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We are now aware that our goal in life is to worship Allah (عز و جل) Alone (Tahkeek Al-Ibadah). This is our ultimate aim and by
doing this correctly we will achieve our final goal and attain ‘Al-Jannah’ (Paradise) - InshaAllah. However, if we fail to worship Allah (عز
و جل) then
our destiny will be hellfire.
So, how do we worship Allah (عز و جل)?
We worship Allah (عز
و جل) as He
wants us to worship Him. We have been sent the Quran by Allah (عز و جل) through the Prophet Muhammad (صلى
الله عليه و
سلم) and it
is by referring to this Book of Revelation that we are able to follow the
guidelines regarding the manner in which Allah (عز
و جل) should
be worshipped. In conjunction to the Kitab (book) of Allah (عز و جل) we also have the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله
عليه و سلم). If any person is to abandon any of these two sources then
there is no chance of him being able to achieve his goal of reaching Al-Jannah
for he will surely fall into misguidance.
Many Ayat related to the worship of Allah have been
collected together in this chapter to make it easy to understand and provide a
detailed explanation on this subject.
Oneness
of Allah in the Light of the Quran
Only Allah is worthy of Worship:
“Allah bears witness that none has the right to be
worshipped but He, and so do the angels and those having knowledge; (He
always) maintains His creation in justice. None has the right to be
worshipped but He, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.” [Al-Imran 3:18]
And:
“And your ilah is One ilah (Allah), none has the
right to be worshipped but He (Allah), the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.” [Al-Baqarah
2:163]
And:
“And invoke not any other ilah along with Allah, none has
the right to be worshipped but He. Everything will perish except His face. To
Him belongs the command, and to Him will you (all) be returned.” [Al-Qasas
28:88]
Also:
“None has the right to be worshipped but He: It is He who
gives life and causes death - your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers.” [Ad-
Dhukan 44: 8]
All the Prophets invited their people to the Oneness of Allah:
a) Prophet Nuh (aalaisalam):
“Indeed We sent Nuh to his people. He said: “O my people!
Worship Allah! You have no other ilah but Him. Certainly, I fear for you the
torment of a great day!” [Al-A’raf 7:59]
b) Prophet Hood (aalaisalam):
“And to ‘Ad (people, We sent) their brother Hood.
He said: “O my people! Worship Allah! You have no other ilah but Him. Will you
not fear (Allah)?” [Al-A’raf 7:65]
c) Prophet Saleh (aalaisalam):
  
“And to Thamud (people, We sent) their brother
Saleh. He said: “O my people! Worship Allah! You have no other ilah but Him.
Indeed there has come to you a clear sign (the miracle of a huge she-camel
coming out from a rock) from your Lord. This she-camel of Allah is a sign
unto you; So you leave her to graze in Allah’s earth, and touch her not with
harm, lest a painful torment shall seize you.” [Al-A’raf 7:73]
d) Prophet Shu’aib (aalaisalam):
 
“And to (the people of) Madyan, (We sent) their brother Shu’aib. He said: “O my people! Worship Allah! You have no other
ilah but Him. Verily, a clear proof (sign) from your Lord has come unto
you; so give full measure and full weight and wrong not men in their things,
and do not do mischief on the earth after it has been set in order, that will
be better for you, if you are believers.” [Al-A’raf 7:85]
e) Prophet Ibrahim (aalaisalam):
“And (remember) Ibrahim when he said to his
people: “Worship Allah and fear Him: that is better for you if you did but
know. You worship besides Allah only idols, and you only invent falsehood.
Verily those whom you worship besides Allah have no power to give you
provision. So seek your provision from Allah, and worship Him and be grateful
to Him. To Him you will be brought back.” [Al-Ankabut 29:16-17]
f) Prophet Yusuf (aalaisalam):
 
“You worship nothing besides Him but only names which you
have named- by you and your fathers- for which Allah has sent down no
authority. The Hukm (legislation, judgement, command) is for none
but Allah. He has commanded that you worship none but Him; this is the (true) straight religion, but most men know not.” [Yusuf 12:40]
g) Prophet Issa (aalaisalam):
“Verily, Allah! He is my Lord and your Lord. So worship
Him Alone. This is the only straight path.” [Az-Zukhruf 43:64]
h) Prophet Muhammad (صلى
الله عليه و
سلم):
 
“Say (O Muhammad): “I am only a Warner and there
is no ilah except Allah, The One, the Irresistible, The Lord of the Heavens and
the earth, and all that is between them, the All Mighty, the Oft-Forgiving.” [Sad
38:65-66]
i) All other prophets
“And We did not send any Messenger before you (O
Muhammad) but We revealed to him: that none has the right to be worshipped
but I, so worship Me(Alone).” [Al-Anbiya 21:25]
j) No prophet has ever
invited people to worship other than Allah:
“It is not (possible) for any human being to whom Allah has given
the Book and Al-Hukma (Wisdom) and Prophethood to say to the people: “Be
my worshippers rather than Allah’s.” On the contrary (he would say): “Be
you Rabbaniyyoon (learned men of religion who practise what they know and
also preach to others), because you are teaching the book, and you are
studying it.” [Al-Imran 3:79]
Faith in the Oneness of Allah is ingrained in the very nature of human beings:
“So, direct (O Muhammad) your face towards the
religion (of pure Islamic Monotheism) Hanifa (worship none but Allah
alone). Allah’s fitrah (Islamic Monotheism) with which He has created
mankind. No change let there be in the religion of Allah. That is the straight
religion, but most men know not.” [Ar-Rum 30:30]
Genuine faith in the Oneness of Allah is a guarantee for peace and tranquillity in this world and the hereafter:
“It is those who believe and confuse not their belief
with Zulm (wrong) (i.e. by ascribing partners to Allah), for them (only) there is security and they are guided.” [Al-Anam 6:82]
Those who have faith in the Oneness of Allah will be in paradise for eternity:
“But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, We
shall admit them to Gardens under which rivers flow to live therein for ever.
Allah’s promise is the Truth; and whose words can be truer than those of
Allah?” [An-Nisa 4:122]
Allah (عز و جل) invites mankind to ponder upon His Signs and understand His Oneness:
“Say (to the disbelievers): “Tell me, if Allah
took away your hearing and your sight, and sealed up your hearts, who is there
- an ilah other than Allah who could restore them to you?” See how variously We
explain the ayat, yet they turn aside.” [Al-Anam 6:46]
And:
 
“Say (O Muhammad): “Tell me! if Allah made the
night continuous for you till the Day of Resurrection, which ilah besides Allah
could bring you light? Will you not then hear? Say (O Muhammad): ‘Tell
me, if Allah were to make the day continuous for you till the Day of Judgment
which ilah is there other than Allah who can give you a night in which you can
rest? Will you not then see?” [Al-Qasas 28:71-72]
Also:
 
“Then tell me about the water that you drink. Is it you
who cause it from the rain clouds to come down, or are We the Causer of it to
come down? If We willed We verily could make it salty (and undrinkable):
why then do you not give thanks (to Allah)?” [Al-Waqiah 56:68-70]
And:
“Then tell me (about) the (human) semen
that you emit. Is it you who create it, or are We the Creator? We have decreed
death to you all, and We are not unable, to transfigure you in (forms) that you know not. And indeed, you have already known the first form of
creation, why then do you not remember or take heed?” [Al-Waqiah 56:58-62]
And:
 
“Then tell Me about the seed that you sow in the ground.
Is it you that make it grow, or are We the Grower? Were it Our Will, We could
crumble it to dry pieces, and you would be regretful. (Saying): “We are
indeed Mughramoon (ruined). Nay, but we are deprived!” [Al-Waqiah 56:63-67]
Also:
 
“And verily, in the cattle, there is a lesson for you. We
give you to drink of that which is in their bellies, from between excretions
and blood, pure milk: palatable to the drinkers.” [An-Nahl 16:66]
What is the meaning of ‘La ilaha
illallah’?
