The Names and Attributes of Allaah

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Fatawaa from the Scholars to Aid the Jihad in Damaj against the Hoothi Raafidah

Sheikh Yahya al Hajoori

Please see the following link on You tube, there is an English translation of his advise to ahla sunnah in Damaj:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MelyDKSpuhA&feature=endscreen&NR=1

As Sheikh Saalih al Fowzaan

Please see the following link on You tube, there is an English translation of his advise to ahla sunnah in Yeman:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9Bh_lm27PE&feature=topics

As Shaikh Sa`d bin Nasir ash-Shithri



All praise is for Allah, the Lord of all that exists, and may peace and blessings be on the most honorable of all prophets and messengers.

As to what follows:

Proceeding with the statement of the Prophet, salla-llahu `alaihi wa sallam, “Aide your brother, regardless if he is wrong or being wronged.”[Collected in Sahih al-Bukhari, 2444], as has been authentically mentioned, and also, out of desire to protect the blood of our brothers, the students of knowledge, who are in Dammaj and its surroundings, and out of desire to make the oppressors return to Allah, jalla wa `alaa, so that they will be saved from having spilled any Muslim blood in their conscience, so that they do not have to face Allah with that on the Day of Resurrection and fall under the statement of the Prophet, salla-llahi `alaihi wa sallam, “A believer is in the bounds of his religion as long as he does not spill blood which is forbidden to spill. [Collected by al-Bukhari, 6862], 
and out of desire to remove injustice – as injustice has a bad ending, both in the Dunya and the Akhira – as Allah said, “For the Zalimoon (polytheists and wrongdoers, etc.) there is no helper.” [35:37]

Also, the Prophet, salla-llahi `alaihi wa sallam, said,“Allah gives respite to the oppressor, but when He takes him over, He never releases him.” Then he recited, “Such is the Seizure of your Lord when He seizes (population of) towns in the midst of their wrong: Painful indeed, and severe is His Seizure. [11.102]” [Collected by al-Bukhari, 4686]

Therefore, I call on all Muslims, in the East and West, to hasten to the aide of their brothers, the students of knowledge, in Dammaj and its surroundings.

Note that aiding them can take place in a number of forms:



Firstly, to supplicate to Allah, jalla wa `alaa, and humbling one’s self to Him, subhanah, to protect the blood of our brothers there, to drive injustice away from them, and to protect them from the oppressors. 

This is based on a number of religious texts which encourage supplication to Allah, jalla wa `alaa, wherein Allah promises the believers that he will answer their supplications, as Allah said, “And your Lord said: ‘Invoke Me and I will respond to your (invocation). Verily! Those who scorn My worship (i.e. do not invoke Me, and do not believe in My Oneness, (Islamic Monotheism)) they will surely enter Hell in humiliation!’” [40:60] 

Also, “And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad SAW) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near (to them by My Knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me.” [2:186] It has also been transmitted from the Prophet, salla-llahi `alaihi wa sallam, that he said, “Allah will respond to the supplication of one of you, as long as he does not hasten the answer.” [Sahih al-Bukhari, 6340]



Secondly, everyone who is able to aid them in any way, it is obligatory on them. That is because aiding will result in safeguarding blood, spreading knowledge, preserving souls, pushing injustice away, and other intents of the religion that result from aiding them. So, everyone who is able to help them, through any means, regardless of a word he utters, or an article, or by giving advice, or by proceeding to try and make peace, or by helping keep away from the war torn areas. 

It can also be in the form of monetary help, such as with weapons, or power, or to fight alongside them to drive away the injustice that has fallen on them, all this is among the best ways to get closer to Allah, jalla wa `alaa. 

The religious texts have encouraged helping the one being wronged, and the Prophet, salla-llahi `alaihi wa sallam, has clarified that, “The Muslim is the brother of his fellow Muslim, he does not wrong him, and he does not abandon him.” [Declared sahih by al-Imam al-Albani, Mushkilat al-Faqr, 88] Meaning, he does not leave him to those who are trying to oppress him.

