149456435 majmu al fatawa ibn baz

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    Concise Biography

    He was the Imam, the righteous, the pious, the ascetic, one amongst the foremost group with Islamic knowledge, a reference

    point for the Muslims all over the globe for legal verdicts and knowledge, a remnant of the pious predecessors in treading

    upon truth and upright guidance, and in following the venerable Sunnah, Ash-Shaykhul-Islam (A Scholar who Reaches

    Exceptionally High Religious Authority) Abdul-Aziz ibn Abdullah ibn Baz.And Aal-Baz is a family whose roots are ingrainedin knowledge, trading, agriculture, known for honor and ethics. Shaykh Sulayman bin Hamdan (may Allah have mercy upon

    him) in his book about the biographies of the Hanabilah (The Scholars of Hanbali Fiqh), said,

    Their roots are from the city of the Prophet; one of their forefathers migrated from there to

    Ad-Diriyyah, then they migrated from there to the surroundings of Banu Tamim.

    His full name is Abdul-Aziz ibn Abdullah ibn Abdur-Rahman ibn Muhammad ibn Abdullah ibn Baz. He was born in Riyadh

    (the capital of Najd) on the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah, 1330 A.H.

    From the reports about his childhood is that his father passed away when he was young to the extent that he did not

    remember his father and from what he remembered is that in his youth he was weak of stature and he could not walk until

    after the age of three, that was mentioned by his son Ahmad. Our noble Shaykh was famous for fearfulness and competing for

    good deeds and his perseverance upon obedience since childhood.

    He started learning when he was very young and memorized the Qur'an before reaching puberty. At the beginning of his study,

    he was able to see. Then he was afflicted with an eye disease in 1346 A.H. At first, his sight weakened, and then he lost it

    completely in the beginning of Muharram, 1350 A.H at the age of 19. He praised Allah for that and invoked Allah to compensate

    him with a deep insight in this life and best reward in the Hereafter, as He (Exalted be He) promised through His Prophet

    Muhammad (peace be upon him). He asked of Him (Exalted be He) for a blessed end in this world and the Hereafter. His

    mother, passed away when he was 25 years old.

    He then started learning the religious and Arabic sciences from many of the scholars of Riyadh, including the following

    eminent figures:

    Shaykh Muhammad ibn Abdul-Latif ibn Abdur-Rahman ibn Hasan Aal-Ash-Shaykh (may Allah be merciful to them);

    Shaykh Salih ibn Abdul-Aziz ibn Abdur-Rahman ibn Hasan Aal-Ash-Shaykh, the judge of Riyadh (may Allah be merciful to

    them);

    Shaykh Sad ibn Hamad ibn Atiq, the judge of Riyadh (may Allah be merciful to him);

    Shaykh Hamad ibn Faris, the treasurer of Riyadh (may Allah be merciful to him);

    Shaykh Sad Waqqas Al-Bukhari (a scholar from Makkah Al-Mukarramah [may Allah be merciful to him]). He learnt from him

    the science ofTajwid(reciting the Qur'an following the rules of recitation) in 1355 A.H.;

    His Eminence, Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ibrahim ibn Abdul-Latif Aal-Ash-Shaykh (may Allah be merciful to him). He attended

    his class for about ten years and learnt from him all of the religious sciences from 1347 to 1357 A.H. Then, his Eminenceproposed for him the position of judge.

    May Allah give them the best and highest reward and be pleased with and merciful to them all.

    Ibn Baz occupied a number of positions including:

    Judge of the Kharj district for a long time that lasted more than fourteen years (from 1357 to 1371 A.H.) He was appointed in

    the month of Jumada II in 1357 and stayed to the end of 1371 A.H.;

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    Teaching the sciences of Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence), At-Tawhid (The Islamic Creed of Monotheism) and Hadith in the

    scientific institute of Riyadh in 1372 A.H., and the Faculty ofShariah (Islamic Law) in Riyadh after it was established in 1373

    A.H. He worked there for nine years until 1380 A.H.;

    In 1381 A.H., he was appointed as a deputy of the president of the Islamic University in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah. He

    occupied this post until 1390 A.H. He established the learning circle atAl-JamiAl-Kabir in Riyadh, which is still held to the

    present day, though in the last few years it has become limited to only some days of the week;

    He occupied the post of the president of the Islamic university in 1390 A.H., after the death of the former president the

    eminent scholar, Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ibrahim Aal-Ash-Shaykh (may Allah be merciful to Him) in Ramadan, 1390. Ibn Baz

    remained in this position until 1395 A.H.;

    On 14/10/1395 A.H., a royal decree was issued assigning him to the position of General Chairman of the Department of

    Scholarly Research, Ifta', Da'wah, and Guidance where he stayed until 1414 A.H.;

    On 20/1/1414 A.H., a royal decree was issued appointing him as the Grand Mufty of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the

    President of the Council of Senior Scholars and the Chairman of the Department of Scholarly Research and Ifta' where he

    remained until his death just before Fajron Thursday, 27 Muharram, 1420 A.H. when he was 89 years old. He spent his life

    exerting his utmost efforts to seeking good deeds, attaining knowledge, calling to Allah, fighting in Allahs Cause, helping and

    fulfilling the needs of Muslims.

