Thread of Tawheed

[chechnya]

As Salamou 3aleikum

A thread for all about Tawheed, because it s the most importante thing of Islam, and many of muslims don't know it.

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

The Conditions of Tawheed

Tawheed is the mother of all obligations. Without it, you cannot be a Muslim and all of your good deeds are fruitless. It is vital for one to understand the pillars and conditions of tawheed in order to ensure that he/she is a real Muslim. Failure to fulfil any condition or pillar of tawheed will nullify a person’s Eemaan and Islam, and hence will either be a mushrik or murtad (apostate). The conditions of tawheed are as follows:


1. Al-‘Ilm - Knowledge

Allah (SWT) says in the Qur’aan: “So know that Laa ilaaha ill-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah)…” (EMQ Muhammad, 47: 19)

If you testify that there is no ilaah worthy of worship and obedience, you must also know and understand all of Allah’s (SWT) attributes and functions or you will become mushrik.

This verse is a decisive request to have knowledge about Allah (SWT). For example, knowing that He is the only Legislator, one will never vote for any kaafir to legislate law. Likewise, by knowing that He is the only Provider, one will never fear poverty.

Having knowledge of tawheed is more vital than studying the Qur’aan, as indicated by the hadeeth of Jundub bin ‘Abdillaah who said: "We used to study Eemaan before we studied the Qur’aan…" (Sunan Ibn Maajah, Kitaab ul-Eemaan no.60), and the Messenger Muhammad (SAW) also said: "The one who dies, knowing (understanding) Laa ilaaha ill-Allah will enter paradise." (Saheeh Muslim, Kitaab ul-Eemaan)

We are obliged to study, learn and know about Allah (SWT); what He likes and dislikes, loves and hates, His names and attributes etc.

You can only testify that which you have knowledge about. Therefore, if someone claims to be a witness, and he is asked about what he has seen, and replies: "I’m not sure", this person is completely daft as he testifies to something which he has no knowledge of. Similar to this person is the one who testifies the Kalimah, yet he does not understand what it means.

Allah (SWT) says: “This (Qur'aan) is a Message for mankind (and a clear proof against them), in order that they may be warned thereby, and that they may know that He is the only One Ilaah (God - Allah) - (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah), and that men of understanding may take heed.” (EMQ Ibraaheem, 14: 52)

2. Al-Yaqeen - Certainty

Knowledge is not enough, as many kuffaar know about Islam but they do not believe in it nor do they have certainty about it. Allah says: “Only those are the believers who have believed in Allah and His Messenger, and afterward doubt not but strive with their wealth and their lives for the cause of Allah...” (EMQ Hujaraat, 49: 15), and the Messenger Muhammad (SAW) said: "Whoever testifies that there is no god worthy of worship and obedience but Allah and that I am the Messenger of Allah, without any doubt he will enter Jannah." (Saheeh Muslim)

3. Al-Qubool - Acceptance

After having knowledge and certainty, you MUST accept. Some people may believe, have knowledge, and have certainty, but may not accept, as it may be too difficult for him or he may not accept out of his own personal desires. Allah (SWT) says: “Truly, when it was said to them: ‘Laa ilaaha ill-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah)’ they puffed themselves up with pride (i.e. denied it).” (EMQ as-Saaffaat, 37: 35)

4. Al-Inqiyaad - Submission

Allah (SWT) says: “But nay, by your Lord, they can have no Eemaan, until they make you (Muhammad [SAW]) judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission.” (EMQ an-Nisaa’, 4: 65)

Allah (SWT) describes those who do not submit to Him as disbelievers, and swears to this by Himself. Having knowledge, certainty and acceptance is not enough; you must also have submission with no haraj (discontent). You must submit to Allah, and all His names and attributes. Allah (SWT) also says: “There is no compulsion in the religion. Verily, the right path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in Taaghout and believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break (i.e. he will have submission). And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower.” (EMQ al-Baqarah, 2: 256)

And also: “The command (or the judgement) is for none but Allah. He has commanded that you worship none but Him (i.e. His Monotheism), that is the (true) straight religion, but most men know not.” (EMQ Yoosuf, 12: 40)

Thus, He (SWT) orders us to worship and submit to none but Him.

5. As-Sidq - Believing

Allah says: “When the hypocrites come to you (SAW), they say: 'We bear witness that you are indeed the Messenger of Allah.' Allah knows that you are indeed His Messenger and Allah bears witness that the hypocrites are liars indeed.” (EMQ al-Munaafiqoon, 63: 1)

Allah testifies that the Munaafiqoon are liars as they claim to be Muslims but they do not believe. Thus, believing is a condition of Tawheed as Allah (SWT) also says: “And of mankind, there are some (hypocrites) who say: 'We believe in Allah and the Last Day', while in fact they believe not.” (EMQ al-Baqarah, 2: 8)

Allah testifies again that they are not believers as they never have Eemaan in their hearts. The munaafiq has no talaazum (moulding) between his inner and outer as he shows Islam but conceals kufr. The Messenger Muhammad (SAW) said: "The one who testifies ‘There is no God worthy of worship but Allah’, (whilst sincerely) believing in the heart; Allah will forbid him from the Hell-fire." (Al-Bukhaari, Kitaab ul-‘Ilm no.128 and Muslim)

Therefore, the one who does not believe in his heart has the attribute of a munaafiq or kaafir.