(Translators Note: Beginning from here until the end of the audio clip, the Shaikh, may Allah preserve him, begins weeping as can be heard by the trembling in his voice.)


I also advise my brothers, the students of knowledge, there to hold fast to Allah, jalla wa `alaa, to rely on Him, subhanah, and to know that victory is in the Hands of Allah, jalla wa `alaa, and he grants victory to whomever He Wills among His slaves. When they rely on Allah, then no doubt Allah will grant them victory and drive the injustice of the oppressors who want to assault them away from them, as Allah said, “If Allah helps you, none can overcome you.” [3:160] And He said, “And (as for) the believers it was incumbent upon Us to help (them).” Allah also said, “Verily, We will indeed make victorious Our Messengers and those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism) in this worldly life and on the Day when the witnesses will stand forth, (i.e. Day of Resurrection).” [40:51]



Based on all that, I advise that their hearts should rely on Allah, and that they do not look at their own strength or their monetary capabilities, because He who ruler of creation is the Lord of Glory and Majesty, and if Allah wants something, all He says is, ‘be’ and it is. Allah will grant victory and aide those who rely on Him, as He said, ta`alaa, “And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him.” [65:3] Meaning, that Allah will be all he needs, and hence will not need anyone besides his Lord.

That is why I am trying to clarify to my brothers the Muslims that aiding those students of knowledge is among the ways of getting closer to Allah, `azza wa jall. As for those killed among them, they are considered martyrs, those who are injured are under the protection of the Lord of Glory and Majesty, and those who fight them are victorious by the Permission of the Ever-Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists, the All-Powerful, the Mighty, Who is able to do all things, and Who does whatever He Wants.


I ask Allah, jalla wa `alaa, to protect them from all evil, to drive the injustice of the oppressors away from them, to protect their blood, and to allow all the people of goodness to support them, aide them, and help them with whatever they can.

That, and Allah knows best, and may Allah send His Blessings on our Prophet, Muhammad, his family, companions, and followers, and to send much peace until the Day of Resurrection.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyZbxgKXR5c&sns=em

As Sheikh Zaid al Madkhali

Please see the following link on You tube, there is an English translation of his advise to ahla sunnah in Yeman:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=JfXlxXoKoPQAs

As Sheikh Rabee bin  Hadee al Madkhali

Bismillaah Al-Hamdulillaah wa salatu wa salaamu 'ala rasulullaah Amma-ba'd 
It has reached us with sadness what the Rawaafidh are doing,the enemies of islam and the enemies of the Noble Companions such as boycotting and treating our Salafi brothers in Dammaj and the Salafi Sunni Markaz out of hate and enmity towards Islam and its people. We encourage our brothers in Dammaj to hold firm to the sunnah, have patience and seek assistance from Allah in fighting off this transgression and enmity of the Rawaafidh. It is upon our brothers of Ahlul Sunnah to stand against this transgression and to unite in purifying Yemen from the filth of the Rawaafid in yemen and other than it, if they are able to do so says: Verily, Allâh will help those who help His (Cause). Truly, Allâh is All-Strong, All-Mighty. (Al-Hajj 22:40).
He also says :And there is no victory except from Allâh, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. That He might cut off a part of those who disbelieve, or expose them to infamy, so that they retire frustrated. (Aali Imran 3:126-127). Indeed the conflict between Ahlu Sunnah and the Rawaafid is a conflict between Islam and Kufr (disbelief). Therefore, its upon the people of the sunnah, whether they are in yemen and other then it to rise up in aiding their brothers with themselves and their wealth and we ask to break the backs of the Rawaafid and all the enemies of Islam where ever they may be. Indeed Allah is All Hearing of Dua. Written by the sheikh rabi' ibn haadi Umair almadkhali (the sheikh out of humbleness didn't refer to himself as sheikh) 
30/10/2011- 4/12/1432هـ - http://www.sahab.net/forums/index.ph...4187


Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Rabee' Ibn Haadi Al Madkhali (Shaikh Rabee's son): 


May Allah reward the father of all the Salafis with good on this clarification and we ask Allah to protect the Dammaj institute from the evil of the Rawafid. And verily I ask about where the Wadi'ee tribe are. The ones who Shaikh Muqbil after Allah- left to protect the institute and chose that place because of the trust he has for the Wadi'ee tribe to defend this SALAFI FORTRESS. As I call the rulers in San'aa to enter quickly to take off this embargo on Dammaj and we have continued to think of them good. 

http://www.sahab.net/forums/index.ph...c=124187&st=40___

Ash-Shaykh Muhammad Ramzaan, may Allah preserve him delivered 

A lecture from Jubail (Saudi Arabia) on Monday, December 05 2011.1

The Shaykh covered topics of Aqeedah (Belief) and Fiqh (Understanding) from the books of Usul-us-Sunnah and Umdatul Ahkaam respectively.

The Shaykh also spoke on the situation in Damaaj against the Houthiyoon and the deliberate ignoring by the media of what is happening in Dammaj. He said the news is such that even if an animal fell into a well you would know about it but Damaaj has been under attack for almost two months and there is no news about it.1

Our Shaykh, may Allah preserve him also said this is a kind of agreement (of the transgression upon Ahlus Sunnah) and a great evil. He said that the kuffar and ahlul bid'ah see the Salafiyyoon as their enemies. The Shaykh likewise said: "We are Dammaj and Dammaj is us."1

Listen to the audio for the whole lecture may Allah (Subhana Wata'aa'a) bless you with it. Ameen.1

You may click on the link below:1

http://www.4shared.com/audio/iCvDItK...n_0002wmv.html

We ask Allah to Bless us with the ability to act upon what we learn

Question:

What is your advice to our brothers from Ahlussunnah in Yemen who are being fought by the Houtheyoon?

Answer:

Upon them is to depend upon Allah ('azza wa jal) and to supplicate to Allah abundantly. They should defend themselves and their wealth according to their ability. What has afflicted them is as a result of their differing among themselves. If only they united under one banner nobody would have been able to interfere in their affairs. However, when they split, and each one wanted what he desired, occurred to them what you see. Yes... I advise them to have patience and to carry out that which is required, and from that is to come together and not be divided:

 Do not dispute (with one another) lest you lose courage and your strength departs, and be patient...[Al-Anfaal: 46]
 And be not as those who divided and differed among themselves...[Aali-'Imraan: 105]

So upon them is to unite. This partisanship and differing causes harm to the Muslims. Upon them is to unite as one group upon the Qur'an and the Sunnah and they should be together against other than them. Yes...

Source: http://www.alfawzan.af.org.sa/ - [60

Dated: Sunday 2nd Muharram 1433

(The 1st question during the Q & A session after the mukhtasar zaadul-ma'aad dars)
Begins at 57:10 minutes into the recording.

Shaykh Muhammad bin Haadee

Written of the 3rd of Muharram 1433

After beginning with praise of Allah and prayers upon our Messenger Shaykh Muhammad bin Haadee said:

Verily from that which sadness us and hurts us o brothers and sons, is what we have heard concerning what has befallen our brothers from Ahlus Sunnah, our brothers in faith, in Damaj As Sunnah in the land of Yemen. From the Raafidah Houthis who are the enemies of Allah and His Messenger and the enemies of the companions of the Messenger of Allah They are the enemies of Ahlus Sunnah in every place and every time. And this is not strange coming from them, because for certainty; no calamity has befallen Islam or the Muslims except that the Raafidah assisted and joined forces with the enemies of Islam against the Muslims; and this is well known throughout history. And the one who looks at history will know that what I am saying is the truth.

This group is called the Houthis by the people today, and they are Raafidah. We have heard, and we know from their statements that which proves their deviance, their filthy Aqeedah, and their hatred for the Muslims. There is no doubt, if animosity is based on worldly affairs then there is hope that it will go away and be resolved. As for animosity for the Deen (religious matters) or based upon the Deen then there is no hope that it will change regardless of how much time passes. The poet spoke the truth when he said: 
Every animosity may become cordial ***Except for the animosity from your enemy in religion

Thus this group; their enmity for the people of Islam is clear, and deeply rooted since long ago. Therefore do not be surprised by their actions today, because in reality they wait for these opportunities to attack the people of Islam and the people of faith. Before, by the permission of Allah the Exalted; they were prevented by the presence of a government, but now there is no government. They gained influence in the province of Sada while they attempted to establish a government that would be specifically for them, by them and no one would be allowed to participate. Thus those who remained in this province from Ahlus Sunnah would be at their mercy. And they know the impact and affect that Ahlus Sunnah has upon the people.

And they surely fear this Markaz (center of learning) that Allah the Glorified and Exalted has brought by way of it, tremendous benefits, enlightenment, insight and vision by the hand of that Shaykh, the Caller, the Mujaahid, the one who patiently sought Allah’s reward; Shaykh Muqbil Abu Abdur Rahman Al Waadi’ee. May Allah have mercy upon him, forgive him, be pleased with him, and enlighten his face in the gardens of paradise.

Since day one, when the foot of this man touched down in this land of his, he established the call to Allah the Blessed and Exalted. And this enraged them (the Raafidah); but they were prevented-as we said before-due to the presence of a government. This is from the benefits of having a leader even if he persecutes and oppresses. The people will not rectify or establish their affairs without leaders, kings and rulers, even if they oppress; because by Allah; the good that Allah brings by way of them is more than their corruption.

Translator’s note:
The Shaykh continues to explain the benefits of having a Muslim ruler and then he says…

Therefore, surely it is obligatory upon all of Ahlus Sunnah in Yemen to rush to assist their brothers. Whoever has the ability to help, then do not delay. Assist them with your wealth and assist them physically if you are able, if you are not able to assist them physically then assist them with your wealth.

And to leave them in this condition while it has reached the extent to what we have heard concerning the news of our brothers in Damaj, I swear by Allah this is a shame and a disgrace upon Ahlus Sunnah, and upon Yemen, and the military of the Sunnah and the Quran in Yemen. It is a shame and disgrace if they do not to rush to help their brothers; and it is obligatory upon them to help them.

Translator’s note:
The Shaykh continues to incite Ahlus Sunnah in Yemen to rush to help our brothers in Damaj while mentioning the disgrace in forsaking them; and then he says…

And let them know without a doubt, that Damaj is us and we are Damaj against these filthy, grimy Raafidah. And enmity against them (Damaj) is enmity against us all. This is because they did not intend Damaj because it is Damaj, but rather they intended Damaj due to the Sunnah and the Islam within Damaj, the faith which spreads from it, and the Dawah established there. Due to them correcting the Aqeedah of the people, enlightening the people to the worship of Allah alone without partners, and clarifying the corrupted methodologies that oppose what the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings are upon him, and his companions were upon.

And from the vilest of methodologies is the methodology of the Raafidah; these Houthis Raafidah. The proof of that is their being supported by Iran, and praised by Iran, supported by Hezbollat in Lebanon and them supporting Hezbollat, Hezbollat praising them; and their praising of Hezbollat. (Translator’s note: The Shaykh calls them the party of the pagan god Al Laat, instead of the party of Allah) Thus they do not help anyone except for those upon their same Deen.

Therefore if this is their help for those upon falsehood, then why is Ahlus Sunnah reluctant?! Why is Ahlus Sunnah delaying?! This is not permissible. Especially since the war has started and it has reached the level that we have heard concerning the killing on our brothers in Islam and faith, killing twenty-four of them. By Asr prayer they had prayed on twenty-one of those killed, and the blockade continues. This blockade has gone on for a long time, close to forty days or more. One grain does not enter Damaj and one chicken cannot come out. 

