Tawheed: The Oneness of Allah
Section 1: Importance of Tawheed
1. Allah will never forgive Shirk
Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah An Nisa 4:48
إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَغْفِرُ أَنْ يُشْرَكَ بِهِ وَيَغْفِرُ مَا دُونَ ذَلِكَ لِمَنْ يَشَاءُ
وَمَنْ يُشْرِكْ بِاللَّهِ فَقَدِ افْتَرَى إِثْمًا عَظِيمًا
“Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills. And he who associates others with Allah has certainly fabricated a tremendous sin.”
2. Shirk destroys all deeds
Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah Az Zumar 39:65
وَلَقَدْ أُوحِيَ إِلَيْكَ وَإِلَى الَّذِيْنَ مِنْ قَبْلِكَ
لَئِنْ أَشْرَكْتَ لَيَحْبَطَنَّ عَمَلُكَ وَلَتَكُوْنَنَّ مِنَ الْخَاسِرِيْنَ
لَئِنْ أَشْرَكْتَ لَيَحْبَطَنَّ عَمَلُكَ وَلَتَكُوْنَنَّ مِنَ الْخَاسِرِيْنَ
“And it was already revealed to you and to those before you that if you should associate [anything] with Allah, then) surely (all) your deeds will become worthless, and you would surely be among the losers."
Allah has given the example of his own Prophet r that even if he was to commit Shirk, all his good deeds would have been rendered vain.Surely none of the Prophets of Allah will ever commit the sin of Shirk. But Allah has given their example for us to realise the danger of the sin of Shirk! Can we imagine the stature, the quality and the sincerity of the deeds of the Prophet r. However even deeds of such high stature will be rendered ineffective if the sin of Shirk is done!! If a person does Shirk even if he has tomes of good deeds they will all be rendered ineffective.
The example that we can consider is that of a person who types a document on a computer but does not save it. If the computer looses power all his effort is lost. Similarly all the deeds of the person who does Shirk are lost. If a person has Tawheed his deeds will get ‘autosaved’ for the hereafter.
Another example is that of a person who fills water all night in a drum to use in the morning. But the drum has a hole at the bottom, due to which the water drains away. When he comes to use the water, he realizes that nothing has collected. Similarly on the Day of Judgment the people who did Shirk will realize that their deeds have been lost. Will it not be sensible for the person to first close the hole at the bottom and then start collecting water? Similarly it is much more sensible for a person to learn correct Aqeedah before he starts doing deeds.
3. The mention of Imaan (belief) before Amal-us-Saleh (righteous deeds)
Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah al Baqarah 2:82
وَالَّذِيْنَ آَمَنُوْا وَعَمِلُوْا الصَّالِحَاتِ أُولَئِكَ أَصْحَابُ الْجَنَّةِ
هُمْ فِيْهَا خَالِدُوْنَ
هُمْ فِيْهَا خَالِدُوْنَ
“But they who believe and do righteous deeds - those are the companions of Paradise; they will abide therein eternally.”[1]
Throughout the Qur’an Allah has mentioned “Imaan” before “Amalus Saleh” (righteous deeds). Several actions in Shariah depend on the sequence of the words used by Allah in the Qur’an. For example, Allah has said in the Qur’an in Surah Baqarah 2:158
إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَآئِرِ اللّهِ
“Indeed, as-Safa and al-Marwah are among the symbols of Allah”
During Hajatul Wida, Prophet Muhammed r said, while starting Saee at Safa,
نَبْدَأُ بِمَا بَدَأَ اللَهُ بِهِ
“We begin with what Allaah began with.”
[NARRATED BY JAABIR t, RECORDED IN MUSNAD AHMED 3: 14480, AUTHENTICATED BY ALBANI IN SAHEEH AL JAAMI 6745]
Since Allah has mentioned Safa before Marwah, Prophet Muhammedr started Saee[2] from Safa. Similarly, when Allah has mentioned Imaan first - we need to learn Imaan first and we need to teach it first. Before learning Aamal (deeds) a person needs to know Imaan (Aqeedah).
Catagories of Tawheed
1. Tawheed Ar- Ruboobiyah تَوْحِيْدُ الرُّبُوْبِيَةِ Maintaining the Oneness of Allah in His Lordship
2. Tawheed al – Uloohiyah تَوْحِيْدُ الأُلُوْهِيَةِ Maintaining the Oneness of Allah in His worship
3. Tawheed al – Asma Was-Sifaat تَوْحِيْدُ الأَسْمَآءِ وَالصِّفَاتِ Maintaining the Oneness of Allah in His names and attributes
Section 2: Tawheed Ar Ruboobiyah
Chapter 1: The meaning of Tawheed ar Ruboobiyah
“Tawheed ar Ruboobiyah” means having the firm belief that Allah alone is the Lord and Owner of all things. He does not have any partners. He alone is the Creator, the Planner of this universe, the one who brings about changes in it. It also means having the firm belief that Allah alone is the Creator of all human beings, He alone provides them sustenance, He gives them life and death.