6. Al-Ikhlaas - Sincerity

Allah says: “And they were commanded not, but that they should sincerely (with Ikhlaas) worship Allah, and worship none but Him Alone (abstaining from ascribing partners to Him), and perform As-Salaat and give Zakaat: and that is the right religion.” (EMQ al-Bayyinah, 98: 5)

The Messenger Muhammad (SAW) said: "The one who says ‘there is none worthy of worship but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah’ seeking sincerely to see the face of Allah, Allah will forbid him from Hell-fire." (Al-Bukhaari and Muslim)

And also, Abu Hurayrah (RA) asked the Messenger Muhammad (SAW): "who is the luckiest person to receive your intercession?" He said: "the one who says Laa ilaaha ill-Allah sincerely from his heart.’ (Al-Bukhaari)

7. Al-Mahabbah - Love

After having knowledge, certainty, acceptance, submission, belief and sincerity; you must also love those whom Allah (SWT) tells you to love, and hate those whom He tells you to hate.

Allah says: “And of mankind are some who take (for worship) others besides Allah as rivals (to Allah). They love them as they love Allah. But those who believe love Allah more (than anything else). If only those who do wrong could see, when they will see the torment, all power belongs to Allah and that Allah is severe in punishment.” (EMQ al-Baqarah, 2: 165)

The Messenger Muhammad (SAW) also said: "The most powerful knot of Eemaan is to love for the sake of Allah and to hate for the sake of Allah." (Ahmad, Aadaab us-Suhbah)

Therefore you must love the Muslims, believers and mujaahideen, and hate the kuffaar, Shaytaan and all other disbelievers; otherwise you will be violating one of the conditions of tawheed and hence become mushrik.

[chechnya]

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Tawheed - An Explanation of its Meaning

There has never been in the history of mankind a greater or more controversial statement as the Kalimah: “LAA ILAAHA ILL-ALLAH” (there is no one worthy of worship except Allah). These divinely revealed words divided the world into two camps: the camp of falsehood and the camp of truth. The callers of Tawheed throughout history had to endure severe testing and persecution because of the Kalimah. Moreover, they were the most vilified amongst their people:
“Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: ‘We believe’, and will not be tested. And We indeed tested those who were before them. And Allah will certainly make (it) known (the truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make (it) known (the falsehood of) those who are liars.” [EMQ 29:2-3]

Despite the intense provocation and animosity directed towards them, they held an uncompromising position where they were able to sacrifice their whole lives for Tawheed, and concerning themselves only in pleasing their Creator:

"Say: 'Verily, my Salaah (prayer), my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allah, the Lord of the 'Aalameen (mankind, jinns and all that exists)'." [EMQ 6:162]

They took this firm stance because they understood that Allah sent down the revelation (i.e. the Qur'aan) to the final Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) to establish the truth and to guide mankind by it. The people of Tawheed understood that Allah (the Most High) is the one who defines the purpose of mankind’s existence:

"And I (Allah) created not the jinns and humans except they should worship Me (Alone)." [EMQ 51:56]

So what is Tawheed? Why is it so controversial? And what are its implications?

Tawheed is to believe with the heart, to testify with the tongue and manifest with the limbs that there is no one worthy to obey, submit to and worship except Allah. To further explain, it is to single out Allah in His Lordship (ruboobiyyah) in His worship (uloohiyyah) and His names and attributes (al-Asmaa' was-Sifaat). The Lordship of Allah is to recognize that Allah alone is the Creator, the Provider and the Most-Merciful etc. Tawheed ul-Uloohiyyah is the absolute right of Allah (glory be to Him) to be worshipped, elevated, obeyed, and for all ritual acts to be offered for Allah’s sake alone and should not be offered to anybody or anything else, such rituals as salaah (prayer), du’aa (supplication), at-tahaakum (arbitration), slaughtering and fasting etc.

“Say: ‘Shall I seek a lord other than Allah, while He is the Lord of all things?’" [EMQ 6:164]
The opposite or nullifier of Tawheed is Shirk. Shirk is to ascribe partners to Allah. It is in the form of directing the names, attributes or functions of Allah (glory be to Him) towards anyone or anything other than Him or along side Him. For example one of Allah’s name and attribute is al-Hakam meaning 'the Legislator' or 'Law Maker'; thus, legislation is His (glory be to him) exclusive right. Therefore, anyone who legislates other than Allah is a Mushrik (one who commits shirk).

The Muwahhid (the one who worships Allah without committing shirk) must understand, accept and believe in two principles or Tawheed: The first is to disbelieve or reject Taaghout (anything that consents to being obeyed, followed or worshipped other than Allah) and then to believe, worship, submit and obey Allah alone:

“…Whosoever disbelieves in (or rejects) Taaghout then believes in Allah, he has grasped the most trustworthy knot of Islam (understood the meaning Laa ilaaha ill-Allah).” [EMQ 2:256]
If one understands the principles of Tawheed it is clear to see where the conflict arises as there must be a total rejection of all false religions and ideologies (i.e. democracy, socialism, Christianity or Judaism etc.) before one can call himself a believer in Allah. Allah condemns all those who practice another way of life other than Islam:

“Or have they partners with Allah (false gods), who have instituted for them a deen (way of life, ideology) which Allah has not allowed…” [EMQ 42:21]
To Allah belong the purest and the best qualities. In His infinite wisdom and knowledge, Allah knows what is best for mankind: “Should not He Who has created know? And He is the Most Kind and Courteous (to His slaves) All-Aware (of everything).” [EMQ 67:14]

