Summary of Sunni concepts | 18- Concepts about worship and its meaning

0:00 Summary of the Doctrines of Ahl al-Sunnah

0:09 The Meaning of Worship ('Ibadah)

0:12 Worship is the ultimate purpose for creating morally responsible beings.

0:16 Allah Almighty says:

0:18 “I created the jinn and humankind only that they might worship Me.” (51:56)

0:23 This necessitates that their entire lives be dedicated to Allah and lived through Him,

0:28 just as He Almighty says:

0:30 "Say, 'Indeed, my prayer, my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.'"

0:36 Thus, there are no worldly deeds detached from the Hereafter,

0:41 nor are there deeds for the Hereafter performed anywhere other than in this worldly life.

0:46 Rather, it is a single path whose beginning is in this world and whose end is in the Hereafter.

0:52 Whoever worships Allah alone along this path in all their actions

0:57 will arrive in the Hereafter at Paradise—and what an excellent destination!

1:01 But whoever deviates from worship and abandons it along the way,

1:05 their path will lead them to Hellfire—we seek refuge in Allah!

1:09 Therefore, with respect to what is practiced, worship has been defined

1:14 as an all-inclusive term for everything that Allah loves and is pleased with,

1:18 of words and deeds, both outward and inward.

1:22 Worship has also been defined with respect to the worshipper’s state of being

1:26 as the utmost love and reverence for Allah Almighty,

1:30 coupled with the utmost humility and submission to Him, Glorified is He.

1:34 For if you love Him yet do not submit to Him, Glorified is He,

1:37 you are not a true worshipper of Him;

1:39 likewise, if you submit to Him without love,

1:42 you are not a true worshipper of Him until you are both loving and submitting.

1:48 Applying the Term "Worship" to Ritual Acts

1:55 Applying the designation of worship to the various ritual acts,

2:00 such as prayer, zakat, fasting, and pilgrimage,

2:03 represents its specific sense,

2:06 because these devotional rituals

2:09 are the greatest forms of worship,

2:12 and, alongside the utterance of the testimony of faith, constitute the pillars of Islam.

2:16 The term "worship" is also used in another specific sense,

2:19 applying exclusively to supplication (du'a),

2:21 because it is its very core and most essential objective,

2:24 as stated in the hadith:

2:27 "Supplication is the essence of worship."

2:29 Narrated by Abu Dawud, al-Tirmidhi, and Ibn Majah.

2:33 Furthermore, the division of fiqh manuals into devotional acts ('ibadat) and transactional dealings (mu'amalat)

2:38 is merely a conventional, pedagogical classification

2:41 intended to facilitate learning for students

2:44 and organize it across distinct educational stages.

2:47 The Harm of Restricting the Meaning of Worship to Ritual Acts

2:54 Whoever restricts the meaning of worship solely to devotional rituals

2:59 will inevitably fall short in their obedience to their Lord, Glorified is He.

3:03 If you were to tell such a person that this contradicts their servitude to Allah,

3:08 they would reply that they have already fulfilled their duty of worship and prayer,

3:13 and that they are currently managing their personal life and livelihood—

3:18 as though they have never heard or understood the aforementioned words of Allah Almighty:

3:23 "Say, 'Indeed, my prayer, my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.'"

3:30 Confining the meaning of worship strictly to devotional rituals will also result

3:36 in flaw and deficiency in performing these very rituals themselves,

3:41 as well as in reaping their intended fruits.

3:44 Prayer will thus become mechanical motions devoid of true reverence (khushu'),

3:49 failing to deter from immorality and wrongdoing;

3:52 rather, one might spend its duration consumed by thoughts of worldly affairs,

3:56 having failed to realize that humility—an act of the heart—is part of worship,

4:02 and that abstaining from immorality and wrongdoing is also part of worship.

4:06 Fasting will merely become an abstinence from food and drink,

4:10 broken only by overindulging and stuffing one's stomach,

4:13 while seeking amusement—or so one claims—during and after the fast

4:17 by watching trivial trivia shows and cheap television serials,

4:21 and letting one's gaze wander freely toward what Allah has forbidden,

4:25 so that their fast never produces the piety hoped from it.

