\u2018There is none worthy of worship in truth except Allaah\u2019<\/p>\n
The first Condition: al-Ilm \u2013 Knowledge The meaning of \u2018La ilaha \u2018illa Allaah\u2019 and its intent are affirmation and negation, so knowledge negates ignorance. Allaah \u2013Azza wa Jal- said:\u00a0 \u201c So know that La ilaha \u2018illa Allaah (none has the right to be worshipped in truth except Allaah) \u00a0\u201c [Muhammad: 19] Allaah \u2013Ta\u2019ala- said:\u00a0 \u201c except those who bear witness to the truth \u00a0\u201c [Zukhruf: 86] Which means that they testify to \u2018La ilaha \u2018illa Allaah\u2019 \u00a0\u201c while they know \u201c [Zukhruf: 86] with their hearts and they pronounce its meaning with their tongues. Allaah \u2013Ta\u2019ala- said:\u00a0 \u201cAllaah bears witness that La ilaha \u2018illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), and the angels and those having knowledge (also give this witness); (He is always) maintaining His creation in Justice. La ilaha \u2018illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. \u201c [Aali-\u2018Imran: 18] Allaah \u2013Ta\u2019ala- said:<\/p>\n
\u201cSay: \u2018Are those who know equal to those who do not know?\u2019 It is only men of understanding who will remember (i.e. get a lesson from Allaah\u2019s Signs and Verses) \u201c [Zumar: 9] Allaah \u2013Ta\u2019ala- said:\u00a0 \u201c It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allaah \u201c [Faatir: 28] Allaah \u2013Ta\u2019ala- said:\u00a0 \u201c And these similitudes We put forward for mankind, but none will understand them except those who have knowledge (of Allaah and His Signs, etc.) \u201c [Ankaboot: 43] In the Saheeh of Imaam Muslim on the authority of \u2018Uthmaan \u2013RadhiAllaahu anhuwho said that: the Messenger of Allaah – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – said: \u2018Whoever dies knowing \u2018La ilaha \u2018illa Allaah\u2019 enters Paradise.\u2019 The Second Condition: Al-Yaqeen – Certainty The second condition is certainty which negates doubt, such that the one who pronounces \u2018La ilaha \u2018illa Allaah\u2019 does it with certainty of what these words indicate, with a decisive certainty. This is since Eemaan cannot do without certain knowledge (Ilm al-Yaqeen), as opposed to suspicious knowledge (Ilm al- Thann), and what would be the case if doubt entered Eemaan? Allaah -Azza wa Jal- said:\u00a0 \u201cOnly those are the believers who have believed in Allaah and His Messenger and afterward doubt not but strive with their wealth and their lives for the Cause of Allaah. Those! They are the truthful. \u00a0\u201c [Hujuraat: 15] So certainty was a condition for them having truthfulness in their Eemaan in Allaah and His Messenger and also that they did not have uncertainty or doubt \u2018La ilaha \u2018illa Allaah\u2019. As for uncertainty then that comes from the Munafiqeen (hypocrites) \u2013 and we seek refuge with Allaah. They were the ones about whom Allaah -Ta\u2019ala- said: 3\u00a0 \u201c It is only those who believe not in Allaah and the Last Day and whose hearts are in doubt that ask your leave (to be exempted from Jihaad). So in their doubts they waver \u00a0\u201c [Tawbah: 45] In the Saheeh of Imaam Muslim from the hadeeth of Abu Huraira \u2013RadhiAllaahu anhu- who said that the Messenger of Allaah – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – said: \u2018I testify that none is worthy of worship in truth except Allaah and that I am the Messenger of Allaah. There is no servant of Allaah who meets Allaah with these two testifications, not doubting in them, except that he enters Paradise.\u2019 In another narration: \u2018there is no servant of Allaah who meets Allaah with these two testifications, not doubting in them, who is prevented from entering Paradise.\u2019 Also in the Saheeh of Muslim on the authority of Abu Huraira \u2013RadhiAllaahu anhufrom the long hadeeth that the Prophet – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – sent him with his shoes and said: \u2018Whoever you meet behind this garden that testifies \u2018La ilaha \u2018illa Allaah\u2019 with certainty in his heart then give him the glad tidings of Paradise.