1 00:00:00,240 --> 00:00:09,660 Summary of the Doctrines of Ahl al-Sunnah 2 00:00:09,660 --> 00:00:12,750 The Meaning of Worship ('Ibadah) 3 00:00:12,750 --> 00:00:16,750 Worship is the ultimate purpose for creating morally responsible beings. 4 00:00:16,750 --> 00:00:18,750 Allah Almighty says: 5 00:00:18,750 --> 00:00:23,780 “I created the jinn and humankind only that they might worship Me.” (51:56) 6 00:00:23,780 --> 00:00:28,780 This necessitates that their entire lives be dedicated to Allah and lived through Him, 7 00:00:28,780 --> 00:00:30,780 just as He Almighty says: 8 00:00:30,780 --> 00:00:36,780 "Say, 'Indeed, my prayer, my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.'" 9 00:00:36,780 --> 00:00:41,820 Thus, there are no worldly deeds detached from the Hereafter, 10 00:00:41,820 --> 00:00:46,820 nor are there deeds for the Hereafter performed anywhere other than in this worldly life. 11 00:00:46,820 --> 00:00:52,820 Rather, it is a single path whose beginning is in this world and whose end is in the Hereafter. 12 00:00:52,820 --> 00:00:57,820 Whoever worships Allah alone along this path in all their actions 13 00:00:57,820 --> 00:01:01,820 will arrive in the Hereafter at Paradise—and what an excellent destination! 14 00:01:01,820 --> 00:01:05,819 But whoever deviates from worship and abandons it along the way, 15 00:01:05,819 --> 00:01:09,819 their path will lead them to Hellfire—we seek refuge in Allah! 16 00:01:09,819 --> 00:01:14,849 Therefore, with respect to what is practiced, worship has been defined 17 00:01:14,849 --> 00:01:18,849 as an all-inclusive term for everything that Allah loves and is pleased with, 18 00:01:18,849 --> 00:01:22,849 of words and deeds, both outward and inward. 19 00:01:22,849 --> 00:01:26,879 Worship has also been defined with respect to the worshipper’s state of being 20 00:01:26,879 --> 00:01:30,879 as the utmost love and reverence for Allah Almighty, 21 00:01:30,879 --> 00:01:34,939 coupled with the utmost humility and submission to Him, Glorified is He. 22 00:01:34,939 --> 00:01:37,939 For if you love Him yet do not submit to Him, Glorified is He, 23 00:01:37,939 --> 00:01:39,939 you are not a true worshipper of Him; 24 00:01:39,939 --> 00:01:42,939 likewise, if you submit to Him without love, 25 00:01:42,939 --> 00:01:48,939 you are not a true worshipper of Him until you are both loving and submitting. 26 00:01:48,939 --> 00:01:55,189 Applying the Term "Worship" to Ritual Acts 27 00:01:55,189 --> 00:02:00,439 Applying the designation of worship to the various ritual acts, 28 00:02:00,439 --> 00:02:03,439 such as prayer, zakat, fasting, and pilgrimage, 29 00:02:03,439 --> 00:02:06,439 represents its specific sense, 30 00:02:06,439 --> 00:02:09,439 because these devotional rituals 31 00:02:09,439 --> 00:02:12,439 are the greatest forms of worship, 32 00:02:12,439 --> 00:02:16,500 and, alongside the utterance of the testimony of faith, constitute the pillars of Islam. 33 00:02:16,500 --> 00:02:19,500 The term "worship" is also used in another specific sense, 34 00:02:19,500 --> 00:02:21,500 applying exclusively to supplication (du'a), 35 00:02:21,500 --> 00:02:24,500 because it is its very core and most essential objective, 36 00:02:24,500 --> 00:02:27,500 as stated in the hadith: 37 00:02:27,500 --> 00:02:29,500 "Supplication is the essence of worship." 38 00:02:29,500 --> 00:02:33,729 Narrated by Abu Dawud, al-Tirmidhi, and Ibn Majah. 39 00:02:33,729 --> 00:02:38,729 Furthermore, the division of fiqh manuals into devotional acts ('ibadat) and transactional dealings (mu'amalat) 40 00:02:38,729 --> 00:02:41,729 is merely a conventional, pedagogical classification 41 00:02:41,729 --> 00:02:44,729 intended to facilitate learning for students 42 00:02:44,729 --> 00:02:47,729 and organize it across distinct educational stages. 43 00:02:47,729 --> 00:02:54,550 The Harm of Restricting the Meaning of Worship to Ritual Acts 44 00:02:54,550 --> 00:02:59,699 Whoever restricts the meaning of worship solely to devotional rituals 45 00:02:59,699 --> 00:03:03,699 will inevitably fall short in their obedience to their Lord, Glorified is He. 46 00:03:03,699 --> 00:03:08,699 If you were to tell such a person that this contradicts their servitude to Allah, 47 00:03:08,699 --> 00:03:13,699 they would reply that they have already fulfilled their duty of worship and prayer, 48 00:03:13,699 --> 00:03:18,699 and that they are currently managing their personal life and livelihood— 49 00:03:18,699 --> 00:03:23,699 as though they have never heard or understood the aforementioned words of Allah Almighty: 50 00:03:23,699 --> 00:03:30,699 "Say, 'Indeed, my prayer, my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.'" 51 00:03:30,699 --> 00:03:36,860 Confining the meaning of worship strictly to devotional rituals will also result 52 00:03:36,860 --> 00:03:41,860 in flaw and deficiency in performing these very rituals themselves, 53 00:03:41,860 --> 00:03:43,860 as well as in reaping their intended fruits. 54 00:03:44,860 --> 00:03:49,860 Prayer will thus become mechanical motions devoid of true reverence (khushu'), 55 00:03:49,860 --> 00:03:52,860 failing to deter from immorality and wrongdoing; 56 00:03:52,860 --> 00:03:56,860 rather, one might spend its duration consumed by thoughts of worldly affairs, 57 00:03:56,860 --> 00:04:02,860 having failed to realize that humility—an act of the heart—is part of worship, 58 00:04:02,860 --> 00:04:06,860 and that abstaining from immorality and wrongdoing is also part of worship. 59 00:04:06,860 --> 00:04:10,860 Fasting will merely become an abstinence from food and drink, 60 00:04:10,860 --> 00:04:13,860 broken only by overindulging and stuffing one's stomach, 61 00:04:13,860 --> 00:04:17,860 while seeking amusement—or so one claims—during and after the fast 62 00:04:17,860 --> 00:04:21,860 by watching trivial trivia shows and cheap television serials, 63 00:04:21,860 --> 00:04:25,860 and letting one's gaze wander freely toward what Allah has forbidden, 64 00:04:25,860 --> 00:04:29,860 so that their fast never produces the piety hoped from it. 65 00:04:29,860 --> 00:04:31,860 Likewise, such a person will pay the zakat on their wealth, 66 00:04:31,860 --> 00:04:33,860 yet remain completely indifferent afterward 67 00:04:33,860 --> 00:04:38,860 as to whether their business and wealth grew through usury and forbidden transactions, 68 00:04:38,860 --> 00:04:42,860 failing to understand that avoiding such matters is itself part of worship, 69 00:04:42,860 --> 00:04:46,860 which entails dedicating one's entire life to Allah 70 00:04:46,860 --> 00:04:50,180 and aligning it with His will, Glorified is He. 71 00:04:50,180 --> 00:04:55,180 Moreover, restricting the meaning of worship to devotional rituals 72 00:04:55,180 --> 00:04:59,180 is the very entryway through which secularists and their ilk operate, 73 00:04:59,180 --> 00:05:04,180 reducing worship to merely a private relationship between the servant and their Lord, 74 00:05:04,180 --> 00:05:08,180 claiming it has no bearing on any other aspect of life, 75 00:05:08,180 --> 00:05:10,180 such as economics, politics, 76 00:05:10,180 --> 00:05:12,180 women's and family affairs, 77 00:05:12,180 --> 00:05:15,180 or dealings among people. 