1. There is no Rabb except Allah
Allah says in the Qur'an in Surah Al Anaam 6:164
قُلْ أَغَيْرَ اللّهِ أَبْغِي رَبًّا وَّهُوَ رَبُّ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ
“Say, "Is it other than Allāh I should desire as a lord while He is the Lord of all things?”
Chapter 2: What are the implications of Tawheed ar Ruboobiyah
1. اَلْخَالِقُAllah alone is the Creator of everything.
Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah az Zumar 39:62
اللَّهُ خَالِقُ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ
“Allah is the Creator of all things”
There is no portion of this universe that has been created by somebody else.
2. اَلْمَالِكُ Allah alone is the Owner of everything
Allah is not only the Creator of all things. He is also the sole owner of all things.
Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah Al Maidah 5:120
لِلّهِ مُلْكُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ وَمَا فِيْهِنَّ
“To Allāh belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and all that is therein.”
Everything in this universe belongs to Allah alone. Whatever we own on earth has been temporarily given to us by Allah to test us. He alone is the true owner of all things, since we are not going to take with us any of the things given to us by Allah. Even the dominion and rule over all things in the heavens and the earth belongs to Allah alone.
There is no portion of this universe that belongs to anyone other than Allah.
Let us take an example to get a better understanding about Allah being the Creator as well as the Owner: Casio manufactures a watch in Japan but a person in India may be the owner of it. If the owner of the watch is not taking care of the watch, Casio – the manufacturer cannot do anything about it. However this is not the case with Allah. He alone is the Creator of all things and He alone is the Owner. He has not made anyone else the owner of anything in this universe.
Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah Al Fatir 35:13
وَالَّذِيْنَ تَدْعُوْنَ مِنْ دُوْنِهِ مَا يَمْلِكُوْنَ مِنْ قِطْمِيْرٍ
“And those whom you invoke other than Him do not possess [as much as] the membrane of a date seed.”
3. اَلْمُدَبِّرُ Allah alone manages / controls everything.
Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah as Sajdah 32:5
يُدَبِّرُ الْأَمْرَ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ إِلَى الْأَرْضِ
“He arranges [each] matter from the heaven to the earth”
Allah alone is controlling each and every thing in this universe. He alone is the manager, guardian, protector, controller, and arranger of all things. He has not taken any partner and He does not need any partner to help Him to manage or control this universe.
Prophet Muhammed (s) taught the duaa,
لَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ اِلَّا بِاللهِ
“There is no movement or power except by Allah”
4. الرَزَّاقُ Allah alone is the provider of Sustenance
Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah Hood 11:6
وَمَا مِنْ دَآبَّةٍ فِي الأَرْضِ إِلاَّ عَلَى اللّهِ رِزْقُهَا
“And there is no creature on earth but that upon Allāh is its provision.”
5. اَلْمُحْيِيْ وَ اَلْمُمِيْتُ Life and death is in the hands of Allah alone
Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah Ar Rum 30:40
اللَّهُ الَّذِيْ خَلَقَكُمْ ثُمَّ رَزَقَكُمْ ثُمَّ يُمِيْتُكُمْ ثُمَّ يُحْيِيْكُمْ
“Allāh is the one who created you, then provided for you, then will cause you to die, and then will give you life.”
6. Allah alone has controls over good and bad: Good and adversity, both are from Allah
Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah al An’aam 10:107
وَإِنْ يَمْسَسْكَ اللَّهُ بِضُرٍّ فَلَا كَاشِفَ لَهُ إِلَّا هُوَ وَإِنْ يُرِدْكَ بِخَيْرٍ فَلَا رَادَّ لِفَضْلِهِ
“And if Allah should touch you with adversity, there is no remover of it except Him; and if He intends for you good, then there is no repeller of His bounty."
Allah has said in this verse "And if Allah should touch you with adversity, there is NO remower of it except Him.” He ALONE is the one who gives us difficulties to test us. He ALONE is the one who can save us from these difficulties and He ALONE is the One who has the power to solve our difficulties. Many people turn to other then Allah in times of difficulty and problems. Even among Muslims, many turn to other than Allah and ask them to solve their problems. The words "Ya Gaus al Madad"(O Gaus [Abdul Qaadir Jeelani] help us!) or "Ya Ali Madad" (O Ali help us!) are examples of this. O slaves of Allah! Let us refresh our Iman (belief) in this verse from Allah. No one can remove any problem or difficulty that we may be suffering unless if Allah does that. Then is there any benefit in seeking from others?
