allah is? It is to testify that laa ilaaha illa Allah (i.e. there is no true God except Allah or none truly deserves to be worshipped except Allah), and to establish The Salat (i.e. the five daily prayers) and to give The Zakat (i.e. a fixed annual charity), and to fast in Ramadan, and that you give a fifth of the war booty."

And also in the two Saheehs (i.e. the two most authentic collections of Prophetic Narrations by Al-Bukhari and Muslim) (it is narrated) on the authority of Abu Hurairah that The Messenger of Allah (may peace and commendations be upon him) said, "Al-Imaan (i.e. Faith) is 70 some or 60 some odd branches, the best of those (branches) is the statement laa ilaaha illa Allah (i.e. there is no true God except Allah or none truly deserves to be worshipped except Allah) and the lowest of them is removing some harm (obstruction) from the road, and shyness is a branch of Al-Imaan (i.e. Faith)."

The Ruling in Regards to The Relationship Between Al-Imaan and Deeds

And there is no action, which if it is abandoned, is disbelief except the Salat (i.e. the five daily prayers). So whoever abandons it completely then he has disbelieved. The Companions of The Messenger of Allah (may peace and commendations be upon him) had a consensus about this. 'Abdullah Ibn Shaqeeq said, "The Companions of The Messenger of Allah (may peace and commendations be upon him) did not see the abandonment of any action as being disbelief except (for the abandonment of) the Salat." At-Tirmidhee narrated this.

The Ruling in Regards to Declaring Someone to be a Disbeliever

And At-Takfeer (i.e. declaring someone to be a disbeliever) is a right that belongs to Allah (alone), so no one is declared to be a kaafir (i.e. disbeliever) except he who Allah or His Messenger (may peace and commendations be upon him) declares to be a kaafir (i.e. disbeliever), or he who the Muslims have a consensus about declaring to be kaafir (i.e. disbeliever). So whoever declares someone to be a disbeliever for a reason that does not have a clear proof from The Qur'aan or the authentic Sunnah or the consensus of the Muslims, then he deserves to be punished and reprimanded harshly, this is because, "Whoever accuses a believer of kufr (i.e. disbelief) then it is as if he has killed him." This is narrated in Al-Bukhaari on the authority of Thaabit Ibn Ad-Dahhaak from The Prophet (may peace and commendations be upon him).

And kufr (i.e. disbelief) occurs by a statement of disbelief, of which there is no difference of opinion, that is worthy of consideration, about (it being a statement of disbelief); the same is the case for actions and beliefs (of kufr). And Al-Istihlaal (i.e. declaring that which Allah made prohibited to be permissible) is not a pre-condition for disbelief (to occur).

And there is a difference between a general pronouncement of takfeer (i.e. saying in general that whoever does or believes or says such and such is a disbeliever) and making takfeer of a specific person (i.e. declaring a specific person a disbeliever). A general takfeer is similar to a general threat (by Allah) in that it is necessary to speak generally with it, like for instance the statement of the Imaams (i.e. the Scholars), "Whoever says The Qur'aan is created is a kaafir (i.e. disbeliever)." And like the statement of Ibn Khuzaymah (may Allah have mercy on him), "Whoever does not confirm that Allah is above His Throne; He is ascended above His Seven Heavens, then he is a kaafir (i.e. disbeliever); his blood is permissible (to shed) and his wealth is booty (for the Muslim treasury)."

And to declare a specific person to be a kaafir (i.e. disbeliever) it is necessary that the pre-conditions be fulfilled and those things that would obstruct (one from being called a disbeliever) are negated. Thus it is not necessary that from a general takfeer that a specific person is made takfeer of (i.e. declared to be a disbeliever), until the pre-conditions of takfeer are fulfilled and those things that would obstruct it from occurring have been negated.

Translator's Footnotes

(38) The word the author used is "jaahideen" جاحدين which means those make juhood جُحود, to make juhood of something is to reject it after knowing the truthfulness of it. See the Arabic to Arabic dictionary Lisaan Al 'Arab. [Translator]

(39) This Ayah is referring to how the Pharaoh and his followers rejected the signs of Allah that Moses showed them. Look at the Ayahs before this one to know that from the context. [Translator]

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#10

The Correct Creed Concerning The Status of Those Who Fall Into Major Sins

And from the totality of the creed of Ahlus-Sunnah wal Jamaa'ah (i.e. the People of the Prophetic Way and the Group) is that none of the sins, other than Ash-Shirk (i.e. ascribing partners to Allah), remove the Muslim from the religion of Al-Islaam (i.e. cause him to be a disbeliever); except if he regards these (sins) as halaal (i.e. lawful or permissible to do) whether he does it while believing it to be halaal (i.e. lawful or permissible to do) or he believes it to be halaal (i.e. lawful or permissible to do) but does not do it, this is because (if he deemed it lawful) he would be rejecting The Book (i.e. The Qur'aan) and The Messenger (may peace and commendations be upon him), and this is disbelief in The Book (i.e. The Qur'aan) and The Sunnah (i.e. the Prophetic Way) and the ijmaa' (i.e. consensus).

And no sin that is less than Ash-Shirk (i.e. ascription of partners to Allah) will cause its doer to dwell eternally in the fire of Hell, as Allah says, "Verily Allah does not forgive that partners are ascribed to Him (i.e. Ash-Shirk) and he forgives whatever is less than that for whomsoever He wills..." (Surat An-Nisaa', Ayah #48)

So this ayah states that the person of sins is left to the will of Allah (majestic and high above is He), if He (high above and exalted is He) wills He may pardon him by His graciousness and generosity and if He wills He may enter him into The Fire (for a time that is) in accordance with the amount of his sins, so that He (Allah) will purify him by it. Then He will take him out of it due to his Tawheed (i.e. due to the person's belief in the oneness of Allah).