La ilaha illallah means; “There is no ilah (deity worthy
of worship) but Allah”. A person could pray, give charity and do all the
good deeds in the world but they would be of no use without him having declared
his faith ‘La ilaha illallah’- in Allah (Alone) and truly understanding and
knowing its meanings. Thus, if a person does not understand the meaning of ‘La
ilaha illallah’ he is outside the fold of Islam, because just by saying ‘La
ilaha illallah’ from your tongue does not mean anything until you understand
its real meanings. The Jews and Christians also say ‘La ilaha illallah’ but
they are kufaar (disbeliever’s), not Muslims. This is because they say ‘La
ilaha illallah’ from their tongues but the actions they perform are not in
consistence with what they say. Subsequently, Muslims must learn from their
mistakes and understand without any doubts in their mind the meaning of ‘La
ilaha illallah’ and its implications, to ensure that they do not fall into the
same error.
It is very important to know how to implement ‘La ilaha
illallah’ in every aspect of our lives. In order to do this, we must find out
how the Sahabahs (companions of the Prophet (صلى
الله عليه و
سلم))
understood the meaning of ‘La ilaha illallah’ from the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله
عليه و سلم). This is because when the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله
عليه و سلم) called people to ‘Tawheed’- the Oneness of Allah (عز و جل), for the first time they were amazed to find someone telling
them that their ilahs (deities of worship) and idols were to become one ilah
(Allah). People told him that the Arabs and even the non-Arabs would fight
against him as a result of the Message he was conveying to them. This
highlights that even the mushrikeen of that time knew how serious the meaning
of ‘La ilaha illallah’ was and the consequences it would bring for the
Messenger of Allah (صلى
الله عليه و
سلم), and
for themselves if they were to accept it.
Before the Prophet (صلى
الله عليه و
سلم) was
given the Message of Islam he was known as As-Saadiq (the truthful) and
Al-Ameen (the trustworthy), as well as being known for his kindness and good
nature. However, once he began to propagate the Message of ‘La ilaha illallah’
he was ridiculed and treated as an outcast - along with anyone who dared
acknowledge his call. They were tortured, persecuted and some of his companions
were even killed.
Bilal (رضي
الله عنه) and Yassir (رضي
الله عنه) and his family are excellent examples in showing how the early
Muslims were strong with their belief in Allah(عز
و جل) and
how the kuffar put them through torments of all kinds in order to keep them
away from Islam.
The real reason for which the people of Quraish did this to
the early Muslims was because if they believed or even tolerated the Message of
‘La ilaha illallah’ then it would mean that all the benefits they were
receiving from their false religions would diminish, their high position in
society would collapse and the leaders would have to act according to the Will
of Allah (عز و جل). As a result ‘La ilaha illallah’ was a
direct threat to the society and its people.
The Shahadah
“Ashhadu Allah ilaha illallah Wa Ashhadu ana Muhammad ar RasoolAllah”
Shahadah is the Confession of a Muslim and the first pillar of Islam. It is to say: “Ashhadu Allah ilaha illallah Wa Ashhadu ana Muhammad ar RasoolAllah”, which means, “I bear witness and testify there is no ilah (deity worthy of worship) but Allah and I testify that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah”, also in short it is usually said as ‘La ilaha illallah, Muhammad ar RasoolAllah’.
It is a fact that most of mankind, who embrace Islam are so called Muslims who do not infact understand the actual meaning of this first principle of Islam. Therefore, it is essential to explain and discuss its meaning in great detail. The Shahadah in reality is a three dimensional matter. After testifying and professing the Shahadah, it requires from the Muslim three different actions. One is just simply pronouncing it from the tongue, which is a direct result of belief in the heart and finally implementing it in ones actions. Details are as follows;
1: Declaration of the tongue
It is essential and compulsory to declare the Shahadah with your tongue in order to enter or accept Islam. We are aware of this from the statement of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) to his uncle Abu Talib at the time of the latter's death (reported in ahadeeth):
“O uncle, if you declare it (Shahadah), then I shall be able to argue on your behalf before Allah, on the Day of Resurrection.” [Reported in Al-Bukhari]
Similarly, when Abu Dharr Al-Ghifari (رضي الله عنه) embraced Islam, he went to Al-Masjid-al-Haram and he announced the Shahadah loudly in front of the Quraish infidels, until he was beaten severely.
2: Confirmation of the heart
Confirmation of the heart means that you pledge a covenant with Allah (عز و جل), the Creator and Ruler of all that exists based upon the following four conditions:
1. Confess with your heart that the Creator (of everything) is Allah (عز و جل). Say: "I testify that the creator of all the Universe including the stars, the planets, the sun, the moon, the heavens, the earth with all its known and unknown forms of life, is Allah (عز و جل). He is the Organizer and Planner of all its affairs. It is He who gives life and death, and He (Alone) is the Sustainer, and the Giver of security." This is your confession for the "Oneness of the Lordship of Allah (عز و جل)"- also known as Tawheed ar Ruboobiyyah.
2. Confess with your heart and say: "I testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah (عز و جل) Alone”. The word ‘worship’(Ibadah) carries a great number of meanings in the Arabic language. It highlights that all kinds of worship are meant for Allah (عز و جل) Alone (and no one else, be it an angel, Messengers, Prophet Isa, Prophet Muhammad, a Saint, idol, the sun, the moon or any other false deity). You must pray to Allah (عز و جل) Alone, invoke none but Allah (عز و جل), swear by none but Allah (عز و جل), offer an animal as sacrifice to none but Allah (عز و جل) etc. This is your confession for the "Oneness of the worship of Allah (عز و جل)”- also termed as Tawheed al ibadah (Uloohiyyah). Thus mankind must worship none but Allah (عز و جل) Alone.
3. Confess with your heart and say: "O Allah! I testify that all the best of names and attributes with which You have named and described Yourself with, in Your Book (The Quran) or Your Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم) has named You with in his statements are for you Alone, without changing their meaning in any way or likening them (giving resemblance) to your creation." This confirms two Hands for Allah (عز و جل), but there is no similarity for them within His creation (i.e. not like our hands). This is your confession for the “Oneness of the Names and Attributes of Allah (عز و جل)”- also termed as Tawheed al Asma-was-Siffat.
4. Confess with your heart and say: "O Allah (عز و جل) I testify that Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم) is Your Prophet.” This means that none has the right to be followed after Allah (عز و جل) except Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم) and he is the last Prophet of Allah (عز و جل) to mankind
3: Implementation with the limbs
Once we have declared the Shahadah from our tongue and have confirmed it in our heart it is then vital that we implement it with our actions. Therefore we should avoid committing the acts of shirk and kufr, such as:
1- Mocking any aspect of Islam.
2- Seeking man-made legislation.
3- To legislate law that is not from what Allah has revealed (Quran and Sunnah).
4- To establish Islam within our life by performing the required acts of worship with our limbs described in the Quran and Sunnah known as Amlay Salayhat. Allah (عز و جل) mentions belief alongside good actions in many verses of the Quran.