Allah chose Islam as the Deen that should be believed in and followed: “…This day, I have perfected your Deen for you, completed My Favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your Deen.” [EMQ 5:3]. The Deen of Islam is the haq (truth) which Allah decreed to supersede over all other ways even if the people detest it: “It is He Who has sent His Messenger (Muhammad peace and blessings be upon him) with guidance and the Deen of truth (Islam), to make it superior over all ideologies even though the Mushrikoon (those who ascribe partners to Allah, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah) hate (it).” [EMQ 9:33]
Allah is most severe in Chastisement and warns the disbelievers of a torment facing them for not accepting Islam: "And whoever seeks a deen other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers." [EMQ 3:83]

Allah promises severe burning and scolding for all those who die on disbelief: "And whosoever does not believe in Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad SAW), then verily, We have prepared for the disbelievers a blazing Fire." [EMQ 48:13]

But for those who believe in Allah and Islam, Allah promises happiness and contentment: “Verily! Those who believe (in Tawheed) and do righteous deeds, shall have the gardens of Paradise for their entertainment," [EMQ 18:107] and: “(There is for him) rest and provision, and a Garden of delights (Paradise).” [EMQ 56:89]
Without Tawheed, the life of a person is meaningless and a total waste. The whole purpose of man's creation is to worship Allah alone and if man fails to acknowledge this exclusive right of Allah then one will be amongst the dwellers of the Fire (Hell). He will have no one to blame but himself: what a horrible conclusion.

One must learn and act upon Tawheed if one wishes to be from the inhabitants of the Garden of Bliss where Allah will be pleased with him forever.

[chechnya]

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

The Meaning of Taaghoot

Know, may Allaah have mercy upon you, that the first thing that Allaah obligated on the Son of Aadam is to reject the Taaghoot and believe in Allaah. The proof for this is Allaah’s saying:

“And We have indeed sent to every nation a Messenger (saying to his people): ‘Worship Allaah alone and avoid the Taaghoot (false deities).’” [Soorah an-Nahl: 36.]

As for the description of Rejecting the Taaghoot, then it is that you believe in the futility of worshipping other than Allaah, and that you abandon doing so and hate it, and that you reject and make enmity with those who do it. And as for the meaning of Believing in Allaah, then it is that you believe that Allaah is the only true God who deserves to be worshipped alone, apart from everything else besides Him. And it is that you make all types of worship – every act - sincerely for Allaah alone, while negating and rejecting that from everything else that is worshipped besides Him.

It also entails that you love and show friendship to the people of Ikhlaas, while hating and showing enmity to the people of Shirk. This is the religion of Ibraaheem (alayhis salaam), of which those that turn away from it only fool themselves. And this is the good example that Allaah informs us in His saying:

“There indeed has been an excellent example for you in Ibraaheem and those with him, when they said to their people: ‘Verily, we are free from you and whatever you worship besides Allaah. We have rejected you and there has commenced between us and you, enmity and hatred forever, until you believe in Allaah alone.’” [Sooratul-Mumtahanah: 4.]

The word Taaghoot is general. So everything that is worshipped besides Allaah, while being pleased with this worship – whether it is something worshipped, someone followed, or someone obeye in the absence of obedience to Allaah and His Messenger (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallaaam), then that is considered Taaghoot. The Tawaagheet (plural of Taaghoot) are many, but their heads are five:

The First: The Devil who calls the people to worship other than Allaah. The proof for this is Allaah’s saying:

“Did I not command you O children of Aadam, that you should not worship the Devil. Verily, he is a plain enemy to you.” [Soorah YaaSeen: 60.]

The Second: The tyrannical and oppressive ruler who changes Allaah’s rulings. The proof for this is Allaah’s saying:

“Have you not seen those (hypocrites) who claim to believe in that which has been revealed to you, and that which was revealed before you, and they wish to go for judgement (in their disputes) to the Taaghoot, when they have been ordered to reject them? But the Devil wishes to lead them far astray.” Soorah an-Nisaa: 60.]

The Third: The one who judges by other than what Allaah has revealed, and the proof for this is Allaah’s saying:

“And whoever does not judge by what Allaah has revealed, then they are the disbelievers.” [Soorah al-Maa’idah: 44.]

The Fourth: The one who claims to have knowledge of the Unseen, apart from Allaah. The proof for this is Allaah’s saying:

“He alone is the All-Knower of the Unseen, and He does not disclose His Unseen matters to anyone.” [Sooratul-Jinn: 26-27.]

And He says:

“And with Him lie the keys to the Unseen, no one knows them but He. And He knows whatever there is in the land and in the sea; not a leaf falls except that He knows about it. There is not a grain in the darkness of the earth, nor anything fresh or dry, but that it is written in a Clear Record.” [Sooratul-An’aam: 59.]

The Fifth: The one who is worshipped apart from Allaah, while being pleased with being worshipped. The proof for this is Allaah’s saying:

“And whoever amongst them says: ‘Verily, I am a God besides Him (Allaah)’, then this persons recompense will be the Hellfire. That is the way We recompense the wrongdoers.” [Sooratul-Anbiyaa: 29.]

