By
Dr. Norlain Dindang Mababaya
Verily, Islam is the Truth and the only religion acceptable to Allah the Almighty. It is the perfect way of life for attaining peace, prosperity and ultimate success in this world and in the Hereafter. Unfortunately, many people do not know Islam. It is imperative that we Muslims should do Da’wah
(calling or inviting others to Islam). As Islam is meant for the whole mankind, we must do Da’wah to both Muslims and non-Muslims for the pleasure of Allah (S.W.T.). We have to do it sincerely according to the Qur’an and the Sunnah in order for Allah (S.W.T.) to reward us.The Qur’an and the Sunnah provide us the comprehensive and effective way of conveying Islam to the whole mankind. We, the Du’â
t (those who invite or call others to Islam), should strive hard to acquire more knowledge of Islam based on the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah or Ahâdîth. We should have comprehensive knowledge of Islam in order to follow it wholeheartedly. When we follow the Qur’an and the Sunnah, we develop the best character and manners that make us successful Du’ât. If we join the ranks of those who call people to Islam (the Du’ât or Da’eeyât for women who do Da’wah) we will be among the successful believers. Allah (S.W.T.) not only assures the Du’ât as the ones to attain success (3:104) but also promises unlimited rewards to them. Our Creator inspires us:
“And
he who brings the Truth and he who confirms (and supports) it—such are the men
who do right. They shall have all
that they wish for, with their Rabb (Only Cherisher and Sustainer).
Such is the reward of those who do good: so that Allah will remit from
them (even) the worst in their deeds and give them their reward according to the
best of what they have done.” (Qur’an 39:33-35)
The
following Ahâdîth of
the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)
should further inspire us Muslims to enjoin people to Islam:
Sahl
Bin Sad narrated that Allah’s Messenger
(s.a.w.s.) said, “…Be patient till you face them (i.e., the infidels) and
invite them to Islam and inform them of what Allah has enjoined upon them.
By Allah! If a single person
embraces Islam at your hands (i.e., through you) that will be better for you
than the red camels.” (Bukhari 4/192 and 5/51)
Abu
Mas’ud Al-Ansari
(R.A.A)
narrated that Allah’s Messenger
(s.a.w.s.) said, “…One who guides to something good has a reward similar to
that of its doer.” (Muslim
4/4665)
Abu
Hurairah(R.A.A)
narrated that Allah’s
Messenger (s.a.w.s.)
said, “He who called people to
righteousness, there would be reward (assured) for him like the rewards of those
who adhered to it, without their rewards being diminished in any respect. And he
who called (people) to error, he shall have to carry (the burden) of its sin,
like those who committed it, without their sins being diminished in any
respect.” (Muslim4/6470)
Khuraym
Bin Fatik
(R.A.A) narrated that Allah’s Messenger
(s.a.w.s.) said, “If anyone makes a contribution towards Allah’s path, seven
hundred times as much will be recorded to his credit.”
(Tirmidhi 3826, 1343 and Nasa'i)
Al
Hasan Al Basri
(R.A.A) narrated that Allah’s Messenger
(s.a.w.s.) said, “The superiority of a scholar, who observes the prescribed
prayer and then sits down to teach people goodness, over the worshipper, who
observes fast during the day and worships during the night, is like my
superiority over the lowest in rank amongst you.” (Tirmidhi
250)
One
very important characteristic or manner that we must develop as Du’ât,
is to invite people based on true and firm knowledge of Islam. It is mandatory
for us Du’ât to learn
Islam based on knowledge of the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah (and Ahâdîth)
so that we can successfully convey the very essence of Islam, which is Tawhîd
or the absolute Oneness of Allah
(S.W.T.).
In our Da’wah, it is
necessary to first invite the non-Muslims to Tawhîd (the
absolute oneness of Allah
(S.W.T.)).
It is for their salvation that they should sincerely
(S.W.T.):
Abu
Hurairah (R.A.A)
narrated that Allah’s
Messenger
(s.a.w.s.)
said, “The luckiest person who will have my intercession will be the one who
said sincerely from the bottom of his heart, “None has the right to be
worshipped but Allah...” (Bukhari 1/98
and 8/574)
Muadh
(R.A.A) narrated:
I was a companion rider of the Prophet
(s.a.w.s.)
on a donkey called 'Ufair. The Prophet
(s.a.w.s.)
asked, “O Mu'adh! Do you know what Allah’s right on His slaves is, and what
the right of His slaves on Him is?” I replied, “Allah and His Messenger know
better.” He said, “Allah’s right on His slaves is that they should worship
Him (Alone) and should not worship any besides Him. And slave’s right on Allah
is that He should not punish him who worships none besides Him.” I said, “O
Allah’sMessenger! Should I not inform the people of this good news?” He
said, “Do not inform them of it, lest they should depend on it
(absolutely).” (Bukhari 4/108)
There
are three categories of Tawhîd
(the Oneness of God) that we must explain very clearly to the non-Muslims.