78 00:05:15,180 --> 00:05:22,910 Diligence and Sincerity in Devotional Rituals 79 00:05:22,910 --> 00:05:26,910 Diligence in devotional rituals with genuine truthfulness and sincerity 80 00:05:26,910 --> 00:05:30,910 helps one fulfill worship in its comprehensive sense, 81 00:05:30,910 --> 00:05:34,939 whereby a person's whole life is dedicated to Allah. 82 00:05:34,939 --> 00:05:37,939 For devotional rituals are by no means isolated 83 00:05:37,939 --> 00:05:41,939 from one's social or moral conduct in life; 84 00:05:41,939 --> 00:05:44,939 rather, the connection between them is profound, 85 00:05:44,939 --> 00:05:49,069 and they serve as spiritual sustenance on the path of comprehensive worship. 86 00:05:49,069 --> 00:05:54,069 Thus, after Allah Almighty commanded the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) 87 00:05:54,069 --> 00:05:56,069 to remain settled in their homes 88 00:05:56,069 --> 00:05:59,069 and forbade them from displaying their charms as was done in the former days of ignorance— 89 00:05:59,069 --> 00:06:03,069 both of which are matters of social and behavioral conduct— 90 00:06:03,069 --> 00:06:07,069 He commanded them to establish prayer and give zakat. 91 00:06:07,069 --> 00:06:11,069 This contains an indication of the vital role devotional rituals play 92 00:06:11,069 --> 00:06:15,069 in empowering the fulfillment of behavioral and moral commands, 93 00:06:15,069 --> 00:06:17,069 and demonstrates their intrinsic connection to them. 94 00:06:17,069 --> 00:06:19,100 Allah Almighty says: 95 00:06:19,100 --> 00:06:25,100 “And stay in your houses. Bedizen not yourselves with the bedizenment of the Time of Ignorance. Be regular in prayer, and pay the poor-due, and obey Allah and His messenger. Allah's wish is but to remove uncleanness far from you, O Folk of the Household, and cleanse you with a thorough cleansing.” (33:33) 96 00:06:25,100 --> 00:06:28,100 "And establish prayer and give zakat, 97 00:06:28,100 --> 00:06:31,139 and obey Allah and His Messenger." 98 00:06:31,139 --> 00:06:34,139 And prayer deters from immorality and wrongdoing; 99 00:06:34,139 --> 00:06:36,139 Allah Almighty says: 100 00:06:36,139 --> 00:06:38,139 "And establish prayer..." 101 00:06:38,139 --> 00:06:42,139 “Recite that which hath been inspired in thee of the Scripture, and establish worship. Lo! worship preserveth from lewdness and iniquity, but verily remembrance of Allah is more important. And Allah knoweth what ye do.” (29:45) 102 00:06:42,139 --> 00:06:45,329 Likewise, the worship of calling people to Allah (da'wah) 103 00:06:45,329 --> 00:06:49,329 is aided by the night vigil prayer and reciting the Book of Allah. 104 00:06:49,329 --> 00:06:51,420 Allah Almighty says: 105 00:06:51,420 --> 00:06:54,420 "O you who wraps himself [in clothing]..." 106 00:06:54,420 --> 00:06:57,420 “Keep vigil the night long, save a little -” (73:2) 107 00:06:57,420 --> 00:07:00,420 “A half thereof, or abate a little thereof” (73:3) 108 00:07:00,420 --> 00:07:04,420 “Or add (a little) thereto - and chant the Qur'an in measure,” (73:4) 109 00:07:04,420 --> 00:07:08,420 "Indeed, We will cast upon you a heavy word." 110 00:07:08,420 --> 00:07:13,620 Thus, the preparation for this heavy word and the mission of da'wah 111 00:07:13,620 --> 00:07:17,620 was through the night vigil prayer and measured recitation of the Qur'an. 112 00:07:17,620 --> 00:07:23,060 Worship and Vicegerency on Earth 113 00:07:23,060 --> 00:07:28,300 Vicegerency upon the earth and developing it according to Allah's will 114 00:07:28,300 --> 00:07:30,300 is an act of worship to Allah, 115 00:07:30,300 --> 00:07:36,300 wherein all judgment, legislation, and decreeing of lawful and unlawful must belong exclusively to Allah Almighty. 116 00:07:36,300 --> 00:07:42,339 For this reason, when 'Adi Ibn Hatim (may Allah be pleased with him)— 117 00:07:42,339 --> 00:07:45,339 who had been a Christian before embracing Islam—failed to grasp this meaning, 118 00:07:45,339 --> 00:07:48,339 he was bewildered by the verse of Allah Almighty, 119 00:07:48,339 --> 00:07:54,339 “They have taken as lords beside Allah their rabbis and their monks and the Messiah son of Mary, when they were bidden to worship only One Allah. There is no Allah save Him. Be He Glorified from all that they ascribe as partner (unto Him)!” (9:31) 120 00:07:54,339 --> 00:07:57,339 and said, "O Messenger of Allah, 121 00:07:57,339 --> 00:08:00,339 they did not use to worship them!" 122 00:08:00,339 --> 00:08:03,339 The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied: 123 00:08:03,339 --> 00:08:04,339 "Yes, 124 00:08:04,339 --> 00:08:09,339 but they made lawful for them what Allah had forbidden, so they deemed it lawful; 125 00:08:09,339 --> 00:08:13,339 and they forbade for them what Allah had made lawful, so they deemed it forbidden; 126 00:08:13,339 --> 00:08:16,339 that was their worship of them." 127 00:08:16,339 --> 00:08:20,399 Narrated by al-Tirmidhi and authenticated as hasan by al-Albani. 128 00:08:20,399 --> 00:08:27,829 Abandoning Servitude to Allah Is Servitude to Others 129 00:08:27,829 --> 00:08:30,829 Whoever abandons their servitude to Allah, Glorified is He, 130 00:08:30,829 --> 00:08:33,830 will inevitably fall into servitude to something other than Him, 131 00:08:33,830 --> 00:08:35,830 whether it be a devil, an idol, 132 00:08:35,830 --> 00:08:38,830 base desires, lust for wealth, 133 00:08:38,830 --> 00:08:40,830 and so forth. 134 00:08:40,830 --> 00:08:44,830 Allah Almighty said regarding the worship of Satan: 135 00:08:44,830 --> 00:08:47,830 “Did I not charge you, O ye sons of Adam, that ye worship not the devil - Lo! he is your open foe! -” (36:60) 136 00:08:47,830 --> 00:08:49,830 "...that you do not worship Satan? 137 00:08:49,830 --> 00:08:52,830 Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy. 138 00:08:52,830 --> 00:08:54,830 And that you worship Me? 139 00:08:54,830 --> 00:08:57,830 This is a straight path." 140 00:08:57,830 --> 00:09:01,860 And He Almighty said regarding polytheism and worshipping others beside Him, 141 00:09:01,860 --> 00:09:04,929 such as idols and false deities: 142 00:09:04,929 --> 00:09:07,929 “Yet they choose beside Him other gods who create naught but are themselves created, and possess not hurt nor profit for themselves, and possess not death nor life, nor power to raise the dead.” (25:3) 143 00:09:07,929 --> 00:09:11,929 "...who create nothing and are themselves created?" 