A summary of the concepts held by the Ahl al-Sunnah.
The claim that religion can be divided into the superficial and the essential.
Some allege that religion is divided into a core and a kernel.
Contrasted with what they call shells and outward forms.
They call for focusing on the core and the kernel,
While neglecting the shells and the forms.
Claiming that this is what deserves the most focus.
Some may even go further than that,
Demanding that we deal only with the spirit of the text,
Rather than its literal meaning and explicit wording.
By Allah, that is a sweeping claim,
And a reprehensible assertion,
Which leads to grave harm.
The truth is that there is nothing in the religion that is merely a shell;
Rather, it is all a precise kernel,
Legislated by the All-Knowing, the All-Aware.
It is complete and comprehensive;
Nothing in it was legislated in vain.
Everything in it is there with wisdom and for the benefit of the servants.
We are commanded to worship Allah
In everything He has commanded or forbidden,
Whether it be small or great.
Allah the Exalted says:
"O you who have believed,
“O ye who believe! Come, all of you, into submission (unto Him); and follow not the footsteps of the devil. Lo! he is an open enemy for you.” (2:208)
"And do not follow the footsteps of Satan;
Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy."
"As-silm" here means Islam.
The intent, therefore,
Is commitment to the entirety of Islam,
Its pillars, its obligations, and its prohibitions.
Reflect on how Allah warns at the end of the verse
Against following the footsteps of Satan,
Which includes what he whispers
Regarding the neglect of what he claims to be
Minor or formal obligations,
And his trivializing of committing minor sins
Under the pretext that they do not destroy the core.
A summary of the concepts held by the Ahl al-Sunnah.