HIJAB

 

حجاب المراة المسلمة

Introduction

All praise is due to Allah, and blessings and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah, his progeny, companions and whoever follows his path till the Day of Resurrection.

          One of the major issues in Islam, which many Muslims have a lot of arguments is the issue of ‘Hijab’. These arguments occur because of two reasons, firstly, lack of complete understanding of this issue and secondly, lack of knowledge or ignorance of the proofs of the obligation of ‘Hijab’ in the Quran and Sunnah.

 In this article, I tried, with the help of Allah, to put together all these arguments among Muslims on the issue of ‘Hijab’ in focus. First, I gave the lexical definition of the word ‘Hijab’ as well as its contextual meaning in different contexts, then I cited some Ayat (verses) from the Quran to show how Allah the Almighty uses the word and thus makes its meaning more accessible to the understanding of all Muslims.

Second, I quoted the proofs of the obligation of ‘Hijab’ in the Quran and the Sunnah (using the translation of the meaning of the noble Quran by Dr. Hilali and Dr. Khan).

 Third, I listed the allegations of those who claim the legality of exposing a woman’s face and then, I stated the corresponding explicit answers based on the Quran and the authentic Sunnah to refute their claims. With this presentation, I hope that Muslims all over the world will come to agreement and unity instead of argument and/or misunderstanding if not falling into disputes. After all, Islam is a divine message that calls the entire mankind to the worship of One God, Allah the Almighty. Such worship, which includes obedience to Allah’s Law (like the obligation to wear Hijab by women), must be based on the Quran and Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. Let us always be guided by the following Quranic verses to obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah says,

          “It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad pbuh) have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision. And whosoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he has indeed strayed into a plain error.” (33:36)

          “O you who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger Muhamad pbuh. And render not vain your deeds.” (47:33)

Definition of Hijab

It must be obvious that every Muslim should understand his/her faith in the correct way, ie. To have authentic knowledge of Islam based on the Quran and Sunnah so we can follow what Allah and His Messenger has commanded us to do and refrain ourselves from committing sins because of disobedience. The best way to learn and practice Islam correctly is by knowing and understanding at least the correct meaning of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet peace be upon him (in their original language, Arabic, if not learning the language itself if possible).

We have to understand that no matter how much efforts were put to translate the meanings of the Holy Quran, the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad or the right explanations by the renowned Muslim scholars of these two revealed sources of knowledge and guidance into other languages, there will always be loss of meaning due to linguistic and cultural differences and contrasts between the two languages. It is in this context that I tried to give meaning of the word ‘Hijab’ in Arabic in as much explicit words as possible. If we look up the meaning of the word ‘Hijab’ in a bilingual dictionary we learn that it means ‘veil’, ‘screen’, ‘cover’ or ‘curtain’. (Please see al Mawrid: A Modern Arabic English Dictionary, 1992p. 453).

          |It is obvious that the term Hijab refers to both ‘covering’ and ‘veil’ as Allah Himself uses it in the Quran, which meaning can be translated as:

          ‘It is not given to any human being that Allah should speak to him unless (it be) by Revelation, or from behind a veil.’ (42:51)

          Hence, Allah clearly mentions the word Hijab to mean ‘covering’. He makes it clear to us that no one has spoken to Him directly face to face, but there was always a Hijab (covering or veil) between Him and the one who spoke to Him. In fact, even the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him did not see Allah. Allah honoured the Prophet peace be upon him. By making him ascend to the highest heaven, giving him the privilege of speaking to Him. However, one of the Prophet’s Companions asked him if he had seen Allah and the Prophet is reported to have answered him in the following hadith,

          ‘Abu Thar narrated that he asked Allah’s Messenger pbuh. : “Did you see your Rabb (sustainer)?” He replied, “I saw light.” ~reported by Muslim.

And Aishah said:

          “If anyone tells you that Muhammad (has seen his Rabb (Sustainer), he is a liar as Allah says: “No vision can grasp Him”. ~reported by Al-Bukhari.

          Another verse, in Surah Al-Mutaffifin:15, Allah uses the word Hijab when He says,

          “Nay! Surely they (evil doers) will be veiled from seeing their Rabb (Lord) that Day.”

          In the above verse, Allah (explains how the disbelievers (kafiroon) will be veiled (covered) from seeing Allah. Note that the word used here by Allah is ‘Mahjuboon’ which comes from the word ‘Hajaba’ which means ‘prevent from seeing’.

In another verse, Al-Israa’ :45

          ‘The word Hijab in this verse means ‘O Muhammad you will not be seen by the disbelievers (kafiroon) when you recite the Quran.

Note that the above verse (Al-Israa’ :45) was revealed as the result of the following incident in the life of the prophet.

Narrated Sa’eed ibn Jubair (when chapter Al-Lahab was revealed, the wife of abu Lahab came looking for the prophet while he was sitting with Abu Bakr r.a . Abu Bakr radiallahu anhu said to the Prophet peace be upon him, ‘I prefer you hide from her or leave as she is coming for you and she might harm you.’ The Prophet peace be upon him is reported to have said, ‘There will be a screen set between her and me.’ So, she did not see him..’ ~reported by Abu Ya’ala

          In brief, as stated in the Quran, the word Hijab means to veil or cover something from being seen by others, so when we say that the Muslim woman must wear Hijab, we mean that she must cover her face so as not to be seen by men who are not her maharim (her husband and those whom she is forbidden to marry permanently). It does not mean the way some Muslims understand, that Hijab means covering the hair only because if it does then when Allah stated in the Quran in Surah Ash-Syuraa :51 that no one will be spoken to by Allah except from behind Hijab, it would mean that they will see His face, which is absolutely incorrect.

          Indeed, in this world no one has seen Allah, even the Prophet Moses alahi salaam and Prophet Muhammad whom Allah has given the privilege to speak to Him did not see the Almighty. However, in the hereafter, Allah will reward the Muslim believers by allowing them to look at Him, which is then the supreme success and Allah will be pleased with them and they will be pleased with Him as he says in the Quran, which meaning can be translated:

          ‘For those who have done good is the best reward ie Paradise and even more (ie. Having the honour of glancing at the countenance of Allah) Yunus : 26

          In line with the above Quranic Verse are Ahadith that tell us that Allah will grant the righteous believers the highest honour and privilege to see His Face. This means He will unveil His Face ie. Remove the Hijab or covering. One of these Ahadith is as the following;

          ‘Abdullah ibn Umar narrated that Allah’s Messenger is reported to have said,

          ‘The lowest in station among the inhabitants of Paradise will be he who looks at his gardens, his wives, his bliss, his servants and his couches, stretching a thousand years’ journey, and the one who will be most honoured by Allah will be he who looks at His Face morning and evening.’ He then recited, ‘Faces on that day will be bright, looking at their Rabb (Sustainer).’ ~reported by At-Tirmidzi

Proofs of the Obligation of Hijab

          For the benefit of all Muslims, let us find in the Quran and the authentic Sunnah the concrete proofs of the obligation of wearing Hijab by Muslim women. And now let the words of Allah and His Messenger peace be upon him. Guide us as to how women in Islam must be covered. In this way, we get divine guidance that will unite our different positions on the issue of Hijab.

Proofs from the Quran

First proof: Surah Nuur : 31

          ‘And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things) and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands or one eye or dress like veil, gloves, head cover, apron, etc.) and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (ie. Their bodies, faces necks and bosoms, etc) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers or their husband’s fathers or their sons or their husband’s sons or their sister’s sons, their Muslim women (ie. Their sisters in Islam) or the (female) slaves whom their right hand posses or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of feminine sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide or their adornment. And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O Believers that you may be successful’.

          In the above verse, there are 3 proofs of the obligation of Hijab (covering the women’s face):

First Proof

‘And not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent.’ Here Allah forbids women to show off their adornment absolutely except, which is apparent, such as their outer clothes, this is the interpretation of Abdullah ibn Mas’ud of this verse. Also, examining this verse, we see that Allah says: ‘Except only that which is apparent’ and He does not say: ‘Except only that which they expose’, because what is exposed is something you cannot hide but what is apparent is under your control, you can hide it if you wish to do so and you can show it off if you wish to do so, therefore, women can only show off their outer clothes because they cannot hide them even if they wish.

Second Proof

‘And to withdraw their veils all over Juyubihinna (ie. Their body, face, necks and bosoms).’ A woman’s veil is what she puts over her head, so if she is ordered to draw her veil all over her body starting from the head ending at the toes, then her face will be the first part of her body to be covered. Also, it is common sense that a great part of a woman’s beauty lies in her face, so how would Allah command the woman to draw her veil over her body to prevent others from looking at her curves while permitting her to expose her face? This does not make sense, does it?

Third Proof

‘And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment.’ During the pre-Islamic period, women used to wear anklets and they would stamp their feet on the ground to produce a rattle in order to attract the attention of men, so Allah made it forbidden for Muslim women to walk in such a manner. If women are forbidden to stamp their feet on the ground to avoid having men infatuated, then how about exposing their face? So which is more attractive to men, hearing the sound of the rattling anklets or seeing a woman’s face? So which is more attractive to men, hearing the sound of the rattling anklets or seeing a woman’s face? Obviously, a woman’s face is more attractive. Given this reality, how could it be possible to permit women to expose their faces while forbidding them to stamp their feet? This is a very clear proof that a woman’s face must be covered whenever strange men or non-maharim are present.

Second Proof from the Quran, Surah Al-Ahzab: 59

‘O Prophet! Tell your wives, and your daughters, and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (ie. Screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful’.

The purpose of the revelation of this verse is that the women at the Prophet’s time used to walk to outskirts of Al_Madinah when they had to answer the call of nature because they did not have bathrooms or toilets in their homes and there were those wrong-doers who used to follow the slave girls (bondmaids) when they walked outside the town to answer the call of nature and harass them. There were cases, however, when they would harass the free women thinking they were slaves, so Allah revealed this verse to common the Prophet’s wives, daughters and the believing women to cover themselves in order to be distinguished from the slave girls. Regarding this verse, Ibn Kathir holds that: ‘Allah commanded His Messenger to order the believing women especially his wives and daughters, (for their honour) to draw cloaks on themselves to be distinguished from the non-Muslim women and the slave girls.’ The word ‘Jilbab’ (cloak) means the cover over the veil (yashmak), according to the following interpreters of Quran: Ibn Mas’ud, Ubaydah, Qatadah, Al Hasan Al Basri, Sa’eed ibn Jubair, Ibrahim Anna’kahy and Atta Al-Kharasani.

          Narrated Ali ibn Abi Talhah, that Ibn Abbas is reported to have said: ‘ Allah has commanded the believing women to cover their faces when they leave houses for necessity’. Mohammad ibn Seareen (a great Muslim scholar) said, ‘I asked Ubaydah As-Salmani about the meaning of Allah’s saying ‘Draw their cloaks all over their bodies’, so he covered his face and head while exposing his left eye. Also, many Muslim scholars such as Abu Bakr Ar-Razi (died 370AH), Emmand Ad-Deen At-Tabari (died 516 AH) Imam Al-Baqawi (died 516 AH), Ibn Al-Jawzi (died 597 AH) in his Tafseer (explanation) of the Quran, Sheikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (died 728 AH) and many others confirmed that this verse implies an obvious command that a woman must cover her face when non-maharim men are around. In the presence of all these proofs, we can see that this verse undoubtly means that a Muslim woman must wear a Hijab that will cover her body from head to toes.

Third Proof from the Quran, Surah Al-Ahzab :53

‘And when you ask them (the Prophet’s wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen. That is pure for your hearts and for their heart.’