Further Allah says that if He wills to do any favour on any one He causes it to reach whom so ever He wills. So let’s seek favours from Allah alone. Indeed some people have deviated in this matter when they say "Ya Khwaja karam karam" or "Ya Rasoolullah karam keejiye, khuda ke waste " ( O Rasoolullah (saw) do favour on us for the sake of Allah.) All karam and help is only from Allah.
Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah An-Nahl 16:53
وَمَا بِكُمْ مِّنْ نِّعْمَةٍ فَمِنَ اللّهِ
“And whatever you have of good things - it is from Allah.”
Chapter 2: Have you understood Tawheed ar-Ruboobivah completely and correctly?
Please check with the following questions: -
Q 1. You leave your home and a black cat cuts across your path. It is said that if a black cat cuts across our path misfortune will come. Now what will you do?
Ans. Nothing! Continue on your way. Allah has said in 10:107 “If He intends for you good, then there is no repeller of His bounty". We believe, in Allah's words "There is NONE who can stop his bounty from reaching us!" Do you think the black cat can stop Allah's bounty from reaching you? The author of this article heard about an incident in which a boy was walking on a street- He saw that a black cat is corning to cut his path- He sped, jumped and instead he cut the path of the cat. So much to save some bad luck from reaching him !
Q2 What about birthstones. Aren't they supposed to save us from bad fortune and luck? There are so many people who can testify about that.
Ans. No birthstones or any other stones have any effect on us. Let the whole world say something - we "believe in the "Kalaam from our "Rabb. He alone has power over good and bad.
Consider this: According to Islam, which is the best stone on earth? No, it is not your "birthstone" - it is the "Hajr e Aswad", the black stone on the comer of the Kaba. A stone from Jannah! See what belief the Sahabi Umar (RA) is narrating about the black stone -Recorded in Sahih Al Bukhari 2:667, Kitabul Hajj "Umar came near the Black Stone and kissed it and said, “No doubt, I know that you are a stone andcan neither benefit anyone nor harm anyone. Had I not seen Allah's Apostle kissing you I would not have kissed you”. When the best stone can neither benefit nor harm anyone, do you still think that your "birthstone" can bring you any good or harm?
Q 3 Isn't 13 an unlucky number?
Ans. No brother no number is lucky or unlucky. It is Allah alone who controls good and bad. Many tall buildings are known not to have a 13th floor. To the extent that some airlines do not have a 13th row in their planes. It seems people are afraid of the number. These beliefs are not for those who believe in the verses of Allah! I repeat no number is lucky or unlucky - not even 786[3]!
So brothers and sisters no thread from any place, no charms, no horse shoe, no Taweez, no rabbit’s paw, no wish bones, no lucky days, no zodiacal signs - nothing can give us a good fortune. Good and bad are all from Allah alone. On the other hand no black cat crossing our path, breaking mirrors, unlucky days (like Friday the 13th)… nothing can cause any harm or misfortune. Good and bad are in the hands of our Rabb - Allah. Yes, let us all believe that He alone is our Rabb.
Q 4. Isn’t Taweez helpful to solve some problems and bring good.
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said,
مَنْ عَلَّقَ تَمِيمَةً فَقَدْ أَشْرَك
“Whoever hangs a tameemah (amulet) has committed Shirk.”
[NARRATED BY AQBAH BIN AAMIR رضي الله عنه; RECORDED IN MUSNAD AHMED, HAAKIM, AUTHENTICATED (SAHEEH) BY ALBANI IN SAHEEH AL JAAMI 6394]
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said,
قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم مَنْ تَعَلَّقَ شَيْئًا وُكِلَ إِلَيْهِ
“Whoever hangs anything as an amulet, will be entrusted to it.”’
[NARRATED BY ABDULLAH BIN UKAIM ABU MA’BUD AL-JUHANI رضي الله عنه; RECORDED IN TIRMIDHI, AUTHENTICATED (HASAN LI-GAIRIHI) BY ALBANI, SAHEEH AT-TARGEEB: 3456]
All types of amulets are Haraam and Shirk. No exception has been made for amulets from the Qur’an (Qur’anic Taweez).
Section 3: Conclusion
1. Isn't Allah enough?
Such is Allah the Rabb of the Worlds! Isn't He enough for us? Shouldn't we accept Him alone as our Rabb and not associate any thing with Allah! Allah has said in the Qur'an in Surah Az Zumar 39:36
أَلَيْسَ اللَّهُ بِكَافٍ عَبْدَهُ
"Is Allah not all-sufficient for His servants?”