Conclusion to the above:
Hence, by proclaiming ‘La ilaha illallah” with ones heart and tongue a person enters the fold of Islam. However the next stage is to establish Islam in your lives by performing the required acts of worship with your limbs, as described within the Quran and the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم)’s Sunnah. Once a person has declared his Shahadah, he then needs to act upon the five main principles of Islam which have been narrated by Ibn Umar (رضي الله عنه), that Allah's Messenger (صلى الله عليه و سلم) said:
“Islam is based on the following five (principles): 1. Shahadah, 2. Perform As-Salat, 3. To pay Zakat, 4. To perform Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah), 5. To observe Saum (Fast) during the month of Ramadan, [and you must also believe in the six articles of Faith], i.e. to believe in: (1) Allah, (2) His angels, (3) His Messengers, (4) His revealed Books, (5) Day of Resurrection, (6)Al-Qadar (Divine Preordainment's i.e. whatever Allah has ordained must come to pass).” [Reported by Al-Bukhari]
The Importance of ‘La ilaha illallah’
The importance of explaining all this was so that we could
understand the basic concept of Islam, or one can say the real base (foundation)
of Islam. We can see that there seems to be a big difference between the ‘La
ilaha illallah’ people say today than that of the one understood by the
Messenger of Allah (صلى
الله عليه و
سلم) and his
companions. Nowadays people proclaim ‘La ilaha illallah’ if they are going to
get a mosque built out of it or get some other worldly benefit, but they would
not say it if they were in fear of losing their job, wealth or status.
For this reason we must measure the strength of our faith in
‘La ilaha illallah’ on the ‘Mizan Al-Aqeedah’ (the scale of Belief). This scale
has been established by the Messenger of Allah (صلى
الله عليه و
سلم) with
his teachings. We should apply the scale of Aqeedah to ourselves, our families,
our scholars and anyone who makes a claim for Islam, just like the Prophet (صلى الله
عليه و سلم)’s companions did in their lives. Many Muslims nowadays are
claiming that there is no need to differentiate ourselves from the kaafirs
(Jews and Christians). However Allah (عز
و جل) has
told us in the Qur’an:
“Never
will the Jews nor the Christians be pleased with you (O Muhammad) till you follow their Milat (religion/society). Say: Verily, the
Guidance of Allah (Islamic Monotheism) that is the (only) Guidance. And if you (O Muhammad) were to follow their (Jews and
Christians) desires after what you have received of
Knowledge (the Quran),
then you would have against Allah neither any wali (protector/guardian) nor
any helper.” [Al-Baqarah 2:120]
This shows us that if we are happy to associate ourselves with the
Kuffaar (disbelievers) then Islam (real Islam) must have slipped out of our
hands, for we can never live with them in harmony until they follow Islam. The
Prophet (صلى
الله عليه و
سلم) has
told us:
“I am commanded to fight against those people who do not say ‘La ilaha illallah’. If they say ‘La ilaha illallah’, their life and property will be safe and their affairs will lie with Allah.” [Reported by Al-Bukhari]
As a result we now see people (so called Muslims) leading secular
lives. Islam is limited to the mosque and if anyone decides to establish it in
their lives they are labelled as an extremist or fundamentalist. This
highlights exactly how ignorant and Jahil people have become towards Islam, for
they vow that they will attain paradise by just calling themselves Muslims, but
are not prepared to strive for Islam in any way whatsoever. This is the reason
why it is extremely important to understand ‘La ilaha illallah’ as the
Messenger of Allah (صلى
الله عليه و
سلم)
portrayed it and in the way his companions understood it.
The following are Ahadeeth emphasising the importance of the Shahadah:
Hadith One:
Itban (رضي
الله عنه) narrated that the Prophet (صلى
الله عليه و
سلم) said:
“Indeed Allah has forbidden for Hell the person who testifies: ‘La ilaha illallah’- there is no ilah (deity worthy of worship) but Allah, seeking thereby nothing but Allah (عز و جل)’s face (pleasure).”
[Reported by Bukhari and Muslim]
Hadith Two:
Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri (رضي
الله عنه) narrated that Nabi (صلى
الله عليه و
سلم) said:
“Musa (aalaisalam) said: ‘O my Rabb, teach me something through which I can remember you and supplicate to you.’ Allah (عز و جل) answered: ‘Say, O Musa, ‘La ilaha illallah’. Musa said: O my Rabb, all your worshippers say these words’. Allah (عز و جل) said: O Musa, if the seven heavens and all they contain (other than Me) and the seven earth’s as well, were all put one side of a scale and ‘La ilaha illallah’ put on the other- the latter would overweigh them.”
[Reported by ibn Hibban and Al-Hakim declared it Sahih]
Hadith Three:
It is reported that the Prophet of Allah (صلى
الله عليه و
سلم) said:
“He who professed ‘La ilaha illallah’ that there is no ilah (deity worthy of worship) but Allah and made denial of everything which the people worship besides Allah, his property and blood become haram and his affair rests with Allah.”
[Reported by Muslim]
Hadith Four:
Uthman (رضي
الله عنه) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله
عليه و سلم) said:
“He who dies knowing ‘La ilaha illallah’ that there is no ilah (deity worthy of worship) except Allah, shall enter Al-Jannah (Paradise).”
[Reported by Muslim]
Hadith Five:
Narrated Ubadah bin As-Samit (رضي
الله عنه) that Nabi (صلى
الله عليه و
سلم) said:
“Whoever testifies ‘la ilaha illallah’ that there is no ilah (deity worthy of worship) except Allah, who is without partner, and that Muhammad is His worshipper and a Prophet, and that Isa is the worshipper of Allah and his Prophet, and His word which He bestowed in Maryam and a spirit (created) from Him, and that Paradise and Hellfire are realities, Allah will admit him into Paradise, whatever his deeds might be.”
[Reported by Al-Bukhari]
The companions of the Prophet (صلى
الله عليه و
سلم)
maintained Islam throughout their lives- be it in acts of worship, in their
character or even in how to perform a ghusl (bath) according to the Sunnah.
Nevertheless, they were still worried incase they were to be punished for a sin
they were unaware of.
Nowadays, even though we have the same Quran and Sunnah of the Prophet (صلى الله
عليه و سلم), people do not understand how important it is to pass the test
in this temporary life, with the best possible marks- in order to secure an eternal
place in paradise.
Differences in saying ‘La ilaha illallah’
If we look at the history of Islam it is obvious that there
is no comparison between the ‘La ilaha illallah’ said and understood today to
the one at the time of the Prophet (صلى
الله عليه و
سلم).
Nowadays people want ‘La ilaha illallah’ to suit their needs but do not want to
discuss or acknowledge its real meaning. The real sacrifices attached to the
conditions of ‘La ilaha illallah’ have been totally forgotten and people just
want to talk, enjoy and relax. The general masses of Muslims are also fooling
themselves with the false belief that as long as they stick to the statement of
‘La ilaha illallah’ they will be guaranteed paradise and will never go to the
hell-fire and many other such ridiculous beliefs. They are trying to achieve
paradise by enjoying the duniya and by pleasing the kuffar.
Now that we know how important it is to understand the real
meaning of ‘La ilaha illallah’ we will now analyse it in further detail within
the next section.
Fundamentals of ‘La ilaha illallah’
In the Arabic language ‘La ilaha illallah’ is made up of two
sets of words, the first one being ‘La ilaha’ and the second one ‘illallah’.
The first part of the Shahadah requires negation and rejection (nafi). The
second part requires affirmation or acceptance (ithbaat) for you must reject
every false ilah (deity of worship) before accepting the One and Only True ilah
- Allah.
So what are the obligations of ‘La ilaha illallah’ - what do
we have to reject in order to accept Allah (عز
و جل) as our
One and Only Lord?
There are four main things, which we must reject for ‘La
ilaha illallah’ to be accepted from us. These consist of the following:
Aaliha, Arbab, Andad and Taghoot.