    Ibn Baz held memberships of many scientific and Islamic councils including:

    President of the Council of Senior Scholars in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia;

    President of the Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta'in the council mentioned above;

    President of the Constitutional Council of the Muslim World League;

    President of the International Supreme Council of Mosques;

    President of the Islamic Fiqh Academy in MakkahAl-Mukarramah, affiliated with the Muslim World League;

    Member of the Supreme Council of the Islamic University of Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah;

    Member of the Higher Council of Islamic Dawah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

    As for his books, they include:

    Al-Fawa'id Al-Jaliyyah fi Al-Mabahith Al-Fardiyyah (A Concise Summary of Inheritance Issues);

    At-Tahqiq wal-'Idah li-Kathir min Masa'il Al-Hajj wal-Umrah wal-Ziyarah (Clarification of many issues of Hajj, Umrah

    (Minor Pilgrimage) and Visiting (the grave of the Prophet, peace be upon him);

    At-Tahdhir min Al-Bida(A Warning against Religious Innovations). It contains four useful articles: the ruling on celebrating

    the Prophet's Birthday, Al-Isra'(The Night Journey) and Miraj(The Ascension to Heaven), the night of the 15th of Sha ban

    and the refutation of the false dream of the servant of the Prophets room who is called Shaykh Ahmad;

    Two concise treatises onZakah (Obligatory Charity) andSawm (Fasting);

    Al-'Aqidah As-Sahihah wa-ma-Yudadduha (The Authentic Creed and Its Antithesis);

    Wujub Al-'Amal bi Sunnat Ar-Rasul Sallah Allah 'alaihi wa Sallam wa Kufr man Ankaraha (The Necessity of Acting

    according to the Sunnah of the Messenger, peace be upon him and Deeming Those Who Deny It As Disbelievers);

    Dawah ila Allah wa Akhlaaq Ad-Duah (Calling People to Allah and the Manners of the Callers);

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    Ash-Shaykh Abdul-Mushin ibn Hamad Al-Abbad Al-Badr (President of the Islamic University in Madinah Al-Munawwarah);

    Ash-Shaykh Muhammad Amman ibn Ali Al-Jami (Professor at the Islamic University in Madinah Al-Munawwarah);

    Ash-Shaykh Abdur-Rahman bin Nasir Al-Barrak (Professor at Al-Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University);

    Ash-Shaykh Ali ibn Muhammad ibn Nasir Al Faqihi (Professor at the Islamic University in Madinah Al-Munawwarah);

    Ash-Shaykh Salih ibn Ghanim As-Sadlan (Professor at Al-Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University);

    Ash-Shaykh Rabi ibn Hadi ibn Umayr Al-Madkhali (Professor at the Islamic University in Madinah Al-Munawwarah);

    Ash-Shaykh Salih ibn Sad As-Suhaymi (Lecturer at the Prophetic Masjid);

    Ash-Shaykh Ubayd ibn Abdullah Al-Jabiri (Professor at the Islamic University of Madinah Al-Munawwarah)

    May Allah have mercy upon and forgive the mistakes of those who died and preserve those still among us.

    The noble Shaykh used to take care of his appearance without squandering or extravagance. He used to take care of his bodily

    cleanliness, trimming his moustache and adorning himself with perfume, rather he put it on every day and he used to serve

    wood incense in his gathering more than once, if not, then he served it once at least. He used to wear his Bisht(Cloak) for hisSalah, his visits and when going to work. His garments used to be higher than his ankles by four fingers length, as he used to

    see the falling of the clothes; trousers or cloak, below the ankles to be a disliked forbiddance, whether it was done out of pride

    or not.

    The Shaykh had ten children (four sons, and six daughters).

    So many people offered the Funeral Prayer over him after the Friday Prayer, which gives evidence to the fact of how much he

    was loved.

    May Allah be merciful to him, forgive him, give him access to His Spacious Paradise, lighten his grave, let him dwell with the

    pious, and gather us with him in the abode of His Honor and Mercy.

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    Aqidah(Creed)

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    Definition of Islam

    Islam means total submission to Allah (Exalted be He) through belief in His Oneness, and showing subservient and servile

    obedience to Him. This is the meaning of Islam. The Arabic root word 'Aslama'means to show submission and surrender to

    someone and obey his commands. Accordingly, Islam means surrender and submission to Allahs Will by means of believing in

    His Oneness, being devoted to Him, obeying His commandments and abandoning what He has prohibited. Such is Islam, about

    which Allah (Exalted be He) says:

    Truly, the religion with Allah is Islam.

    (NQ 3:19)

    Muslims are called such, as they show complete submission to Allah and obey Him, abiding by His Commandments and

    refraining from what He has prohibited. Islam is also a name for all the Commandments of Allah (Exalted be He) and His

    Messenger (peace be upon him), including Salah (Prayer), Sawm (Fasting), Zakah (Obligatory Charity), Hajj (Pilgrimage)

    Faith and so on. Such categories fall under Islam. In this regard, Allah (Exalted be He) says:

    This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favor upon you, and have

    chosen for you Islam as your religion.

    (NQ 5:3)

    He (Glorified be He) also says:

    And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the

    Hereafter he will be one of the losers.

    (NQ 3:85)

    Therefore, a Muslim is a person who submits himself to Allah (Exalted be He) as far as his words, practical behavior and belie

    are concerned. In other words, Islam stands for total submission to and abidance by His Commandments in all aspects of life.

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    CorrectAqidah and its Antithesis

    All praise be to Allah Alone, and peace and blessings be upon the Last of the Prophets.

    Since sound Aqidah (Creed) is the main origin of Islam and the basis of the religion, I found it suitable to make it the topic of

    this lecture. It is well established by textual proofs from the Qur'an and the Sunnah that the actions and words of a human are

    only valid and accepted when they are based on the sound Aqidah. If the Aqidah is not sound, all actions and words are void

    Allah (Exalted be He) says:

    And whosoever disbelieves in Faith (i.e. in the Oneness of Allah and in all the other Articles of

    Faith i.e. His Angels, His Holy Books, His Messengers, the Day of Resurrection and Divine

    Preordainments), then fruitless is his work; and in the Hereafter he will be among the losers.

    (NQ 5:5)

    Allah (Exalted be He) also says:

    And indeed it has been revealed to you (Oh Muhammad), as it was to those (Messengers)

    before you: that if you join others in worship with Allah, (then) surely (all) your deeds will be in

    vain, and you will certainly be among the losers.