The One Who Commits Major Sins is Deficient in Imaan

And Allah mentioned some of the major sins like murder and transgression in His Book (i.e. The Qur'aan) and confirmed that those who do them have Imaan (i.e. Faith). *40 So they are believers because of their Imaan (i.e. Faith) and faasiqoon (i.e. those who leave obedience, extremely sinful people) due to their disobedience. He (high above and exalted is He) said, "Oh you who believe! Al-Qisaas (i.e. the Law of Equality in punishment) is prescribed for you in case of murder: the free for the free, the slave for the slave, and the female for the female. But if he (i.e. the killer) is forgiven by his brother (i.e. a relative or some relatives of the one who was killed) against blood money, then adhering to it with fairness and payment of the blood money to the heir should be made in fairness..." (Surat Al-Baqarah, Ayah #178)

So He (high above and exalted is He) confirmed that both the killer and the killed from the believers have Imaan (i.e. Faith), and He confirmed for them both the brotherhood of Al-Imaan (i.e. Faith).

A Person Can be called a Faasiq and a Muslim Without Contradiction
And there is no contradiction between deeming a deed to be fisq *41 (i.e. leaving obedience) and its doer (i.e. and deeming its doer a person of fisq) and calling them a Muslim and applying the rules that apply to Muslims on them. And the story of 'Abdullah Himaar, related by Al-Bukhaaree in his Saheeh, clarifies this to the utmost extent; this is due to the fact that 'Abdullah Himaar drank some alcohol, so then he was taken to The Prophet (may The Peace and Commendations of Allah be upon him), whereupon one of The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them all) said, "May Allah curse him! How often he is brought!" So then The Prophet (may The Peace and Commendations of Allah be upon him) said, "Do not curse him, for indeed he loves Allah and His Messenger (may peace and commendations be upon him)." So he ('Abdullah Himaar) did not exit Al-Islaam just because of this major sin he did, rather he (i.e. The Prophet, may The Peace and Commendations of Allah be upon him) affirmed that he ('Abdullah) had Al-Imaan (i.e. Faith) despite the fact that he fell into this major sin.

The Categories of Al-Kufr and Ash-Shirk

And the clarification of this (categorization) is that each of the (following) terms, Al-Kufr (i.e. disbelief), Ash-Shirk (i.e. associating partners with Allah), Ath-Thulm (i.e. wrongdoing or injustice), Al-Fisq (i.e. leaving obedience), and An-Nifaaq (i.e. hypocrisy) are all divided into two categories in the Islaamic law:

1. The major type- This (type) takes one out of the religion (if done), due to its violation of the basis of the religion.

2. The minor type- This (if done) takes away from the completeness of Al-Imaan (i.e. Faith), and it does not take its doer out of the religion.

And this categorization was one the Salaf (i.e. the predecessors, the early generations of Muslims) made, may Allah be pleased with them. The scholar of this Ummah (i.e. Islaamic nation) and the explainer (interpreter) of The Qur'aan, Ibn 'Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with them both), confirmed that there is a type of kufr (i.e. disbelief) that is less than Kufr (i.e. the major disbelief) and a type of thulm (i.e. wrongdoing, injustice) that is less than (the major type of) Thulm and a type of fusooq (i.e. leaving obedience) that is less than (the major) Fusooq and a type of nifaaq (i.e. hypocrisy) that is less than (the major type of) Nifaaq.

The Major Type of Kufr

Allah (high above and exalted is He) called the one who invokes other than Him in prayer a kaafir (i.e. disbeliever) and a mushrik (i.e. one who deifies or worships other than Allah or associates anything with Allah) and a thaalim (i.e. wrongdoer or oppressor).

Allah (high above and exalted is He) said, "And whoever invokes (or worships), besides Allah, any other ilaah (i.e. god), which he has no proof for, then his reckoning is only with his Lord (i.e. Allah). Surely! Al-Kaafiroon (i.e. the disbelievers) will not be successful." (Surat Al-Mu'minoon, Ayah #117)

And He (high above and exalted is He) said, "Say (Oh Muhammad), 'I invoke only my Lord, and I do not do shirk of anything with Him (i.e. I do not worship anything along with Him or associate anything anything with Him)." (Surat Al-Jinn, Ayah #20)

And He (high above and exalted is He) said, "And invoke not other than Allah that which will neither benefit you nor harm you, but if you were to do so then you would certainly be one of the thaalimoon (i.e. wrongdoers)." (Surat Yunus, Ayah #106)

And He (high above and exalted is He) said, "...Except Iblees (i.e. Satan). He was one of the jinn, he fasaqa (i.e. rebelled) against the Command of his Lord." (Surat Al-Kahf, Ayah #50)

So this (i.e. all those ayahs just mentioned) is concerning the major Kufr (i.e. disbelief) and the major Shirk (i.e. polytheism) and the major Thulm (i.e. wrongdoing) and the major Fisq (i.e. leaving obedience), the type which does not mix with Imaan (i.e. Faith).