\u2019 So the Messenger made the entrance into Paradise of the one who says \u2018La ilaha \u2018illa Allaah\u2019 conditional upon his having certainty of it in his heart, with no doubt in it. So, if the condition is removed then the reward is also then removed. Third Condition: al-Qabool – Acceptance Acceptance of what this statement necessitates is with the heart and the tongue. Allaah -Azza wa Jal – narrates to us the news of what preceded regarding those who were previously saved and regarding the punishment of those who rejected and refused to accept this statement. As Allaah \u2013Ta\u2019ala \u2013 said:\u00a0 \u201cAnd similarly, We sent not a warner before you to any town (people) but the luxurious ones among them said: \u2018We found our fathers following a certain way and religion and we will indeed follow their footsteps.\u2019 (The warner) said: \u2018Even if I bring you better guidance than that which you found your fathers following?\u2019 They said: \u2018Verily, We disbelieve in that with which you have been sent.\u2019 4 So We took revenge of them, then see what was the end of those who denied (Islaamic Monotheism) \u201c [Zukhruf 23-25] Allaah -Ta\u2019ala- said:\u00a0 \u201c Then (in the end) We save Our Messengers and those who believe! Thus it is incumbent upon Us to save the believers. \u00a0\u201c [Yunus: 103] Allaah -Ta\u2019ala- said:\u00a0 \u201c And indeed We did send Messengers before you to their own peoples. They came to them with clear proofs, then We took vengeance on those who committed crimes (disbelief, setting partners in worship with Allaah, sins, etc.), and (as for) the believers it was incumbent upon Us to help (them). \u00a0\u201c [Room 47] He -Subhanahu wa Ta\u2019ala – informed us of what He promised to those who accept \u2018La ilaha \u2018illa Allaah\u2019 of reward and what He has prepared of punishment for the one who rejects \u2018La ilaha \u2018illa Allaah\u2019 As Allaah -Ta\u2019ala- said:\u00a0 \u201c (It will be said to the Angels): \u2018Assemble those who did wrong, together with their companions (from the devils) and what they used to worship instead of Allaah. And lead them on to the way of flaming Fire (Hell); \u2018But stop them, verily they are to be questioned.\u2019 \u2018What is the matter with you? Why do you not help one another (as you used to do in the world)?\u2019 Nay, but that Day they shall surrender, And they will turn to one another and question one another. They will say: \u2018It was you who used to come to us from the right side [i.e. from the right side of one of us and beautify for us every evil, order polytheism for us, and prevent us from the truth i.e. Islaamic Monotheism and from every good deed].\u2019 They will reply: \u2018Nay, you yourselves were not believers.<\/p>\n
\u2018And we had no authority over you. Nay! But you were transgressing people (disobedient, polytheists, and disbelievers). \u2018So now the Word of our Lord has been justified against us, that we shall certainly (have to) taste (the torment). \u2018So we led you astray because we were ourselves astray.\u2019 Then verily, that Day, they will (all) share in the torment. Certainly, that is how We deal with Al-Mujrimoon (polytheists, sinners, criminals, the disobedient to Allaah, etc.). Truly, when it was said to them: \u2018La ilaha \u2018illa Allaah\u2019 (none has the right to be worshipped but Allaah), they puffed themselves up with pride (i.e. denied it). And (they) said: \u2018Are we going to abandon our (gods) for the sake of a mad poet? \u00a0\u201c [Saaffat: 22-36] Allaah -Ta\u2019ala- made the cause of and the reason for their punishment their arrogance towards \u2018La ilaha \u2018illa Allaah\u2019 and their belying of those who came with it. So, they did not negate what Allaah negated and they did not affirm what Allaah affirmed, rather they said rejecting and proudly:\u00a0 \u201c \u2018Has he made the \u00e2liha (gods) (all) into One Il\u00e2h (God – Allaah). Verily, this is a curious thing!\u2019 And the leaders among them went about (saying): \u2018Go on, and remain constant to your \u00e2liha (gods)! Verily, this is a thing designed (against you)! \u2018We have not heard (the like) of this among the people of these later days. This is nothing but an invention! \u00a0\u201c [Saad: 5-7] And here they said : \u00a0\u201c\u2018Are we going to abandon our (gods) for the sake of a mad poet? \u00a0\u201c Then Allaah -Azza wa Jal \u2013 refuted them and turned that back on them via His Messenger – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – and He said:\u00a0 \u201cNay! He has come with the truth (i.e. Allaah\u2019s Religion – Islaamic Monotheism and this Qur\u2019aan) and he confirms the Messengers (before him<\/p>\n