Section 3: Tawheed al Asma Was Sifaat
Chapter I - About Allah’s Names and Attributes[4]
1. All the names of Allah are most beautiful
Allah says in the Qur'an in Surah Taha 20:8
اللَّهُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ لَهُ الْأَسْمَاءُ الْحُسْنَى
“Allah! there is none worthy of worship but He! To Him belong the most Beautiful Names.”[5]
We know Allah from His Names (Asmaa) and Attributes (Siffat). Allah has mentioned in the Qur'an in no less than 4 places – Surah Al Araaf 7:180, Surah Ta Ha 20:8, Surah Al Isra’ 17:110 and in Surah Al Hashr 59:24 "To Him belong the Most beautiful names". However it will be incorrect to say, “All beautiful names belong to Allah.” For example Yusuf is a beautiful name, but it does not belong to Allah.
2. There is NONE like Allah, neither in his names nor in his attributes
Allah says in the Qur'an in Surah ash Shura 42:11
لَيْسَ كَمِثْلِهِ شَيْءٌ
"There is no one like Him."
There is NO EQUAL of Allah is, of course true. In this verse Allah has said that there is NONE who is even LIKE Him.
Allah says in the Qur'an in Surah al Ikhlas 112:4
وَلَمْ يَكُنْ لَّهُ كُفُواً أَحَدٌ
" And there is none comparable to Him."
No one, no great man, no Wali-Allah, not even any Prophet of Allah – no one shares with Allah His names or attributes. All of His attributes belong to Allah alone.
The starting point of Shirk in other categories of Tawheed is Shirk in Asmaa was Sifaat. It begins with the claim that others besides Allah also have Allah-like qualities. For example: Allah is As-Sami (All Hearing). It is claimed that even many saints can hear all that is happening around the world. If you call on them from near or far they can hear you. Do they not see - when they were alive, could they listen and understand 3 persons talking at a time. When they were alive they could understand only a few particular languages - how is it that after death they can suddenly understand all languages. When they were alive they had a particular time to sleep - do they still have a particular time to sleep when they should not be called upon?
3. Allah will never make anyone like him
Allah says in the Qur'an in Surah An Nisa 4:122
وَمَنْ أَصْدَقُ مِنَ اللّهِ قِيْلاً
“And who is more truthful than Allah in statement.”
Many people believe that when Allah is pleased with someone he gives him one of His own qualities. They claim that for Allah that Attribute is Zaati (on the basis of His own self) and for others it is Ataaii (bestowed by Allah). This is a false belief. If Allah was to do so then would the verse of the Qur’an 42:11 still remain true - “There is NOTHING like unto Him”. Surely He will never do that. There is none truer than Allah! (Also see 4:87).
Allah says in the Qur'an in Surah Al Burooj 85:16
فَعَّالٌ لِّمَا يُرِيْدُ
“(He is) Doer of all that He intends.”
Chapter 2 – About Deviations regarding Allah’s Names and Attributes
1. It is obligatory to avoid deviationsاِلْحَاد concerning the names of Allah
Allah says in the Qur'an in Surah al A’raf 7:180
وَلِلّهِ الْأَسْمَاءُ الْحُسْنَى فَادْعُوْهُ بِهَا
وَذَرُواْ الَّذِيْنَ يُلْحِدُوْنَ فِي أَسْمَآئِهِ سَيُجْزَوْنَ مَا كَانُواْ يَعْمَلُوْنَ
وَذَرُواْ الَّذِيْنَ يُلْحِدُوْنَ فِي أَسْمَآئِهِ سَيُجْزَوْنَ مَا كَانُواْ يَعْمَلُوْنَ
“And to Allah belong the most beautiful names, so invoke Him by them. And leave [the company of] those who practice deviation concerning His names. They will be recompensed for what they have been doing.”
Allah has commanded us to leave those who practice deviations concerning Allah's names, which means that we should not follow such persons who practice deviation concerning Allah's names. The Arabic word for deviation is "Ilhaad" which is the opposite of "Hanif" which means "rightly guided". “The word “Ilhad” (deviation) used in the Ayah means deviation, wickedness, injustice and straying.”[6]
2. The main reason why people deviate in Tawheed al Asma was Siffaat
Allah has mentioned it in the Qur'an in Surah Baqarah 2:169
إِنَّمَا يَأْمُرُكُمْ بِالسُّوْءِ وَالْفَحْشَاءِ وَأَنْ تَقُوْلُواْ عَلَى اللّهِ مَا لاَ تَعْلَمُوْنَ
"He [Shaitan] only orders you to evil and immorality and to say about Allah what you do not know."
The reason, which leads to deviations, is, "to say about Allah what you do not know." And Shaitan makes man do that. Regarding Allah, we should say only what is proven from the Qur'an and the authentic Hadith as per the understanding of the Sahabah.
Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah An Nisa 4:171
وَلاَ تَقُوْلُواْ عَلَى اللّهِ إِلاَّ الْحَقَّ
“Say not about Allah anything except the truth”
And what is the truth?