The Lesser Kufr

Allah (high above and exalted is He) said, "...And whosoever does not judge by what Allah has sent down (revealed), such are the kaafiroon (i.e. disbelievers)." *42 (Surat Al-Maa'idah, Ayah #44)

And He (high above and exalted is He) said, "...And whosoever does not judge by what Allah revealed, such are the thaalimoon (i.e. the wrongdoers)." (Surat Al-Maa'idah, Ayah #45)

And He (high above and exalted is He) said, "...And whosoever does not judge by what Allah revealed, such are the faasiqoon (i.e. the rebellious, those who leave obedience)." (Surat Al-Maa'idah, Ayah #47)

And he (i.e. The Prophet), may The Peace and Commendations of Allah be upon him, said, "Insulting a Muslim is fusooq (i.e. leaving obedience) and fighting him is kufr (i.e. disbelief)."

And he (may The Peace and Commendations of Allah be upon him) said, "Whosoever swears by other than Allah then he has kafara (i.e. disbelieved) or ashraka (i.e. committed polytheism)."

And this (i.e. these texts just mentioned) is concerning the lesser kufr (i.e. a lesser level of disbelief that does not expel one from Al-Islam) and the lesser shirk (i.e. a lesser level of polytheism) and the lesser thulm (i.e. a lesser level of wrongdoing) and the lesser fisq (i.e. leaving obedience to a lesser extent). And these can accompany (i.e. be present alongside) Al-Imaan (i.e. Faith), just as The Book (i.e. The Qur'aan) and The Sunnah (i.e. Prophetic Way) have stated and the Salaf (i.e. predecessors) concurred. And it (i.e. these forms of lesser disbelief and polytheism and rebellion and wrongdoing) decreases Al-Imaan (i.e. Faith), and it makes it incomplete.

Translator's Footnotes

(40) Let the new Muslim or non-Muslim reader be aware that the point the author is trying to make here is not that Islam sees these terrible deeds as being something light rather the point is that the believer who does these types of deeds that are less than the major disbelief and polytheism can still have some Imaan (i.e. Faith) in their heart, though they would be severely deficient in Imaan (i.e. Faith). [Translator]

(41) Fisq and fusooq mean leaving the obedience of Allah and His Messenger (may peace and commendations be upon him). See the explanation of this narration in Fathul Baaree by Imam Ibn Hajr for this definition. And a faasiq is someone who does fisq. [Translator]

(42) Al-Imaam As-Sa'dee said in explanation of this portion of the ayah, "Thus ruling by other than what Allah sent down (revealed) is from the actions of the people of Kufr (i.e. disbelief). And it could be an action that takes one out of Al-Millah (i.e. the Islamic nation) and that is if he (i.e. a person) believes it to be legal and permissible. And it could be an enormity from amongst the major sins. And it is from the actions of kufr (i.e. disbelief)..." So the point of bringing this portion of explanation from this scholar is to show that the scholars of the Sunnah (i.e. the Prophetic Way) distinguish in this issue between major Kufr (i.e. the disbelief that takes one out of Islam) for those who rule by other than what Allah revealed whilst believing it to be permissible to do so and lesser kufr (i.e. disbelief) in actions which occurs when someone rules by other than what Allah revealed without believing that it is permissible. And this subject in general requires many details so please refer to the works of the credible upright scholars of the Sunnah (i.e. the Prophetic Way) concerning it and not to the books of modern day renegades and rabbel rousers. [Translator]

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#11

The Correct Creed Concerning the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (May the Peace and Commendations of Allah be Upon Him)

And from the beliefs of Ahlus-Sunnah wal Jamaa'ah (i.e. the People of the Prophetic Way and the Group) is having love for the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) and loyalty to them and making taraddee upon them (i.e. saying radia Allahu 'anhum, may Allah pleased with them) and making istighfaar for them (i.e. asking Allah to forgive them) and commending (praising) them.

Allah (high above is He) said, "And the foremost among the Muhaajiroon (i.e. those companions who migrated from Mekkah to Al-Madinah) and the Ansaar (i.e. the companions who inhabited Al-Madinah who took in the migrants from Mekkah and gave aid and support to them) and also those who followed them with Ihsaan (i.e. with exactness or in goodness), Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him and He has prepared for them gardens beneath which rivers flow, they will dwell therein forever. That is the great victory." (Surat At-Tawbah, Ayah #100)

So Allah's pleasure with the forerunners is without him having made Al-Ihsaan (i.e. goodness, because they are already upon goodness to begin with) a condition on them and he is not pleased with those who follow them unless they follow them with Al-Ihsaan (i.e. exactness).

And He (high above is He) said, "Indeed Allah was pleased with the believers when they gave the pledge to you (Oh Muhammad) under the tree: He knew what was in their hearts, and He sent down As-Sakeenah (i.e. calmness and tranquility) upon them, and He rewarded them with a near victory." (Surat Al-Fath, Ayah #18)

And whosoever Allah is pleased with He will never be angry with ever. It is confirmed in the authentic hadeeth (i.e. Prophetic Narration) that he (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) said, "No one will enter the Fire who gave the pledge under the tree."