1)
Aaliha
Aaliha is the plural form of the word ilah and ilah is the
name given to any object of worship. For instance the worship of an idol such
as Hubal (worshipped by the people of Quraish at the time of the Prophet (صلى الله
عليه و سلم)), the worship of a grave as we see today in the Asian
sub-continent and other parts of the world, a Saint and also one’s internal
desires can also be described as an ilah. For Allah (عز
و جل) to be
worshiped alone, all other ilah must be rejected. Regarding this Allah (عز و جل) said in the Quran:
“…Do you verily, bear witness that besides Allah there
are other Aaliha? Say: “I do not bear (such) witness!” Say:
“Indeed He (Allah) is the only one ilah. And truly, I am innocent
of what you join in worship with Him.” [Al-Anam 6:19]
And:
“… And do not make with Allah any other ilah lest
you would be sitting, blameworthy and helpless (not worthy of getting help from
Allah’s Mercy).” [Al-Isra 17:22]
And:
“And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him.” [Al-Isra 17:23]
And:
“And your ilah is one ilah (Allah), la
ilaha illa Huwa (there is no ilah except for Him), the most Gracious,
the Most Merciful.” [Al-Baqarah 2:163]
Also:
> 
“Worship Allah and join nothing with Him”. [An-Nisa
4:36]
2)
Arbab
Arbab is the plural of Rab, which means Lord. Arbab and
Aaliha are both inter-related, therefore if there is Arbab then there is
Aaliha. For example, if anyone says he is Al-Qaadi (The judge), Al-Hakam (The
legislator), Al-Wakeel (The disposer of affairs) or claims to give life and
death then he can be classified as a Rab because he has taken an attribute
which is specific for Allah (عز و
جل) Alone. Allah (عز و جل) says in the Qur'an:
“They (Jews and Christians) took their scholars
and their monks to be their Arbab (lords) besides Allah (by obeying
them in things which they made lawful or unlawful according to their own
desires without being ordered by Allah).” [At-Tauba 9:31]
“Say, ‘O people of the book (Christian and Jews) come to that point which is common between us and you (on which both of us
agree) that we do not worship anyone but Allah and that we do not ascribe
partner with Him and that we (none of us) take (make) anyone (among
us) our Arbab with/beside Allah.” [Al-Imran 3:64]
The above Ayat explain that the scholars among the people of
the book were legislating according to their desires and were trying to take
attributes that solely belong to Allah (عز
و جل).The
Jews and the Christians took their scholars and monks as their Arbab by obeying
them, thus worshipping them besides Allah (عز
و جل).
Other examples of Arbab include: if a person asks a peer or
saint to make dua to have a child or get better from an illness expecting his
dua to give shifa (cure) without expecting the shifa to come from Allah (عز و جل) then he has taken another Rab alongside Allah (عز و جل). Only Allah (عز و
جل) should be
asked and dua (prayer) should only be directed to Allah (عز و جل) for a child cannot be conceived without the permission of
Allah (عز و جل), nor can an illness be cured without the
permission and help of Allah as Allah (عز
و جل) says:
“It is He who
created you from one person (Adam) and (then) He has created from
him his wife (Hawa), in order that he might enjoy the pleasure of living
with her. When he had sexual relation with her,
she became pregnant and she carried it about lightly. Then when it became
heavy, they both invoked Allah their Lord (saying): “If you give us a
Salih (good) child, we shall indeed be among the
grateful.” But when He gave them a Salih child, they ascribed partners to Him (Allah) in that which He has given to them. High be Allah, Exalted above all that they
ascribe as partners to Him.” [Al-A’raf 7:189-190]
Also Allah (عز و
جل) says:
“Surely, the religion (the worship and the obedience) is for Allah only. And those who
take Awliya (protectors/helpers) besides Him (say): “We worship
them only that they may bring us near to Allah.” Verily, Allah will judge
between them concerning that wherein they differ. Truly, Allah guides not him
who is a liar, and a disbeliever.” [Az-Zumar 39:3]
Also if you go to a court for judgement in any country where
judging is done using man made laws and they judge you in your dispute using
Kuffar (man-made) laws rather than what Allah (عز
و جل) has
revealed (Shari’ah- Islamic Law) then you have given the power to others to
legislate besides Allah (عز و
جل). Hence you
have taken them as your Rab by ascribing to them an act which is specific to
Allah (عز و جل) alone. All kinds of Arbab should be
rejected for Allah to be worshipped Alone. He (عز
و جل) says:
“And that you judge between them with that which has
been sent down by Allah.” [Al-Maidah 5:49]
Allah (عز و
جل) also says:
“…And whosoever does not judge by
what Allah has revealed, such are the Kafiroon (disbelievers).” [Al-Maidah 5:44]
3)
Andad
Andad means ‘equal to’ or more specifically ‘something made
equal to Allah (عز و جل)’. This could be in any form such as ones
wealth, family, community, leadership, etc. For example if Allah (عز و جل) has ordered us to do something (i.e. in the Qur'an or the
Sunnah) but instead of obeying His order you obey your father’s, mother’s, or
leader’s order which contradicts Islam, then you have made a partner with Allah
(عز و جل) because you have rejected Allah (عز و جل)’s command for this persons. Allah (عز
و جل) says:
“…Then do not set up Andada (rivals) unto Allah (in
worship) and you know.” [Al-Baqarah 2:22]
To love something is natural but if you love this thing more
or equal to your love for Allah (عز
و جل) then
it becomes a partner which you worship alongside Allah (عز و جل). For He has told us in the Qur'an:
“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 Allah and His Messenger, and Jihad in His
cause then wait until Allah brings about His Decision (torment). And Allah
guides not the people who are Al-Fasiqoon.” [At-Tauba 9:24]
Allah (عز و
جل) also says:
“And of mankind are some who take others beside Allah as Andaadan (rivals). They love them as they should love Allah. But those who believe, love
Allah more (with highest sincerity). If, those who did wrong could see,
when they will see the torment, that all power is for Allah collectively and
that Allah is severe in punishment.” [Al-Baqarah 2:165]
Love for all things must come after our love for Allah (عز و جل) and then for His Messenger (صلى
الله عليه و
سلم). All
types of Andad must be rejected for Allah (عز
و جل) to be
worshipped Alone.
4)
Taghoot
Introduction and Meanings of the word Taghoot:
The arabic word ‘Taghoot’ has been derived from the root
word ‘Tagha’. Its literal meaning is ‘to exceed the bounds or limits’.
In general the word Taghoot covers a wide range of meanings. From the Shari’ah
point of view Taghoot is a very specific form of transgression (tagha). It is
anyone who ascribes to himself any of the rights, attributes, actions of Allah (عز و جل) such as creation, provision, legislation - therefore making
himself a partner alongside Allah. Allah has used this word in various places
(Ayat) in the Quran to describe various types of transgression – general and
specific.
It is very important to understand what Taghoot is in order
to reject it, for if one does not know its meaning then how would he keep
himself away from it. So, once you know the meaning you must reject it.
Taghoot is such an individual who could be an
army officer, police officer, an advocate or a legislator, a judge, politician,
religious scholar, chief executive, supreme commander, minister, king,
president, prime minister or in short any authority which is appointed, elected
or designated to enforce laws or rules other than those ordained for us by Allah
(عز و جل) in the Quran and Sunnah.
Taghoot can also be a group(s) (Tawagheet) whether religious, political, social or in the form of international
institutions such as UN and IMF. These Tawagheet hold no value for Allah (عز و جل)’s order and if they do outwardly then it will only be in
selective matters according to the satisfaction of their own desires.
Therefore, if an individual or group rejects, ignores or
defies the constitution/law/rules given by The Creator (Allah),
and put themselve as the supreme authority by implementing constitution/law/rules other then Quran and Sunnah then they become ‘Taghoot’.
In fact a Taghoot is such a transgressor that he practically
places himself parallel to his Creator, Allah (عز
و جل) - the
most High. The power and success given to him by Allah (عز و جل) is nothing but merely a trap to lead him to Hellfire due to
his aggressive and transgressing attitude towards the boundaries defined and
set by Allah (عز و جل).
