"Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam is not the father of
any man amongst you, but he is the Messenger of Allaah and
the seal of the Prophets." [Soorah al-Ahzaab 33:40].
The best of them is Muhammad; then Abraham; then Moses; then Noah;
then Jesus, son of Mary. They have been particularised in Allaah's saying:
"And when We took a covenant from the Prophets, and from
you, and from Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus son of Mary;
We took from them a solemn covenant." [al-Ahzaab 33:7].2^
We believe that the Sacred Law (sharee'ah) of Muhammad sallallaahu
'alayhi wa sallam incorporates the virtues of the Sacred Laws of those
Messengers particularised with excellence, due to Allaah's saying:
26. A number of scholarly opinions exist concerning the difference between a Prophet
(nabee) and a Messenger (rasool). From them is what Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn
Taymiyyah, rahimahullaah, said in Kitaabun-Nubuwwaat (p.255):
"A Prophet is someone who is informed by Allaah about something, and he conveys
what Allaah revealed to him. If he is sent with it to those who reject Allaah's
commands - so as to convey to them the Message of Allaah - then he is a Messenger.
But if he follows the previous Sacred Law and is not himself ordered to convey the
Message of Allaah [to the rejectors], then he is a Prophet, not a Messenger."
Point to Note: This, as well as the other definitions, concur upon the fact that: Every
Messenger was a Prophet, but not every Prophet was a Messenger.
42
"Allaah has prescribed for you the same religion that He
prescribed for Noah and which We revealed to you 0
Muhammad, and which He prescribed for Abraham, Moses
and Jesus; that you should establish the Religion and not splitup
into sects with regards to it." [Soorah ash-Shooraa 42:13]
We believe that all the Messengers and Prophets were human beings
(bashr), none of them had any qualities of Lordship. Allaah the Exalted
said about Noah, who was the first Messenger:
"I do not say to you that 1 possess Allaah's treasures, nor do I
know the unseen, nor do I say that I am an angel." [Hood 11:31]
Allaah the Exalted ordered Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, who
is the last of them, to say:
"I do not say to you that I possess the treasures of Allaah, nor
do I know the unseen, nor do I say to you that I am an angel."
[Soorah al-An'aam 6:50]
And to say:
"I have no power to bring about benefit or harm for myself,
except for what Allaah Wills." [Soorah al -A'raaf 7:188]
43
And to say:
"Say: It is not in my power to cause you harm, or to bring you
to correct guidance. Say: None can protect me from Allaah's
punishment if I were to disobey Him, nor can I find refuge
except in Him." [Soorah al-Jinn 72:21-22] ,27
We believe that they were all slaves/servants of Allaah ('ibaadullaah),
whom Allaah the Exalted honoured with Messengership and described
with servitude ('uboodiyyah) in the sublimest of contexts and by way of
extolling them. So He said about Noah, the first of them:
"0 offspring of those whom We carried [on the Ark] with Noah!
Indeed he was a grateful slave." [Soorah al-Israa 17:3]
27. Imaam at -Tabaree explained in his acclaimed Tafseer (11/86), whilst discussing the
following Qur'aanic verse:
"Say: I am a human like you, to whom it has been revealed that
your deity to be worshipped is a single Deity.." [Soorah Fussilat
41:6]
"Allaah - may His mention be exalted - states: 0 Muhammad! Say to those people
who have turned away from the Signs of Allaah, from amongst your nation: 0 you
people! I am only a man from amongst the children of Adam like yourselves - in
species (jins), form (soorah) and appearance (hay'ah) -1 am not an angel. It has been
revealed to me that your object of worship , to whom it is correct to direct worship, is
only One."
44
He said about the last of the Prophets and Messengers; Muhammad
sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam:
"Blessed is He who sent down the Criterion [the Qur'aan] to His
slave, that he may be a warner to the worlds." [al -Furqaan 25: 1 ]
He said about other Messengers:
"And mention Our slaves Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; possessors of
might and understanding." [Soorah Saad 38:45]
"And remember Our slave, David, endued with might. Indeed he
was a penitent man." [Soorah Saad 38:17]
"And to David We bestowed Solomon. How excellent a slave!
Indeed he was oft-returning in penitence." [Soorah Saad 38:30]
He said about Jesus, son of Mary:
"He was no more than a slave whom We blessed, and We made
him an example for the children of Israa'eel." [Soorah az-
Zukhruf 43:59]
45
We believe that Allaah the Exalted terminated Messengership with the
Messengership of Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam; whom He sent
to the whole of mankind:
"Say: 0 mankind! Indeed I am the Messenger of Allaah sent to
you all. To Him belongs the dominion of the Heavens and the
Earth; none has the right to be worshiped except Him. He
ordains life and death. So believe in Allaah and His Messenger,
the unlettered Prophet who believes in Allaah and His Words;
and follow him in order that you may be rightly-guided."
[Soorah al-A'raaf 7:158]
We believe that the Sacred Law revealed to the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi
wa sallam is the Religion of Islaam that Allaah the Exalted has chosen for
His servants, and that He will not accept from anyone a religion other than
it, due to what He the Exalted states:
"Indeed the Religion with Allaah is Islaam." [Aal -'Imraan 3:19]
And He said:
"This day have I perfected your Religion for you, completed My
favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islaam as your
Religion." [Soorah al-Maa'idah 5:3]
i n f o@c a l g a r y i s l am. c om 46 www. c a l g a r y i s l am. c om
"And whoever desires a religion other than Islaam, never will
it be accepted from him, and in the Hereafter he will be
amongst the losers." [Soorah Aal-'Imraan 3:85]
. We hold that whoever claims that there is, besides Islaam, a religion in
existence today that is acceptable to Allaah - whether it be the religion of
the Jews, Christians or others - is an unbeliever (kaafir). His repentance
should be sought; if he refuses to repent, he is to be killed as an apostate
(murtad) because of rejecting the Qur'aan.28
We hold that whoever rejects the universality of Muhammad sallallaahu
'alayhi wa sallam's Messengership has rejected all of the Messengers; even
the one he claims to believe in and follow. Allaah the Exalted said:
28. The consensus of the Muslim scholars is typified by Imaam an-Nawawee,
rahimahullaah, who stated in Rawdatut-Taalibeen (10/70):
"Someone who does not believe that the person who follows another religion
besides Islaam is an unbeliever, or doubts that such a person is an unbeliever, or
considers their sect to be valid - is himself an unbeliever; even if he manifests
Islaam and believes in it."