And know that man will never become a believer in Allaah unless he rejects and disbelieves in the Taaghoot. The proof for this is Allaah’s saying:

“There is no compulsion in the Religion. Verily, the right path has become distinct from the wrong path. So whoever disbelieves in the Taaghoot and believes in Allaah, then he has taken hold of the firmest handhold, that will never break. And Allaah is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.” [Sooratul-Baqaraah: 256.]

The “right path” here refers to the Religion of Muhammad (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallaam), while the “wrong path” refers to the Religion of Aboo Jahl. The “firmest handhold” refers to the testimony that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allaah [Laa Ilaaha Ill Allaah]. This testimony consists of a negation and an affirmation. It negates all types of worship from those worshipped besides Allaah, while affirming all types of worship done for Allaah alone, free from any partner.

And the success is from Allaah.
by Shaykhul-Islaam Muhammad ibn Abdul-Wahhaab
From his short treatise, “Ma’anaa at-Taaghoot wa Ru’oos Anwaa’ihi”

[chechnya]

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

At-Tawheed and the Rejection of Taghoot

Verily Tawheed is the first obligation that all the Messengers called to which formed the foundation of their call and their invitation to the people. Allah (swt) says: ‘We sent to every Ummah a messenger to command the people to submit to Allah exclusively and to reject Taghoot’. [EMQ 16:36]. Tawheed is the greatest Haq of Almighty Allah (swt) over his servant. It has been reported in Bukhari and Muslim, in a hadith narrated by Muadth Ibn Jabal (ra), that the Messenger Muhammad (saw) said: ‘The right of Allah over his servant is to submit to him exclusively and not to associate anything with him’. Whoever establishes the Tawheed enters Jannah and whoever negates the Tawheed they are from the people of hellfire. Establishing Tawheed is the path to happiness in this life and in the hereafter, whereas violating the Tawheed is the path of the miserable that will be doomed in this life and in the hereafter. Verily Tawheed is the only way for the unity of the Muslim Ummah and the Muslim world, for failure to establish the Tawheed amongst Muslims will be the cause of their failure, divisions and sectarian disputes.

Arqan al Tawheed

We must be aware that the Tawheed is composed of two pillars, Al Kufr bil Taghoot to reject all Taghoot and Al-Imaan billah to believe in Allah (swt). And know that man will never become a believer in Allah unless he rejects and disbelieves in the Taghoot. Whoever does not reject the Taghoot, then he has contradicted the basic message of all prophets and has contradicted the worship of Allah at its very roots for Allah (swt) says: ‘We sent to every Ummah a messenger to command the people to submit to Allah exclusively and to reject Taghoot’. [EMQ 16:36]
One cannot have Imaan in Allah (swt) unless he firsts disbelieves in the Taghoot. This is since Imaan and Shirk (polytheism) cannot be gathered together in one heart, for they are opposites. So one must remove all worship offered to other than Allah first and then establish worship to Allah (swt) alone afterward. Therefore, to believe in Allah (swt) we must reject that which contradicts the belief in Allah (swt) and we must therefore reject the Taghoot for Allah (swt) says “Whoever rejects Taghoot and believes in Allah then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold.” [al Baqarah 2:256] Mujaahid [d.103 h.] said ‘The most trustworthy handhold is imaan’ and as-Suddi [d.127 h.] said it is ‘Islam’ [Tafseer Ibn Kathir]. This ayah makes clear that there can be no Imaan without rejection of TTaghoot, and that believing in Allah (swt) as the only object of worship, as the only ‘illah’ is dependent upon rejecting any other object of worship.
The Kalimah of Tawheed, ‘Laa ilaaha ill Allah’ is a statement of negation nafi and affirmation ithbaat. When we are saying ‘Laa ilaaha’ we are rejecting all worship for other than Allah (swt) and when we say ‘ill Allah’ we are affirming that the worship is only for Allah (swt). Worship includes obedience Taa’ah. This means that we must accept that only Allah can legislate for us for Allah (swt) says "…The rule hukm is for none but Allah. He has commanded that you worship none but Him, that is the Straight Deen but most men know not." [al Yusuf 12:40] and "…and He makes none to sharein His Rule…" [al Kahf 18:26]
Dear Brothers and Sisters, the way in which we are obliged to establish the above conditions and pillars of Tawheed, we are also obliged to fear and distance ourselves from shirk and to take precaution from all of its types, its gates and exits, whether the big shirk or small one, as verily, the biggest oppression is shirk and Allah (swt) will forgive everything except shirk. Whosoever falls into shirk, Jannah is forbidden for him and his residence will be hellfire: ‘Allah does not forgive Shirk or to associate with Him anything, but forgives less than that to whomever He wills’ [an Nisaa’ 4:48] Therefore Muslims should be aware about what negates and contradicts Tawheed in order to make a shield for themselves, protecting them from apostasy.
at-Taghout

As for the Shari’ah definition of Taghoot, it is that which is worshiped, obeyed, submitted to, or followed other then Allah (swt). This may include Shaytan idols, stones, sun, stars, angels, or even human beings. Likewise saints, graves, pirs, rulers and leaders, other ruling systems besides Islam may also be falsely worshipped and made into Taghoot. Imaam Maalik (d.179ah) said ‘The Taghoot is anything that is worshipped apart from Allah’ [Tafseer Ibn Kathir]. Imaam Ibn al Qayyim (d.751ah) said, ‘The Taghoot is anyone to whom the slave [a’bd] goes beyond the limits whether it is someone worshipped [ma’boodin] or followed [matbooi’n] or obeyed [mutaai’n’].

