50 Questions and Answers in Faith

Muhammad Bin Abdul-Wahhab

50 Questions and Answers in Faith, the evidence of monotheism...

Categories: Aqeedah (Islamic Faith) -

The evidence of monotheism

Q1. What are the three basics that every Muslim should know?

A. The knowledge of the slave of his Lord and his religion and his Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him.

Q2. Who is your Lord?

A. My Lord is Allah who graced me and all the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists) by His bliss, He is my Lord and I have no other Lords but Him. The evidence is the words of Allah Almighty: {All the praises and thanks be to Allâh, the Lord of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists)}. [Al-Fatiha 1:2]

{الْحَمْدُ للّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ} [الفاتحة: 2]

Transliteration: Alhamdu lillahi rabbi alAAalameena

And anything other than Allah, including me, is one of the 'Alamin.

Q3. What is the meaning of the Lord?

A. The Owner, the deity, the Administrator, the worthy of worship.

Q4. How do you know your Lord?

A. I know Him through His Signs and His creatures. From His signs are night and day, sun and moon; and from His creatures are the seven heavens and the seven earths and all that which lie therein and between them. The evidence is the words of Allah Almighty: {And from among His Signs are the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. Prostrate yourselves not to the sun nor to the moon, but prostrate yourselves to Allâh Who created them, if you (really) worship Him.} [Surat Fussilat 41:37].

{وَمِنْ آيَاتِهِ اللَّيْلُ وَالنَّهَارُ وَالشَّمْسُ وَالْقَمَرُ لَا تَسْجُدُوا لِلشَّمْسِ وَلَا لِلْقَمَرِ وَاسْجُدُوا لِلَّهِ الَّذِي خَلَقَهُنَّ إِن كُنتُمْ إِيَّاهُ تَعْبُدُونَ} [فصلت: 37]

Transliteration: Wamin ayatihi allaylu waalnnaharu waalshshamsu waalqamaru la tasjudoo lilshshamsi wala lilqamari waosjudoo lillahi alathee khalaqahunna in kuntum iyyahu taAAbudoona

And His words: {Indeed your Lord is Allâh, Who created the heavens and the earth in Six Days, and then He rose over (Istawâ) the Throne (really in a manner that suits His Majesty). He brings the night as a cover over the day, seeking it rapidly, and (He created) the sun, the moon, the stars subjected to His Command. Surely, His is the Creation and Commandment. Blessed is Allâh, the Lord of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists)!} [Surat Al-A'râf 7:54].

{إِنَّ رَبَّكُمُ اللّهُ الَّذِي خَلَقَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضَ فِي سِتَّةِ أَيَّامٍ ثُمَّ اسْتَوَى عَلَى الْعَرْشِ يُغْشِي اللَّيْلَ النَّهَارَ يَطْلُبُهُ حَثِيثاً وَالشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ وَالنُّجُومَ مُسَخَّرَاتٍ بِأَمْرِهِ أَلاَ لَهُ الْخَلْقُ وَالأَمْرُ تَبَارَكَ اللّهُ رَبُّ الْعَالَمِينَ} [الأعراف: 54]

Transliteration: Inna rabbakumu Allahu allathee khalaqa alssamawati waalarda fee sittati ayyamin thumma istawa AAala alAAarshi yughshee allayla alnnahara yatlubuhu hatheethan waalshshamsa waalqamara waalnnujooma musakhkharatin biamrihi ala lahu alkhalqu waalamru tabaraka Allahu rabbu alAAalameena

Q5. What is your religion?

A. My religion is Islam: it is to surrender to Allah by believing in His oneness and by following only His orders in obedience. The evidence is the words of Allah Almighty: {Truly, the religion with Allâh is Islâm} [Surat Al-’Imran 3:19].

{إِنَّ الدِّينَ عِندَ اللّهِ الإِسْلاَمُ} [آل عمران: 19]

Transliteration: Inna alddeena AAinda Allahi alislamu

Another evidence is His words: {And whoever seeks a religion other than Islâm, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers} [Surat Al-’Imran 3:85]

{وَمَن يَبْتَغِ غَيْرَ الإِسْلاَمِ دِيناً فَلَن يُقْبَلَ مِنْهُ وَهُوَ فِي الآخِرَةِ مِنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ} [آل عمران: 85]

Transliteration: Waman yabtaghi ghayra alislami deenan falan yuqbala minhu wahuwa fee alakhirati mina alkhasireena

Another evidence is the words of Allah almighty: {This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islâm as your religion.} [Surat Al-Mâ'idah 5:3]

{الْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِي وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ الإِسْلاَمَ دِيناً} [المائدة: 3]

Transliteration: alyawma akmaltu lakum deenakum waatmamtu AAalaykum niAAmatee waradeetu lakumu alislama deenan

Q6. on what basis is this religion established?

A. Islam is based on five principles: the first is to testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is His slave and Messenger; to offer the prayers dutifully and perfectly; to pay Zakat (i.e. obligatory alms-giving), to observe fast during the month of Ramadan, and to perform Hajj. (i.e. Pilgrimage to Mecca) if you can afford it.

Q7. what is faith?

A. it is to believe in Allah, angles, books, messengers and the Hereafter. It is to believe in fate, good and evil. The evidence is the words of Allah almighty: {The Messenger (Muhammad) believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and (so do) the believers. Each one believes in Allâh, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers.} [Surat Al-Baqarah 2:285]

{آمَنَ الرَّسُولُ بِمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْهِ مِن رَّبِّهِ وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ كُلٌّ آمَنَ بِاللّهِ وَمَلآئِكَتِهِ وَكُتُبِهِ وَرُسُلِهِ} [البقرة: 285]

Transliteration: Amana alrrasoolu bima onzila ilayhi min rabbihi waalmuminoona kullun amana biAllahi wamalaikatihi wakutubihi warusulihi

Q8. what is Al-Ihsân?

A. it is to worship Allah as if you are seeing Him, for though you do not see Him, He, verily, sees you. The evidence is the words of Allah almighty: {Truly, Allâh is with those who fear Him (keep their duty unto Him), and those who are Muhsinûn (good-doers)} [Surat An-Nahl 16:125]

{إِنَّ اللّهَ مَعَ الَّذِينَ اتَّقَواْ وَّالَّذِينَ هُم مُّحْسِنُونَ} [النحل: 128]

Transliteration: Inna Allaha maAAa allatheena ittaqaw waallatheena hum muhsinoona

Q9. who is your Prophet?

A. my Prophet is Muhammad ibn Abdullah ibn Abd Al-Muttalib ibn Hashim, and Hashim is from Quraish and Quraish is from Kinânah and Kinânah is from the Arabs and the Arabs are the descendants of Ismâ'il (Ishmael), son of Ibrâhim (Abraham), who are the descendants of Nûh (Noah), peace be upon them all.

Q10. what was his prophet-hood and revelation?

A. by 'read' and 'Al-Muddaththir' (the one enveloped in garments).

Q11. What is a miracle?