Also people who do not reject the Taghoot but instead give
him support or allegiance are referred to as being the ‘worshippers of
Taghoot’. This is explained in detail further in this chapter. One can either
be a worshipper of Allah or a worshipper of Taghoot. Those people who worship
the One and Only True Lord – Allah (عز
و جل), will
certainly inherit the paradise after death and the ones who worship the Taghoot
will definitely enter the Hell fire for ever.
Characteristics of
‘Taghoot’ and how to recognise it in the light of the Quran:
The character of Fir’aun highlights the height of his Tagha
(transgression), for Allah (عز و
جل) says:
“Go to Fir’aun, For sure he has
done Tagha (transgressed).” [Ta-Ha
20:24]
The following Ayat of the Quran define how to recognise a
Taghoot:
Who causes trouble:
The one who aggressively forces people to follow laws or
rules other than Allah’s, as in the case of Fir’aun:
“And (with) Fir'aun, who had pegs (who used to torture men by binding them to pegs)?
Who did transgress beyond bounds in the lands (in the disobedience of
Allah). And made therein much mischief.” [Al-Fajr 89:10-12]
Who misleads people:
Example of Fir’aun is again shown to us who misled his
people as Allah (عز و جل) says:
“And Fir’aun misled his people and never guided (to
right).” [Taha 20:79]
Who takes people as
captives and then ridicules them:
As Fir’aun did with Children of Israel:
“(Musa replied to Fir’aun) And those favours (for which
you want me to be grateful to you) you are reminding me about, (it was
because) you cruelly took children of Israel captive, ridicule them (compelled/forced
them to follow you).” [Ash-Shu’ara 26:22]
Who rejects and negates
the One and Only True Rab (Lord) – Allah, and claims himself to be the
Lord:
Fir’aun transgressed to the height of tagha by claiming
himself as ‘The Highest Rub’:
“Thus/then declared (Fir’aun): ‘I am your Rab (lord) the most high’.” [An-Naziat 79:24]
Who claims to be an ilah
- other than Allah:
This is the most aggressive transgression when someone
claims to be ilah besides Allah, meaning he should be obeyed unconditionally
rather worshipped, this is the height of kufr rejecting/negating Allah in
totality and placing himself in place of Allah as again the example of Fir’aun
is given to us by Allah:
“(Fir’aun) Announced with command: ‘If you take
any one as ilah (worship/obey any one) other than me (then) definitely I will put you with/among prisoners’.” [Ash-Shu’ara 26:29]
Who judges among people
with Laws and Rules other than those revealed by Allah:
Judging between people is ibadah (worship) as Allah says:
“Mankind
were one community and Allah sent Prophets with glad tidings and warnings, and with
them He sent the book in truth to judge between people in matters wherein they
differed. And only those to whom (the
book) was given differed concerning it after clear proofs had come unto them
through hatred, one to another. Then Allah by His Leave guided those who
believed to the truth of that wherein they differed. And Allah guides whom He
wills to a Straight Path.” [Al-Baqarah 2:213]
And further it has been made very clear that:
“You worship nothing besides Him but only names which you
and your fathers have named - for which Allah has sent down no authority. The Hukm (legislation, judgement, command) is for none but Allah. He has
commanded that you worship none but Him; this is the (true) straight
religion, but most men know not.”[Yusuf 12:40]
A collection of Ayat in relation to ‘Taghoot’ from the Quran:
The word Taghoot has been mentioned in many different ayat
in the Quran and in this section I have listed all the Ayat which contain the
word Taghoot in them. Allah (عز و
جل) says in the
Quran regarding Taghoot:
“There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the right
path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever rejects Taghoot and believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that
will never break. And Allah is All-Hearer All-Knower.” [Al-Baqarah 2:256]
And:
“Allah is the Wali (Protector or Guardian) of
those who believe. He brings them out from darkness into the light. But as for
those who disbelieve, their Awliya (supporters and helpers) are Taghoot,
they bring them out from the light into darkness. Those are the dwellers of the
fire, they will abide therein forever.” [Al-Baqarah 2:257]
And:
“And verily, we have sent among every Ummah (nation) a Messenger (proclaiming), “Worship Allah and refrain from Taghoot…” [An-Nahl 16:36]
And:
“Have you seen those who claim that they believe in that
which has been sent down to you, and that which was sent down before you, and
they wish to go for judgement (in their disputes) to the Taghoot while they have been ordered to reject them. But shaitan wishes to lead them
far astray.” [An-Nisa 4:60]
And:
“Those who refrained from At-Taghoot for
not worshipping them and turn to Allah (in repentance), for them are glad
tidings; so give the good news to My worshippers.” [Az-Zumar 39:17]
Also:
“Those who believe, fight in the path of Allah, and those
who disbelieve fight in the path of Taghoot.” [An-Nisa 4:76]
And:
“Have you not seen those who were given a portion of the
scripture? They believe in Al-Jibt and At-Taghoot and say
to the disbelievers that they are better guided as regards the way than the
believers (Muslims).” [An-Nisa 4:51]
Also:
“Say (O Muhammad to the people of the scripture):
“Shall I inform you of something worse than that, regarding the recompense from
Allah: those (Jews) who incurred the Curse of Allah and His wrath, those of
whom (some) He transformed into monkeys and swine, those who worshipped At-Taghoot;
such are worse in rank (on the day of Resurrection in the Hell-fire).” [Al-Maidah 5:60]
An explanation of the Ayat mentioned above:
In the above ayat, Allah (عز
و جل) has
defined the straight path which would lead one to paradise. This straight path
is to reject the Taghoot (in totality) before ‘La ilaha illallah’ can be
accepted. In other words before you can say ‘I submit to or believe in Allah’
(illallah) you must reject and disbelieve in the Taghoot (La ilaha).
If a person says ‘La ilaha illallah’ and he has not yet
rejected the Taghoot, then he is going against the ayah mentioned above: “Whoever
rejects Taghoot and believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy
handhold that will never break.” In this Ayah, Allah (عز و جل) has used the Arabic word ‘Astamsaka’ instead of ‘Masaka’.
‘Masaka’ in Arabic means to hold something with or in one hand.
However in this ayah ‘Astamsaka’ is symbolically used, and
means ‘to hold something with both hands’ or ‘to get a tight grip of something
with both hands so that no hand is left free to hold any other thing’. To make
it simpler, if we say that you are holding something in your right hand then it
must mean that your left hand is empty, so you can hold another object in your
left hand. In the same way if we say that someone is holding ‘La ilaha
illallah’ in one hand and Taghoot in the other hand then his belief (iman) is
not correct and he is still outside the fold of Islam.
This is why Allah (عز
و جل) used
the word ‘Astamsaka’ in the above ayah to make it clear to us that we have to
hold ‘La ilaha illallah’ with both our hands and not with just one hand. Thus,
we must do what Allah (عز و
جل) has told us- “Reject
the Taghoot and hold ‘Urwatil wusqa’ (a strong handhold) with both our hands.”
The plural of Taghoot is ‘Tawagheet’. There are many
different types of Tawagheet but the main among them are the following:
1) The governments, politicians, ministers, rulers,
kings, queens, judges, army generals, religious scholars and other such tyrants
who take Allah (عز و جل)’s right of Legislation, command and
judgement. These tyrants create their own laws, legislations, rules and change
the Laws of Allah (Shariah). The evidence is the saying of Allah (عز و جل):
“You worship nothing besides Him but only names which you
have named- by you and your fathers- for which Allah has sent down no
authority. The Hukm (legislation, judgement, command) is for none
but Allah. He has commanded that you worship none but Him; this is the (true) straight religion, but most men know not.” [Yusuf 12:40]
And:
“Indeed your Lord is Allah, who created the skies and the
earth in six days, and then rose over (Istawa) the Throne. He brings the
night as a cover over the day, which covers rapidly, and (He created) the sun, the moon, the stars who are performing according to His Amr (command).
