Scholars cannot permit what Allah has forbidden

One of the main excuses some people use today in attempt to justify the evil act of voting for a person to make law on one’s behalf is that the majority of Muslim scholars say it is allowed to vote, and some even go further saying it is a religious duty
One of the main excuses some people use today in attempt to justify the evil act of voting for a person to make law on one’s behalf is that the majority of Muslim scholars say it is allowed to vote, and some even go further saying it is a religious duty.

This, like every other so-called argument used to justify voting for man to play the role of God and make law, is entirely flawed and can never be used as an excuse to associate partners with Allah by choosing a lawmaker besides Him. There are many places in the Qur’aan in which Allah (SWT) informs us of individuals in the past who were favoured by Him and were given knowledge, yet they abused the knowledge they were given, started to follow their own desires and misled the people.

For example, the Jews and Christians (People of the Book) were accused by Allah of worshipping their rabbis and priests by obeying and following their religious edicts which clearly went against the commands of Allah. Allah (SWT) says in the Qur’aan:

“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).” (EMQ at-Tawbah, 9:31)

‘Uday bin Haatim used to be a Christian. When he heard the Messenger of Allah (SAW) recite the above verse he tried to deny this and responded: “We did not worship them (rabbis and priests).” The Prophet (SAW) replied: “Did they (rabbis and priests) not forbid what Allah permitted and hence you forbade it; and they permitted what Allah forbade and thus you permitted it?” ‘Uday replied “Yes.” The Prophet (SAW) said, “That is how you worshipped them.” After this incident ‘Uday (RA) embraced Islam.

So it can be argued that any Muslim who blindly follows a scholar when he permits what Allah forbids has taken him as a lord and false god besides Allah. Any matter which is clearly forbidden by Allah – such as alcohol, committing shirk (in this case, voting for man to make law), adultery, interest (ribaa), and so forth – cannot be made lawful by scholars. Moreover, one cannot claim on the Day of Judgement that they were merely following their scholars or the majority of people and therefore cannot be blamed for their actions. Allah (SWT) says:

“And those who followed (blindly) will say: “If only we had one more chance to return (to the worldly life), we would disown (declare ourselves as innocent from) them as they have disowned (declared themselves as innocent from) us.” Thus Allah will show them their deeds as regrets for them. And they will never get out of the Fire.” (EMQ al-Baqarah, 2:167)

Furthermore, it is reported in the Sunan of Ibn Maajah that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said: “Verily, what I fear most for my Ummah is misguided Imaams.” There can be no doubt that the misguided Imaams (or scholars) of today are those who allow voting for man-made law by twisting the verses of Allah and Shari’ah principles in order to achieve popularity, maintain their career and please the masses, tyrannical governments and disbelievers.

What makes someone an ‘aalim?

What makes someone an ‘aalim is not the level of knowledge they have, the length of their beard or their credentials. The Sahaabah, for example, did not study at a “renowned” institution and nor did they achieve any certificates, credentials, degrees, PhDs, and so forth. Despite this, they were the greatest ‘ulamaa (scholars) the Ummah has ever seen.

What makes someone an ‘aalim, besides having knowledge, is when they engage in the duties of the Anbiyaa (Prophets). Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said, “The ‘ulamaa are the inheritors of the Prophets.” Therefore, in order for one to be considered an ‘aalim, they must engage in the duties of the Prophets. The mission of the previous Prophets was to call people away from shirk (associating partners with Allah) and taaghout (false gods, such as lawmakers or MPs). They called society to Tawheed and to reject man-made laws as well as kufr (un-Islamic) ideals, ways of life and values such as freedom, democracy, liberalism and so forth.

It is for the above reasons that the previous Messengers and Prophets were attacked by the disbelievers, vilified, ridiculed, boycotted, imprisoned and some were even murdered or assassinated. This is how we recognise the people of truth: they are tested by Allah and vilified by the disbelievers. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was labelled a lunatic; Ibraaheem (or Abraham) was thrown into fire; Yoosuf (Joseph) was incarcerated for a crime he did not commit; the disbelievers plotted to crucify ‘Eesa (Jesus); Shu’aib (AS) was threatened with extradition; Nooh (Noah) was ridiculed; and the list goes on.