This verse, which was revealed in the fifth year after hijrah (emigration to Madinah) tells us that Hijab means covering all parts of the body including the face and there is no dispute between Muslims scholars that this verse means covering the face as well as the rest of the body. But the dispute is about one issue whether this verse is restricted only to the wives of the Prophet? Or is it for all Muslim women? Imam At-Tabri, the greatest scholar of Tafseer, stated in his ‘Book of Tafseer’ that ‘When you ask the Prophet’s wives and the believing women who are not your wives ask them from behind a Hijab (veil) and do not enter their homes (while they are inside the house alone), this is purer for your hearts and their hearts’. It is an obligatory ruling, which is not for the Prophet’s wives only but for all Muslim’s women. This verse Al-Ahzab :53 and 59 have one thing in common:

Verse Al-Ahzab :59

          ‘O Prophet~ Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies.’

          This commanding the Prophet, peace be upon him, to ask his wives, daughters and the believing women to cover themselves. The point here is: how could we say that in verse 33:53 the implication is that the Prophet’s wives must cover their faces and inverse 33:59 the implication is that they have to cover their bodies, but faces and hands are excluded? If we say this, then we mean that the Quran states one thing in one verse and means another in a different context when both verses concern the same ruling. Each single verse is an integral part of, and complementary to the entire body of the Quran,

         

Fourth Proof from the Quran, Surah Nuur:60

‘And as for women past child bearing who do not expect wed-lock, it is no sin on them if they discard their (outer) clothing in such a way as not to show their adornment. But to refrain (ie. Not to discard their outer clothing) is better for them. And Allah is All-Hearer, All Knower.’

          The point here is that Allah has removed the sin on elderly women (those who had past childbearing age and have no attraction to men) if they discard their outer clothes provided that they do not show their adornment. It is obvious that the meaning of this verse is to discard the outer clothing but not all the clothing because they will be nude. So elderly women can expose their faces and hands (in the presence of men who are non-maharim) if they wish, but if they do not, it is better for them. In his explanation of the above-mentioned verse, Imam At-Tabri holds that it means there is no sin on them if they discard their veils and their gowns (abayas).

Also, Imam Abu Ya’ala said: ‘In this verse there is a proof that it is permissible for elderly women to expose their faces and hands in the presence of men but not their hair because it is forbidden for them as it is forbidden for young women.’ Sheikh Abdul Aziz ibn Baz adds: ‘Allah says that elderly women who are past the age of marriage are not to be counted for misdemeanor for removing their clothes (coverings or veils) off their faces and hands must still observe bashfulness and modesty by not exposing their adornments’. So it is clear that elderly women who are allowed to expose their faces and hands must still observe bashfulness and modesty by not exposing their adornments. It must be noted that Allah has encouraged them to observe Hijab ie Full covering of their bodies which includes covering their faces when He said, ‘But to refrain (ie. Not to discard their outer clothing) is better for them.’ If Allah has encouraged elderly women who by nature do not appear attractive to men not to remove their veils (covering) from their faces, so how about young and pretty women?

Proofs from the Authentic Sunnah

First Proof

Aishah said: ‘May Allah bestow His mercy on the early emigrant women when Allah revealed in Surah Nur :31

‘And to draw their veils all over Juyubuhinna (ie. Their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)’ They tore their ‘muruts’ (a woolen dress or a waist-binding cloth or an apron, etc.) and covered their faces with those torn Muruts.’ ~reported by Al-Bukhari

Safiyya bint Shaiba narrated that Aishah used to say: ‘When the verse, ‘They should cover (draw their veils over) their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms (24:31) was revealed, the ladies cut their waist sheets at the edges and covered their heads and faces with those cut pieces of cloth.’ ~reported Al-Bukhari and Abu-Dawud.

          The above, cited authentic Ahadith actually tell us how Muslim women at the time of the Prophet peace be upon him, obeyed Allah and subsequently implemented the obligation of Hijab. If this verse has a different meaning to it, then the Prophet or at least Aishah who is one of the mothers of believers would have informed or corrected them regarding the real interpretation of Hijab.

Second Proof

          The prophet (is reported to have said, ‘The woman is awrah (one is forbidden to be exposed.” ~reported by  At-Tirmidzi who said that it is an authentic Hadith.

          Sheikh At-Tiwijri said ‘This hadith proves that a woman’s body is all ‘awrah’ (not to be seen by or exposed to men who are non-maharim). It was also reported that Imam Ahmed ibn Hanbal said: ‘A woman’s nails are awrah and when she leaves her home, she must not expose any part of her body, not even her shoes, because the shoes can reveal the shape of the feet, and I also prefer that she buttons her sleeves so that no part of her body should be seen by others.’

          Sheikh Al-Islam Ibn Taimiyyah reported that Imam ahmed said: ‘Every part of a woman’s body is awrah, even her finger nails.’ Sheikh Al-Islam also said: ‘This is also the interpretation of Imam Malik.’

Third Proof

          Narrated by Ibn Umar , Allah’s Messenger is reported to have said, ‘A woman who is in state of Ihram (ritual purity during hajj and Umrah) must not wear a niqab (covering the face except the eyes) or gloves. ~reported by Al-Bukhari, Malik, At-Tirmidzi, abu-Dawud, and Ahmed.  Abu Bakr ibn Al-Arabi said: ‘In the hadith of Ibn Umar, when the prophet said the woman who is not elderly except in Hajj and when praying where no man who is not her mahram sees her.’

Fourth Proof

          Aishah said: ‘Men on camels used topass by us while we were with the Prophet and we were in the state of ihram. We would cover our faces with our gowns when they passed by us, and then uncover them again.’ ~reported by Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah.  Atta, Malik, Ath-Thawri, Ash-Shafie, Ahmad and Ishaq hold that it is permissible for women to cover their faces while in the state of ihram. (fiqh As-Sunnah 5:49)

          From the two hadiths mentioned above, it is obvious that during Hajj a woman should draw part of her ‘khimar’ (pieces of clothes) over her head and face so as to avoid being seen by men who are non-maharim. Also, Sheikh Al-Islam Ibn Taimiyyah said: “This is a proof that niqab and gloves were known to women who were not in a state of Ihram, which requires covering their faces and hands’. He also said: ‘There are 2 opinions in the school of Islamic Law of Imam Ahmed ibn Hanbal regarding a woman’s face while she is in a state of Ihram;

i.                   The first opinion holds the face in analogy with a man’s head while in a state of Ihram (it must not be covered)

ii.                One proposes that a woman’s face is like a man’s body while in a state of Ihram, it must be covered with seamless sheets.

The later is obviously the correct one because the Prophet *taught us the ‘niqab’ and gloves are forbidden and that women must wear something that covers the face and hands while in the state of Ihram. However, woman’s clothes must not reveal the curves of the body. Ibn Al Qayyim said, ‘When the Prophet (made it forbidden for women to wear ‘niqab’ and gloves in the Hadith narrated by Ibn Umar, it is a proof that a woman’s face has the same ruling of a man’s head. Therefore, it is forbidden for women to wear anything that is made to fit the face such as ‘niqab’ whereas it is not forbidden for her to cover her face with a ‘Jilbab’ (veil) or the like. Nothing is reported from the Prophet regarding the obligation of exposing a woman’s face during ihram. He also said, ‘How can it be forbidden for a woman to cover her face when she is commanded by Allah that she must draw her ‘Jilbab’ (veil), so as not to be recognized? ‘Ibn Hajar reported in ‘Fath Al-Bari’ that Ibn Al-Munthir said, ‘They (ie the Muslim scholars agreed that a woman during Ihram can wear sewn (stiched) clothes and shoes and she can cover her head and her hair but not her face, which can be covered by drawing a piece of cloth over it to hide it from non-maharim.’

Fifth Proof

          Narrated Ibn Umar (that Allah Messenger (is reported to have said, ‘On the Day of Resurrection, allah will not look at the one who trails his loincloth out of arrogance.’ Ummu Salamah asked what should women do with the hem of the clothes?’ He pbuh said, ‘They may lower them a hand’s span.’  She said, ‘But their feet would still remain exposed.’ He pbuh said, ‘Let them lower those equal to an arm’s length but not more than that.’ ~ reported by Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidzi, An-Nasa’I, Imam Ahmed. At-Tirmidzi said that this Hadith is authentic.

          Imam At-Tirmidzi said, ‘In this Hadith, there is a permission for women to trail their clothes so that their feet would be covered.’ And Imam Al-Baihaqi said, ‘This hadith is a proof of the obligation of covering the feet.’ Sheikh Muhammad Ibn Saleh Ibn Uthaimeen said, ‘in this Hadith, there is a proof that women are obligated to cover their feet and this ruling was known to the wives of the rightly-guided companions. It needs no special emphasis that the feet are less attractive than the face or the hands. It is possible that Islam enforces a ruling for covering what is believed to be less attractive, such as the feet but permits exposing what is supposed to be more attractive such as the face?

Aishah radiallahu anha is reported to have said, ‘During Hajj, the camel riders used to pass past us while we were in a state of Ihram and in the company of the Messenger of Allah and when they were parallel to us, each one of us in the group would lower down her Jilbab (veil) over her face and would lift it up again when the riders had gone.’ ~reported by Ibn Ahmed, Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah). Regarding this Hadith, Sheikh Muhammad ibn Saleh ibn Uthaimeen said that the saying of Aishah ie. Would lift it up again when the rider had gone’, is a proof of the obligation of covering the face. Also, when she said ‘each one of us’, she obviously meant any of the one in the group, and not only restricted to the Prophet’s wives. Given all these proofs from the Quran and the authentic Sunnah, we can conclude that Muslim women are indeed obligated to cover their face and hands. This is because Islam enjoins men and women to preserve their chastity for the sake of eternal success.

Allah says in the Quran, in Surah Al-Mukminun (23 : 1-10)

·       Successful indeed are the Believers.

·       Those who offer their salat (prayers) with all solemnity and full submissiveness.

·       And those who turn away from Al-Laghw (dirty, false, evil vain talk, falsehood and all that Allah has forbidden),

·       And those who pay zakat, and those who guard their chastity (ie their private parts) from illegal sexual acts.

·       Except from their wives or (the slaves) that their rights hands possess, for then, they are free from blame.

·       But whoever seeks beyond that, those are the transgressors. Those who are faithfully true to their Amanat (ie all the duties which Allah has ordained, honesty, moral responsibility and trust) and to their covenants,

·       And those who strictly guard their five compulsory congregational Salawat (prayers at their fixed stated hours)

·       These are indeed the inheritors who shall inherit the Firdaus (Paradise).

·       They shall dwell therein forever

Arguments by those Who Legalize Exposing a Muslim Women’s Face

          Some Muslims have a dissenting opinion regarding the obligation of Hijab and they claim that they have textual evidence from the Quran and the Sunnah that can be taken for a proof of the legitimacy of exposing a woman’s face. Let us examine very closely those ‘proofs’ as to their relevance and authenticity to make the issue of Hijab very clear to all Muslims especially those who are searching for the truth.

First Argument

‘ And not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent.’ (Surah Nuur : 31)

They legalize exposing a Muslim woman’s face hold that this verse implies a permission for women to expose what is apparent from them, that is the face and the hands, thus following the explanation offered by Abdullah Ibn Abbas who said, ‘Except only that which is apparent’ refers to the face and hands.’ The answer to this is as follows.