First is Tawhîd Ar-Ruboobeeyah (Oneness
of Allah’s Divinity or
Allah (S.W.T.)
as the Only God and Creator). Allah
(S.W.T.)
is the Only Rabb, the
Creator, the Sovereign, the Sustainer, the Provider, and Manager of the whole
mankind in all affairs. Second is Tawhîd
Al-Ulooheeyah or Tawhîd Al-Ibaadah (Allah
is the Only One worthy of our worship). No
one deserves true worship but Allah. Allah
(S.W.T.)
created the whole mankind and the jinn to worship Him Alone (51:56). Worship in
Islam is a comprehensive term. Everything we do in accordance with Allah’s Law is an act of worship. Such
worship must be done sincerely for the pleasure of Allah
(S.W.T.)
alone. Third is Tawhîd Al-Asmaa
wa As-Sifaat
(Allah Alone deserves the most Magnificent Names and Attributes).
All praises belong to Allah
(S.W.T.).
No one shares in any of His beautiful Names and Attributes, which are
found in the Qur’an and Ahâdîth.
The
belief in Tawhîd in
Islam is the most logical concept of God that every rational individual could
ever think of. Simply because,
should there be two, three or more “gods” then, the
entire universe would have been in chaos as a result of the competition of and
struggle for power among “gods.”
Allah (S.W.T.)
says:
“If
there were, in the heavens and the earth, other gods besides Allah, there would
have been ruin in both! But
glory to Allah, the Rabb of the Throne: (High
is He) above what they attribute to Him.” (Qur’an 21:
22)
“No
son did Allah beget nor is there any god along with Him: (if there were many
gods) behold each god would have taken away what he had created and some would
have overcome others! Glory to Allah (He is free) from the (sort of) things they
attribute to Him!” (Qur’an 23:91)
Of
the three categories of Tawhîd,
we must give emphasis on the Tawhîd Al-Ulooheeyah or Tawhîd Al-Ibaadah.
That is to invite or call people to worship Allah
(S.W.T.)
alone. This is to guide them to the
Truth so that they will fulfill their very purpose of existence/creation in this
world
¾ i.e., to worship Allah
(S.W.T.)
throughout their lives and therefore avoid committing the most sinful of all
sins, which is Shirk
(associating partners with Allah
(S.W.T.)).
Allah the Most High tells us:
“I
have created not the jinn and men except that they should worship Me (Alone). I
seek not any provision from them nor do I ask that they should feed Me. Verily,
Allah is the All-Provider, Owner of Power, the Most Strong.”
(Qur’an 51:56-58)
“So
glorify the praises of your Rabb and be of those who prostrate themselves (to
Him). And worship your Rabb until
there comes unto you the Hour that is certain (i.e., death).”
(Qur’an 15:98-99)
“Allah
forgives not that partners should be set up with Him; but He forgives anything
else, to whom He pleases; to set up partners with Allah is to devise a sin most
heinous indeed.” (Qur’an 4:48)
To
guide mankind to Tawhîd Al-Ulooheeyah, Allah the Most Gracious, Most Merciful sent prophets and messengers to
every nation. We read in the
Qur’an :
“And
verily, We have sent among every nation a messenger (proclaiming): ‘Worship
Allah (alone) and avoid false deities.’…”
(Qur’an 16:36)
“And
We did not send any messenger before you (O Muhammad) except that We inspired
him (to proclaim) that none has the right to be worshipped except Me (Allah), so
worship Me (Alone).” (Qur’an 21:25)
The
Prophet (s.a.w.s.) , just like other prophets and messengers of Allah
(S.W.T.)
before him (e.g., Noah (7:59 and 23:23); Abraham (2: 257 and 6: 80); Jesus
Christ, the son of Mary (5: 72)) invited people to the worship of Allah
(S.W.T.).
Allah the Exalted tells us:
“Say
(O Muhammad): ‘I am but a man like yourselves, (but) the inspiration
has come to me, that your God is One God: whoever expects to meet His Rabb, let
him work righteousness, and in the worship of his Rabb, admit no one as
partner.” (Qur’an 18:110)
In
conveying the message of Tawhîd, we have to follow the Prophet
(s.a.w.s.) who successfully conveyed it with certain knowledge.