The Virtue of the Muhaajiroon (i.e. Those Companions Who Migrated From Mekkah to Al-Madinah)

And Allah mentioned the Muhaajiroon and desribed them as being the truthful ones, He (high above is He) said, "(And there is also a share in this booty) for the poor Muhaajiroon, who were expelled from their homes and their property, seeking bounties from Allah and to please Him and helping Allah (i.e. helping His religion) and His Messenger. Such are indeed the truthful." (Surat Al-Hashr, Ayah #8)

The Virtue of the Ansaar (i.e. Those Companions Who Inhabited Al-Madinah and Helped the Muhaajiroon Who Came to Them)

Then Allah (high above is He) mentioned the Ansaar and said, "And (it is also for) those who, before them, had homes (in Al-Madinah) and had adopted the Faith, love those who emigrate to them, and have no jealousy in their chests for that which they have been given (from the booty of Banu An-Nadeer), and give them (i.e. the Muhaajiroon) preference over themselves even though they themselves were in need of that. And whosoever is saved from his own covetousness, such are they who will be successful." (Surat Al-Hashr, Ayah #9)

Then He (high above is He) mentioned the status of those believers who come after them from those who follow the companions of the Messenger of Allah (may the peace and commendations of Allah) with Al-Ihsaan (i.e. in goodness or with exactness). So He (high above is He) said, "And those who came after them say, 'Our Lord forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in Faith, and put not in our hearts any hatred against those who have believed. Our Lord you are indeed full of kindness, Most Merciful.'" (Surat Al-Hashr, Ayah #10)

And He (high above is He) said, "Muhammed is the Messenger of Allah. And those who are with him are severe against the disbelievers, and merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and falling down prostrate (in prayer) seeking bounty from Allah and His Pleasure. The mark of them (i.e. the mark of their Faith) is on their faces (foreheads) from the traces of prostration. This is their description in the Torah. But their description in the Injeel (i.e. Gospel) is like a seed which sends forth its shoot, then makes it strong, and becomes thick and it stands straight on its stem, delighting those who sowed (it), that he may enrage the disbelievers with them. Allah has promised those among them who believe and do righteous deeds, forgiveness and a great reward." (Surat Al-Fath, Ayah #29)

The Ruling Concering the One Who Hates the Companions

Al-Imaam Maalik (may Allah have mercy on him) said, "Whoever from the people who has some rage come upon his heart toward one of the companions of the Messenger of Allah (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) then this Ayah applies to him."

And He (high above is He) said, "And those who believed, and emigrated (i.e. the Muhaajiroon) and strove hard (i.e. made jihad) for the cause of Allah, as well as those who gave (them) asylum and aid (i.e. the Ansaar) - these are truly the believers in, for them is forgiveness and a generous provision." (Surat Al-Anfaal, Ayah #74)

The Variation in Degrees of Virtue Amongst the Companions

And Allah (high above is He) said concerning the companions- clarifying the virtue of those who spent (for His Cause) before Al-Fath (i.e. the Conquest or Victory), and that was the Treaty of Al-Hudaibiyyah, and fought (before then) over those who spent (for His Cause) and fought afterwards, though to both of those two types who spent (and fought)- before Al-Fath (i.e. the Conquest or Victory) and afterwards- Allah promised Al-Jennah (i.e. Heaven), He (high above is He) said, "...Not equal among you are those who spent before Al-Fath (i.e. the Conquest) and fought; those ones are higher in degree than the ones who spent after that and fought (after that). But to all Allah has promised the best. And Allah is All-Aware of what you do." (Surat Al-Hadeed, Ayah #10)

The Prohibition of Insulting the Companions

And it is related in the two Saheehs (i.e. the two most authentic collections of Prophetic Narrations, Al-Bukhari and Muslim) that Abu Sa'eed Al-Khudree said, "The Messenger of Allah (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) said, 'Do not insult my companions for indeed if one of you were to spend (i.e. spend for the Cause of Allah) like the amount of the Mountain of Uhud in gold you would not reach a mudd (i.e. an ancient arabic measurement that is two hands of an average man cupped together) of what they spent or even half of that.'"

And a mudd is a quarter of a Saa' (صاع), and half of that (which is mentioned in the hadeeth), means half of a mudd. This means that he (i.e. a person who comes after them and spends all that wealth) does not reach their (level of) virtue in that small amount (they spent), and not even half of that.

The Testimony of the Messenger of Allah (May the Peace and Commendations of Allah be Upon Him) That the Companions are Upon Goodness

And also in the Saheehain (i.e. the two most authentic collections of Prophetic Narrations, Al-Bukhari and Muslim) on the authority of 'Imraan Bin Husayn (may Allah be pleased with him) who said that the Prophet (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) said, "The best of people are my generation then those who come after them, then those who come after them." 'Imraan (then) said, "I don't know if he mentioned after his generation two or three generations." ('Imraan continued narrating what the Prophet [may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him] then said), "Then there will be after them a people who give testimony but they were not requested to give testimony and they will betray and they will not be relied upon (entrusted) and they will make vows but not fulfill them, and obesity will be appearent amongst them."

The Virtue of the Ansaar

And it is narrated in them as well on the authority of Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) said, "The sign of faith is love for the Ansaar (i.e. those companions who live in Al-Madinah and took in and aided the emigrants from Mekkah) and the sign of hypocrisy is hatred for the Ansaar."

And it is also related in them on the authority of Al-Baraa' Bin 'Aazib (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) said concerning the Ansaar, "No one loves them except a believer and no one hates them except a hypocrite, whoever loves them then Allah loves him and whoever hates them then Allah hates him."

And in the Saheeh of Muslim it is narrated on the authority of Abu Hurairah from the narration of Abu Sa'eed (may Allah be pleased with them both) that the Prophet (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) said, "A man who believes in Allah and the Last Day will not hate the Ansaar."