They extract this saying of Ibn Abbas from what has been reported by Ibn Jareer At-Tabri who said, ‘Ibn Abbas said that ‘And not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent’ means Kohl ‘eyeliner’ in modern terms and rings.’ This report of At-Tabri has one person in the chain of transmitters who is weak (this narration is not absolutely reliable). His name is Muslim ibn Kisan Addabi Al-Kufy. Ibn Hajar said, ‘Muslim is a weak narrator.’ (Muslim ibn Kisan is not the same as Imam Muslim who reported sahih Hadith)

Also, Imam Ahmed Ibn Hanbal said, ‘His (Muslim’s) Hadith should not be written down. Imam Al-Bukhari commented on the same Hadith saying, ‘they (the scholars of Hadith) refered to Muslim’s narration as being weak. So with this narrator (Muslim) being in the chain of transmitters of the saying reported by Ibn Abbas, we see that this evidence is also weak and therefore cannot be taken for a sound proof. There is another narration of this saying of Ibn Abbas that was reported by Imam Al-Baihaqi, who said in his book ‘Assunan Al-Kobra’. Ibn Abbas explained that, ‘And not to show of their adornment except only that which is apparent’ refers to ‘what is in the face and hands’. Similarly, there are two weak transmitters among the narrators of the Hadith. The first is Ahmed Ibn Abdul Jabbar Ibn Muhammad Al-Utaradi, who was described by Ibn Hajar as being ‘weak’. And Imam Ath-Thahabi said that more than one scholar agreed that the narration is weak. Besides, Ahmed’s own son, Abdur Rahman said, ‘I used to write down what my father dictated to me, but I stopped doing so when people started referring to him as being weak.’

The second is Abdullah ibn Muslim Ibn Harmooz Al-Makki, who was also described by Ibn Hajar as being ‘weak’. Imam Ath-Thahabi reported that Ibn Ma’ain said that Abdullah Ibn Muslim is weak and Ibn Al-Madini repeated the word twice. So none of what has been reported on behalf of Ibn Abbas regarding the hijab verse is authentic. On the other hand, it has been reported that Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud said that ‘And not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent’ refers to the clothes which is an authentic narration as confirmed by Ibn Jareer, Ibn Shaibah and Al-Hakim. And authenticity here is based on the conditions set by Muslim and Imam Ath-Thahabi agreed with him.

Sheikh Muhammad Ibn Saleh Ibn Uthaimeen commented on the entire situation saying, ‘We could have accepted what Ibn Abbas reported had not we had a different opinion of another Companion that bears more weight to it, the opinion held by Ibn Mas’ud.

Second Argument

Abu Dawud said. ‘Ya’qub Ibn Ka’b Al-Antaki and Mu’amal Ibn Al-Fadil Al-Harrany informed me that Al_Walead told them that he quoted Sa’eed Ibn Basheer, who quoted Qatadah, who quoted Khalid Ibn Duraik who stated that Aisha radiallahu anha is reported to have said, ‘Asmaa’ bint Abu Bakr walked in front  of the Prophet (wearing thin clothes, then He turned his face away from her and said. ‘O Asmaa’! When a girl reaches the age of puberty it is not permissible for her to reveal any part of her body except this and this (pointing to his face and hands).’ ~reported by Abu Dawud. They (who legalize exposing a Muslim’s face) keep citing this Hadith as a clear proof of their claim. Many Muslim women, including the pious among them, believe in that hadith without knowing that it is weak in 2 aspects.

          First, there is a disconnection in the chain of transmitters (one of the narrators had never met the one who claimed he quoted). In the chain of the narrators of this Hadith, Abu Dawud, the compiler of the set said, ‘Khalid Ibn Duraik, did not hear from Aishah.’

          Second, in the chain of the narrators, there is sa’eed Ibn Basheer who was described as being weak by Ibn Hajar, Ibn Ma’ain, An-Nassai, Ali ibn Al-Madani and Ibn hiban. Therefore, those who claim that this Hadith is a proof that a Muslim woman can expose her face and hands to non-mahram must disregard this piece of unreliable evidence.

Third Argument

          Narrated Jabir Ibn Abdullah, ‘I attended the prayer with Allah’s Messenger on Eidul Fitr Day. He started the prayer before Khutbah (sermon) without adhan and Iqamah. He then stood up leaning on Bilal and commanded the worshippers to be pious to Allah. He encouraged them to show obedience to Him. Then he proceeded to the women. He preached to them and reminded them of the importance of giving alms. And told them that a great many women will be fuels of Hell. A woman with a birthmark on her cheek stood up and inquired, ‘Why is it so, Messenger of Allah?’ He pbuh said, ‘for you often grumble and show ingratitude to your husbands. The women began to give away their jewellery for alms.’ ~reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim

          Those who legalize exposing a Muslim woman’s face claim that when Jabir said, ‘A woman with a birthmark on her cheek,’ he must have seen her face. There are 2 possible answers to this point.

          First, there is no proof in the Hadith that indicates that the Prophet peace be upon him saw the woman without Hijab but it was only Jabir who saw her face, perhaps because her Hijab might have fallen off her face, or because she was in the middle of the women and so she took off her Hijab. Another possibility is that she might have been an old woman who is permitted to expose her face as stated in the Quran,

          ‘And as for women past child bearing who do not expect wed-lock, it is no sin on them if they discard their (outer) clothing in such a way as not to show their adornment. But to refrain (ie. Not to discard their outer clothing) is better for them. And Allah is All-Hearer, All Knower.  (24 :60)

Besides, it must be noted that, this story was reported by many companions other than Jabir, and neither one of them mentioned that part about the woman’s birthmark. Also, Imam Muslim reported that those who narrated this story besides jabir are Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri, Abdullah ibn abbas and Abdullah Ibn Umar and that none of them reported tha he saw the woman’s face. Moreover, the same story was narrated by Abu Hurairah and Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud without mentioning anything about the woman’s face. So here we have five companions who reported the same story, but none of them mentioned a woman exposing her face. It is obvious then that only Jabir saw the woman’s face. Whether or not did Jabir see the woman’s face. Whether or not did Jabir see the woman’s face does not make a profound argument for those who legalize exposing a woman’s face, because it was not proven that the Prophet saw the woman exposing her face and he approved of it. And if indeed Jabir saw her face, it must be noted that he only mentioned one woman, not the majority of them. This means that women at that time (with the exception of the woman that jabir saw) wore Hijab.

Fourth Argument

          Narrated Sahl Ibn Sa’d, ‘A lady came to Allah’s Messenger and said, ‘O Allah’s Messenger! I have come to offer myself to you in marriage). He peace be upon him raised his eyes and looked at her and then lowered his head. When the lady saw that he did not make any gesture or put any facial expression indicating acceptance, she sat down..etc.’ ~reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim.

          Those who legalize exposing a Muslim woman’s face say that the Prophet (looked at the woman, but he did not show any interest in marrying her, and if her face had not been exposed, he would not have looked at her. There are three logical and sound answers to this allegation.

          First, there is nothing in this Hadith that states that the woman was exposing her face and for the Prophet to look up and down at the woman does not necessary mean she was exposing her face and that he was looking at it.

          Second, this story could have occurred before the obligation of Hijab.

          Third, it is permissible for a man, when he proposes to a woman to look at her face. So if this woman did expose her face in front of the prophet it could be for that reason that she exposed her face to the Prophet hoping that he peace be upon him would marry her.

Fifth Argument

          Narrated Abdullah Ibn Abbas, Al-Fadl Ibn Abbas rode behind Allah’s Messenger as his companion rider on the back of his camel on the Day of Nahr (slaughtering of sacrifice, 10^th day of the month of Zulhijjah) and Al-Fadl was a handsome man. The Prophet stopped to give the people verdicts (answers to their question regarding Hajj). In the meantime, a beautiful woman from the tribe of Khath’am came to ask the prophet a question. Al-Fadl stared at her as her beauty attracted him. The Prophet peace be upon him, looked behind while Al-Fadl was staring at her. The Prophet peace be upon him, held his hands backwards and caught the chin of al-Fadl and turned his face to the other direction. She said, ‘O Allah Messenger! The obligation of performing Hajj enjoined by Allah on His worshippers has become due (compulsory) on my father who is an old man and who cannot sit firmly on a best of burden. Will it be convenient if I perform Hajj on his behalf?’ He peace be upon him said, ‘ Yes ’. ~ reported by Al-Bukhari.

          Those who legalize exposing a Muslim woman’s face hold that the woman in this Hadith was exposing her face in the presence of the Prophet and he peace be upon him, did not command her to cover it. There are three likely answers to this argument.

          First, there is no proof in the Hadith that states it is legal for a man to look at a woman’s face (one who is non-mahram) because the Prophet did not approve what Al-Fadl did. Instead, he peace be upon him, turned Al-Fadl’s face to the other direction, so that he would not be able to look at her. Imam An-Nawawi said, ‘One thing to be concluded from this Hadith is that it is forbidden for men to look at women who are non-mahram’. If someone would ask why the Prophet peace be upon him, did not command the woman to cover her face, the answer is, he peace be upon him, might have ordered the woman to cover her face but the narrator of the Hadith did not report it. Not reporting something does not necessarily mean it did not happen.

          Second, this hadith was narrated by Abdullah Ibn Abbas who was not present with the Prophet peace be upon him when this story occurred because Abdullah Ibn Abbas left for Muzdalifah (a place within the vicinity of Makkah) at night but the Prophet peace be upon him, left in the morning as reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim and he was informed of this story by his brother Al-Fadl. (However, his brother never told him that the woman was exposing her face. Also, when he said she was beautiful, he did not mean he saw her face, but he could have seen the curves of her body or part of her skin. The whole matter could have happened by accident. Her veil might have fallen down from her face since women in a state of Ihram are forbidden to wear niqab. However, we must remember that women as reported in the hadith narrated by Aishah, must cover their faces with their gowns whenever men who are non-mahram pass by them. It can be inferred, then that Muslim women who follow Allah’s commandment of Hijab must always find ways to cover their faces whenever non-mahram men are around. Having no niqab as is the case while in a state of Ihram is not an excuse to display their faces.

          Third, this hadith was also narrated by Ali Ibn Abi Talib and jabir ibn Abdullah and was compiled by Imam Muslim, but none of them mentioned anything about her beauty of the woman or that she was exposing her face.

Conclusion

          Obviously, Islam (as the true religion) gives concrete and profound answers to all problems and issues that bother mankind. One very good example of this is the issue of Hijab. From the number of Qur’anic Verses and authentic Ahadith cited in this work, we can conclude that Hijab is indeed a religious duty that Allah has enjoined to the believing women for their own protection and success. It is a manifestation of woman’s adherence to the Quran and Sunnah. It indicates her obedience to Allah and His Messenger peace be upon him. It is a sign of her strength that would safeguard her dignity and honour against the wickedness of some men and accordingly, it is a protection of the society where she belongs. Above all, it shows her preference for the Hereafter where she will be among those who will be given the honour to see Allah’s face.

          Brothers and sisters in Islam, now you have found the truth about Hijab and it is for you to decide which path to take. For your guidance, however, always remember this Hadith when you are in doubt of any issue that concerns your faith. The Messenger of Allah is reported to have said, ‘what is lawful is clear and what is unlawful is clear but between them are certain doubtful things which many people do not know. So he who guards against doubtful things keep his religion and his honour blameless but he who falls into doubtful things falls into that which is unlawful.’ ~reported by Al_Bukhari and Muslim.

          Allahu Alam (Allah knows best) and may peace be upon the Messenger of Allah, his progeny, companions and whoever follows his path till the Day of Resurrection.

cd

All Are Born Muslims

هذا نص قديم منقول لأن لدينا الكثيرين من غير الناطقين بالعربية:Salaam,

Every thing, which is created by Allah is a Muslim. Everything is submitted to Allah’s law and obeyed Allah. This includes mountains, trees, animals all are Muslims since they were created and born. Everything in this world is governed by Allah’s rules. These included the solar system, ecology system, gravity; orbits of the planets, our blood circulation, our heart beat even the blinking of our eyes all are subjected to Allah’s rules. .this doesn’t mean all world are muslims,,their bodies are muslims but they themselves are not muslims except if they have the Islamic tawheed in heart ,mind and acts ,, and we differentiate  between them according to what appears to us (acts and sayings)…even Christians ,are born muslims(fitrah,original nature ) and after this every one choose his way ,,so we are not muslims because we are born on fitrah ..otherwise all worls even those worship sun are born like so but through fathers and mothers  they follow the principals of nonislamic life ,,so we have to see what did we follow is it islam which allah asked us to do or just names >>

 The characteristics of Allah’s rules are harmony, peaceful, just, love as Allah is Ar-Raheem Lord of Love. The rules of Allah is to ensure that every of His creatures such as plants, animals, human being and others, who/which live in these universe live peacefully, harmony, full of justice and loving each other.