4:29 Likewise, such a person will pay the zakat on their wealth,

4:31 yet remain completely indifferent afterward

4:33 as to whether their business and wealth grew through usury and forbidden transactions,

4:38 failing to understand that avoiding such matters is itself part of worship,

4:42 which entails dedicating one's entire life to Allah

4:46 and aligning it with His will, Glorified is He.

4:50 Moreover, restricting the meaning of worship to devotional rituals

4:55 is the very entryway through which secularists and their ilk operate,

4:59 reducing worship to merely a private relationship between the servant and their Lord,

5:04 claiming it has no bearing on any other aspect of life,

5:08 such as economics, politics,

5:10 women's and family affairs,

5:12 or dealings among people.

5:15 Diligence and Sincerity in Devotional Rituals

5:22 Diligence in devotional rituals with genuine truthfulness and sincerity

5:26 helps one fulfill worship in its comprehensive sense,

5:30 whereby a person's whole life is dedicated to Allah.

5:34 For devotional rituals are by no means isolated

5:37 from one's social or moral conduct in life;

5:41 rather, the connection between them is profound,

5:44 and they serve as spiritual sustenance on the path of comprehensive worship.

5:49 Thus, after Allah Almighty commanded the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)

5:54 to remain settled in their homes

5:56 and forbade them from displaying their charms as was done in the former days of ignorance—

5:59 both of which are matters of social and behavioral conduct—

6:03 He commanded them to establish prayer and give zakat.

6:07 This contains an indication of the vital role devotional rituals play

6:11 in empowering the fulfillment of behavioral and moral commands,

6:15 and demonstrates their intrinsic connection to them.

6:17 Allah Almighty says:

6:19 “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)

6:25 "And establish prayer and give zakat,

6:28 and obey Allah and His Messenger."

6:31 And prayer deters from immorality and wrongdoing;

6:34 Allah Almighty says:

6:36 "And establish prayer..."

6:38 “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)

6:42 Likewise, the worship of calling people to Allah (da'wah)

6:45 is aided by the night vigil prayer and reciting the Book of Allah.

6:49 Allah Almighty says:

6:51 "O you who wraps himself [in clothing]..."

6:54 “Keep vigil the night long, save a little -” (73:2)

6:57 “A half thereof, or abate a little thereof” (73:3)

7:00 “Or add (a little) thereto - and chant the Qur'an in measure,” (73:4)

7:04 "Indeed, We will cast upon you a heavy word."

7:08 Thus, the preparation for this heavy word and the mission of da'wah

7:13 was through the night vigil prayer and measured recitation of the Qur'an.

7:17 Worship and Vicegerency on Earth

7:23 Vicegerency upon the earth and developing it according to Allah's will

7:28 is an act of worship to Allah,

7:30 wherein all judgment, legislation, and decreeing of lawful and unlawful must belong exclusively to Allah Almighty.

7:36 For this reason, when 'Adi Ibn Hatim (may Allah be pleased with him)—

7:42 who had been a Christian before embracing Islam—failed to grasp this meaning,

7:45 he was bewildered by the verse of Allah Almighty,

7:48 “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)

7:54 and said, "O Messenger of Allah,

7:57 they did not use to worship them!"

8:00 The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied:

8:03 "Yes,

8:04 but they made lawful for them what Allah had forbidden, so they deemed it lawful;

8:09 and they forbade for them what Allah had made lawful, so they deemed it forbidden;

8:13 that was their worship of them."

8:16 Narrated by al-Tirmidhi and authenticated as hasan by al-Albani.

8:20 Abandoning Servitude to Allah Is Servitude to Others

8:27 Whoever abandons their servitude to Allah, Glorified is He,

8:30 will inevitably fall into servitude to something other than Him,

8:33 whether it be a devil, an idol,

8:35 base desires, lust for wealth,

8:38 and so forth.

