WEBVTT 00:00:00.240 --> 00:00:05.919 A summary of the concepts held by the Ahl al-Sunnah. 00:00:05.919 --> 00:00:12.140 The objective of faith in Allah the Exalted. 00:00:12.140 --> 00:00:17.350 Faith in Allah the Exalted encompasses four matters. 00:00:17.350 --> 00:00:21.870 First: Belief in the existence of Allah the Exalted. 00:00:21.870 --> 00:00:27.039 Second: Belief in the Lordship (Rububiyyah) of Allah the Exalted. 00:00:27.039 --> 00:00:32.229 Third: Belief in the Divinity (Uluhiyyah) of Allah the Exalted. 00:00:32.229 --> 00:00:44.420 Fourth: Belief in the Beautiful Names and Sublime Attributes of Allah; all of this is included in our statement, "There is no god but Allah." 00:00:44.420 --> 00:00:48.130 The first obligation upon those who are morally responsible (mukallafin). 00:00:48.130 --> 00:00:57.899 Faith in Allah the Exalted, in the sense previously mentioned, is the first obligation upon the mukallafin according to the Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah. 00:00:57.899 --> 00:01:01.899 It is an innate matter upon which Allah has created mankind. 00:01:01.899 --> 00:01:12.180 Although faith in Allah is an innate matter, the theologians (Mutakallimun)—such as the Mu'tazilah, the Jahmiyyah, and some of the Ash'ariyyah— 00:01:12.180 --> 00:01:17.180 hold that the first obligation upon the mukallaf is rational inquiry and deduction. 00:01:17.180 --> 00:01:25.180 Some even claim that the first obligation is doubt, as it leads to the intent to inquire. 00:01:25.180 --> 00:01:33.180 Others make the ultimate goal of faith the knowledge of the world's contingency and the eternity of the Creator. 00:01:33.180 --> 00:01:40.180 All of this is false, because knowledge of Allah and faith in Him are rooted in the innate nature (fitrah). 00:01:40.180 --> 00:01:47.180 Thus, the obligation is to realize this in reality without the need to stipulate rational deduction as a prerequisite. 00:01:47.180 --> 00:01:54.180 For many common people do not know how to perform rational deduction and inquiry, nor are they capable of it. 00:01:54.180 --> 00:01:57.439 Belief in the existence of Allah the Exalted. 00:01:57.439 --> 00:02:03.049 The majority of humanity acknowledges the existence of a Creator for the universe. 00:02:03.049 --> 00:02:10.050 However, many of them commit shirk (polytheism) in this acknowledgment by positing two or more gods. 00:02:10.050 --> 00:02:15.050 They associate other false deities with the True God. 00:02:15.050 --> 00:02:21.050 None acknowledge the Oneness of Allah the Exalted except the Prophets, the Messengers, and their followers. 00:02:21.050 --> 00:02:28.110 As for those who deny the existence of a Creator entirely, they have been few throughout history. 00:02:28.110 --> 00:02:36.110 Their numbers were not significant until the modern era, and they are currently called atheists. 00:02:36.110 --> 00:02:40.110 Most of them are communists, followers of Karl Marx. 00:02:40.110 --> 00:02:44.110 Their numbers have begun to increase in Western society. 00:02:44.110 --> 00:02:48.110 Some of them neither deny nor affirm the existence of a Creator. 00:02:48.110 --> 00:02:53.110 They say, "I do not know whether a Creator exists or not." 00:02:53.110 --> 00:03:00.110 Yet, even if a Creator existed in their view, they claim He has no involvement in their lives. 00:03:00.110 --> 00:03:07.370 These are called agnostics, derived from their statement, "I do not know." 00:03:07.370 --> 00:03:15.370 Faith in the existence of Allah and His Oneness, along with its innate perception, is also evidenced by reason. 00:03:15.370 --> 00:03:21.370 For anyone who contemplates the precise order by which the universe—with all that is in it—functions, 00:03:21.370 --> 00:03:26.430 realizes that there is no room whatsoever for coincidence in this matter. 00:03:26.430 --> 00:03:33.430 And that the precision of the creation points to the existence of the Creator, the One who fashioned this universe and manages it. 00:03:33.430 --> 00:03:39.430 And that this Creator is the Lord and the God who alone deserves worship. 00:03:39.430 --> 00:03:42.560 It is also evidenced by revelation. 00:03:42.560 --> 00:03:50.560 The Noble Qur'an, with its absolute inimitability in all fields—rhetoric, science, legislation, and historical accounts— 00:03:50.560 --> 00:03:58.560 proves that it is from Allah, and it is filled with the call to believe in Allah and His Oneness. 00:03:58.560 --> 00:04:01.620 It is also evidenced by sensory experience. 00:04:01.620 --> 00:04:07.620 Such as the miracles Allah performed at the hands of His Prophets, which were beyond human capacity. 00:04:07.620 --> 00:04:14.620 And what is witnessed of the answering of the supplications of His Prophets and allies immediately upon their conclusion. 