SUBMISSION

TO ALLAH(SWT)THE WAY TO LIBRTY & HAPPINESS

SUBMISSIONISLAM-Word Islam came from “aslamah”Aslama means surrenderedIslam means Surrender to God Ibadah(عبادة) Literally meaning "slavery" Has connotations of obedience, submission, and humility (Al Qamoosul Al Muheet) Linguistically means "obedience with submission".[

Purpose of Man’s Creation

"I did not create the Jinn and the humans but to ya'bodoon (submit to me).“ (Dhariyat, 56)

The "ibadah" in Islam means: 1. The ultimate obedience, 2. The ultimate submission and 3. The ultimate humility to Allah (S.W.T.) 4. Along with the ultimate love for Him

Imam Ibn Taymiyyah

Comprehensiveness of "ibadah“) The "ibadah" is a collective noun that includes

every thing that Allah (S.W.T.) loves and accepts from:

Sayings and the physical acts; The hidden (acts by heart) and the Openly (acts by limbs). like prayer, zakah,

fasting, hajj, straight talk, loyalty , kindness with parents, good relations with relatives, keeping promises, enjoining good and forbidding evil, jihad, kindness with the neighbor, with the orphan, with the poor, with the wayfarer, with the animals, dua, zikr, tilawah of Quran.

Ibn Taymiyyah writes in  Majmu' al-Fatawa (10/149

Ten Types of Ibadah enumerated by Imam Ghazali“al-Arba’in fi Usul al-Deen1.Salaat or prayer

6- Zikr or remembrance of Allah

2- Zakah or alms giving

7- Kasab Halal-Earning one’s livelihood in accordance with the regulations of the Shari’ah

3- Saum or fasting in Ramadan

8- Huquq al Ibaad-Fulfilling one’s obligations towards one’s companions and neighbors

4- Hajj or pilgrimage to Makkah

9- Amar bil maroof and nahi anil munkar-Enjoining righteousness and forbidding evil.

5- Tilawah or recitation of holy Quran

10-To follow the Sunnah, or the practice of the Holy Prophet

Imaam Qurtubee (d.671H) -

The root of 'ibaadah is humility and submissiveness.

The various duties that have been prescribed upon the people are called 'ibaadaat (acts of worship),

Since what is required is that these acts of worship must be done with humility and submissiveness to Allaah - the Most High." [Al-Jaami' li-Ahkaamil-Qur'aan (1/225), and (17/56) of al-Qurtubee]

Ibn Katheer (d.774H) - And 'ibadah is obedience to Allah by

acting upon what He commands, Abandoning what He forbids; and

this is the reality and essence of Islam.

And the meaning of Islam is: istislam (submission and surrender) to Allaah - the Most High - along with the utmost compliance, humility, and submissiveness to Him."

Imam Maududi

Ibadah (act of worship) is an Arabic word derived from `add (a slave) and it means submission.

It portrays that Allah is your Master and you are His slave and whatever a slave does in obedience to and for the pleasure of his Master is `Ibadah.

The Islamic concept of `Ibadah is very wide.

The meaning of "Ibadah" in the Arabic language is obedience, submission, and humility. 

“The Spirit of Ibadah in Islam”

3 Aspects of Ibadah

Ibadah

Servitude

Obedience

Worship

4 Requirements for Ibadah of Allah

Ikhlaas or sincerity

Hubb or

love of

Allah

Khashyah or fear of Allah

Tazallul or humil

ity

Word Ibadah is used in Quran in all 3 meanings1- Ibadah meaning slavery

And We sent Prophets unto all the peoples (to teach them) to give' their 'ibadah to Allah and not to taghoot. ... (Nahl, 16:36)

And there are glad tidings for those who gave up the 'ibadah of taghoot and adopted that of Allah . (Quran 39:17)

Meaning of Taghoot

Any authority or leadership, etc., which, in transgression against God, makes its own word prevail in the land

It may do it by the use of force or intimidation or through temptation and so on.

According to the Qur'an to submit to the dictates of such authority and do its bidding amounts to no less than the 'ibadah of taghoot

2-Ibadah as total submission

They took their priests and their monks as their gods instead of Allah and also the Christ, the son of Mariam. And they have not been ordered but to worship the one God. There is no god except Him. Glorious and high is He above what they associate with Him. ( Tawbah,9: 31)

Explanation of this ayah by Prophet (SAW) Adi Bin Hatim came to the Prophet

Muhammad (S.A.W.), wondering about this verse.

Adi said to the Prophet that they (meaning the people of the book) did not worship their (priests and monks).

