The 200 FAQ On Muslim Belief
Q 1: What is the first (religious) obligation on worshippers?
A--- The first religious obligation on worshippers is to realize the purpose for which Allah the Almighty created them; and for which He took their covenant and sent them His Messengers and Books; and for which He created this present life, the Hereafter, Paradise and Hell-fire; and for which the Inevitable would come true; and the Event would befall; and for which the Balance is set and the Records fly; and for which there would be either happiness or misery; and according to which the lights would be divided, for any to whom Allah gives not light, there will be no light for him!
Q 2: What is that thing for which Allah innovated the Creation?
A ---Allah the Almighty says: {And We created not the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them, for mere play. We created them not except with truth (i.e. to examine and test those who are obedient and those who are disobedient and then reward the obedient ones and punish the disobedient ones), but most of them know not}. (Ad-Dukhan, 38-39)
He says also: {And We created not the heaven and the earth and all that is between them without purpose! That is the consideration of those who disbelieve!}. (Sad. 27)
He says also: {And Allah has created the heavens and the earth with truth, in order that each person may be recompensed what he has earned,
and they will not be wronged}.(Al-Jathiyah, 22)
He says also: {And I (Allah) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone). I seek not any provision from them (i.e. provision for themselves or for My creatures) nor do I ask that they should feed Me (i.e. feed themselves or My creatures). Verily, Allah is the All-Provider, owner of Power, the Most Strong}. (Ad-Dhariyat, 56-58)
Q 3: What does the word `Abd (worshipper) mean?
A--- The word Abd[1] means the subdued or subjugated. This meaning encompasses all sorts of creation: higher and lower, rational and reasonless, animate and inanimate, dynamic and static, apparent and hidden, believing and disbelieving, and pious and dissolute, etc.; all of which are created by Allah he Almighty. They are subjected to Him, and managed by Him Alone. Moreover, all of them have a limit and destination and each one runs (its course) or an appointed term. Such is the judgment and ordering of (Him), the Exalted in Power, the Omniscient. And if the intended sense is the modest God-loving worshiper), in this case it refers only to the believing men and women who are Allah's honorable slaves and pious godly ones; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
Q 4: What is Worship?
A--- "Worship" is a comprehensive word that refers to all that which pleases Allah, and that which He likes, viz., good words and deeds that are made manifest or concealed; and freedom from all that which contradicts this.
Q 5: When can a deed be an act of worship?
A--- If there are two things: perfect love (for Allah) along with perfect subjection (to Him). Allah Almighty says: {But those who believe, love Allah more (than anything else)}. (Al-Baqarah, 165)
Allah the Almighty says: {Verily those who live in awe for fear of their Lord}. (Al-Mu'minun , 57)
Allah the Almighty gathered the two things in the following verse that reads, {Verily, they used to hasten on to do good deeds, and they used to call on Us with hope and fear, and used to humble themselves before Us}. (Al-Anbiya', 90)
Q 6: What can tell that Allah's slave loves his Lord, the Almighty?
A--- What can tell is that, one should love what is loved by Allah and dislike what is disliked by Him; he should act on His Orders and avoid His Prohibitions; he should be with those who love Allah, and show severe enmity to His enemies. That is why love and hatred for the sake of Allah are the most affirmed signs of Iman (Faith).
Q 7: How could Allah's slaves know what He loves?
A--- They know it through the coming of Messengers and the Revelation of the Heavenly Scriptures that contain the ordainments and prohibitions of Allah the Almighty. Thus; He presented His irrefutable proof and showed His infinite wisdom to all mankind. Allah the Almighty says: {Messengers as bearers of good news as well as of warning in order that mankind should have no plea against Allah after the (coming of) Messengers}. (An-Nisa', 165)
He says: {Say (O Muhammad (Peace be upon him) to mankind): If you (really) love Allah then follow me,[2] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful}. (Al 'Imran, 31)
Q 8: How many are the conditions of worship?
A ---They are three.
First: Sincere determination which is a condition that goes with the act of worship itself.
Second: Sincerity of intention.
Third: Compatibility with Islamic Law (Shari 'ah) ordained by Allah.
The later two represent conditions for accepting an act of worship.
Q 9: What does "Sincerity of determination" mean?