A Father Point: The fact that the Qur'aan sometimes refers to the Jews and the
Christians as 'People of the Book'in no way alters the fact that they are unbelievers.
Ibn Taymiyyah, rahimahullaah, stated in Majmoo'Fataawaa (35/227-228): "So all
those who believe in the scripture that currently exists with the People of the Book,
are from the People of the Book, and are unbelievers because of them adhering to a
book that has been altered and abrogated. They will dwell in the Hellfire for eternity,
just like the other categories of unbelievers, even though Allaah the Exalted has
ordered that thejizyah be levied from them and permitted [eating] their food and
[marrying their] women."
47
"Noah's people rejected the Messengers." [ash-Shu'araa 26:105]
So Allaah considered them to be rejectors of all the Messengers, even
though there was no Messenger prior Noah.29 Allaah the Exalted said:
"Indeed, those who disbelieve in Allaah and His Messengers
and desire to discriminate against Allaah and His Messengers,
by saying: We believe in some and reject the others - intending
to adopt a middle course - those are indeed the unbelievers.
And We have prepared for the unbelievers a humiliating
punishment.." [Soorah an-Nisaa 4:150-151]
We believe that there is to be no other Prophet after Muhammad
sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. Whoever claims Prophethood after him, or
believes the claim of one who claims it, is an unbeliever because of
rejecting Allaah, His Messenger and the consensus of the Muslims.
[THE PROPHET'S COMPANIONS AND NATION]
We believe that the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam had Rightly-
Guided Successors who were his successors in knowledge, calling to
Allaah, and ruling over the Believers. [We believe] that the best of them
29. Its like was mentioned by Ibn Katheer in his Tafseer (3/353).
48
and the most rightful of them to the succession (khilaafah) was Aboo Bakr
as-Siddeeq, then 'Umar ibn al-Khattaab, then 'Uthmaan ibn al-'Affaan,
then 'Alee ibn Abee Taalib - may Allaah be pleased with them all.
Furthermore, the [order of their] succession was in accordance with their
virtue. Indeed Allaah the Exalted - who has infinite wisdom - would never
appoint a ruler over the best of generations, whilst there was someone
better and having more right to the succession.
We believe that those lesser in virtue than the Rightly-Guided Successors
can, in a particular virtue, be superior to those who, on the whole, are more
virtuous than them. Since virtues are of a great number and variety.
We believe that this nation (ummah) is the best of all nations and the
most noblest to Allaah the Mighty and Majestic; as He the Exalted said:
"You are the best of nations ever raised for mankind; you
enjoin what is good, forbid what is evil, and believe in Allaah."
[Soorah Aal-'Imraan 3:110]
We believe that the best of this ummah are the Companions (sahaabah),
then the Followers (taabi'oon), then those who followed them.30
And that there will not cease to be a group from this ummah victorious
upon the truth, not be harmed by those who desert or oppose them, until
there comes to them the command of Allaah the Mighty and Majestic.31
30. As reported by al-Bukhaaree (no.3651) and Muslim (no.2533).
31. Its like has been reported by al-Bukhaaree (no.7311) and Muslim (1920).
49
We believe that what transpired between the Companions, may Allaah be
pleased with them, with regards to civil strife was the outcome of sincere
interpretation that they exercised in order to reach the truth. Whoever was
correct amongst them will be rewarded twice, whereas those who erred will
be rewarded once and their error will be forgiven.
In our view it is obligatory to withhold from [speaking about] their
mistakes and that they should only be mentioned with what they deserve of
beautiful praise. We should purify our hearts from any hatred or malice
against any of them, due to Allaah the Exalted's saying about them:
"Not equal amongst you are those who spent before the
conquest [of Makkah], and fought, [and those who did not];
They are greater in rank than those who spent and fought
afterwards. But to all has Allaah promised the best reward."
[Soorahal-Hadeed57:10]
Furthermore, Allaah the Exalted said with respect to [the rest of] us:
"And those who come after say: 0 our Lord, forgive us and our
brothers who preceded us in faith, and do not place in our
hearts any malice against those who have believed. 0 our Lord,
indeed You are the Most Kind, Most Merciful." [Soorah al -Hashr
59:10]
50
The Last Day
We believe in the Last Day (al-yawmul-aakhir) - which is the Day of
Judgement - after which there is no other day. For it is the day when
mankind will be resurrected and brought back to life, to perpetually dwell
in either the abode of bliss or the abode of great torment.
We believe in the Resurrection, which is Allaah the Exalted's raising alive
the dead when Israafeel blows the Horn for the second time:
"And the Horn shall be blown, and all who are in the heavens
and the earth shall fall down dead, except those whom Allaah
wills. Then it will be blown again and they shall arise, gazing
about them." [Soorah az-Zumar 39:68]