00:04:14.620 --> 00:04:20.620 As happened with the descent of rain shortly after the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) sought it. 00:04:20.620 --> 00:04:24.620 So who is it that answers these supplications? 00:04:24.620 --> 00:04:33.839 The Oneness of Allah the Exalted is realized in two ways. 00:04:33.839 --> 00:04:35.839 The first way: 00:04:35.839 --> 00:04:39.839 The Oneness of Allah the Exalted in His actions and attributes. 00:04:39.839 --> 00:04:46.839 For no one among His creation shares in the actions of Allah the Almighty. 00:04:46.839 --> 00:04:49.839 This is called the Oneness of Lordship (Tawhid al-Rububiyyah). 00:04:49.839 --> 00:04:54.839 Likewise, His attributes—glory be to Him—do not resemble the attributes of anyone. 00:04:54.839 --> 00:04:58.839 This is called the Oneness of Names and Attributes (Tawhid al-Asma' wal-Sifat). 00:04:58.839 --> 00:05:02.839 This way includes two types of Tawhid. 00:05:02.839 --> 00:05:06.839 The Oneness of Lordship and the Oneness of Names and Attributes. 00:05:06.839 --> 00:05:08.839 It is also called: 00:05:08.839 --> 00:05:11.839 Scientific-credal Tawhid. 00:05:11.839 --> 00:05:14.839 Or theoretical scientific Tawhid. 00:05:14.839 --> 00:05:17.839 Or the Tawhid of knowledge and affirmation. 00:05:17.839 --> 00:05:19.970 The second way: 00:05:19.970 --> 00:05:25.029 The servants' unification of Allah the Exalted through their own actions. 00:05:25.029 --> 00:05:30.160 Meaning, directing their intentions and worship to Allah the Almighty alone. 00:05:30.160 --> 00:05:34.160 This way includes the Oneness of Divinity (Tawhid al-Uluhiyyah). 00:05:34.160 --> 00:05:36.160 It is also called: 00:05:36.160 --> 00:05:38.160 The Tawhid of intention and seeking. 00:05:38.160 --> 00:05:41.220 Or practical Tawhid. 00:05:41.220 --> 00:05:43.220 The categories of Tawhid. 00:05:43.220 --> 00:05:46.470 According to the aforementioned concept, 00:05:46.470 --> 00:05:51.470 scholars have divided Tawhid into three categories. 00:05:51.470 --> 00:05:52.470 First: 00:05:52.470 --> 00:05:54.470 The Oneness of Lordship. 00:05:54.470 --> 00:05:58.540 Which is the unification of Allah the Almighty in His actions. 00:05:58.540 --> 00:05:59.540 Second: 00:05:59.540 --> 00:06:01.540 The Oneness of Divinity. 00:06:01.540 --> 00:06:05.540 Which is the unification of Allah the Almighty through the actions of the servants. 00:06:05.540 --> 00:06:07.660 Third: 00:06:07.660 --> 00:06:10.660 The Oneness of Names and Attributes. 00:06:10.660 --> 00:06:13.920 The call to Tawhid. 00:06:13.920 --> 00:06:16.620 The call to Tawhid 00:06:16.620 --> 00:06:23.620 is the call to liberate people from servitude and submission to anyone other than Allah the Exalted, 00:06:23.620 --> 00:06:25.620 to the worship of Allah alone, 00:06:25.620 --> 00:06:28.620 and complete submission to Him, 00:06:28.620 --> 00:06:31.620 while disavowing whatever is worshipped besides Him. 00:06:31.620 --> 00:06:34.620 Thus, they do not direct worship to other than Allah. 00:06:34.620 --> 00:06:40.620 Just as they do not turn to Allah only with their tongues and ritualistic acts, 00:06:40.620 --> 00:06:43.620 without the turning of their hearts toward Him—glory be to Him— 00:06:43.620 --> 00:06:46.620 and receiving legislation from Him, the Almighty, 00:06:46.620 --> 00:06:49.620 and complete compliance with it. 00:06:49.620 --> 00:06:53.620 Rather, they unify Allah with their tongues, their rituals, and their hearts, 00:06:53.620 --> 00:06:56.620 and with complete compliance to His rulings. 00:06:56.620 --> 00:06:59.620 This is the meaning of the statement of Allah the Exalted: 00:06:59.620 --> 00:07:07.620 “And verily We have raised in every nation a messenger, (proclaiming): Serve Allah and shun false gods. Then some of them (there were) whom Allah guided, and some of them (there were) upon whom error had just hold. Do but travel in the land and see the nature of the consequence for the deniers!” (16:36) 00:07:07.620 --> 00:07:16.649 In the Tawhid of Allah is liberation from everything else. 00:07:16.649 --> 00:07:23.649 For a person cannot be free while they are beholden to anyone other than Allah for anything in their own self, 00:07:23.649 --> 00:07:25.649 or in the course of their life, 00:07:25.649 --> 00:07:30.649 or in the values, laws, and legislations that govern life. 00:07:30.649 --> 00:07:36.649 There is no freedom while there is submission in a person's heart to anything mentioned, 00:07:36.649 --> 00:07:40.649 or attachment, longing, or servitude to other than Allah. 