Allah (SWT) has destined, as part of His Almighty Traditions (Sunnatullah), that any person who desires to be with the Prophets, Messengers and their Companions in the Hereafter must struggle in this life the way they did and endure the tests they were made to endure. Allah (SWT) says:

“Or think you that you will enter Paradise without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? They were afflicted with severe poverty and ailments and were so shaken that even the Messenger and those who believed along with him said, “When (will come) the Help of Allah?” Yes! Certainly, the Help of Allah is near!” (EMQ al-Baqarah, 2:214)

In what way have those so-called scholars (who try to justify voting for kufr law) suffered for the sake of Allah and the Deen of Islam? Rather than calling people away from shirk and to shun taaghout (false gods), we find them calling us to commit shirk for their personal interests and benefit (maslahah) and to obey taaghout (those who rule by other than what Allah has revealed). What excuse do these sad individuals (particularly in the UK) have for not speaking out against this great evil? Unlike scholars in the Middle East, they are not being threatened with torture, imprisonment or death yet they are still afraid of upsetting the masses, gaining notoriety or being labelled an extremist.

There is a famous principle in Islam: “The haq (truth) is known by the daleel (divine evidence), not by men.” Therefore, the haq is not established by the number of people that agree with it or the number of “renowned” or celebrity-like scholars who state it. Rather, the haq is known by the daleel (Qur’aan and Sunnah, by the understanding of the Sahaabah). But if it is names you are after and not daleel, below is a brief list (in no particular order) of scholars from across the world that say democracy opposes Islam and that voting and participating in democratic elections is forbidden (haraam):

Sheikh Abu Muhammad al-Maqdisi (Jordan), Sheikh Feiz Mohammad (lived in Australia, originally Lebanon), Sheikh Anwar al-Awlaki (lived in USA, originally Yemen), Sheikh Abu Hamza al-Misri (UK, originally Egypt), Sheikh Omar Abdel-Rahman (USA, originally Egypt), Sheikh Abdullah el-Faisal (lived in UK, originally Jamaica), Sheikh Abdul-Qaadir bin Abdil-Azeez (Egypt), Sheikh Naasir al-Fahd (Saudi Arabia), Sheikh Ahmad Fadeel an-Nazal al-Khalayleh (Jordan), Sheikh Osama bin Mohammed bin Awad bin Laden (Saudi Arabia), Sheikh Ayman Muhammad Rabee’ al-Zawaahiri (Egypt), Sheikh Sayyid Qutb (Egypt), Sheikh Humood bin Uqla Ash-Shu’aibi (Saudi Arabia), Sheikh Ali bin al-Khudayr (Saudi Arabia), Sheikh Naasir ud-Deen al-Albaani (Saudi Arabia, originally Albania), Sheikh Muhammad Ameen al-Shanqeeti (Saudi Arabia, originally Mauritania), Sheikh Ahmad Hamood al-Khaalidi (Saudi Arabia), Sheikh Yusuf al-Uyayri (Saudi Arabia), Sheikh Abdullah al-Ghunaymaan (Saudi Arabia), Sheikh Muhammad al-Fazaazy (Morocco), Sheikh Hani al-Siba’i (UK, originally Egypt), Sheikh Saalih al-Awfi (Saudi Arabia), Sheikh Ziyaad Qattaan (UAE), Sheikh Omar Bakri Muhammad (lived in UK, Lebanon), Sheikh Abu Qataadah al-Filasteeni (UK, originally Palestine).

Stay Muslim :)

Caution!!!

The Meaning of Taaghoot

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And He says:

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

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

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

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

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

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

And the success is from Allaah.

by Shaykhul-Islaam Muhammad ibn Abdul-Wahhaab
From his short treatise, “Ma’anaa at-Taaghoot wa Ru’oos Anwaa’ihi”

The Conditions of Tawheed

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

1. Al-‘Ilm – Knowledge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Al-Yaqeen – Certainty

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

3. Al-Qubool – Acceptance

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

4. Al-Inqiyaad – Submission

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

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

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

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

5. As-Sidq – Believing

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

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

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

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

6. Al-Ikhlaas – Sincerity

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

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

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

7. Al-Mahabbah – Love

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

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

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

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

Tawheed – An Explanation of its Meaning

There has never been in the history of mankind a greater or more controversial statement as the Kalimah: “LAA ILAAHA ILL-ALLAH” (there is no one worthy of worship except Allah). These divinely revealed words divided the world into two camps: the camp of falsehood and the camp of truth. The callers of Tawheed throughout history had to endure severe testing and persecution because of the Kalimah. Moreover, they were the most vilified amongst their people:

“Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: ‘We believe’, and will not be tested. And We indeed tested those who were before them. And Allah will certainly make (it) known (the truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make (it) known (the falsehood of) those who are liars.” [EMQ 29:2-3]

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

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

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

“And I (Allah) created not the jinns and humans except they should worship Me (Alone).” [EMQ 51:56]
So what is Tawheed? Why is it so controversial? And what are its implications?