People will arise from their graves, to the Lord of the worlds. They will be
bare-footed, naked and uncircumcised:32
32. As is reported by al-Bukhaaree (no.3349) and Muslim (no.2860).
51
"As We began the first creation, We shall bring it back again. A
promise from Us which We shall surely fulfil." [al-Anbiyaa 21:104]
We believe in the records of [people's] deeds that will be presented [to
them] in their right hand or from behind their backs, in their left hand:
"Then as for him who is given his record in his right hand, he
shall surely receive an easy reckoning and return to his family
in happiness. But as for he who is given his record behind his
back, he will cry out for destruction and will enter into the
blazing Fire." [Soorah al-Inshiqaaq 84:7-12]
"And for every person We have fastened his deeds around his
neck, and on the Day of Judgement We shall bring out for him a
book which he will see spread open, saying: Read your own
book! Sufficient for you this day that your own soul should call
you to account." [Soorah al-Israa 17:13-14]
We believe in the Scales which will be set-up on the Day of Judgement,
and no soul will be wronged in the least:
52
"So whoever has does an atom's weight of good shall see it. And
whoever does an atom's weight of evil shall see it." [Soorah al -
Zalzalah 99:7-8]
"Those whose scales are heavy, it is they who are successful; but
those whose scales are light, those are the ones who have lost
their own souls, abiding in Hellfire for eternity. The Fire will
scorch their faces and there they will be frowning." [Soorah al-
Mu'minoon23:102-104]
"And whoever does a good deed, will be rewarded ten times its
like; but whoever does an evil deed, will be recompensed the
like of it, and they shall not be wronged." [al -Ariaam 6:160]
We believe in the Major Intercession (shafaa'ah) which is particular to
Allaah's Messenger sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. He will intercede with
Allaah - by Allaah's permission - for the Judgement to commence amongst
His servants. So when their worries and anxieties become unbearable, they
will go to Noah, then to Abraham, then Moses, then Jesus, then finally to
Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam.^
We believe in the intercession for those of the believers who have entered
the Fire, to be taken out of it. This [intercession] is for the Prophet
sallallaahu 'alayhi a sallam, and for other Prophets, believers and angels.
33. Reported by al-Bukhaaree (no.4712) and Muslim (no.194).
53
That Allaah will remove some of the believers from the Fire, without any
intercession [being sought from Him], out of His grace and mercy.34
34. Shaykh 'Abdul-'Azeez bin Baaz, rahimahullaah, said in his annotations to
Tanbeehaatul-Lateefah (p.73):
"The various intercessions that will take place on the Day of Resurrection are six and
are well known from the proofs of the Sacred Law. From them, three are particular to
the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. The six types are:-
[i] The Major Intercession, which is for the Judgement to commence for those waiting
for it.
[ii] Intercession for the people of Paradise to enter into it.
[iii] His sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam's intercession for the punishment to be
lightened for his uncle, Aboo Taalib, so that he is placed in the shallowest part of the
Hellfire. This form of intercession is particular to only the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi
wa sallam and for only his uncle Aboo Taalib. As for the rest of the unbelievers, then
there is no intercession for them; as Allaah the Exalted states:
"So no intercession of any intercessor will benefit them." [Soorah al-
Muddaththir 74:48]
[iv] Intercession for some of those who deserved the Fire not to enter into it. [v]
Intercession for those who enter into the Fire to be taken out of it.
[vi] Intercession for the raising of the ranks of the people of Paradise. This last
intercession is general for the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, the righteous,
the angels and the Muslim children who died whilst they were still infants.
All these [types of intercessions] are only for the people who were upon tawheed. As
regards the sinful from the people of tawheed who enter the Fire, they will not remain
in it permenantly, but will eventually be taken out after being purified."
54
We believe in the Pool (hawd) of Allaah's Messenger sallallaahu 'alayhi
wa sallam, the water of which is whiter than milk, sweeter than honey and
[smells] better than the fragrance of musk. Its length and breadth is longer
than a distance of a month's travel and its cups are just like the celestial
stars, in both beauty and number. Those of the believers from this ummah
who drink from it will never feel thirsty.35
We believe in the Bridge (siraat) over the Hellfire which people will
traverse according to their actions. The first of them will traverse it as
quick as lightening, then [the next] as fast as the wind, then as quick as a
bird and then as a man running. The Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam
will be standing on the Bridge saying: 0 Lord! Save them, save them. But
because some people's actions will fall short, they will cross it crawling. On
either side of the Bridge there will be thorny-hooks that will seize all those
whom Allaah commands; some will be saved but lacerated, whilst others
will plunge down into the Hellfire.36
We believe in all that occurs in the Book and the Sunnah with regards to
the reports about the trials of the Last Day; may Allaah save us from them.
We believe in the intercession of the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa
sallam for the people of Paradise to enter into it. This is particular to the
Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam.
We believe in Paradise and Hellfire. Paradise is the abode of bliss, which
Allaah has prepared for the righteous believers. In it are delights which:
35. These descriptions of t he Pool - which is called al-kawthar - are reported by al-
Bukhaaree (nos.6579-6580) and Muslim (nos.2292,2303).
36. Part of a lengthy hadeeth reported by al-Bukhaaree (no. 7439) and Muslim (no. 182).
55
"No eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard, and no human
heart has ever imagined"^
"No soul knows what comforts are kept hidden for them; a
reward for the actions they used to do." [Soorah as-Sajdah 32:17]
The Hellfire is the abode of torment, which Allaah the Exalted has
prepared for the unbelievers and the wrong-doers. In it there are
unimaginable torments and punishments:
"Indeed Allaah has prepared for the wrong-doers the Fire
whose pavilion encompasses them. If they call out for help,
they will be helped with water, like molten copper which shall
37. Reported by al-Bukhaaree (no. 3244) and Muslim (no.2824).
Point of Benefit: Imaam at -Tabaree relates in his Tafseer (1/123), which a saheeh
chain, that Ibn 'Abbaas radiallaahu 'anhu said: "There is nothing in Paradise that is
also in this world, except by name only."
After quoting this narration, the Shaykh stated in Path Rabbul-Bariyyah (p.108):
"This highlights that in the Qur'aan there is that about which no one knows the true
explanation of, except Allaah; such as the reality of His Names and Attributes, and of
what Allaah has related about the Last Day. As for the meaning of these things, then
they are known to us, otherwise what is the benefit in addressing us with them. And
Allaah knows best."