who brought Allaah\u2019s religion – Islaamic Monotheism). \u201c [Saaffat: 37] to the end of the Aayaat. Then He said about those before them:\u00a0 \u201c Except the chosen slaves of Allaah (faithful, obedient, true believers of Islaamic Monotheism). For them there will be a known provision (in Paradise). Fruits; and they shall be honoured, in the Gardens of delight (Paradise) \u00a0\u201c [Saaffat: 40-43] to the end of the Aayaat. And Allaah -Ta\u2019ala- said:\u00a0 \u201c Whoever brings a good deed (i.e. Belief in the Oneness of Allaah along with every deed of righteousness), will have better than its worth, and they will be safe from the terror on that Day. \u00a0\u201c [Naml: 89] And in the Saheeh on the authority of Abu Musa \u2013RadhiAllaahu anhu- that the Prophet – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – said: \u2018The like of what Allaah sent me with of guidance and knowledge is like heavy rainfall which poured onto the ground. There was some land which was fertile which absorbed the water and many plants and grass began to grow. There was some land which was arid but it held the water and Allaah made the people benefit by it, so they drank from it, used the water and used it for agriculture. There was some other land which was affected by the water but was flat land where nothing would grow. It did not hold the water nor did it allow plants to grow. That is the example of the one who has understanding of the Deen and benefits from what Allaah sent me with, so he learns it and teaches it and the example of he who cannot raise his head due to it and does not accept the guidance of Allaah with which I have been sent.\u2019 Fourth Condition Al-Inqiyaad – Submission & Obedience Submission and obedience to what \u2018La ilaha \u2018illa Allaah\u2019 requires and that it negates disobedience.<\/p>\n
Allaah -Azza wa Jal \u2013 said:\u00a0 \u201c And turn in repentance and in obedience with true Faith (Islaamic Monotheism) to your Lord and submit to Him (in Islaam) \u00a0\u201c [Zumar: 54] Allaah -Ta\u2019ala- said:\u00a0 \u201cAnd who can be better in religion than one who submits his face (himself) to Allaah and he is a Muhsin (a good-doer). \u00a0\u201c [Nisaa\u2019: 125] Allaah -Ta\u2019ala- said:\u00a0 \u201cAnd whosoever submits his face (himself) to Allaah, while he is a Muhsin (good-doer), then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold [La ilaha \u2018illa Allaah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allaah)]. \u00a0\u201c [Luqman: 22] Which means holding onto \u2018La ilaha \u2018illa Allaah\u2019 \u00a0\u201c And to Allaah return all matters for decision. \u00a0\u201c [Luqman: 22] The meaning of which is, that he submits his face to Allaah i.e. he obeys Him, and he is a righteous person worshipping Allaah Alone. Whoever does not submit his face to Allaah and is not a righteous person then he has not held onto the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. That is the meaning of the saying of Allaah -Azza wa Jal which follows:\u00a0 \u201cAnd whoever disbelieved, let not his disbelief grieve you, to Us is their return and We shall inform them what they have done. Verily, Allaah is the All- Knower of what is in the hearts (of men). We let them enjoy for a little while, then in the end We shall oblige them to (enter) a great torment. \u00a0\u201c [Luqman: 23-24] Fifth Condition Sidq – Truthfulness Truthfulness to \u2018La ilaha \u2018illa Allaah\u2019 negates lying, falsehood and it is to say \u2018La ilaha \u2018illa Allaah\u2019 truthfully from one\u2019s heart and to make one\u2019s speech in accordance to what is in one\u2019s heart.<\/p>\n