Allah says in Surah Al Kahf 18:29 "The truth is from your Lord"
Allah says in Surah Al Kahf 18:29 "The truth is from your Lord"
And what is from our Lord? The Qur'an and the authentically reported sayings of Prophet Muhammed r as understood and followed by the first group of believers, who were chosen by Allah. We cannot speak about Allah from our desires or according to our wishes. It has to be from authentic sources. Hence we should refer to Allah only as He has referred to Himself without giving Him any new names or attributes. The names and attributes of Allah should be understood only as explained by Allah in the Qur'an or by the Prophet r in the Hadith.
Chapter 3: Prohibitions from:
I. At-Takyeefاَلتَّكْيِيْف (Describing – ‘how’ about Allah’s Names and attributes without knowledge)
At-Takyeefاَلتَّكْيِيْف means, to ascribe a “Kayfiyyah" “How” regarding any of the Names of Allah or His Attributes, since the apparent Nusoos (evidences) are known to us in a way and unknown to us in another i.e. they are known to us as far the meaning is concerned but unknown to us regarding their “Kayfiyyah”.
For example, we believe that Allah has Hands. How are they? We do not know. Allah is on his Arsh. How is that? We do not know.
We quote here an excellent answer given by Imam Maalik:
Imaam Maalik رحمه الله was asked,
“How is Allah Istawa (established, ascended) on His Throne?” He answered:
الإسْتِوَاءُ مَعْلُوْمٌ , وَالْكَيْفُ مَجْهُوْلٌ, وَالْإِيْمَانُ بِهِ وَاجِبٌ وَالسُّؤَالُ عَنْهُ بِدْعَةٌ
وَمَا أَرَاكَ إِلَّا مُبْتَدِعًا
وَمَا أَرَاكَ إِلَّا مُبْتَدِعًا
“It is known that Allah is “Istawa” (on His throne). However, its condition is unknown. Believing in it is compulsory. Asking questions about its condition is an innovation. And I see you as an innovator!”
[FATAWA IBN TAYMIYAH, VOL 5, PAGE NO 144
II. At-Tamseel اَلتَّمْثِيْل (To take similitudes for Allah)
Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah Ash Shura 42:11
لَيْسَ كَمِثْلِهِ شَيْءٌ وَهُوَ السَّمِيْعُ البَصِيْرُ
“There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the Hearing, the Seeing.”
Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah An Nahl 16:74
فَلاَ تَضْرِبُواْ لِلّهِ الأَمْثَالَ إِنَّ اللّهَ يَعْلَمُ وَأَنتُمْ لاَ تَعْلَمُوْنَ
“So put not forward similitudes to Allah. Indeed, Allah knows and you do not know.”
We cannot bring forward similitudes, examples and descriptions for Allah from our own. Why? The answer is given in the second part of the verse – because, ‘Allah knows and you do not know’.
III. At-Ta’teel اَلتَّعْطِيْل (Rejecting Allah’s Names and Attributes)
Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah Ale Imran 3:4
إِنَّ الَّذِيْنَ كَفَرُواْ بِآيَاتِ اللّهِ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ شَدِيْدٌ
“Indeed, those who disbelieve in the verses of Allah will have a severe punishment”
When a person rejects any Name of Allah or His attribute he should fear the severe punishment that Allah has announced for those who reject His verses.
An example of this is when Allah has said in the Qur'an in Surah Al Maidah 5:64 "Rather, both His hands are extended. He spends however He wills " Allah has used to word, "Yadahu" which means "Both His Hands". Hence we believe that Allah has two Hands. However we do not know what the hands look like since ‘There is NOTHING like Him’ (42:11). Allah has Hands which befit His Majesty.
Some people, very wrongly say, "Allah DOES NOT have hands." Here is the Ayah of the Qur'an in which Allah has affirmed for Himself Hands. Then, is there any scope for any person to deny that?
When people deny Hands for Allah they imagine human hands. However, even in the creation we find different type of “hands”. For example, when we refer say, ‘Hands of the Clock’ we do not expect hands with five fingers moving round. Similarly when we say, ‘Face of the Mountain’ we do not expect a face with two eyes and a nose.
IV. At-Tahreef اَلتَّحْرِيْف (Changing any of the Names or Attributes of Allah)
Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah al Baqarah 2:75
أَفَتَطْمَعُوْنَ أَنْ يُّؤْمِنُواْ لَكُمْ
وَقَدْ كَانَ فَرِيْقٌ مِّنْهُمْ يَسْمَعُوْنَ كَلاَمَ اللّهِ
ثُمَّ يُحَرِّفُوْنَهُ مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا عَقَلُوْهُ وَهُمْ يَعْلَمُوْنَ
وَقَدْ كَانَ فَرِيْقٌ مِّنْهُمْ يَسْمَعُوْنَ كَلاَمَ اللّهِ
ثُمَّ يُحَرِّفُوْنَهُ مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا عَقَلُوْهُ وَهُمْ يَعْلَمُوْنَ
“Do you covet [the hope, O believers], that they would believe for you while a party of them used to hear the words of Allah and then distort the Torah after they had understood it while they were knowing?”