56
burn and scald their faces; how dreadful a drink and how evil a
resting-place." [Soorah al-Kahf 18:29]
We believe that Paradise and Hellfire are both in existence now and that
they shall never perish:
"And whoever believes in Allaah and does righteous actions,
will be admitted by Him into Paradise, beneath which rivers
flow, to dwell therein forever. Allaah has indeed made for him
an excellent provision." [Soorah at-Talaaq 65:11]
"Indeed Allaah has cursed the unbelievers and has prepared
for them a blazing Fire to dwell therein forever (ar. khaalideena
feehaa abada). They shall find neither protector nor helper.
The day when their faces are turned about in the Fire, they
shall say: How we wish we had obeyed Allaah and His
Messenger!" [Soorah al -Ahzaab 33:64-66]?^
38. The Shaykh, hafidhahullaah, said about the above-mentioned verse in Sharhul-
'Aqeedatil-Waasitiyyah (2/182):
"Allaah has mentioned them abiding in the Fire forever in three different Qur'aanic
verses. This one being the first of them; the second is at the end of Soorah an-Nisaa
[verse no. 169]; and the third is in Soorah al-Jinn [verse no.23]. What is evident from
them is that the Hellfire will continue to remain for all eternity."
57
We bear witness that Paradise is for all those whom the Book or the
Sunnah bear witness for; either specifically by name, or by description.
Those who have been specified by name include Aboo Bakr, 'Urtiar,
'Uthmaan, 'Alee and anyone else whom the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi va
sallam specified.39 Those who have been specified by description include
every believer imu'min] and righteous person (taqee).
We bear witness that Hell is for all those whom the Book or the Sunnah
bear witness for; either specifically or by description. Those who have been
specified by name include Aboo Lahab, 'Amr ibn Luhayy al-Khuzaa'ee40
and others. Those who have been specified by description include every
unbeliever (Kaafir),polytheist (mushrik) and hypocrite (munaafiq).
[THE GRAVE;ITS TRIALS, DELIGHTS AND PUNISHMENTS]
We believe in the trials of the grave, which is the dead person being
questioned in his grave about his Lord, Religion and Prophet. There:
"Allaah will keep firm those who believe, with a firm statement [of
laailaaha illallaah], both in this world and in the Hereafter."
[Soorah Ibraaheem 14:27]
The believer will reply: My Lord is Allaah, my Religion is Islaam and my
Prophet is Muhammad.41 But as for the unbeliever and the hypocrite, then
39. Reported by Aboo Daawood (no.4649), at -Tirmidhee (no.3748) and others. It was
declared to be saheehty al -Albaanee in Saheehul-Jaamf (no. 4010).
40. As reported by al -Bukhaaree (no.4624).
41. As reported by al -Bukhaaree (nos.1338,1369) and Muslim (nos.2870-2871).
58
they will say: I do not know, I heard the people saying something, so I said
the same too.42
We believe in the delights o f the grave for the believers:
"Those whose lives the angels take in a state of purity, saying:
Peace be upon you; enter Paradise for what you used to do."
[Soorah an-Nahl 16:32]
We believe in the torment in the grave for the disobedient ones and for
the unbelievers:
"And if you could but see when the wrong doers are in the
throes of death, and the angels stretch out their hands [smiting
them and] saying: Give up your souls! Today you shall be
recompensed with the punishment of humiliation for the
falsehood that you use to utter against Allaah and for
scornfully rejecting His signs." [Soorah al-An'aam 6:93]
The ahaadeeth concerning this are numerous and well-known. So it is
upon the Muslim to believe in all that occurs in the Book and the Sunnah
42. Reported by at -Tirmidhee (no.737). It is hasan, as explained by Shaykh al-Albaanee
in as-Saheehah (no. 1391).
59
with regards to the matters of the unseen and not to contradict them with
what is experienced in this world. For indeed, the affairs of the Hereafter
cannot be analogised with the affairs of the world, since there is a clear and
tremendous difference between them both. And it is Allaah's aid that is
sought.
60
Divine Decree
We believe in Divine Decree (al-qadr), its good and evil consequences,
which Allaah has pre-determined for His creation according to His prior
knowledge and according to what His wisdom necessitates.
Divine Decree has four levels:-
The First Level; Knowledge (al-'ilm): We believe that Allaah the Exalted
possess knowledge of all things; knowledge of what was, what will be, and
how it will be. His knowledge is eternal; He neither acquires new
knowledge after being ignorant of something, nor forgets what He knows.
The Second Level; Recording (al-kitaabah): We believe that Allaah the
Exalted wrote, in the Preserved Tablet (al-lawhul-mahfoodh), all that is to
be until the Day of Judgement:
"Do you not know that indeed Allaah knows whatever is in the
heavens and the earth. Indeed this is in a Book; indeed this is
an easy matter for Allaah." [Soorah al-Hajj 22:70]
The Third Level; Will (al-mashee'ah): We believe that Allaah the Exalted
wills whatever is in the heavens and the earth, nothing occurs except by His
61
will. So whatever Allaah wills, occurs; and whatever He does not will, does
not occur.
The Fourth Level; Creation (al-khalq): We believe that:
"Allaah is the creator of all things and is the Guardian over all
things; to Him belong the? keys to the heavens and the earth."
[Soorah az-Zumar 39:62-63 ]
These four levels encompass what Allaah Himself does, as well as what His
servants do. So whatever the servants undertake of speech, action or
omission, is all known to Allaah the Exalted and is written with Him; He
wills it [to be] and creates it:
"To those amongst you who wish to be upright; but you shall
not will except as Allaah wills; the Lord of the worlds." [Soorah
at-Takweer 81:28-29]
"And had Allaah willed, they would not have fought one
another; but Allaah does whatever He wills." [al -Baqarah 2:253]
"And if Allaah willed, they would not have done so. So leave
them alone, and the falsehood which they fabricate." [Soorah al -
An'aam6:137]
62
"Allaah created you and whatever you do." [as-Saaffaat 37:96]
• However, along with this, we believe that Allaah the Exa lted gave His
servants freewill and ability to choose what to do. [The fact] that people
have freewill and ability is proven from a number of matters:-
Firstly: Allaah's statement:
"So approach your places of cultivation [i.e. your wives]
however you will." [Soorah al-Baqarah 2:223]
And His statement:
"Had they desired to march forth, they would have made some
preparation for it." [Soorah at -Tawbah 9:46]
So [Allaah] affirms for His servants 'an approaching by their own will and
'a preparation' by their own volition.