The Prophet (S.A.W.) replied: "Yes, they (meaning the priests and monks)forbade what was lawful, and allowed what was forbidden, then they (meaning the people of the book) followed them. That is their worship to them."

Other Quranic ayahs using Ibadah as submission

O' Sons of Adam, did I not enjoin on you that you do not give ibadah to Satan, for he is your avowed enemy? (Quran 36:60

(And when it will be the Day of Judgement, God will say): "Gather together all the wrongdoers and their associates, as also the gods other than Allah to whom they gave their 'ibadah and show them to the door of Hell. (37:22-23)

3- Ibadah meaning Worship It has two aspects:1. Performing one or more of the various

rites of worship, such as bowing before the person or thing, standing in his or its presence with hands folded across the breast, of offering sacrifices before it

2. To believe in the person, etc., as having control over the realm of cause and effect, and praying to him, invoking him in times of distress or trial, and seeking his protection against danger or disaster.

Quranic Ayahs using Ibadah as worship

Say, (O'prophet): 'I have been forbidden to worship those whom you people worship other than Allah now that I have clear guidance from my Rabb." (Quran 40:66

And they used to worship, other than Allah, those who had not the power to do them either harm or good, and used to say, "These are our intercessors with God." (Quran 10:18

Example of Ayahs which encompass all 3 meanings of Ibadah

Verily, I am Allah; there is no ilah hot I; therefore give your 'ibadah to Me (alone). (Quran 20:14)

And Allah alone knows the realities unseen by man; with Him alone rests ultimate dispensation; therefore give your 'ibadah to Him, and in Him alone place your reliance. (Quran 11:123

Submission to Allah is a Common Trait in the Whole

Creation

م�ا �ه� ل �ح� ب �س� ي �ى ن �ح�س� ال م�اء� األس� �ه� ل �م�ص�و�ر� ال �ار�ئ� �ب ال �ق� �خ�ال ال �ه� الل ه�و��ح�ك�يم� ال �ع�ز�يز� ال و�ه�و� �و�األر�ض �م�او�ات الس� ف�ي

059.024Whatever is in the heavens and on earth doth

declare His Praises and Glory: and He is the exalted in Might, the Wise

�ه�م� و�ظ�الل ه/ا �ر� و�ك ط�و�ع/ا �و�األر�ض �م�او�ات الس� ف�ي م�ن� ج�د� �س� ي ��ه �ل و�ل �و�اآلص�ال �غ�د�و� �ال ب

13.015 (Ar-Rad) All that is in the heavens and the earth prostrates itself, whether willingly or by force, before Allah

Human beings are given a choice

When it comes to human (and jinns), he is given conscience and choice.

Question is: will he use his conscience and the Guidance of Allah (SWT) and recognize his Lord?

If he does not submit willingly, then eventually he does so unwillingly. For he never has the freedom to escape from the laws that Allah (swt) has set for him.

What is true submission to Allah?

It is not just an intellectual position of man in relation to his Creator

Nor is it a mere manifestation of a few ritual observations

It goes further beyond and is reflected in all aspects of his practical life and modes.

Allah (SWT) knows what is expressed as well as what is in everyone's heart. He is going to hold the man accountable.

“Ibadah" for all aspects of this life:

Etiquette of eating, drinking, going to the bathroom,

Building the pious individuals as well as the society,

Satisfying the people’s needs and their rights

Issues of the state and the politics of ruling and governing,

The system of economy, the affairs of dealings

The judicial system The foundations of international relations

in peace and in war.

The useful social activities are considered as "ibadah" Solving problems between people, visiting the sick, helping the poor, removing obstacles (like rocks, fallen

trees due to hurricanes, banana peels....) off the road,

supporting the oppressed, having justice between two people,

helping people in their needs, the good word,

even treating the animals kindly

Making a living is "ibadah 1. The work has to be allowed in Islam.  2. The work has to be accompanied by a

good intention. 3. The work has to be performed with

excellence 4. The work has to be within the limits of

Allah. So, there must be no room for injustice, disobedience of Allah or mistrust.

5. The work must not keep someone away from his deen obligations like prayer, Fasting,

Example of Ibrahim (AS)

Example of Ibrahim (AS)

Status of a submitted believer

The case of the believer is wonderful: there is good for him in everything, and this characteristic is exclusively for him alone. If he experiences something pleasant, he is grateful to Allah and that is good for him; and if he comes across some adversity, he is patient and submissive and that too is good for him. ( Muslim)

Submitted believer is Nafs Mutmainnah (Fajr, 89:28-30)

He is in peace with Allah He is in peace with himself He is in peace with all that is around him He is a part of a global family of all

animated and unanimated beings with a common goal of worshipping Allah (swt).