8:40 Allah Almighty said regarding the worship of Satan:

8:44 “Did I not charge you, O ye sons of Adam, that ye worship not the devil - Lo! he is your open foe! -” (36:60)

8:47 "...that you do not worship Satan?

8:49 Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

8:52 And that you worship Me?

8:54 This is a straight path."

8:57 And He Almighty said regarding polytheism and worshipping others beside Him,

9:01 such as idols and false deities:

9:04 “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)

9:07 "...who create nothing and are themselves created?"

9:11 “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)

9:15 “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)

9:21 And He Almighty said regarding the worship of whims and desires:

9:24 "Have you seen him who has taken his own desire as his god?"

9:27 “Hast thou seen him who chooseth for his god his own lust? Wouldst thou then be guardian over him?” (25:43)

9:30 And the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

9:33 "Wretched is the slave of the dinar,

9:36 wretched is the slave of the dirham,

9:38 wretched is the slave of fine garments,

9:40 wretched is the slave of luxurious bedding!

9:42 Wretched and ruined is he;

9:44 and when he is pierced by a thorn, may it never be pulled out!"

9:47 Narrated by al-Bukhari.

9:50 Servitude to Allah Is Honor and Nobility

9:55 Servitude to Allah is honor and nobility—

9:59 an honor and nobility

10:01 deserved by everyone who fulfills it

10:03 in the most complete and perfect manner.

10:06 Hence, the most truthful of worshippers was described with it,

10:09 the most noble of them in the sight of Allah Almighty:

10:12 the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him).

10:15 This description was conferred upon him in the loftiest and most sublime stations:

10:20 the station of the Night Journey (al-Isra').

10:22 Allah Almighty said:

10:24 “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)

10:26 “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)

10:32 He was likewise described with it in the station of receiving revelation.

10:36 “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)

10:43 The Conditions for the Acceptance of Worship

10:48 Among the conditions for the acceptance of worship are:

10:50 sincerity (ikhlas) and adherence (mutaba'ah).

10:52 As for sincerity,

10:54 it means that worship must be devoted purely to Allah alone,

10:58 as Allah Almighty says:

11:00 “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)

11:06 And adherence means

11:07 that the action must conform to the Sunnah,

11:11 as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

11:14 "Whoever performs an act that is not in accordance with our matter will have it rejected."

11:18 Narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim.

11:21 Whoever compromises sincerity in worship falls into polytheism (shirk),

11:25 which is of two types: major shirk, which nullifies tawhid entirely,

11:30 and minor shirk, such as ostentation (riya') and seeking reputation.

11:33 And whoever fails to adhere to the Sunnah in their worship falls into religious innovation (bid'ah).

11:40 Both sincerity and adherence are combined in the words of Allah Almighty:

11:45 “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)

11:51 “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)

11:55 For His saying, "so let him do righteous deeds,"

11:59 means deeds that conform to the Sunnah without innovation;

12:02 and His saying, "and not associate anyone in the worship of his Lord,"

12:06 means making his worship sincerely and purely for Allah Almighty alone.

12:11 Thus, it is essential to single out Allah alone in worship,

12:14 and single out the Messenger (peace be upon him) in adherence.

12:19 There is also another fundamental condition for the acceptance of worship,

12:23 which is that it must stem from a monotheist who associates no partners with Allah.

12:34 Some extremist Sufis claim

12:38 that devotional obligations are lifted from the allies of Allah (awliya')

12:41 once they attain the level of certainty (al-yaqin), according to their claim.

12:45 They derive this from a distorted understanding of the words of Allah Almighty:

12:50 "And worship your Lord until certainty comes to you."

12:54 Even though "certainty" here refers to death,

12:57 by the unanimous consensus of the exegetes,

13:00 exactly as found in the words of Allah Almighty quoting the disbelievers:

13:05 “And we used to deny the Day of Judgment,” (74:46)

13:09 "...until the certainty came to us."

13:11 And is there anyone of greater certainty in their faith than the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him)?

13:18 Yet he continued worshipping Allah until death came to him;

13:23 he even went out to the Companions during his terminal illness while they were praying,

13:27 and led them in prayer.