Secondly: The fact that people have been given directives of commands
and prohibitions. If they did not have any freewill or ability, then such
directives would amount to burdening people with what they are unable to
do, and this would contravene Allaah's wisdom and mercy, as well as the
truthfulness of His statement:
"Allaah does not burden a soul with more that it can bear."
[Soorah 1-Baqarah 2:286]
63
Thirdly: The fact that the doer of good is praised and the sinner is
censured and that they are each recompensed according to what they each
deserve. Thus, if the action is not done by the individual's volition and
freewill, then praising the doer of good will be absurd and punishing the
sinner will be oppressive; and most certainly Allaah the Exalted is free
from acting absurdly or oppressively!
Fourthly: That Allaah the Exalted sent the Messengers:
"Bearing good tidings and warning, so that mankind may have
no plea against Allaah, after the sending of the Messengers."
[Soorah an Nisaa 4:165]
If the individual's actions were not done by his own freewill, then his plea
will not be rendered invalid by the sending of the Messengers.
Fifthly: That every person who does an action feels that he does
something, or leaves it, without any compulsion or coercion. So he stands
and sits, enters or leaves, travels or resides by his own free will and volition,
without anyone forcing or coercing him to do so. In fact, he clearly
distinguishes between doing something from his own free will and volition
and between being coerced into doing so. Likewise, the Sacred Law also
makes this wise distinction. Therefore, a person who is coerced into doing
something that results in a violation of one of Allaah rights, is not taken to
task for doing so.
We hold that the sinner cannot use qadr as an excuse for his sin, since the
sinner undertook sinning due to his own freewill and without knowing
what Allaah the Exalted had decreed for him. For no one knows what has
been decreed for them, except after the decree has taken place:
64
"And no soul knows what it will earn tomorrow. " [Soorah
Luqmaan31:34]
So how can it be correct to rely upon an excuse, when it is not known to the
one advancing until he begins committing the sin? Indeed Allaah the
Exalted shows the futility of this type of argument in His saying:
"Those who commit idolatry will say: If Allaah willed, neither
we, nor our for-fathers, have been idolaters, and neither would
we have prohibited anything. Thus did the people before them
deny, until they tasted our punishment. Say: Do you have any
knowledge that you can produce for us? But you follow nothing
but conjecture, and do nothing but lie!" [al An'aam 6:148]
We say to the sinner who uses qadr as an excuse: Why don't you
perform acts of obedience usin g the [same] argument that Allaah
has decreed it for you, for there is no difference between obedience and sin
with respect to them both being unknown before the action emanates from
you? This is why, when the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam informed
his Companions that each person's place in Paradise or Hellfire has already
been decreed, they said: Shall we not rely upon this and leave-off doing
actions? So he replied:
65
"No! Act, for each person will have that which he was destined
for made easy for him."^
We say to the sinner who uses qadr as an excuse: Suppose you intended
to travel to Makkah and there were two ways to take. You are informed by
a truthful person that the first path is difficult and dangerous, whilst the
second is safe and easy. Yo u would [in this case] take the second path; it is
inconceivable that you would take the first path and claim that this is
something that has been decreed for you. If you were to do so, people
would think you are mad!
We further say to that person: If you were presented with two [similar]
jobs, one of which payed more, you would take the one with the higher
salary. So how is it that you choose for yourself what is lower in the
Hereafter, using qadr as an excuse?
We also say to that person: We see that when you are afflicted with a
physical illness, you knock on the door of every doctor, looking for a cure
and patiently bearing whatever pain that may result from an operation, or
the bitterness of the medicine. So why don't you do the same when your
heart is diseased with sin?
We believe that evil is not ascribed to Allaah the Exalted, because of His
perfect mercy and wisdom. The Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said:
"And evil is not ascribed to You." 44
43. Reported by Muslim (no.6398).
44. Reported by Muslim (no.771)
66
So Allaah the Exalted's decree is not - in and of itself - evil, since it
emanates from His mercy and wisdom. Evil may, however, be a
consequence of it, as the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said in the
qunoot supplication that he taught al-Hasan:
"And save us from the evil of what You have decreed."^
So evil was ascribed to Allaah's decree [and not to Allaah Himself]. Yet
despite this, evil in His decree is not pure evil. Rather it is evil from one
angle and good from another, or evil from one perspective and good from
another. Thus, devastation upon the earth - due to either famine, disease,
poverty or fear - is evil from one perspective and good from another. Allaah
the Exalted states:
"Corruption has appeared throughout the land and sea
because of what men's hands have earned. That Allaah may
make them taste part of the consequence of what they have
done, perchance they may refrain . " [Soorah ar-Room 30:4 1 ]
Cutting-off the thief's hand or stoning the adulterer is evil from the
perspective of the thief or the adulterer, but it is good from the angle that
it acts as an expiation for them; since they will not be punished in this
world and then in the Hereafter as well. It is also good in that it acts as a
protection for people's property, honour and relationships.
45. Reported by Aboo Daawood (no. 1425) and others. The muhaddith, Ahmad Shaakir
declared it to be saheeh in his annotations to at -Tirmidhee's Sunan (no.464).
67
Fruits of the 'Aqeedah
This sublime 'aqeedah, which encompasses these great fundamentals,
produces in its beholder a number of great effects:
Belief in Allaah the Exalted and His Names and Attributes
produces in the servant love for Allaah, and an awe and veneration of
Him. This results in being able to establis h Allaah's commands and refrain
from His prohibitions, which in turn leads to acquiring perfect happiness
in this world and in the Hereafter, for both the individual and the society:
"Whoever does righteous actions - male or female - and is a
believer, W e shall surely grant them a goodly life, and We shall
reward them for the best of their actions." [an-Nahl 16:97]
The Fruits of Having Belief in the Angels include:-
Firstly: Appreciating the greatness of their Creator - the Most Blessed,
Most Exalted - and His power and sovereignty.