Nothing but goodness emanates from him.

And when he dies, everyone sheds tear for him - even the earth he walked on.

What is Liberty?

“Rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others.” (Thomas Jefferson)

All people have equal rights and that all (non-tyrannical) laws must apply equally to all people without exception

Concept of liberty in secularism

It considers man to possess his own self, faring with it as he pleases, without surrendering in that to any external

authority. all social insti tutions, which affect man's life,

derive their legal right to control every individual from the individuals themselves

idea of personal liberty comes as an expression of the negative results reached by "modern" doubt in its intellectual combat against faith and ethics

Liberaty in Secularism

Liberty (Hurriyah) defined in Islamic terms• “The recognition of the essential relationship

between God the master and His human slaves who are completely dependent on Him.” (Encyciopedia of Islam)

• Ibn Arabi, is cited for having defined freedom as “being perfect slavery to Allah”.

• To put it another way, Islamic-style “freedom” is freedom from any form of unbelief ( “Kufr”) and belief only in Islam.

Islam’s concept of liberty Islam liberates mankind from others’

control, breaking the chains and shackles which handcuff him.

�ه�م� �ي ع�ل �ت� �ان ك �ي �ت ال �غ�الل� و�األ ه�م� �ص�ر� إ �ه�م� ع�ن �ض�ع� و�ي And He releases them from their heavy

burdens and from the yokes that are on them... (7: 157).

It links liberation from all idols and artificial shackles to sincere submission to Allah

Man is a servant of Allah Who does not recognize any submission except to Him.

Man stands on equal footing in his own sincere sub mission to Allah with the rest of cosmic creation.

Qur'an liberates mankind from desires and the slavery of pleasures ن�اط�ير� الق� و� الب�ن�ين� و� اء الن�س� م�ن� و�ات� ه� الش� ح�ب� ل�لن�اس� زي�ن�

نع�ام� و�األ� ة� و�م� الم�س� يل� الخ� و� ة� ض� الف� و� الذ�ه�ب� م�ن� ة� نط�ر� الم�ق�

. ل ق� الم�آب� ن� ح�س ند�ه� ع� الل�ه� و� الد�ني�ا ي�اة� الح� ت�اع� م� ذ�ل�ك� ث� ر الح� و�م�ن ر�ي ت�ج ن�ات< ج� م ب�ه� ر� ند� ع� وا ات�ق� ل�ل�ذ�ين� ذ�ل�ك�م م�ن Dري ب�خ� ن�ب�ئ�ك�م ؤ�

أ�الل�ه� م�ن� و�ان< و�ر�ض ة< ر� م�ط�ه� و�اج< ز

أ� و� ا يه� ف� ال�د�ين� خ� ار� نه�األ� ا ت�ه� ت�ح

ب�الع�ب�اد� ير< ب�ص� الل�ه� . و� Fair in the eyes of men is the love of things they covet:

women and sons; heaped-up hoards of gold and silver; horses branded (for blood and excellence); and (wealth of) cattle and well -tilled land. Such are the possessions of this world's life; but in nearness to Allah is the best of the goals (to return to). Say: "Shall I give you glad tidings of things far better than those?" For the righteous there are gardens in nearness to their Lord, with rivers flowing beneath; therein is their eternal home; with companions pure (and holy) and the good pleasure of Allah, for Allah is well aware of (all) His servants. (Ale Imran, 3:14-15).

Example of liberation from alcohol

The strongest propaganda campaign against liquor conducted by the United States was not able to liberate the people from the slavery to liquor

People were not able to free themselves from liquor's entanglement, for they did not win a real emancipation within their spiritual and intellectual content.

The nation the Qur'an liberated, when it called it in one word to renounce wine, was able to say "No" to wine and erase it from its dictionary

In short, it enjoyed a true freedom which allowed it to control its conduct, its desires and animal impulses

Results of Submission to Allah

Man would reject any idol or fake worship of any person or being.

He would lift his head up high with dignity He will not feel the humiliation of slavery and

sub missiveness to any power on earth or to any idol.

Idol-worship in man's life has been initiated for two reasons:

Slavery to his own desire Ignorance of the weakness of those professing

deism. �ك�م �ال م�ث

� أ Dاد� ب �ع ��ه الل �د�ون م�ن �د�ع�ون� ت �ذ�ين� ال �ن� إ Those whom you call as gods other than Allah

are but His servants like your own selves. (Qur'an, 7:194).