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

“Say: ‘Shall I seek a lord other than Allah, while He is the Lord of all things?’” [EMQ 6:164]

The opposite or nullifier of Tawheed is Shirk. Shirk is to ascribe partners to Allah. It is in the form of directing the names, attributes or functions of Allah (glory be to Him) towards anyone or anything other than Him or along side Him. For example one of Allah’s name and attribute is al-Hakam meaning ‘the Legislator’ or ‘Law Maker’; thus, legislation is His (glory be to him) exclusive right. Therefore, anyone who legislates other than Allah is a Mushrik (one who commits shirk).

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

“…Whosoever disbelieves in (or rejects) Taaghout then believes in Allah, he has grasped the most trustworthy knot of Islam (understood the meaning Laa ilaaha ill-Allah).” [EMQ 2:256]

If one understands the principles of Tawheed it is clear to see where the conflict arises as there must be a total rejection of all false religions and ideologies (i.e. democracy, socialism, Christianity or Judaism etc.) before one can call himself a believer in Allah. Allah condemns all those who practice another way of life other than Islam:

“Or have they partners with Allah (false gods), who have instituted for them a deen (way of life, ideology) which Allah has not allowed…” [EMQ 42:21]

To Allah belong the purest and the best qualities. In His infinite wisdom and knowledge, Allah knows what is best for mankind: “Should not He Who has created know? And He is the Most Kind and Courteous (to His slaves) All-Aware (of everything).” [EMQ 67:14]

Allah chose Islam as the Deen that should be believed in and followed: “…This day, I have perfected your Deen for you, completed My Favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your Deen.” [EMQ 5:3]. The Deen of Islam is the haq (truth) which Allah decreed to supersede over all other ways even if the people detest it: “It is He Who has sent His Messenger (Muhammad peace and blessings be upon him) with guidance and the Deen of truth (Islam), to make it superior over all ideologies even though the Mushrikoon (those who ascribe partners to Allah, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah) hate (it).”[EMQ 9:33]

Allah is most severe in Chastisement and warns the disbelievers of a torment facing them for not accepting Islam: “And whoever seeks a deen other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.” [EMQ 3:83]

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

But for those who believe in Allah and Islam, Allah promises happiness and contentment: “Verily! Those who believe (in Tawheed) and do righteous deeds, shall have the gardens of Paradise for their entertainment,” [EMQ 18:107] and: “(There is for him) rest and provision, and a Garden of delights (Paradise).” [EMQ 56:89]

Without Tawheed, the life of a person is meaningless and a total waste. The whole purpose of man’s creation is to worship Allah alone and if man fails to acknowledge this exclusive right of Allah then one will be amongst the dwellers of the Fire (Hell). He will have no one to blame but himself: what a horrible conclusion.

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

At-Tawheed and the Rejection of Taghoot

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

Arqan al Tawheed

We must be aware that the Tawheed is composed of two pillars, Al Kufr bil Taghoot to reject all Taghoot and Al-Imaan billah to believe in Allah (swt). And know that man will never become a believer in Allah unless he rejects and disbelieves in the Taghoot. Whoever does not reject the Taghoot, then he has contradicted the basic message of all prophets and has contradicted the worship of Allah at its very roots for Allah (swt) says: ‘We sent to every Ummah a messenger to command the people to submit to Allah exclusively and to reject Taghoot’. [EMQ 16:36]

One cannot have Imaan in Allah (swt) unless he firsts disbelieves in the Taghoot. This is since Imaan and Shirk (polytheism) cannot be gathered together in one heart, for they are opposites. So one must remove all worship offered to other than Allah first and then establish worship to Allah (swt) alone afterward. Therefore, to believe in Allah (swt) we must reject that which contradicts the belief in Allah (swt) and we must therefore reject the Taghoot for Allah (swt) says “Whoever rejects Taghoot and believes in Allah then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold.” [al Baqarah 2:256] Mujaahid [d.103 h.] said ‘The most trustworthy handhold is imaan’ and as-Suddi [d.127 h.] said it is ‘Islam’ [Tafseer Ibn Kathir]. This ayah makes clear that there can be no Imaan without rejection of TTaghoot, and that believing in Allah (swt) as the only object of worship, as the only ‘illah’ is dependent upon rejecting any other object of worship.