Shaykh Muhammad ibn A’bdul Wahhaab [d.1206 h.] said ‘The Taaghout are many and their heads are five: Iblees, whoever is worshipped and is pleased with that, whoever calls the people to worship himself, whoever claims to possess anything from the knowledge of the unseen and whoever rules by other than what Allah has sent down’ as well as ‘The word Taghoot is general. So everything that is worshipped besides Allah, while being pleased with this worship – whether it is something worshipped, someone followed, or someone obeyed in the absence of obedience to Allah and His Messenger, then that is considered Taghoot.
With regards to the Rulers of the Muslim Lands today who many claim for them to be believers, not only do they willingly obey, follow, submit and bow down to the laws of the kuffar, resulting in the abolishment in the first Pillar of Tawheed i.e. Al Kufr bil Taghoot, they themselves order the people to be obey, follow and submit to them and the kuffr which the legislate, and therefore become Taghoot themselves. Indeed the list of their kuffr, shirk and the rejection and hatred for the shariah of Allah (swt) is overwhelming. So whoever rules by other than what Allah revealed, implementing it knowingly, then he is a Taghoot, even if he claims what he may claim. And indeed Allah has declared him a disbeliever.

So the fact that the Taghoot does not only include stars, stone and wooden idols but also people who make laws against the shari’ah is manifest from the Quran and supported from the statements of the salaf and the classical scholars. The following ayah proves that whoever rejects Quran and Sunnah and prefers man-made law either voting for that, supporting it or going to judgement in courts based on that has removed himself from Islam. Allah (swt) says “Have you seen those who claim that they believe in that which was sent down to you and before you and they wish to go for judgement to the Taghoot while they have been commanded to reject them? But Shaytaan wishes to lead them far astray. And when it is said to them ‘Come to what Allah has sent down and to the messenger’ you see the munaafiqeen turn away from you with aversion. How then when a catastrophe befalls them because of what their hands have sent forth they come to you swearing by Allah, ‘We meant nothing more than goodwill and conciliation’.” [an Nisaa’ 4:60-62]
This verse was revealed in relation to a Muslim who was debating with a Jew about a certain issue. Rather then making Tahakum to Allah (by referring to Muhammad (saw)), he referred to a Taghoot Sorcerer (Al Ka'ab ibn Ashraf) for judgment and for this he became a Kafir and apostatized from the deen of Islam. Ibn Katheer [d.774 h.] said ‘The ayah has a general meaning as it chastises all those who refrain from referring to the Quran and Sunnah for judgement and prefer the judgement of whatever they chose of falsehood, which befits the description of Taghoot here. This is why Allah said “….and they wish to go for judgement to the Taghoot…” [Tafseer Ibn Kathir].

Thus, the ayah is clear in declaring the kufr disbelief of those who went to other than the revelation from Allah for laws and judgement. The ayah said “…claim that they believe…” which means that they don’t believe. Allah (swt) made clear that accepting judgement and legislation from other than Allah and His messenger is kuffr [disbelief], Allah (swt) says “But no by your Lord, they can have no imaan (belief) until they make you judge in all disputes among them and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions and accept them with fullest submission.” [an Nisaa’ 4:65]
The Way to Reject Taghoot

It is vital that we declare the false hood and rejection on Taghoot, keep distance from it and declare animosity, hatred and hostily towards it. There is no way for a believer to believe in and love Allah (swt) and also love the Shaytan, or any other Taghoot, rather we must hate those who hate Allah (swt) and we must hate all Taghoot as Allah (swt) tells us in the Quran through the example of Ibraheem (as) "Indeed there has been an excellent example for you in Ibrahim and those with him, when they said to their people: "Verily, we are free from you and whatever you worship besides Allah: we have rejected you, and there has started between us and you hostility and hatred forever until you believe in Allah alone." [al-Mumtahanah 60:4] So they absolved themselves from them and rejected and declared kuffr upon them and whatever they were worshipping besides Allah (swt), and they declared to them their enmity and hatred and their cutting off of love for them, until they make their worship purely for Allah (swt) alone, single Him out apart from others and remove all of the false gods from Him. It is impossible for someone to insist that any Taghoot is Muslim, we cannot disbelieve in Shaytan, distancing ourselves from him, hating him, declaring animosity on him, and then insist that he is Muslim, rather we must make Takfeer on him, and call him kafir beyond any doubt.
After all this how can one vote for man to make law which is Taghoot as mentioned, or become involved in parliaments and governments that do not rule by what Allah (swt) has revealed and vote for them and support them, when we have been ordered by Allah (swt) to reject, have animosity and hatred to them and keep distance from them.