13:29 Therefore, a servant is never free from servitude to Allah

13:32 as long as they remain in the realm of moral obligation.

13:35 Allah possesses two forms of servitude over creation:

13:41 a general servitude and a specific servitude.

13:44 General servitude

13:46 It is the servitude of subjugation and absolute sovereignty,

13:49 in which no one has any choice,

13:52 for all belong to Allah and are entirely under His will.

13:56 This is what is meant in the words of Allah Almighty:

13:59 “There is none in the heavens and the earth but cometh unto the Beneficent as a slave.” (19:93)

14:03 "...but comes unto the Most Merciful as a slave."

14:06 And His words:

14:08 "And Allah never wrongs..."

14:11 "...and Allah desires no injustice for His servants."

14:14 And His words:

14:16 “Those who were proud say: Lo! we are all (together) herein. Lo! Allah hath judged between (His) slaves.” (40:48)

14:20 along with other verses indicating

14:23 that all created beings are servants under the Lordship of Allah Almighty.

14:27 This is a form of servitude for which they are not rewarded,

14:31 and from which no one can ever escape.

14:33 As for the specific servitude,

14:36 it is the servitude of the people of His love and obedience,

14:39 and it is what is intended in the words of Allah Almighty:

14:42 “O My slaves! For you there is no fear this day, nor is it ye who grieve;” (43:68)

14:45 "...nor shall you grieve."

14:48 And His words:

14:50 "And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth with humility,"

14:54 "and when the ignorant address them,"

14:57 "they say words of peace."

14:59 And His words:

15:01 "Indeed, over My servants you have no authority."

15:05 As well as other verses.

15:08 The people of this servitude are the servants of Allah Almighty's exclusive Divinity,

15:13 and they are duly rewarded for it.

15:16 Thus, all creation are servants under the Lordship of Allah, Glorified is He,

15:20 while the people of His obedience and devotion are the servants of His Divinity.

15:25 The disparity in virtue among acts of worship:

15:29 The fundamental basis for disparity in virtue among acts of worship

15:33 lies in what resides in the servant's heart during worship:

15:38 sincerity, love, fear, and hope,

15:42 as well as acting to seek the Lord's pleasure at all times

15:45 according to what that particular time and its duty demand.

15:49 Thus, the best act of worship during times of jihad

15:52 is jihad itself,

15:54 even if it leads to leaving aside personal daily devotionals like the night prayer and voluntary daytime fasting,

15:58 and the like.

16:00 The best act of worship when a guest arrives

16:03 is to fulfill their due rights of hospitality,

16:05 even if that distracts from recommended personal litanies.

16:08 The best act of worship at the pre-dawn hour (sahar)

16:11 is seeking forgiveness (istighfar),

16:12 as Allah Almighty said:

16:14 "And in the pre-dawn hours they seek forgiveness."

16:17 And so on and so forth;

16:19 every time and circumstance has its own specific act of worship and duty.

16:23 Furthermore, the disparity in virtue among acts of worship and righteous deeds

16:27 is also governed by the following rules:

16:30 First:

16:32 Obligatory duties take precedence over voluntary acts,

16:35 and are superior to them in the sight of Allah Almighty,

16:38 as stated in the Hadith Qudsi:

16:40 "My servant does not draw near to Me with anything more beloved to Me than what I have made obligatory upon him,"

16:46 "and My servant continues to draw near to Me with voluntary acts until I love him."

16:52 Narrated by al-Bukhari.

16:54 So the obligatory duties take precedence,

16:56 while voluntary deeds serve to complete them.

16:58 Second:

17:01 A consistent small deed is better than a discontinued abundant one,

17:05 as the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

17:08 "And indeed, the most beloved of deeds to Allah, Mighty and Majestic,"

17:12 "are those done most consistently, even if few."

17:15 Narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim.

17:19 Strength and diligence in worship:

17:23 Allah Almighty said:

17:25 “Bear with what they say, and remember Our bondman David, lord of might, Lo! he was ever turning in repentance (toward Allah).” (38:17)

17:28 "...indeed, he was one who repeatedly turned back to Allah."