Secondly Gratitude to Allaah the Exalted for His divine care and concern
for His servants, in that he entrusted these angels to protect and safeguard
68
them, to write down their deeds, as well as other matters beneficial to their
well-being.
Thirdly: Love of the angels for their perfect worship of Allaah the Exalted
and their seeking forgiveness for the believers.
The Fruits of Believing in the Books include:-
Firstly: Knowledge of Allaah the Exalted's divine mercy and pro vidence for
His creation in that he sent down to every nation a Book for their guidance.
Secondly: Being aware of Allaah the Exalted's wisdom in that in these
Heavenly Books, He prescribed for every nation what is appropriate for
them. He terminated [the sending of] these Heavenly Books by [sending]
the great Qur'aan, which contains appropriate [guidance] for all mankind,
in every age and place, until the Day of Judgement.
Thirdly: Giving thanks to Allaah the Exalted for this [favour].
From the Fruits of Believing in the Messengers are:-
Firstly: Knowledge of Allaah the Exalted's divine mercy and providence to
His creation, in that he sent to them these noble Messengers in order to
guide and direct them.
Secondly: Thanking Allaah for this great blessing.
Thirdly: Loving, honouring and praising the Messengers for what they
deserve, because they are Allaah's Messengers and the elite of His servants.
They established His worship, conveyed the Message, gave sincere advice to
the people and patiently bore the harms they were inflicted with.
69
The Fruits of Believing in the Last Day include:-
Firstly: Being eager to obey Allaah and having a fervent desire to be
rewarded on that Day [for doing so], and to steer dear of disobeying Him,
for fear of being punished on that Day.
Secondly: A recompense for the believer for what he missed of worldly
delights and enjoyment because of hoping to gain the delights of the
Hereafter and its rewards.
From the Fruits of Believing in Divine Decree are:-
Firstly: Depending upon Allaah the Exalted when [utilising] the cause of
any action, since both the cause and effect occur by Allaah's decree and His
pre-ordainment.
Secondly: Mental relief and tranquillity of the heart. Since when a person
is aware that everything occurs by Allaah the Exalted's decree, and that
hardships are bound to occur, the mind has repose, the heart is tranquil
and the soul is content with the Lord's decree. No one has a healthier life,
or a stress-free soul, or a greater sense of tranquillity, than a person who
truly believes in Divine Decree.
Thirdly: Warding-off self-conceit when one's intended goal is achieved.
Since achieving it is [understood to be] a favour from Allaah, by way of
what He has decreed [to occur] because of the causes of good and success.
Thus the person should thank Allaah for this and repel any feeling of selfamazement
('ujb).
Fourthly: Dispelling anxiety and discontentment when one's goal is not
achieved, or when one suffers some misfortune or adversity. This is because
70
such matters are [understood to be] from Allaah's decree - to whom
belongs the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth - and hence was
bound to occur. The person should therefore patiently persevere and hope
for Allaah's reward. Allaah the Exalted indicates this in His saying:
"No misfortune occurs on the earth or in yourselves, except
that it is recorded in a register before We bring it into existence;
and this, for Allaah, is easy. That you may not grieve over what
has eluded you, nor boast about what He has gi ven to you. And
Allaah does not like the self-deluded and boastful person. "
[Soorah al -Hadeed 57:22-23]
We ask Allaah the Exalted to make us firm upon this 'aqeedah; to grant us
its fruits; to increase His blessings upon us; not to cause us to swerve after
He has guided us aright; and to bestow upon us mercy from Himself, for
indeed He is the Bestower.
And all praise is for Allaah, Lord of the worlds. May Allaah extol and send
the blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad; and upon His
Family, his Comp anions and those who follow them in goodness.
Authored by:
Muhammad Saalih al-
'Uthaymeen On the 30th of
Shawwaal; 1404H.
i n f o@c a l g a r y i s l am. c om 71 www. c a l g a r y i s l am. c om
Appendices
Aims of the 'Aqeedah
Shaykh Ibn al-'Uthaymeen, may Allaah protect him, said in Majmoo'
Fataawaa wa Rasaa'il (5/144-145):
The aims of the Islaamic 'aqeedah are its lofty goals and objectives
which arise as a result of clinging to it. They are numerous and diverse and
include the following: -
Firstly: Purifying the intention and the worship for Allaah alone, since
He is the Creator who has no partner. Therefore it is incumbent that the
intention and worship be for Him alone.
Secondly: Liberating the mind and intellect from chaotic confusion,
which arises because the heart is devoid of this 'aqeedah. Since if the heart
is devoid of it, then it is either devoid of all creeds, worshipping
materialism only; or it gropes around in deviated beliefs and superstitions.
Thirdly: Achieving tranquillity of the soul and psychological relief, so
that the soul experiences no anxiety and the mind is free from confusion.
This is because this 'aqeedah connects the believer with his Creator. So the
person is pleased with Allaah as his Lord and Maintainer, and his Judge
and Legislator. Hence his heart is at peace with Allaah's Divine Providence
and his breast opens up to Islaam; and he would not exchange this state for
anything.
73
Fourthly: Safeguarding the intention and action against any deviation
whilst worshipping Allaah or interacting with the creation. Since one of the
foundations in believing in the Messengers includes following their ways,
which inherently safeguards one's intentions and actions.
Fifthly: Resoluteness and seriousness in affairs. Meaning that no
opportunity arises to do a righteous deed, except that he undertakes it,
hoping in [Allaah's] reward. Nor does he see the occurrence of any sin,
except that he distances himself from it, fearing [Allaah's] punishment.