144 00:09:11,929 --> 00:09:15,929 “Yet they choose beside Him other gods who create naught but are themselves created, and possess not hurt nor profit for themselves, and possess not death nor life, nor power to raise the dead.” (25:3) 145 00:09:15,929 --> 00:09:21,929 “Yet they choose beside Him other gods who create naught but are themselves created, and possess not hurt nor profit for themselves, and possess not death nor life, nor power to raise the dead.” (25:3) 146 00:09:21,929 --> 00:09:24,929 And He Almighty said regarding the worship of whims and desires: 147 00:09:24,929 --> 00:09:27,929 "Have you seen him who has taken his own desire as his god?" 148 00:09:27,929 --> 00:09:30,929 “Hast thou seen him who chooseth for his god his own lust? Wouldst thou then be guardian over him?” (25:43) 149 00:09:30,929 --> 00:09:33,960 And the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 150 00:09:33,960 --> 00:09:36,960 "Wretched is the slave of the dinar, 151 00:09:36,960 --> 00:09:38,960 wretched is the slave of the dirham, 152 00:09:38,960 --> 00:09:40,960 wretched is the slave of fine garments, 153 00:09:40,960 --> 00:09:42,960 wretched is the slave of luxurious bedding! 154 00:09:42,960 --> 00:09:44,960 Wretched and ruined is he; 155 00:09:44,960 --> 00:09:47,960 and when he is pierced by a thorn, may it never be pulled out!" 156 00:09:47,960 --> 00:09:50,960 Narrated by al-Bukhari. 157 00:09:50,960 --> 00:09:55,080 Servitude to Allah Is Honor and Nobility 158 00:09:55,080 --> 00:09:59,100 Servitude to Allah is honor and nobility— 159 00:09:59,100 --> 00:10:01,100 an honor and nobility 160 00:10:01,100 --> 00:10:03,100 deserved by everyone who fulfills it 161 00:10:03,100 --> 00:10:06,100 in the most complete and perfect manner. 162 00:10:06,100 --> 00:10:09,100 Hence, the most truthful of worshippers was described with it, 163 00:10:09,100 --> 00:10:12,100 the most noble of them in the sight of Allah Almighty: 164 00:10:12,100 --> 00:10:15,100 the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). 165 00:10:15,100 --> 00:10:20,100 This description was conferred upon him in the loftiest and most sublime stations: 166 00:10:20,100 --> 00:10:22,139 the station of the Night Journey (al-Isra'). 167 00:10:22,139 --> 00:10:24,139 Allah Almighty said: 168 00:10:24,139 --> 00:10:26,139 “Glorified be He Who carried His servant by night from the Inviolable Place of Worship to the Far distant place of worship the neighbourhood whereof We have blessed, that We might show him of Our tokens! Lo! He, only He, is the Hearer, the Seer.” (17:1) 169 00:10:26,139 --> 00:10:32,139 “Glorified be He Who carried His servant by night from the Inviolable Place of Worship to the Far distant place of worship the neighbourhood whereof We have blessed, that We might show him of Our tokens! Lo! He, only He, is the Hearer, the Seer.” (17:1) 170 00:10:32,139 --> 00:10:36,360 He was likewise described with it in the station of receiving revelation. 171 00:10:36,360 --> 00:10:43,360 “Blessed is He Who hath revealed unto His slave the Criterion (of right and wrong), that he may be a warner to the peoples.” (25:1) 172 00:10:43,360 --> 00:10:48,539 The Conditions for the Acceptance of Worship 173 00:10:48,539 --> 00:10:50,539 Among the conditions for the acceptance of worship are: 174 00:10:50,539 --> 00:10:52,539 sincerity (ikhlas) and adherence (mutaba'ah). 175 00:10:52,539 --> 00:10:54,570 As for sincerity, 176 00:10:54,570 --> 00:10:58,570 it means that worship must be devoted purely to Allah alone, 177 00:10:58,570 --> 00:11:00,570 as Allah Almighty says: 178 00:11:00,570 --> 00:11:06,659 “And they are ordered naught else than to serve Allah, keeping religion pure for Him, as men by nature upright, and to establish worship and to pay the poor-due. That is true religion.” (98:5) 179 00:11:06,659 --> 00:11:07,659 And adherence means 180 00:11:07,659 --> 00:11:11,659 that the action must conform to the Sunnah, 181 00:11:11,659 --> 00:11:14,659 as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 182 00:11:14,659 --> 00:11:18,659 "Whoever performs an act that is not in accordance with our matter will have it rejected." 183 00:11:18,659 --> 00:11:21,659 Narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim. 184 00:11:21,659 --> 00:11:25,700 Whoever compromises sincerity in worship falls into polytheism (shirk), 185 00:11:25,700 --> 00:11:30,700 which is of two types: major shirk, which nullifies tawhid entirely, 186 00:11:30,700 --> 00:11:33,820 and minor shirk, such as ostentation (riya') and seeking reputation. 187 00:11:33,820 --> 00:11:39,820 And whoever fails to adhere to the Sunnah in their worship falls into religious innovation (bid'ah). 188 00:11:40,139 --> 00:11:45,139 Both sincerity and adherence are combined in the words of Allah Almighty: 189 00:11:45,139 --> 00:11:51,139 “Say: I am only a mortal like you. My Lord inspireth in me that your Allah is only One Allah. And whoever hopeth for the meeting with his Lord, let him do righteous work, and make none sharer of the worship due unto his Lord.” (18:110) 190 00:11:51,139 --> 00:11:55,139 “Say: I am only a mortal like you. My Lord inspireth in me that your Allah is only One Allah. And whoever hopeth for the meeting with his Lord, let him do righteous work, and make none sharer of the worship due unto his Lord.” (18:110) 191 00:11:55,139 --> 00:11:59,210 For His saying, "so let him do righteous deeds," 192 00:11:59,210 --> 00:12:02,210 means deeds that conform to the Sunnah without innovation; 193 00:12:02,210 --> 00:12:06,269 and His saying, "and not associate anyone in the worship of his Lord," 194 00:12:06,269 --> 00:12:11,269 means making his worship sincerely and purely for Allah Almighty alone. 195 00:12:11,269 --> 00:12:14,269 Thus, it is essential to single out Allah alone in worship, 196 00:12:14,269 --> 00:12:18,269 and single out the Messenger (peace be upon him) in adherence. 197 00:12:19,269 --> 00:12:23,460 There is also another fundamental condition for the acceptance of worship, 198 00:12:23,460 --> 00:12:28,460 which is that it must stem from a monotheist who associates no partners with Allah. 199 00:12:34,649 --> 00:12:38,580 Some extremist Sufis claim 200 00:12:38,580 --> 00:12:41,580 that devotional obligations are lifted from the allies of Allah (awliya') 201 00:12:41,580 --> 00:12:45,580 once they attain the level of certainty (al-yaqin), according to their claim. 202 00:12:45,580 --> 00:12:50,580 They derive this from a distorted understanding of the words of Allah Almighty: 203 00:12:50,580 --> 00:12:54,580 "And worship your Lord until certainty comes to you." 204 00:12:54,580 --> 00:12:57,580 Even though "certainty" here refers to death, 205 00:12:57,580 --> 00:13:00,580 by the unanimous consensus of the exegetes, 206 00:13:00,580 --> 00:13:05,580 exactly as found in the words of Allah Almighty quoting the disbelievers: 207 00:13:05,580 --> 00:13:09,580 “And we used to deny the Day of Judgment,” (74:46) 208 00:13:09,580 --> 00:13:11,580 "...until the certainty came to us." 209 00:13:11,580 --> 00:13:18,580 And is there anyone of greater certainty in their faith than the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him)? 210 00:13:18,580 --> 00:13:23,580 Yet he continued worshipping Allah until death came to him; 211 00:13:23,580 --> 00:13:27,580 he even went out to the Companions during his terminal illness while they were praying, 212 00:13:27,580 --> 00:13:29,580 and led them in prayer. 