All of this is only intended to eradicate the people of Islam and faith. Is this not enough?! This is enough for the one who has a heart or gives ear while he is heedful.

Thus it is obligatory upon the people of Yemen to not hesitate; rather they should strive and rush. Let them know that the time to help their brothers is right now. They have to defend the Deen, because the intent (behind the attack) is the Deen, as I said before. 



Translator’s note:
The Shaykh continues on, and then concludes by making several duas for our brothers and sisters in Damaj and making dua against the criminal Raafidah.

sahab.net

http://www.sahab.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=124792




Sheikh Ali Hasan al Halabi

He also has givena fatwa to aid the brothers in Damaaj. Check his website on:

http://www.alhalaby.com/

Sheikh Abul Hasan al Sulaymanee

He also has given a fatwa to aid the brothers in Damaaj. Check his website on:

http://www.sulaymani.net/mar/

Understanding Islam.

It is the way of life that Allaah sent the Prophet Muhammad sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam with. By it, Allaah terminated the validity of all other religions, perfected this religion for His worshippers, completed His favour upon them and has chosen only this religion for them - no other religion will be accepted by Him from anyone. Allaah - the Most High - said:

"Muhammad is not the father of any man amongst you. Rather he is the Messenger of Allaah and the khaatim (last and final) of the Prophets." [Soorah al-Ahzaab 33:40].

"This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islaam as your religion." [Soorah al-Maa'idah 5:3].

"Indeed the religion with Allaah is Islaam." [Soorah Aal-'Imraan 3:19].

"Whosoever seeks a religion other than Islaam, never will it be accepted from him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers." [Soorah Aal-'Imraan 3:85].

And Allaah - the Most High - obligated all of mankind to take Islaam as their religion. So Allaah said, whilst addressing His Messenger sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam:

"Say: O Mankind! Indeed I have been sent to you all as the Messenger of Allaah; to Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. None has the right to be worshipped except Him; it is He who gives life and cause death. So believe in Allaah and His Messenger - the Prophet who can neither read nor write - who believes in Allaah and His Words. So follow the Messenger of Allaah so that you may be rightly-guided." [Soorah al-A'raaf 7:158].

And in Saheeh Muslim (1/93), from Abu Hurayrah radiallaahu 'anhu that Allah's Messenger sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam said: "By Him in whose Hand is the life of Muhammad! There is no one from this nation, be he a Jew or a Christian, who hears of me and dies whilst not having eemaan (faith) in what I have been sent with, except that he will be one of the companions of the Hellfire."

And eemaan (faith) in the Prophet implies: affirming that which he was sent with, along with acceptance of it and submission to it. Without these two matters, mere affirmation is not sufficient. This is why even though Abu Taalib (the Prophet's uncle) affirmed what was sent to the Prophetsallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam and that Islaam was the best of religions, yet he did not accept his message nor submit to it; and thus he did not haveeemaan in the Prophet sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam.

[2] The religion of Islaam contains all that was beneficial from the previous religions. It is suitable for implementation in any age, any where and by any nation. Allaah - the Most High - said, whilst addressing His Messenger sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam:

"And We have sent down to you the Book in truth, confirming the Scripture that came before it, testifying to the truth contained therein whilst exposing the falsehood that has been added therein." [Soorah al-Maa'idah 5:48].

That Islaam is suitable for implementation in any age, any where and by any nation does not mean that it becomes submissive to nations - being altered and changed by them - as some people falsely think. But rather it means that whenever it is truly adhered to then it brings benefit and goodness to that nation, as well as reforming and correcting it - in whatever age or place.

[3] The religion of Islaam is the religion of truth. It is the way of life that Allaah - the Most High - guaranteed His help and victory to those who truly adhere to it, and that He would make it dominant over all other religions. Allaah - the Most High - said:

"It is He who has sent His Messenger with the guidance and the religion of truth, that it may prevail over all other religions, even if the pagans detest it." [Soorah at-Tawbah 9:33].