For example, the plants, how do they obey Allah’s rule? During spring season, the plants will grow flowers, during fall, all its leaves fall and during summer, the leaves grow again and so on. They never become disobedience to Allah except human being. Anything, which distracts or disturbs the rules of Allah will cause disharmony to all creatures in this world. If human beings are inhuman to animals, for example by killing the wild animals without control, it will disturb the food chain and eventually will cause troubles to the human being. If men are careless and pollute the atmosphere, it will disturb all systems, the plants, animals, human beings and all in the planet as a whole. Every entity in this world is related to each other and follows the rules of Allah. His creations and His rules are PERFECT as Allah is the Most PERFECT.

Surah Al-Mulk : 1-4

Blessed be He in Whose hand is the dominion and He is Able to do all things.Who has created death and life that He may test you which of you is the best in deed. And He is the All-Mighty, the Oft Forgiving.Who has created the 7 heavens one above another, you can see no fault in the creation of the Most Gracious. Then look again: ‘Can you see any rift?’Then look again and yet again: your sight will return to you in a state of humiliation and worn out.

The meaning of Love

To love Allah as our top love is one of the 7 conditions of ‘La ilaha illallah’. All love of His creations is meant only for Allah. For human beings, their love should only for Allah. If they love Allah’s creations, the love for His creations should only for Allah’s sake. Allah’s creation includes everything in this world, our beloved one like mother, father, family, wife or husband, children and wealth, beloved friends and etc. To worship Allah means to LOVE Him. To love Allah means to obey His rules. If we find any of His creations including our beloved one rejected (kufr) Allah, we have to reject them. Kufr means rejecting Allah by many ways such as disobedience to His Rules, to make the religion of Islam as a matter of jokes, to feel and to say the religion of Allah is incomplete, backwards, not relevant and etc. This is the true meaning of worshipping. When we love Allah, we have to be away to those who reject Allah (Kufr to Allah even though the person is our beloved one).

This concept is very important to understand why we have to say others as kafir, (if it is justified that they are kafir). People become kafir by three ways. Firstly, I’tikaad –inner thoughts or feelings-(this type is difficult to know, as it is in people’s minds and heart and only Allah knows this). Others are by words and action. We can judge people as kaffir through their words and actions. If they clearly reject the Law of Allah, through their words and actions directly and indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally, we have to do takfeer to these people and be away from them (to do Bara’s) even if they are joking. As we are asked in quraan (to be on religion of prophet ibrahim the real tawheed)to take situation from anyone who is not practicing tawheed , we have to differentiate between people  to determine our brothers and give them brotherhood (walaa)and determine nonmulsims and  do baraa (being away from their corrupted view and their raw and describe them as allah said ,,also this is not agaist inviting   them by wisodme but with clarity of their situation )

If we understand the conditions of ‘La ilaha illallah’, the concept of Tawheed, the Concept of Wala’ and Bara’ to define some one as a Muslim and non-Muslim is the main thing to know who is really your brothers and sisters in Islam and who are the enemy of Allah. We need to know also who are the tyrants (false gods) and reject all these tyrants (Kufr bi At-Taghoot). Under the concept of Wala’ and Bara’, briefly we have to give Wala’ (obedience and their rights as Muslims) to all who worship Allah and to do Bara’ (to be away) from those who reject Allah. Certainly, before we apply the concept of Wala and Bara’ we have to define whether some one is a Muslim or non-Muslim (kafir) first. If not, ‘To whom we should give Wala’ and to whom we should do Bara’ if we do not define some one as a Muslim or Kafir? This concept is part our shahadah ‘La ilaha illallah’ and a requirement to apply the concept of shahadah. The Guidelines to define who is worshipping Allah and who reject Allah is very clear. (If we want to search and study the proof. If we care of our religion and if we care ourselves as a Muslim) 

Tawheed is a clear concept and it is unchanged since the time of Rasulullah sallahu ‘alaihi wassalam and until the Day of Judgment. There is no difference in Tawheed between the main 4 mazhab (school of thoughts) However, every Islamic groups has their own definition of Tawheed and this is where we need to go back to our original sources, Al-Qur’an and Sunnah to seek proofs. Some group may omit some part of the concept to suit their vague group objectives. At school is even worst, after colonization in any Muslim countries the real concept of Tawheed has been erased totally. (Soon in Iraq and Saudi the curriculum will be changed gradually to suit the desire of the great Tyrant (USA). What we learnt at school was, to be a Muslim is by only fulfilling all the 5 rukun, saying shahadah, praying 5 times daily, fasting, to give zakat and pilgrimage. That was it! Easy! We are Muslim already when we have fulfilled all the 5 rukuns and Be Happy!  And Do Nothing else!

Let us define ourselves whether we are a Muslim or not.

CHECK LIST To be A Muslim 

1. The 7 Conditions of ‘La ilaha Ilallah’2. 10 things will nullify (break) our shahadah.3. To know and to apply the concept of Tawheed .(Tawheed Uluhiyyah, Rububiyyah, Asma ul wa As-Seefat)4. To know who are the Tyrants (Taghoot-false gods) False Gods can be a human, or systems or rules, which people followed/worshipping). To reject the Tyrants.5. To fulfill the 5 rukuns especially the 5 obligatory prayers and to give zakat.6. To know the actions which are kufr (major and minor). Major Kufr has no forgiveness and the Hell will be the abode place but minor kufr minor are still forgiven by Allah (still can enter Paradise by Allah’s mercy).7. Bida’ah 2 types (Bida’ah Mukaffirah –which spoil Tawheed and Bida’ah Ghayru Mukaffirah-which do not spoil Tawheed)---------------------------------------بسم الله الرحمن الرحيمIn The Name of Allah Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi WabarakatuhMay this writing reach you in peaceful.

All Praise is due to Allah, and blessings and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah, his progeny, companions and whoever follows his path till the Day of Resurrection.

As someone who cares about the religion of Islam, I would like to share a little experience about Islam. I used to work as a volunteer at Islamic center, which dealt with the conversion of non-Muslims to become Muslims. I began to think, what were the differences between them and me? Between them and the people so-called Muslims but they never practice the Islamic way. This urged me to understand that everyone was born as a Muslim even the non-Muslims who were converting at the Islamic center were Muslims when they were born. What made them become non-Muslims now? They were like us when we were still babies.  i.e. free from sins and mistakes. What are very special about us so-called a Muslim when we are behaving and reacting like the non-Muslims. Sometimes their characters are better than us who are called Muslims.

Are we lucky enough to be born in a Muslim family and made us automatically a Muslim? How unfortunate to those who were born in the non-Muslims family. Please understand that we did not inherit Islam from our parents. The knowledge of Islam needs to be searched and applied. We need to learn and start to do research in the Quran. We could not live without the knowledge of Islam, as seeking knowledge is compulsory to every Muslims. (Al-Quraan and Bukhary).

We always see around us many people are striving for Islam and very dedicated and devoted to spread our religion. Like Umar ibn al-Khattab (radiallah anhu) saying when the muslims invaded Masjidil Aqsa for the first time in 6Hijrah, he said that he felt sad to see those Raheeb either Jews or Christians were very sincere and devoted to their religion but they were deviated. Meaning to say, they were doing all the good things just like good people but they had a wrong belief (Aqeedah Tawheed, view, creed). In our Islamic societies nowadays, we can see also, many groups are striving for the religion of Islam just as much as the Raheeb which were being described by Umar ibn Al-Khattab (radia allah anhu) but in the end they are gaining loss for themselves because of wrong belief. 

What a great loss to ourselves. We always dream to be in the paradise but we believe in the wrong belief. Can we give excuses that we are ignorant about this on the Day of Judgment, or say to Allah that no one ever taught us about this belief. Will Allah accept our lame excuses? As Allah described in the Quran that we are given the intelligence, the faculties of hearing, seeing and etc to see, to observe, to evaluate, to search and to justify what is good and bad, right and wrong.

~ And they will say: “ Had we but listened or used our intelligence, we would not have been among the dwellers of the blazing fire’ ~ al-Mulk:10

Therefore we need to understand, what are the border line for the people to be called a muslim and non-muslims as not to waste our life in doing good deeds and at the same time having a slight default in our belief that make us not qualified to enter the paradise of Allah.

“…If you ascribe partners (in worship to Allah), then surely (all) your deeds will be in vain and you will certainly be among the losers.” ~ 39:65

He the Almighty also said:

“…And if they had ascribed partners (in worship to Allah), all that they used to do would have been of no benefit to them.” ~ 6:88

Since small, we were forced to believe that being a muslim were just by saying kalimah shahadah, praying, fasting, paying zakat and pilgrimage. This was either being taught at school or elsewhere. In short by doing all the 5 rukun, we are complete muslims but at the same time we put associate besides Allah through our words, belief and action. I will elaborate more on what is meant by putting associates besides Allah through our belief, words and actions afterwards. Therefore, I would like to mention here, this matter is the most important to us more than anything else in this life to ensure that we believe the right belief as this is the door for us to enter the paradise other than with Allah’s mercy. 

Even Rasulullah sallallahu alaihi wassalam spend the first 13 years of his calling in strengthening the belief (aqeedah tawheed) of his Companions. Firstly, we have to put ourselves in the right position, not to cross the border line of becoming non-muslims (or in more harsh word –Kafir), and if we care about our brothers and sisters, as much as possible, we try to invite them to the True Islam because we love and care for them and hope to be gathered together in paradise Inshaallah. 

When it comes to fiqh, we may have many opinions and differences and may varies according to time and situation but NOT in the matter of belief (Tawheed) as it is very clearly stated in the Quran and should be taken without doubt, hesitation and argument. Belief was fixed and will be unchanged till the end of this world.

Here are some explanations about the Islamic Fundamental that every muslim should know about. Most of the points are excerpted from some books of Religious Fundamental (in Arabic al-Wajibat)

Conditions of Testimony

There are seven conditions of the testimony of Faith in Allah known as “There is no God except Allah”

1.  Al-Ilm (knowledge of the meaning of the shahadah, its negation and affirmation)

2.  Al-Yaqeen (Certainty –perfect knowledge of it that counter-acts suspicion and doubts).

3.  Al-Ikhlas (Sincerity which negates Shirk)

4.  Al-Sidq (Truthfulness that permits neither falsehood nor hypocrisy)

5.  Al-Mahabah (Love of the Shahadah and its meaning, and being happy with it)

6.  Al-Inqiaad  (Submission to its rightful requirements, which are the duties that must be performed with sincerity to Allah (alone) seeking His pleasure).

7. Al-Qabool (acceptance that contradicts rejection).

Evidences from Allah in the Quran and Sunnah.

1. Evidences of Knowledge

Allah the Almighty said:

“So know (O Muhammad ) that La ilaha illaAllah  ~47:19

“..Except those who bear witness to the truth (i.e. the Oneness of Allah), and they know (the facts about the Oneness of Allah) ~43:86

“They know by their hearts what they utter by their lips.

On the authority of Uthman radiallahu anhu it is reported that Allah’s Messenger sallallahu alaihi wassalam said, “Whosoever (of my follower) died knowing (fully well) that there is no true God but Allah, he would enter Paradise.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

Islam is a religion that we choose and not something that we inherited from our parents. By logical thinking, before we choose something we should have some knowledge on what we are choosing for example, like buying foods at the super market. Before we choose the food, we will see the ingredients, whether it is good or not and make comparison with other substitutes to ensure that we are choosing the best and the right one and so as the religion of Islam, we cannot just simply say the words ‘La Ilaha Illallah’ to be a muslim and yet know nothing about it but to know the meaning and to apply it. 