The Kalimah of Tawheed, ‘Laa ilaaha ill Allah’ is a statement of negation nafi and affirmation ithbaat. When we are saying ‘Laa ilaaha’ we are rejecting all worship for other than Allah (swt) and when we say ‘ill Allah’ we are affirming that the worship is only for Allah (swt). Worship includes obedience Taa’ah. This means that we must accept that only Allah can legislate for us for Allah (swt) says “…The rule hukm is for none but Allah. He has commanded that you worship none but Him, that is the Straight Deen but most men know not.” [al Yusuf 12:40] and “…and He makes none to sharein His Rule…” [al Kahf 18:26]

Dear Brothers and Sisters, the way in which we are obliged to establish the above conditions and pillars of Tawheed, we are also obliged to fear and distance ourselves from shirk and to take precaution from all of its types, its gates and exits, whether the big shirk or small one, as verily, the biggest oppression is shirk and Allah (swt) will forgive everything except shirk. Whosoever falls into shirk, Jannah is forbidden for him and his residence will be hellfire: ‘Allah does not forgive Shirk or to associate with Him anything, but forgives less than that to whomever He wills’ [an Nisaa’ 4:48] Therefore Muslims should be aware about what negates and contradicts Tawheed in order to make a shield for themselves, protecting them from apostasy.

at-Taghout

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

Shaykh Muhammad ibn A’bdul Wahhaab [d.1206 h.] said ‘The Taaghout are many and their heads are five: Iblees, whoever is worshipped and is pleased with that, whoever calls the people to worship himself, whoever claims to possess anything from the knowledge of the unseen and whoever rules by other than what Allah has sent down’ as well as ‘The word Taghoot is general. So everything that is worshipped besides Allah, while being pleased with this worship – whether it is something worshipped, someone followed, or someone obeyed in the absence of obedience to Allah and His Messenger, then that is considered Taghoot.

With regards to the Rulers of the Muslim Lands today who many claim for them to be believers, not only do they willingly obey, follow, submit and bow down to the laws of the kuffar, resulting in the abolishment in the first Pillar of Tawheed i.e. Al Kufr bil Taghoot, they themselves order the people to be obey, follow and submit to them and the kuffr which the legislate, and therefore become Taghoot themselves. Indeed the list of their kuffr, shirk and the rejection and hatred for the shariah of Allah (swt) is overwhelming. So whoever rules by other than what Allah revealed, implementing it knowingly, then he is a Taghoot, even if he claims what he may claim. And indeed Allah has declared him a disbeliever.

So the fact that the Taghoot does not only include stars, stone and wooden idols but also people who make laws against the shari’ah is manifest from the Quran and supported from the statements of the salaf and the classical scholars. The following ayah proves that whoever rejects Quran and Sunnah and prefers man-made law either voting for that, supporting it or going to judgement in courts based on that has removed himself from Islam. Allah (swt) says “Have you seen those who claim that they believe in that which was sent down to you and before you and they wish to go for judgement to the Taghoot while they have been commanded to reject them? But Shaytaan wishes to lead them far astray. And when it is said to them ‘Come to what Allah has sent down and to the messenger’ you see the munaafiqeen turn away from you with aversion. How then when a catastrophe befalls them because of what their hands have sent forth they come to you swearing by Allah, ‘We meant nothing more than goodwill and conciliation’.” [an Nisaa’ 4:60-62]

This verse was revealed in relation to a Muslim who was debating with a Jew about a certain issue. Rather then making Tahakum to Allah (by referring to Muhammad (saw)), he referred to a Taghoot Sorcerer (Al Ka’ab ibn Ashraf) for judgment and for this he became a Kafir and apostatized from the deen of Islam. Ibn Katheer [d.774 h.] said ‘The ayah has a general meaning as it chastises all those who refrain from referring to the Quran and Sunnah for judgement and prefer the judgement of whatever they chose of falsehood, which befits the description of Taghoot here. This is why Allah said “….and they wish to go for judgement to the Taghoot…” [Tafseer Ibn Kathir].

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

The Way to Reject Taghoot

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

After all this how can one vote for man to make law which is Taghoot as mentioned, or become involved in parliaments and governments that do not rule by what Allah (swt) has revealed and vote for them and support them, when we have been ordered by Allah (swt) to reject, have animosity and hatred to them and keep distance from them.

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

The one who believes in the Taghoot is cursed and he will have no help from Allah. Whoever recognises the false authority of the Taghoot or believes that they have better guidance than the Shari’ah or believes that they possess any attributes or rights belonging to Allah (swt), then they are a disbeliever as Allah (swt) says “Have you not seen those who were given a portion of the Book? They believe in Jibt and Taghoot and say to those who disbelieve ‘These people are better guided on the way’ than the believers. They are those whom Allah has cursed, and he whom Allah curses, you will not find for him a helper.” [an Nisaa’ 4:51-52]

Many peoples in the past have worshipped Taghoot and so gained the Anger of Allah and were cursed and transformed. “Say: ‘Shall I inform you of something worse than that, regarding the recompense from Allah those who incurred the curse of Allah and His wrath, those of whom He transformed into monkeys and swine, those who worshipped Taghoot.” [al Maa’idah 5:60]