A. it is the Qur'an, which all creatures failed to produce even one Surat of the like, but they could not despite the intensity of their eloquence and enmity for those who follow it. Allah Almighty has said: {and if you (Arab pagans, Jews, and Christians) are in doubt concerning that which We have sent down (i.e. the Qur’ân) to Our slave (Muhammad), then produce a Sûrah (chapter) of the like thereof and call your witnesses (supporters and helpers) besides Allâh, if you are truthful.} [Surat Al-Baqarah 2:23]

{وَإِن كُنتُمْ فِي رَيْبٍ مِّمَّا نَزَّلْنَا عَلَى عَبْدِنَا فَأْتُواْ بِسُورَةٍ مِّن مِّثْلِهِ وَادْعُواْ شُهَدَاءكُم مِّن دُونِ اللّهِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ صَادِقِينَ} [البقرة: 23]

Transliteration: Wain kuntum fee raybin mimma nazzalna AAala AAabdina fatoo bisooratin min mithlihi waodAAoo shuhadaakum min dooni Allahi in kuntum sadiqeena

And in another verse: {Say: "If the mankind and the jinn were together to produce the like of this Qur’ân, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they helped one another."} [Surat Al-Isrâ' 17:88]

{قُل لَّئِنِ اجْتَمَعَتِ الإِنسُ وَالْجِنُّ عَلَى أَن يَأْتُواْ بِمِثْلِ هَـذَا الْقُرْآنِ لاَ يَأْتُونَ بِمِثْلِهِ وَلَوْ كَانَ بَعْضُهُمْ لِبَعْضٍ ظَهِيراً} [الإسراء: 88]

Transliteration: Qul laini ijtamaAAati alinsu waaljinnu AAala an yatoo bimithli hatha alqurani la yatoona bimithlihi walaw kana baAAduhum libaAAdin thaheeran

Q12. what is the evidence that he is the Messenger of Allah?

A. the words of Allah Almighty: {Muhammad is no more than a Messenger, and indeed (many) Messengers have passed away before him. If he dies or is killed, will you then turn back on your heels (as disbelievers)? And he who turns back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to Allâh; and Allâh will give reward to those who are grateful.} [Surat Al-'Imrân 3:144]

{وَمَا مُحَمَّدٌ إِلاَّ رَسُولٌ قَدْ خَلَتْ مِن قَبْلِهِ الرُّسُلُ أَفَإِن مَّاتَ أَوْ قُتِلَ انقَلَبْتُمْ عَلَى أَعْقَابِكُمْ وَمَن يَنقَلِبْ عَلَىَ عَقِبَيْهِ فَلَن يَضُرَّ اللّهَ شَيْئاً وَسَيَجْزِي اللّهُ الشَّاكِرِينَ} [آل عمران: 144]

Transliteration: Wama muhammadun illa rasoolun qad khalat min qablihi alrrusulu afain mata aw qutila inqalabtum AAala aAAqabikum waman yanqalib AAala AAaqibayhi falan yadurra Allaha shayan wasayajzee Allahu alshshakireena

And His words: {Muhammad is the Messenger of Allâh. And those who are with him are severe against disbelievers, and merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and falling down prostrate (in prayer),} [Surat Al-Fath 48:28]

{مُّحَمَّدٌ رَّسُولُ اللَّهِ وَالَّذِينَ مَعَهُ أَشِدَّاء عَلَى الْكُفَّارِ رُحَمَاء بَيْنَهُمْ تَرَاهُمْ رُكَّعاً سُجَّداً} [الفتح: 29]

Transliteration: Muhammadun rasoolu Allahi waallatheena maAAahu ashiddao AAala alkuffari ruhamao baynahum tarahum rukkaAAan sujjadan

Q13: what is the evidence of the prophet-hood of Muhammad?

A. the evidence of his prophet-hood is the words of Allah Almighty: {Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allâh and the last (end) of the Prophets.} [Surat Al-Ahzâb 33:40].

{مَّا كَانَ مُحَمَّدٌ أَبَا أَحَدٍ مِّن رِّجَالِكُمْ وَلَكِن رَّسُولَ اللَّهِ وَخَاتَمَ النَّبِيِّينَ} [الأحزاب: 40]

Transliteration: Ma kana muhammadun aba ahadin min rijalikum walakin rasoola Allahi wakhatama alnnabiyyeena

The previous verses are evidence that Muhammad is a Prophet and that he is the last end of Prophets.

Q14. what has Allah sent Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, with?

A. worshipping Allah alone Who has no partner, not to take other deities rather than Allah; not to worship the angels, the prophets, the righteous, the stones or the trees. This is revealed in His words: {And We did not send any Messenger before you (O Muhammad) but We revealed to him (saying): Lâ ilâha illa Ana [none has the right to be worshipped but I (Allâh)], so worship Me (Alone and none else).} [Surat Al-Anbiyâ' 21:25]

{وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا مِن قَبْلِكَ مِن رَّسُولٍ إِلَّا نُوحِي إِلَيْهِ أَنَّهُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنَا فَاعْبُدُونِ} [الأنبياء: 25]

Transliteration: Wama arsalna min qablika min rasoolin illa noohee ilayhi annahu la ilaha illa ana faoAAbudooni

And His words: {And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): "Worship Allâh (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Tâghût (all false deities i.e. do not worship Tâghût besides Allâh)."} [Surat An-Nahl 16:36]

{وَلَقَدْ بَعَثْنَا فِي كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ رَّسُولاً أَنِ اعْبُدُواْ اللّهَ وَاجْتَنِبُواْ الطَّاغُوتَ} [النحل: 36]

Transliteration: Walaqad baAAathna fee kulli ommatin rasoolan ani oAAbudoo Allaha waijtaniboo alttaghoota

And: {And ask (O Muhammad) those of Our Messengers whom We sent before you: "Did We ever appoint âlihâh (gods) to be worshipped besides the Most Gracious (Allâh)?"} [Surat Az-Zukhruf 43:45]

{وَاسْأَلْ مَنْ أَرْسَلْنَا مِن قَبْلِكَ مِن رُّسُلِنَا أَجَعَلْنَا مِن دُونِ الرَّحْمَنِ آلِهَةً يُعْبَدُونَ} [الزخرف: 45]

Transliteration: Waisal man arsalna min qablika min rusulina ajaAAalna min dooni alrrahmani alihatan yuAAbadoona

And: {And I (Allâh) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone).} [Surat Az-Zâriyât 51:56]

{وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ} [الذاريات: 56]

Transliteration: Wama khalaqtu aljinna waalinsa illa liyaAAbudooni

These verses show that Allah has created all His creations only to worship Him; so he has send His Messengers to His slaves to order them of worshipping him.

Q15. what is the difference between the Unity of Lordship and the Unity of Worship?

A. the Unity of Lordship is the act of the Lord, such as the creation, sustenance, giving life and death, bringing rain, planting, and the management of matters. And the Unity of worship is the act of the slave of Allah, such as invocation, fear, hope and trust, and turning to Him, desire, and dread, and vows, and distress, and other types of worship.

Q16. what are the types of worship due only to Allah?

A. they are: supplication, asking for help and support, offering sacrifices and vows, fear and hope, and trust and turning to Allah in repentance, love, desire and dread, and apotheosis, bowing and prostrating, reverence, humbling, and veneration which is one of the characteristics of divinity.