Tahreef اَلتَّحْرِيْف means, "to change". Tahreef includes rejecting the correct meaning and accepting a new meaning. Sometimes this new meaning may be indicated by the words in a doubtful sense. Hence Tahreef includes Ta'teel. But Ta'teel does not include Tahreef. In the example mentioned in Ta’teel from the Qur’an 5:64 regarding the Hands of Allah, some people say that by "Hands" what is meant is "Power". However in the Arabic language there is a word for "Power" -"Quwah" قُوَةٌ. Allah has not used that word here. Allah has used the word "Yad" يَدٌ which means "Hand" Besides the word occurs in its "dual" form يَدَانِ . If it means "Power" then it would mean Allah has only two powers - Nauzubillah.
Similarly Allah has referred to Himself in the Qur'an in Surah Al Fath 48:6 "Allah has become Angry with them”. Thus, anger is one of Allah's attributes. Some people do not accept this and say, “What is meant by anger in these verses is Allah's punishment.” They say - "anger is a sign of weakness and we cannot attribute that to Allah". However what Allah has stated should be accepted with the qualification that His anger is not like human anger, based on Allah's statement. "There is NOTHING like unto Him"
This process of "rational" interpretation when taken to its logical conclusion results in the denial of Allah's very existence! For, Allah describes Himself as living and man is also living. Therefore, according to the rationalists, Allah is neither living nor existing. The fact is that the similarity between Allah's attributes and those of mankind is only in name and not in degree. When attributes are used in reference to Allah, they are to be taken in the absolute sense, free from human deficiencies.
Section 4: Tawheed al Ibadah[7]
Chapter 1: The meaning of Ibadah
According to Ibn Taymiyyah رحمه الله,
العِبَادَةُ اِسْمٌ جَامِعٌ لِكُلِّ مَا يُحِبُّهُ اللهُ وَ يَرْضَاهُ
مِنَ الأَقْوَالِ وَالأعْمَالِ الظاَّهِرَةِ وَالبَاطِنَةِ
مِنَ الأَقْوَالِ وَالأعْمَالِ الظاَّهِرَةِ وَالبَاطِنَةِ
“Ibadah is a comprehensive term, which includes all that which Allah loves and is pleased with, whether
- said (e.g. Zikr)
- or done (e.g. Salah)
-whether open or hidden (e.g. fear, hope, trust, love etc). ”
- said (e.g. Zikr)
- or done (e.g. Salah)
-whether open or hidden (e.g. fear, hope, trust, love etc). ”
[AL-UBOODIYAH PAGE NO 3]
This is a very good and comprehensive definition of he word, “Ibadah”. It shows that Ibadah is not just some actions of the body, but also includes actions of the tongue and actions of the heart whether open or hidden. All of these should be for the sake of Allah alone.
Chapter 2: Importance of maintaining, “Tawheed al Ibadah”
1. Ibadah is the very purpose behind the creation of mankind and Jinns
Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah Adh-Dhariyaat 51:56
وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنْسَ إِلا لِيَعْبـُدُوْنِ
“I have only created Jinns and men, that they may worship Me.”[8]
Allah has explicitly mentioned in this verse of the Qur'an that the very purpose why Allah has created us is to do His Ibadah. Those people who do not realize this and those people who do the Ibadah of other than Allah, both - have not realized the purpose of their life. The very purpose why we are here on earth is to live a life of Ibadah. When we believe that Allah is our 'Rabb' - Why shouldn't we serve him?
2. The very purpose of worship is maintain Tawheed in it.
Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah Al-Isra 17:23
وَقَضَى رَبُّكَ أَلاَّ تَعْبُدُوْا إِلاَّ إِيَّاهُ
“And your Lord has decreed th0at you worship none but Him”
3. All acts of Ibadah for Allah alone
Allah has commanded us in the Qur'an in Surah Al Anam 6:162
قُلْ إِنَّ صَلاَتِي وَنُسُكِي وَمَحْيَايَ وَمَمَاتِي لِلّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِيْنَ
“Declare: "Surely my Salah, my devotion, my life, and my death are all for Allah the Rabb of the Worlds”.
Salah is for Allah; sacrifice is for Allah, Saum, Hajj, Zakaat, Sadaqa, Zikr and each and every act of Ibadah is only for Allah ALONE. Not only that, our lives and even our deaths should only be for Allah, the Lord of the Worlds.
Ibadah should be only for Allah. This is Allah's right on His servants. But indeed most among men do not render this right to Allah.