If to become a muslim is as simple as saying it, the whole people in this world is able to say it, even George Bush and Ariel Sharon are able to say it but to be a muslim is to know the meaning and to apply the meaning. To say and to know the meaning alone still does not make some one become a muslim, just like the Pagan Arabs, like Abu Lahab and Abu Talib, all knew the meaning of ‘La illaha illallah’ very well but they refused to apply Islam because if they choose to be muslims, that means they have to leave their bad way of life such as gambling, drinking alcohol, adultery, killing people and etc. 

What if some one who is mute, who is not able to say the testimony? Is that means he cannot be a muslim? Therefore to become a muslim is more than saying the shahadah, ie to know the meaning and to apply the meaning. 

Therefore, the knowledge of kalimah ‘La ilaha illallah’ is the first condition of the testimony.

Evidences of Certitude:

Allah said: 

‘Only those who are the believers who have believed in Allah and His Messenger, and afterward doubt not but strive with their wealth and their lives in the cause of Allah. Those! They are the truthful. “ ~49:15

The condition of their belief in Allah and His Messenger was that they did not doubt or suspect. As for the doubtful, they are hypocrites.

On the authority of Abu Hurairah radiallahu anhu who said that Allah’s Messenger sallallahu alaihi wassalam said:

“I testify that there is no true God except Allah and that I am Allah’s Messenger. Any slave who will meet Allah with this testimony without doubt in it will certainly enter Paradise.” (Bukhari)

In another version:

“Any slave who will meet Allah with this testimony without any doubt in it will not be kept away from Paradise.”

The part of a lengthy Hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah radiallahu anhu,

“Whom you meet behind this wall testifying that there is no true God but Allah, believing in it by his heart, give him glad tidings of entering Paradise.” 

Evidence of Sincerity:

Allah the Almighty says:

“Surely the religion (ie worship and obedience) is for Allah only.” ~ 39:3

And He says:

“ And they were commanded not but that they should worship Allah, being sincere in devoting the religion to Him” ~98:5

On the authority of Abu Hurairah radiallahu anhu who quoted Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wassalam as having said:

“The luckiest person who will have my intercession (on the Day of Judgement) will be the one who said “There is no true God except Allah” sincerely from his heart or soul.” ~Bukhari.

Utban bin Malik radiallahu anhu narrated Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wassalam as having said:

“Verily Allah has forbidden the Hell fire for those who say ‘There is no true God except Allah, seeking by this declaration the pleasure of Allah.” ~Bukhari.

Nasai has collected in his book entitled Al-Yum wal-lailah ‘the day and night’ a hadith of two companions who narrated that the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wassalam said:

“Whoever (of my follower) said ‘La ilaha illa Allah, wahdahu la sharikalahu, lahul mulku wa lahul hamd, wa huwa ala kulli shaien Qadeer. (There is no true God but Allah. He is the only One Who has no partners with Him. For Him is the kingdom and to Him belong all praises. He is Omnipotent over everything)’ sincerely at his heart and testifying with his tongue, Allah will tear open the sky for this declaration, and he will look at the speaker among the inhabitants of the earth. And a slave whom Allah sees has the right to be granted his request.”

The question here, how to know someone is sincerely to be a muslim or not? As only Allah knows when it comes to sincerity. This can be seen from our willingness and readiness to change to the Islamic way of life in all aspects. Just like the companions of the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wassalam who migrated from Makkah to Madinah with full of sacrifice leaving their beloved family, properties, their state etc. If we are a true muslim, we feel proud to be a muslim and happy to do what Allah has ordered us to do. 

For example, if in the case of Hijab for women, if they are still not willing to wear hijab it doesn’t mean they are not willing to be a muslim because this is a sin and not doing kufr. In this case, they are fasiqah, not a kafirah unless she took it for granted or reject the order of Allah or consider it as halal. In this case, rejecting the law of Allah is Kuffr.

The Islamic base is, the exterior is usually reflects the interior. Many verses in the Quran explain this base, which is against what people always say, ‘We are committing sins or doing mistakes but we have pure hearts and only Allah knows what are in our hearts.’ As the Prophet sallahu alaihi wassalam saying, ‘if the heart is good, every part of the body (exterior) is good. 

There are 2 exceptions to this, firstly, when some one is under duress (ikrah). Ikrah is only valid when he is subjected to momentarily killing or urgent threatening eg. A sword or knife is on his neck. Secondly, if she/he is a muslim spy or agent. A muslim agent is allowed only to exist between kaffir army but not to involve in killing. He is under the authority of a general muslim leader. These two conditions are exempted by the Quraan from saying they have dark interior although apparently they look like behaving in non-Islamic way.

In the story of Kudamah bin Maz’un, one of the sahabah, who committed a sin. One day he drank wine and he said the wine was not forbidden to him because in the Quran stated, ‘People who have taqwa (God’s Consciousness), will not be asked.’ Umar ibn Al-Khattab radiallahu anhu was the khalifah at that time, his reaction was to put him in the mountain with the people who drank wine with him and asked him whether drinking wine was permissible (halal) or forbidden (haraam). If they said haraam, just beat them but if they said it’s halal, then cut their necks. This is one of the application and famous in the topic of Riddah (consent), one of the books of Fiqh. If we analyze this story of Kudama, if he said it is forbidden to drink wine, his act was categorized as a sinful act but if he rejected it by saying that it is halal, he is a disbeliever as to reject the rules of Allah is kufr. This will break one of the conditions of testimony (shahadah).

Evidence of Truthfulness:

Allah says:

“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 known those who are true and will certainly make known those who are liars.” ~29:2-3

And He says,

“ And of mankind they are some (hypocrites) who say ‘We believe in Allah and the Last day’ while in fact they believe not. They (think to) deceive Allah and those who believe, while they only deceive themselves, and they perceive not! In their hearts is a disease (of doubt and hypocrisy), and Allah has increased their disease. A painful torment is theirs because they used to tell lies. ~2:8-10

Mu’az bin Jabal radiallahu anhu narrated from the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wassalam,

There is none who testifies ‘La ilaha illa Allah wa anna Muhammadan abduhu wa Rasuluhu (There is no true God except Allah and Muhammad is His Slave and His Messenger)’ truthfully from his heart, Allah will forbid the Hell-fire for him.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

Evidence of Love

Allah the Almighty said:

“And of mankind are some who take some (associates for worship) besides Allah as rivals; the love them as they love Allah. But those who believe love Allah more (than anything else). ~2:165

And He said:

“ O you who believe! Whoever among you apostates from His religion (Islam), Allah will bring a people whom He will love and who will love Him, humble towards the believers, fighting in the Way of Allah, and never afraid of the blame of blamers.” 5:54

Anas radiallahu anhu narrated that Allah’s Messenger sallallahu alaihi wassalam said:

“Whoever possesses the following three qualities will have the sweetness (delight) of Faith:

1.  To love Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wassalam) more than anything else.

2.  To love a person only for Allah’s sake.

3. To hate to return to disbelief as he hates to be thrown into the Fire.

This has become one of the conditions of the testimony. Love for Allah and Rasulullah sallallahu alaihi wassalam should be put at the top of our heart more than love to parents, love to a lover or husband/wife, love to children and property in this world and others.

Al_Quran is from Allah, which contains orders, rules, Islamic law, examples of the people and nation who disobeyed Him and others. His orders are to ensure that His creatures live in harmony and peaceful as these are the love of Allah, Ar-Raheem, Lord of Love. For a simple example, Allah advises us to eat good and halal food as stated in the Quran many times is because He loves us so much. He requires us to eat good food not to damage ourselves and spoil the system in our bodies. All system in this world includes the solar system, ecology system, blood system in our body and whatever the systems in the universe, all are govern by Allah. His orders are to ensure that all His system stays in harmony and peacefully. Once we disobeyed Him, by breaking, rejecting, disobeying His rules, these may distract His system and cause disharmony to all His creatures. 

The Quran is like love letters from Allah. Just imagine when we read love letters from the one we love, how do we feel? We read it without feeling bored and wanted to read them more and more until we memorized what was written, by someone we love. When we put Allah as our top lover means reading the Quran without feeling bored from it. We feel we want to know more about Him, searching for Him, want to be close to Him, want to please Him and so on.

Evidence of Submission 

Allah the Almighty said:

“And turn in repentance to your Lord and submit to Him (in Islam).” 39:54

And He said,

“And who can be better in religion than one who submits his face (himself) to Allah and he is a well-doer.” 4:125

He also said,

“And whosoever submits his face (himself) to Allah while he is well-doer, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold (i.e. la ilahailla Allah) ‘There is no true God except Allah.” 31:22

And He also said:

“But no by your Lord, they can have no Faith until they make you (O Muhammad saw) judge in all disputes between them and do not find in themselves any resistance against your decisions and accept (them) with full submission.” ~4:65

The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wassalam said:

“None of you can be a true Muslim until his desire is submissive to what I have brought.”

This is indeed the perfect submission and its purpose.

Evidence of Acceptance

Allah the Almighty said,

“And similarly, we sent not a warner before you (O Muhammad saw) to any town (people) but the luxurious ones among them said: ‘We found our fathers following a certain way and religion and we will indeed follow their footsteps.’ (The warner) said: ‘Verily we disbelieve in that with which you have been sent. So We took revenge of them, then see what was the end of those who denied.” ~43:23-25

And He said:

“Truly when it was said to them: ‘There is no God except Allah’, they puffed themselves up with pride (i.e denied it) and (they) said: “Are we going to abandon our gods for the sake of a mad poet?” ~37:35-36

Abu Musa narrated from the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wassalam who said:

“The example of guidance and knowledge with which Allah has sent me is like abundant rain falling on the earth. Some of it was fertile soil that absorbed rainwater and brought forth vegetation and grass in abundance. (And) another portion of it was hard and it held the rainwater and Allah benefited the people with it and they utilized it for drinking and irrigating (the land) for cultivation. (And) a portion of it was barren which could neither hold the water nor bring forth vegetation (then that land gave no benefits). The first is the example of the person who comprehends Allah’s religion (Islam) and gets benefit (from the knowledge), which Allah has revealed through me and learnt and then teaches it to others. The (last example is that of a) person who does not take Allah’s guidance revealed through me. (He is like that barren land.)

Factors Which Nullify Islam 

The factors, which nullify Islam are ten:

1. Polytheism in the worship of Allah, as Allah said:

“Verily Allah forgives not (the sin of) setting up partners in worship with Him, but He forgives whom he pleases sins other than that.” ~4:116

And He said:

“..Verily whosoever sets up partners in worship with Allah, then Allah has forbidden paradise to him, and the Fire will be his abode. And for wrongdoers (polytheists) there are no helpers.” ~5:72

It also includes animal sacrifice for other than Allah i.e. for the jinn (demon) or on the grave.

2. He who sets up intermediaries between him and Allah, supplicating them and asking them to intercede on his behalf with Allah and putting trust in them, is an infidel (disbelievers): according to the consensus of the scholars

3. He who does not hold the polytheists to be disbelievers or doubts their infidelity or holds their belief to be valid, is also an infidel (kaffir).

For this point, we should be able to distinguish between a muslim and non-muslim. This can be observed from his words and action. For example, if he still worships graves and communicate with jinn asking for help or involve in sihr obviously he is a disbeliever or polytheist. In this case there is no hesitation or doubt to say that the person is a disbeliever. Unless he is committing adultery or stealing, this has something to do with sinful acts and not to spoil his belief (aqeedah tawheed). Therefore, he is categorized as sinful person (fasiq) instead of disbeliever (kafir). 