00:07:40.649 --> 00:07:48.680 Therefore, Tawhid is the only form of true human liberation in this life. 00:07:48.680 --> 00:07:53.740 Tawhid prevents shirk and the multiplicity of gods. 00:07:53.740 --> 00:07:59.740 Tawhid eradicates the following of any customs, habits, traditions, 00:07:59.740 --> 00:08:03.740 or rulings that contradict what Allah has revealed. 00:08:03.740 --> 00:08:09.449 In Tawhid, there is a transformation from chaos to order. 00:08:09.449 --> 00:08:15.449 Faith in Allah and His Oneness is the turning point in human life, 00:08:15.449 --> 00:08:19.449 from servitude to various powers, objects, and considerations, 00:08:19.449 --> 00:08:24.449 to a single servitude to Allah, the One, the Exalted. 00:08:24.449 --> 00:08:30.449 A servitude that elevates the soul above everything and every worldly consideration, 00:08:30.449 --> 00:08:37.450 and moves it from chaos and distraction to order and a unified intention and goal. 00:08:37.450 --> 00:08:45.450 For without Tawhid, humanity knows no straight intention or consistent purpose for itself, 00:08:45.450 --> 00:08:50.450 nor does it know a focal point around which to gather in earnestness and equality, 00:08:50.450 --> 00:08:57.450 just as the entire existence gathers and is ordered by submission to the will of Allah, the One, the Subduer, 00:08:57.450 --> 00:09:01.450 in accordance with His laws and consistent patterns. 00:09:01.450 --> 00:09:07.610 Allah the Exalted said: ﴾Had there been within the heavens and earth gods besides Allah, they both would have been ruined.﴿ 00:09:07.610 --> 00:09:12.610 “If there were therein gods beside Allah, then verily both (the heavens and the earth) had been disordered. Glorified be Allah, the Lord of the Throne, from all that they ascribe (unto Him).” (21:22) 00:09:12.610 --> 00:09:20.799 The statement "There is no god but Allah" is a complete methodology of life that includes the credal aspect, 00:09:20.799 --> 00:09:26.799 the devotional aspect, and the practical behavioral aspect of a person's life. 00:09:26.799 --> 00:09:31.860 The heart does not settle or find tranquility except through Tawhid, 00:09:31.860 --> 00:09:35.860 as it realizes that there is no beloved for His own sake except Allah, 00:09:35.860 --> 00:09:38.860 and no desired object for its own sake except Allah. 00:09:38.860 --> 00:09:47.860 And that everything loved and desired besides Allah must be subordinate to the will and love of Allah. 00:09:47.860 --> 00:09:52.929 For everything in reality ends with Allah the Almighty. 00:09:52.929 --> 00:09:58.929 As Allah the Exalted said: ﴾And that to your Lord is the finality.﴿ 00:09:58.929 --> 00:10:05.929 There is no goal beyond Him—glory be to Him—that is sought, nor is there any finality other than Him. 00:10:05.929 --> 00:10:11.309 The statement "There is no god but Allah" and its significance. 00:10:11.309 --> 00:10:17.179 The statement "There is no god but Allah" is a complete methodology of life. 00:10:17.179 --> 00:10:21.179 It includes the credal aspect, the devotional aspect, 00:10:21.179 --> 00:10:25.179 and the practical behavioral aspect of a person's life. 00:10:25.179 --> 00:10:28.240 It is the greatest statement sent down from Allah, 00:10:28.240 --> 00:10:35.240 because it contains the religion that all the Messengers brought from Allah the Exalted. 00:10:35.240 --> 00:10:41.240 It is the great truth by which people become believers or disbelievers, 00:10:41.240 --> 00:10:43.240 righteous or wicked. 00:10:43.240 --> 00:10:50.340 It is a testimony to the uniqueness of Allah in His Oneness and a disavowal of shirk. 00:10:50.340 --> 00:10:56.399 As Allah the Exalted said: ﴾Say, "He is only one God."﴿ 00:10:56.399 --> 00:11:01.399 “Say (O Muhammad): What thing is of most weight in testimony? Say: Allah is Witness between me and you. And this Qur'an hath been inspired in me, that I may warn therewith you and whomsoever it may reach. Do ye in sooth bear witness that there are gods beside Allah? Say: I bear no such witness. Say: He is only One Allah. Lo! I am innocent of that which ye associate (with Him).” (6:19) 00:11:01.399 --> 00:11:06.779 The paths leading to the knowledge that there is no god but Allah. 00:11:06.779 --> 00:11:14.129 Allah the Exalted says: ﴾So know that there is no god but Allah.﴿ 00:11:14.129 --> 00:11:21.220 There are paths and means to this knowledge of this great statement, among the most important of which are: 00:11:21.220 --> 00:11:28.220 First: Contemplating the names and attributes of Allah the Exalted, which indicate His perfection and greatness. 00:11:28.220 --> 00:11:32.220 For they yield the excellence of worship and devotion to Allah, 00:11:32.220 --> 00:11:37.220 to Whom belongs all praise, glory, majesty, and beauty. 00:11:37.220 --> 00:11:43.450 Second: Knowledge of the Lordship of Allah and His uniqueness in creation and management. 