This is because from the foundations of the 'aqeedah is to believe in the
resurrection and the recompense of actions:
"For each there will be ranks according to what they did, and
your Lord is not unaware of what they do.. " [al-Ariaam 6:132]
The Prophet 'alayhi salaam greatly encouraged this objective by saying:46
"A strong believer is better and more beloved to Allaah than a
weak believer, but in both there is goodness. Persist in what
brings benefit to you, seek Allaah's aid, and do not weaken. If
any calamity befalls you, do not say: 'If only I had done such
and such! But say: 'Allaah decrees whatever He wills! For
indeed, 'if is an opening for the devil's actions"
46. As reported by Muslim (no.2664).
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Sixthly: Establishing a strong umtnah that will spare no effort in
establishing the Religion, strengthening its pillars, and being indifferent to
the calamities that may befall it in this path. In this regard, Allaah said:
"Indeed, only those are truly believers who have believed in
Allaah and His Messenger, and have not afterwards doubted,
but strive with their wealth and their lives in the Path of Allaah.
Indeed they are the truthful ones. " [al-Hujuraat 49:15]
Seventhly: Attaining happiness in this world and the Hereafter by
collective and individual rectification, seeking by it reward and honour.
Allaah the Exalted states:
"Whoever does righteous actions - male or female - whilst they
are believers, then to such a one We shall grant a goodly life [in
this world], and shall reward them [in the Hereafter] according
to the best of what they did." [an-Nahl 16:97]
These then are some of the objectives of the Islaamic 'aqeedah. We ask
Allaah the Exalted that He causes us all to attain them. Indeed He is the
Most Generous, Most Munificent. All praise is for Allaah, Lord of the
worlds. May Allaah extol and send blessings and peace upon our Prophet
Muhammad; and upon his Family, Companions and followers.
75
Pillars of Islaam
Shaykh Ibn al-'Uthaymeen, may Allaah protect him, said in Majmoo'
Fataawaa wa Rasaa'il (5/103-105):
The pillars of Islaam refer to the foundations upon which it is built. These
are five and are mentioned in what Ibn 'Urnar, may Allaah be pleased with
him, relates from the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, who said:
"Islaam is built upon five [pillars]: Upon singling out Allaah
alone with worship; establishing the Prayer; paying the
Wealth-Tax; Fasting in Ramadaan; and the Pilgrimage.
A person asked: [Isn't it] Pilgrimage then Fasting in Ramadaan? Ibn 'Umar
said: No, Fasting in Ramadaan, then the Pilgrimage; this is how I heard it
from Allaah's Messenger sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam."
The hadeeth is agreed upon, but the wording [used] is from Muslim.47
47. Reported by Muslim (no.19).
76
1 - The Testification (shahaadah) that none has the right to be worshiped
except Allaah; and that Muhammad is His Slave and Messenger:48 This
implies a firm belief in it [with the heart], which is articulated with the
tongue, which - due to one's certainty - it is as if one actually witnesses this
with his own eyes. The fact that this testification is a single pillar, even
though it bears testimony to a number of matters, is either because:-
[i] The Messenger sallallaa.hu 'alayhi wa sallam is a conveyer from Allaah.
So testifying to his servitude ('uboodiyyah) and messengership (risaalah)
is a integral part of testifying to laa Ilaaha illallaah; that none has the right
to be worshipped except Allaah.
[ii] Or the fact that these two testimonies are the basis for the correctness
and acceptability of any act [of worship]. For there is no correctness, nor
any acceptability, except with sincerity (ikhlaas) to Allaah the Exalted and
by following (mutaaba'ah) the Messenger sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam.
Therefore with ikhlaas, the testimony that none has the right to be
worshiped is actualised; and with mutaaba'ah, the testimony that
Muhammad is Allaah's Slave and Messenger is actualised.
The benefits of this great shahaadah include:- Liberating the heart and
soul from servitude to all created beings and from following other than the
Messengers.
2 - Establishing the Prayer (salaah): It is the worship of Allaah the
Exalted by performing it correctly and perfectly; with respect to its time
and its form. From its benefits are:- comfort and relief, delight of the heart,
and a restraint against committing indecent and sinful acts.
48. The arable transliteration of which is: ash -hadu an laa ilaaha illallaahu wa ash-hadu
anna muhammadan 'abduhu wa rasooluhu.
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3 - Paying the Wealth-Tax (zakaah): It is worshipping Allaah the Exalted
by offering the prescribed obligatory amount from wealth upon which
zakaah is due. Its benefits include:- Purifying the soul from stinginess and
miserliness and fullfilling the needs of Islaam and the Muslims.
4 - As for Fasting (sawm) in Ramadaan: It is worshipping Allaah the
Exalted by refraining from the muftimat® during the days of [the month
of] Ramadaan. Its benefits include:- Disciplining the soul to relinquish
those things that it likes and loves, seeking the pleasure of Allaah, the
Mighty and Magnificent.
5 - Pilgrimage (hajj) to the Sacred House: It is the worship of Allaah the
Exalted by journeying to the Sacred House [i.e. the Ka'bah] and Milling
the rites of the Pilgrimage. From its benefits are:- Training the soul for
financial and physical expenditure in the obedience of Allaah the Exalted.
For this reason Pilgrimage is considered to be one of the types ofjihaad in
the Path of Allaah.
The benefits that we have just mentioned about these foundations - as well
as other benefits that we have not mentioned - make of this nation a pure
Islaamic ummah; submitting to Allaah with the Religion of truth and
dealing with the creation with justice and truthfulness. This is because the
rest of the Islaamic injunctions depend upon [how well] these foundations
are [preserved]. Rectifying the affairs of this ummah is dependant upon it
rectifying the affairs of its Religion; it being unable to rectify its state of
affairs will be proportional to what it does not rectify of its religious affairs.
Whoever wishes to verify this fact, let him read [the following] statement
of Allaah the Exalted:
49. The muftiraat are those things which break or invalidate the actual fast; such as
intentional eating, drinking or having sexual intercourse.