17:30 That is, someone possessing strength in obedience and worship,

17:33 for he was 'awwab',

17:35 meaning frequently returning to Allah, turning back to Him, and supplicating Him in humility.

17:40 This necessitates that one strive to acquire the means that grant strength in worship,

17:45 and never yield to lethargy and idleness that undermine this strength

17:50 and enfeeble the soul.

17:53 Disliking worship and sluggishness in performing it

17:58 are among the characteristics of hypocrites.

18:01 Allah severely censured the hypocrites guilty of major hypocrisy

18:04 with the utmost blame,

18:06 and established disbelief against them.

18:08 Allah Almighty said:

18:10 “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)

18:13 “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)

18:17 "...and they do not come to prayer except while being sluggish..."

18:21 “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)

18:25 And just as the verse characterized the hypocrites as being sluggish in prayer

18:29 and disliking spending in the way of Allah,

18:32 it implicitly indicates

18:35 that a servant ought to perform the prayer

18:38 with an active heart and body,

18:41 and should not spend in the way of Allah

18:44 except with a heart joyous in giving,

18:47 hoping for its reward and treasure from Allah alone,

18:51 never resembling the hypocrites in their laziness and hatred of worship.

18:59 The diligence of disbelievers in worship and supplicating other than Allah

19:03 avails them nothing.

19:06 No matter how much the disbelievers strive in worship and praying to their deities,

19:11 it will never avail them in the least against Allah.

19:15 Allah Almighty said:

19:17 "To Him belongs the call of truth..."

19:20 “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)

19:25 "...except like one who extends his hands to water so it may reach his mouth, but it will never reach it;"

19:31 "and the supplication of the disbelievers is nothing but in vain."

19:36 Therefore, let no one be deceived by the diligence of disbelievers in their worship,

19:40 nor think well of it,

19:43 for it avails nothing against the truth.

19:50 Ihsan (spiritual excellence) encompasses two primary aspects:

19:54 The first is excellence in worship,

19:57 which is the highest station of worship,

20:00 as the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said

20:02 when Gabriel, peace be upon him, asked him about ihsan:

20:06 "It is to worship Allah as though you see Him,"

20:09 "for even if you do not see Him, He surely sees you."

20:13 Agreed upon.

20:15 And he asked him that after asking about Islam and Iman.

20:20 The second is benevolence toward the creation,

20:23 as in the words of Allah Almighty:

20:26 “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)

20:31 "...and who restrain anger and pardon people,"

20:35 "and Allah loves those who do good."

20:38 Complete ihsan lies in fulfilling both matters together:

20:42 excellence in worshipping the Creator,

20:45 and excellence in dealing with the creation.

20:48 Both matters are combined in the words of Allah Almighty:

20:52 "And do not cause corruption on the earth after its reformation,"

20:55 "and call upon Him in fear and aspiration;"

20:58 "indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good."

21:02 For His words:

21:05 "And do not cause corruption on the earth after its reformation,"

21:08 indicate benevolence in dealing with the creation,

21:11 while His words:

21:13 "and call upon Him in fear and aspiration,"

21:16 indicate excellence in worshipping Allah Almighty.

21:20 The verse then makes attaining the mercy of Allah Almighty

21:23 contingent upon fulfilling both matters:

21:26 "indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good."

21:30 Thus, the more a servant embodies ihsan,

21:33 the nearer they are to the mercy of Allah, Mighty and Majestic.

21:37 In this lies an incentive toward spiritual excellence

21:40 that is unmistakably clear.

21:42 Worshipping in secret:

21:48 Worshipping Allah in secret

21:50 is among the most certain signs of sincerity and uprightness of the inner conscience.

21:54 The salaf (early generations), may Allah have mercy on them,

21:57 were keen on concealing their righteous deeds other than the obligatory ones.

22:01 Allah Almighty said:

22:04 "Call upon your Lord in humility and in secret..."