Section III - The Example of the Mushriks of Makkah
To understand Tawheed al Ibadah correctly Allah has given mentioned the example of the Mushriks of Makkah in His Book.
Who were the Mushriks of Makkah?
The Mushriks of Makkah were the inhabitants of Makkah who denied the Prophethood of Prophet Muhammed (saw).
Whom did they worship?
Whom did they worship?
They used to worship about 360 idols besides Allah.
Where were these idols placed?
These idols were placed in and around the Kaba! The same Kaba which is our Qibla (direction), where we go for Haj] and Umrah.
These Mushriks of Makkah opposed the Prophet (saw) all throughout the 13 years of his Makkan life. They persecuted the Sahabah (his companions). They even tried to murder the Prophet (saw) before his migration. They fought the battle of Badr, the battle of Uhud, the battle of Ahzaab against the Muslims.
Most Muslims know most of the above-mentioned facts about the Mushriks of Makkah. However here is some information about them, which has been recorded by Allah in the Qur’an, but most Muslims do not know.
1. The Mushriks of Makkah used to believe in Allah!
In spite of their idol worship the Mushriks of Makkah used to believe in Allah. Allah has himself recorded this in His revelation the Qur'an in several places, and Allah has made them an example for us to understand Tawheed. They are an example we have to avoid following. This is similar to the stories of the rebellious nations of the past who have been described in the Qur'an so that we do not follow their path.
Allah has said in the Qur'an in Surah Az Zukhruf 43:87,
وَلَئِن سَأَلْتَهُم مَّنْ خَلَقَهُمْ لَيَقُوْلُنَّ اللَّهُ فَأَنَّى يُؤْفَكُوْنَ
“And if you asked them who created them, they would surely say, "Allah”. So how are they deluded?”
Allah again describes this belief of theirs in Surah Yunus 10:31-
قُلْ مَنْ يَّرْزُقُكُمْ مِّنَ السَّمَاءِ وَالأَرْضِ
أَمَّنْ يَّمْلِكُ السَّمْعَ والأَبْصَارَ
وَمَنْ يُّخْرِجُ الْحَيَّ مِنَ الْمَيِّتِ وَيُخْرِجُ الْمَيِّتَ مِنَ الْحَيِّ
وَمَنْ يُّدَبِّرُ الأَمْرَ فَسَيَقُوْلُوْنَ اللّهُ فَقُلْ أَفَلاَ تَتَّقُوْنَ m فَذَلِكُمُ اللّهُ رَبُّكُمُ الْحَقُّ
فَمَاذَا بَعْدَ الْحَقِّ إِلاَّ الضَّلاَلُ فَأَنَّى تُصْرَفُوْنَ m
أَمَّنْ يَّمْلِكُ السَّمْعَ والأَبْصَارَ
وَمَنْ يُّخْرِجُ الْحَيَّ مِنَ الْمَيِّتِ وَيُخْرِجُ الْمَيِّتَ مِنَ الْحَيِّ
وَمَنْ يُّدَبِّرُ الأَمْرَ فَسَيَقُوْلُوْنَ اللّهُ فَقُلْ أَفَلاَ تَتَّقُوْنَ m فَذَلِكُمُ اللّهُ رَبُّكُمُ الْحَقُّ
فَمَاذَا بَعْدَ الْحَقِّ إِلاَّ الضَّلاَلُ فَأَنَّى تُصْرَفُوْنَ m
“Say, "Who provides for you from the heaven and the earth? Or who controls hearing and sight and who brings the living out of the dead and brings the dead out of the living and who arranges [every] matter?" They will say, " Allah ," so say, "Then will you not fear Him?"
For that is Allah , your Lord, the Truth. And what can be beyond truth except error? So how are you turned away?”
It is very clearly mentioned that if they are asked, "Who created them" or "Who is it that sustains the universe" - They will say it is Allah.The Mushriks of Makkah used to believe in Allah and in all that is mentioned in the above verses about Allah. They used to believe that it is Allah who has created the heavens and the earth, it is He who is controlling everything, it is Allah who protects, gives help, sustenance. He has power over all things. These are great portions from Tawheed ar Ruboobiyah we studied earlier.
Some more verses which mention that the Mushriks of Makkah used to believe in Allah are Surah Ankabut 29:65, Surah Luqman 31:25 and Surah Zukhruf 43:9.
2. Where did the Mushriks of Makkah go wrong?
Yet they used to have more than 360 other gods whom they used to worship. A question arises where did they go wrong? How do the idols fit in? Why did they not accept Muhammed (saw)? Allah has recorded their words for all times to come in the Qur'an. Read carefully - see where they went wrong.