The Taghoot are a means of misguidance and whoever makes allegiance with the Taghoot has gone far astray. Allah (swt) says “Allah is the Wali [Protector, Ally, Supporter] of those who believe, He brings them out from darkness into light. But as for those who disbelieve their awliya [allies, supporters] are Taghoot, they bring them out from light into darkness. Those are the dwellers of the fire and they will abide therein forever.” [al-Baqarah 2:257]

The one who believes in the Taghoot is cursed and he will have no help from Allah. Whoever recognises the false authority of the Taghoot or believes that they have better guidance than the Shari’ah or believes that they possess any attributes or rights belonging to Allah (swt), then they are a disbeliever as Allah (swt) says “Have you not seen those who were given a portion of the Book? They believe in Jibt and Taghoot and say to those who disbelieve ‘These people are better guided on the way’ than the believers. They are those whom Allah has cursed, and he whom Allah curses, you will not find for him a helper.” [an Nisaa’ 4:51-52]
Many peoples in the past have worshipped Taghoot and so gained the Anger of Allah and were cursed and transformed. “Say: ‘Shall I inform you of something worse than that, regarding the recompense from Allah those who incurred the curse of Allah and His wrath, those of whom He transformed into monkeys and swine, those who worshipped Taghoot.” [al Maa’idah 5:60]

Paradise is only for those who reject Taghoot and there is good news for those who avoid worshipping the Taghoot. Allah (swt) says “Those who avoid Taghoot by not worshipping them and turn to Allah, for them are glad tidings so announce the good news to My slaves, those who listen to the word and follow the best of it those are whom Allah has guided and those are men of understanding [oolul albaab].” [az Zumar 39:17-18]
Responsibility of the Believers
Today we have Taghoot dominant all over the world manifested in the rulers, governments and constitutions that are implemented and enforced throughout the world. These regimes have taken it upon themselves to become legislators by making and enforcing kuffr law and in doing so have rivalled with Allah (swt) as this is an attribute that is exclusive to Him. Instead of adhering to the command of Allah (swt) by implementing the shariah we find that these regimes implement kuffr law and give more credence to ideologies like capitalism over Islam. Hence according to the very first pillar of our belief they must be rejected and nullified by distancing ourselves from them, believing that they are our enemies, having hatred for them and declaring kuffr upon them. Again this is not a mere statement upon the tongue rather this should be manifested in our actions, as belief by definition includes the actions, for it is our actions that display what is within our hearts.

No beneficial change will occur as long as we regard as Muslims those who contradict the reason for our existence and the first pillar of Tawheed. So failing to recognise the Tawagheet as kuffaar is an error in Aqeedah and Tawheed and thus the actions that emanate from it are also in error. Much of the Ummah has accepted the enemies of Tawheed to be the leaders and their upholders of the Muslim world, and is vital that we change out beliefs and acts in relation to this.

[chechnya]

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

The Beginnings of Deviation


[1]: MAN'S FITRAH (NATURAL DISPOSITION)

What is essential to know is that: "Allaah created the creation in order that they should worship Him. Furthermore, Allaah prepared for them - from His Provision - all that they would require. About this Allaah - the Most High - said:

"I did not create jinn and mankind, except that they should worship Me. I do not seek any provisions from them, nor do I ask that they should feed me. Indeed Allaah is the Provider, the Possessor of Might and Strength." [Soorah adh-Dhaariyaat 51:56-58].

So the soul - if left to its Fitrah (natural disposition and inclination) - would find itself acknowledging Allaah's Divinity, loving Him and worshiping Him alone, without worshipping others along with Him. However, this fitrah becomes corrupted and it deviates away from the pure worship of Allaah, due to what the devils - from amongst mankind and jinn - whisper to some people, beautifying to them their whispers of deception. So Tawheed (to worship Allaah alone) is the core and root of man's fitrah, whereas Shirk (directing any part of worship that belongs only to Allaah, to other than Allaah) is alien to it and is something that deceptively enters into it. Allaah - the Most High - said:
"So set your face to the Haneef Religion (the Religion of pure Tawheed), This is the fitrah of Allaah which He created mankind upon. There is to be no change in the creation (i.e, Religion) of Allaah. That is the straight and upright Religion. But most of mankind do not have knowledge." [Soorah Room 30:30]."1
The above Aayah (Verse) clearly refutes the false notion of the atheists; who claim that the natural basis of man is Shirk, and that Tawheed evolved in man! Not only does the previous Aayah refutes this falsehood, but so do the following two authentic narrations:

Firstly: Allaah's Messenger sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, that his Lord said: "I created all My Servants upon the true Religion (upon Tawheed, free from Shirk). Then the devils come to them end led them astray from their true Religion. They made unlawful to people that which I had mode lawful for them, and they commended them to associate in worship with Me, that for which I had sent down no authority."4

Secondly: Allaah's Messenger sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "Every child is born upon the Fitrah (i.e. Islaam), but his parents make him a jew or a christian or a magian. It is like the way on animal gives birth to a natural offspring. Have you noticed any born mutilated, before you mutilate them." Abu Hurayrah said: Recite if you wish: "Allaah's fitrah with which He created mankind. There is to be no change to the creation (Religion) of Allaah." [Soorah Room 30:30]."3

[2]: THE BEGINNING OF IDOL-WORSHIP

Mankind was, in the beginning, a single Ummah (nation) upon Tawheed, the pure worship of Allaah alone. Then Shirk gradually overcame them. The basis for this belief is what Allaah - the Most High - said:

"Mankind was one Ummah (nation), then Allaah sent Prophets bringing good news and warnings." [Soorah al-Baqarah 2:213].

"Mankind was not except a single Ummah, then they differed." [Soorah Yoonus 12. 19].