22:07 “(O mankind!) Call upon your Lord humbly and in secret. Lo! He loveth not aggressors.” (7:55)

22:10 And the Prophet, peace be upon him, said:

22:13 "Indeed, Allah loves the servant who is God-fearing, self-sufficient, and hidden."

22:18 Narrated by Muslim.

22:20 Al-Zubayr ibn al-Awwam, may Allah be pleased with him, said:

22:23 "Keep for yourselves a hidden store of righteous deeds,"

22:26 "just as you have a hidden store of evil deeds."

22:30 And the statements of the salaf regarding this are numerous.

22:33 Pairing worship with trust in Allah

22:38 and seeking His aid:

22:40 In the texts of the two revelations, worship is frequently coupled

22:45 with putting one's trust in Allah

22:47 and seeking His aid,

22:48 as in the words of Allah Almighty:

22:51 “Thee (alone) we worship; Thee (alone) we ask for help.” (1:5)

22:54 and His words:

22:56 "...so worship Him and rely upon Him."

22:59 That is solely because

23:00 the servant is utterly dependent on Allah, Mighty and Majestic,

23:04 in that He is the One sought, loved, and worshipped,

23:07 and in that He is the One petitioned, relied upon, and sought for aid.

23:12 Through worship, the exclusive Divinity (Uluhiyyah) of Allah, Mighty and Majestic, is manifested,

23:16 while through reliance and seeking His aid,

23:19 His Lordship (Rububiyyah) is manifested.

23:21 Servitude cannot be complete except through both dimensions.

23:25 And just as seeking Allah's aid applies to all affairs,

23:29 it applies even more fundamentally to worship itself,

23:33 as indicated by its conjunction with it in the verse of Surat al-Fatihah.

23:37 For seeking Allah's aid in worship

23:40 strengthens the servant to perform it,

23:43 protects them from conceited self-admiration regarding their worship,

23:46 and from assuming it was achieved by their own power and strength.

23:49 It also averts from them laziness

23:51 and heedless negligence in carrying it out.

23:54 Thus, whoever seeks Allah's aid in their worship,

23:57 Allah aids them in it;

23:59 and whoever neglects seeking His aid,

24:01 Allah leaves them to their own devices,

24:03 and weakness and lethargy overtake them.

24:06 In placing worship before seeking aid

24:09 in the verse of Surat al-Fatihah,

24:12 there are profound rhetorical subtleties,

24:14 the most prominent of which is

24:16 that worship is the ultimate purpose for which servants were created,

24:20 while seeking aid is a means to it,

24:23 and ultimate ends take precedence over means.

24:29 Fulfilling servitude through knowing the most beautiful names of Allah

24:33 and His exalted attributes:

24:36 Allah, Glorified is He, did not mention His names and attributes

24:39 in His Noble Book

24:41 merely for us to know them theoretically;

24:45 rather, He mentioned them so we would comprehend their meanings and realities,

24:49 contemplate their imperatives and implications in the cosmos,

24:53 and reflect on their effects upon the heart and limbs,

24:56 thereby calling upon Allah Almighty by them,

24:59 as He, Mighty and Majestic, said:

25:01 "And to Allah belong the most beautiful names, so call upon Him by them..."

25:05 “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)

25:09 “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)

25:12 This knowledge and this supplication

25:14 are what most profoundly realize a person's servitude to Allah, Glorified is He.

25:19 For when a person knows the Lord Almighty's uniqueness in bringing benefit and harm,

25:23 Bestowing, withholding, creating, and providing sustenance,

25:27 As well as giving life and causing death—

25:29 All of these yield for the servant the inward worship of reliance upon Allah,

25:34 Along with the outward requirements of this reliance,

25:37 Just as they yield fearing Him alone,

25:40 Hoping in Him alone,

25:41 Loving Him, and venerating Him.

25:43 The same applies to all of Allah's Most Beautiful Names

25:47 And Sublime Attributes.

25:49 Moderation in Worship

25:53 Worship in Islam

25:57 Is a middle path between those who neglect and abandon it,

26:01 And those who engage in extremism and monasticism.