    (NQ 39:65)

    There are numerousAyat(Qur'anic Verses) on this meaning. The clear Book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be

    upon him) indicate that the sound Aqidah is to believe in:

    1. Allah,2. His Angels,3. His (Divine) Books,4. His Messengers,5. the Hereafter, and in6.

    Al-Qadr(The Divine Decree), whether good or bad.

    These six matters are the fundamental bases of Aqidah with which the Book of Allah was revealed and with which his

    Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him) was sent. From belief in these bases stems belief in all other matters ofAl-Ghayb

    (The Unseen) that Allah and His Messenger informed us about and, therefore, we must believe them to be true. There are so

    many proofs in the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasizing these six bases, such as the

    Words of Allah (Exalted be He):

    It is not Al-Birr (Piety, Righteousness, and Each and Every Act of Obedience to Allah, etc.) that

    you turn your faces towards the east and (or) west (in prayers); but Al-Birr is (the quality of)

    the one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, and the Prophets.

    (NQ 2:177)

    Allah (Glorified be He) also says:

    The Messenger (Muhammad) believes in what has been sent down to h im from his Lord, and

    (so do) the believers. Each one believes in Allah, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers.

    (They say), We make no distinction between one another of His Messengers.

    (NQ 2:285)

    And:

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    Oh you who believe! Believe in Allah, and His Messenger (Muhammad), and the Book (the

    Quran) which He has sent down to His Messenger, and the Scripture which He sent down to

    those before (him); and whosoever disbelieves in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers,

    and the Last Day, then indeed he has strayed far away.

    (NQ 4:136)

    And:

    Know you not that Allah knows all that is in the heavens and on the earth? Verily, it is (all) in

    the Book (Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz). Verily that is easy for Allah.

    (NQ 22:70)

    As for the authentic Ahadith proving these bases, they are numerous. For example, the famous Sahih (Authentic) Hadith which

    is related by Imam Muslim from the Hadith ofAl-Amirul-Mu'minin (The Commander of the Believers), Umar ibnul-Khattab

    (may Allah be pleased with him), who said:

    Jibril (peace be upon him) asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) about Iman (Faith), and he

    replied, 'Iman is to believe in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, and the Last Day;and that you believe in Predestination, both the good and bad thereof.

    (Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmithi, Nasai, Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah and Ahmad)

    It is upon these matters that other obligations ofIman that a Muslim must believe in and follow regarding the rights owed to

    Allah, the Last Day, and other matters related toAl-Ghayb.

    Believing in Allah is to believe that He is the One True God Who is worthy of worship without associating anything with Him,

    because He is the Creator of all creatures, Who is Gracious and Kind to them, provides for them and knows what they conceal

    and what they reveal. He is the One Able to reward the good-doers and to punish the wrong-doers. For this worship, Allah has

    created both mankind andJinn (Creatures Created from Fire) and commanded them to adhere to it, saying:

    And I (Allah) created not the Jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone). I

    seek not any provision from them (i.e. provision for themselves or for My creatures) nor do I ask

    that they should feed Me (i.e. feed themselves or My creatures). Verily, Allah is the All-Provider,

    Owner of Power, the Most Strong.

    (NQ 51:56-58)

    Allah (Exalted be He) also says:

    Oh mankind! Worship your Lord (Allah), Who created you and those who were before you so

    that you may become Al-Muttaqun (Pious). Who has made the earth a resting place for you,

    and the sky as a canopy, and sent down water (rain) from the sky and brought forth therewith

    fruits as a provision for you. Then do not set up rivals unto Allah (in worship) while you know

    (that He Alone has the right to be worshipped).

    (NQ 2:21-22)

    Allah has sent the Messengers and revealed the Divine Books to explain this truth, call people to it and warn people against

    what contradicts it. Allah (Glorified be He) says:

    And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (Community or Nation) a Messenger

    (proclaiming): Worship Allah (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Taghut (All False Deities

    i.e. do not worship Taghut alongside Allah).

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    (NQ 16:36)

    Allah (Exalted be He) also says:

    And We sent not any Messenger before you (Oh Muhammad) except that We revealed to him

    (the statement): La ilaha illa Ana (None Has the Right to be Worshipped but Me), so worship

    Me (Alone and none else).

    (NQ 21:25)

    And:

    (This is) a Book, the Verses whereof are perfected (in every sphere of knowledge), and then

    explained in detail from One (Allah), Who is All-Wise, Well-Acquainted (with all things).

    (Saying) worship none but Allah. Verily, I (Muhammad) am unto you from Him a warner and a

    bringer of glad tidings.

    (NQ 11:1-2)

    The essence of this worship is to dedicate all acts of worship to Allah Alone, such as supplication, fear, hope, Salah (Prayer)

    Sawm (Fasting), slaughtering sacrificial animals, vowing as well as other kinds of worship, while feeling submissive, hopeful

    and fearful of Allah, along with complete love to Him and humility before His Greatness. MostAyatwere revealed for the sake

    of this great principle. Allah (Exalted be He) says:

    So worship Allah (Alone) by doing religious deeds sincerely for His sake only. Surely the

    religion (i.e. the worship and the obedience) is for Allah only.

    (NQ 39:2-3)

    And:

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

    (NQ 17:23)

    And:

    So, call you (Oh Muhammad and the believers) upon (or invoke) Allah making (your) worship

    pure for Him (Alone) (by worshipping none but Him and by doing religious deeds sincerely for

    His sake only and not to show off nor set up rivals with Him in worship), however much the

    disbelievers (in the Oneness of Allah) hate it.

    (NQ 40:14)

    It is related in Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim on the authority of Muadh (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet

    (peace be upon him) said:

    The Right of Allah over His slaves is that they should worship Him and not associate anything

    with Him (in worship).