Paradise is only for those who reject Taghoot and there is good news for those who avoid worshipping the Taghoot. Allah (swt) says “Those who avoid Taghoot by not worshipping them and turn to Allah, for them are glad tidings so announce the good news to My slaves, those who listen to the word and follow the best of it those are whom Allah has guided and those are men of understanding [oolul albaab].” [az Zumar 39:17-18]

Responsibility of the Believers
Today we have Taghoot dominant all over the world manifested in the rulers, governments and constitutions that are implemented and enforced throughout the world. These regimes have taken it upon themselves to become legislators by making and enforcing kuffr law and in doing so have rivalled with Allah (swt) as this is an attribute that is exclusive to Him. Instead of adhering to the command of Allah (swt) by implementing the shariah we find that these regimes implement kuffr law and give more credence to ideologies like capitalism over Islam. Hence according to the very first pillar of our belief they must be rejected and nullified by distancing ourselves from them, believing that they are our enemies, having hatred for them and declaring kuffr upon them. Again this is not a mere statement upon the tongue rather this should be manifested in our actions, as belief by definition includes the actions, for it is our actions that display what is within our hearts.

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

WHAT IS TAGHOUT &; Who are Taghout?

The Arabic word ‘taghout’ is used numerous times in the Quran. It has been defined in the The Hans Wehr Dictionary of Modern Written Arabic(1976) as, “an idol, a false god; seducer, tempter (to error).” Muhsin Khan has defined the term as, “anything worshipped other than the Real God (Allah), i.e. all the false idols.” And he includes, “saints, graves, RULERS AND LEADERS WHO ARE FALSELY WORSHIPPED OR WRONGLY FOLLOWED [and] A FALSE JUDGE WHO GIVES FALSE JUDGEMENT.” And so where Allah (SWT) mentions the ‘taghout’ in the Quran, He is speaking of more than the idols that were worshipped by the Pagans and Polytheists in Makkah. He(SWT) was addressing the systems and the establishment , the Laws and Orders, the Customs and the Traditions and the social-infrastructure( Way Of Life) at that time and was associating those that do not work against the establishment of false systems AS HYPOCRITES AND DISBELIEVERS (blind, deaf, dumb, etc.). And so it is clear, IF ONE REFERS TO ISLAM HE/SHE IS DOING IBADAH (submission, obedience, following and worshipping) TO ALLAH(SWT) AND IF HE/SHE REFERS TO ANYTHING AT ALL OTHER THAN ISLAM HE/SHE IS DOING IBADAH(submission, obedience, following and worshipping) TAGHOUT.

And so, in a day when the majority of Muslims define the worshiping of idols as though it only encompasses praying to false deities (i.e. statues, temples, saints, etc.), and while they refer to ‘taghout’ systems of rule like democracy, international law , UNO, EU, Arab-League and etc. for solutions to their problems, it becomes crucial to understand the term ‘taghout’ and to understand that Islam commands and defines one’s success in life in the very act of cleansing one’s self and society by struggling diligently in one’s life and wealth to work against those FALSE JUDGES who seek to refer to the rule of men. Every Muslim must struggle to live life under the rule of Allah (SWT) and His Messengers (AS).

Allah (SWT) has said in the Quran, “And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): ‘Worship Allâh (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Tâghût.’ Then of them were some whom Allâh guided and of them were some upon whom the straying was justified. So travel through the land and see what was the end of those who denied (the truth)”[16:36].” Primary examples of reference to the taghout occur daily amongst the Islamic People (Ummah) today. Take as an example the fatawa issued a few weeks after September 11, 2001 when Taha Jabir al-Alwani of the Fiqh Council of North America contacted Yusef al-Qaradawi in his luxury estate to gain the backing and permission for Muslims to go to fight against their fellow Muslims brothers and sisters in Afghanistan. This fatwa implied that the principle allegiance of the American Muslim soldier was to his country and not to his Deen and was but one of many examples of Muslims capitulating their obligations and turning toward the Taghout for their decisions. Indeed, the Bush Administration interprets the shariah and the unfortunate thing is that many of our so-called scholars seem to agree and adopt his position (May Allah forgive us!).