26:03 As for those who neglect worship,

26:06 They have been deluded by the worldly life;

26:08 They cling to it and pant after it,

26:11 So that all their standards have become purely material and worldly.

26:16 The clearest example representing these people

26:19 Is the Jews, regarding whom Allah said:

26:22 “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)

26:28 “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)

26:32 They are eager for a life—

26:35 Using the indefinite noun "a life,"

26:37 Which indicates a love for life regardless of its nature,

26:41 Even if it were a beastly existence consumed by instincts and lusts.

26:45 For this reason, they deserved to be described as "those who earned anger,"

26:51 Due to their refusal to comply with divine commands

26:54 And their trickery to circumvent them for their worldly interests.

26:59 On the other hand, those who exaggerate in worship

27:01 Were driven by their extremism to forbid what Allah made lawful

27:05 And to innovate monasticism,

27:07 Just as the monks and worshippers among the Christians did,

27:10 Who forbade themselves marriage and wholesome provisions,

27:15 Viewing them as an abomination from the work of Satan.

27:19 Thus, they rejected Allah's favor upon them

27:22 And were not guided to the truth regarding worship,

27:25 Deserving thereby the description of "those who are astray."

27:28 The former are people of neglect and immorality,

27:31 While the latter are people of excess, extremism, and innovation;

27:35 The salaf warned against both groups.

27:38 The concept of moderation in worship in Islam is attained

27:42 By examining the texts of the two revelations regarding this matter,

27:46 Synthesizing them together

27:48 Rather than acting upon some while abandoning others.

27:52 For the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), who said:

27:56 "The true mujahid is the one who strives against his own self,"

27:59 Is the very same person who said to the three men who

28:02 Inquired about his worship

28:04 And seemed to deem it little,

28:06 Whereupon one of them said:

28:08 "As for me, I will pray through the night forever."

28:11 Another said:

28:13 "I will fast continuously without breaking my fast."

28:16 And the last said:

28:18 "I will abstain from women

28:20 And never marry."

28:22 So he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

28:25 "Are you the ones who said such and such?

28:28 By Allah, I am the most fearful of Allah among you

28:31 And the most conscious of Him,

28:33 Yet I fast and break my fast,

28:35 I pray and I sleep,

28:37 And I marry women.

28:39 Whoever turns away from my Sunnah

28:41 Is not of me."

28:43 Thus, in the first text he encouraged diligent exertion in worship,

28:47 While in the second he prohibited extremism and monasticism.

28:51 His guidance (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)

28:54 Is based on moderation and balance between rights and duties.

28:59 When Salman al-Farisi said to Abu al-Darda (may Allah be pleased with him):

29:04 "Your Lord has a right over you,

29:07 Your self has a right over you,

29:09 And your family has a right over you,

29:12 So give every possessor of a right his due,"

29:15 The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

29:18 "Salman spoke the truth."

29:21 Furthermore, he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)

29:23 Approved of vows that were prescribed in the Shariah,

29:26 While invalidating those that were innovated and rejected.

29:29 When he saw a man standing in the sun,

29:31 He asked about him,

29:33 And they said: "He vowed to stand and not sit,

29:36 Not seek shade, not speak,

29:39 And to fast."

29:41 He said: "Command him to speak,

29:44 Seek shade, sit down,

29:47 And complete his fast."

29:49 Narrated by al-Bukhari.

29:51 This is part of moderation in worship.

29:54 Domains of Moderation in Worship

29:58 Moderation in worship manifests

30:02 In several domains,

30:05 Including, first:

30:08 Maintaining a middle course when supplicating Allah between reciting aloud and softly.

30:11 Allah Almighty said:

30:14 “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)

30:17 ﴾And seek a way between that.﴿

30:20 Second:

30:22 Avoiding transgression in purification and supplication,

30:25 As he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

30:28 "There will be among this Ummah

30:31 A people who transgress in purification and supplication."

30:34 Narrated by Ahmad and Abu Dawud,

30:37 And graded authentic by Ibn Hajar, al-Albani,

30:40 And Shu'ayb al-Arna'ut.