213 00:13:29,580 --> 00:13:32,580 Therefore, a servant is never free from servitude to Allah 214 00:13:32,580 --> 00:13:35,580 as long as they remain in the realm of moral obligation. 215 00:13:35,580 --> 00:13:41,139 Allah possesses two forms of servitude over creation: 216 00:13:41,139 --> 00:13:44,009 a general servitude and a specific servitude. 217 00:13:44,009 --> 00:13:46,009 General servitude 218 00:13:46,009 --> 00:13:49,070 It is the servitude of subjugation and absolute sovereignty, 219 00:13:49,070 --> 00:13:52,070 in which no one has any choice, 220 00:13:52,070 --> 00:13:56,070 for all belong to Allah and are entirely under His will. 221 00:13:56,070 --> 00:13:59,070 This is what is meant in the words of Allah Almighty: 222 00:13:59,070 --> 00:14:03,070 “There is none in the heavens and the earth but cometh unto the Beneficent as a slave.” (19:93) 223 00:14:03,070 --> 00:14:06,070 "...but comes unto the Most Merciful as a slave." 224 00:14:06,070 --> 00:14:08,070 And His words: 225 00:14:08,070 --> 00:14:10,070 "And Allah never wrongs..." 226 00:14:11,070 --> 00:14:14,070 "...and Allah desires no injustice for His servants." 227 00:14:14,070 --> 00:14:16,070 And His words: 228 00:14:16,070 --> 00:14:20,070 “Those who were proud say: Lo! we are all (together) herein. Lo! Allah hath judged between (His) slaves.” (40:48) 229 00:14:20,070 --> 00:14:23,070 along with other verses indicating 230 00:14:23,070 --> 00:14:27,070 that all created beings are servants under the Lordship of Allah Almighty. 231 00:14:27,070 --> 00:14:31,070 This is a form of servitude for which they are not rewarded, 232 00:14:31,070 --> 00:14:33,070 and from which no one can ever escape. 233 00:14:33,070 --> 00:14:36,299 As for the specific servitude, 234 00:14:36,299 --> 00:14:39,299 it is the servitude of the people of His love and obedience, 235 00:14:39,299 --> 00:14:42,299 and it is what is intended in the words of Allah Almighty: 236 00:14:42,299 --> 00:14:45,299 “O My slaves! For you there is no fear this day, nor is it ye who grieve;” (43:68) 237 00:14:45,299 --> 00:14:48,299 "...nor shall you grieve." 238 00:14:48,299 --> 00:14:50,299 And His words: 239 00:14:50,299 --> 00:14:54,299 "And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth with humility," 240 00:14:54,299 --> 00:14:57,299 "and when the ignorant address them," 241 00:14:57,299 --> 00:14:59,299 "they say words of peace." 242 00:14:59,299 --> 00:15:01,299 And His words: 243 00:15:01,299 --> 00:15:05,299 "Indeed, over My servants you have no authority." 244 00:15:05,299 --> 00:15:08,299 As well as other verses. 245 00:15:08,299 --> 00:15:13,299 The people of this servitude are the servants of Allah Almighty's exclusive Divinity, 246 00:15:13,299 --> 00:15:16,299 and they are duly rewarded for it. 247 00:15:16,299 --> 00:15:20,419 Thus, all creation are servants under the Lordship of Allah, Glorified is He, 248 00:15:20,419 --> 00:15:25,419 while the people of His obedience and devotion are the servants of His Divinity. 249 00:15:25,419 --> 00:15:29,740 The disparity in virtue among acts of worship: 250 00:15:29,740 --> 00:15:33,700 The fundamental basis for disparity in virtue among acts of worship 251 00:15:33,700 --> 00:15:37,700 lies in what resides in the servant's heart during worship: 252 00:15:38,700 --> 00:15:42,700 sincerity, love, fear, and hope, 253 00:15:42,700 --> 00:15:45,700 as well as acting to seek the Lord's pleasure at all times 254 00:15:45,700 --> 00:15:49,700 according to what that particular time and its duty demand. 255 00:15:49,700 --> 00:15:52,700 Thus, the best act of worship during times of jihad 256 00:15:52,700 --> 00:15:54,700 is jihad itself, 257 00:15:54,700 --> 00:15:58,700 even if it leads to leaving aside personal daily devotionals like the night prayer and voluntary daytime fasting, 258 00:15:58,700 --> 00:16:00,700 and the like. 259 00:16:00,700 --> 00:16:03,700 The best act of worship when a guest arrives 260 00:16:03,700 --> 00:16:05,700 is to fulfill their due rights of hospitality, 261 00:16:05,700 --> 00:16:08,700 even if that distracts from recommended personal litanies. 262 00:16:08,700 --> 00:16:11,700 The best act of worship at the pre-dawn hour (sahar) 263 00:16:11,700 --> 00:16:12,700 is seeking forgiveness (istighfar), 264 00:16:12,700 --> 00:16:14,700 as Allah Almighty said: 265 00:16:14,700 --> 00:16:17,700 "And in the pre-dawn hours they seek forgiveness." 266 00:16:17,700 --> 00:16:19,700 And so on and so forth; 267 00:16:19,700 --> 00:16:23,700 every time and circumstance has its own specific act of worship and duty. 268 00:16:23,700 --> 00:16:27,889 Furthermore, the disparity in virtue among acts of worship and righteous deeds 269 00:16:27,889 --> 00:16:30,889 is also governed by the following rules: 270 00:16:30,889 --> 00:16:32,889 First: 271 00:16:32,889 --> 00:16:35,889 Obligatory duties take precedence over voluntary acts, 272 00:16:35,889 --> 00:16:38,889 and are superior to them in the sight of Allah Almighty, 273 00:16:38,889 --> 00:16:40,889 as stated in the Hadith Qudsi: 274 00:16:40,889 --> 00:16:46,889 "My servant does not draw near to Me with anything more beloved to Me than what I have made obligatory upon him," 275 00:16:46,889 --> 00:16:52,889 "and My servant continues to draw near to Me with voluntary acts until I love him." 276 00:16:52,889 --> 00:16:54,889 Narrated by al-Bukhari. 277 00:16:54,889 --> 00:16:56,889 So the obligatory duties take precedence, 278 00:16:56,889 --> 00:16:58,889 while voluntary deeds serve to complete them. 279 00:16:58,889 --> 00:17:01,110 Second: 280 00:17:01,110 --> 00:17:05,109 A consistent small deed is better than a discontinued abundant one, 281 00:17:05,109 --> 00:17:08,109 as the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: 282 00:17:08,109 --> 00:17:12,109 "And indeed, the most beloved of deeds to Allah, Mighty and Majestic," 283 00:17:12,109 --> 00:17:15,109 "are those done most consistently, even if few." 284 00:17:15,109 --> 00:17:19,230 Narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim. 285 00:17:19,230 --> 00:17:23,869 Strength and diligence in worship: 286 00:17:23,869 --> 00:17:25,869 Allah Almighty said: 287 00:17:25,869 --> 00:17:28,869 “Bear with what they say, and remember Our bondman David, lord of might, Lo! he was ever turning in repentance (toward Allah).” (38:17) 288 00:17:28,869 --> 00:17:30,869 "...indeed, he was one who repeatedly turned back to Allah." 289 00:17:30,869 --> 00:17:33,869 That is, someone possessing strength in obedience and worship, 290 00:17:33,869 --> 00:17:35,869 for he was 'awwab', 291 00:17:35,869 --> 00:17:40,869 meaning frequently returning to Allah, turning back to Him, and supplicating Him in humility. 292 00:17:40,869 --> 00:17:45,869 This necessitates that one strive to acquire the means that grant strength in worship, 293 00:17:45,869 --> 00:17:50,869 and never yield to lethargy and idleness that undermine this strength 294 00:17:50,869 --> 00:17:53,869 and enfeeble the soul. 295 00:17:53,869 --> 00:17:58,019 Disliking worship and sluggishness in performing it 296 00:17:58,019 --> 00:18:01,019 are among the characteristics of hypocrites. 