A--- It means warding off lethargy and laziness, and exerting one's effort in making his words go with his deeds. Allah the Almighty says: {O you who believe! Why do you say that which you do not do? Most hateful it is with Allah that you say that which you do not do}. (As-Saff,2-3)
Q 10: What does "Sincerity of intention" mean?
A ---It means that all the words and deeds of Allah's slave made manifest and concealed, must be for nothing save to seek the Countenance of Allah, the Most High. Allah the Almighty says: (And they were commanded not, but that they should worship Allah, and worship none but Him Alone]}. (Al-Bayyinah, 5)
He says: {And who has (in mind) no favor from anyone to be paid back. Except to seek the Countenance of his Lord, the Most High}. (Al-Lail, 19-20)
He says: {We feed you seeking Allah's Countenance only. We wish for no reward, nor thanks from you}. (Al-Insan, 9)
He says: {Whosoever desires (by his deeds) the reward of the Hereafter, We give him increase in his reward, and whosoever desires the reward of this world (by his deeds), We give him thereof (what is decreed for him), and he has no portion in the Hereafter}. (Ash-Shura, 20)
Q 11: What is the only religion man is ordered to embrace?
A ---It is Pure Islamic Monotheism (Worshipping Allah Alone and nothing else); the religion of Ibrahim [Abraham] (Peace be upon him). Allah, Most High says: {Truly, the religion with Allah is Islam}. (Al' Imran, 19)
He says: {Do they seek other than the religion of Allah (the true Islamic Monotheism worshipping none but Allah Alone), while to Him submitted all creatures in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly}. (Al' Imran, 83)
He says: {And who turns away from the religion of Ibrahim (Abraham) (i.e. Islamic Monotheism) except him who befools himself?}.
(Al-Baqarah, 130)
He says: {And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers}. (Al 'Imran, 85)
He says: {Or have they partners with Allah (false gods) who have instituted for them a religion which Allah has not ordained?}. (Ash-Shura, 21)
Q 12: How many are the grades of Islam?
A--- They are three: Being a Muslim, attaining Iman (Faith), and Ihsan (Perfection of Faith).
Q 13: What is Islam?
A--- Islam means perfect submission and subjection to Allah; and testifying complete Monotheism and freedom from polytheism and disobedience to Him. Allah, Most High says: {And who can be better in religion than one who submits his fate (himself) to Allah}. (An-Nisa', 125)
He says: {And whosoever submits his face (himself) to Allah, while he is a Muhsin,[3] then he has grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold}.(Luqman, 22)
He says: {And your Ilah (god) is One Ilah (God
-Allah), so you must submit to Him Alone (in Islam). And (O Muhammad) give glad tidings to the Mukhbitun[4]}. (Al-Hajj, 34)
Q 14: What is the proof that the word "Islam" is used to denote the whole matter of religion?
A--- Allah the Most High says: {Truly, the religion with Allah is Islam}. (Al' Imran, 19)
Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) says: "Islam started in loneliness and will end as it started in loneliness, blessed be the lonely". (Sahih Muslim)
He (Peace be upon him) says: "The best of deeds in Islam is Belief in Allah". (Musnad Ahmed)
Q 15: What is the proof that Islam is defined as being the five pillars of this religion when considered in detail?
A--- The Prophet's saying (Peace be upon him) upon answering Gabriel when he asked about religion (Islam): "Al-Islam implies that you testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and you establish prayer, pay Zakah, observe the fast of Ramadan, and perform pilgrimage to the House (the Ka' bah in Mecca), if one has the means to do so". (Bukhari and Muslim)
His saying (Peace be upon him) that reads: "(The superstructure of) Islam is raised on five (pillars): The Oneness of Allah, performance of Prayer, payment of Zakah, fast of Ramadan, and Pilgrimage (to Mecca)". (Bukhari and Muslim)
Q 16: What is the position of the two testimonies in Islam?
A ---One cannot be regarded a Muslim till he pronounces them. Allah the Almighty says: {The true believers are only those, who believe in (the Oneness of Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad (Peace be upon him))}. (An-Nur, 62)
Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) says: "I have been commanded to fight against people till they testify that there is no god but Allah, and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, perform Prayer, and pay Zakah. If they do that, their blood and property are guaranteed protection on my behalf except when justified by law, and their affairs rest with Allah ", (Bukhari and Muslim)
Q 17: What is the proof of the testimony that there is no god but Allah?