00:11:43.450 --> 00:11:48.450 This yields the realization of His uniqueness in deserving divinity. 00:11:48.450 --> 00:11:55.539 Third: Knowledge that He is the Bestower of blessings, both religious and worldly, alike, 00:11:55.539 --> 00:11:58.539 the apparent and the hidden. 00:11:58.539 --> 00:12:02.539 This yields the attachment of the heart to Allah and love for Him. 00:12:02.539 --> 00:12:07.669 Fourth: Knowing the descriptions of idols and rivals worshipped besides Allah, 00:12:07.669 --> 00:12:13.669 and realizing that they are deficient in all respects, inherently needy, 00:12:13.669 --> 00:12:17.669 possessing no benefit or harm for themselves or their worshippers, 00:12:17.669 --> 00:12:21.669 nor power over death, life, or resurrection. 00:12:21.669 --> 00:12:27.669 Knowledge of all this yields the realization that there is no god but Allah, 00:12:27.669 --> 00:12:30.830 and the falsehood of everything else. 00:12:30.830 --> 00:12:34.830 Fifth: Constantly contemplating the Book of Allah the Exalted. 00:12:34.830 --> 00:12:41.830 This yields complete knowledge of the Oneness of Allah and His exclusivity in worship. 00:12:41.830 --> 00:12:46.019 Sixth: Looking into the guidance of the Messengers and Prophets, 00:12:46.019 --> 00:12:50.019 and their sincerity in the Tawhid of Allah and His worship. 00:12:50.019 --> 00:12:56.120 Seventh: Looking into the signs of Allah witnessed in the souls and the horizons. 00:12:56.120 --> 00:13:00.120 For they all point to Tawhid with the greatest evidence, 00:13:00.120 --> 00:13:05.120 and testify to the Oneness of the Creator and the wonder of His creation in the universe. 00:13:05.120 --> 00:13:11.220 Every one of these paths leads to the knowledge that there is no god but Allah. 00:13:11.220 --> 00:13:15.220 So how much more so when they are combined and converge? 00:13:15.220 --> 00:13:19.220 At that point, faith becomes firmly rooted in the heart of the believing servant, 00:13:19.220 --> 00:13:23.220 along with knowledge of the meaning of the statement of Tawhid. 00:13:23.220 --> 00:13:27.470 The purity, precision, and clarity of Tawhid. 00:13:27.470 --> 00:13:33.179 Tawhid is the purest, most precise, and most refined thing. 00:13:33.179 --> 00:13:38.179 The slightest thing scratches it, affects it, and removes its luster. 00:13:38.179 --> 00:13:42.179 Yet, among people, there are those whose Tawhid is great and immense, 00:13:42.179 --> 00:13:46.179 in which much that disturbs it is submerged, 00:13:46.179 --> 00:13:50.179 whether from a word, a glance, or a hidden desire, 00:13:50.179 --> 00:13:53.179 like a large body of water that does not carry impurities. 00:13:53.179 --> 00:13:58.179 Thus, one whose Tawhid is lesser than the possessor of great Tawhid may be deceived by this, 00:13:58.179 --> 00:14:03.179 scratching his Tawhid with such scratches and disturbances, 00:14:03.179 --> 00:14:07.179 which affects him significantly. 00:14:07.179 --> 00:14:10.179 Just as the possessor of pure Tawhid 00:14:10.179 --> 00:14:15.179 notices early on what defiles his Tawhid, even if it is minute, 00:14:15.179 --> 00:14:20.179 so he treats it quickly and turns back from what he fell into. 00:14:20.179 --> 00:14:24.179 This was the state of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), 00:14:24.179 --> 00:14:27.179 and the righteous salaf after them. 00:14:27.179 --> 00:14:31.179 It has been said of them that their sins were few, 00:14:31.179 --> 00:14:34.179 so they knew from where they were approached. 00:14:34.179 --> 00:14:39.210 The clearest example of this is 'Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him), 00:14:39.210 --> 00:14:41.210 when he opposed the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah 00:14:41.210 --> 00:14:45.210 and debated the Prophet (peace be upon him) regarding it. 00:14:45.210 --> 00:14:49.210 Then, he did not cease to feel the deepest regret for that, 00:14:49.210 --> 00:14:53.210 and he continued to give charity, fast, pray, and manumit slaves, 00:14:53.210 --> 00:14:58.210 fearing this opposition and as an expiation for it. 00:14:58.210 --> 00:15:03.210 Whereas one weak in faith and Tawhid does not possess such realization, 00:15:03.210 --> 00:15:07.210 so he does not turn back from what he does that scratches his Tawhid. 00:15:07.210 --> 00:15:12.340 Just as the possessor of strong Tawhid and many good deeds 00:15:12.340 --> 00:15:18.340 is forgiven for what one who lacks such Tawhid and good deeds is not forgiven for. 00:15:18.340 --> 00:15:21.529 So let a person be mindful of his Tawhid, 00:15:21.529 --> 00:15:25.529 and let him protect it from everything that scratches it, 00:15:25.529 --> 00:15:28.529 until he wins the greatest fruit of Tawhid, 00:15:28.529 --> 00:15:33.529 which is salvation from the Fire and winning the Gardens of Paradise. 