4. He who believes that the guidance of others is more perfect than that of Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wassalam and the law of others is better than his, is like the one who prefers the rule of false gods to Allah’s rule, and he is an infidel.

5. He who hates anything of what the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wassalam has brought, though he acts on it, is an infidel.

These refer to the hypocrites. They might pray with us, fasting and etc but sometimes there might some words utter from his lips which shows that he hates the law of Allah, hates here may be in the form of making the religion as a matter of jokes, saying that whatever were brought by the prophet is backwards or outdated.

6. He who ridicules anything of the religion of Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wassalam or the reward or punishment, is a disbelievers, Allah said:

“ Say: Was it at Allah and His Ayat (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc) and His Messenger saw that you were mocking? Make no excuse; you have disbelieved after you had believed.” 9:65-66

7. Sorcery, which includes dissuasion or deflection and affection or attachment. He who does it or likes it is an infidel. Allah said:

“…But neither of these two (angels) taught anyone (such things) till they had said: ‘We are only for trial, so disbelieve not (by learning this magic from us).” ~2:102  

8. Supporting polytheists and aiding them against them Muslims. 

Allah said:

“..and if any amongst you takes them (as Auliya), then surely he is one of them. Verily Allah guides not those people who are unjust (polytheist).” ~ 5:51

9.  He who believes that some people are exempted from obeying the Shariah of Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wassalam, just like Khidr alahi salaam was exempted from following the Law of Musa (Moses) alaihi salaam is an infidel.

10.  Disregard of Allah’s religion by neither learning it nor acting upon it.

“ And who does more wrong than he who is reminded of the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations and etc) of his Lord then he turns aside there from? Verily We shall exact retribution from the Mujrimun (criminals, disbelievers, polytheists, sinners etc.)” ~ 32:22

There is no difference between the joker and the serious person in respect of these nullfiers except the one who is under duress. All of them are most dangerous and most common. So a Muslim should be cautious about them and fear them for himself. We seek refuge with Allah from the causes of His wrath and severe punishment.

Tawheed (the Oneness of Allah or Islamic Monotheism) and its categories

It implies the belief in the Oneness of Allah according to the teachings of Islam, which states that Allah is alone, without partners. For Him are the Sovereignty and all praises. He neither begets nor is begotten; nor He has any rival or associates in His Dominion.

1. Tawheed Rububiyyah (Oneness of the Lordship):

Although the pagans in the time of Allah’s Messenger Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wassalam believed in it, they were not entitled to enter the fold of Islam. Rather, the prophet sallallahu alaihi wassalam. Fought them and made their blood and property violable (because they set up idols like Latta, Uzza and Manat as partners with Him). Tawheed Ar-Rububiyyah is the assertion of Allah’s Oneness in all His actions as the Quranic verse has indicated:

“ Say: ‘Who provides for you from the sky and the earth? Or who owns hearing and sight? And who brings out the living from the dead and brings out the dead from the living? And who disposes the affairs? They will say: ‘Allah.’ Say: ‘will you not then be afraid of Allah’s punishment (for setting up rivals in worship with Allah)?” ~ 10:31

It means that Allah caused all the things to exist. He sustains and maintains the creation by Himself. He is the sole Lord of the universe and has no need of anyone to help Him. There are so many verses on the subject but we have quoted only one for declaration.

2. Tawheed Al-Uluhiyyah (Oneness of the worship)

This is what has been controversial in various stages of time until now. It implies the belief that Allah is the only One God Who deserves all acts of worship such as invocation, vow, animal sacrifice, hope, fear, trust, desire, awe, repentance, supplication, intercession and love. 

“And the places of worship belong to Allah, therefore, worship none beside Allah.” (72:18)

And He said:

“And your Lord has decreed that worship none but Him.” (17:23)

It is the absolute devotion and obedience with humility and submissiveness and the absolute love and adoration to Allah, whom all this is owed. In other words, worship is a definition comprising of deeds and words that Allah loves and approves of, whether manifested or hidden. Each of them are supported by the evidences from the Quran.

The meaning of Worshipping Allah

1. Supplication

“And your Lord said, ‘Call on Me and I will respond to you. Verily, those who are arrogant to worship Me shall enter Hell-Fire, despised.”

And the saying of the Prophet (Peace be upon him):

“Supplication is the essence of worship”

And in another narration:

“Supplication is the worship.” (At-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah and Ahmad).

2. Fear

“And fear them not, but fear Me if you are (true) believers.” (3:175)

“So fear them not, but Fear Me. “ (5:3)

3. Hope

“So let him who hopes to meet his Lord do good deeds and let him worship none besides Allah.” (18:110)

4. Entrusting (tawakkul)

“And on Allah depend if you are (true) believers.” (5:23)

“And he who depends on Allah, He suffices him.” (65:3)

5.  Desire for Allah’s mercy and fear of His punishment and Humbleness.

‘They used to vie with one another in good deeds, and they called on Us with desire and fear and they humbled themselves for Us.” (21:90)

6. Repentence

“And repent to your Lord and submit to Him.” (39:54)

7. Seeking Allah’s support

“You alone do we worship, and from You alone do we seek help.” (1:5)

And the Prophetic tradition:

“And if you seek help, seek Allah’s help.

8.  Seeking Allah’s Protection

“Say, I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind, the King of mankind.” (114:1-2)

9.  Asking  for Aid

“And when you sought aid of Allah, He responded to you (saying); ‘I am aiding you with a thousand of angels following one another.” (8:9)

10. Sacrifice animals 

“ Say, ‘My prayer and my sacrificial animal, my life and death are all for Allah, the Lord of the worlds. He has no partner. And so I am commanded, and I am the first of those who submit. ” (6:162,163)

And from the sunnah, the saying of the Prophet (peace be upon him):

“Allah curses who sacrifices for other than Allah.”

11.  Vow

“They fulfill their vows, and they fear a Day the woe of which is widespread.” (76:7)

Other forms of worshipping, includes the 5 pillars of Islam, the articles of Iman (faith), watchfulness and good obedience.

3. Tawheed  Al-Asmaa wa Assifat (Oneness of Allah’s self, His Names and Attributes):

It means affirmation of all Divine Names and Attributes of Allah in the same meaning without deviation, similitude, alteration, ets):

“Say (O Muhammad) He is Allah, (the) One. Allah is the Self-Sufficient Master Whom all creatures need. He begets not, nor was He Begotten. And there is none coequal or comparable unto Him.” ~ 112:1-4

Allah also said:

“ And (all) the most Beautiful Names belong to Allah; so call on Him by them, and leave the company of those who deviate or deny His Names. They will be requited for what they used to do.” ~ 7:180

He also said:

“….. There is nothing like unto Him; and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer.” ~ 42:11

Shirk (Polytheism) and Its Categories

The opposite of Tawheed is Shirk, which means – in Islamic terminology – the act of associating partner with Allah.

There are 3 types of Shirk (polytheism):

1.  Ash-Shirk Al-Akbar (major polytheism)

The major polytheism is to devote any form of worship to anyone other than Allah. Allah will never forgive it, nor He accept with it any good deed as Allah the Almighty said:

“ Verily Allah forgives NOT (the sin of) setting up partners with Him, but He forgives Whom He pleases, sins other than that. And whoever sets up partners with Allah has indeed strayed far away.” ~4:116

Allah also said:

“…And the Messiah (Jesus) said: ‘O children of Israel! Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.’ Verily whosoever sets up partners (in worship) with Allah, then Allah has forbidden Paradise to him and the Hell Fire will be his abode. And for the wrongdoers (polytheists) there are no helpers.” ~ 5:72

Allah said further:

“ And We shall turn to whatever deeds they (disbelievers, polytheists, sinners ets) did, and We shall make such deeds as scattered floating particles of dust.” ~ 25:23

“…If you ascribe partners (in worship to Allah), then surely (all) your deeds will be in vain and you will certainly be among the losers.” ~ 39:65

He the Almighty also said:

“…And if they had ascribed partners (in worship to Allah), all that they used to do would have been of no benefit to them.” ~ 6:88

The major polytheism (shirk Akbar) has four sub-categories:

1.  Polytheism in invocation (i.e. supplication other than Allah), as He the Almighty said:

“ And when they embarked on a ship, they invoke Allah, making their faith pure for him only; but when He brings them safely to land, behold, they ascribe partners (to Allah).” ~29:65

2. Polytheism in Intention, will and purpose, as the Quranic verse

“Whosoever desires the life of the world and its glitter, to them We shall pay in full (the wages of) their deeds therein. They are those for whom there is nothing in the Hereafter but the Fire, and vain are the deeds they did therein. And of no effect is that which they used to do.” ~11:15-16

3. The polytheism in obedience (i.e.showing readiness to comply with the orders of others in disobedience to Allah): Evidence thereof is Allah’s statement:

‘They (Jews and Christians) took their rabbis and their monks to be their lords besides Allah, (by obeying them in things which they made lawful or unlawful according to their own desires without being ordered by Allah) and (they also took as their lord) Messiah, son of Mary, while they (Jews and Christians) were commanded (in Torah and the Gospels) to worship none but One God (Allah) – there is no true God except He. Praise and glory is to Him (Far above is He) from having the partners they associate.’ ~ 9:31

Its interpretation undoubtly refers to the obedience of religious scholars (Ulama) and other people of knowledge in disobedience to Allah, and not to supplicating them. As the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wassalam explained it to Adi Ibn Hatim radiallahu anhu. That worship here meant obedience to them in their sinful acts.

4. The polytheism in love (i.e. showing love to others which is due to Allah alone), as Allah said:

“And of mankind are some who take some associates (for worship) besides Allah; they love them as they love Allah.” ~ 2:165

 2.  Ash-Shirk Al-Asghar (minor polytheism)

The minor polytheism is Riyaa (show-off), as Allah said:

“…So whoever hopes for the Meeting with the Lord, let him work righteous and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord ~ 18:110

3.  Ash-Shirk Al-Khafi (Invisible polytheism)

The invisible polytheism was explained by the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wassalam,

‘The invisible polytheism in this Ummah is more hidden than the track of a black ant on a black stone in a dark night.”

Its expiation according to the Prophet’s saying is:

“O Allah! Verily I seek refuge with You against ascribing partners to You knowingly; and I beg Your forgiveness for the sin which I do not know.”

Kufr (Disbelief) and Its Categories

Kufr (disbelief) is of two categories (major disbelief)

The kufr which casts one but out of Islam is called the major disbelief. It is of 5 types;

1.  The kufr of denial, as Allah said,

“ And who does more wrong than he who invents a lie against Allah or denies the truth (Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wassalam and his doctrine of Islamic monotheism and this Quran) when it comes to him? Is there not a dwelling in Hell for disbelievers? ~29:68

2.  The kufr of arrogance associated with recognition of truth, according to Allah’s statement:

“ And (remember) when We said to the angels: ‘Prostrate yourselves before Adam.’ And they prostrated except Iblis (satan); he refused and was proud and was one of the disbelievers (disobedient to Allah).” ~2:34

3.  The kufr of doubt, which is also defined as kufr of Suspicion (skepticism). The evidence is Allah’s statement:

“ And he went into his garden while in a state (of pride and disbelief) unjust to himself. He said: I think not that than this when I return to Him’. His companion said to him during the talk with him: ‘Do you disbelieve in Him Who created you out of dust, then out of Nutfah a drop of semen, then fashioned you into a man? But as for my part (I believe) that He is Allah, my Lord and none shall I associate as partner with my Lord.” ~ 18:35-38

4. The Kufr of disregard, as highlighted by Allah’s statement:

“…And those who disbelieve turn away from that whereof they are warned.” ~ 46:3

5. The kufr of Hypocrisy implies hypocritical disbelief. Allah the Almighty says:

6. That is because they believed, and then disbelieved. Therefore their hearts are sealed, so they understand not.” ~ 3:3

2. Al-Kufr Al-Asghar (minor disbelief)

The minor disbelieve which does not cast one out of Islam. It is ingratitude, as Allah said:

“And Allah puts forward the example of a township (Makkah) that dwelt secure and well content, its provision coming to it in abundance from every place; but it (its people) denied the favours of Allah (with ingratitude). So Allah made it taste the extreme of hunger and fear because of that which they (its people) used to do.” ~16:112

Nifaq (Hypocrisy) and its Categories

Hypocrisy is of two kinds:

A. Hypocrisy in Belief

Hypocrisy in belief if of the following 6 types and its adherent will be among the lowest level people in the Hell-Fire:

1.  Denial of the Messenger sallallahu alaihi wassalam

2. Denial of apart of something, which the Messenger sallallahu alaihi wassalam has brought (to the mankind)

3. Hating the Messenger sallallahu alaihi wassalam.

4.  Hating some of the Divine Message presented by the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wassalam

5.  Rejoicing at the disgrace of Islam.

6.  Disliking the victory of Islam.

B.  Hypocrisy in deeds

Hypocrisy in deeds is of 5 types, as the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wassalam said:

“The signs of a hypocrite are three: when he speaks, he tells lie, when he promises, he breaks it; and when he is entrusted, he proves to be dishonest.