The entire capitalist system dictates how the rich Muslims do business on Muslim soil, and worst of all is the fact that we sit idly by and say nothing in the face of these oppressors as Brothers and Sisters all over the world are blamed for their own massacres. However, where Allah(SWT) tells us to travel around in the land and see what was the end of those who followed the taghout before us, we can see that oppressors do not last long. Allah(SWT) typically sends a Messenger or a great amount of wealth to the people right before He(SWT) destroys them and so the end of all nations that come into contact with Islam have either disappeared or have assimilated with the Islamic way of life. So too will be the inevitable end of the oppressor’s war in the Middle East, but when we travel around and see the beginning of the story we must recognize from the tales of Native American Indians, the Africans, the Irish, the Indians under British Rule and all imperialist peoples that the ‘taghout’ are bestial and Satanic in their efforts to conquer culture and country; the ‘taghout’ always dictate and enslave by defining how the conquered live, what they worship, and who they believe and we must recognize that they do this by giving crumbs of wealth and bits of worldly gain to those who are willing to sell their brothers, sisters and families for the sake of personal success (i.e. our Muslim countries’ rulers-Stogies and Puppets and their scholars for dollars). But if one reads the Qur’an and comprehends Allah(SWT)’s explanation of the ‘taghout’ they can find that the liberation of the soul is dependent upon two dynamic struggles: the struggle against the self and the struggle against the society(through intellectual and political struggle means).

Won’t you turn with us away from the Taghout and toward Allah (SWT) and his Messenger (SAW) for guidance?

Allah(SWT) has said, “There is no compulsion in the Deen. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in Tâghût and believes in Allâh, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allâh is All-Hearer, All-Knower. Allâh is the Walî (Protector or Guardian) of those who believe. He brings them out from darkness into light. But as for those who disbelieve, their Auliyâ (supporters and helpers) are Tâghût, they bring them out from light into darkness. Those are the dwellers of the Fire, and they will abide therein forever.” [TMQ 2:256]

In another verse about the taghout Allah (SWT) explains, “Have you seen those (hyprocrites) who claim that they believe in that which has been sent down to you, and that which was sent down before you, and they wish to go for judgement (in their disputes) to the Tâghût (false judges, etc.) while they have been ordered to reject them. But Shaitân (Satan) wishes to lead them far astray”[TMQ 2:257].

This verse was revealed when a Jew and a hypocrite fell into a dispute. The hypocrite called on Ka’b bin al-Ashraf, to arbitrate between them, while the Jew called on the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). When they came to him(saw), the Prophet(saw) ruled in favor of the Jew. But the hypocrite was not satisfied, and so they went before ‘Umar (RAA). The Jew told him what had happened, whereupon he [‘Umar] turned to the hypocrite and asked him, ‘Is this true?’, and when he replied, ‘Yes’, he [‘Umar] killed him. Isn’t it strange how Muslims today command us to understand the Deen of Islam as the companions (RAA) of the Messenger (SAW) while they ignore the vital methodological underpinnings of their ways and actions? Wherever this ignorant understanding exists and is deliberate there is disbelief for their disbelief resembles the same disbelief of those who take part of the book and not all of it and those who refer to other than what Allah (SWT) has revealed in legislation. Note how Umar (RA) slayed the hypocrite and left alone the Jew. As soon as he referred to the ‘taghout’ for decision Umar (RA) didn’t hesitate in taking action.

We need to return to a true understanding of the importance of separating ourselves from these Neo-Roman Crusaders that have gathered around our land and are ready to feast on our resources, woman and livelihood, and it starts by recognizing them for who they are. Anybody who identifies the ‘taghout’ and doesn’t speak against them is from them just like anyone who takes jurisdiction from the Jews or Christians (see Quran 5:51-54).

O Ye Who Believe! Will you not read the Quran and decide for yourself? Will you not turn away from all that is taghout and sacrifice your lives and wealth in the way of Allah and prevent a destruction for the Muslims like that of the American Indians and African Americans who are still suffering today. O Ye Who Believe rise with us and speak the truth to the oppressors, help to revive Islam the all-encompassing way of life and do not let the ummah become like the Christians “giving unto Caesar’s what is Caesar’s and giving unto God what is God’s[Bible: Romans 13:7]

Won’t you grasp the strongest handhold that never breaks and speak truth in the face of the taghout. Won’t you rise like great Muslims in the past and the Messengers (AS) and proclaim that Allah(SWT) is the Creator, that He(SWT) is One and that His(SWT) shariah is the only way toward peace and tranquility in the Earth and that all other systems are false. Won’t you understand Islam like the Companions (RAA) of the Messenger (SAW) and Umar bin Al Khattab (RAA) when he said that, “Some people were dealt with by the revelation in the time of the Messenger of Allah (SAW)? The revelation has ceased. Now we deal with you according to what is clear to us from your actions. If anyone shows us good, we trust him and honor him. We know nothing of his inward. Allah(SWT) will call him to reckoning in respect of his inward. If anyone shows us evil, we do not trust him and do not believe him, even if he says his inward is good”[Bukhari]