And in the Saheehain (i.e. the authentic collections of Al-Bukhari and Muslim) from the narration of 'Alee Bin Abee Taalib (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) said in the story about Haatib Bin Abee Balta'ah, "...Indeed he had witnessed (i.e. fought in the battle of) Badr, and what will make you know, that Allah might have looked upon the people of Badr and said, 'Do as you will for indeed i have forgiven you.'"

The Virtue of the Companions of the Pledge of Ar-Ridwaan

And in the Saheeh of Muslim on the authority of Jaabir Bin 'Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) who said, "Umm Mubashshir informed me that she heard the Prophet (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) say in the company of Hafsah, 'No one will enter the fire, in shaa Allah (i.e. Allah willing), from the companions of the tree, those who gave the pledge underneath it.'" And their number was 1400, from amongst them was Abu Bakr and 'Umar and 'Uthman and 'Alee.

The Ranking of the Companions With Regards to Their Virtue

And Ahlus-Sunnah (i.e. the people of the Prophetic Way) believe that the best of this Ummah (i.e. this Islamic Nation) after its Prophet (peace and commendations be upon him) is Abu Bakr As-Siddeeq and then 'Umar Al-Faarooq, and this is the consensus of the companions and the tabi'een (i.e. those who came after them and studied with them and followed them), none of them differed concerning this.

And it is has been related in mutawaatir form (i.e. by a large number of people who it would have been impossible for to gather upon a lie) that 'Alee Bin Abee Taalib said that, "The best of this Ummah (i.e. this Islamic Nation) after its Prophet (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) is Abu Bakr and then 'Umar."

And Ahlus-Sunnah (i.e. the People of the Prophetic Way) declare 'Uthmaan Bin 'Affaan to be the third (best) and 'Alee Bin Abee Taalib to be the fourth (best), may Allah be pleased with them both.

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#12

The Correct Creed Concerning the People of the Household of the Messenger of Allah (May the Peace and Commendations of Allah be Upon Him)

And from the beliefs of Ahlus-Sunnah wal Jamaa'ah (i.e. the People of the Prophetic Way and the Group) is having love for Ahlul-Bayt (i.e. people of the household) of the Messenger of Allah (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) and recognizing their virtue and honorable position, this is acting in accordance with the admonishment of the Prophet (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) the day of Ghadeer Khum, where he praised Allah and commended Him and admonished and gave a reminder and then said, "To proceed: Indeed, oh people, indeed I am only a man and the Messenger of my Lord (i.e. the Angel of Death) is about to come to me and I will respond, and I will leave amongst you two heavy things, the first of them is the Book of Allah, in it is the Guidance and the Light, so take the Book of Allah and hold fast to it." So he encouraged (the people) toward the Book of Allah and urged (them) to it. And then he said, "And the people of my household, I remind you of Allah concerning the people of my household, I remind you of Allah concerning the people of my household, I remind you of Allah concerning the people of my household." --- This is related by Muslim in his Saheeh on the authority of Zayd Bin Arqam.

Ibn Katheer said in his Tafseer: "And we do not reject those who admonish concerning Ahlul-Bayt (i.e. the people of the Prophetic Household) nor the order to have Al-Ihsaan (i.e. good and kind treatment) towards them or to respect them and honor them, for indeed they are from a pure offspring from the most noble household ever found on the face of the Earth in terms of honor and esteem and lineage, and especially if they are followers of the authentic Sunnah (i.e. Prophetic Way) which is clear and manifest, just like their predecessors were, like Al-'Abbaas and his children and 'Alee and the people of his household and his descendants, may Allah be pleased with them all."

The Wives of the Prophet (May the Peace and Commendations of Allah be Upon Him) are From His Household

And they are from the people of his Household, may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him. Allah (high above is He) said in a context where He is addressing them, "And stay in your houses and do not display yourselves like the displaying of the times of ignorance, and perform As-Salat (i.e. the Islamic prayers) and give Az-Zakat (i.e. the Islamic charity) and obey Allah and His Messenger. Indeed Allah wishes only to remove Ar-Rijs (i.e. evil deeds and sins) from you, Oh Ahlal-Bayt (i.e. people of the Prophetic Household), and to purify you with a thorough purification. And remember that which is recited in your houses of the Ayaat (i.e. Verses) of Allah and Al-Hikmah (i.e. the Wisdom, the Prophetic Way). Indeed Allah is Ever Most Courteous, Well-Acquainted with all things." (Surat Al-Ahzaab, Ayahs #33-34)

Ibn Katheer said in his Tafseer (in explanation of the latter part of the first verse), "And this is a text which shows that the wives of the Prophet (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) enter into Ahlil-Bayt (i.e. the People of the Prophetic Household) here, because they are the reason for the revelation of this ayah (i.e. verse of Al-Qur'aan)..." [Translator is unable to translate the rest of the quote at this time]

So also included in this Ayah (i.e. Qur'aanic Verse) is the Leader of the Believers, 'Alee Bin Abee Taalib, and Faatimah the daughter of the Messenger of Allah (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) and Al-Hasan and Al-Hussein (the two children of Faatimah and 'Alee), may Allah be pleased with all of them. This is due to the narration reported by 'Aaisha (may Allah be pleased with her), "The Messenger of Allah (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) came out in the morning and upon him was mirt murahhal (i.e. some sort of garment that had an image of a camel's saddle on it, see explanation of Imaam An-Nawawee) made from black fur, then Al-Hasan the son of 'Alee came out so he brought him in (to the garment) then Al-Hussein came and he entered with him, then Faatimah came so he brought her in, then 'Alee came so he brought him in and then he said, "...Indeed Allah wishes only to remove Ar-Rijs (i.e. evil deeds and sins) from you, oh Ahlal-Bayt (i.e. people of the Prophetic Household), and to purify you a thorough purification." (Surat Al-Ahzaab, Ayah #33)

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#13

The Correct Belief Concerning the Miracles of the Righteous

And Ahlus-Sunnah wal Jamaa'ah (i.e. the people of the Prophetic Way and the Group) believe in those miracles which were related in the texts with tawaatur (i.e by a large number of people whom it would have impossible for to gather upon a lie) about the occurence of miracles from Allah (high above is He) for his awliyaa (i.e. allies or beloved people of Allah).