Allaah -Azza wa Jal \u2013 said:\u00a0 \u201cAlif L\u00e2m M\u00eem. Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: \u2018We believe\u2019 and will not be tested. And We indeed tested those who were before them. And Allaah will certainly make (it) known (the truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make (it) known (the falsehood of) those who are liars, (although Allaah knows all of that before testing them). \u00a0\u201c [Ankaboot: 1-3] Allaah -Ta\u2019ala- said regarding the Munafiqeen (hypocrites) who said \u2018La ilaha \u2018illa Allaah\u2019, speaking falsely:\u00a0 \u201cAnd of mankind, there are some (hypocrites) who say: \u2018We believe in Allaah and the Last Day\u2019 while in fact they believe not. They (think to) deceive Allaah and those who believe while they only deceive themselves and perceive (it) not! In their hearts is a disease (of doubt and hypocrisy) and Allaah has increased their disease. A painful torment is theirs because they used to tell lies. \u00a0\u201c [al- Baqarah: 8-11] How many times has Allaah -Ta\u2019ala- mentioned them and exposed them, repeatedly exposing their cover and revealing it. He makes their humiliation manifest in more than one place in His Book such as in Soorahs Baqarah, Aali- \u2018Imran, Nisaa\u2019, Anfaal, Tawbah as well as a whole Soorah dedicated to them (i.e. Al-Munaafiqoon) along with other Soorahs. In Bukhari and Muslim on the authority of Mu\u2019aadh bin Jabal \u2013RadhiAllaahu anhufrom the Prophet – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam -: \u2018There is none who testifies that \u2018La ilaha \u2018illa Allaah and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger\u2019 truthfully from his heart except that Allaah prohibits him from entering the Fire.\u2019 So Allaah made being saved from the Fire, for the one who says this statement, conditional by saying it truthfully from his heart. Merely pronouncing \u2018La ilaha \u2018illa Allaah\u2019 does not benefit the one who says it unless there is agreement with the heart. Also in Bukhari and Muslim from the hadeeth of Anas bin Malik and Talha bin Ubaydullaah \u2013RadhiAllaahu anhumaa- in the story of the Bedouin \u2013 who was Damaam<\/p>\n
bin Tha\u2019alabah, a delegate of Bani Sa\u2019ad bin Bakr \u2013 when he asked the Messenger of Allaah – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – about the rulings of Islaam and was then informed by him. He then asked the Messenger – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam \u2013 \u2018Do I have to do anything else?\u2019 The Messenger – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – answered: \u2018No, except if you perform it optionally.\u2019 Then the Bedouin said: \u2018I swear by Allaah I will not increase upon that nor decrease from it.\u2019 So the Messenger of Allaah – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – said: \u2018He will be successful if he is truthful.\u2019 And in some narrations: \u2018Indeed if he is truthful then he will enter into Paradise.\u2019 So the Messenger made it a condition for his success and entrance into Paradise that he was truthful. Sixth Condition: Al-Ikhlaas – Sincerity Sincerity is purifying actions from all the stains of Shirk with righteous intention. Allaah -Tabaraka wa Ta\u2019ala – said:\u00a0 \u201c Surely, the religion (i.e. worship and obedience) is for Allaah only \u201c [Zumar: 3] Allaah -Ta\u2019ala- said:\u00a0 \u201cAnd they were commanded not but that they should worship Allaah and worship none but Him Alone \u00a0\u201c [al-Bayyinah: 5] Allaah -Ta\u2019ala- said:\u00a0 \u201c So worship Allaah (Alone) by doing religious deeds sincerely for Allaah\u2019s sake only, (not to show-off and not to set up rivals with Him in worship) \u201c [Zumar: 2] 1<\/p>\n
Allaah -Ta\u2019ala- said:\u00a0 \u201c Say: \u2018Verily, I am commanded to worship Allaah (Alone) by obeying Him and doing religious deeds sincerely for Allaah\u2019s sake only \u00a0\u201c [Zumar :11] Allaah -Ta\u2019ala- said:\u00a0 \u201cSay \u2018Allaah Alone I worship by doing religious deeds sincerely for His sake only, not to show off and not setting up rivals with Him in worship.\u2019 \u201c [Zumar: 14] Allaah -Ta\u2019ala- said:\u00a0 \u201cVerily, the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths (grade) of the Fire; no helper will you find for them. Except those who repent (from hypocrisy), do righteous good deeds, hold fast to Allaah, purify their religion for Allaah (by worshipping none but Allaah and do good for Allaah’s sake only, not to showoff), then they will be with the believers. \u00a0\u201c [Nisaa: 145-146] And there are other similar Aayaat. In the Saheeh of Bukhari on the authority of the Prophet – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam : \u2018Of those people happiest with my intercession is the one who said \u2018La ilaha \u2018illa Allaah\u2019 sincerely from his heart or from his self.