297 00:18:01,019 --> 00:18:04,859 Allah severely censured the hypocrites guilty of major hypocrisy 298 00:18:04,859 --> 00:18:06,859 with the utmost blame, 299 00:18:06,859 --> 00:18:08,859 and established disbelief against them. 300 00:18:08,859 --> 00:18:10,859 Allah Almighty said: 301 00:18:10,859 --> 00:18:13,859 “And naught preventeth that their contributions should be accepted from them save that they have disbelieved in Allah and in His messenger, and they come not to worship save as idlers, and pay not (their contribution) save reluctantly.” (9:54) 302 00:18:13,859 --> 00:18:17,859 “And naught preventeth that their contributions should be accepted from them save that they have disbelieved in Allah and in His messenger, and they come not to worship save as idlers, and pay not (their contribution) save reluctantly.” (9:54) 303 00:18:17,859 --> 00:18:21,859 "...and they do not come to prayer except while being sluggish..." 304 00:18:21,859 --> 00:18:25,859 “And naught preventeth that their contributions should be accepted from them save that they have disbelieved in Allah and in His messenger, and they come not to worship save as idlers, and pay not (their contribution) save reluctantly.” (9:54) 305 00:18:25,859 --> 00:18:29,920 And just as the verse characterized the hypocrites as being sluggish in prayer 306 00:18:29,920 --> 00:18:32,920 and disliking spending in the way of Allah, 307 00:18:32,920 --> 00:18:35,920 it implicitly indicates 308 00:18:35,920 --> 00:18:38,920 that a servant ought to perform the prayer 309 00:18:38,920 --> 00:18:41,920 with an active heart and body, 310 00:18:41,920 --> 00:18:44,920 and should not spend in the way of Allah 311 00:18:44,920 --> 00:18:47,920 except with a heart joyous in giving, 312 00:18:47,920 --> 00:18:51,920 hoping for its reward and treasure from Allah alone, 313 00:18:51,920 --> 00:18:56,920 never resembling the hypocrites in their laziness and hatred of worship. 314 00:18:59,329 --> 00:19:03,329 The diligence of disbelievers in worship and supplicating other than Allah 315 00:19:03,329 --> 00:19:06,329 avails them nothing. 316 00:19:06,329 --> 00:19:11,190 No matter how much the disbelievers strive in worship and praying to their deities, 317 00:19:11,190 --> 00:19:15,190 it will never avail them in the least against Allah. 318 00:19:15,190 --> 00:19:17,220 Allah Almighty said: 319 00:19:17,220 --> 00:19:20,220 "To Him belongs the call of truth..." 320 00:19:20,220 --> 00:19:25,220 “Unto Him is the real prayer. Those unto whom they pray beside Allah respond to them not at all, save as (is the response to) one who stretcheth forth his hands toward water (asking) that it may come unto his mouth, and it will never reach it. The prayer of disbelievers goeth (far) astray.” (13:14) 321 00:19:25,220 --> 00:19:31,220 "...except like one who extends his hands to water so it may reach his mouth, but it will never reach it;" 322 00:19:31,220 --> 00:19:36,289 "and the supplication of the disbelievers is nothing but in vain." 323 00:19:36,289 --> 00:19:40,289 Therefore, let no one be deceived by the diligence of disbelievers in their worship, 324 00:19:40,289 --> 00:19:43,289 nor think well of it, 325 00:19:43,289 --> 00:19:47,289 for it avails nothing against the truth. 326 00:19:50,410 --> 00:19:54,619 Ihsan (spiritual excellence) encompasses two primary aspects: 327 00:19:54,619 --> 00:19:57,619 The first is excellence in worship, 328 00:19:57,619 --> 00:20:00,619 which is the highest station of worship, 329 00:20:00,619 --> 00:20:02,619 as the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said 330 00:20:02,619 --> 00:20:06,619 when Gabriel, peace be upon him, asked him about ihsan: 331 00:20:06,619 --> 00:20:09,619 "It is to worship Allah as though you see Him," 332 00:20:09,619 --> 00:20:13,619 "for even if you do not see Him, He surely sees you." 333 00:20:13,619 --> 00:20:15,660 Agreed upon. 334 00:20:15,660 --> 00:20:20,660 And he asked him that after asking about Islam and Iman. 335 00:20:20,660 --> 00:20:23,750 The second is benevolence toward the creation, 336 00:20:23,750 --> 00:20:26,750 as in the words of Allah Almighty: 337 00:20:26,750 --> 00:20:31,750 “Those who spend (of that which Allah hath given them) in ease and in adversity, those who control their wrath and are forgiving toward mankind; Allah loveth the good;” (3:134) 338 00:20:31,750 --> 00:20:35,750 "...and who restrain anger and pardon people," 339 00:20:35,750 --> 00:20:38,750 "and Allah loves those who do good." 340 00:20:38,750 --> 00:20:42,819 Complete ihsan lies in fulfilling both matters together: 341 00:20:42,819 --> 00:20:45,819 excellence in worshipping the Creator, 342 00:20:45,819 --> 00:20:48,819 and excellence in dealing with the creation. 343 00:20:48,819 --> 00:20:52,819 Both matters are combined in the words of Allah Almighty: 344 00:20:52,819 --> 00:20:55,819 "And do not cause corruption on the earth after its reformation," 345 00:20:55,819 --> 00:20:58,819 "and call upon Him in fear and aspiration;" 346 00:20:58,819 --> 00:21:02,819 "indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good." 347 00:21:02,819 --> 00:21:05,819 For His words: 348 00:21:05,819 --> 00:21:08,819 "And do not cause corruption on the earth after its reformation," 349 00:21:08,819 --> 00:21:11,819 indicate benevolence in dealing with the creation, 350 00:21:11,819 --> 00:21:13,819 while His words: 351 00:21:13,819 --> 00:21:16,819 "and call upon Him in fear and aspiration," 352 00:21:16,819 --> 00:21:19,819 indicate excellence in worshipping Allah Almighty. 353 00:21:20,819 --> 00:21:23,819 The verse then makes attaining the mercy of Allah Almighty 354 00:21:23,819 --> 00:21:26,819 contingent upon fulfilling both matters: 355 00:21:26,819 --> 00:21:30,819 "indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good." 356 00:21:30,819 --> 00:21:33,819 Thus, the more a servant embodies ihsan, 357 00:21:33,819 --> 00:21:37,819 the nearer they are to the mercy of Allah, Mighty and Majestic. 358 00:21:37,819 --> 00:21:40,819 In this lies an incentive toward spiritual excellence 359 00:21:40,819 --> 00:21:42,819 that is unmistakably clear. 360 00:21:42,819 --> 00:21:48,380 Worshipping in secret: 361 00:21:48,380 --> 00:21:50,380 Worshipping Allah in secret 362 00:21:50,380 --> 00:21:54,380 is among the most certain signs of sincerity and uprightness of the inner conscience. 363 00:21:54,380 --> 00:21:57,380 The salaf (early generations), may Allah have mercy on them, 364 00:21:57,380 --> 00:22:01,380 were keen on concealing their righteous deeds other than the obligatory ones. 365 00:22:01,380 --> 00:22:04,380 Allah Almighty said: 366 00:22:04,380 --> 00:22:07,380 "Call upon your Lord in humility and in secret..." 