    (Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmithi, Ibn Majah and Ahmad)

    One of the bases ofIman is to believe in the Five Pillars of Islam that Allah has ordained and enjoined upon His servants, which

    are:

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    1. The testimony that there is no god (with the right to be worshiped) but Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger;2. Performance ofSalah (Prayers);3. PayingZakah (Obligatory Charity);4. Fasting during Ramadan and5. Performing Hajj(Pilgrimage) to the sacred House of Allah for those who have the ability to do so,

    in addition to other obligatory acts which are laid down by the Shariah (Islamic Law).

    The most important pillar is the testimony that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger. The testimony that

    there is no god but Allah demands that we sincerely worship Allah Alone and negate any kind of worship to other than Him

    This is the meaning of There is no god but Allah. It means there is no one worthy of worship except Allah. Anyone that is

    worshiped other than Allah, such as humans, kings, Jinn or others, they are all worshiped falsely because the Only One Who is

    worthy of worship is Allah Alone. Allah (Exalted be He) says:

    That is because Allah He is the Truth (the only True God of all that exists, Who has no

    partners or rivals with Him), and what they (the polytheists) invoke besides Him, is Batil

    (Falsehood).

    (NQ 22:62)

    We have mentioned earlier that Allah (Glorified be He) created mankind and Jinn for this reason and commanded them to

    worship Him and sent messengers and revealed Divine Books to teach this truth. Please contemplate this well in order to

    know the deep ignorance that many Muslims have fallen into by neglecting this pillar to the extent that they worship others

    along with Allah and give His Exclusive Right to be worshipped to others. Allah is the One sought for help.

    One of the bases ofIman in Allah is to believe that He is the Creator of the universe, Who manages all things by His Knowledge

    and Power, as He wills. He is the Master of this world and the Hereafter, and the Lord of all existence. There is no Creator or

    Lord except Him. He sent His messengers and revealed the Divine Books to guide His servants and call them to salvation and

    uprightness in this life and the next. He has no partner in any of this, Allah (Exalted be He) says:

    Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is the Wakil (Trustee, Dispos er of Affairs, Guardian)

    over all things.

    (NQ 39:62)

    And:

    Indeed your Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth in Six Days, and then He

    Istawa (Rose Over) the Mighty Throne (really in a manner that suits His Majesty). He brings the

    night as a cover over the day, seeking it rapidly, and (He created) the sun, the moon, the stars

    and subjected them to His Command. Surely, His is the Creation and the Commandment. Blessed

    is Allah, the Lord of the Alamin (Mankind, Jinn and All that Exists)!

    (NQ 7:54)

    Also, one of the bases of Iman is to believe in the Perfectly Magnificent Names of Allah and His Sublime Attributes that are

    stated in His Glorious Book and are authentically reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) withoutTahrif(Distortion o

    the Meaning), Tatil (Negation of the Meaning or Function of Allahs Attributes), Takyif (Descriptive Designation of Allahs

    Attributes) or Tamthil(Likening Allahs Attributes to those of His Creation). They must be acknowledged withoutTakyifalong

    with believing in their great meanings, which constitute the Attributes of Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He). We must

    describe Him with these attributes, as befits His Glory, without likening Him to any of His creatures. Allah (Exalted be He) says:

    There is nothing like Him; and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer.

    (NQ 42:11)

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    And:

    So put not forward similitudes for Allah (as there is nothing similar to Him, nor He resembles

    anything). Truly! Allah knows and you know not.

    (NQ 16:74)

    This is the Aqidah ofAhlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaah (The Adherents of the Sunnah and the Muslim Community) who are mainly

    theSahabah (Companions of the Prophet) and those who righteously follow them. It is transmitted by Imam Abul-Hasan Al-

    Ashary (d. 324 A.H., may Allah be merciful to him) in His BookAl-Maqalatfrom the scholars of Hadith and Ahlus-Sunnah and

    by other scholars and religious figures.

    Al-Imam Al-Awzay (d. 157 A.H., may Allah be merciful to him) reported that Az-Zuhry (d. 124 A.H.) and Makhul were asked

    aboutAl-Ayatus-Sifat(The Qur'anic verses including Allahs Attributes), and they replied:

    Believe in them as they are stated.

    Al-Walid ibn Muslim (may Allah be merciful to him) reported that Malik (d. 179 A.H.), Al-Awza y (d. 157 A.H.), Al-Layth ibn

    Sad (d. 175 A.H.), and Sufyan Ath-Thawry (d. 161 A.H., may Allah be merciful to them) were asked about Allahs Attributes

    and they all said:

    Believe in them as they are stated without Takyif.

    Al-Awzay (d. 157 A.H., may Allah be merciful to him) said:

    When there were many Tabiun (Followers, the Generation After the Companions of the

    Prophet) among us, we used to say: Allah (Exalted be He) is on His Throne, and we believe in

    the Ahadith of Attributes which were reported in the Sunnah.

    When Rabiah ibn Abu Abdur-Rahman (d. 136 A.H.), the teacher of Imam Malik (d. 179 A.H., may Allah be merciful to them)

    was asked aboutAl-Istawa', he said:

    Istiwa' (Allah's Rising Over the Throne in a Manner that Befits Him) is not unknown and Al-Kayf (the modality of how it happened) is not perceived. Allah sent down the Message, which

    the Messenger clearly conveyed, and we have to believe in it.

    When Imam Malik (d. 179 A.H., may Allah be merciful to him) was asked about this, he said:

    Istiwa' is well known, but the Kayf is not, believing in it is obligatory, and asking about it is a

    Bidah (Innovation in the Religion).