Is it not He, who creates and commands. Blessed is Allah, the Lord of Alamin.” [Al-A’raf
7:54]
Also:
“Have you seen those (hypocrites) who claim that
they believe in that which has been sent down to you, and that which was sent
down before you, and they wish to go for judgement (in their disputes) to the Taghoot (false judges) while they have been ordered to
reject them. But shaytan (satan) wishes to lead them far astray.” [An-Nisa, 4:60]
2) A person who is worshipped and pleased with it and
commands people to take him as an ‘ilah’ is also a Taghoot. The proof is the
saying of Allah (عز و جل) in the Qur'an:
“And if any of them should say: ‘Verily I am an ilah
besides Him (Allah),’ such a one We should recompense with Hell. Thus We
recompense the Zalimoon (wrong-doers and Polytheists).” [Al-Anbiya
21:29]
Also as Allah (عز
و جل) tells
us what Fir’aun commanded his people:
“Fir’aun said: ‘If you take anyone as an ilah (the
one who is worshipped) other than me, for sure I will put you among the
prisoners.” [Ash-Shu’ara 26:29]
In conclusion to the above it is essential to understand
that a person cannot be a Muslim or a true believer unless he makes Kufr
(rejects, denies and condemns) of the Taghoot. The evidence for this is the
saying of the Most High, Allah:
“There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the right
path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever rejects Taghoot and
believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will
never break. And Allah is All-Hearer All-Knower.” [Al-Baqarah 2:256]
Once a person rejects the Taghoot, it is only then that he
has believed in Allah and enjoys the support and protection of Allah as a
Muslim and a Momin as Allah (عز و
جل) says:
“Allah is the Wali (Protector/Guardian) of those
who believe (after rejecting the Taghoot)…” [Al-Baqarah 2:257]
‘Further explanation of the terms related to Taghoot from the Quran: Tagha, Tagheen and
Taghoon’
A question may arise whether every Kafir (disbeliever) and
mushrik (polytheist) is a Taghoot or not?
The answer to this is No! Each kafir or mushrik does of
course involve in tagha (transgresses, sins) but falls into the category of
Tagheen or is a worshipper of Taghoot, whereas Taghoot is among tagheen, and
Allah had ordered us to reject the Taghoot. So not everyone who makes tagha
becomes Taghoot. The word “Tagha” is an Arabic word from the Quran and means
‘to cross the limits/boundary or ‘Transgress‘(it has already been explained
above in the chapter). Allah (عز و
جل) says:
“Then, for him who tagha (transgressed all bounds in disbelief, oppression and evil
deeds of disobedience to Allah). And preferred the life of this world (by
following his evil desires and lusts), verily, his abode will be Hell-fire;
But as for him who feared standing before his lord, and restrained himself from
Hawa (impure evil desires and lusts). Verily, paradise will be
his abode”. [An-Naziat 79:37-41]
Each Kafir (disbeliever) or Mushrik (polytheist) does tagha
(crosses the limits/boundary or transgresses); all such kafirs and mushriks
that make tagha have been termed as Tagheen and Taghoon, whose final abode will
be the HELL (of course including Taghoot).
In the Quran, ‘tagheen, taghoon and taghoot’ have been
mentioned by Allah (عز و
جل) in different
Ayat (derived from the same root word ‘tagha’) and different rulings apply to
each. For example, we are not told to reject all the people who make tagha, but
Allah only ordered us to reject the Taghoot. With people who generally make
tagha, are only transgressors and we have to analyse as to how and where to
draw the line between these transgressors and us which has also been clearly
defined in Quran and Sunnah. But from the ayat it is clearly evident that all
taghoot, tagheen and taghoon will be in the hellfire.
To further clarify this point, the one who
practices ‘at-Tughyaan’ (the verb which derives from the root ‘tagha’) is not
necessarily a Taghoot, for the Taghoot is only the one who does this in a way
that makes him a partner with Allah (عز
و جل). This is because the word Taghoot is a specific word that the wahi
associated with the a’qeedah, whereas ‘tagha’ is its verbal root. The plural
form of those who practice ‘at-Tughyaan’ are ‘tagheen’ or ‘taghoon’ and this
is general which could mean the excess or transgression which amounts to sin
(ithm) and it could reach the level of kufr, shirk and nifaaq. But as for the
word ‘tagha’ in the Quran, then it does not
necessarily always mean the transgression that reaches the level of shirk. The
one who does this excess to the level of shirk may be described as mushrik and he is also from the tagheen.
As for the ‘Taghoot’ (and in the plural
‘tawagheet’), this is not the one who does shirk from the side of the aa’bid (worshipper), but rather, the ‘Taghoot’ is the one
who does shirk from the side of the ma’bood (the one worshipped). From this we
see that all Tawagheet are Tagheen but not all Tagheen are Tawagheet. The
i’baadAllah are ‘the worshippers of Allah (عز
و جل)’ while Allah (عز
و جل) is al Ma’bood (i.e. the one who is worshipped).
The Mushrik is the one who makes shirk with
Allah (عز و جل) while the Taghoot is the
object of that shirk. In simple terms, Mushrikeen worship the Taghoot.
Therefore, whoever is recognizing Taghoot as being
legitimate, obeying him, or seeking his judgment then this person is of the
Tagheen (transgressors) and mushrikeen (associationists) although he himself is
not referred to as being the ‘Taghoot’ but simly a Mushrik or a Kafir. Below
are few ayat that clarify this point for us on the subject.
What Allah (عز و جل) has stated about
Tagheen/Taghoon:
A) Turn away from Tagheen / Taghoon:
“Have they (the people of the past) transmitted this saying to these (Quraish pagans)? Nay, they are
themselves a Taghoon (Nation/people transgressing beyond bounds in
disbelief)! So turn away (O Muhammad) from them (Quraish pagans) you are not to be blamed (as you have conveyed Allah's Message).” [Az-Zariyat
51:53-54]
B) Hell is the final place of Tagheen / Taghoon:
“This is so! And for the Tagheen,
will be an evil final return (Fire).
‘HELL’ Where they will burn, and worst (indeed) is the place to rest!” [Sad 38:55-56]
Commands of Allah to the believers (Muslimeen) about Taghoot:
(i) Rejection of Taghoot
is a condition of iman:
“And for sure they (believers)
have been commanded that they must reject them (Taghoot)…” [An-Nisa 4:60]
And:
“There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the right
path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever rejects Taghoot and
believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will
never break. And Allah is All-Hearer All-Knower.” [Al-Baqarah 2:256]
(ii) Refrain from Taghoot
by not worshipping them:
“Those who refrained from At-Taghoot for not
worshipping them (save themselves from their judgment and etc) and turn
to Allah (in repentance), for them are glad tidings; so give the good
news to My i’bad (worshippers).” [Az-Zumar 39:17]
And:
“And verily, we have sent among every Ummah a Messenger (proclaiming) “Worship Allah (Alone) and refrain from Taghoot…” [An-Nahl
16:36]
(iii) Stay within the boundaries of Islam and do not transgress:
“So O (Muhammad) stick to (stay firmly) the
command that has been given to you and those (too stay firmly) who
repented with you and do not transgress (from the boundaries/limits given
by Allah)!! For sure all what you do is in His vision.” [Hud 11:112]
Taghoot and Judgement (Tahakum):
Ever since the beginning of creation, the matter of
Judgement has inevitably affected all of mankind. Sometimes this was directly -
as for a personal ruling, but most often indirectly - for when the ruling is
applied to a whole community. In order for us all to live peacefully amongst
each other it is necessary to abide by certain laws and regulations so that the
society can be a firm and stable environment.