In another version it is added:

“When he disputes (or quarrels), he behaves immorally; and when he makes a pact, he acts treacherously.”

Meaning of Taghut and its leaders

The first of what Allah ordained the human beings is the denial of Taghut and belief in Allah. Read Allah’s Statement:

“And verily We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming) ‘worship Allah (alone) and avoid Taghut (false deities..etc) ~16:36

The meaning of disbelief in Taghut is that you should believe in nullity, vanity and falsity of anyone other than Allah, abandon it, abhor it and condemn its adherent and bear hostility against them.

The meaning of belief in Allah is that you should believe that Allah is the sole true God to be worshipped without partners. You should dedicate all forms of worship to Allah alone, denying thereby every other deity. Further, you should love sincere people (in the worship of Allah) and befriend them. You should also hate the adherents of polytheism and bear hostility against them. In fact, this is the religion of Ibrahim (Abraham) alaihi salaam. Whoever deviates from it, he will make fool of himself. This is a good example for us, which illustrated in the Quran:

“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 for ever until you believe in Allah alone.” ~ 60:4

Taghut is a wide term, which is applied to everything that is worshipped with its consent or followed or obeyed besides Allah and His Messenger sallallahu alaihi wassalam. Its plural is Tawaghit. They are many, but main among them are the following five:

1.  Satan the accursed who calls the people to worship other than Allah. The proof is Allah’s Statement:  “Did I not ordain for you, Oh children of Adam, that you should not worship satan. Verily he is a plain enemy to you.” ~36:60

2.  The tyrant who changes the Laws of Allah (Islamic Rule). The evidence is Allah’s Statement:

“Have you seen those (hypocrites) who claim that they believe in which has been sent to you, and who wish to go for judgement (in their disputes) to the Taghut (false judges etc) while they have been ordered to reject them. Satan wishes to lead them far astray.”

3.  A person who rules by the laws other than Allah has revealed. The proof is Allah’s Statement:

“…And whosoever does not judge by what Allah ahs revealed, such are the kafirun (disbelievers –of a lesser degree as they do not act on Allah’s laws).” ~ 5:44

4.  Whoever claims to share Allah’s Knowledge of ghaib (unseen, absent, invisible etc). Evidence is Allah’s Statement:

“(He Alone) is the All-Knower of the ghaib (the unseen), and He reveals to none His Ghaib except to a Messenger (from mankind) whom He has chosen. Then He makes a band of watching guards (angels) to march before him and behind him.” ~ 72:26-27

Another Statement is:

“And with Him are the keys of the Ghaib (Unseen); none knows them than He. And He knows whatever there is in the land and in the sea. Not a leaf falls but He knows it. There is not a grain in the darkness of the earth not anything fresh or dry but is written in a Clear Record,” ~6:59

5. A person who is worshipped with his consent, in lieu of Allah. 

The proof is Allah’s Statement:

“And if any of them should say: ‘Verily I am an Ilah (god) besides Him (Allah), ‘such a one We will recompense with the Hell. Thus We recompense the wrong-doers polytheists).” ~21:29

It should be known that human being could not be a true believer unless he denies and condemns the Taghut. The evidence to this effect is Allah’s Statement:

“…Whoever disbelievers in Taghut and believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allah is All Hearer, All Knower.” ~2:256

How to reject the tyrants (Taghoot)

1. To consider worshipping the taghoot as invalid,2. To say consider the people who are worshipping the tyrants as infidels (kafir),3. To take them as enemies,4. To hate them.

To fulfill these 4 conditions is to fulfill the first part of the testimony (shahadah). If we don’t consider all these 4 conditions, the testimony will be null.

We can refer all these in the book of Fath Al-Majeed, Sharh Bi At-Tawheed by Sheikh Al-Islam Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahab, the book named Al-Iman by Ibn Taimiyyah, simple commentary books regarding Tawheed, At-Tabari, Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir, these are the main principles. Some volumes of the messages of the scholar of Wahabi school also mentioned about the same principles but the first three original books are preferable. All these books and scholars are recommended.

To consider someone who did not apply Islam as an infidel/disbeliever is part of the testimony (shahadah). One of these witnessing is called ‘Takfeer’. The religious name wrote in the Quran and Sunnah is called ‘Bara’ah’ and ‘Takfeer’ is part of Bara’. Bara’ is consists of takfeer, hate, rejecting and consider his deeds as invalid as we said towards the tyrant. The muslim were asked to reject and hate the tyrant and to take them as enemies.

As stated in the Surah Ibrahim : 4, to reject the people who worship the tyrant as a result to reject the tyrant. To belong to Allah is to reject the enemies of Allah. To do ‘takfeer’ to someone, it does not mean to hate him in person. We respect his humanity, we like to invite him, want all good for him and want him to be a muslim just like the Messenger, may peace be upon him, he did takfeer to his parents even though he loved his mother, father, uncles and others. Even he cried and knew his parents were going to the hell. This is called natural love (fitrah), which is different than an induced love, which can be controlled. Love should be directed according to the shari’ah. Loving them, with the intention to save them from the Hell-fire and not loving them just to save his feelings by letting him to continue to do kufr. If we don’t distinguish between a muslim and non-muslim, we don’t apply the meaning of ‘La ilaha illallah’. It is Allah who made this judgment.

Like the Messenger sallallahu alaihi wassalam, he loved his uncle, Abu Talib very much and as much as possible tried to persuade him to become a muslim. When his uncle was dying as a kaffir, the Messenger was trying hard to save his uncle from the hell and persuaded him to say, ‘La ilaha illallah’ but his uncle was loving his ancestor, his father and his family name and he wanted to be honoured in this world. He understood the meaning of ‘La ilaha illallah’ and he knew the kalimah shahadah was not just saying it but a ‘principle’. If he said it, in other words he was saying that his father was a kaffir, his belief and religion was bad and wrong. At this moment, the Messenger sallallahu alaihi wassalam, begged him to say it. His another uncle, Abu Lahab was standing besides him and said, ‘would you leave the religion of Abu Muttalib?’ Abu Talib looked at both, the Messenger sallallahu alaihi wassalam and Abu Lahab. Both of them understood the meaning of ‘La ilaha illallah’, which means, rejecting the old religion and to apply the new principles, consider their father as kaffir and old religion as bad and wrong. This mean, they rejected the meaning of the testimony.

We need to understand the difference between the muslims and kaffir who live in an Islamic society. In the book of Ahkam Ahlul Zimmah, the story of Umar Ibn Al-Khattab radiallahu anhu, written by Ibn Qayyim, the kaffir Zimmi need to wear a yellow belt at their waist to differentiate between the kaffir and muslims to make them inferior. They were not allowed to walk in the middle of the way, no riding luxurious horses. All this reaction did not mean he was injustice to them but to make it clear they were non-muslims and were not superior. The Khalifah sent a message to object having a Christian writer to The Governor in Egypt. He send a message to the Christian writer which said, ‘Don’t make them near as Allah make them far, don’t honour them as Allah dishonour them.’

Another example is the Prophet Nuh alaihi salaam. He loved his son and his wife to be Muslims but he did not misuse his love as a father and a husband wrongly and made it clear the difference between a Muslim and non-Muslim. He always stressed on a clear meaning of the shahadah and made a distance between them. So it is not an insult to say some one is a kaffir, it is Allah’s judgment and should be applied unless if we feel doubt.

The Blasphemy (kuffr) has 2 reasons and they are because of disobedient or stubbornness and ‘Ignorance’ (Jahil/Dalah).

Kuffr because of Ignorance

One may have a good intention but don’t know the right way like lost Tarikah Sufi, Christians and Jews. The Christians and some Jews believe they are the right one (ref: Al-Fatihah : 7) and so as the people who are so-called Muslims nowadays. 

This cannot be an excuse for not knowing about Islam as Allah has given intelligence and mind to see and evaluate a lot of signs all around us to think about the Creator. We should know about Tawheed as to be ignorant about Tawheed is considered as Kuffr even though we were sent a Prophet or not, to be ignorant about Tawheed is kuffr. (V7 p325 –Majmu’ Al-Fatawah by Ibn Taimiyyah)

No one has an excuse not to know Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala and not to give Tawheed to Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala. Other obligation like praying, fasting are not asked to be concluded by our mind. (Al-Kasani in Bada’ea Saneah V7p132)

In Surah Al-Araf : 174, 

‘Thus do We explain the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) in detail, so that they may turn (unto the truth).

The promises, which Allah take from all human. In the commentary, there is no excuse for some one who imitate in Tawheed. No excuse if you follow someone who is deviated.

Ref: Ishaq Ibn Abdur Rahman Hassan Al Sheikh in Hukum Takfeer Muayyan in his book ‘Understanding How To Say Someone is Kafir as a Person’ aqidatul muhiddeen p151.

People of Ahlul Fitrah are the people who never met the Messenger sallallahu alaihi wassalam. They were still considered as kaffir and no one was allowed to say ‘istighfar’ to them. Just some scholar said, they will be examined in the Hereafter whether to be punished or not. There is no difference in opinions between those scholars about people being considered as kaffir even though they are ignorant. Taubah : 5

Al-Qurtubi said to stop calling someone as kaffir, he should stop doing shirk.

Al-Bardawi said similar words, to repent is not just by saying the word but to worship Allah by praying, fasting and to give zakat (5 pillars).

Imam At-Tabari said to repent (taubah) is not just by saying ‘La ialah ilallah’ but to leave ‘shirk’ and join Tawheed.

In Fath Al-Bari, explanation by Bukhari by the scholar, Ibn Hajar V1 p94-95. This Hadith is the explanation for the verse of At-Taubah : 5. He said, repentance is not just words but to leave kufr and to apply the Tawheed.

The Messenger sallallahu alaihi wassalam said, I am asked to fight the people until they say shahadah, (not just by saying with tongue as appear from completing the saying, it has a wide meaning, you know and you believe it is right, do all Islamic bases ie real tawheed, prayers and zakat) if they fulfill all these obligations, they refuge their blood and money from me unless there is an Islamic right to kill them. These are the words of the Messenger, may peace be upon him.

Refer to Al-Bukhari and Muslim ‘Narrated Ibn Umar radiallahu anhuma: Allah’s Messenger sallallahu alaihi wassalam said, ‘I have been commanded to fight against the people till they testify ‘La ilaha illallah’ (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah) that Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wassalam is his slave and Messenger and they establish As-Salat (the prayer), and pay zakat, and if they do this, their blood (life) and property are secured except when justified by law, and it is for Allah to call them to account.’