00:15:33.529 --> 00:15:39.850 Whoever prefers the worldly life, his intention is corrupted, and his behavior contradicts the requirements of Tawhid. 00:15:39.850 --> 00:15:45.519 It is regrettable that some people may inherit the knowledge of the salaf 00:15:45.519 --> 00:15:48.519 and theoretically believe their creed, 00:15:48.519 --> 00:15:51.519 but the diversion of their ambition toward the world, 00:15:51.519 --> 00:15:55.519 and their preference for any of its adornments and decorations, 00:15:55.519 --> 00:15:57.519 removes them from what they inherited, 00:15:57.519 --> 00:16:02.519 and diverts them toward misguidance in perceptions and deviation in behavior, 00:16:02.519 --> 00:16:05.519 whether they realize it or not. 00:16:05.519 --> 00:16:10.519 While he denounces the people of heretical creeds for their innovations, 00:16:10.519 --> 00:16:14.519 Satan causes him to fall into innovations of another kind, 00:16:14.519 --> 00:16:19.519 such as allying with the people of falsehood and downplaying their falsehood, 00:16:19.519 --> 00:16:24.519 It thus becomes a ladder and a staircase for the elevation of tyrants and those who follow their own desires. 00:16:24.519 --> 00:16:28.649 For anyone among the people of knowledge who prefers this world over the Hereafter, 00:16:28.649 --> 00:16:33.649 must inevitably speak falsely about Allah in their legal opinions and judgments. 00:16:33.649 --> 00:16:39.649 This is because the rulings of the Lord, glory be to Him, often run contrary to the desires of people, 00:16:39.649 --> 00:16:42.649 especially those among them who hold positions of authority. 00:16:42.649 --> 00:16:48.649 Their purposes cannot be fulfilled except by opposing the truth and suppressing it. 00:16:48.649 --> 00:16:52.649 Thus, the love of this world causes those among the people of knowledge who are tempted by it 00:16:52.649 --> 00:16:55.649 to reject, obscure, and conceal the truth, 00:16:55.649 --> 00:16:59.649 in order to curry favor with those who hold power and follow their whims, 00:16:59.649 --> 00:17:03.649 and out of fear of losing their share of worldly gains. 00:17:03.649 --> 00:17:06.650 Just as the Almighty said regarding the People of the Book: 00:17:12.650 --> 00:17:19.650 “And a generation hath succeeded them who inherited the scriptures. They grasp the goods of this low life (as the price of evil-doing) and say: It will be forgiven us. And if there came to them (again) the offer of the like, they would accept it (and would sin again). Hath not the covenant of the Scripture been taken on their behalf that they should not speak aught concerning Allah save the truth? And they have studied that which is therein. And the abode of the Hereafter is better, for those who ward off (evil). Have ye then no sense?” (7:169) 00:17:19.650 --> 00:17:25.650 They say, "We will be forgiven." 00:17:25.650 --> 00:17:31.650 Yet if an equivalent worldly gain comes to them, they seize it. 00:17:31.650 --> 00:17:35.650 “And a generation hath succeeded them who inherited the scriptures. They grasp the goods of this low life (as the price of evil-doing) and say: It will be forgiven us. And if there came to them (again) the offer of the like, they would accept it (and would sin again). Hath not the covenant of the Scripture been taken on their behalf that they should not speak aught concerning Allah save the truth? And they have studied that which is therein. And the abode of the Hereafter is better, for those who ward off (evil). Have ye then no sense?” (7:169) 00:17:35.650 --> 00:17:44.650 “And a generation hath succeeded them who inherited the scriptures. They grasp the goods of this low life (as the price of evil-doing) and say: It will be forgiven us. And if there came to them (again) the offer of the like, they would accept it (and would sin again). Hath not the covenant of the Scripture been taken on their behalf that they should not speak aught concerning Allah save the truth? And they have studied that which is therein. And the abode of the Hereafter is better, for those who ward off (evil). Have ye then no sense?” (7:169) 00:17:44.650 --> 00:17:46.650 And they studied what was in it. 00:17:46.650 --> 00:17:52.650 “And a generation hath succeeded them who inherited the scriptures. They grasp the goods of this low life (as the price of evil-doing) and say: It will be forgiven us. And if there came to them (again) the offer of the like, they would accept it (and would sin again). Hath not the covenant of the Scripture been taken on their behalf that they should not speak aught concerning Allah save the truth? And they have studied that which is therein. And the abode of the Hereafter is better, for those who ward off (evil). Have ye then no sense?” (7:169) 00:17:52.650 --> 00:17:57.029 Do you not then use your reason? 