Nowadays, it is widely acceptable to be summoned to the
courts or appeal to them for a decision regarding a particular matter, and this
ruling could even take place privately between two conflicting parties. New
laws and regulations are constantly being made, however we often see that they
need regular modification in order to suit the requirements of a society of a
particular time and age. There are people allocated specifically to perform
these tasks within local, national or international governments but still there
are problems and sometimes to such an extent that the two governing councils
need an external governing body judging between their disputes!
When we buy a machine from a shop and try to use it without
reading the user manual it is most likely that we will end up breaking it if
not also inflicting harm upon ourselves and others. On the other hand if we
read the manual provided by the one who produced the machine we will obviously
benefit from the product safely and more efficiently.
Likewise, who knows what is good for us better than the one
who created us?
It is Allah (عز و جل) who sent His Prophets with clear
instructions to teach mankind and show them how to solve their disputes for He (عز و جل) is the Creator of all things and
only He knows the best way for us to function. Allah (عز و جل) says in the Quran:
“Verily, We did send down the
Taurat (to Musa), therein was guidance
and light, by which the Prophets, who submitted themselves to Allah's Will,
judged the Jews.” [Al-Maidah 5:44]
And:
“Mankind
were one community and Allah sent Prophets with glad tidings and warnings, and
with them He sent the book in truth to judge between people in matters wherein
they differed. And only those to whom (the
book) was given differed concerning it after clear proofs had come unto them
through hatred, one to another. Then Allah by His Leave guided those who
believed to the truth of that wherein they differed. And Allah guides whom He
wills to a Straight Path.” [Al-Baqarah 2:213]
The subject of judgement is
directly related to ibadah (worship) and it is extremely important for us to
understand it clearly in order to avoid any form of shirk with Allah (عز و جل) in this issue. Allah (عز و جل) has given us clear guide lines and
instructions in the matter of judgement for He (عز و جل) says:
“You worship nothing besides Him but only names which you
have named- by you and your fathers- for which Allah has sent down no
authority. The Hukm (legislation, judgement, command) is for none but Allah. He has commanded that you worship none but
Him; this is the (true) straight religion, but most men know not.” [Yusuf
12:40]
The ayah above makes it clear that
Allah (عز و جل) has ordered
mankind to ONLY judge using the Divine Laws which are given to us either in the
Quran or have been conveyed to us by His Prophet Muhammad (صلى
الله عليه و
سلم) in his Sunnah. This means
that we as the creation have no authority whatsoever from our Creator (Allah)
to make up our own laws according to what we desire. Allah (عز و جل) has revealed the Quran to Nabi (صلى
الله عليه و
سلم) and He (عز و جل) tells us that the Prophet (صلى
الله عليه و
سلم):
“Neither your companion (Muhammad) has lost his
way nor he is lost. Nor he does not utter anything from his hawa (desire).
It is nothing (what he speaks) but the wahi which has been sent down.” [An-Najm
53:2-4]
In the above ayah, the word hawa
or ahwa (desire) has been mentioned in opposition to the revelation (wahi).
So what does it mean not to follow the ahwa? Once we understand what this term
means we can then analyse it better in relation to the Taghoot - for Ahwa and
Taghoot are strongly connected.
Allah (عز و جل) sent His Prophets to show mankind
the straight way and how to worship Him (عز
و جل) correctly. Ahwa is mentioned in many Ayat in the Quran and
in its simplest form it is to follow ones own desires and leave or ignore the
wahi (revelation) which has been sent down by Allah (عز و جل). In other words to turn a blind eye
to what Allah (عز و
جل) has revealed (Quran and Sunnah) and implement ones own Philosophy, ideology, way/method, judgement, order, rule,
fatwa or system of life, and either replace
the Divine Laws with this or totally reject them is to follow ones desires. In
reality the one who does this, has no knowledge and only follows his Ahwa in
the temporary life of this world, as Allah (عز
و جل) says:
 
“And there are among them (group of) unlettered people, who know not the Book (have
knowledge), but they trust upon false desires and they but guess.” [Al-Baqarah
2:78]
Allah (عز و جل) has ordered all of mankind to submit
to the Divine Laws which have been revealed and not to follow their ahwa.
Anything that contradicts these laws will simply be rejected and the follower
will be destined to the hell-fire forever:
> 
“They
say: "Two kinds of magic (the Taurat
and the Qur'an) each helping the other!" And they say: "Verily! In
both we are disbelievers." Say (to them, O Muhammad): "Then
bring a Book from Allah, which is a better guide than these two (the Taurat
and the Qur'an), that I may follow it, if you are truthful." But if
they answer you not, then know that they only follow their own Ahwa (lusts/desires).
And who is more astray than one who follows his own lusts, without guidance
from Allah? Verily! Allah guides not the people who are Zalimoon (wrong-doers,
disobedient to Allah and polytheists).” [Al-Qasas 28:48-50]
From the people who follow their
own desires are the Taghoot. In general a Taghoot makes up his own laws in
accordance with his desires and by doing this he rejects or does not implement
the Laws given by the Creator – Allah (عز
و جل). In most cases, the Taghoot leaves no choice for the
people and if anyone rejects his laws by implementing and following the Divine
Laws then the person is either tortured in prisons or killed. As a result, the
Taghoot ultimately takes away a right which belongs solely to Allah (عز و جل).
However, Allah (عز و جل), has ordered all of mankind to
follow only one Law - the Quran and Sunnah, and reject the Taghoot in its
totality - which also includes not going to him for judgement. A Taghoot tries
to compete with Allah by making people follow his chosen laws for he claims to
be the well wisher of his nation or people, but Allah (عز و جل) has ordered all mankind:
 
“So
judge between them by what Allah has revealed, and follow not their Ahwa (vain desires), diverging away from the truth that has
come to you.” [Al-Maidah 5:48]
And:
“Have you seen those who claim
that they believe in that which has been sent down to you, and that which was
sent down before you, and they wish to go for judgement (in their disputes) to the Taghoot while
they have been ordered to reject them. But shaytan wishes to lead them far
astray.” [An-Nisa 4:60]
Allah (عز و جل) has explained to us in the Quran
that the previous Prophets (before Muhammad (صلى الله
عليه و سلم)) were also
sent Divine books to teach their people what was best for them. One such
Prophet was Musa (aalysalam), who was sent to the Jews and was given the Taurat
which contained the commandments to his nation from Allah (عز و جل). In the following ayah Allah (عز و جل) classifies the one who does not
judge by what He (عز و
جل) has revealed to be as a Kafir (disbeliever):
“Verily,
We did send down the Taurat (to Musa),
there in was guidance and light, by which the Prophets, who submitted
themselves to Allah's Will, judged the Jews. And the rabbis and the priests (too
judged the Jews by the Taurat after those Prophets) for to them was
entrusted the protection of Allah's Book, and they were witnesses thereto.
Therefore fear not men but fear Me (O Jews) and sell not My Verses for a
miserable price. And whosoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed, such
are the Kafiroon (disbelievers).” [Al-Maidah 5:44]
It
should now be clear to us that Allah (عز
و جل) does not give anyone the authority to share in His Hukm
(command/ legislation) or His Amr (order), and the one who makes these man-made
laws as well as the one who follows him are both on the path of error. So, why
does man become so heedless and ignores these terrifying warnings from His
Lord, choosing to follow the Taghoot instead? Allah (عز و جل) tells us in the Quran:
“Nay!
