The most important thing in Islam is to know the foundation of Islam that is:
Testimony of Faith (Syahadah)
The Syahadah is divided into 2 phrases:
(i) La ilaha illa Allah (meaning ‘There is no god rightfully worshipped except Allah’)
(ii) Muhammad rasoolu Allah (meaning ‘Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah’)
One who belief these two phrases in their heart and perform it through their actions enters the fold of Islam. It is the core of a believer life and basis for all that he do in this world. It is compulsory for all to understand the meaning of these two phrases and to live accordingly according to his ability.
Purpose of Life
The Syahadah reminds us of our purpose of life through belief in heart through the first phrase and manifesting it through action through the second phrase.
“And I have not created neither jinn nor humans, except to worship Me Alone.” (Adz Dzaariyat 51:56)
The message to worship one God is the message to all humanity through sending of Prophets and Messengers.
“And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): “Worship Allah (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Taghoot (all false deities, etc. i.e. do not worship Taghoot besides Allah).” (An Nahl 16:36)
The Meaning of La Ilaha illa Allah
The meaning of each word in the phrase is:
La: There is no; ilaha: god (diety); illa: except; Allah: Allah (God)
And therefore the literal meaning of this phrase is “There is no god (deity) except Allah”
First part: Rejection
La Ilaha: There is no god
Many things from among the creation have been taken as gods to be worshipped. Example is such as statues, material, sun, moon, human, and so on, but all of that are false gods and have no right to be worship. This rejection includes way of life, ideology, those who claim ‘divine figure’, superstitions that is against the teaching of Islam.
Second part: Affirmation
IllaAllah: except Allah
After denying all that is no worth to be worshipped, we give the right to be worshipped to Allah alone.
The Meaning of Muhammad rasoolu Allah
Muhammad rasoolu Allah: Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah
By testifying to this phrase, one believe that Prophet Muhammad pbuh is a Prophet and Messenger raised by Allah, amongst humankind to deliver the message of God, similar to other Prophets and Messengers Believing in this facts comes together with a few conditions :
1. To believe that Muhammad pbuh is the last Prophet and Messenger
“Muhammad (pbuh) is not the father of any man among you, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the last (end) of the Prophets. And Allah is Ever All Aware of everything.” (Al Ahzab 33:40)
2. To believe that Muhammad pbuh deliver the message of Allah in perfect form without alteration and mistakes.
“This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” (Al-Maidah 5:3)
3. To believe that Muhammad pbuh was a Prophet sent by Allah to all mankind
“Say (O Muhammad r): “O mankind! Verily, I am sent to you all as the Messenger of Allah.” (Al A’raf 7:158)
4. To believe that everything Muhammad pbuh said about religion was revealed to him by Allah and he is to be taken as example and obeyed as obeying him is obeying Allah command.
“Your companion (Muhammad r) has neither gone astray nor has erred. Nor does he speak of (his own) desire. It is only an Inspiration that is inspired.” (An Najm 53:2-4)
“He who obeys the Messenger (Muhammad pbuh), has indeed obeyed Allah” (An Nisaa 4:80)
5. To worship Allah according to the way taught by Muhammad pbuh alone.
“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.” (Ali Imran 3:85)
6. To love Allah and Muhammad pbuh more than anything else such as our parents, brothers/sisters, property, relatives, friends and etc
It is reported on the authority of Anas that the Prophet of Allah (may peace and blessings be upon him ) said: There are three qualities for which anyone who is characterised by them will relish the sweetness of faith: he to whom Allah and His Messenger are dearer than all else; he who loves a man for Allah’s sake alone; and he who has as great an abhorrence of returning to unbelief after Allah has rescued him from it as he has of being cast into Hell. (Muslim :: Book 1 : Hadith 67)
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