Ibn 'Abbaas radiallaahu 'anhu said:
"Between Noah and Aadam there were ten generations, all of them were upon the Sharee'ah (Law) of the truth, then they differed. So Allaah sent Prophets as bringers of good news and as warners."4

So: "During the time of the Prophet Noah 'alayhis-salaam, Shirk appeared amongst his people, and they started worshipping idols along with worshipping Allaah. So Allaah said:

"Indeed We sent Noah 'alayhis-salaam to his people and he said to them: I have come to you as a clear warner; that you should worship only Allaah." [Soorah Hood 1 1:25-26]."5

After this clear explanation, it is of the utmost importance for the Muslims to know exactly how Shirk spread amongst the Believers, after they were people upon pure Tawheed?

[3]: THE ORIGINS OF SHIRK

Allaah - the Most Perfect - said about the people of Noah:

"And they said: You shall not forsake your deities / gods, nor shall you forsake Wadd, nor Suwaa', nor Yaghooth, nor Ya'ooq, nor Nasr." [Soorah Nooh 71:23].

Ibn 'Abbaas radiallaahu 'anhu relates:
"These were all idols from Noah's nation, which eventually ended up amongst the Arabs. Wadd was the idol which was worshipped by the Kalb tribe in the region of Dawmatul-Jandal; Suwaa' was for the Hudhayl tribe; Yaghooth by the Ghutayf tribe at Jurf near the region of Sabaa; Ya'ooq for the Hamdaan tribe and Nasr was the idol worshipped by the Dhul-Kalaa of the Himayr tribe. Indeed these five idols were the names of righteous men from the nation of Noah. When they died Shaytaan whispered to their people to make statues of them in honour of them, and to place these statues in their places of gathering as a reminder of them, so they did this. However, none from amongst them worshipped these statues, until when that generation passed away and the purpose of the statues was forgotten, the next generation then began worshipping them."6

Muhammad ibn Qays radiallaahu 'anhu said:
"Yaghooth, Ya'ooq and Nasr were a group of righteous men, who were taken as examples to be followed by their people. So when they died their companions said: If we were to make pictures of them it would encourage us to do acts of worship and obedience to Allaah (as they did). So they made pictures of them. However, when they died and the next generation came, Shaytaan whispered to them saying: Your fore-fathers used to worship these righteous men, and it was due to them that it rained. So they began to worship them."7

So the beginnings of Shirk lay in the excessive praise and respect given to certain dead pious Muslims, who - due to peoples' love for them - became idols that were worshipped and supplicated along with Allaah. So what needs to be understood is why people felt that they had to worship these righteous people along with worshipping Allaah.

[4]: TAKING THE DEAD AS INTERCESSORS

Allaah - the One free from all defects - said:
"Indeed We have sent down to you the Book in truth, so worship Allaah alone by making the Religion purely for Him. Surely the Religion, worship and obedience should be for Allaah alone. But those who take as awliyaa (friends and protectors) others along with Allaah say: We only worship them so that they may bring us closer to Allaah. Indeed Allaah will judge between them concerning that in which they differ. Indeed Allaah does not guide those who are liars and disbelievers." [Soorah az-Zumar 39:2-3].

"And they worship those besides Allaah that can neither harm nor benefit them, and they say: These are our intercessors with Allaah. Say to them: Do you inform Allaah about that which He does not have knowledge in the heavens and the earth. Glory be to Allaah and how free He is from that which the associate as partners with Him." [Soorah Yoosuf 10:18].

"So Allaah - the Most Perfect - informed us in these two Aayaat (Verses) that the mushriks had taken others from the creation as awliyaa along with Allaah. They worshipped them along with Him, by offering du'aa (supplication) to them, and directing to them hope (of attaining safety or of being cured from some illness) and fear, sacrifice, vows, and their like claiming that directing such worship to these awliyaa would bring them closer to Allaah and that these awliyaa would then act as intercessors between them and Allaah. Yet Allaah - the the Most Perfect - rejected such claims and made clear its falseness and labeled those who claimed such a thing as being liars and disbelievers!"8

"Thus it should be clear to all who have intellect, that the cause of disbelief of the earlier kuffaar (disbelievers) was due to them taking the Prophets, awliyaa, trees, stones and other things from the creation, as intercessors between them and Allaah, believing that such intercessors would fulfill for them their needs and aspirations, without any permission from Allaah - the Most Perfect - nor His approval. They considered it to be similar to how ministers and advisors intercede on behalf of the people with the worldly kings. So they made a (false) analogy between Allaah - the Most Majestic - and the worldly kings and leaders, saying: lust as a person who wishes to present his needs to a king has to go through the king's advisors and ministers, then likewise we draw closer to Allaah by making du'aa (supplication) to the Prophets and the awliyaa; taking them as intercessors between us and Allaah. However, this analogy is the height of futility and falsehood. Since Allaah - the One free from all defects - has none that is comparable to Him, nor can analogies be made between Him and His creation. Indeed no one intercedes for His creation, except with His permission. and none will be granted shafaa'a (intercession), except the people of Tawheed. For Allaah - the Most Perfect - has knowledge and power over all things, and is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy. He does not fear anyone, nor is frightened by anyone, since He - the Most Perfect - has power and dominion over His slaves and disposes of their affairs as He Wills. This is contrary to the earthly kings and leaders, for they do not have power over everything, nor do they have knowledge about everything. This is why they are dependant upon advisers, ministers and armies to assist them in matters which they, by themselves, are unable to do. They are also in need of being informed about those who are in need, which is another reason for their being surrounded by ministers and advisors. But the Lord - the Mighty and Majestic, the One free from all defects and shortcomings - is free from any type of need or assistance from any of His creation. He is more merciful to them that their mothers and He is the Most Just. And according to His Wisdom, Knowledge and Power, He places all things in their proper place. It is therefore not permissible to compare Allaah with His creation in this manner."9