Q17. what is the greatest command by Allah? And what is His greatest forbidden thing?

A. the greatest command of Allah is the unification of Him by worship, and the greatest forbidden thing is to set up partners with Him, which is that to invoke other than Him, or to intend other types of worship to other than Him. Whoever performs any types of worship to other than Allah, then he has taken him a lord and a god, and associates Him with others, or means other types of worship to him.

Q18. what are the three issues that we should learn and act accordingly?

A. the first: that Allah has created us and has provided for us, He has not left us being neglected; He has sent a Messenger for us, he who obeys him will enter Paradise and he who disobeys him will enter Hellfire.

The second: that Allah does not approve that anyone be associated in worship with Him; neither a close angle nor a sent prophet.

The third: that whoever obeys the Messenger and believes in monotheism should not make friendship with those who oppose Allah and His Messenger, even if they were the closest relatives.

Q19. what is the meaning of Allah?

A. it means the Divine and the worshipped by all His creatures.

Q20. for what purpose has Allah created you?

A. for worshipping Him.

Q21. what is worshipping Him?

A. believing in his monotheism and obeying Him.

Q22. what is the evidence to this?

A. the words of Allah Almighty: {And I (Allâh) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone).} [Surat Az-Zâriyât 51:56]

{وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ} [الذاريات: 56]

Transliteration: Wama khalaqtu aljinna waalinsa illa liyaAAbudooni

Q23. what is the first thing Allah has ordained upon us?

A. the words of Allah Almighty: {There is no compulsion in religion. 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.} [Surat Al-Baqarah 2:256]

{لاَ إِكْرَاهَ فِي الدِّينِ قَد تَّبَيَّنَ الرُّشْدُ مِنَ الْغَيِّ فَمَنْ يَكْفُرْ بِالطَّاغُوتِ وَيُؤْمِن بِاللّهِ فَقَدِ اسْتَمْسَكَ بِالْعُرْوَةِ الْوُثْقَىَ لاَ انفِصَامَ لَهَا وَاللّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ} [البقرة: 256]

Transliteration: La ikraha fee alddeeni qad tabayyana alrrushdu mina alghayyi faman yakfur bialttaghooti wayumin biAllahi faqadi istamsaka bialAAurwati alwuthqa la infisama laha waAllahu sameeAAun AAaleemun

Q24. what is 'the most trustworthy handhold'?

A. it is: there is no god but Allah. 'There is no god' is negation. 'But Allah' is affirmation.

Q25. what is the negation and the affirmation here?

A. it is the negation of anything to be worshipped other than Allah, and it is the affirmation of worshipping Allah Alone Who has no partners.

Q26. what is the evidence to this?

A. the evidence for negation is the words of Allah Almighty: {And (remember) when Ibrâhîm (Abraham) said to his father and his people: Verily, I am innocent of what you worship,} [Surat Az-Zukhruf 43:26],

{وَإِذْ قَالَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ لِأَبِيهِ وَقَوْمِهِ إِنَّنِي بَرَاء مِّمَّا تَعْبُدُونَ} [الزخرف: 26]

Transliteration: Waith qala ibraheemu liabeehi waqawmihi innanee baraon mimma taAAbudoona

And the evidence for affirmation is His words: {Except Him (i.e. I worship none but Allâh Alone) Who did create me.} [Surat Az-Zukhruf 43:27].

{إِلَّا الَّذِي فَطَرَنِي} [الزخرف: 27]

Transliteration: Illa allathee fataranee

Q27. how many Tâgûts are there?

A. there are many Tâgûts, the heads of which are five: Satan, may it be cursed by Allah; whoever being worshipped other than Allah, and he is pleased with that; whoever call people for worshipping him; whoever claims knowledge of the unseen; whoever judges with what Allah has not revealed.

Q28. what are the best deeds after the two testimonies (i.e testifying that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah)?

A. the best of deeds are the five obligatory prayers. They have stipulations, pillars and obligations. The greatest of their stipulations are: Islam, sanity and being of age, purity from hadeth (by wudu, tayammum, ghusl), clean clothes, body, place of prostration, covering the awrah, facing the qibla, with the chest facing the direction of the Ka'ba, confidence of the time of prayer, and the intention.

The pillars of prayers are fourteen. They are: standing with the ability to stand, the first takbeer (saying: Allah-u-akbar (Allah is the greatest)), reciting Surat Al-Fâtihah, bowing and erecting from bowing, prostrating on the seven organs (the two hands, feet, knees and the forehead), and erecting sitting from it, sitting between the two prostrations, tranquility while performing these pillars, the correct arrangement of the pillars, the final Tashahhud, sitting for the Tashahhud, saying: peace and blessing of Allah be upon the Prophet, and the Taslîm (saying: assalamu 'alaykum wa rahmatu Allah: peace and mercy of Allah be upon you).

The obligations of prayers are eight. They are: all the Takbîrs except for the first one, saying: Subhana Rabya Al-‘Atheem (Glory be to my Lord the Great) while kneeling, saying: Sami’a Allahu Liman Hamidah (May Allah answer he who praises Him) by the Imam and the individual, saying: Rabana walaka Al-Hamd (O Lord, All praise is due to you) by the Imam and the one praying after him and the individual, saying: Subhan Rabya Al-A’la (Praise be to my lord The Most High) while prostrating, saying: Rabi Ighfir lee (O my Lord forgive me) between the two prostrations, reading the first Tashahhud and sitting for it. Except for the previous, it is from the Sunnah, whether words or deeds.

Q29. Does Allah resurrect people after death? Does He call people to account for their deeds whether good or evil? Those who obeyed Him enter Paradise? Those who disbelieved in Him and associated others with Him enter Hell?

A. yes. The evidence is the words of Allah almighty: {The disbelievers pretend that they will never be resurrected (for the Account). Say (O Muhammad): Yes! By my Lord, you will certainly be resurrected, then you will be informed of (and recompensed for) what you did; and that is easy for Allâh.} [Surat At-Taghâbun :7].

{زَعَمَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا أَن لَّن يُبْعَثُوا قُلْ بَلَى وَرَبِّي لَتُبْعَثُنَّ ثُمَّ لَتُنَبَّؤُنَّ بِمَا عَمِلْتُمْ وَذَلِكَ عَلَى اللَّهِ يَسِيرٌ} [التغابن: 7]

Transliteration: ZaAAama allatheena kafaroo an lan yubAAathoo qul bala warabbee latubAAathunna thumma latunabbaonna bima AAamiltum wathalika AAala Allahi yaseerun

And His words: {Thereof (the earth) We created you, and into it We shall return you, and from it We shall bring you out once again} [Surat Tâha 20:55]

{مِنْهَا خَلَقْنَاكُمْ وَفِيهَا نُعِيدُكُمْ وَمِنْهَا نُخْرِجُكُمْ تَارَةً أُخْرَى} [طه: 55]

Transliteration: Minha khalaqnakum wafeeha nuAAeedukum waminha nukhrijukum taratan okhra

There is countless evidence about this matter in the Quran.