00:17:57.029 --> 00:18:01.029 The Almighty informed us that they seize the fleeting worldly gain, 00:18:01.029 --> 00:18:03.029 which is the worldly benefit, 00:18:03.029 --> 00:18:06.029 despite their knowledge that it is forbidden to them. 00:18:06.029 --> 00:18:09.029 They say, "We will be forgiven," 00:18:09.029 --> 00:18:13.029 while they persist in what they are doing and repeat it. 00:18:13.029 --> 00:18:17.099 And if an equivalent worldly gain comes to them, they seize it. 00:18:17.099 --> 00:18:20.099 This drives them to oppose the truth, 00:18:20.099 --> 00:18:22.099 and to speak falsely about Allah. 00:18:22.099 --> 00:18:26.099 Instead of speaking out clearly and defending it. 00:18:26.099 --> 00:18:30.420 The conditions for benefiting from the word of Tawhid. 00:18:30.420 --> 00:18:32.420 "La ilaha illa Allah" (There is no god but Allah). 00:18:32.420 --> 00:18:36.440 The word of Tawhid is the first condition, 00:18:36.440 --> 00:18:39.440 and the primary reason for entering Paradise. 00:18:39.440 --> 00:18:42.440 As the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: 00:18:42.440 --> 00:18:45.440 "I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, 00:18:45.440 --> 00:18:47.440 and that I am the Messenger of Allah. 00:18:47.440 --> 00:18:51.440 No servant meets Allah with these two, without doubting them, 00:18:51.440 --> 00:18:54.440 but that he will enter Paradise." 00:18:54.440 --> 00:18:56.470 Narrated by Muslim. 00:18:56.470 --> 00:18:59.470 However, one must fulfill its conditions, 00:18:59.470 --> 00:19:01.470 for a person to enter Paradise. 00:19:01.470 --> 00:19:03.630 It was said to Wahb Ibn Munabbih: 00:19:03.630 --> 00:19:07.630 "Is not the key to Paradise 'La ilaha illa Allah'?" 00:19:07.630 --> 00:19:09.630 He replied, "Yes, 00:19:09.630 --> 00:19:12.630 but there is no key that does not have teeth. 00:19:12.630 --> 00:19:15.630 Whoever brings the key with its teeth, it will be opened for him; 00:19:15.630 --> 00:19:19.630 and whoever does not bring it with its teeth, it will not be opened for him." 00:19:19.630 --> 00:19:23.759 The teeth of the key are the conditions of this word. 00:19:23.759 --> 00:19:25.759 They are, firstly: 00:19:25.759 --> 00:19:27.759 Knowledge of its meaning, 00:19:27.759 --> 00:19:30.759 which negates ignorance of it. 00:19:30.759 --> 00:19:32.759 The Almighty said: 00:19:32.759 --> 00:19:36.759 "Know, therefore, that there is no god but Allah." 00:19:36.759 --> 00:19:39.759 And the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: 00:19:39.759 --> 00:19:43.759 "Whoever dies while knowing that there is no god but Allah, 00:19:43.759 --> 00:19:45.759 will enter Paradise." 00:19:45.759 --> 00:19:47.759 Narrated by Muslim. 00:19:47.759 --> 00:19:48.789 Secondly: 00:19:48.789 --> 00:19:52.789 Certainty, which negates doubt and suspicion. 00:19:52.789 --> 00:19:54.819 The Almighty said: 00:19:54.819 --> 00:19:58.819 "The believers are only those who have believed in Allah and His Messenger, 00:19:58.819 --> 00:20:00.819 and then have not doubted." 00:20:00.819 --> 00:20:05.980 And the Prophet, peace be upon him, said to Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him: 00:20:05.980 --> 00:20:08.980 "Whoever you meet behind this wall, 00:20:08.980 --> 00:20:11.980 testifying that there is no god but Allah, 00:20:11.980 --> 00:20:13.980 with his heart certain of it, 00:20:13.980 --> 00:20:15.980 give him the glad tidings of Paradise." 00:20:15.980 --> 00:20:17.980 Narrated by Muslim. 00:20:17.980 --> 00:20:20.079 As for the doubter, 00:20:20.079 --> 00:20:22.079 he is among the people of hypocrisy, 00:20:22.079 --> 00:20:24.079 as the Almighty said: 00:20:24.079 --> 00:20:30.079 “They alone ask leave of thee who believe not in Allah and the Last Day, and whose hearts feel doubt, so in their doubt they waver.” (9:45) 00:20:30.079 --> 00:20:32.079 "And their hearts have doubted." 00:20:32.079 --> 00:20:35.079 “They alone ask leave of thee who believe not in Allah and the Last Day, and whose hearts feel doubt, so in their doubt they waver.” (9:45) 00:20:35.079 --> 00:20:37.140 Thirdly: 00:20:37.140 --> 00:20:41.140 Acceptance by the heart and tongue of this word and what it entails. 00:20:41.140 --> 00:20:45.140 Its opposite is denial, turning away, and arrogance, 00:20:45.140 --> 00:20:47.140 which is the action of the disbelievers. 