367 00:22:07,380 --> 00:22:10,380 “(O mankind!) Call upon your Lord humbly and in secret. Lo! He loveth not aggressors.” (7:55) 368 00:22:10,380 --> 00:22:13,380 And the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: 369 00:22:13,380 --> 00:22:18,380 "Indeed, Allah loves the servant who is God-fearing, self-sufficient, and hidden." 370 00:22:18,380 --> 00:22:20,380 Narrated by Muslim. 371 00:22:20,380 --> 00:22:23,380 Al-Zubayr ibn al-Awwam, may Allah be pleased with him, said: 372 00:22:23,380 --> 00:22:26,380 "Keep for yourselves a hidden store of righteous deeds," 373 00:22:26,380 --> 00:22:30,380 "just as you have a hidden store of evil deeds." 374 00:22:30,380 --> 00:22:33,410 And the statements of the salaf regarding this are numerous. 375 00:22:33,410 --> 00:22:38,200 Pairing worship with trust in Allah 376 00:22:38,200 --> 00:22:40,200 and seeking His aid: 377 00:22:40,200 --> 00:22:45,509 In the texts of the two revelations, worship is frequently coupled 378 00:22:45,509 --> 00:22:47,509 with putting one's trust in Allah 379 00:22:47,509 --> 00:22:48,509 and seeking His aid, 380 00:22:48,509 --> 00:22:50,509 as in the words of Allah Almighty: 381 00:22:51,509 --> 00:22:54,509 “Thee (alone) we worship; Thee (alone) we ask for help.” (1:5) 382 00:22:54,509 --> 00:22:56,509 and His words: 383 00:22:56,509 --> 00:22:59,509 "...so worship Him and rely upon Him." 384 00:22:59,509 --> 00:23:00,509 That is solely because 385 00:23:00,509 --> 00:23:04,509 the servant is utterly dependent on Allah, Mighty and Majestic, 386 00:23:04,509 --> 00:23:07,509 in that He is the One sought, loved, and worshipped, 387 00:23:07,509 --> 00:23:12,509 and in that He is the One petitioned, relied upon, and sought for aid. 388 00:23:12,509 --> 00:23:16,509 Through worship, the exclusive Divinity (Uluhiyyah) of Allah, Mighty and Majestic, is manifested, 389 00:23:16,509 --> 00:23:19,509 while through reliance and seeking His aid, 390 00:23:19,509 --> 00:23:21,509 His Lordship (Rububiyyah) is manifested. 391 00:23:21,509 --> 00:23:25,509 Servitude cannot be complete except through both dimensions. 392 00:23:25,509 --> 00:23:29,670 And just as seeking Allah's aid applies to all affairs, 393 00:23:29,670 --> 00:23:33,670 it applies even more fundamentally to worship itself, 394 00:23:33,670 --> 00:23:37,670 as indicated by its conjunction with it in the verse of Surat al-Fatihah. 395 00:23:37,670 --> 00:23:40,670 For seeking Allah's aid in worship 396 00:23:40,670 --> 00:23:43,670 strengthens the servant to perform it, 397 00:23:43,670 --> 00:23:46,670 protects them from conceited self-admiration regarding their worship, 398 00:23:46,670 --> 00:23:49,670 and from assuming it was achieved by their own power and strength. 399 00:23:49,670 --> 00:23:51,670 It also averts from them laziness 400 00:23:51,670 --> 00:23:54,670 and heedless negligence in carrying it out. 401 00:23:54,670 --> 00:23:57,670 Thus, whoever seeks Allah's aid in their worship, 402 00:23:57,670 --> 00:23:59,670 Allah aids them in it; 403 00:23:59,670 --> 00:24:01,670 and whoever neglects seeking His aid, 404 00:24:01,670 --> 00:24:03,670 Allah leaves them to their own devices, 405 00:24:03,670 --> 00:24:06,670 and weakness and lethargy overtake them. 406 00:24:06,829 --> 00:24:09,829 In placing worship before seeking aid 407 00:24:09,829 --> 00:24:12,829 in the verse of Surat al-Fatihah, 408 00:24:12,829 --> 00:24:14,829 there are profound rhetorical subtleties, 409 00:24:14,829 --> 00:24:16,829 the most prominent of which is 410 00:24:16,829 --> 00:24:20,829 that worship is the ultimate purpose for which servants were created, 411 00:24:20,829 --> 00:24:23,829 while seeking aid is a means to it, 412 00:24:23,829 --> 00:24:29,019 and ultimate ends take precedence over means. 413 00:24:29,019 --> 00:24:33,019 Fulfilling servitude through knowing the most beautiful names of Allah 414 00:24:33,019 --> 00:24:36,779 and His exalted attributes: 415 00:24:36,779 --> 00:24:39,779 Allah, Glorified is He, did not mention His names and attributes 416 00:24:39,779 --> 00:24:41,779 in His Noble Book 417 00:24:41,779 --> 00:24:45,779 merely for us to know them theoretically; 418 00:24:45,779 --> 00:24:49,779 rather, He mentioned them so we would comprehend their meanings and realities, 419 00:24:49,779 --> 00:24:53,779 contemplate their imperatives and implications in the cosmos, 420 00:24:53,779 --> 00:24:56,779 and reflect on their effects upon the heart and limbs, 421 00:24:56,779 --> 00:24:59,779 thereby calling upon Allah Almighty by them, 422 00:24:59,779 --> 00:25:01,779 as He, Mighty and Majestic, said: 423 00:25:01,779 --> 00:25:05,779 "And to Allah belong the most beautiful names, so call upon Him by them..." 424 00:25:05,779 --> 00:25:09,779 “Allah's are the fairest names. Invoke Him by them. And leave the company of those who blaspheme His names. They will be requited what they do.” (7:180) 425 00:25:09,779 --> 00:25:12,779 “Allah's are the fairest names. Invoke Him by them. And leave the company of those who blaspheme His names. They will be requited what they do.” (7:180) 426 00:25:12,779 --> 00:25:14,779 This knowledge and this supplication 427 00:25:14,779 --> 00:25:19,779 are what most profoundly realize a person's servitude to Allah, Glorified is He. 428 00:25:19,779 --> 00:25:23,779 For when a person knows the Lord Almighty's uniqueness in bringing benefit and harm, 429 00:25:23,779 --> 00:25:27,779 Bestowing, withholding, creating, and providing sustenance, 430 00:25:27,779 --> 00:25:29,779 As well as giving life and causing death— 431 00:25:29,779 --> 00:25:34,779 All of these yield for the servant the inward worship of reliance upon Allah, 432 00:25:34,779 --> 00:25:37,779 Along with the outward requirements of this reliance, 433 00:25:37,779 --> 00:25:40,779 Just as they yield fearing Him alone, 434 00:25:40,779 --> 00:25:41,779 Hoping in Him alone, 435 00:25:41,779 --> 00:25:43,779 Loving Him, and venerating Him. 436 00:25:43,779 --> 00:25:47,779 The same applies to all of Allah's Most Beautiful Names 437 00:25:47,779 --> 00:25:49,779 And Sublime Attributes. 438 00:25:49,779 --> 00:25:53,970 Moderation in Worship 439 00:25:53,970 --> 00:25:57,440 Worship in Islam 440 00:25:57,440 --> 00:26:01,440 Is a middle path between those who neglect and abandon it, 441 00:26:01,440 --> 00:26:03,440 And those who engage in extremism and monasticism. 442 00:26:03,440 --> 00:26:06,500 As for those who neglect worship, 443 00:26:06,500 --> 00:26:08,500 They have been deluded by the worldly life; 444 00:26:08,500 --> 00:26:11,500 They cling to it and pant after it, 445 00:26:11,500 --> 00:26:16,500 So that all their standards have become purely material and worldly. 