Q30. what is the ruling of someone who offers a slaughter for other than Allah?

A. the ruling is that he is a disbeliever and apostate whose sacrifice is not permissible to be eaten from; because it meets two objections:

The first: it is the sacrifice of an apostate which is unanimously impermissible,

The second: it is slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than Allah which Allah has forbidden in His words: {Say (O Muhammad): I find not in that which has been revealed to me anything forbidden to be eaten by one who wishes to eat it, unless it be Maitah (a dead animal) or blood poured forth (by slaughtering or the like), or the flesh of swine (pork); for that surely is impure or impious (unlawful) meat (of an animal) which is slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than Allâh (or has been slaughtered for idols, or on which Allâh’s Name has not been mentioned while slaughtering).} [Surat Al-An'âm 6:145]

{قُل لاَّ أَجِدُ فِي مَا أُوْحِيَ إِلَيَّ مُحَرَّماً عَلَى طَاعِمٍ يَطْعَمُهُ إِلاَّ أَن يَكُونَ مَيْتَةً أَوْ دَماً مَّسْفُوحاً أَوْ لَحْمَ خِنزِيرٍ فَإِنَّهُ رِجْسٌ أَوْ فِسْقاً أُهِلَّ لِغَيْرِ اللّهِ بِهِ} [الأنعام: 145]

Transliteration: Qul la ajidu fee ma oohiya ilayya muharraman AAala taAAimin yatAAamuhu illa an yakoona maytatan aw daman masfoohan aw lahma khinzeerin fainnahu rijsun aw fisqan ohilla lighayri Allahi bihi

Q31. what are the types of Polytheism (setting up partners (in worship) with Allah)?

A. they are: invoking the dead and asking them for help and guidance; which is the Polytheism of the world. The work of the dead has ceased; he has no power either for benefit or for harm to himself not to mention to those who ask for his help and sought for his intercession to Allah. This is because of his ignorance of both the intercessor and the interceded to. Allah almighty does not allow anyone to intercede with Him except with His Permission. Allah has not made asking others than Him a means of His permission; the perfection of His unification is the means of His permission. So this polytheist has come with a reason to prevent His permission.

Polytheism is two kinds: the greater Polytheism which expels from the pale of Islam, and the smaller Polytheism which does not expel from the pale of Islam as the Polytheism of hypocrisy.

Q32. what are the types of hypocrisy? And what is its meaning?

A. Hypocrisy has two types: hypocrisy in the doctrine and hypocrisy in practice.

Hypocrisy in the doctrine is mentioned in many places in the Quran where Allah Almighty has ordained for the hypocrites the lowest depth (grade) of the Fire.

Hypocrisy in practice is mentioned in the Hadith of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him: “Whoever has the following four (characteristics) will be a pure hypocrite and whoever has one of the following four characteristics will have one characteristic of hypocrisy unless and until he gives it up. Whenever he speaks, he tells a lie. Whenever he makes a covenant, he proves treacherous. Whenever he quarrels, he behaves in a very imprudent, evil and insulting manner. And whenever he is entrusted, he betrays.” [Reported by Al-Bukhari]

»أربع من كن فيه كان منافقا خالصا ، ومن كانت فيه خصلة منهن كانت فيه خصلة من النفاق حتى يدعها: إذا اؤتمن خان ، وإذا حدث كذب ، وإذا عاهد غدر ، وإذا خاصم فجر «رواه البخاري

And as in his words, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him: “The signs of a hypocrite are three. Whenever he speaks, he tells a lie. Whenever he promises, he always breaks it (his promise). If you trust him, he proves to be dishonest. (If you keep something as a trust with him, he will not return it.)” [Agreed upon]

»آية المنافق ثلاث: إذا حدث كذب ، وإذا وعد أخلف ، وإذا اؤتمن خان« متفق عليه

Some virtuous people said: this type of hypocrisy may meet with the origin of Islam; but if it increased excessively its owner will be totally detached from the pale of Islam even if he performed prayers and observed fasting and proclaimed that he is a Muslim. Faith forbids these characteristics, which if complemented by the slave, and that he did not have what would prohibit him from any of them, he would not only be but a pure hypocrite.

Q33. what is the second rank of Islam?

A. it is faith.

Q34. how many branches of faith are there?

A. some seventy branches; the most excellent of which is the declaration that 'there is no god but Allah' and the humblest of which is the removal of what is injurious from the road, and modesty is a branch of faith.

Q35. how many pillars of faith are there?

A. six: To believe in Allah, His angels, His Books, His Messengers, the Last Day, and to believe in the Divine destiny whether good or evil.

Q36. what is the third rank of Islam?

A. it is Al-Ihsân. It has one pillar which is to worship Allah as if you are seeing Him, and if that you cannot see Him, He verily sees you.

Q37. are people to account for their deeds and be rewarded for them after Resurrection?

A. yes they are to account for their deeds and will be rewarded for them. The evidence is the words of Allah Almighty: {that He may requite those who do evil with that which they have done (i.e. punish them in Hell), and reward those who do good, with what is best (i.e. Paradise).} [Surat An-Najm 53:31]

{لِيَجْزِيَ الَّذِينَ أَسَاؤُوا بِمَا عَمِلُوا وَيَجْزِيَ الَّذِينَ أَحْسَنُوا بِالْحُسْنَى} [النجم: 31]

Transliteration: liyajziya allatheena asaoo bima AAamiloo wayajziya allatheena ahsanoo bialhusna

Q38. what is the ruling on him who disbelieves in Resurrection?

A. he is an infidel disbeliever. The evidence is the words of Allah Almighty: {The disbelievers pretend that they will never be resurrected (for the Account). Say (O Muhammad): Yes! By my Lord, you will certainly be resurrected, then you will be informed of (and recompensed for) what you did; and that is easy for Allâh.} [Surat At-Taghâbun 64:7]

Transliteration: ZaAAama allatheena kafaroo an lan yubAAathoo qul bala warabbee latubAAathunna thumma latunabbaonna bima AAamiltum wathalika AAala Allahi yaseerun

Q39. was there any nation left that Allah has not sent a messenger to order it to worship Allah alone and avoid the idol?

A. no, there was not. The evidence is the words of Allah Almighty: {And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): "Worship Allâh (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Tâghût (all false deities i.e. do not worship Tâghût besides Allâh)."} [Surat An-Nahl 16:36]

Transliteration: Walaqad baAAathna fee kulli ommatin rasoolan ani oAAbudoo Allaha waijtaniboo alttaghoota

Q40. what are the types of Monotheism?