    Then he said to the questioner:

    I do not think except that you are an evil person.

    and he commanded that he should be brought out of the Masjid. The same meaning was reported from Umm Salamah, the

    Mother of the Believers (may Allah be pleased with her). Imam Abu Abdur-Rahman Abdullah ibn Al-Mubarak (d. 181 A.H.

    may Allah be merciful to him) said:

    We believe that our Lord (Glorified be He) is above His heavens and over His Throne and

    creation.

    The words of the Imams in this regard are numerous and cannot be all mentioned in this lecture. Anyone who wants to read

    about this should refer to the statements ofAhlus-Sunnah in this regard, such as the bookAs-Sunnah by Abdullah ibn Imam

    Ahmad (d. 290 A.H.), Usul As-Sunnah by his father, Sharh As-Sunnah by Al-Imam Al-Barbahari (d. 329 A.H.),At-Tahawiyyah by

    Abu Jafar At-Tahawi (d. 321 A.H.),At-Tawhid(Monotheism) by Imam Muhammad ibn Khuzaymah (d. 311 A.H.), the bookAs-

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    mentioned in the explicit Ayat and authentic Ahadith in a way that befits the Magnificence of

    Allah and negates any imperfection in Him follows the right path.

    End of the quote of Ibn Kathir (may Allah be merciful to him).

    Belief in the Angels involves belief in them generally as well as in detail. A Muslim should believe that Allah created angels to

    obey Him, whom He described as:

    ...honored slaves. Who speak not until He has spoken, 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 is pleased. And they stand in awe for fear of Him.

    (NQ 21:26-28)

    There are different types of angels. Every type has a role. Some angels are in charge of carrying the Mighty Throne, some are in

    charge of Paradise and Hellfire, and some are in charge of recording peoples deeds. We must believe in the angels specifically

    named by Allah and His Messenger, such as Jibril, Mika'il, Malik (who is in charge of the Hellfire), Israfil (who is assigned to

    blow the horn), Munkar and Nakir (the interrogators in the grave) and Harut and Marut (who tried the people with magic).

    They are mentioned in authentic Ahadith. It is authentically narrated by Muslim (d. 261 A.H.) in his Sahih from `Aishah (mayAllah be pleased with her) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated:

    Angels were created from light, Jinn from a smokeless flame of fire, and Adam from that which

    you have been told (i.e. sounding clay like the clay of pottery).

    (Muslim and Ahmad)

    The same applies to belief in Divine Books. Muslims must generally believe that Allah sent down Scriptures to His Messengers

    and Prophets to show His Rights as their God and call people to the truth. Allah (Exalted be He) says:

    Indeed, We have sent Our Messengers with clear proofs, and revealed with them the Scripture

    and the Balance (justice) that mankind may keep up justice.

    (NQ 57:25)

    Allah (Exalted be He) also says:

    Mankind was all one community and Allah sent Prophets with glad tidings and warnings, and

    with them He sent down the Scripture in truth to judge between people in matters wherein they

    differed.

    (NQ 2:213)

    We must believe in the Books that Allah mentioned by name, such as the Tawrah (Torah), the Injil(Gospel), theZabur(Book

    revealed to Prophet Dawud), and finally the Qur'an. The Qur'an being the last and best Book that stands as a witness over allprevious Books, confirming the truth mentioned in them or revealing the distortions made in them. This is the Book that the

    entire Muslim nation must follow and rule according to its law, along with the authentic Hadiths reported from Prophet

    Muhammad (peace be upon him). Allah (Exalted be He) sent Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to both mankind and

    Jinn, and sent down to him the Qur'an to judge between people according to it. Allah made it a healing for what is in the

    breasts, a clarification of everything, and guidance and mercy for the believers. Allah (Exalted be He) says:

    And this is a blessed Book (the Quran) which We have sent down, so follow it and fear Allah

    (i.e. do not disobey His Orders), that you may receive mercy (i.e. be saved from the torment of

    Hell).

    (NQ 6:155)

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    And:

    And We have sent down to you the Book (the Quran) as an exposition over everything, a

    guidance, a mercy, and glad tidings for those who have submitted themselves (to Allah as

    Muslims).

    (NQ 16:89)

    And:

    Say (Oh Muhammad): Oh mankind! Verily, I am sent to you all as the Messenger of Allah - to

    Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the

    right to be worshipped but He). It is He Who gives life and causes death. So believe in Allah and

    His Messenger (Muhammad), the Prophet who can neither read nor write (i.e. Muhammad),

    who believes in Allah and His Word (this Quran, the Tawrah and the Injil and also Allahs

    Word): Be!- and he was, i.e. Isa son of Maryam, and followhim so that you may be guided.

    (NQ 7:158)

    There are many Ayatwhich carry this meaning. The same applies to belief in messengers. We must believe in messengers ingeneral and some of them in detail. We must believe that Allah sent messengers to His servants as bearers of glad tidings

    warners, and callers to the truth. Anyone who positively responds to their call shall attain happiness, whereas those who

    contradict them will bring upon themselves failure and regret. Prophet Muhammad ibn Abdullah (peace be upon him) is the

    last and best of the Prophets, as Allah (Glorified be He) says:

    And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (Community or Nation) a Messenger

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

    i.e. do not worship Taghut alongside Allah).

    (NQ 16:36)

    Allah (Exalted be He) also says:

    Messengers as bearers of good news as well as of warning in order that mankind should have

    no plea against Allah after the (coming of) Messengers.

    (NQ 4:165)

    And:

    Muhammadis not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the Seal

    (Last) of the Prophets.

    (NQ 33:40)

    Any prophet whose name was mentioned by Allah or authentically reported from the Messenger (peace be upon him) must be

    believed in personally and specifically. Among these Messengers are Nuh (Noah), Hud (Eber), Salih (Shaloh), Ibrahim

    (Abraham) and many others (may peace and blessings be upon them, their family, and followers).