\u2019 Also, in the Saheeh of Bukhari on the authority of \u2018Utbaan bin Malik \u2013RadhiAllaahu anhu- from the Prophet – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – who said: \u2018Indeed Allaah prohibited the Fire for the one who said: \u2018La ilaha \u2018illa Allaah\u2019 desiring by it the Face of Allaah – Azza wa Jal.\u2019 In the Jaami\u2019 of Tirmidhee on the authority of Abu Huraira \u2013RadhiAllaahu anhu- that the Messenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- said: \u2018A slave of Allaah does not ever say \u2018La ilaha \u2018illa Allaah\u2019 sincerely except that the doors to the heavens are opened for him until it reaches the \u2018Arsh, as long as he keeps away from the major sins.\u2019 Tirmidhee said the hadeeth via this chain is Hasan Ghareeb.<\/p>\n
Seventh Condition: Al-Muhabbah – Love Which is having love for this statement, what it necessitates and indicates, loving its people \u2013 those who act upon it, adhering to its conditions \u2013 and to hate what violates it. Allaah -Azza wa Jal \u2013 said:\u00a0 \u201cAnd of mankind are some who take (for worship) others besides Allaah as rivals (to Allaah). They love them as they love Allaah. But those who believe love Allaah more (than anything else). \u00a0\u201c [al-Baqarah: 165] Allaah \u2013 Ta\u2019ala – said:\u00a0 \u201cO you who believe! Whoever from among you turns back from his religion (Islaam), Allaah will bring a people whom He will love and they will love Him; humble towards the believers, stern towards the disbelievers, fighting in the Way of Allaah and never afraid of the blame of th0e blamers. \u00a0\u201c [Maa\u2019idah: 54] Allaah -Azza wa Jal – informed us that His worshippers, the believers, are more severe in their love for Him. That is because they do not associate anyone else with Him in their love for Him, unlike those from the Mushrikeen who claimed they loved Him but then also took partners with Allaah whom they loved just as they loved Him. The sign that the slave of Allaah loves his Lord is that he submits to what Allaah loves, even if it opposes his desires and that he also hates what his Lord hates, even if his desires are inclined to it. The slave of Allaah is loyal to whomever Allaah and His Messenger are loyal to and he has enmity towards whomever has enmity towards Allaah. He follows His Messenger, – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – imitates his example and accepts his guidance. All of these are signs of the presence of the conditions of love. It is not conceivable to have love without its conditions being present. Allaah -Tabaraka wa Ta\u2019ala \u2013 said:\u00a0 \u201cHave you seen him who has taken as his il\u00e2h (god) his own desire? Would you then be a Wakeel (a disposer of his affairs or a watcher) over him? \u00a0\u201c [Furqaan: 43]<\/p>\n
Allaah -Ta\u2019ala- said:\u00a0 \u201cHave you seen him who takes his own lust (vain desires) as his il\u00e2h (god), and Allaah knowing (him as such) left him astray and sealed his hearing and his heart and put a cover on his sight. Who then will guide him after Allaah? \u201c [Jaathiyah: 23] So everyone who worships other than Allaah along with Him, then in reality he worships his own desire. Every sin by which Allaah is disobeyed, it is due to the slave of Allaah submitting to his desires rather than to the commands of Allaah – Azza wa Jal \u2013 and the avoidance of His prohibitions. Allaah -Ta\u2019ala- said regarding loyalty and enmity for the sake of Allaah:\u00a0 \u201c Indeed there has been an excellent example for you in Ibraheem and those with him, when they said to their people: \u2018Verily, we are free from you and whatever you worship besides Allaah. We have rejected you and there has begun between us and you hostility and hatred forever, until you believe in Allaah Alone\u2019 \u201c [Mumtahana: 4] Allaah -Ta\u2019ala- said:\u00a0 \u201c You will not find any people who believe in Allaah and the Last Day befriending those who oppose Allaah