A. the Unity of Lordship: it is recognized by the infidels as in the words of Allah Almighty: {Say (O Muhammad): "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: "Allâh." Say: "Will you not then be afraid of Allâh’s punishment (for setting up rivals in worship with Allâh)?"} [Surat Yûnus 10:31]

{قُلْ مَن يَرْزُقُكُم مِّنَ السَّمَاءِ وَالأَرْضِ أَمَّن يَمْلِكُ السَّمْعَ والأَبْصَارَ وَمَن يُخْرِجُ الْحَيَّ مِنَ الْمَيِّتِ وَيُخْرِجُ الْمَيَّتَ مِنَ الْحَيِّ وَمَن يُدَبِّرُ الأَمْرَ فَسَيَقُولُونَ اللّهُ فَقُلْ أَفَلاَ تَتَّقُونَ} [يونس: 31]

Transliteration: Qul man yarzuqukum mina alssamai waalardi amman yamliku alssamAAa waalabsara waman yukhriju alhayya mina almayyiti wayukhriju almayyita mina alhayyi waman yudabbiru alamra fasayaqooloona Allahu faqul afala tattaqoona

The Unity of Worship: it is to be sincere in worship to Allah alone other than all creatures. Allah in the talks of Arabs is the one to whom worship is directed. They used to say Allah is the Lord of Lords; they associated other deities with Him like the angles and the righteous and others. They used to say that Allah is pleased with this and that they intercede for us with Him.

The Unity of Attributes: the Unity of Lordship and the Unity of Worship are not complete but by recognizing the Unity of Attributes. The disbelievers were the sanest who denied the attributes.

Q41. what should I do when Allah orders me to do something?

A. you have to abide by seven ranks.

The first is to know it. The second is to love it. The third is to determine to do it. The fourth is to do it. The fifth is to do it for His sake purely and rightfully. The sixth is to warn against doing anything that might make it fruitless. The seventh is to be steady in doing it.

Q42. if man knew that Allah has ordered monotheism and has forbidden polytheism, do these ranks apply to him?

A. The first rank: most people know that monotheism is true and that polytheism is falsehood, but they turned away from it and did not ask about it. They know that Allah has forbidden usury, however they buy and sell and do not ask about it. They know the prohibition of eating up the property of the orphan and that it is permissible to justly take from it, yet they take the responsibility of the property pf the orphan and do not ask about it.

The second rank: to love what Allah has revealed and that who hates this is a disbeliever. Most people did not love the Messenger of Allah but hated him. They hated what he has been sent with, though that they knew it was from Allah.

The third rank: the determination to do it. Most people know what is obligatory but do not determine to do it because they fear the change to his worldly life.

The fourth rank: performing the action itself. When most people determine to do or do something and realize that some sheikhs or other feel the grandeur of this work quit doing it.

The fifth rank: most of the work is not done purely for Allah's sake, and if it is for His sake it is not done right.

The sixth rank: the righteous fear that their work becomes fruitless. Allah almighty has said: {lest your deeds should be rendered fruitless while you perceive not} [Surat Al-Hujurât 49:2]

{أَن تَحْبَطَ أَعْمَالُكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تَشْعُرُونَ} [الحجرات: 2]

Transliteration: an tahbata aAAmalukum waantum la tashAAuroona

This is least of things in our time.

The seventh rank: being steady on the right and fearing the bad end; and this is also one of the greatest things which is feared by the righteous.

Q43. what is the meaning of disbelief? What are its types?

A. Disbelief has two types

The first type: the disbelief that banishes out from the pale of Islam. It has five kinds.

The first kind: the disbelief of denial. Allah Almighty has said: {And who does more aggression and wrong than he who invents a lie against Allâh or rejects His Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons or revelations)? Verily, the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers) shall never be successful.} [Surat Al-An’âm 6:21]

{وَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنِ افْتَرَى عَلَى اللّهِ كَذِباً أَوْ كَذَّبَ بِآيَاتِهِ إِنَّهُ لاَ يُفْلِحُ الظَّالِمُونَ} [الأنعام: 21]

Transliteration: Waman athlamu mimmani iftara AAala Allahi kathiban aw kaththaba biayatihi innahu la yuflihu alththalimoona

The second kind: the disbelief of refusal and arrogance with believing. Allah Almighty has said: {And (remember) when We said to the angels: "Prostrate yourselves before Adam." And they prostrated except Iblîs (Satan), he refused and was proud and was one of the disbelievers (disobedient to Allâh).} [Surat Al-Baqarh 2:34].

{وَإِذْ قُلْنَا لِلْمَلاَئِكَةِ اسْجُدُواْ لآدَمَ فَسَجَدُواْ إِلاَّ إِبْلِيسَ أَبَى وَاسْتَكْبَرَ وَكَانَ مِنَ الْكَافِرِينَ} [البقرة: 34]

Transliteration: Waith qulna lilmalaikati osjudoo liadama fasajadoo illa ibleesa aba waistakbara wakana mina alkafireena

The third kind: the disbelief of doubt which is the disbelief of assumption. Allah Almighty has said: {And he went into his garden while in a state (of pride and disbelief) unjust to himself. He said: "I think not that this will ever perish. (35) "And I think not the Hour will ever come, and if indeed I am brought back to my Lord, (on the Day of Resurrection), I surely shall find better than this when I return to Him." (36) His companion said to him during the talk with him: "Do you disbelieve in Him Who created you out of dust (i.e. your father Adam), then out of Nutfah (mixed semen drops of male and female discharge), then fashioned you into a man?} [Surat Al-Kahf 18:35-37].

{وَدَخَلَ جَنَّتَهُۥ وَهُوَ ظَالِمٌ لِّنَفْسِهِۦ قَالَ مَآ أَظُنُّ أَن تَبِيدَ هَـٰذِهِۦٓ أَبَدًا ﴿٣٥﴾ وَمَآ أَظُنُّ ٱلسَّاعَةَ قَآئِمَةً وَلَئِن رُّدِدتُّ إِلَىٰ رَبِّى لَأَجِدَنَّ خَيْرًا مِّنْهَا مُنقَلَبًا ﴿٣٦﴾ قَالَ لَهُۥ صَاحِبُهُۥ وَهُوَ يُحَاوِرُهُۥٓ أَكَفَرْتَ بِٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكَ مِن تُرَابٍ ثُمَّ مِن نُّطْفَةٍ ثُمَّ سَوَّىٰكَ رَجُلًا} ]الكهف: 35-37]

Transliteration: Wadakhala jannatahu wahuwa thalimun linafsihi qala ma athunnu an tabeeda hathihi abadan (35) Wama athunnu alssaAAata qaimatan walain rudidtu ila rabbee laajidanna khayran minha munqalaban (36) Qala lahu sahibuhu wahuwa yuhawiruhu akafarta biallathee khalaqaka min turabin thumma min nutfatin thumma sawwaka rajulan

The fourth kind: the disbelief of rejection. The evidence is the words of Allah Almighty: (But those who disbelieve turn away from that whereof they are warned.) [Surat Al-Ahqâf 46:3].

{وَالَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا عَمَّا أُنذِرُوا مُعْرِضُونَ} [الأحقاف: 3]

Transliteration:waallatheena kafaroo AAamma onthiroo muAAridoona

The fifth kind: the disbelief of hypocrisy. The evidence is the words of Allah Almighty: {That is because they believed, and then disbelieved; therefore their hearts are sealed, so they understand not.} [Surat Al-Munhfiqûn 63:3].

{ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ ءَامَنُوا۟ ثُمَّ كَفَرُوا۟ فَطُبِعَ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِهِمْ فَهُمْ لَا يَفْقَهُونَ} [المنافقون: 3]

Transliteration: Thalika biannahum amanoo thumma kafaroo fatubiAAa AAala quloobihim fahum la yafqahoona

The second type of the two types of infidelity: it is the smaller disbelief that does not banish from the pale of Islam which is the disbelief of denying the favors of Allah:

The evidence is the words of Allah Almighty: {And Allâh 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 Allâh (with ungratefulness). So Allâh made it taste extreme of hunger (famine) and fear, because of that (evil, i.e. denying Prophet Muhammad) which they (its people) used to do} [Surat An-Nahl 16:112].

{وَضَرَبَ اللّهُ مَثَلاً قَرْيَةً كَانَتْ آمِنَةً مُّطْمَئِنَّةً يَأْتِيهَا رِزْقُهَا رَغَداً مِّن كُلِّ مَكَانٍ فَكَفَرَتْ بِأَنْعُمِ اللّهِ فَأَذَاقَهَا اللّهُ لِبَاسَ الْجُوعِ وَالْخَوْفِ بِمَا كَانُواْ يَصْنَعُونَ} [النحل: 112]

Transliteration: Wadaraba Allahu mathalan qaryatan kanat aminatan mutmainnatan yateeha rizquha raghadan min kulli makanin fakafarat bianAAumi Allahi faathaqaha Allahu libasa aljooAAi waalkhawfi bima kanoo yasnaAAoona

And His words: {Verily, man is indeed an extreme wrong-doer, a disbeliever (an extreme ingrate who denies Allâh’s Blessings by disbelief, and by worshipping others besides Allâh, and by disobeying Allâh and His Prophet Muhammad)} [Surat Ibrâhîm 14:34]

{إِنَّ الإِنسَانَ لَظَلُومٌ كَفَّارٌ} [إبراهيم: 34]

Transliteration: inna alinsana lathaloomun kaffarun

Q44. what is polytheism? And what are its types?

A. you should know that Polytheism is opposed to Monotheism. Polytheism (setting up partners (in worship) with Allah) has three types: the greater polytheism, the smaller polytheism and the hidden polytheism.

The first type is the greater polytheism; it has four kinds.

The first: invoking other than Allah. Allah Almighty has said: {And when they embark on a ship, they invoke Allâh, making their Faith pure for Him only: but when He brings them safely to land, behold, they give a share of their worship to others} [Surat Al-'Ankabût 29:65].

{فَإِذَا رَكِبُوا فِي الْفُلْكِ دَعَوُا اللَّهَ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ الدِّينَ فَلَمَّا نَجَّاهُمْ إِلَى الْبَرِّ إِذَا هُمْ يُشْرِكُونَ} [العنكبوت: 65]

Transliteration: Faitha rakiboo fee alfulki daAAawoo Allaha mukhliseena lahu alddeena falamma najjahum ila albarri itha hum yushrikoona

The second: the polytheism of faith, will and intent. Allah Almighty has said: {Whosoever desires the life of the world and its glitter, to them We shall pay in full (the wages of) their deeds therein, and they will have no diminution therein. (15) They are those for whom there is nothing in the Hereafter but Fire, and vain are the deeds they did therein. And of no effect is that which they used to do.} [Surat Hûd 11:15-16].

{مَن كَانَ يُرِيدُ الْحَيَاةَ الدُّنْيَا وَزِينَتَهَا نُوَفِّ إِلَيْهِمْ أَعْمَالَهُمْ فِيهَا وَهُمْ فِيهَا لاَ يُبْخَسُونَ (15)أُوْلَـئِكَ الَّذِينَ لَيْسَ لَهُمْ فِي الآخِرَةِ إِلاَّ النَّارُ وَحَبِطَ مَا صَنَعُواْ فِيهَا وَبَاطِلٌ مَّا كَانُواْ يَعْمَلُونَ} [هود: 15-16]

Transliteration: Man kana yureedu alhayata alddunya wazeenataha nuwaffi ilayhim aAAmalahum feeha wahum feeha la yubkhasoona (15) Olaika allatheena laysa lahum fee alakhirati illa alnnaru wahabita ma sanaAAoo feeha wabatilun ma kanoo yaAAmaloona

The third: the polytheism of obedience. Allah Almighty has said: {They (Jews and Christians) took their rabbis and their monks to be their lords besides Allâh (by obeying them in things which they made lawful or unlawful according to their own desires without being ordered by Allâh), and (they also took as their Lord) Messiah, son of Maryam (Mary), while they (Jews and Christians) were commanded [in the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] to worship none but One Ilâh (God - Allâh) Lâ ilâha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He). Praise and glory be to Him (far above is He) from having the partners they associate (with Him)."} [Surat At-Taubah 9:31]

{اتَّخَذُواْ أَحْبَارَهُمْ وَرُهْبَانَهُمْ أَرْبَاباً مِّن دُونِ اللّهِ وَالْمَسِيحَ ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ وَمَا أُمِرُواْ إِلاَّ لِيَعْبُدُواْ إِلَـهاً وَاحِداً لاَّ إِلَـهَ إِلاَّ هُوَ سُبْحَانَهُ عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ} [التوبة: 31]

Transliteration: Ittakhathoo ahbarahum waruhbanahum arbaban min dooni Allahi waalmaseeha ibna maryama wama omiroo illa liyaAAbudoo ilahan wahidan la ilaha illa huwa subhanahu AAamma yushrikoona

The fourth: polytheism of love. Allah Almighty has said: {And of mankind are some who take (for worship) others besides Allâh as rivals (to Allâh). They love them as they love Allâh. But those who believe, love Allâh more (than anything else). If only, those who do wrong could see, when they will see the torment, that all power belongs to Allâh and that Allâh is Severe in punishment.} [Surat Al-Baqarah 2:165].

{وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَن يَتَّخِذُ مِن دُونِ اللّهِ أَندَاداً يُحِبُّونَهُمْ كَحُبِّ اللّهِ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ أَشَدُّ حُبّاً لِّلّهِ وَلَوْ يَرَى الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُواْ إِذْ يَرَوْنَ الْعَذَابَ أَنَّ الْقُوَّةَ لِلّهِ جَمِيعاً وَأَنَّ اللّهَ شَدِيدُ الْعَذَابِ} [البقرة: 165]

Transliteration: Wamina alnnasi man yattakhithu min dooni Allahi andadan yuhibboonahum kahubbi Allahi waallatheena amanoo ashaddu hubban lillahi walaw yara allatheena thalamoo ith yarawna alAAathaba anna alquwwata lillahi jameeAAan waanna Allaha shadeedu alAAathabi

The second type of polytheism: the smaller polytheism. It is hypocrisy (pretence). Allah Almighty has said: {So whoever hopes for the Meeting with his Lord, let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord."} [Surat Al-Kahf 18:110].