446 00:26:16,500 --> 00:26:19,500 The clearest example representing these people 447 00:26:19,500 --> 00:26:22,500 Is the Jews, regarding whom Allah said: 448 00:26:22,500 --> 00:26:28,500 “And thou wilt find them greediest of mankind for life and (greedier) than the idolaters. (Each) one of them would like to be allowed to live a thousand years. And to live (a thousand years) would be no means remove him from the doom. Allah is Seer of what they do.” (2:96) 449 00:26:28,500 --> 00:26:32,500 “And thou wilt find them greediest of mankind for life and (greedier) than the idolaters. (Each) one of them would like to be allowed to live a thousand years. And to live (a thousand years) would be no means remove him from the doom. Allah is Seer of what they do.” (2:96) 450 00:26:32,500 --> 00:26:35,539 They are eager for a life— 451 00:26:35,539 --> 00:26:37,539 Using the indefinite noun "a life," 452 00:26:37,539 --> 00:26:41,539 Which indicates a love for life regardless of its nature, 453 00:26:41,539 --> 00:26:45,539 Even if it were a beastly existence consumed by instincts and lusts. 454 00:26:45,539 --> 00:26:51,539 For this reason, they deserved to be described as "those who earned anger," 455 00:26:51,539 --> 00:26:54,539 Due to their refusal to comply with divine commands 456 00:26:54,539 --> 00:26:59,539 And their trickery to circumvent them for their worldly interests. 457 00:26:59,539 --> 00:27:01,539 On the other hand, those who exaggerate in worship 458 00:27:01,539 --> 00:27:05,539 Were driven by their extremism to forbid what Allah made lawful 459 00:27:05,539 --> 00:27:07,539 And to innovate monasticism, 460 00:27:07,539 --> 00:27:10,539 Just as the monks and worshippers among the Christians did, 461 00:27:10,539 --> 00:27:15,539 Who forbade themselves marriage and wholesome provisions, 462 00:27:15,539 --> 00:27:19,539 Viewing them as an abomination from the work of Satan. 463 00:27:19,539 --> 00:27:22,539 Thus, they rejected Allah's favor upon them 464 00:27:22,539 --> 00:27:25,539 And were not guided to the truth regarding worship, 465 00:27:25,539 --> 00:27:28,539 Deserving thereby the description of "those who are astray." 466 00:27:28,539 --> 00:27:31,599 The former are people of neglect and immorality, 467 00:27:31,599 --> 00:27:35,599 While the latter are people of excess, extremism, and innovation; 468 00:27:35,599 --> 00:27:38,599 The salaf warned against both groups. 469 00:27:38,599 --> 00:27:42,700 The concept of moderation in worship in Islam is attained 470 00:27:42,700 --> 00:27:46,700 By examining the texts of the two revelations regarding this matter, 471 00:27:46,700 --> 00:27:48,700 Synthesizing them together 472 00:27:48,700 --> 00:27:52,700 Rather than acting upon some while abandoning others. 473 00:27:52,700 --> 00:27:56,700 For the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), who said: 474 00:27:56,700 --> 00:27:58,700 "The true mujahid is the one who strives against his own self," 475 00:27:59,700 --> 00:28:02,700 Is the very same person who said to the three men who 476 00:28:02,700 --> 00:28:04,700 Inquired about his worship 477 00:28:04,700 --> 00:28:06,700 And seemed to deem it little, 478 00:28:06,700 --> 00:28:08,700 Whereupon one of them said: 479 00:28:08,700 --> 00:28:11,700 "As for me, I will pray through the night forever." 480 00:28:11,700 --> 00:28:13,700 Another said: 481 00:28:13,700 --> 00:28:16,700 "I will fast continuously without breaking my fast." 482 00:28:16,700 --> 00:28:18,700 And the last said: 483 00:28:18,700 --> 00:28:20,700 "I will abstain from women 484 00:28:20,700 --> 00:28:22,700 And never marry." 485 00:28:22,700 --> 00:28:25,700 So he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: 486 00:28:25,700 --> 00:28:28,700 "Are you the ones who said such and such? 487 00:28:28,700 --> 00:28:31,700 By Allah, I am the most fearful of Allah among you 488 00:28:31,700 --> 00:28:33,700 And the most conscious of Him, 489 00:28:33,700 --> 00:28:35,700 Yet I fast and break my fast, 490 00:28:35,700 --> 00:28:37,700 I pray and I sleep, 491 00:28:37,700 --> 00:28:39,700 And I marry women. 492 00:28:39,700 --> 00:28:41,700 Whoever turns away from my Sunnah 493 00:28:41,700 --> 00:28:43,700 Is not of me." 494 00:28:43,700 --> 00:28:47,700 Thus, in the first text he encouraged diligent exertion in worship, 495 00:28:47,700 --> 00:28:51,700 While in the second he prohibited extremism and monasticism. 496 00:28:51,700 --> 00:28:54,920 His guidance (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) 497 00:28:54,920 --> 00:28:59,920 Is based on moderation and balance between rights and duties. 498 00:28:59,920 --> 00:29:04,920 When Salman al-Farisi said to Abu al-Darda (may Allah be pleased with him): 499 00:29:04,920 --> 00:29:07,920 "Your Lord has a right over you, 500 00:29:07,920 --> 00:29:09,920 Your self has a right over you, 501 00:29:09,920 --> 00:29:12,920 And your family has a right over you, 502 00:29:12,920 --> 00:29:15,980 So give every possessor of a right his due," 503 00:29:15,980 --> 00:29:18,980 The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: 504 00:29:18,980 --> 00:29:21,019 "Salman spoke the truth." 505 00:29:21,019 --> 00:29:23,019 Furthermore, he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) 506 00:29:23,019 --> 00:29:26,019 Approved of vows that were prescribed in the Shariah, 507 00:29:26,019 --> 00:29:29,019 While invalidating those that were innovated and rejected. 508 00:29:29,019 --> 00:29:31,019 When he saw a man standing in the sun, 509 00:29:31,019 --> 00:29:33,019 He asked about him, 510 00:29:33,019 --> 00:29:36,019 And they said: "He vowed to stand and not sit, 511 00:29:36,019 --> 00:29:39,019 Not seek shade, not speak, 512 00:29:39,019 --> 00:29:41,019 And to fast." 513 00:29:41,019 --> 00:29:44,079 He said: "Command him to speak, 514 00:29:44,079 --> 00:29:47,079 Seek shade, sit down, 515 00:29:47,079 --> 00:29:49,079 And complete his fast." 516 00:29:49,079 --> 00:29:51,210 Narrated by al-Bukhari. 517 00:29:51,210 --> 00:29:54,210 This is part of moderation in worship. 518 00:29:54,210 --> 00:29:58,230 Domains of Moderation in Worship 519 00:29:58,230 --> 00:30:02,579 Moderation in worship manifests 520 00:30:02,579 --> 00:30:05,579 In several domains, 521 00:30:05,579 --> 00:30:08,579 Including, first: 522 00:30:08,579 --> 00:30:11,579 Maintaining a middle course when supplicating Allah between reciting aloud and softly. 523 00:30:11,579 --> 00:30:14,579 Allah Almighty said: 524 00:30:14,579 --> 00:30:17,579 “Say (unto mankind): Cry unto Allah, or cry unto the Beneficent, unto whichsoever ye cry (it is the same). His are the most beautiful names. And thou (Muhammad), be not loud-voiced in thy worship nor yet silent therein, but follow a way between.” (17:110) 525 00:30:17,579 --> 00:30:20,579 ﴾And seek a way between that.﴿ 526 00:30:20,579 --> 00:30:22,740 Second: 527 00:30:22,740 --> 00:30:25,740 Avoiding transgression in purification and supplication, 528 00:30:25,740 --> 00:30:28,799 As he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: 529 00:30:28,799 --> 00:30:31,799 "There will be among this Ummah 530 00:30:31,799 --> 00:30:34,799 A people who transgress in purification and supplication." 531 00:30:34,799 --> 00:30:37,799 Narrated by Ahmad and Abu Dawud, 532 00:30:37,799 --> 00:30:40,799 And graded authentic by Ibn Hajar, al-Albani, 533 00:30:40,799 --> 00:30:43,799 And Shu'ayb al-Arna'ut. 534 00:30:43,799 --> 00:30:47,019 Transgression in purification 535 00:30:47,019 --> 00:30:50,019 Occurs through extravagance and exceeding the limit, 536 00:30:50,019 --> 00:30:53,019 Due to obsessive misgivings (waswasah), for instance. 