    As for belief in the Last Day, it comprises belief in all the events that Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him) informed us

    about, which shall occur after death, such as the trial of the grave, and the torment or bliss in the grave, and the horrors and

    distresses of the Day of Resurrection, such as As-Sirat (The Bridge Over the Fire), Al-Mizan (the Scales for the Weighing o

    Deeds), punishment and reward, records of deeds that shall be laid open which people shall receive in their right hand, their

    left hand or behind their back. It also includes belief in the Hawd(The Prophets Basin in the Hereafter), Paradise, Hellfire, the

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    believers seeing and speaking to Allah (Glorified be He), and the other things mentioned in the Qur'an and Sunnah. Every

    Muslim has to believe in all these matters as taught by Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him).

    With regard to belief in predestination, it consists of four elements:

    1. The belief that Allah knows what happened in the past and what will happen in the future, and all matters of Hiscreatures, their sustenance, lifetime, deeds, and all other issues; nothing is hidden from Him. Allah (Glorified be He)

    says:

    Verily, Allh is the All-Knower of everything.

    (NQ 8:75)

    And:

    ...that you may know that Allh has power over all things, and that Allah encompasses all

    things in (His) Knowledge.

    (NQ 65:12)

    2. The belief that Allah has records of everything He predestined. Allah (Glorified be He) says:We know that which the earth takes of them (their dead bodies), and with Us is a Book

    preserved (i.e. the Book of Decrees).

    (NQ 50:4)

    And:

    ...and all things We have recorded with numbers (as a record) in a Clear Book.

    (NQ 36:12)

    And:

    Know you not that Allah knows all that is in the heaven and on the earth? Verily, it is (all) in

    the Book (Al-Lauh-al-Mahfuz). Verily that is easy for Allah.

    (NQ 22:70)

    3. The belief that the Will of Allah is inevitably executed. Whatever He wills, will be; and whatever He does not, willnever be. Allah (Glorified be He) says:

    Verily, Allah does what He wills.

    (NQ 22:18)

    And:

    Verily, His Command, when He intends a thing, is only that He says to it, "Be!" - and it is!

    (NQ 36:82)

    And:

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    And you cannot will unless (it be) that Allah wills - the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, Jinn and

    all that exists).

    (NQ 81:29)

    4. The belief that Allah (Exalted be He) is the Creator of all things that exist. There is no creator or Lord except Him. Allah(Glorified be He) says:

    Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is the Wakil (Trustee, Disposer of Affairs, Guardian)

    over allthings.

    (NQ 39:62)

    And:

    Oh mankind! Remember the Grace of Allah upon you! Is there any creator other than Allah

    who provides for you from the sky (rain) and the earth? La ilaha illa Huwa (None has the right

    to be worshipped but Him). How then are you turning away (from Him)?

    (NQ 35:3)

    According to Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama`ah, belief in these four elements constitutes the belief in Predestination. However, some

    followers ofBid`ah (Innovation in the Religion) deny some of these aspects. Furthermore, belief in Allah includes believing

    thatIman is translated into words and deeds whose power increases by performing acts of obedience to Allah and decreases

    by committing sins. It is also not permissible to declare a Muslim to be a Kafir(Disbeliever) for committing a sin below the

    level ofShirk(Associating Others with Allah in His Divinity or Worship) and Kufr(Disbelief), such asZina (Sexual Intercourse

    Outside Marriage), robbery, Riba (Usury/Interest), intoxication, and disobedience to parents and other major sins, so long as

    the person concerned does not regard them as being lawful. Allah (Glorified be He) says:

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

    except that(anything else) to whomsoever He pleases.

    (NQ 4:48)

    Moreover, it is authentically reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) that Allah will bring out of the Fire those who

    have as little as a mustard seed of faith in their hearts. Another aspect of belief in Allah is love and hate, and loyalty and

    disassociation for the sake of Allah. Thus, a believer should love and support believers, and dislike and oppose Kufar

    (Disbelievers). Foremost among the believers of this nation are the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet). Hence, Ahlus

    Sunnah wal-Jama`ah love them, support them, and believe that they were the best of people after the prophets, because the

    Prophet (peace be upon him) said (as it is agreed upon by Imams Bukhari and Muslim):

    The best people are those living in my generation, and then those who will follow them, and

    then those who will follow the latter.

    (Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmithi, Ibn Majah and Ahmad)

    They also believe that the best among them was Abu Bakr As-Siddiq, then `Umar Al-Faruq, then `Uthman Dhu Al-Nurayn, then

    `Aly Al-Murtada (may Allah be pleased with them all), and the rest of the Ten Sahabah given the glad tidings of entering

    Paradise, then the rest ofSahabah who migrated, fought in Badr, gave the first pledge, followed by those who came later, may

    Allah be pleased with them all). Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama`ah remain silent regarding the disputes that arose between the

    Sahabah knowing that they were Mujtahidun (Scholars Qualified to Exercise Juristic Effort to Infer Expert Legal Rulings), who

    would be doubly rewarded if their view was true and would receive only a single reward if their view was incorrect.

    Furthermore, they love and support the believing household of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his wives, the Mothers of

    the Believers, asking that Allah be pleased with them. On the other hand, they disavow the approach ofAr-Rawafid(a group o

    the Shia) who hate and revile the Sahabah and exceed the proper limits regardingAhlul-Bayt(Members of the Prophet's

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    Extended Muslim Family) placing them in a higher rank than that which Allah has given them. They also disavow the approach

    ofAn-Nawasib (A Deviant Islamic Sect Slandering `Aly ibn Abu Talib and the family of the Prophet) who harm Ahlul-Baytin

    both word and action.

    The correct`Aqidah with which the Messenger (peace be upon him) was sent is all that is mentioned in this brief speech. This

    is (in brief) the `Aqidah of the Saved Sect, namely,Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama`ah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

    A group of people from my Ummah (Nation Based on One Creed) will remain victorious (andon the right path), and those who desert or oppose them shall not be able to do them any harm

    until Allahs Command is executed (i.e. Resurrection is established).