Allah mentions in the Qur'an in Surah Az Zumar 39:3
وَالَّذِيْنَ اتَّخَذُوْا مِنْ دُوْنِهِ أَوْلِيَاءَ مَا نَعْبُدُهُمْ إِلا لِيُقَرِّبُوْنَا إِلَى اللَّهِ زُلْفَى
“And those who take protectors besides Him (say), ‘We only worship them that they may bring us nearer to Allah in position’”.
They used to believe in Allah. Then why did they worship the idols? "We only worship them that they may bring us nearer to Allah in position.
Allah mentions in Surah Yunus 10:18
وَيَعْبُدُوْنَ مِنْ دُوْنِ اللّهِ مَا لاَ يَضُرُّهُمْ وَلاَ يَنْفَعُهُمْ وَيَقُوْلُوْنَ هَؤُلَاءِ شُفَعَاؤُنَا عِنْدَ اللّهِ
“And they -worship other than Allah that which neither harms them nor benefits them, and they say, "These are our intercessors with Allah.”
They used to say that these whom we worship other than Allah are our intercessors with Allah (do our Shafa’at)
Hence they used to direct acts of Ibaadah towards them. They used to perform various rituals, sacrifice animals, come for pilgrimage, and do other actions with the intention of pleasing these idols so that they may bring them closer to Allah and that they may be their intercessors with Allah.
Allah has rejected their beliefs. He has called them Kafirs and Mushriks in the Qur'an.
3. The Practices of some Muslims
Now let us look at some practices among many of our Muslim brothers. They say we believe in Allah as our "Rabb". But we are sinners and Allah is very high. Hence we pray to our great saints that they may be our intercessors with Allah and may bring us closer to Allah.
See the words. Aren't these the same words that the Mushriks of Makkah used to say?
People direct acts of ibaadah towards the Dargahs. They sacrifice animals there. They place offerings at the graves. Many people do Ruku and Sajdah at the graves. Some kiss the graves, some do tawaaf around the graves, they offer sacrifices in other places in the names of the saints, they give charity for the pleasure of the saints, they spend periods of time sitting at the graves (chilla kashi), they do duaa to those saints. All of these acts are done to earn the pleasure of the saints. Why? So that they may (as believed by them) bring them closer to Allah and do Shafa’at (intercession) for them before Allah.
But the Question, which arises, is that how come the Mushriks of Makkah when they said the same words they were called "Mushriks", they were called "Kafirs". The Mushriks of Makkah were wrong. Why were wars fought with them? Allah has indeed made their Shirk an example for us to avoid. But when many of our own brothers and sisters say the same words as the Mushriks of Makkah, are they also not wrong?
This is indeed Shirk in Tawheed al-Ibadah. This is where most of mankind stumble (12:106).
It is required from us that we make ALL acts of Ibadah exclusively for the pleasure of Allah alone. He alone deserves worship. Further there is no need of any intermediary and anyone else between man and Allah.
4. Most people blunder in “Tawheed al Ibadah”
Many among mankind are found to be holding the belief that it is Allah (God/Parmeshwar) alone who is the controller of everything in this universe. Yet they dedicate acts of worship to other than Him This is the aspect of Tawheed where most of mankind has gone astray.
Allah testifies about this in the Qur'an in Surah Yusuf 12:106
وَمَا يُؤْمِنُ أَكْثَرُهُمْ بِاللّهِ إِلاَّ وَهُم مُّشْرِكُوْنَ
"And most of them believe not in Allah without associating (others as partners) with Him!”
Allah mentions in the Qur'an in Surah Al Anam 6:91
وَمَا قَدَرُوْا اللّهَ حَقَّ قَدْرِهِ
"They do not value Allah as they aught to have valued.”
Most of mankind acknowledges Allah as their Rabb - yet they join others along with Allah in acts of Ibadah (worship).
lah
[1] The Qur’an translation quoted is from the English translation by Saheeh International, available in print by Al-Qaasim Publishing House, also available on the internet atwww.islamsmessage.com
[2] ‘Sa’ee is the round from Safa to Marwah during Hajj.
[4] The Explanation is by Brother Zaid Patel. Whatever good is there in these notes, is indeed from Allah. However if you come across any mistake, which may have crept in then please inform us personally at the Center, or email at islamsmessage@gmail.com
[5] The Qur’an translation quoted is from the English translation by Saheeh International, available in print by Al-Qaasim Publishing House, also available on the internet atwww.islamsmessage.com
[6] Tafseer Ibn Katheer in commentary of 7:180
[7] The Explanation is by Brother Zaid Patel. Whatever good is there in these notes, is indeed from Allah. However if you come across any mistake, which may have crept in then please inform us personally at the Center, or email at islamsmessage@gmail.com
[8] The Qur’an translation quoted is from the English translation by Saheeh International, available in print by Al-Qaasim Publishing House, also available on the internet atwww.islamsmessage.com
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