537 00:30:53,019 --> 00:30:56,019 Transgression in supplication, 538 00:30:56,019 --> 00:30:59,019 Just as it occurs by raising one's voice excessively, 539 00:30:59,019 --> 00:31:02,019 Also occurs by asking for that which is un-Islamic. 540 00:31:02,019 --> 00:31:05,019 Allah Almighty has said: 541 00:31:05,019 --> 00:31:08,019 ﴾Call upon your Lord in humility and secrecy.﴿ 542 00:31:08,019 --> 00:31:11,279 “(O mankind!) Call upon your Lord humbly and in secret. Lo! He loveth not aggressors.” (7:55) 543 00:31:11,279 --> 00:31:14,279 Third: 544 00:31:14,279 --> 00:31:17,279 Striking a balance between concessions (rukhsah) and strict duties ('azimah). 545 00:31:17,279 --> 00:31:20,279 One should utilize prescribed concessions 546 00:31:20,279 --> 00:31:23,279 Without indulging in them excessively to the point of straying 547 00:31:23,279 --> 00:31:26,279 From the intended purpose of the Shariah. 548 00:31:26,279 --> 00:31:29,279 For instance, among the legitimate concessions 549 00:31:29,279 --> 00:31:32,279 Is delaying the Dhuhr prayer during extreme heat 550 00:31:32,279 --> 00:31:35,279 To let it cool down, so that the heat does not prevent 551 00:31:35,279 --> 00:31:38,279 Reverent humility in prayer. 552 00:31:38,279 --> 00:31:41,279 Excessive indulgence in this concession, however, 553 00:31:41,279 --> 00:31:44,279 Would be delaying it beyond its permissible time. 554 00:31:44,279 --> 00:31:48,559 Fruits of Worship 555 00:31:50,000 --> 00:31:53,000 Worship, in its comprehensive sense 556 00:31:53,000 --> 00:31:56,000 Previously explained, yields grand fruits for the servant, 557 00:31:56,000 --> 00:31:59,000 Among the most important of which is, first: 558 00:31:59,000 --> 00:32:02,000 Attachment to Allah alone, 559 00:32:02,000 --> 00:32:05,000 Manifesting utter neediness before Him, and becoming independent of everything else. 560 00:32:05,000 --> 00:32:08,000 True indeed are the words of Allah Almighty: 561 00:32:08,000 --> 00:32:11,000 “Will not Allah defend His slave? Yet they would frighten thee with those beside Him. He whom Allah sendeth astray, for him there is no guide.” (39:36) 562 00:32:11,000 --> 00:32:14,000 And He Almighty said: 563 00:32:14,000 --> 00:32:17,000 ﴾Say, "Sufficient for me is Allah; 564 00:32:17,000 --> 00:32:20,259 Upon Him rely those who would rely."﴿ 565 00:32:20,259 --> 00:32:23,259 Second: Attachment to Allah alone 566 00:32:23,259 --> 00:32:26,259 Engenders courage, steadfastness, 567 00:32:26,259 --> 00:32:29,259 Sacrifice in His cause, 568 00:32:29,259 --> 00:32:32,259 Tranquility of the heart, inner calm, and true happiness. 569 00:32:32,259 --> 00:32:35,259 This fruit was nowhere more clearly manifested 570 00:32:35,259 --> 00:32:38,259 Than in the elite of creation—Allah's prophets 571 00:32:38,259 --> 00:32:41,259 And messengers. As Nuh said: 572 00:32:41,259 --> 00:32:44,259 “Recite unto them the story of Noah, when he told his people: O my people! If my sojourn (here) and my reminding you by Allah's revelations are an offence unto you, in Allah have I put my trust, so decide upon your course of action you and your partners. Let not your course of action be in doubt for you. Then have at me, give me no respite.” (10:71) 573 00:32:44,259 --> 00:32:47,259 “Recite unto them the story of Noah, when he told his people: O my people! If my sojourn (here) and my reminding you by Allah's revelations are an offence unto you, in Allah have I put my trust, so decide upon your course of action you and your partners. Let not your course of action be in doubt for you. Then have at me, give me no respite.” (10:71) 574 00:32:47,259 --> 00:32:50,259 ﴾Upon Allah I have relied. 575 00:32:50,259 --> 00:32:53,259 So resolve upon your plan along with your partners,﴿ 576 00:32:53,259 --> 00:32:56,259 “Recite unto them the story of Noah, when he told his people: O my people! If my sojourn (here) and my reminding you by Allah's revelations are an offence unto you, in Allah have I put my trust, so decide upon your course of action you and your partners. Let not your course of action be in doubt for you. Then have at me, give me no respite.” (10:71) 577 00:32:56,259 --> 00:32:59,259 ﴾Then carry it out against me and do not give me respite.﴿ 578 00:32:59,259 --> 00:33:02,259 And Hud (peace be upon him) said: 579 00:33:02,259 --> 00:33:05,259 ﴾So scheme against me, all together, 580 00:33:05,259 --> 00:33:08,259 Then give me no respite.﴿ 581 00:33:08,259 --> 00:33:11,259 And Allah Almighty said regarding His Prophet Muhammad 582 00:33:11,259 --> 00:33:14,259 (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him): 583 00:33:14,259 --> 00:33:17,259 ﴾Say, "Call upon your partners then scheme against me, 584 00:33:17,259 --> 00:33:20,259 And give me no respite. 585 00:33:20,259 --> 00:33:23,259 Indeed, my protector is Allah, who revealed the Book, 586 00:33:23,259 --> 00:33:26,259 And He protects the righteous."﴿ 587 00:33:26,259 --> 00:33:29,480 Third: Attaining Allah's pleasure, 588 00:33:29,480 --> 00:33:32,480 His love, and His Paradise. 589 00:33:32,480 --> 00:33:35,480 For whoever performs what Allah loves and is pleased with— 590 00:33:35,480 --> 00:33:38,480 Which is the very essence of worship— 591 00:33:38,480 --> 00:33:41,480 Will undoubtedly attain His love and pleasure, 592 00:33:41,480 --> 00:33:44,480 And will be among the people of Paradise who delight 593 00:33:44,480 --> 00:33:47,480 In its bliss, the greatest of which is Allah's good pleasure. 594 00:33:47,480 --> 00:33:50,480 In a sacred hadith, 595 00:33:50,480 --> 00:33:53,480 Allah (Blessed and Exalted is He) says to the people of Paradise: 596 00:33:53,480 --> 00:33:56,480 "O people of Paradise!" 597 00:33:56,480 --> 00:33:59,480 They will reply: "At Your service, our Lord, 598 00:33:59,480 --> 00:34:02,480 And pleasure!" He will ask: "Are you pleased?" 599 00:34:03,480 --> 00:34:06,480 They will say: "Why should we not be pleased 600 00:34:06,480 --> 00:34:09,480 When You have given us what You have not given to anyone 601 00:34:09,480 --> 00:34:12,480 Of Your creation?" 602 00:34:12,480 --> 00:34:15,480 He will say: "I shall give you something better than that." 603 00:34:15,480 --> 00:34:18,480 They will ask: "O Lord, 604 00:34:18,480 --> 00:34:21,480 What thing could be better than that?" 605 00:34:21,480 --> 00:34:24,480 He will say: "I grant you My good pleasure, 606 00:34:24,480 --> 00:34:27,480 So I will never be displeased with you 607 00:34:27,480 --> 00:34:30,510 Ever again." 608 00:34:30,510 --> 00:34:33,539 Thus, it explicitly states that Allah's pleasure is superior 609 00:34:33,539 --> 00:34:36,829 To all the delights of Paradise. 610 00:34:36,829 --> 00:34:39,829 Fourth: Ascetic indifference toward worldly life 611 00:34:39,829 --> 00:34:43,539 And prioritizing the Hereafter over it. 612 00:34:43,539 --> 00:34:46,539 Summary of the concepts of Ahl al-Sunnah.