    (Bukhari, Muslim and Ahmad)

    He (peace be upon him) also said:

    The Jews split into seventy one sects, the Christians split into seventy two sects, and this

    Ummah will split into seventy-three sects, all of which are in Hellfire except one. The Sahabah

    said, Which is that one (sect), Oh Messenger of Allah? He (peace be upon him) said, Those who

    follow the very same (path) that I and my Companions follow.

    (Tirmithi, Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah and Ahmad)

    This is the correct`Aqidah that every Muslim is obliged to follow, remain steadfast upon and beware of anything that opposes

    it.

    There are numerous categories of those who reject and deviate from this `Aqidah (Creed). They include, among others, those

    who worship idols, angels, Awliya'(Pious People), Jinn (Creatures Created from Fire), trees, and stones. These people have

    not followed the call of the Messengers of Allah; rather, they stubbornly rejected their call. This is exactly what the Quraysh

    and some other Arab tribes did with Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). They used to beseech their false gods to fulfill

    their needs, heal their sick, and grant them victory over their enemies. They would also offer sacrifices to them and make vows

    in their names. When the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) disapproved of their beliefs and called them to worship

    Allah Alone and not to associate others with Him in worship, they replied:

    Has he made the Alihah (gods) all into One Ilah (God - Allah). Verily, this is a curious thing!

    (NQ 38:5)

    The Prophet (peace be upon him) continued calling them to worship Allah Alone, warning them against associating others

    with Him in worship, and explaining to them the reality of Islam. His efforts eventually paid off when they entered the Religion

    of Allah in crowds. Islam became superior to all religions due to the huge efforts made by the Messenger of Allah (peace be

    upon him), theSahabah (Companions of the Prophet), and those who followed them in righteousness. The situation changed

    again after ignorance dominated and an overwhelming majority of people reverted to their foolish and ignorant practices, such

    as excessive veneration of Prophets and Awliya', whom they invoked and sought help from. This is in addition to all other

    forms ofShirk (Associating Others with Allah in His Divinity or Worship). They did not sufficiently understand the truemeaning ofTawhid(Belief in the Oneness of Allah) as the Arab disbelievers actually did. Allah is the One sought for help.

    These forms of Shirk are increasingly widespread among people in our present time due to ignorance and the long interval

    between the era of prophethood and the present time.

    The argument these people put forward is not different from that of their predecessors, namely:

    These are our intercessors with Allah.

    (NQ 10:18)

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    And:

    We worship them only that they may bring us nearerto Allah.

    (NQ 39:3)

    Allah refuted this false claim and made it clear to them that worshipping anything else other than Him is Shirk and Kufr

    (Disbelief). Allah (Exalted be He) says in this regard:

    And they worship besides Allah things that harm them not, nor profit them, and they say:

    These are our intercessors with Allah.

    (NQ 10:18)

    And:

    ...Say: Do you inform Allah of that which He knows not in the heavens and on the earth?

    Glorified and Exalted is He above all that which they associate as partners (with Him)!

    (NQ 10:18)

    In this Ayah (Qur'anic Verse), Allah (Glorified be He) clearly declares that worshipping Prophets, Awliya', and others besides

    Him is majorShirk(Associating Others with Allah in His Divinity or Worship which Exits One From the Fold of Islam), even if

    those who commit it call it by other names. Allah (Exalted be He) says:

    And those who take Auliya (Protectors, Helpers, Lords, Gods) besides Him (say): We worship

    them only that they may bring us near to Allah.

    (NQ 39:3)

    Allah (Glorified be He) refutes their claims, saying:

    Verily, Allah will judge between them concerning that wherein they differ. Truly, Allah guides

    not him who is a l iar, and a disbeliever.

    (NQ 39:3)

    Thus, Allah makes it crystal clear that the worship they offer to anything or anyone other than Him, whether in the form of

    invocation, hope, fear, or otherwise, is in factKufr. Allah (Exalted be He) also calls them liars when they claim that their false

    gods bring them closer to Him.

    There are a number of false ideologies in our present time that contradict the authentic `Aqidah with which the Messengers

    (peace be upon them) were sent. These false ideologies are like the beliefs of the followers of Marx, Lenin, and others who cal

    to atheism and Kufrand who give their beliefs different names, such as socialism, communism, Ba`thism, and so on.

    Those atheists reject all religions and claim that there is no God, and that life is only matter. They do not believe in the Last

    Day, Paradise, or Hell. Whoever studies their books will certainly notice their rejection of all religions. Undoubtedly, their

    ideology contradicts the true heavenly religion and those who follow these false ideologies will certainly bear the worst of

    consequences both in this world and in the Hereafter. Other beliefs which contradict true beliefs include those of the Sufis who

    believe that the so-called Awliya' are Allahs partners in His control and disposition of the worldly affairs. They give them

    names such as Qutb(Sufi Title denoting a Perfect Master), Watad(Sufi Title denoting a Peg for Maintaining Faith), Ghawth

    (Sufi Title Denoting a Source of Succor), as well as other names which they gave to their gods. Indeed, this is the worst form

    ofShirkwith relation to Allahs Lordship. It is even far worse than the form ofShirkthat was prevalent in pre-Islamic Arabia

    At that time, the Arabs associated partners with Allah only in worship, not in His Lordship. Moreover, they used to associate

    partners with Allah in prosperity; but in adversity, they dedicated their worship to Allah Alone. Allah (Glorified be He) says:

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    And when they embark on a ship, they invoke Allah, making their Faith pure for Him only: but

    when He brings them safely to land, behold, they give a share of their worship to others.