78
"And if only the people of the town had believed and shown
piety, We would certainly have opened up for them the blessings
of the heavens and the earth, but they belied [the Messengers],
so We seized them because of what they used to do. Did the
people of the towns feel secure against the coming of Our
punishment by night, whilst they were asleep? Or did they feel
secure against Allaah's plan? Indeed, none feel secure against
the plan of Allaah except a people who are losers." [Soorah al -
A'raaf 7:96-99]
Let him [also] reflect upon the history of those who preceded, for indeed,
in it is a lesson for those who reflect and an insight to those whose hearts
are not veiled. And Allaah's aid is sought.
79
Unification of Religions
The Council of Senior Scholars of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issued
the following verdict or fatwaa (no. 19402); dated the 25th of Muharram
1418H:
Praise be to Allaah alone. May the blessings and peace be upon the one after
whom there is no other Prophet; and upon his Family, Companions and
those who follow them upon goodness, until the Day of Ressurection.
To proceed:
The Council for Islaamic Research and the Giving of Legal Opinions has
reviewed the enquiries presented to it, as well as the views and articles that
were propogated in the mass media, concerning the call for the Unity of
Religions (wahdatul-adyaan) - Islaam, Judaism and Christianity. [It als o
reviewed] the consequences of this, such as the call to build mosques,
churches and synagogues in a single complex - especially in universities,
airports and public places; the call to print the Noble Qur'aan, the Torah
and the Bible in one book; and other effects of this call, such as establishing
conferences, symposiums and societies in both the East and the West [for
this purpose].
After careful consideration and study, the Council resolved upon the
following:-
80
Firstly: From the fundamental beliefs of Islaam - which is known from the
Religion by necessity and upon which the Muslim [scholars] are agreed - is
that no true religion is to be found upon the face of this Earth, except the
Religion of Islaam. It is the last of the Religions and supercedes all previous
religions, sects and codes of law. Indeed, no religion remains upon the face
of the earth, by which Allaah can be worshipped, except Islaam. Allaah the
Exalted said:
"Whoever seeks a religion other than Islaam, never will it be
accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the
loosers." [Soorah Aal-'Imraan 3:85]
And Islaam, after the sending of Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam,
refers to whatever he came with, to the exclusion of all other religions.
Secondly: From the fundamental beliefs of Islaam is that the Book of
Allaah the Exalted - the Glorious Qur'aan - is the final Scripture and
Covenant revealed by the Lord of the Universe. It abrogates all the previous
Scriptures, such as the Torah, the Psalms, the Bible and others, and it is a
judge and guardian over them. No other Divinely-Revealed Book or
Scripture remains [intact] by which Allaah can be worshipped, except the
Noble Qur'aan. Hence, Allaah the Exalted said:
"And We have sent down to you the Qur'aan in truth, which
confirms the Books that were before it and stands as a
81
guardian-judge (ar. muhaymin) over them. So judge between
them by what Allaah has sent down and do not follow their
vain desires." [Soorah al-Maa'idah 5:48]
Thirdly: It is obligatory to believe that the Torah and the Bible were
abrogated by the Noble Qur'aan and were changed and tampered with by
additions and deletions to them, as has been explained in the verses from
the Noble Book of Allaah, such as the statement of Allaah the Exalted:
"So because they broke their covenant We cursed them and
hardened their hearts. They distort words from their [correct]
places and have forgotten portions of that which they were
reminded of. And you will continue to observe deceit from
them, except from a few of them." [Soorah al-Maa'idah 5:13]
Allaah the Mighty and Majestic said:
"So woe to those who write the Book with their own hands and
then say:'This is from Allaah,' in order to sell it for a miserable
price. So woe to them for what their hands have written and
woe to them for their earnings." [Soorah al-Baqarah 2:79]
And Allaah the Most Perfect said:
82
"Indeed, amongst them is a party that distort the Book with
their tongues as they read it, so that you may think that it is
part of the Book whereas it is not from the Book. And they say:
'This is from Allaah,' but it is not from Allaah; and they forge a
lie against Allaah knowingly." [Soorah Aal -'Imraan 3:78]
This is why whatever is correct from it, has been abrogated by Islaam,
whereas whatever is not, has either been distorted or altered. Indeed it has
been confirmed that the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam became
angry when he once saw 'Umar ibn al-Khattaab, may Allaah be pleased
with him, with a sheet containing some passages from the Torah. The
Prophet 'alayhis-salaatu was-salaam said:
"Are you in any doubt 0 Ibn al-Khattaab? Have I not brought
it [the Message] pure and white? Even if my brother Moses
were alive, he would have no recourse except to follow me/"50
Fourthly: From the fundamental beliefs of Islaam is that our Prophet and
Messenger, Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, is the last of the
Prophets and Messengers, as Allaah the Exalted stated:
50. Reported by Ahmad (3/387) and others, and it is hasan. Consult: Takhreejul-Mishkaat
(no.!77)ofal-Albaanee.
83
"Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam is not the father of
any man amongst you, but he is the Messenger of Allaah and the
last of the Prophets." [Soorah al-Ahzaab 33:40]
As such, no Messenger remains, whom it is obligatory to follow, except
Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. If any of Allaah's Prophets were
living today, they too - along with their followers - would have no recourse
except to follow him, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam; as Allaah said:
"And remember when Allaah took the Covenant from the
Prophets, saying: Take whatever I have given you from the Book
and the Wisdom, and then when there comes to you a Messenger
(Muhammad) confirming what is with you, you must then
believe in him and aid him. Allaah said: Do you agree to uphold
My Covenant? They replied: We agree. Allaah said: Then bear
witness; and I am with you amongst the witnesses." [Soorah Aal -
'Imraan3:81]
When the Prophet of Allaah, Jesus - 'alayhis-salaatu was-salaam - comes
down in the final period, he will be a follower of Muhammad sallallaahu
'alalyhi wa sallam, judging according to his sharee'ah. Allaah said:
