Introduction to the basic principles of Islaam

Introduction to the basic principles of Islaam

Posted: Feb 8th, 2005
Author: Shaykh Muhammad ibn 'Abdil-Wahhaab al-Wusaabee
Source: Al-Qawlul Mufeed Fee Adillatit Tawheed

Meaning of “Laa Ilaaha Illa Allaah”

Meaning: There is nothing worshipped in truth except Allaah and anything besides Allaah, if it is worshipped, then it is (worshipped) in falsehood.
Allaah, the Exalted said:

“That is because Allaah, He is the Truth (the only True God of all that exists, Who has no partners or rivals with Him), and what they (the polytheists) invoke besides Him, it is Baatil (falsehood) and verily, Allaah He is the Most High, the Most Great.” – Al-Hajj (22):62 and Luqmaan (31):30

And the Exalted said:

“So know (O Muhammad) that Laa Ilaaha Illa Allaah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allaah)…” – Muhammad (47):19

Meaning of “Muhammadan Rasool Allaah”

Meaning: There is no one followed in truth except the Messenger of Allaah (:pbuh:) and anyone other than the Messenger of Allaah (:pbuhf:), if they are followed in which there is no proof, then they are followed in falsehood.
Allaah, the Exalted said:

“Follow what has been sent down unto you from your Lord (the Qur’aan and Prophet Muhammad’s Sunnah), and follow not any Auliyaa’ (protectors and helpers, etc. who order you to associate partners in worship with Allaah), besides Him (Allaah). Little do you remember!” – Al-A’raaf (7):3

And the Exalted said:

“But no, by your Lord, they can have no Faith, until they make you (O Muhammad) judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission.” – An-Nisaa’ (4):65

And the Exalted said:

“It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allaah and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allaah and His Messenger, he has indeed strayed in a plain error.” – Al-Ahzaab (33):36

The definition of Al-Islaam

Al-Islaam is: Submission to Allaah with Tawheed, surrendering to Him with obedience and abondoning and freeing oneself from Shirk (associating partners in worship with Allaah) and Bid’ah (innovations) and their people.
And Allaah the Exalted said:

“Truly, the religion with Allaah is Islaam.” – Aali Imraan (3):19

And Allaah the Exalted said:

“…and have chosen for you Islam as your religion…” – Al-Ma’idah (5):3

And Allaah the Exalted said:

“And turn in repentance and in obedience with true Faith to your Lord and submit to Him, (in Islaam), before the torment comes upon you, then you will not be helped.” – Az-Zumar (39):54

And Allaah the Exalted said:

“…then die not except in the Faith of Islaam (as Muslims).” – Al-Baqarah (2):132

And Allaah the Exalted said:

“…and die not except in a state of Islaam (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allaah.” – Aali Imraan (3):102

And Allaah the Exalted said:

“Do they seek other than the religion of Allaah (the true Islaamic Monotheism worshipping none but Allaah Alone), while to Him submitted all creatures in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly. And to Him shall they all be returned.” – Aali Imraan (3):83

And Allaah the Exalted said:

“And whoever seeks a religion other than Islaam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.” – Aali Imraan (3):85

The pillars of Islaam are five

Upon the authority of Ibn ‘Umar (:raahm:) who said: The Messenger of Allaah (:pbuh:) said:

“Islaam is built upon five (pillars): Testifying that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah; establishing the Salaat (formal prayer), paying the Zakaat (obligatory charity), making Hajj (pilgrimage) to the House and fasting (during the month of) Ramadaan.” (Reported by Bukhaari and Muslim)