    (NQ 29:65)

    They acknowledged that Allah is the only Lord. Allah (Glorified be He) says:

    And if you were to ask them who created them, they will surely say: Allah.

    (NQ 43:87)

    And:

    Say (Oh Muhammad): Who provides for you from the sky and the earth? Or who owns hearing

    and sight? And who brings out the living from the dead and brings out the dead from the living?

    And who disposes the affairs? They will say: Allah. Say: Will you not then be afraid of Allahs

    punishment (for setting up rivals in worship with Him)?

    (NQ 10:31)

    In addition to manyAyatto the same effect.

    As for people who commitShirkthese days, they are worse than their predecessors for two reasons:

    1. Some of them associate partners with Allah in Lordship.2. They commit Shirk in prosperity and adversity.

    This is quite obvious from their practices at the shrines of Al-Husayn, Ahmad Al-Badawy (d. 675 A.H), and other places in

    Egypt, the shrine of Abu Bakr Al-`Aydarus in Aden (d. 914 A.H.), the shrine of Al-Hady in Yemen (d. 298 A.H.), the shrine of Ibn

    `Araby (d. 638 A.H.) in the Levant (the region covering Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine), the shrine of Ash-Shaykh `Abdul-

    Qadir Al-Jilany in Iraq (d. 561 A.H.). This is in addition to other well-known shrines which the common people excessively

    revere and honor in a way befitting Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) only.

    There are only a few people who take great pains to remind these ignorant people of the reality ofTawhidwith which Allah

    sent His Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as well as the previous Messengers (peace be upon them). Truly, we belong

    to Allah and to Him is the final return. We ask Allah (Glorified be He) to guide them to the Truth and to help Muslim leaders

    combat and uproot this form ofShirk. Truly, He is the All-Hearing, Ever-Near.

    Again, among the beliefs that contradict the true `Aqidah with regard to the Names and Attributes of Allah are the beliefs held

    by Al-Jahmiyyah (A Deviant Islamic Sect Denying Some of Allahs Attributes, Claiming they are Ascribed to People and thus

    Cannot be Ascribed to Allah) and Al-Mu`tazilah (A Deviant Islamic Sect Claiming that those who Commit Major Sins are in a

    State Between Belief and Disbelief) and their like who denied the Attributes of Allah. These sects deny the perfection of the

    Attributes of Allah. They give Him attributes of nonexistent, inanimate, or impossible beings. He is exalted far above what they

    say. Other sects, such as Al-Asha`irah (A Muslim Group that Bases its Creedal on Logic), deny some of the Attributes of Allah

    while confirming others, thus contradicting clear logical as well as textual evidence. Conversely, Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama`ah

    (Adherents to the Sunnah and the Muslim Community) confirm all the Names and Attributes that Allah has confirmed for

    Himself in the Qur'an or through His Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him). They place Him far above His creation

    without the slightest bit of Ta`til (Negation of the Meaning or Function of Allahs Attributes). They follow all proofs in the

    Qur'an and the Sunnah without twisting the meanings thereof in the least. In this way, they have avoided confusion into which

    others have fallen. This belief is the way to salvation and bliss in this world and in the Hereafter. It is the straight path followed

    by the Salaf (Righteous Predecessors) and the leaders of this Ummah (Nation Based on One Creed). The condition of the

    present-day Muslims will not be rectified except by following the same path of the Salafwho adhered to the Qur'an and the

    Sunnah and shunned all that contradicts them.

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    May Allah grant us success. Indeed, He (Glorified be He) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of our affairs. There is

    neither might nor power except with Allah. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and

    Companions.

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    The Meaning of the Testification: There is no god but Allah

    Allah (Exalted be He) sent His Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to mankind in general, Arabs and non-Arabs, humans

    andJinn, both male and female. He was to call them to believe in the Oneness of Allah, being devoted to Him and having faith in

    the Prophet (peace be upon him), in all that was revealed to him and in all messengers, angels, heavenly revealed books, the

    Last Day, Paradise, Hellfire, and Predestination, the sweet and the bitter thereof. One also has to believe that Allah (Exalted be

    He) has predestined, known, enumerated, and recorded all things. Thus, anything that happens is predestined by Allah

    (Exalted be He).

    He ordered people to testify that there is no god but Allah. Actually, it is the first thing to which he called people and the first

    pillar of Islam. However, most people refused to respond to and denied his call. Moreover, the Quraysh said, as is narrated by

    Allah (Exalted be He) in the Qur'an,

    "Has he made the Alihah (gods) (all) into One Ilah (God - Allah). Verily, this is a curious thing!

    (NQ 38:5)

    Thus, Allah (Glorified be He) also says about them,

    Truly, when it was said to them: La ilaha illallah (None has the right to be worshipped butAllah),they puffed themselves up with pride (i.e. denied it). And (they) said: Are we going to

    abandon our Alihah (gods) for the sake of a mad poet?

    (NQ 37:35-36)

    Actually, they refused the Islamic call as they had for so long been worshipping idols and other deities besides Allah (Exalted

    be He). Therefore, they opposed the call of the Prophet (peace be upon them) to believe in the Oneness of Allah and be devoted

    to Him. In fact, the Prophets (peace be upon him) call was the same as that of all the prophets. In this regard, Allah (Exalted be

    He) says:

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

    (proclaiming): Worship Allah (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Taghut (all false deitiesi.e. do not worship Taghut alongside Allah).

    (NQ 16:36)

    He (Exalted be He) also says:

    And We did not send any Messenger before you (Oh Muhammad) except that We revealed to

    him (saying): La ilaha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but Me), so worship Me

    (Alone and none else).

    (NQ 21:25)

    It is recorded in the Two Sahih (authentic) Books of Hadith (i.e. Al-Bukhari and Muslim) on the authority of Ibn `Umar (mayAllah be pleased with both of them) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: