Restriction of Worship to Allah Alone

25. No slave shall attain belief in the Oneness of Allah unless and until his love, sincerity, fear and reverence of Allah become incomparably greater than that for any other than Him(1), and unless he entrusts and submits to Allah alone, and considers Allah sufficient as a reckoner.

1- "Say: If it be that your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your mates, or your kin, the wealth that you have gained, the commerce for which you fear a decline or the dwellings in which you take delight are dearer to you than Allah or His Apostle or the striving in His cause then wait until Allah brings about His decision, and Allah guides not the rebellious." 9.24

26. Bowing, prostrating, offering sacrifices, fasting, vows and oaths(2) are all due to Allah alone. He who renders them to other than Allah commits shirk(3).

2- The Prophet(Peace be on Him) was reported to have said: "He who swears by other than Allah commits shirk." 3- "Say: Verily my prayer, my service of sacrifice, my life and my death are (all) for Allah, the Lord of the Worlds." 6.162

27. No tawaaf(4) around an object other than the Ka'bah is permitted as an act of worship. A kiss, as an act of worship may be given to nothing other than the Black Stone of the Ka'bah. Going on a journey for the purpose of worship is permitted only to al-Masjidul-Haraam (Meccah), Masjidun-Nabi (Medinah), and al-Masjidul-Aqsa (Jerusalem)(5).

4- Tawaaf is circumambulation round the Ka'bah, in Meccah. Allah says: "We assigned to Ibraheem the site of the (Sacred) House saying: Associate not anything (in worship) with Me, and sanctify My House for those who compass It round or stand up, or bow or prostrate themselves (therein in prayer)." 22.26 5- cf. Bukhari book 30

28. Whoever goes to a kaahin or `arraaf(6) and asks his advice respecting a thing, and believes in what he says, denies what was revealed to Muhammad(Peace be on Him)(7). The knowledge of the unseen belongs to Allah alone. He who lays a claim to having access to the unseen or to the Tablet Preserved(8) is an unbeliever and a mushrik(9).

6- 'Kaahin' or '`arraaf' is a diviner or astrologer who lays a false claim to the knowledge of the unseen which Allah restricted to Himself. 7- cf. Imam Ahmad (in his "Musnad") 8- A record which contalns whatever Allah willed and decreed. 9- Mushrik - a person who commits shirk. (see footnote p. VI/INTRODUCTION)

29. The Messenger of Allah(Peace be on Him) made unlawful erecting mosques on graves, forbade us from praising him as the Nassara (Christians) praised the Messiah son of Maryam, and forbade owning or making images or figures. He thereby safeguarded his Ummah (nation) from practices tantamount to shirk.

30. Karamah(10) may be performed by a righteous man. It can also happen that events breaking normal laws of nature may be performed by the rebellious, and by imposters and hoaxers. He who is well acquainted with the truth of religion can differentiate between the two categories; the obeyers of Allah and the obeyers of Shaitan.

10- 'Karamah' is a miracle performed by a righteous person not claiming to be a prophet. It is performed with the help of Allah as a sign of His love to the pious slave.

31. Pride, greatness and glory are qualities which pertain to Allah alone. No one intercedes with Him (on the Day of Judgment) on behalf of others except by His permission(11). No one can make Ta'alli(12), nor compete with Allah in any of His qualities. There is no repeller of His decree and judgment(13).

11- "Who is there who can intercede in His presence except as He permits." 2.255 12- 'Ta'alli' means passing judgment and pronouncing sentence with regards to someone's fate in this life or in the Hereafter, e.g., saying: "Such a one is defintely in Jannah and such a one is definitely in Hell", or swearing by Allah that such a thing will assuredly be fulfilled by Allah. 13- (When) Allah passes judgment, there is none to put back His ruling." 13.14

32. Creation, sovereignty and authority belong exclusively to Allah, and it is Allah Who holds command legislates laws respecting worship. Whoso contends with Allah in His jurisdiction commits shirk.

33. He who complies with the command of a master, a leader or a ruler in disobedience to and defiance of Allah is an unbeliever and a mushrik. There shall be no obedience to a creature of Allah when it would involve disobeying or displeasing Allah(14).

14- cf. 'Sahih Muslim', book Al-Imarah p. 1469

34. All statements and words of Allah are truthful and all His rulings are just." And the word of your Lord has its fulfillment in truth and justice." 6.115

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