And Allaah - the Most High - said:

"Allaah has promised to those amongst you who truly have eemaan(true faith and belief) and act in obedience to Allaah and His Messenger, that He will grant them ruler ship upon the earth, just as He granted it to those before them, and that He will establish their Religion for them and grant them the authority to practice their Religion which He chose and ordered them with. And He will certainly change their situation to one of security, after their fear. Providing that they worship and obey Me, not associating anything else in worship with Me. Then, whoever rejects this favour by disobedience to their Lord - then they are the rebellious transgressors." [Soorah an-Noor 24:55].

[4] The religion of Islaam is a complete religion comprising both 'Aqeedah(beliefs) and Shari'ah (laws).

· It commands them with tawheed (to single out Allaah alone for worship) and prohibits them from shirk (associating partners with Allaah, in that which is particular to Him).

· It commands them with being truthful and prohibits them from lying.

· It commands them with 'adl (justice) and prohibits them from injustice and oppression.

· It commands them with fulfilling trusts and prohibits them from acting treacherously.

· It commands them keeping promises and prohibits them from breaking them.

· It commands them with kindness and good treatment of parents and prohibits them from disobedience to them in that which is not sinful.

· It commands them with joining the ties of relations and prohibits them from severing them.

· It commands them with good treatment of neighbours and prohibits the causing of harm to them.

In short, Islaam orders alls that is good, from manners and morals, and prohibits all that is evil from it. Likewise, it orders all actions which are righteous and good and prohibits all actions that are evil and harmful. Allaah - the Most High - said:

"Indeed Allaah enjoins upon you justice, kindness and the giving of good to relatives and near ones. And He prohibits you from all shameful and evil deeds, oppression and transgression. Thus He admonishes you, that you may take heed and be reminded." [Soorah an-Nahl 16:90].

The importance of Aqidah.

The Messenger informed Mu'adh bin Jabal, when he was going to the land of Yemen, "You are going to a people from the People of the Book. Let the first thing that you call them to be the worship of Allaah. If they acknowledge Allah, then inform them that Allah has obligated upon them five prayers during their days and nights."

This hadith is clear. It does not require much of an explanation. The Prophet applied this principle in his practical calling to Islam. He stayed in Makkah for thirteen years to each the people Emaan and to educate his Companions on this point and to correct the beliefs of the people. That is the pattern upon which the Companions were brought up.

Abdullaah ibn Umar said, "We lived during an instant of time in which one of us would receive faith first before receiving the Qur'aan and when the surahs were revealed we would learn what they permitted and what they prohibited and what they forbade and what they ordered and what should be the stance towards them. But I have seen many men from whom one is given the Qur'aan before eemaan and he reads it from the opening of the Book to its closing and he does not know what it orders and what it forbids and what should be his stance towards it. He is like someone who is just throwing out dates [i.e., he does not get any benefit from his recital]."

That is the manner in which the Prophet brought up his companions: Eemaan first and then the Qur'aan. This is similar to what Imam Abu Hanifa pointed out: Understanding in the religion first (i.e. Tawheed) and then understanding in the science (i.e. the Shari'ah).

The beliefs must be corrected first, then follows all of the other aspects of the religion.

And Imam ash-Shafi'ee said, "That a servant meets Allaah with every sin except Shirk is better say than meeting Him upon any of the innovated beliefs."

al-Aqeedah linguistically is derived from the term aqada. In Arabic, one states, "Aqada the rope" when the rope is tied firmly. And, "Aqada the sale" or "He settled the sale" when the person ratifies and contracts a sale or agreement. And Allaah says in the Qur'aan,

"And as for those whom your right hands have made a covenant (Ar.,aqadat)" [al-Nisa 33]. And Allaah also says,

"But He will take you to task for the oaths which you swear in earnest (Ar., aqadtum)" [al-Maida, 89] which means asserted and adhered to, as proven in the verse,

"And break not oaths after the assertion of them" [an-Nahl, 91]. If one says, "Aqadtu such and such," it means his heart is firm upon such and such.