{فَمَن كَانَ يَرْجُو لِقَاء رَبِّهِ فَلْيَعْمَلْ عَمَلاً صَالِحاً وَلَا يُشْرِكْ بِعِبَادَةِ رَبِّهِ أَحَداً} [الكهف: 110]

Transliteration: faman kana yarjoo liqaa rabbihi falyaAAmal AAamalan salihan wala yushrik biAAibadati rabbihi ahadan

The third type of polytheism: the hidden polytheism. The evidence is the saying of the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him: “polytheism in this nation is more hidden than the footsteps of the black ant on a black screen in the darkness of the night.” [Reported by Ibn Al-Baz with a good chain of transmission]

»الشرك في هذه الأمة أخفى من دبيب النمل على صفاة سوداء في ظلمة الليل« ابن الباز بإسناد حسن

Q45. What is the difference between predestination (al-qadâ') and the Divine destiny (al-qadar)?

A. in the Arabic language al-qadar is the verbal noun of the Arabic verb qaddara (predetermine), then it was used in at-taqdîr (appreciation and elaboration of matters). It was also used in the preordainment of Allah to His creation.

As for al-qadâ' it has been used in global governance, the predestination, and what has been written in the first books. This could be also applied to al-qadar which is the detail and discrimination.

Al-qadar could also be called on the al-qadâ', which is the global governance of the occurrence of predestined things.

Al-qadâ' is also called on the religious legitimate rulings. Allah Almighty has said: {and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission.} [Surat An-Nisâ' 4:65].

{ثُمَّ لاَ يَجِدُواْ فِي أَنفُسِهِمْ حَرَجاً مِّمَّا قَضَيْتَ} [النساء: 65]

Transliteration: thumma la yajidoo fee anfusihim harajan mimma qadayta

Al-qadâ' is called on ending and finishing something or an action, as shown in His words the Almighty: {Then when the (Jumu'ah) Salât (prayer) is ended,}.

{فَإِذَا قُضِيَتِ الصَّلَاةُ}

Transliteration: Faitha qudiyati alssalatu

It is also called on the action itself, Allah Almighty has said: {So decree whatever you desire to decree} [Taa-Haa 20:72]

{فَاقْضِ مَا أَنتَ قَاضٍ} [طه: 72]

Transliteration: faiqdi ma anta qadin

It is called on declaring something. Allah Almighty has said: {"O Malik (Keeper of Hell)! Let your Lord make an end of us."}. [Az-Zukhruf 43:77]

{وَنَادَوْا يَا مَالِكُ لِيَقْضِ عَلَيْنَا رَبُّكَ} [الزخرف: 77]

Transliteration: Wanadaw ya maliku liyaqdi AAalayna rabbuka

It is called on the existence of torment. Allah almighty has said: {and the Decree (of Allâh) was fulfilled (i.e. the destruction of the people of Nûh (Noah).} [Hud 11:44]

{وَقُضِيَ الأَمْرُ} [هود: 44]

Transliteration:waqudiya alamru

It is called on the completion of things as in the words of Allah Almighty: {And be not in haste (O Muhammad) with the Qur’ân before its revelation is completed to you,} [Surat Tâha 20:114].

{وَلَا تَعْجَلْ بِالْقُرْآنِ مِن قَبْلِ أَن يُقْضَى إِلَيْكَ وَحْيُهُ} [طه: 114]

Transliteration: wala taAAjal bialqurani min qabli an yuqda ilayka wahyuhu

It is called on decisiveness and judgment; Allah Almighty has said: {And they (all the creatures) will be judged with truth.}

{وَقُضِيَ بَيْنَهُم بِالْحَقِّ}

Transliteration: waqudiya baynahum bialhaqqi

It is called on the truth as His words, the Almighty: {Then He completed and finished from their creation (as) seven heavens} [Surat Fussilat 41:12],

{فَقَضَاهُنَّ سَبْعَ سَمَاوَاتٍ} [فصلت: 12]

Transliteration: Faqadahunna sabAAa samawatin

And on inevitability as in the words of Allah Almighty: {and it is a matter (already) decreed, (by Allâh).} [Mariam 18:21]

{وَكَانَ أَمْراً مَّقْضِيّاً} [مريم: 21]

Transliteration: wakana amran maqdiyyan

It is called on the religious order: {He has commanded that you worship none but Him (i.e. His Monotheism) ;} [Yusuf 12:40],

{أَمَرَ أَلاَّ تَعْبُدُواْ إِلاَّ إِيَّاهُ} [يوسف: 40]

Transliteration: amara alla taAAbudoo illa iyyahu

It is called on obliging opponents to abide by the judgment, and on the meaning of performance: {So when you have accomplished your Manasik}. [Al-Baqara 2:200]

{فَإِذَا قَضَيْتُم مَّنَاسِكَكُمْ} [البقرة: 200]

Transliteration: Faitha qadaytum manasikakum

Q46. is destiny whether good or evil as a whole from Allah?

A. destiny is both in good and evil. 'Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “We were accompanying a funeral procession in Baqi-I-Gharqad. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, came to us and sat and we sat around him. He had a small stick in his hand then he bent his head and started scraping the ground with it. He then said, "There is none among you, and not a created soul, but Allah has assigned for him their place either in paradise or in Hell and it is also determined for him whether he will be among the blessed or the wretched.”

A man said, "O Allah's Apostle! Should we not depend on what has been written for us and leave the deeds?"

So he said: "whoever amongst us is blessed will do the deeds of a blessed person and whoever amongst us will be wretched, will do the deeds of a wretched person" Then he recited: {As for him who gives (in charity) and keeps his duty to Allâh and fears Him, )5( And believes in Al-Husnâ. )6( We will make smooth for him the path of ease (goodness). )7( But he who is greedy miser and thinks himself self-sufficient. )8( And belies Al-Husnâ )9( We will make smooth for him the path for evil.} [Surat Al-Lail 92:5-10]

{فَأَمَّا مَن أَعْطَى وَاتَّقَى (5) وَصَدَّقَ بِالْحُسْنَى (6) فَسَنُيَسِّرُهُ لِلْيُسْرَى (7) وَأَمَّا مَن بَخِلَ وَاسْتَغْنَى (8) وَكَذَّبَ بِالْحُسْنَى (9) فَسَنُيَسِّرُهُ لِلْعُسْرَى} [الليل: 1-5]

Transliteration: Faamma man aAAta waittaqa (5) Wasaddaqa bialhusna (6) Fasanuyassiruhu lilyusra (7) Waamma man bakhila waistaghna (8) Wakaththaba bialhusna (9) Fasanuyassiruhu lilAAusra

»كنا في جنازة في بقيع الغرقد ، فأتانا النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم ، فقعد وقعدنا حوله ، ومعه مخصرة ، فنكس ، فجعل ينكت بمخصرته ، ثم قال: ما منكم من أحد ، ما من نفس منفوسة ، إلا كتب مكانها من الجنة والنار ، وإلا قد كتب شقية أو سعيدة . فقال رجل: يا رسول الله ، أفلا نتكل على كتابنا وندع العمل ، فمن كان منا من أهل السعادة فسيصير إلى عمل أهل السعادة ، وأما من كان منا من أهل الشقاوة فسيصير إلى عمل أهل الشقاوة ؟ قال: أما أهل السعادة فييسرون لعمل السعادة ، وأما أهل الشقاوة فييسرون لعمل الشقاوة . ثم قرأ: {فأما من أعطى واتقى...} «متفق عليه

And in the Hadith: "Carry on doing (good deeds), for everybody will find it easy to do (what will lead him to his destined place), the good deeds are made easy for the blessed, and bad deeds are made easy for the wretched." Then he recited: {As for him who gives (in charity) and keeps his duty to Allâh and fears Him, (5) And believes in Al-Husnâ.}

{فَأَمَّا مَن أَعْطَى وَاتَّقَى (5)وَصَدَّقَ بِالْحُسْنَى}

Transliteration: Faamma man aAAta waittaqa (5) Wasaddaqa bialhusna

» اعملوا فكل ميسر . أما أهل السعادة فييسرون لعمل أهل السعادة . وأما أهل الشقاوة فييسرون لعمل أهل الشقاوة " . ثم قرأ {فأما من أعطى واتقى (5) وصدق بالحسنى} «رواه مسلم

Q47. what is the meaning of 'there is no god but Allah'?