and His Messenger even though they were their fathers, their sons, their brothers or their kindred (people). For such He has written Faith in their hearts \u00a0\u201c [Mujadilah:22] Allaah -Ta\u2019ala- said:\u00a0 \u201cO you who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians as Auliy\u00e2’ (friends, protectors, helpers, etc.), they are but Auliy\u00e2’ to one another. And if any amongst you takes them as Auliy\u00e2’, then surely he is one of them \u00a0\u201c [Maa\u2019idah: 51] Allaah -Ta\u2019ala- said:\u00a0 \u201cO you who believe! Take not for Auliy\u00e2’ (supporters and helpers) your fathers and your brothers if they prefer disbelief to Belief. And whoever of you does so, then he is one of the Z\u00e2lim\u00fbn (wrong-doers, etc.).<\/p>\n
Say: If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your kindred, the wealth that you have gained, the commerce in which you fear a decline and the dwellings in which you delight … are dearer to you than Allaah and His Messenger and striving hard and fighting in His Cause, then wait until Allaah brings about His Decision (torment). And Allaah guides not the people who are the rebellious, disobedient to Allaah. \u00a0\u201c [Tawbah: 23-24] Allaah -Ta\u2019ala- said:\u00a0 \u201c O you who believe! Take not My enemies and your enemies as friends \u00a0\u201c [Mumtahana: 1] to the end of the Soorah. And there are other Aayaat. [Following the Messenger – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam] Allaah -Ta\u2019ala- said regarding the conditions for following His Messenger – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam :\u00a0 \u201cSay: \u2018If you (really) love Allaah then follow me, Allaah will love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.\u2019 Say: \u2018Obey Allaah and the Messenger.\u2019 But if they turn away, then Allaah does not like the disbelievers. \u00a0\u201c [Aali-\u2018Imran: 31] The Messenger of Allaah – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – said: \u2018There are three characteristics, whoever has them finds the sweetness of Eemaan: that Allaah and His Messenger are more beloved to him than other than them; that when he loves a person he loves him only for Allaah\u2019s sake and that he hates to return to disbelief after Allaah has saved him from it just as he hates to be thrown into the Hell-Fire\u2019 Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim from the hadeeth of Anas \u2013Radhi\u2019allaahu anhu. Also, Bukhari and Muslim narrate on the authority of Anas and of Abu Huraira \u2013Radhi\u2019Allaahu anhu- who said that: the Messenger of Allaah – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – said: \u2018None of you truly believes until I am more beloved to him than his son, his father and all mankind.\u2019 That is what the Messenger – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam \u2013 brought, information about Allaah, the commands relating to what Allaah loves and is pleased with and prohibitions of what Allaah dislikes and rejects.<\/p>\n
So if the slave of Allaah follows what Allaah commands and keeps away from what Allaah prohibits, even if that opposes his desire, then he is a true believer. So what is the case if he desires nothing other than this? In a hadeeth: \u2018The strongest part of al-Eemaan is loving and hating for the sake of Allaah.\u2019 Ibn \u2018Abbas \u2013RadhiAllaahu anhu- said: \u2018Whoever loves for the sake of Allaah, hates for the sake of Allaah, is loyal for the sake of Allaah and has enmity for the sake of Allaah then he obtains the alliance of Allaah due to that. What has become common amongst the people today is a brotherhood based upon the affairs of the Dunya, which does not benefit its people in anything. Hasan al-Basri and other than him from the Salaf mention that: \u2018There were a people who claimed the love of Allaah -Azza wa Jal – so Allaah tried them with this Aayah:\u00a0 \u201cSay (O Muhammad to mankind): \u2018If you (really) love Allaah then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic Monotheism, follow the Qur\u2019aan and the Sunnah), Allaah will love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.\u2019 Say (O Muhammad): \u2018Obey Allaah and the Messenger.