Verily, man does transgress all bounds (in
disbelief and evil deed, etc.). Because he considers himself
self-sufficient. Surely! Unto your Lord is the return.” [Al-Alaq 96:6-8]
And:
“Then,
for him who tagha (transgressed all bounds
in disbelief, oppression and evil deeds of disobedience to Allah). And
preferred the life of this world (by following his evil desires and lusts),
Verily, his abode will be Hell-fire; But as for him who feared standing before
his lord, and restrained himself from Hawa (impure evil desires and
lusts). Verily, paradise will be his abode.”[An-Naziat 79:37-41]
Thus,
our Creator Allah (عز و
جل) - knowing that
we will constantly fall into arguments and disputes, provided us with two
sources of invaluable information in order to peacefully resolve our differences-
the Quran and the Sunnah. No other philosophies,
ideologies or ways are acceptable - in fact they are a misguidance and an
unforgivable sin:
 
“And
surely many do lead (mankind) astray by their own Ahwa (desires) through lack of knowledge. Certainly your Lord
knows best the transgressors.” [Al-Anam 6:119]
And:
“O
you who believe! Verily, there are many of the (Jewish) rabbis and the
(Christian) monks who devour the wealth of mankind in falsehood, and hinder
(them) from the Way of Allah (i.e. Allah's
Religion of Islamic Monotheism).” [At-Tauba 9:34]
In the
two ayat above, it has been made clear that many of mankind are simply
following their own ahwa and ignoring the Hukm of Allah (عز و جل). At the same time they are making
other people follow them too due to lack of knowledge about the Truth (Quran
and Sunnah). Whosoever does this has ignored the warnings of Allah (عز و جل) and we have been informed in the
following ayah about the final home of such transgressors:
> 
“Did
I not ordain for you, O Children of Adam, that you should not worship shaitan?
Verily, he is a plain enemy to you. And that you should worship Me (Allah - Alone and set up not rivals, associate false
deities with Me). That is a straight Path. And indeed he (shaitan) did lead
astray a great multitude of you. Did you not, then, understand? This is hell
which you were promised!” [Ya-Sin 36:60-63]
In
conclusion, ahwa (desire) is the opposite to wahi (revelation) and a Taghoot
(transgressor) follows his ahwa. So to be successful in this life and next, one
must keep away from obeying any laws that are made by the Taghoot - no matter
how good they may seem, and worship Allah (عز
و جل) alone without associating any partners with Him in His
worship.
It has
been made clear in the above discussion that the Taghoot has no right to invent
laws, to implement them or to make judgements according to them, as all these
matters belong ONLY to Allah (عز و جل).
Yet,
one may reason that it was Allah (عز و جل) after all who created the
Taghoot and gave him the power to rule and legislate in the first place, so if
He (عز و جل) wanted we would
have had no freedom to form our own opinions.
On the
other hand, we know that the sole reason of our creation was to worship Allah (عز و
جل) Alone - so consequently this is a test for the Taghoot to
see whether he will decide to worship Allah or his own desires and also a test
for mankind to see whether they will choose to worship their Creator Allah (عز و
جل) or the Taghoot who is undoubtedly a person no different to
themselves.
How should a Muslim keep away from Taghoot?
What are the boundaries?
It is very important for every Muslim to understand that
after rejecting the Taghoot, does it mean one can still work and be an ally of
the Taghoot. Today we see that the Ummah, which was entrusted with carrying the
message of pure Islamic Monotheism to other nations and societies have
themselves lost the true essence of it and are actually worshipping the taghoot
while claiming to be Muslimeen. They are holding Islam in one hand and also
carrying the Taghoot in the other.
In practical terms it means not to work for the Taghoot e.g.
any government related jobs such as army, air force, navy, intelligence,
taxation, law related fields, police and other such jobs that give the Taghoot
power and where one could be forced and ordered to do something which Allah has
made haram and leads one to do Kufr or Shirk. Fighting, paying taxes, praying,
and showing love and support for the Taghoot are also a part of this. These are
some of the main examples but there are many more. Allah (عز و جل) says:
“Those who believe, fight in the path of Allah, and those
who disbelieve fight in the path of Taghoot.” [An-Nisa 4:76]
We must understand one thing
clearly, the Quran is a clear guidance from Allah to all of mankind and so are
His orders and commands. The one who after receiving all these Ayat (the
Truth), turns away because of his own interpretations and understandings or
merely for the love of the duniya, then remember it is not Allah who looses
anything but in reality it will be that individual who will suffer upon his
death and will dwell in the Hellfire forever with no hope of coming out of it
and no hope for the Mercy of Allah - what a miserable end that would be if only
we could understand?
Thus, a Muslim must try not to support the Taghoot in any
way whatsoever unless he is compelled to do so by force or other such
circumstances in which the condition of Iqra (compulsion) applies. For
Allah (عز و جل) says:
“Whoever disbelieved (kafara) in Allah
after his iman (belief), except him who is forced (Ukraiha) thereto and whose heart is at rest with faith (iman); but such
who open their breasts to Kufr (disbelief), on them is wrath from
Allah, and theirs will be a great torment. That is because they loved and
preferred the life of this world over that of the Hereafter. And Allah guides
not the people who disbelieve.” [An-Nahl 16:106-107]
The condition of Iqra (compulsion) is different for each
individual and the matter lies between him and Allah, for only Allah really
knows what goes on in our minds and hearts. We can only assess what is
happening from the actions of a person but Allah knows the real truth which is
concealed within their hearts. The main condition is not to do it for the love
of this duniya but only when you are compelled and it becomes difficult to get
out without the Taghoot being involved in one way or another.
A practical example of this could be the use of a PASSPORT.
Nowadays to travel around the world the Taghoot have made it compulsory to have
a passport and on top of that a visa as well (even to go for Hajj or Umra to
the House of Allah (عز و
جل) and to visit
the Prophets Mosque in Madina). According to Shari’ah, this practice is haram
for the whole world belongs to Allah (عز
و جل) and
there are no borders in between the lands. So what must a Muslim do in such a
situation? Now it all depends on the individual Muslim and he has to assess his
situation and make a decision. Maybe to others it would seem like a mistake but
as I said above only Allah (عز و
جل) knows the true
matters of the heart. So one must try to avoid the Taghoot in all matters, but
sometimes we Muslims are compelled to do some things which are haram but
inshaAllah according to the ayah mentioned above, Allah (عز و جل) has made a way for us (Muslimeen), if the Kufr is not done for
the love of this world but happens in the state of compulsion, then a person
will not become a kafir.
Conclusion:
So, when a person pronounces the Shahadah with his tongue he
enters into Islam but then it is necessary that all the other conditions be
fulfilled for one to stay a Muslim or within the submission of Islam. This has
already been explained within this book in great detail. The issue we must
address is that of the so called fifty two or maybe more Islamic countries that
exist around the world today. From studying all the evidences (Ayat and
Ahadeeth) it is now apparent that they are only Muslim countries by name and
secondly the people who live in them only claim to be Muslims.
After discussing the issue of Taghoot, it should be clearly
understood that all these so called Islamic countries fall into the category of
being ruled by the Taghoot. This is because of a very simple but fundamental
principal of Islam and that is that they do not Rule by what has been sent down
by Allah (عز و جل) – Quran and Sunnah. Of course this is not
the only reason for them to fall in the category of being a Taghoot but it is
the most apparent one. Today we see that the so called ‘Muslim countries’ are
members of United Nations and also implement the clear KUFR system of Democracy
which is Shirk. This also includes those countries, which implement some Quran
and Sunnah but it is tainted with Kufr and Shirk. People are told that they are
being ruled by Islamic Shari’ah but in reality, the leaders implement laws
which suit them according to their desires and leave the rest. They justify
their actions with weak interpretations of Ahadeeth or sayings of scholars.
In conclusion, anyone who was not aware of all that has been
described above, should make repentance to Allah and beg His forgiveness for
the sins that were committed due to lack of knowledge or merely by not paying
much attention to Iman. However, the one who continues upon the path of
worshipping the Taghoot after clear guidance came to him, then he should
remember that Allah will deal with him after his death, when there will be no
escape and it will be too late. |