A. its meaning is that there none who is worthy of being worshipped except Allah, the evidence is the words of Allah Almighty: {And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him}. [Al-Israa’ 17:23]

{وَقَضَى رَبُّكَ أَلاَّ تَعْبُدُواْ إِلاَّ إِيَّاهُ} [الإسراء: 23]

Transliteration: Waqada rabbuka alla taAAbudoo illa iyyahu

His words {worship none} have the meaning of 'there is no god', and His words {but Him} have the meaning 'but Allah'.

Q48. what is the monotheism ordained by Allah on his slaves before performing prayers and observing fasting?

A. it is the Unification of Worship; so that you do not invoke anyone but Allah alone Who has no partners. You do not invoke the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, or no others. Allah Almighty has said: {And the mosques are for Allâh (Alone): so invoke not anyone along with Allâh} [Surat Al-Jinn 72:18].

{وَأَنَّ الْمَسَاجِدَ لِلَّهِ فَلَا تَدْعُوا مَعَ اللَّهِ أَحَداً} [الجن: 18]

Transliteration: Waanna almasajida lillahi fala tadAAoo maAAa Allahi ahadan

Q49. which is better: the poor who is patient or the rich who is grateful?

A. The issue of wealth and poverty, each of the patient and the grateful are of the best believers, but the better of them is the more pious as allah Almighty has said: {Verily, the most honorable of you with Allâh is that (believer) who has At-Taqwâ (i.e. he is one of the Muttaqûn (the pious.)} [Al-Hujjurat 40:13]

{إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ اللَّهِ أَتْقَاكُمْ} [الحجرات: 13]

Transliteration: inna akramakum AAinda Allahi atqakum

As for the limit of patience and gratefulness: the well-known among scholars is that patience is not to panic, and gratefulness is to obey Allah by the grace that He has given you.

Q50. what do you recommend me to do?

A. I recommend and urge you to be a jurisprudent in monotheism and to read its books, they reveal the truth about monotheism which Allah has sent His Messenger with. They also show the reality of polytheism which Allah and His Messenger have forbidden. The Messenger has stated that Paradise is forbidden to the polytheist and that his deeds are rendered as fruitless.

The most important thing is to know the truth of monotheism which Allah has sent His Messenger with. By monotheism a man is considered a Muslim and is far away from polytheism and polytheists.

Write for me something that Allah may benefit me with.

The first thing I advise you to do: pay attention to what Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has brought from Allah Almighty. He has come from Allah with all that the people need. He has left nothing that will bring them closer to Allah and His Paradise but he has ordered them to do. He has left nothing that will keep them away from Allah and bring them closer to His punishment but that he has forbidden them to do and has warned them against it. Thus, Allah has settled the argument upon His creation till the Day of Resurrection, no one has a plea against Allah after the mission of Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

Allah glorified and Exalted has said about him and his fellow Messengers: {Verily, We have sent the revelation to you (O Muhammad) as We sent the revelation to Nûh (Noah) and the Prophets after him;} [Surat An-Nisâ' 4:163]

{إِنَّا أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ كَمَا أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَى نُوحٍ وَالنَّبِيِّينَ مِن بَعْدِهِ}] النساء: 163]

Transliteration: Inna awhayna ilayka kama awhayna ila noohin waalnnabiyyeena min baAAdihi

Till His saying: {Messengers as bearers of good news as well as of warning in order that mankind should have no plea against Allâh after the (coming of) Messengers. And Allâh is Ever All-Powerful, All-Wise} [Surat An-Nisâ' 4:165]

{لِئَلاَّ يَكُونَ لِلنَّاسِ عَلَى اللّهِ حُجَّةٌ بَعْدَ الرُّسُلِ وَكَانَ اللّهُ عَزِيزاً حَكِيماً}] النساء: 165]

Transliteration: lialla yakoona lilnnasi AAala Allahi hujjatun baAAda alrrusuli wakana Allahu AAazeezan hakeeman

The greatest thing of what he has brought from Allah, and the first thing he has ordered people do is to believe in the Oneness of Allah by worshipping Him alone with no partner, and by devotion to Him alone. Allah Glorified and Exalted has said: {O you (Muhammad) enveloped in garments! [1]. Arise and warn! [2]. And magnify your Lord (Allâh)!} [Surat Al-Muddathther 74:1-3].

{يَا أَيُّهَا الْمُدَّثِّرُ (1) قُمْ فَأَنذِرْ (2) وَرَبَّكَ فَكَبِّرْ} [المدثر: 1-3]

Transliteration: Ya ayyuha almuddaththiru (1) Qum faanthir (2) Warabbaka fakabbir

The meaning of {And magnify your Lord (Allâh)} is to magnify your Lord by believing in His monotheism by worshipping and by devotion to Him alone with no partner. This was before the command of prayer, almsgiving and fasting, Hajj and other rituals of Islam.

The meaning of {Arise and warn} is to warn about polytheism in the worshipping of Allah alone with no partner. It was also said it is a warning against adultery, theft, usury and injustice to the people and other major sins.

This is the greatest and most obligated principles of Islam. It is for this principle that Allah has created His creation as shown in His words: {And I (Allâh) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone).} [Surat Az-Zâriyât 51:56].

{وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ} [الذاريات: 56]

Transliteration: Wama khalaqtu aljinna waalinsa illa liyaAAbudooni

For this principle Allah has sent His Messengers and revealed His Books. Allah Almighty has said: {and verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): "Worship Allâh (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Tâghût (all false deities i.e. do not worship Tâghût besides Allâh)."} [Surat An-Nahl 16:36].

Transliteration: Walaqad baAAathna fee kulli ommatin rasoolan ani oAAbudoo Allaha waijtaniboo alttaghoota

And for it people has been dispersed between a Muslim and a disbeliever. Whoever comes to Allah on the Day of Resurrection, believing in His monotheism, not associating anything with Him, will enter Paradise. Whoever comes to Him a polytheist will enter Hellfire even if he was the most worshipper of people. This is the meaning of your saying: (there is no God but Allah). The God is the One Who is invoked, the One Who is hoped for to bring about good and to push away evil, the One Who is feared and Who is trusted in.

By Sheikh Al-Islam: Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahab, may Allah have mercy on him.