What is happiness? Happiness is a feeling that resides in the

heart. It is characterized by peace of mind, tranquility, a sense of well-being, and a relaxed disposition. It comes as a result of proper behavior,

both inward and outward It is inspired by strong faith

Perfect Happiness: Now and Forever

Happiness is an exclusive quality of the soul

It depends on the degree of growth and development attained by the soul.

Thus, a body that attains all the material successes it longs for - money, power, fame, etc. - often belongs to an unhappy person.

The Quran provides a detailed map towards perfect happiness for both body and soul, both in this world and in the eternal Hereafter

Quran on happiness

And whosever follows My (Allah's) guidance, on them shall be no fear nor shall they grieve". (2:38)

"And your Lord declared publicly: if you are grateful, I will add more favors unto you". (14:7)

"Whosoever follows My (Allah's) guidance, will not loose his way nor fall into misery. But whosoever turns away from My message, verily for him is a miserable life". (20:123-124).

Friends of Allah (SWT)

Now surely the friends of Allah, they shall have no fear nor shall they grieve. Those who believe and guarded (against evil): They shall have good news in this world's life and in the hereafter; there is no changing the words of Allah; that is the mighty achievement. Noble Qur'an (10:62-64)

Happy life is promised to righteous.

"Whoever does good whether male or female and he is a believer, We will most certainly make him live a happy life, and We will most certainly give them their reward for the best of what they did." (16:97)

ROAD TO HAPPINESS Seek to Please God

God promises those among you who believe and lead righteous life, that He will make them sovereigns on earth, as He did for those before them, and will establish for them the religion He has chosen for them, and will substitute peace and security for them in place of fear. All this because they worship Me alone, without setting up any idols besides Me. Those who disbelieve after this are the truly wicked" (24:55).

God: Number one priority

What is the number one priority in your life?

If you make anything more important than pleasing God, you will be tested over and over.

And know ye that your possessions and your progeny are but a trial; and that it is Allah with whom lies your highest reward. (Anfal,8:28)

If you do not realize that fact after all the tests, you will lose both in this world and in the Hereafter.

Why those who submit face hardship?

Be sure We shall test you with something of fear and hunger some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil) but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere. (Baqarah,2:155)

Behold there were brought before him at eventide horses of the highest breeding; and swift of foot; And he said "Truly do I love the love of Good with a view to the glory of my Lord" until (the sun) was hidden in the veil (of Night): "Bring them back to me." Then began he to pass his hand over (their) legs and their necks. (Sad,38:31-33)

Solomon with all his wealth was put to the test by God through his horses . He realized they distracted him from his worship of God. He submitted to God’s will and was blessed with even more material wealth.

Happiness does not equal status in this life either.

If our status in life were the measure of happiness, then only the richest, most famous or strongest people among us would be happy.

In the story of two men with gardens, given in the Quran (18:32-44), one man clearly says that he is more prosperous than the other. But he didn’t factor God into his success. He ended up sorrowful and lamenting all that he had done in vain.

What is our goal in this life?

Is it to get an education, then a job, then a big house, get married, have children, put money in the bank, find a nice retirement place and await our death?

Whoever seeks the rewards of the Hereafter, we multiply the rewards for him. And whoever seeks the materials of this world, we give him there from, then he receives no share in the Hereafter. — 42:20 

Are we trying to please God alone? We need to look at

our striving. Do we strive to do all five of our

daily prayers? Do we willingly give our obligatory

charity? Do we try hard to make it to the

Friday prayer and study the Quran? Do we force ourselves to be with the

believers to please them or please Him?

Are we careful to observe God’s laws around the believers, only to break them with  other people?

Let us examine our actions

Do our actions often have to be justified with excuses and exceptions to God’s commandments?

Do we talk to promote kindness, tolerance and justice in others, without putting them to practice ourselves?

Do we speak up to others because we honestly want to share our thoughts and understanding with them or do we just want to show off to them?

Do we discuss ideas to try to learn with those around us or just to put them down with our knowledge?

We can see this idea in the Bible

Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is he who keeps the law. — Proverbs 29:18

Behold, how happy is the man whom God reproves, So do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. — Job 5:17

No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. — Matthew 6:24, Luke 16:13

Happiness is through Ibadah of Allah

That ye believe in Allah and His Apostle and that you strive (your utmost) in the Cause of Allah with your property and your persons: that will be best for you if ye but knew! He will forgive you your sins and admit you to Gardens beneath which rivers flow and to beautiful mansions in Gardens of Eternity: that is indeed the supreme Achievement. And another (favor will He bestow) which ye do love help from Allah and a speedy victory: so give the Glad Tidings to the Believers (Saff, 61:10-14)