[5]: DU'AA TO OTHER THAN ALLAAH IS SHIRK

The Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said:
"Whosoever dies whilst making du'aa (invocation, supplication) to others besides Allaah, will enter the HellFire."10

[6]: A PROOF FROM THE COMPANIONS

Anas radiallaahu 'anhu related:
"In times of drought, 'Umar ibn al-Khattaab radiallaahu 'anhu used to ask 'Abbaas ibn 'Abdul-Muttalib to pray for rain on their behalf. He himself would say: "O Allaah we used to ask Your Prophet to supplicate on our behalf to You, and You would bless us with rain. Now we ask the uncle of our Prophet to supplicate to You on our behalf, so bless us with rain." Anas said: So they would be blessed with rain."11

Sulaym ibn 'Aamir al-Khabaairee relates:
"That the sky withheld all rain, so Mu'aawiyah ibn Abee Sufyaan went out to pray for rain along with the people of Damascus. So when Mu'aawiyah sat upon the pulpit he said: "Where is Yazeed ibn al-Aswad al-Jurashee?" So the people called him and he came stepping between the people. Then Mu'aawiyah commanded him, so he ascended the pulpit and sat at his feet. Then Mu'aawiyah said: "O Allaah! Today we are asking the best and most noblest amongst us to supplicate to You for us. O Allaah, today we put Yazeed ibn al-Aswad al-Jurashee forward to supplicate to You for us. O Yazeed! Raise up your hands to Allaah." So he raised up his hands and the people raised up their hands. Then rain-clouds, like large shields, came quickly from the west, and the winds blew, and it rained so much that people could hardly reach their houses."12

So why didn't 'Umar radiallaahu 'anhu and the rest of the Companions who were with him, go to the grave of our beloved Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam; or to the grave of the greatest of the awliyaa Abu Bakr radiallaahu 'anhu, and make du'aa (supplication) to them for rain? Why? Because they knew that doing so would constitute shirk? Likewise, why didn't Mu'aawiyah, and those of the righteous people with him, not delegate someone to go to Madeenah - to the grave of the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, or any of the Companions buried there - or directly make du'aa to them from Damascus, in their time of distress and great need? Why? Because they knew that doing so would constitute shirk!

[7]: SOME POINTS OF BENEFIT

Firstly: That Shirk began during the time of Noah 'alayhis-salaam, due to the excessive love and veneration that the people had for certain dead pious Muslim.

Imaam al-Qurtubee (d.654H) - rahimahullaah - said: "The initial images that were made of these righteous men were done in order that the people could be reminded about their righteousness and so strive in being righteous; as they strove. So they worshipped Allaah by the graves of these righteous men. Then a people came after them who forgot the intent of their fore-fathers' actions. So Shaytaan whispered to them saying: Your fore-fathers used to worship these images and held them in great veneration."13

Secondly: "That Shaytaan is eager to misguide mankind and to plot against them. He comes from the angle of exploiting man's emotions, and lures them into doing acts that are (apparently) good. Thus, when Shaytaan saw amongst the people of Noah their great love and esteem for the righteous, he tricked them into going beyond the bounds in their love, and he got them to make and place statues of these dead pious Muslims in their places of gatherings. The objective of this was to make them swerve away from the right path.

Thirdly: That Shaytaan does not only observe the present generation, and seek to deceive only them; but he also wishes to misguide and deceive future generations. Thus, when he could not plunge the present generation, from the people of Noah, into Shirk, he eagerly awaited the next generation's arrival, in order that he could misguide them."14

Fourthly: That the worshipping of dead pious Muslims continues to be practiced amongst the Ummah even today. The difference being is that the names have changed. Thus, instead of worshipping Wadd, or Yaghooth, or Ya'ooq; people have instead directed the same practices of Shirk - like supplicating directly to the pious dead, and taking them as intercessors between them and Allaah - to others; such as to Shaykh 'Abdul-Qaadir al-Jeelaanee in Iraaq, or al-Baydaawee in Eygypt, or Chishtee in India, etc. However, changing the name of a thing, does not change its reality.


Footnotes:
1. Kitaabut-Tawheed (p.6) of Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan.
2. Related by Muslim (8/159) and Ahmad (4/162) from 'lyaadh ibn Himaar al-Mujaashi'ee radiallaahu 'anhu.
3. Related by al-Bukhaaree (11/418) and Muslim (18/52), from Abu Hurayrah radiallaahu 'anhu.
4. Related by at-Tabaree in his Tafseer (4/275).
5. Mubaahith (p.21) of Shaykh Naasir al-'Aql.
6. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no.4920).
7. Related by at-Tabaree in his Tafseer (29/98).
8. Iqaamatul-Baraaheen (p.27) of Shaykh 'Abdul-'Azeez bin Baaz.
9. Iqaamatul-Baraaheen (pp.53-55).
10. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no.4297), from Ibn Mas'ood radiallaahu 'anhu.
11. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no.1010).
12. Related by Ibn 'Asskir in Tareekh Dimishq (18/151/1).
13. Jaami' li-Ahkaamil-Qur'aan (13/308).
14. Bayaan Haqeeqatut-Tawheed (pp.8-9) of Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan.