FIRST PILLAR
SHAHADAH الشهادة
I BEAR WITNESS THAT THERE IS NO god BUT ALLAH, AND I BEAR WITNESS THAT MUHAMMAD IS HIS MESSENGER.
أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله و أشهد أن محمد رسول الله
THE SHAHADAH IS A NECESSITY FOR ONE TO BE OR BECOME A MUSLIM. IT SIGNIFIES TO KNOW AND BELEIVE WITHOUT DOUBT OR SUSPICION THAT THERE IS ONLY ONE ALLAH, WITHOUT A PARTNER AND THAT HE IS ONE AND THAT MUHAMMAD (PEACE BE UPON HIM) IS TRULY A MESSENGER AND PROPHET FROM ALLAH. THIS IS THE FIRST REQUIREMENT FOR ONE TO BE A MUSLIM.
ALONG WITH THE VERBAL DECLARATION THE ULEMA HAVE DEDUCED FROM THE QUR'AN AND SUNNAH THAT THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS SHOULD ACCOMPANY THE SHAHADAH:
ALONG WITH THE VERBAL DECLARATION THE ULEMA HAVE DEDUCED FROM THE QUR'AN AND SUNNAH THAT THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS SHOULD ACCOMPANY THE SHAHADAH:
الانقياد
AL-INQIAD: SUBMISSION TO ITS REQUIREMENTS, WHICH ARE THE DUTIES THAT MUST BE PERFORMED WITH SINCERTY TO ALLAH ALONE SEEKING HIS PLEASURE.
* TO BELIEVE IN THE PROPHET AND IN WHATEVER HE SAID AND CONVEYED IN HIS MESSAGE AS THE SEAL OF PROPHETS.
* TO OBEY HIM IN WHATEVER HE COMMANDED.
* TO STAY AWAY FROM OR AVOID WHATEVER HE COMMANDED MUSLIMS NOT TO DO.
* TO FOLLOW OR EMULATE HIM IN OUR WORSHIP, MANNERS AND WAY OF LIFE.
* TO LOVE HIM MORE THAN YOU LOVE YOURSELFYOUR FAMILY AND ANYTHING ELSE IN THIS WORLD.
* TO UNDERSTAND, PRACTICE AND PROMOTE HIS SUNNAH IN THE BEST WAY POSSIBLE, WITHOUT CREATING ANY CHOAS, ENMITY OR HARM.
* TO OBEY HIM IN WHATEVER HE COMMANDED.
* TO STAY AWAY FROM OR AVOID WHATEVER HE COMMANDED MUSLIMS NOT TO DO.
* TO FOLLOW OR EMULATE HIM IN OUR WORSHIP, MANNERS AND WAY OF LIFE.
* TO LOVE HIM MORE THAN YOU LOVE YOURSELFYOUR FAMILY AND ANYTHING ELSE IN THIS WORLD.
* TO UNDERSTAND, PRACTICE AND PROMOTE HIS SUNNAH IN THE BEST WAY POSSIBLE, WITHOUT CREATING ANY CHOAS, ENMITY OR HARM.
HAKIMUL-UMMAH MUJADDID MAULANA ASHRAF ALI THANWI (MAY ALLAH BE PLEASED WITH HIM) SAID:
1. Hadhrat Anas (radiallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:
“Whoever has in him three things, will experience the sweetness of Imaan.” (These are):
i) His love for Allah and His Rasool is more than that for all and everything. ii) His love for another (person) is motivated by only the love of Allah. i.e. His love and friendship with people are not for worldly motives. He befriends people because they happen to be pious men of Allah).
iii) A man who, after having been saved by Allah from kufr, abhors returning to kufr as much as he abhors falling into a fire.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
“Whoever has in him three things, will experience the sweetness of Imaan.” (These are):
i) His love for Allah and His Rasool is more than that for all and everything. ii) His love for another (person) is motivated by only the love of Allah. i.e. His love and friendship with people are not for worldly motives. He befriends people because they happen to be pious men of Allah).
iii) A man who, after having been saved by Allah from kufr, abhors returning to kufr as much as he abhors falling into a fire.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
2. Hadhrat Anas (radiallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:“You cannot have total Imaan as long as you do not love me more than your father, children and all people.”
(Bukhari, Muslim-Mishkaat)3. Hadhrat Anas (radiallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:
“A man cannot be perfect of Imaan as long as his love for me is not more than his love for his whole family and for all people.”
(Muslim)
(Bukhari, Muslim-Mishkaat)3. Hadhrat Anas (radiallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:
“A man cannot be perfect of Imaan as long as his love for me is not more than his love for his whole family and for all people.”
(Muslim)
Also in Bukhari Shareef it is recorded that Hadhrat Umar (radiallahu anhu) said:
“O Rasulullah! Most assuredly, I love you more than all things, but my own life.”
Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:
‘I swear by The Being in Whose Power is my life! One is not a perfect believer until one loves me more than one’s own life.”
Hadhrat Umar (reflected and) exclaimed: ‘I now love you more than my own life.”
Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) replied:
‘Now you are a perfect Muslim.”
Initially, Hadhrat (radiallahu anhu) did not reflect and thought that since one is affected more by difficulty on oneself than difficulty on another, one’s life must be dearer than another’s. However, upon reflection he realized that for the sake of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) every Muslim will readily sacrifice his own life and the dignity and honour of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), even the ordinary Muslim will be prepared to lay down his life at the altar of sacrifice. Hadhrat Umar (radiallahu anhu) thus realized that in actual fact his love for Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was greater than his love for his own life. And, so it was and remained until the end Hadhrat Umar (radiallahu anhu) remained steadfast on the Deen never turning his face away from the Deen by the slightest degree.
4. Hadhrat Ibn Abbaas (radiallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:“Love Allah Ta’ala because He nourishes and sustains you; love me because Allah Ta’ala loves me.” (Tirmizi)
“O Rasulullah! Most assuredly, I love you more than all things, but my own life.”
Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:
‘I swear by The Being in Whose Power is my life! One is not a perfect believer until one loves me more than one’s own life.”
Hadhrat Umar (reflected and) exclaimed: ‘I now love you more than my own life.”
Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) replied:
‘Now you are a perfect Muslim.”
Initially, Hadhrat (radiallahu anhu) did not reflect and thought that since one is affected more by difficulty on oneself than difficulty on another, one’s life must be dearer than another’s. However, upon reflection he realized that for the sake of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) every Muslim will readily sacrifice his own life and the dignity and honour of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), even the ordinary Muslim will be prepared to lay down his life at the altar of sacrifice. Hadhrat Umar (radiallahu anhu) thus realized that in actual fact his love for Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was greater than his love for his own life. And, so it was and remained until the end Hadhrat Umar (radiallahu anhu) remained steadfast on the Deen never turning his face away from the Deen by the slightest degree.
4. Hadhrat Ibn Abbaas (radiallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:“Love Allah Ta’ala because He nourishes and sustains you; love me because Allah Ta’ala loves me.” (Tirmizi)
It is not to be inferred from this hadith that we have to love Allah Ta’ala only because He nourishes us. This hadith merely implies that should one be unable to comprehend the limitless and vast favours and bounties of Allah Ta’ala, then at least contemplate and understand this one great Ni’mat of nourishment (Rizq). No one can ever deny or ignore this obvious fact of Allah Ta’ala being the sole Nourisher and Sustainer. Hence, understanding even this single fact will induce in one love for Allah Ta’ala.5. Hadhrat Anas Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) narrates that a villager came to Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and said:“O Rasulullah! When will it be Qiyaamah?”Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:“What preparations have you made for it?”He replied: “I have no much Salaat nor Saum, but I have love for Allah and His Rasool.”Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:“On the Day of Qiyaamah every person will be with the one whom he loved.”This meant that on the Day of Qiyaamah those who had loved Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) will be with him. Along with this great fortune, they will be in close proximity to Allah Ta’ala. Hadhrat Anas (radiallahu anhu) then commented:“After having heard this good news, Muslims became exceedingly happy. After having embraced Islam nothing else (besides their embracing) made them as happy (as this statement of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).” (Bukhari, Muslim)
The glad tidings conveyed in this hadith are of great significance. Even if one has no great stock of acts of Ibaadat, the love of Allah and His Rasool (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) will secure the treasure of Divine Proximity for one in the Aakhirah.6. Hadhrat Abu Zarr Ghiffaari (radiallahu anhu) narrated that once Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) performed Salaat (Tahajjud). The whole night in his Salaat he recited a single aayat until the morning. The aayat is:“O Allah! (If you punish them, they are your servants (i.e. You have all the authority over them). If You forgive them (it is within Your Power), for You are All-Powerful and the One of Wisdom.”
(Nisaai and Ibn Majah)
(Nisaai and Ibn Majah)
Shaikh Dehlwi (rahmatullah alayh) commenting on this hadith, says that the Qur’aanic aayat which was recited the whole night by Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) is the statement of Nabi Isaa (alayhis salaam), which he will be making (on the Day of Qiyaamah) in regard to his Ummah. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) presented his Ummah’s case for Maghfirat (forgiveness) to Allah Ta’ala in the same manner. This loving attitude of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) bears testimony to his great love for his Ummah. For the sake of this love, he sacrificed the comfort of whole nights, petitioning and appealing to Allah Ta’ala to forgive his Ummah. It will only be a callous and a heartless one whose heart is not moved when he hears of the great love which Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had for the Ummah.7. Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (radiallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:“My similitude with you is like a man who strives to prevent moths falling into a fire. The moths plunge into the fire while the man makes great attempts to save them. Inspite of his efforts, they continue to fall into the fire. Similarly, I relentlessly grab hold of you and divert you from the Fire (so that you do not plunge into Jahannum by commission of evil), but you continue with your plunge into the Fire.”
(Bukhari)
(Bukhari)
This hadith too indicates the tremendous love and concern which Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had for his Ummah. His profound concern to save his Ummah from the calamities of the Aakhirah is a manifestation of his love for the Ummah. Which Ummati can ignore this love?8. Hadhrat Ibn Abbaas Mardas (radiallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) made dua of Maghfirat (forgiveness) for his Ummah in the evening of Arafaat. The Divine Answer came: “Your Ummah has been forgiven, excepting huqooqul Ibaad (i.e. the rights of others which were usurped and plundered and for which no proper amends were made).”Rasullullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) then petitioned Allah Ta’ala:“O Allah! If You wish, You can award the rights (which were plundered here) of the oppressors with Jannat and forgive the oppressed.”However, this dua was not accepted on that night. During the morning at Muzdalifah, Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) repeated the dua. On this occasion the request was granted. The acceptance of this dua induced Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to laugh with delight Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) then said to Abu Bakr and Umar (radiallahu anhumaa):“When Allah Ta’ala accepted my dua and forgave my Ummah, Iblees rubbed hand in his face and cried in despondency and defeat. I laughed on seeing his discomfort.”
(Ibn Majah, Baihaqi)
(Ibn Majah, Baihaqi)
This hadith must not be misconstrued. The inference should not be drawn that usurped, plundered and unfulfilled rights of creation (Huqooqul Ibaad) will compulsorily at all times be waived, without any punishment nor does it mean that the performance of Hajj cancels out such rights. The interpreation of this hadith consists of two possibilities:1. The possibility of remaining in Jahannum forever as punishment for the usurpation of huqooqul Ibaad.2. Definite punishment for huqooqul ibaad although such punishment will not be everlasting residence in Jahannum.When Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) made the due, two Divine Promises were the result:1. Everlasting residence in Jahannum (the first possibility mentioned above) as compensation for plundering huqooqul ibaad was cancelled. After serving one’s sentence of punishment in Jahannum, one will emerge therefrom and attain salavation.2. Certainty of punishment for huqooqul ibaad (the second possibility) cancelled. In fact, therewill be cases where Allah Ta’ala will by the presentation of favours and ni’mat to the oppressed secure in return forgiveness for the oppressors. The oppressed will become pleased with the bounties and happily pardon the oppressors.Once again we must reflect and realize the tremendous and deep love which Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) cherished for the Ummah. His concern for the Ummah was so great that he persisted in the supplication to secure forgiveness for even the oppressors of his Ummah. Is it yet possible that the heart of the Believer will not brim over with love for Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam)?9. Hadhrat Abdullah Bin Amr Bin Al-A’as (radiallahu anhu)narrates that once Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), after reciting those verses in which are mentioned the duaa of Hadhrat Ibraheem and Hadhrat Isaa (alahimus salaam) for their respective Ummats, raised his hands and supplicated to Allah Ta’ala as follows:“O Allah! My Ummah, my Ummah.”Allah Ta’ala said: “Jibraeel, go to Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) Your Creator is aware (of all things) and ask him the reason for his grief.”Jibraeel (alayhis salaam) enquired the reason from Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) for his grief and tears. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) informed Jibraeel (alayhis sallam) of his concern for the Ummah. Jibraeel (alayhis sallaam) then brought the following message from Allah Ta’ala:“We shall please you in regard to your Ummah and We shall not let you grieve.”
(Muslim)
(Muslim)
According to Hadhrat Ibn Abbas (radiallahau anhu), Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said that he will never be happy as long as there remains a single member of his Ummah in the Fire. (Durrul Manthur). In terms of this Divine Promise to Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), Insha’ Allah, Ta’ala will not leave a single Ummati in Jahannum.O Muslims! The wonderful treasures of the Aakhirah which you will be acquiring will be through the auspicious agency of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). If, therefore, you cannot love him, for who will you ever love.10. Hadhrat Umar (radiallahu anhu) narrated that there was a man by the name, Abdullah and was known as Himaar. Rasullullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had punished him for having consumed liquor. After having been punished he was once again brought to Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) for the same crime. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) ordered him to be punished. Someone cursed him (Himaar) for repeatedly committing the crime. Rasulullah (sallallahu alahi wasallam) commented:11. “Do not curse him. I swear by Allah that I know he has love for Allah and His Rasool.”
(Abdu Dawood)
(Abdu Dawood)
One can from this incident realize the honour and love which Rasulullah (sallallau alayhi wasallam) had for one who was imbued with love for Allah and love for the Rasool. Even after repeatedly having indulged in a major sin, Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) forbade people from cursing the wrong-doer. It is now necessary that every Muslim fills every vein in his body with the love of Allah and love of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The noble and priceless treasures of the Aakhirah are procurable by virtue of this love without difficulty.