A--- Allah Almighty's Saying: {Allah bears witness that La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), and the angels, and, those having knowledge (also give this witness),' (He always) maintains His creation in Justice. La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the All-Mighty, the All-wise}. (Al'Imran, 18)
Allah says: {So know (O Muhammad (Peace be upon him)) that, La ilaha illallah (none the right to be worshipped but Allah)}. (Muhammad, 19)
Allah says: {Say (O Muhammad (Peace be upon him)): "I am only a warner and there is no Ilah (god) except Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah) the One, the Irresistible}. (Sad, 65)
Allah says: {No son (or offspring) did Allah beget, nor is there any Ilah (god) along with Him. (If there had been many gods), then each god would have taken away what he had created, and some would have tried to overcome others! Glorified is Allah above all that they attribute to Him!}. (Al-Mu'minun, 91)
Allah says: {Say (O Muhammad (Peace be upon him) to these polytheists, pagans): "If there had been other alihah (gods) along with Him as they assert, then they would certainly have sought but a way to the Lord of the Throne (seeking His Pleasures and to be near to Him)}. (Al-Isra',42)
Q 18: What does the testimony, "There is no god but Allah" mean?
A ---It means that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah Who has no partners or rivals with Him in Worship or Dominion. Allah the Most High says: {That is because Allah -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 Balil (falsehood). And verily, Allah - He is the Most High, the Most Great}. (Al-Hajj, 62)
Q 19: What are the conditions of Shahadah (Bearing witness that there is no god but Allah) that must be fulfilled by the one who pronounces it?
A--- They are seven:
First: to know its meaning (what it affirms and negates).
Second: To have absolute Faith in it at heart.
Third: To believe in it publicly and secretly.
Fourth: To accept it and not to reject any of its necessities or requirements.
Fifth: To purify one's intention in its regard.
Sixth: To believe in it from one's deepest heart and not only by tongue.
Seventh: To have passion for it and for its adherents and to take friends and enemies only according to its very criteria.
Q 20: What is the textual proof of making knowledge of the meaning of the Shahadah a condition for pronouncing it?
A ---Allah the Almighty says: {Except for those who bear witness to the truth knowingly} i.e. believe in the Oneness of Allah, {and they know}. (Az-Zukhruf, 86) i.e. they know in their heart the facts about the Oneness of Allah and its meaning.
Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) says: "He who died knowing (fully well) that there is no god but Allah entered Paradise ". (Sahih Muslim)
Q 21: What is the textual proof from the Glorious Qur'an and the Prophetic Sunnah (Tradition) that a Muslim must have absolute faith?
A--- Allah the Almighty says: {Only those are the believers who have believed in Allah and His Messenger, and afterward doubt not but strive with their wealth and their lives for the Cause of Allah. Those! They are the truthful}. (Al-Hujurat, 15)
Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) says: "I bear testimony to the fact that there is no god but Allah, and I am His messenger. The slave who would meet Allah without entertaining any doubt about these (two fundamentals) would enter heaven ". (Muslim)
Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said to Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him): "Take these sandals of mine, and when you meet anyone outside this garden who testifies that there is no god but Allah, being assured of it in his heart, gladden him by announcing that he shall go to Paradise ". (Sahih Muslim)
Q 22: What is the textual proof from the Glorious Qur'an and the Prophetic Sunnah that a Muslim must submit completely to Allah and that this is a precondition of his faith?
A--- Allah the Almighty says: {And whosoever submits his face (himself) to Allah, while he is a Muhsin[5], then he has grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold[6]}. (Luqman,22)
Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) says:
"None of you is a believer till his desire is in conformity with what I have brought". (An-Nawawi)
Q 23: What is the textual proof that acceptance (of the Message of Islam) is a precondition of faith in Allah from the Glorious Qur'an and the Prophetic Sunnah?