The Definition of a Walee

And a walee (i.e. an ally or beloved of Allah) according to them is someone who performs those actions which are obligatory according to the Islamic Law and stays away from that which the Islamic Law prohibited. Allah (high above is He) said concerning the Awliyaa (i.e. those who are close to Allah and beloved to Him), "Indeed, certainly the Awliyaa (i.e. those who are close to Allah and beloved to Him) there is no fear upon them nor shall they grieve. Those who believed and did yattaqoon (i.e. had taqwaa, fear of Allah and piety)." (Surat Yunus, Ayah #62-63)

So by Al-Imaan (i.e. Faith) and At-Taqwaa (i.e. fear of Allah and piety), Al-Walaayah (i.e. being close and beloved to Allah) comes about.

Definition of Al-Karaamah

And a karaamah (i.e. a miracle) is an occurence which breaks the norm of that which usually occurs, which Allah makes happen at the hand of a walee (i.e. a close and beloved one to Him) from his Awliyaa (i.e. plural of walee, close and beloved ones), as an aid to him in an affair that can be related to religion or worldly life. But the karaamah (i.e. miracle) of a walee (i.e. one who is beloved and close to Allah) does not reach the level of the mu'jizaat (i.e. inimitable miracles) of the Prophets and Messengers (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon them all.)

Some of the Miracles of Allah for His Awliyaa

And from the miracles of Allah for His Awliyaa (i.e. close and beloved ones) is the story of the companions (i.e. the youth) of Al-Kahf [note: This story is mentioned in the Qur'aan in Surah #18]. Also the story of Maryam (Mary mother of Jesus, peace be upon them both) when the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a date-palm tree, so Allah ordered her to shake the trunk of the date-palm tree towards her so that it would let fresh ripe-dates fall upon her. [note: This story mentioned in Surat Maryam]. And Allah provided for her (peace be upon her) by making the fruits of winter present with her in the summer and the fruits of summer present with her in the winter. [note: See the explanation of Ayah #37 of Surat Aal 'Imraan]

And also there is the story of Asif the scribe of Sulaiman. And the story of the man who Allah caused to die for 100 years and then resurrected him. [note: This story is mentioned in Surat Al-Baqarah, Ayah #259] And the story of Jurayj the Monk. [note: Mentioned in Saheeh Al-Bukhaari]. And the story of the group of three from the Children of Israel who sought shelter in a cave and then a boulder closed them up in it. [note: Mentioned in Saheeh Al-Bukhaari]. Also other than that from that which is well-known amongst the people of knowledge, affirmed in the Qur'aan or the authentic Sunnah (i.e. Prophetic narrations), or is authenticated about the predecessors and those who came after them.

And miracles are present in this Ummah (i.e. Islamic Nation) until the establishment of the Hour (i.e. the Day of Judgement), because the reason for them is Al-Walaayah (i.e. being beloved and close to Allah), and Al-Walaayah (i.e. some people being beloved and close to Allah) will continue until the establisment of the Hour. And whoever comes with some affair that breaks the norm of that which usually occurs then this is not something that makes him praiseworthy or something that indicates his walaayah (i.e. his being beloved or close to Allah) until all of his deeds are put up against the Qur'aan and the Sunnah (i.e. the Prophetic Way), so then it will be known (i.e. so then it will be known whether this person was really a walee) by his conforming to them and his following of them, both outwardly and inwardly.

The Virtues of a Walee

And from the virtues of a walee (i.e. a person who is beloved or close to Allah) is what Al-Bukhaari narrated in his Saheeh on the authority of Abu Hurairah who said, "The Messenger of Allah, may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him, said, 'Indeed Allah, blessed and high above is He, said, "Whoever opposes a walee of mine then i have declared war upon him."'"

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#14

The Correct Creed Concerning the Muslim Rulers

And Ahlus-Sunnah wal Jamaa'ah (i.e. the people of the Prophetic Way and the Group) believe that Allah obligated upon the believers obedience to those who are in authority over their affairs except for in disobedience to Allah. And they believe in the meaning of his (i.e. the Prophet's, may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) statement in a narration reported on the authority of 'Ubaadah Bin As-Saamit (may Allah be pleased with him): "Listen and obey in your times of difficulty and in your times of ease and when you are motivated and when you are not motivated (because you dislike what you were ordered with) and when preference is made over you (i.e. they prefer themselves and their family and associates over you in wealth and positions) even if they eat your wealth and strike your back, except if you are ordered to do an act of disobedience (i.e. a sin, an act of disobedience to Allah)." Ibn Hibbaan cited this narration in his Saheeh with a hasan (i.e. good) chain of narration, and its origin is in the Saheehain (i.e. Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