We must not take from those of us that are willing to hug and eat with those who are responsible for dropping thousands of bombs on our Brothers and Sisters, we must reveal their two faces and lies, debate with them and show them that Islam is superior to their ideologies and systems. We must work establish Khilafah and revive Islam and the only way to accomplish these objectives is to return toward the Quran and the Sunnah but we must take all of it and not a portion of it regardless of what it is that we like or dislike. And when we return to the way of Allah (SWT) and His Messenger (SAW), Allah(SWT) will restore us to dignity and falsehood will vanish, Won’t you join us and,

“Let there rise from amongst you group(s)who invite others to the khair(Islam), command the good, and forbid the evil, and they are the ones who are successful ones (3:104)

DemoCrazy

This is a brief review which explains some of the destructive and dangerous effects resulting from plunging into the quagmire of democracy by which many people have been deceived due to putting on their hopes on it even though it is clearly against the methodology of Allah, just as what we are going to explain in this brief study, especially that there have been a lot of bitter experiences encountered by those people who have been deceived by this game and where its diversion and debauchery aspects were shown.

1. The system of Democracy makes us forgetful towards the confrontation in behavior between jahiliyah and Islam, which is the haqq and batil. Due to the fact that the existence of either one of them allows the extinction of the other, it is not ever possible for the two to mix together. Anyone who thinks that through the general election, the jahil fractions will submit all the institutions to Islam is mistaken, as this is clearly in contrast to the rationality, nash and sunan (decision of Allah) which had taken place to the earlier ummahs.

“On account of their arrogance in the land and their plotting of Evil, but the plotting of Evil will hem in only the authors thereof. Now are they but looking for the way the ancients were dealt with? But no change wilt thou find in Allah’s way (of dealing): no turning off wilt thou find in Allah’s way (of dealing)” (Surat Faathir: 43)

2. The system of democracy will cause the decay in the values of true aqeedah which was believed and practiced by Rasulullah and the noble Sahabahs. It will cause the spread of bid’ah, of not studying and teaching the true aqeedah to mankind because its teachings cause divisions amongst the party members. In fact, it could make someone to be excluded from the party that it can reduce the total number of votes and voters.

3. The system of democracy does not differentiate between the ‘alim and the jahil, between the mu’meen and the kafir, and between the male and the female, because they all have the same right to speak, without looking at the advantages from the shar’i point of view, whereas Allah  says:

“…Say: “Are those equal, those who know and those who do not know? …” (Surat Az-Zumar: 9)

And:

“Is then the man who believes no better than the man who is rebellious and wicked? Not equal are they” (Surat As-Sajdah: 18)

And also:

“Shall We then treat the People of Faith like the People of Sin? What is the matter with you? How judge ye?” (Surat Al-Qalam: 35-36)

4. This system causes divisions amongst the da’wah activists and Islamic jamaah, because a section of them plunge and move within this system (whether they want it or not) that would make them support and defend as well as endeavor to make a good name and in turn they would be against anyone who is opposed by this system, while at the same time they support as well as defend anyone who is supported and defended by this system. Therefore, in the end fatwas would be twisted without any certainty between those who allow and forbid, between those who praise and criticize.

5. Under the shade of democratic system the issue of wala’ and bara’ becomes unclear and vague and because of this there are people who embrace and are involved in this system trying to justify by stating that their discords with the socialist party, ba’athist party and other secular parties are only limited to discords in the subject of program only, not a discord in the subject of manhaj and that it is not much different from the discords that happen between the four madzhabs. And they conducted the bond of agreement and confederation so as not to takfeer each other and not to betray amongst themselves, due to that they say that let there be discords but don’t let it spoil the love and affection between us!!

6. This system aims at the establishment of an illusive confederation with the secular parties, as what is happening today.

7. It’s very dominant that for the people who move in the quagmire of democracy, their intention is flawed, as every party strives and aims to defend its party as well as (abusing) making the most of all available facilities and tools to assemble and influence the masses in its surroundings, especially the tools and mediums which have the religious tones such as talks, giving of advices, ta’lim, shadaqah and others.

8. Plunging into the quandary of democracy will also result in the impairment of the noble akhlaq values such as honesty, transparency, the fulfillment of promises and the prevention of lies, pretension and the breaking of promises.

9. Therefore, democracy would also generate a haughty character while belittling others, as well as being proud of each of their own view because what turns into the concern is the defending of it (the view). And Allah  says:

“But people have cut off their affair (of unity), between them, into sects: each party rejoices in that which is with itself” (Surat Al-Mu’minun: 53)

10. If we pay a close attention and thorough analyzation, acknowledging and pledging to democracy means “stabbing” (blaspheming) the Prophets and their discourse (missions of Prophethood), because if al-haq (the truth) is to be deduced from the voice of the people’s majority there is no point for the Messengers to be sent and the books to be revealed, especially that it’s normal for the teachings brought by the Messengers to dispute the majority of the mankind who profess to the misguided aqeedah, deviate and have the jahilliyah traditions.