00:20:47.140 --> 00:20:50.140 For they denied it and said: 00:20:50.140 --> 00:20:53.140 “Maketh he the gods One Allah? Lo! that is an astounding thing.” (38:5) 00:20:53.140 --> 00:20:56.140 “Maketh he the gods One Allah? Lo! that is an astounding thing.” (38:5) 00:20:56.140 --> 00:20:58.140 And they were too arrogant to accept it, 00:20:58.140 --> 00:21:00.140 as the Almighty said: 00:21:00.140 --> 00:21:06.140 “For when it was said unto them, There is no Allah save Allah, they were scornful” (37:35) 00:21:06.140 --> 00:21:08.269 Fourthly: 00:21:08.269 --> 00:21:12.269 Submission to what the word indicates and entails, 00:21:12.269 --> 00:21:14.269 which is Islam, 00:21:14.269 --> 00:21:17.269 meaning submission to Allah the Almighty, 00:21:17.269 --> 00:21:18.269 and His commands. 00:21:18.269 --> 00:21:20.269 The Almighty said: 00:21:21.269 --> 00:21:24.269 “Turn unto your Lord repentant, and surrender unto Him, before there come unto you the doom, when ye cannot be helped.” (39:54) 00:21:24.269 --> 00:21:26.269 And the Almighty said: 00:21:26.269 --> 00:21:30.269 “Whosoever surrendereth his purpose to Allah while doing good, he verily hath grasped the firm hand-hold. Unto Allah belongeth the sequel of all things.” (31:22) 00:21:30.269 --> 00:21:33.269 "He has grasped the most trustworthy handhold." 00:21:33.269 --> 00:21:37.400 The most trustworthy handhold is the word of Tawhid. 00:21:37.400 --> 00:21:40.400 The perfection of submission and its ultimate goal 00:21:40.400 --> 00:21:44.400 is prioritizing what Allah loves, even if it contradicts one's desires, 00:21:44.400 --> 00:21:48.400 and hating what Allah hates, even if one's desires incline toward it. 00:21:48.400 --> 00:21:49.460 Fifthly: 00:21:49.460 --> 00:21:53.460 Truthfulness in uttering it, which negates lying. 00:21:53.460 --> 00:21:56.460 This means saying it truthfully from the heart, 00:21:56.460 --> 00:21:59.460 with the heart agreeing with the tongue. 00:21:59.460 --> 00:22:04.460 Lying is claiming it while deceiving Allah and the believers, 00:22:04.460 --> 00:22:06.460 which is the state of the hypocrites, 00:22:06.460 --> 00:22:08.460 as the Almighty said: 00:22:08.460 --> 00:22:12.460 "And of the people are some who say..." 00:22:12.460 --> 00:22:16.460 “And of mankind are some who say: We believe in Allah and the Last Day, when they believe not.” (2:8) 00:22:16.460 --> 00:22:19.460 "...but they are not believers." 00:22:19.460 --> 00:22:23.460 “They think to beguile Allah and those who believe, and they beguile none save themselves; but they perceive not.” (2:9) 00:22:23.460 --> 00:22:27.460 “They think to beguile Allah and those who believe, and they beguile none save themselves; but they perceive not.” (2:9) 00:22:27.460 --> 00:22:30.460 "And they do not perceive." 00:22:30.460 --> 00:22:34.460 "In their hearts is disease," 00:22:34.460 --> 00:22:37.460 "so Allah has increased their disease," 00:22:37.460 --> 00:22:41.460 "and for them is a painful punishment," 00:22:41.460 --> 00:22:44.460 "because they used to lie." 00:22:44.460 --> 00:22:47.589 And the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: 00:22:47.589 --> 00:22:51.619 "There is no one who testifies that there is no god but Allah, 00:22:51.619 --> 00:22:53.619 and that I am the Messenger of Allah, 00:22:53.619 --> 00:22:55.619 truthfully from his heart, 00:22:55.619 --> 00:22:58.619 but that Allah will forbid him from the Fire." 00:22:58.619 --> 00:23:00.619 Agreed upon. 00:23:00.619 --> 00:23:02.940 Sixthly: 00:23:02.940 --> 00:23:03.940 Sincerity, 00:23:03.940 --> 00:23:08.940 which is purifying the utterance of it with a sound intention, free from the impurities of shirk (polytheism). 00:23:08.940 --> 00:23:14.940 And that there be no other purpose behind uttering it other than the speaker's intention for his Lord. 00:23:14.940 --> 00:23:16.980 The Almighty said: 00:23:16.980 --> 00:23:22.980 “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) 00:23:22.980 --> 00:23:26.069 And the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: 00:23:26.069 --> 00:23:31.069 "Indeed, Allah has forbidden the Fire to the one who says 'La ilaha illa Allah,' 00:23:31.069 --> 00:23:34.069 seeking thereby the Face of Allah." 