And they believe in that it is prohibited to rebel against the people in authority even if they oppress and transgress as long as they do not see from them open clear disbelief which they have a clear proof from Allah for. This is due to the statement of the Messenger of Allah (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him), "The best of your imaams (i.e. rulers) are those who you love and they love you, and you pray for them and they pray for you. And the worst of your imaams (i.e. rulers) are those who you hate and they hate you and you curse them and they curse you." It was said, "Oh Messenger of Allah shouldn't we fight them with the sword?" So he said, "No as long as they establish the Salat (i.e. the five daily prayers) with you. And if you see from your rulers something that you hate then hate his action. And do not remove a hand from obedience (i.e. don't rebel)."And in another wording (of the same narration), "...Whoever has a ruler placed over him and sees him do something that is disobedience to Allah, then he should hate what he has done from disobedience to Allah, and he (i.e. the person who saw the disobedience from his ruler) should certainly not remove a hand from obedience (i.e. he should not rebel)." This narration was cited by Muslim on the authority of 'Awf Bin Maalik.

The Consequences and Punishments for the One Who Rebels Against Them

And the one who leaves the group (i.e. the group of Muslims united under their ruler), the legislator has placed for him severe consequences in the worldly-life and in the Afterlife that suit the enormity of his crime. From them is that the one who dies while being outside of obedience (i.e. in a state of rebellion against the Muslim authorities) and being seperate from the group (i.e. seperating himself from the group of Muslims united under their ruler) then he has died a death of jaahiliyyah (i.e. the times of pre-Islamic ignorance). And Whoever leaves the group (i.e. the group of Muslims united under their ruler), he is not to be asked about, this is due to to the seriousness of his sin.
And whoever splits from the group (i.e. the group of Muslims united under their ruler) then he has no proof with Allah on the Day of Judgement. And whoever leaves the group (i.e. the group of Muslims united under the ruler) then Satan is running with him. And who ever splits from the group (i.e. the group of Muslims united under the ruler) then his blood becomes permissible.

Ahlus-Sunnah wal Jamaa'ah Believe in Praying for the Rulers

And Ahlus-Sunnah wal Jamaa'ah (i.e. the people of the Prophetic Way and the Group) believe that making du'aa for (i.e. praying for) the ruler is something praiseworthy and certainly good (accoring to the Sunnah). And this is a sign of a man being from amongst Ahlus-Sunnah (i.e. the people of the Prophetic Way), as Al-Imaam Al-Barbahaari said in "Kitaab As-Sunnah", "If you see a man praying against the Sultan, then know he is a person of desires and if you hear a man praying for the Sultan to be upright, then know he is a person of the Sunnah, in shaa Allah (i.e. Allah willing)."

Al-Fudayl Ibn 'Iyyaad *43 said, "If I had one prayer (i.e. if I had one prayer that was sure to be answered) I would not make it except for the Sultan. Because we were ordered to pray for them to be upright and we were not ordered to pray against them even if they oppress and transgress, because their oppression is upon themselves and upon the Muslims and their being upright is for themselves and for the Muslims."

And Al-Imaam As-Saaboonee said, "The Creed of the Predeccessors, Companions of the Hadeeth":

"And they have the view that they (i.e. the Muslim rulers) should be prayed (to Allah) for that they be reformers and that they be granted success and be upright. And they see insulting them (i.e. the Muslim rulers) as something that has been prohibited in the legislation due to the agreement of the major companions of the Messenger of Allah (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him)."

Anas Bin Maalik said, "Our superiors from the companions of the Messenger of Allah (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) prohibited us - he said - Do not insult your leaders and do not cheat them and do not hate them and fear Allah and have patience for indeed the affair is near (i.e. the Day of Judgement is near)." Abu 'Aasim narrated this in his "As-Sunnah" and other than him.

Translator's Footnotes

*(43) Al-Fudayl Bin 'Iyyaad was from the Scholars of the early generations of Muslims, he died in the year 187 after the Hijrah according to the information in one of the appendices of the translation of "Explanation of the Creed" by Al-Imaam Al-Barbahaari. [Translator]

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#15

The Prohibition of Al-Jidaal (i.e. Arguing) Concerning the Religion

And Ahlus-Sunnah wal Jamaa'ah (i.e. the people of the Prophetic Way and the Group) prohibit argumentation and disputes in the religion. This is because the Prophet (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) prohibited that. And also in the Saheehain (i.e. Al-Bukhari, Muslim) it is related the Prophet (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) said,"Recite the Qur'aan as long as your hearts are in harmony but if you differ with each other (over it) then stop it (i.e. stop reciting or reading)." *44

And it is reported in the Musnad and the Sunan of Ibn Maajah, and it's origin is in Saheeh Muslim, on the authority of 'Abdullah Bin 'Amr Bin Al-'Aas that the Prophet (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) came out whilst people were disputing concerning Al-Qadr (i.e. the Pre-decree) and he became very angry to the point where his face became very red and then he said *45, "Is this what you were ordered to do!? Or is this what you were created for!? You strike some of the Qur'aan against other parts of it!? Through this the nations before you were destroyed."

Rather, a narration has come to the effect that Al-Jidaal (i.e. disputing, argumentation) is a punishment from the punishments of Allah in this Ummah (i.e. this Islamic nation). So in the Sunan of At-Tirmidhee and Ibn Maajah it is reported from the narration of Abu Umaamah who said, "The Messenger of Allah (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) said, 'No people became misguided after having guidance except that they were given Al-Jadl (i.e. arguing, disputation).' Then he recited, '...They did not cite this example for you except for argument..." (Surat Az-Zukhruf, Ayah #58)

Al-Imaam Ahmed (may Allah have mercy on him) said, "The foundations of the Sunnah (i.e. the Prophetic Way or the Creed) are:

1) Holding fast to that which the companions of the Messenger of Allah (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him) were upon and emulating them.