Therefore, al-Aqidah or al-itiqad according to the scholars of Islam is: The firm creed that one's heart is fixed upon without any wavering or doubt. It excludes any supposition, doubt or suspicion.

Imam Abu Hanifa called this great subject al-Fiqh al-Akbar ("The Greater Understanding") and the understanding of the religion. He called the science of law (Ar., Shari'ah) the understanding of the science. Many scholars of Islaam use the word Tawheed for all matters that a person must believe in. This is because the most important of these matters is the basic Tawheed that is contained in the phrase, "There is none worthy of worship except Allaah."

Tawheed, according to them, may be divided into two categories: Tawheed of cognition and affirmation and Tawheed of purpose and deeds.

Tawheed of cognition and affirmation is the Tawheed of the Oneness of the Creator and the Tawheed of His Names and Attributes [i.e. He is Unique in His being the only Creator and the only One with His names and attributes]. Tawheed of purpose and deeds s Tawheed of lordship or that none should be worshipped except Allaah [i.e., He is the only One worthy of worship].

The scholastic theologians (Ar., kalaamiyoon) - and what will explain to you who the scholastic theologians are - call this great subject "the root of the religion" and they call the law "the branches of the religion". This is their terminology. We also have a dispute with them in this matter but this is not the place to discuss it. all of them give it a name or adjective according to their needs.

But what is the name the Qur'aan gives to this matter?

The Qur'aan gives the grave matter the name eemaan. Allaah says in the Qur'aan,

"And thus We inspired in You (Muhammad) a Spirit of Our command. You did not know what the Scripture was, nor what the Faith was. But we have made it a light whereby We guide whom We will of our bondmen..."[al-Shura, 52].

The general concepts that the heart of the believer must be firm about are the "pillars" of this faith. But one will not be called a believer just by knowing and understanding these pillars but he must come to the level where he submits and implements what is described, in the hadith of Gabriel, as Islam. Eemaan, in this manner, incorporates Islam.

If eemaan was simply knowing the facts in one's heart, then its companion would be equal to Satan and Pharaoh [Note: The Satan was the most knowledgeable of his Lord but he was destroyed because of his pride and envy. And Pharaoh, even though he claimed to be the lord, knew that the lord is Allaah and that none has the right to be worshipped but Him. Allaah says,

"He said: In truth you know that none sent down these portents save the Lord of the heavens and the earth as proofs..." [al-Isra, 102]. - Although they knew the truth, they did not put it in practice by turning their 'ibadah to Allaah Alone].

In the hadith of Gabriel, the Prophet explained the pillars of this faith in which every human must believe, when he was asked, "What is eemaan?", he said, "To believe in Allaah and His angels and His books and His messengers and the Last Day and predestination of good and evil."

It is a must for every person to know these pillars and to learn them with a correct understanding and to believe in them in the manner that he pious forefathers understood and believed in them, in the same manner that the Companions of the Prophet believed and understood them, as well as their Followers and those who followed on their path. This includes the four Imams, Sufyan Al-Thauri, Sufyan ibn Uyaina, Abdullah ibn al-Mubarak and others similar to them, as well as Muhammad ibn Ismail al-Bukhaaree, Muslim ibn Al-Hajjaj, Shaikh al-Islam ibn Taymiyya and al-Hafedh ibn al-Qayyim. And scholars similar to them who followed the same manner of understanding and believing in these pillars.

This is the first obligation upon the responsible human being. There is no difference of opinion on this question among the scholars whose opinions are worth following. Imam Abu-Hanifa said, "The understanding of faith is better than understanding of the science." What he meant by faith is Tawheed and what he meant by science is the Shari'ah. He put the understanding of tawheed before the understanding of the Shari'ah.

And Shaikh al-Islam al-Haruwi al-Ansari (d. 481 AH) stated at the beginning of his book, Itiqa