00:23:34.069 --> 00:23:36.099 Agreed upon. 00:23:36.099 --> 00:23:37.390 Seventhly: 00:23:37.390 --> 00:23:42.390 Love for this word, what it indicates, and what it entails, 00:23:42.390 --> 00:23:45.390 and love for its people who act upon it, 00:23:45.390 --> 00:23:47.390 and hatred for what contradicts it. 00:23:47.390 --> 00:23:49.390 The Almighty said: 00:23:49.390 --> 00:23:57.390 “Yet of mankind are some who take unto themselves (objects of worship which they set as) rivals to Allah, loving them with a love like (that which is the due) of Allah (only) - those who believe are stauncher in their love for Allah - Oh, that those who do evil had but known, (on the day) when they behold the doom, that power belongeth wholly to Allah, and that Allah is severe in punishment!” (2:165) 00:23:57.390 --> 00:24:01.390 “Yet of mankind are some who take unto themselves (objects of worship which they set as) rivals to Allah, loving them with a love like (that which is the due) of Allah (only) - those who believe are stauncher in their love for Allah - Oh, that those who do evil had but known, (on the day) when they behold the doom, that power belongeth wholly to Allah, and that Allah is severe in punishment!” (2:165) 00:24:02.579 --> 00:24:07.579 The good ending for one who concludes his speech in this world with the word of Tawhid. 00:24:07.579 --> 00:24:12.700 The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: 00:24:12.700 --> 00:24:19.700 "Whoever's last words in this world are 'La ilaha illa Allah' will enter Paradise." 00:24:19.700 --> 00:24:24.769 Narrated by Abu Dawud and Al-Hakim, who authenticated it, and Al-Dhahabi agreed with him. 00:24:24.769 --> 00:24:28.059 The secret of this, and Allah knows best, 00:24:28.059 --> 00:24:33.059 is that the testimony that there is no god but Allah at the time of death 00:24:33.059 --> 00:24:37.059 has a tremendous effect in expiating and erasing sins, 00:24:37.059 --> 00:24:43.059 because it is the testimony of a servant who is certain of it and knowledgeable of its content, 00:24:43.059 --> 00:24:45.059 whose desires have died away, 00:24:45.059 --> 00:24:50.059 whose rebellious soul has softened and turned back after its turning away, 00:24:50.059 --> 00:24:54.059 from which its greed for this world and its vanities have departed, 00:24:54.059 --> 00:24:59.059 and which has surrendered before its Lord, Creator, and true Master, 00:24:59.059 --> 00:25:04.059 in its most humble state before Him and most hopeful state for His pardon. 00:25:04.059 --> 00:25:08.059 Thus, that testimony, sincere for Allah, was the conclusion of his deeds, 00:25:08.059 --> 00:25:13.059 so it purified him of his sins and brought him before his Lord and Master, 00:25:13.059 --> 00:25:18.059 with his outward state matching his inward state, and his secret matching his public. 00:25:18.059 --> 00:25:23.819 The significance of the names "Al-Wahid" (The One) and "Al-Ahad" (The Unique) and the difference between them. 00:25:23.819 --> 00:25:29.910 Among the beautiful names of Allah are Al-Wahid and Al-Ahad. 00:25:29.910 --> 00:25:32.910 Both have been mentioned in the Book and the Sunnah. 00:25:32.910 --> 00:25:38.910 The name Al-Wahid appears in the Noble Qur'an more than twenty times. 00:25:38.910 --> 00:25:41.910 For example, the saying of Allah the Almighty: 00:25:41.910 --> 00:25:47.910 “Say (O Muhammad): Who is Lord of the heavens and the earth? Say: Allah. Say: Take ye then (others) beside Him for protectors, which, even for themselves, have neither benefit nor hurt? Say: Is the blind man equal to the seer, or is darkness equal to light? Or assign they unto Allah partners who created the like of His creation so that the creation (which they made and His creation) seemed alike to them? Say: Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is the One, the Almighty.” (13:16) 00:25:47.910 --> 00:25:53.099 As for the name Al-Ahad, it only appears in the saying of Allah the Almighty: 00:25:53.099 --> 00:26:00.259 "Say, 'He is Allah, [who is] Ahad.'" Both glorious names indicate the oneness of Allah the Almighty. 00:26:00.259 --> 00:26:04.259 However, there are two differences between them: 00:26:04.259 --> 00:26:07.259 Firstly, in the case of negation: 00:26:07.259 --> 00:26:12.259 The name "Ahad" is more comprehensive than the name "Wahid." 00:26:12.259 --> 00:26:15.259 If it is said, "There is not one (wahid) in the house," 00:26:15.259 --> 00:26:19.259 it may be intended that there are two or more. 00:26:19.259 --> 00:26:22.259 But if it is said, "There is not one (ahad) in the house," 00:26:22.259 --> 00:26:26.259 this indicates the negation of the existence of the entire genus. 00:26:26.259 --> 00:26:30.359 Secondly, in the case of affirmation: 00:26:30.359 --> 00:26:35.359 It is not correct to describe anything with the name "Ahad" except Allah the Almighty. 00:26:35.359 --> 00:26:40.359 One cannot say "a man is ahad" or "a garment is ahad." 00:26:40.359 --> 00:26:45.359 Whereas the term "wahid" is used as a descriptor for anything one wishes. 00:26:45.359 --> 00:26:49.359 So one says "one man" and "one garment." 00:26:50.359 --> 00:26:54.359 In summary, Allah, Al-Wahid Al-Ahad, 00:26:54.359 --> 00:26:58.359 is the One who is unique in Lordship and Divinity. 00:26:58.359 --> 00:27:04.359 Just as the name Al-Ahad indicates the negation of any partner to Allah, the Almighty and Exalted.