2) Leaving off innovations (i.e. innovations in the religion), and every innovation is a misguidance.

3) Leaving off disputations and sitting with the people of desires.

4) Leaving off arguments and debating and disputations concerning the religion."

The Type of Jadl (i.e. Debating and Arguing) That is Un-praiseworthy

And all of this speech is concerning the arguing that is done in falsehood or arguing for the truth that is done after it has become clear or arguing about an issue which the one who is debating has no knowledge about or arguing about those things in the Qur'aan which are mutashaabih (i.e. those verses whose meanings are not entirely clear) or arguing whilst having the wrong intention and things like this.

The Praiseworthy Jadl (i.e. Debating)

As for if the debating is done to clarify the truth and make it appearent, if it is done by a person who has knowledge and a correct intention and who adheres to the manners (of debate), then that is something that is praiseworthy. Allah (high above is He) said, "Invite to the Path of your Lord with wisdom and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better." (Surat An-Nahl, Ayah #125)

And He (high above is He) said, "And do not argue with the People of the Scripture (i.e. the Jews and the Christians) unless it be in a way that is better..." (Surat Al-'Ankaboot, Ayah #46)

And He (high above is He) said, "They said, 'Oh Noah! You have disputed with us and much have you prolonged the dispute with us, now bring upon us that which you threaten us with, if you are from the truthful ones.'" (Surat Hud, Ayah #32)

Some Islamically Legislated Debates

And Allah (high above is He) informed about Abraham's (peace and commendations be upon him) debating with his people and Moses's (peace and commendations be upon him) debating with Pharoah. And in the Sunnah (i.e. the Prophetic narrations) the debate between Adam and Moses is mentioned, may peace and commendations be upon them both. And the righteous predeccessors were reported to have had many debates, all of them from the praiseworthy type of jadl (i.e. debating) in which the following conditions are present:

1) Knowledge

2) The Correct Intention

3) Following (i.e. following of the Prophetic Way)

4) The Manners of Debate

Translator's Footnotes

*(44) I understood from the explanation of this narration by Sheikh Ibn Al-Utheymeen in an audio that this means that if you are in a gathering and you are reading or reciting the Qur'aan or if you are going over any issues of knowledge and benefitting from it and your hearts are in harmony then do it but if you begin to differ to the point where your differing will cause intense argumentation and dispute that may even lead to fighting then cease your reading in this situation so as to avoid trouble. [Translator]

*(45) The words of the narrator Abdullah Bin 'Amr here are not translated word-for-word but are the meaning of what he said. But the words of the Prophet (peace and commendations be upon him) which he relayed in the narration are translated fully. [Translator]

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#16

A Warning Against Associating With the People of Desires

And Ahlus-Sunnah wal Jamaa'ah (i.e. the people of the Prophetic Way and the Group) warn against sitting with (associating with) the people of desires and innovations (in the religion) a strong warning. This is because sitting with (associating with) them is in opposition to the order of Allah and it is a sign of having love for them and the one who sits with (associates with) them is in danger of complying with their misguidance and following them upon their falsehood.

Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah have mercy on him) said, "And the innovation by which a man is considered to be from the people of desires is that which is well known amongst the people who have knowledge of the Sunnah (i.e. the Prophetic Way) to be in opposition to the Book and the Sunnah, like the innovation of the Khawaarij (i.e. the Rebels, Renegades who rebel against the Muslim authorities deeming it to be part of the religion) and the Rawaafid (i.e. the Rejectionists, a sect of Shi'ites) and the Qadariyyah (i.e. those who deny the pre-decree of Allah) and the Murji'ah (i.e. those who do not deem actions to be a part of faith)."

Allah (high above is He) said, "And when you (Oh Muhammad) see those who engage in a false conversation about Our Verses by mocking at them, stay away from them until they turn to another topic. And if Satan causes you to forget, then after the remembrance do not sit in the company of those who are the wrong-doers." (Surat Al-'An'aam, Ayah #68)

Ibn 'Abbaas said, "Every person who brings something new into this religion enters under this Verse, and every innovator (in the religion) until the Day of Judgement." Al-Baghawee reported this statement attributed to him in his tafseer (explanation of the Qur'aan). And Ibn Jareer At-Tabari said, "And in this Verse there is a clear indication of the prohibition of sitting with (associating with) the people of falsehood of every type from the mubtadi'ah (i.e. innovators in the religion) and the fasaqah (i.e. wicked, evil, sinful, disobedient people) when they delve into their falsehood. Ibn 'Abbaas said, 'Do not sit with the people of desires for indeed sitting with them is something that sickens the heart.'"

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The Book: "The Correct Creed Which Every Muslim Must Believe", praise is due and belongs to Allah, is completed with Allah's granting of tawfeeq (i.e. guidance and success). I ask Allah to make this act a sincere one done for His Noble Face, and in accordance with the Sunnah (i.e. the Way) of His Prophet Muhammed (may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon him), and that He causes to benefit by it the general mass of Muslims.

And may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammed and upon the pure people of his household and his righteous companions and whoever follows them in Ihsaan (i.e. exactly or in good) until the Day of Judgement.

'Abdus-Salaam Burjis Aal 'Abdul Kareem (may Allah have mercy on him)