\u2019 But if they turn away, then Allaah does not like the disbelievers. \u00a0\u201c [Aali-Imraan: 31-32] Bukhari -Rahimahullaah- said: Muhammad bin Sinaan narrated to us that Faleeh said that Hilaal bin \u2018Alee narrated to us on the authority of \u2018Atta bin Yassar on the authority of Abu Huraira \u2013RadhiAllaahu anhu- that the Messenger of Allaah – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – said: \u2018Everyone from my Ummah will enter Paradise, except the one who refuses to enter.\u2019 They asked: \u2018O Messenger of Allaah, who would refuse?\u2019 He said: \u2018Whoever obeys me enters Paradise and whoever disobeys me has refused to enter.\u2019 Bukhari said Muhammad bin Ubadah informed us that Yazeed narrated to us that Saleem – and he praised him – narrated to us that Sa\u2019eed bin Meena narrated to us – or I heard – Jaabir bin Abdullaah say: \u2018Some angels came to the 1<\/p>\n
Prophet while he was sleeping. Some of them said: \u2018He is sleeping.\u2019 Others said: \u2018His eyes are sleeping but his heart is awake.\u2019 Then they said: \u2018There is an example for this companion of yours.\u2019 One of them said: \u2018Then set forth an example for him.\u2019 Some of them said: \u2018He is sleeping.\u2019 The others said: \u2018His eyes are sleeping but his heart is awake.\u2019 Then they said: \u2018His example is of a man who built a house then offered a banquet therein and sent an inviter (messenger) to invite the people. So whoever accepted the invitation of the inviter, entered the house and ate of the banquet and whoever did not accept the invitation of the inviter, did not enter the house nor did he eat of the banquet.\u2019 Then the Angels said: \u2018Interpret this example to him so that he may understand it.\u2019 Some of them said: \u2018He is sleeping.\u2019 The others said; \u2018His eyes are sleeping but his heart is awake.\u2019 Then they said: \u2018The house stands for Paradise and the caller is Muhammad; whoever obeys Muhammad, obeys Allah; and whoever disobeys Muhammad, disobeys Allah. Muhammad distinguished between the people (i.e. through his message the good is distinguished from the bad and the believers from the disbelievers).\u2019 Here it should be known that the testification \u2018La ilaha \u2018illa Allaah\u2019 is not complete except with the testification that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam. It should also be known that loving Allaah \u2013Azza wa Jal – cannot be complete except by loving what He loves and disliking what He dislikes. There is no way to knowing what Allaah \u2013 Ta\u2019ala- loves and is pleased with or what He dislikes and rejects except by following what the Messenger of Allaah – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- ordered and keeping away from what he prohibited. So loving Allaah necessitates loving the Messenger of Allaah, believing in him and following him. This is why loving Allaah is connected to loving the Messenger of Allaah – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – in many places in the Qur\u2019aan, such as the saying of Allaah -Azza wa Jal:\u00a0 \u201c Say: If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your kindred, the wealth that you have gained, the commerce in which you fear a decline and the dwellings in which you delight … are dearer to you than Allaah and His Messenger and striving hard and fighting in His Cause, then wait until Allaah brings about His Decision (torment). And Allaah guides not the people whoare Al-F\u00e2siq\u00fbn (the rebellious, disobedient to Allaah). \u00a0\u201c [Tawbah: 24] There are many other Aayaat like this one. All Praise belongs to Allaah, may His peace and blessings be upon our final Prophet Muhammad, his Family, his Companions and all those who follow his guidance.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Taken from his book \u2018Ma\u2019arij al-Qabool\u2019 Translated by Abbas Abu Yahya<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\u2018There is none worthy of worship in truth except Allaah\u2019 The first Condition: al-Ilm \u2013 Knowledge The meaning of \u2018La ilaha \u2018illa Allaah\u2019 and its intent are affirmation and negation, so knowledge negates ignorance. Allaah \u2013Azza wa Jal- said:\u00a0 \u201c So know that La ilaha \u2018illa Allaah (none has the right to be worshipped in … <\/p>\n