Narrated Abu Hurairah radiallahu anhu: When Allah’s Messenger sallallahu alaihi wassalam passed away, Abu Bakar radiallahu anhu was appointed as his successor (caliph). Amongst the Arabs some men repudiated their obligations and became apostate. Abu Bakr radiallahu anhu resolved to fight them. ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab radillahu anhu said to Abu Bakr: ‘How can you fight against them when Allah’s Messenger sallallahu alaihi wassalam has declared: ‘I have been commanded to fight against the people till they testify ‘La illaha ilallah’ (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah) and if they do it, their blood (life) and property are secured except when justified by law, and it is for Allah to call them to account.’ Upon this Abu Bakr radiallahu anh said, ‘By Allah, I would definitely fight against him who makes distinction between As-salat (the prayer) and the Zakat. By Allah I will fight against them even to secure the piece of rope (used for hobbling the feet of a camel) which they used to give to Allah’s Messenger sallallahu alahi wassalam.’ Umar radiallahu anhu said, ‘I realized that Allah opened the heart of Abu Bakr radiallahu anhu for fighting against those who refused to pay zakat, and I fully recognized that Abu Bakr radiallahu anhu was right. ~Al-Bukhari and Muslim

Allah asked him to fight the people until they testify ‘La ilaha illallah’ and pay zakat and do prayers and if they do so, they will refuge their blood and money from me unless there is an Islamic right to kill them or take their money.

The commentary said that, they should apply Tawheed.

How do we know whether the person’s shahadah is right or wrong? This is according to the situation and condition. The declaration of the words is the proof.

There are hundreds of verses to explain this clear meaning to us that knowledge is the condition of ‘La ilaha illallah’. If someone has no knowledge this means the shahadah is invalid as discussed above. Even if he cannot read or write at least he must know and understand the principle and simply apply it by giving all Tawheed to Allah and also do ‘Bara’ (to be away) from kaffir. To give all judgment, all worshipping and all rituals to Allah subhanahu wa taala, to reject the tyrant (kufr bi At-taghoot). We can review Sahih Muslim explanation of Nawawi V1 p210-211 about the hadith, which explain the similar meaning of each other of the above.

In Sahih Muslim, the Messenger sallallahu alaihi wassalam said, ‘Each Prophet can make a wish which will surely be granted by Allah. Each Messenger may peace be upon them, were in hurry to make their wish and I saved my wish till the Day of Judgment. I asked Allah the shafa’at to be given to my nation on the Day of Judgment and it will be accepted InshaAllah. Any one who died from among my nation and not associate anything other than Allah will not live in the hell forever. (An-Nawawi V3 p22&65) explained that any one who died without committing shirk (worship other than Allah) will not live in the hell forever. If Tawheed is applied, he will get the shafa’at (pre-emption right) and not live in the hell forever InshaAllah.

In Surah Al-Baqarah : 12 & 13See the commentary like Ibn Kathir. The ignorant did not feel they were lost. Thus it is not an excuse because Allah insults them and Allah said they are going to the hell. So ignorant is the cause to the hell and not an excuse.

In Surah At-Taubah : 65-66See the commentary of Ibn Taimiyyah V7 in Majmu’ Al-Fattawah p272, he is saying, ‘in their mind, they don’t consider themselves as kaffir as they did something as not kufr but Allah consider it as kufr. At the end of the surah, ‘they consider as they are doing something good and beloved by Allah. They put so much effort although they are lost.’

Al-Maliki scholar, Qadi Eyadh in his book called As-Shifaa’ V5 p401-431, an explanation by Nurdeen Al-Qari, the chapter was saying about what is kufr and what is controversial. If someone do not do takfeer towards the non-muslims or they are in doubt to say they are kaffir, we do bara’ towards these people and these people are also considered as kaffir.

In Kifayatul Akhyar by the scholar Abu Bakar Ibn Muhammad V2 p123. He said, the major case of Riddah (consent), is under shubhah ie. Misunderstanding the cause of ignorance.

The scholars of Ibn Kudamah & Tahawi in his famous book, Al-Kafi chapter Al-Murtad and in a famous book called, Mowahabul Jalil explanation by Mukhtasar Khalil Al-Hattab, he said one who do riddah (consent) either he is in doubt or he is ignorant V6 p286.

There are hundreds of hadith saying how bad the state of all nations at the end of the days. As we can see the whole systems of life have been corrupted such as the law, economic system, politics, schools and their curriculum, mass media and all. 

We have to realize that people nowadays have reached the degree, which was described and anticipated by the Messenger sallallahu alaihi wassalam.

‘One day all Islam will be lost gradually. The 1st thing (part) to be lost is the judgment and last thing is salah (prayers)’.

‘You will be back to the condition which you came from (kuffr) before the Judgment Day.’

‘Many families of my nation will be back in shirk and females in Hijaz (Arab Peninsular ie Saudi nowadays) will go around statues worshipping them again.’

‘You will follow the people of the book typically to the degree that if they enter a small hall, shelter of a leather, you will follow.’

All these sayings are in the correct hadith books, in tawheed books but who have the willingness to search!

The right guidance is the religion of Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wassalam. 

بسم اللة الرحمن الرحيمIn The Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

What is Islam?What is anti-Islamic?What are unfaithful acts?What is shirk?

If we look at the Quran, there are about 1.2 billion people are called as muslims but Islam is not found in very few minority of them as there is no Islamic nation now.

Only a few people are really true muslims. I do not mean guilts or small mistakes, I mean acts against Islam. If we look around this world, we will discover that there is no real Islamic Government and all are fighting real Islam by many dirty and deceiving methods. This is a fact.

All what are called Islamic governments are only soldiers (secret soldiers) to Zionism.

Now I will tell you in points my Islamic view based on Quran&sunnah.

What is the meaning of Islam. Islam means the total submission to Allah. When we say a total submission to Allah means,

1.  Muslims never turn to anyone other than Allah for judgement and never go to courts, which are not following the Shariaah (Islamic rules). And even if they want to settle the case outside the court, they should take someone who is real muslim who know shari’ah as  they are not allowed to take the non-muslims to be a judge. It is not allowed also if the judge is judging by shari’ah and he himself is not a muslim (false muslim, who commit any kufr (blasphemy), because returning to judgement is one type of walaa’. If a muslim is trapped in the court by any case, he should not mention the provision in the act, to prove he is not guilty i.e. he should not use the law to prove that he is not guilty either direct or through a lawyer. He should deny the court and he can use shari’ah (Islamic Laws) to clarify his situation.

2. Muslim only pray to Allah and not to people ether they are alive or dead and to any statute or idols or jin or ask any mediators to support him. He never do dua’a (supplication) or ask forgiveness or paradise from and etc like those sufi asking from graves .

3. Muslims reject all religions and all false Islamic religions and believing that they are not real Muslims when they are following all these false believes. This is part of Islamic fundamentals. so he never says like nowadays, all those who say shehada [testimony] are muslims however whatever they do and leave their intention to Allah and hearts are for Allah and we have no right to judge [as if Islam is like nationality or genus not a principal and meaning as if no riddah, no kuffr except nifaq! or as people say, [Christians are not kaffir, they are people of the book as if people of the book are muslims or third category non muslims non kaffir] they have special treatment in practice but have the same description (kaffir) look eg Surah Al-Bayyinah. 

4. Muslims never salutes flags as they are no symbol of Islamic nations and saluting flag never occurred even at time of sehaba when flag was just a piece of cloth made at time of war and threw after war. No value or honour of the cloth, even at that time no one salute it. We salute and worship Allah only. Why saluting flag is against Islam? 1st, it is not the flag of islam. 2nd, Saluting by standing still is a kind of worshipping. To stand without any movement and talking even when azan is pronounced.  [this is respect and glorify and submission, right of allah only] [u r forbidden pronounce azan and to say salla allahu alayhi wassalam when azan is pronounced. If u heared Rasulullah’s name ,,even from sajda ,,if u heared verse of sujood,,so worshipping allah is inhibited during saluting flag,,.

5. Muslim never involves in army except Islamic one and will not contribute their skills and efforts in any job which are helping to fight Islamic rules eg TV broadcasting, courts and etc.

6. Muslims should not pray with the non muslims and other rituals except if he knows that they are true muslims.

7. Muslims should not greet the non-muslims in their religious feast or celebration.

8. Muslims should never leave his children in any groups or friction sites except if the school is free from mistakes unless they are matured enough to deny and reject all mistakes and responsible (usuallyover 12 years) or if the parents are with them to correct any mistakes which are taught at school.

9. No one knows the future. (not even a joke).Nothing brings luck except Allah’s will (horoscope, stars, ghosts, necklace etc.)[all these fill the society and mass media,,and widely practiced and even those who don’t do it seriously they take it  forgranted or as a joke[this is also kuffr  as we saw from quraan and sunnah] or don’t consider those doing it as kaffir ,,

10. All ideologies far from Islam are rejected.

11. Allah is perfect. Therefore no one deserve all the rights and obedience except Him.

12.  Muslims should not take the religion and any religious matter as a matter of joke[magazines news papers films and  people collections are full of these jokes].

13. Al-Quran presents the best solution to all problems. Any one rejects any solution in the Quran are considered as non-muslims.

14. Muslims should turn their face sincerely towards Allah in prayer, sacrifice, life and death are only for Allah, Lord of the universe.

15. When a muslim be with some people who are committing sins, he should either leave the group or correct them.  ~ Ref: Al-Anfal : 68  and  Nisa : 140

16. Allah is on the Throne (Arasyh[arsh   over the sky]) and He Governs and Knows everything in this universe.

17. Islam started strange and it will become strange again as it is started. May Allah gives the strangers good reward/other life. The companions asked the Messenger peace be upon him, ‘who are the strangers?’ The Messenger may peace be upon him said, ‘Strangers are those who are good and when other people are bad.’ ~Hadith BukharyThe real muslims are seen as strangers and people feel what is being practise by the real muslims are strange as they at that time people can not differentiate between good and bad and they think they are doing the right thing.

18. The muslims should not associate others with Allah in those things which are specific to Him as;i. Only Allah has the power to benefit or harm.ii. Prayer and swear only for Allahiii. Acts such as prostration, bowing, turning for judgement or to laws of Quran and fighting to defend and save Islam.

19. Islam means to change, to obey, to be away from the non muslims in the way of thinking, emotion, aim in life, hopes, 

20. Muslim may involve in war for the sake of Allah and always strive for Islam in any form of striving.

21. A True Muslim should be able to distinguish between Muslim and non-Muslim as it is the base of Islam to define Muslims and to keep away from false muslims and disbelievers. They always invite the disbelievers or to fight them (as all the Messengers peace be upon them,  had done)

22. A true Muslim should be a good example or model to represent the religion well, have balance in their life, know what to put as priorities and able to plan his life.

23. Allah gives people mind and intelligence to know, to search their God by looking at His creations in His universe as a proof of His existence and Greatness but many people are not using their intelligence for this and continue to commit all crimes just like the previous nations of pagans and Ignorants. All people want a simple religion with no strive and sacrifice and forget that the muslims may be killed for the sake of Allah.

People are careless about their religion eg. Throwing papers which contain the names of Allah at the streets and rubbish bins as we can see in Egypt and many countries which so- called muslim countries.

Our beloved Messenger pbuh has predicted that most people will return to unfaith or ignorance. So we should start to rebuild the Islamic nation again to correct the belief, to build our strength mentally, physically, spiritually and to rebuild  relationship with all true and sincere muslims. There is nothing called friendship with the non-muslims or people with false belief [this relation is based on justice and we deal with them either diplomatic eg trading or kindly in preaching or sharply in jihad but not like friends because we like to keep them as near as possible and eat with them just because we like this as this  warm relation is not allowed  except with muslims].