Tawhid is not merely Tawhid ar-Rububiyyah

Shaykhu’l-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said, “The Tawhid with which the Messengers came with comprises of affirming that Divinity and worship belong to Allah alone, such that a person witnesses that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah, and that none is worshipped except Him, nor depended upon other than Him, nor are alliances or enemies made except for Him, nor is an action done except for Him. This affirmation also covers those Names and Attributes which Allah affirms for Himself, as Allah (awj) says:

“And the Allah to be worshipped is only one Allah. None has the right to be worshipped except Him, the Most Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy.” (ali Imran 3/163) And Allah (awj) says:

“Do not take two objects of worship. Indeed, Allah is the only Deity to be worshipped, so fear Him.” (an-Nahl 16/51) And He (swt) says:

“Whosoever calls upon (i.e. supplicates or prays to) other than Allah, for which he has no proof, then his reckoning is only with his Lord. Indeed, the disbelievers will not be successful.” (Mu‘minun 23/117) Allah (swt) also says:

“And ask those of our Messengers whom we sent before you, Did We ever appoint objects of worship besides the Most Merciful?” (az-Zukhruf 43/45) And Allah (awj) informed us about every Prophet from amongst the Prophets that they called the people to the worship of Allah alone, having no partner, as He (awj) said:

“Indeed there is an excellent example for you in Ibrahim and those with him, when they said to their people: Indeed we are free from you and whatever you worship besides Allah. We have rejected you, and there has arisen between us and you, hostility and hatred forever – until you believe in Allah alone.” (al-Mumtahia 60/4) And Allah (swt) said about the mushriks:

“When it is said to them: None has the right to be worshipped except Allah, they become arrogant. And they say: Are we to abandon those deities that we worship because of a mad poet?” (as-Saffat 37/35-36) And this occurs a lot in the Qur‘an.

And what is meant by Tawhid is not merely Tawhid ar-Rububiyyah -the belief that Allah alone is the Creator- which is what some of the people of Kalaam and the Sufis think! So they think that if they affirm this type of Tawhid, along with its proofs, then they have affirmed the utmost limits of Tawhid and that if they bear witness to this and become absorbed in it, then they have absorbed themselves in the limits of Tawhid! However, this is not the case. Since even if a person agreed to those attributes which are befitting to the Lord, and declared Him free from everything He should be declared free from and affirmed that He alone is the creator of everything -then still such a person would not be a muwahhid until along with this, he witnesses that the only Ilah (i.e. object of worship) is Allah- (i.e. none has the right to he worshipped except Allah alone)- affirming that Allah alone is the Ilah deserving off all worship, adhering to this worship and associating no partners with Him. Also affirming that this Ilah is He who is deified and worshipped and who deserves worship and it is not that Ilah merely with the meaning, “The One who has the power to create and originate.”

So if an explainer (of the Qur‘an) explains Ilah to mean, “The One who has the power to create and originate” and believes that this is the most particular description of Ilah and affirms this to be the limits of Tawhid -as is done by the people of Kalaam, and it is what they say from Abu’l-Hasan al-Ash’ari and his followers- then they do not know the true reality of the Tawhid with which Allah sent His Messengers, since the Arab mushriks used to agree that Allah alone is the Creator of everything. Yet despite this, they were still mushriks, as Allah (swt) says: “Most people do not believe in Allah except that they commit shirk (i.e. associate others with Him in belief and worship).” (Yusuf 12/106)

A group from amongst the salaf said: “If you ask them who created the Heavens and the earth, they will say, ‘Allah’ – yet along with this, they worshipped others besides Him.” (narrated from Ibn Abbas (ra) and others; Tabari, Jaami’ul-Bayan an Ta’wilu’l-Qur‘an, 13/50-51) Allah (swt) said:

“Say: ‘Whose is the earth and all that is in it, if you do indeed know?’ They will say, ‘It belongs to Allah.’ Say, ‘Will you not then remember?’ Say, ‘Who is the Lord of the heavens and the Lord of the great Throne?’ They will say, ‘Allah.’ Say, ‘Will you not then fear Him?’” (Mu’minun 23/84-87) So not everyone who affirms that Allah is the Lord of everything and is its Creator, will be a worshipper of Him to the exclusion of everything else -calling upon Him alone, hoping in Him alone, having fear of Him alone, forming allegiance and enmity for Him, obeying His Messengers, ordering what He orders and forbidding what He forbade.”

(Majmua al-Fatawa, 3/97-105)