30:43 Transgression in purification

30:47 Occurs through extravagance and exceeding the limit,

30:50 Due to obsessive misgivings (waswasah), for instance.

30:53 Transgression in supplication,

30:56 Just as it occurs by raising one's voice excessively,

30:59 Also occurs by asking for that which is un-Islamic.

31:02 Allah Almighty has said:

31:05 ﴾Call upon your Lord in humility and secrecy.﴿

31:08 “(O mankind!) Call upon your Lord humbly and in secret. Lo! He loveth not aggressors.” (7:55)

31:11 Third:

31:14 Striking a balance between concessions (rukhsah) and strict duties ('azimah).

31:17 One should utilize prescribed concessions

31:20 Without indulging in them excessively to the point of straying

31:23 From the intended purpose of the Shariah.

31:26 For instance, among the legitimate concessions

31:29 Is delaying the Dhuhr prayer during extreme heat

31:32 To let it cool down, so that the heat does not prevent

31:35 Reverent humility in prayer.

31:38 Excessive indulgence in this concession, however,

31:41 Would be delaying it beyond its permissible time.

31:44 Fruits of Worship

31:50 Worship, in its comprehensive sense

31:53 Previously explained, yields grand fruits for the servant,

31:56 Among the most important of which is, first:

31:59 Attachment to Allah alone,

32:02 Manifesting utter neediness before Him, and becoming independent of everything else.

32:05 True indeed are the words of Allah Almighty:

32:08 “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)

32:11 And He Almighty said:

32:14 ﴾Say, "Sufficient for me is Allah;

32:17 Upon Him rely those who would rely."﴿

32:20 Second: Attachment to Allah alone

32:23 Engenders courage, steadfastness,

32:26 Sacrifice in His cause,

32:29 Tranquility of the heart, inner calm, and true happiness.

32:32 This fruit was nowhere more clearly manifested

32:35 Than in the elite of creation—Allah's prophets

32:38 And messengers. As Nuh said:

32:41 “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)

32:44 “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)

32:47 ﴾Upon Allah I have relied.

32:50 So resolve upon your plan along with your partners,﴿

32:53 “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)

32:56 ﴾Then carry it out against me and do not give me respite.﴿

32:59 And Hud (peace be upon him) said:

33:02 ﴾So scheme against me, all together,

33:05 Then give me no respite.﴿

33:08 And Allah Almighty said regarding His Prophet Muhammad

33:11 (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him):

33:14 ﴾Say, "Call upon your partners then scheme against me,

33:17 And give me no respite.

33:20 Indeed, my protector is Allah, who revealed the Book,

33:23 And He protects the righteous."﴿

33:26 Third: Attaining Allah's pleasure,

33:29 His love, and His Paradise.

33:32 For whoever performs what Allah loves and is pleased with—

33:35 Which is the very essence of worship—

33:38 Will undoubtedly attain His love and pleasure,

33:41 And will be among the people of Paradise who delight

33:44 In its bliss, the greatest of which is Allah's good pleasure.

33:47 In a sacred hadith,

33:50 Allah (Blessed and Exalted is He) says to the people of Paradise:

33:53 "O people of Paradise!"

33:56 They will reply: "At Your service, our Lord,

33:59 And pleasure!" He will ask: "Are you pleased?"

34:03 They will say: "Why should we not be pleased

34:06 When You have given us what You have not given to anyone

34:09 Of Your creation?"

34:12 He will say: "I shall give you something better than that."

34:15 They will ask: "O Lord,

34:18 What thing could be better than that?"

34:21 He will say: "I grant you My good pleasure,

34:24 So I will never be displeased with you

34:27 Ever again."

34:30 Thus, it explicitly states that Allah's pleasure is superior

34:33 To all the delights of Paradise.

34:36 Fourth: Ascetic indifference toward worldly life

34:39 And prioritizing the Hereafter over it.

34:43 Summary of the concepts of Ahl al-Sunnah.

Summary of Sunni concepts | 18- Concepts about worship and its meaning | Concepts (296-316)

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