A--- Regarding those who did not accept it, Allah the Almighty says: {(It will be said to the angels): "Assemble those who did wrong, together with their companions (from the devils) and what they used to worship, instead of Allah, and lead them on to the way of flaming Fire (Hell),. but stop them, verily they are to be questioned. What is the matter with you? Why do you not help one another (as you used to do in the world)? Nay, but that Day they shall surrender. And they will turn to one another and question one another. They will say: It was you who used to come to us from the right side[7]. They will reply: Nay, you yourselves were not believers. And we had no authority over you. Nay! But you were Taghun (transgressing) people. So now the Word of our Lord has been justified against us, that we shall certainly (have to) taste (the torment). So we led you astray because we were ourselves astray. Then verily, that Day, they will (all) share in the torment. Certainly, that is how We deal with AI-Mujrimun[8]. Truly, when it was said to them: La ilaha illallah "(none has the right to be worshipped but Allah?" They puffed themselves up with pride (i.e. denied it). And (they) said: "Are we going to abandon our alihah (gods) for the sake of a mad poet?}. (As-Saffat, 22-36)
Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) says: "The similitude of that guidance and knowledge with which Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, has sent me is that of rain falling upon the earth. There is a good piece of land which receives the rainfall (eagerly) and as a result of it there is grown in it herbage and grass abundantly. Then there is a land hard and barren which retains water and the people derive benefit from it and they drink it and make the animals drink. Then there is another land which is barren. Neither water is retained in it, nor is the grass grown in it. And that is the similitude of the first one who develops the understanding of the religion of Allah and it becomes a source of benefit to him with which Allah sent me. (The second one is that) who acquires the knowledge of religion and imparts it to others. (Then the other type is) one who does not pay attention to (the revealed knowledge) and thus does not accept guidance of Allah with which I have been sent”. (Bukhari and Muslim)
Q 24: What is the textual proof from the Glorious Qur'an and the Prophetic Sunnah that a Muslim must be sincere?
A--- Allah, the Almighty says: {Surely the religion (i.e. the worship and the obedience) is for Allah only}. (Az-Zumar, 3)
Allah says: {So worship Allah (Alone) by doing religious deeds sincerely for Allah's sake only}. (Az-Zumar, 2)
Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) says: "The luckiest person who will have my intercession on the Day of Resurrection will be the one who said sincerely from the bottom of his heart 'None has the right to be worshipped but Allah' ". (Sahih Bukhari)
He (Peace be upon him) said also, "Allah has forbidden the (Hell) fire for those who say, 'None has the right to be worshipped but Allah' for Allah's sake only". (Bukhari and Muslim)
Q 25: What is the textual proof from the Glorious Qur'an and the Prophetic Sunnah that a Muslim must be honest?
A--- Allah the Almighty says: {Alif-Lam-Mim[9] Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: "We believe, "and will not be tested. And We indeed tested those who were before them. And Allah will certainly make (it) known (the truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make (it) known (the falsehood of) those Who are liars[10]}. (Al-'Ankabut, 1-3)
Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) says: "Anyone who sincerely testifies that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger will be delivered by Allah from the Hell-Fire ". (Bukhari and Muslim)
He (Peace be upon him) said to the Bedouin who asked him about the rituals of Islam and said (the Bedouin): 'By Allah! I will not do extra deeds or leave anything from it', he, Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said: 'He will be successful if he has told the truth'. (Bukhari and Muslim)
[1] The Arabic word' Abd means a male slave, a slave of Allah the Almighty. (Translator)
[2] Accept Islamic Monotheism, follow the Qur'an and the Sunnah. (Translator)
[3] Muhsin: i.e. good-doer (one who performs good deeds totally for Allah's sake without any show off or to gain praise or fame and does them in accordance with the Sunnah of Allah's Messenger Muhammad (Peace be upon him». (Translator)
[4] Mukhbitun: Those who obey Allah with humility and are humble from among the true believers of Islamic Monotheism. (Translator)
[5] Good-doer i.e. performs good deeds totally for Allah's sake without any show off or to gain praise or fame and does them in accordance with the Sunnah of Allah's Messenger Muhammad (Peace be upon him). (Translator)
[6] [La ilaha illallah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah)]. (Translator)
[7] i.e. from the right side of one of us and beautify for us every evil, enjoin on us polytheism, and stop us from the truth i.e. Islamic Monotheism and from every good deed. (Translator)
[8] i.e. Polytheists, sinners, disbelievers, criminals, and the disobedient to Allah. (Translator)
[9] These letters are one of the miracles of the Qur'an, and none but Allah (Alone) knows their meanings. (Translator)
[10] Although Allah knows all that before putting them to test. (Translator)