This is a divine commandment from Allah the Almighty, which we must
follow:
“Say
(O Muhammad): ‘This is my Way; I do invite unto Allah with a certain
knowledge. And whoever follows me
(must also invite others to Allah, Oneness of Allah with sure knowledge). Glory
to Allah! And I am not of the
polytheists.’” (Qur’an 12:
108)
The
Qur’an provides us the most truthful and logical Source to convey Tawhîd
to non-Muslims.
It is absolutely free from any sort of contradiction or error.
Any sensible non-Muslim who is being invited to Islam through the words
of Allah in the Qur’an will, Insha Allah, testify
to the Oneness of Allah
(S.W.T.).
The Qur’an is the certain knowledge that Prophet Muhammad
(s.a.w.s.)
used to invite non-believers to Islam.
It is imperative that we Du’ât must
invite non-Muslims to Tawhîd
as it is the Sunnah of
Allah’s Messenger
(s.a.w.s.) .
In fact, the first thing he enjoined one of his Companions, which we must also
follow, was to invite people to worship Allah
(S.W.T.):
Bin
Abbas
(R.A.A) narrated that when Allah’s Messenger
(s.a.w.s.) sent Muadh
(R.A.A)
to Yemen, he said (to him), “You are going to people of the Book. First of all invite
them to worship Allah (Alone) and when they come to know Allah, inform them that
Allah has enjoined on them, five prayers in every day and night; and if they
start offering these prayers, inform them that Allah has enjoined on them, the
Zakat. And it is to be taken from the rich amongst them and given to the poor
amongst them; and if they obey you in that, take Zakat from them and avoid
(don't take) the best property of the people as Zakat.”
(Bukhari 2/537)
Islamic
History tells us that for ten years, the Prophet
(s.a.w.s.) invited the non-believers in Makkah to Tawhîd
(to worship no other God but Allah
(S.W.T.)).
While in Makkah, he was raised to Heaven where he was given the divine
commandment to institutionalize the five obligatory daily prayers (Salaat). He performed the prayers in Makkah
for three years. Then, he was
commanded to migrate to Madinah to build the first Islamic State
¾
to implement Islam in its complete and purest way.
This shows how the Prophet
(s.a.w.s.)
stressed the need to give
priority to Tawhîd, which
we must also follow in our Da’wah. This means to explain to non-Muslims the concept and
rationality of the absolute oneness of Allah and why we need to worship Him,
before explaining other pillars of Islam as well as the articles and other
teachings of the True and Right Religion. In
our explanation of Tawhîd
and other basic teachings of Islam, we must try to give proofs from the Qur’an
and the Sunnah. The
non-Muslims should know that the Qur’an teaches mankind the sincere belief and
adherence in Tawhîd
(absolute Oneness of Allah)
¾
a very sublime message for all. It
tells us that there is no God but Allah
(S.W.T.). He is the Living, the
Self-Subsisting, the Supporter of all (3:2), and the One Who gives life and
death (3:156, 6:95 and 15:23).
The
Qur’an tells us that belief in Allah requires that we refrain from assigning
partners to Him (6:22, 13:36 and 60:12) as well as saying things about
Allah (S.W.T.)
of which we have no knowledge (7:33). No
vision can grasp Him, but His grasp is over all vision; He is Subtle Well Aware (6:102,
103). He is Allah, the One. He is
not one in a Trinity (5:72), nor one of two (16:51).
He has no begotten son (2:116, 6:100, 10:68 and 19:35) nor is He begotten
(112:3). Nor does He have neither
consort nor daughters (6:100-101, 16:57 and 37:149-157). Verily, Allah
has no partner (6:163). There is nothing whatever like unto Him (42:12).
Allah is the One, the Eternal, Absolute; He begets not, nor is He
begotten; and there is none like unto Him (112:1-4).
The Qur’an teaches us to worship Allah alone. Allah
(S.W.T.)
says:
“…
(This Qur’an is) a Book, with
verses basic or fundamental (of
established meaning)
¾
further explained in detail from One Who is Wise and Well-Acquainted (with all
things). (It teaches) that you
should worship none but Allah.”
(Qur’an
11:1-2)
We
should therefore invite Christians to worship Allah instead of Jesus Christ.
For their guidance they must read the Qur’an as it guides them to the
truth about Jesus Christ.
Jesus was no more than a servant of Allah
(S.W.T.)
for the Children of Israel (43:59). He
was a sign to them (23:50). He
was the son of Mary (3:45) and not the son of Allah (9:30). He was in company
and ranks of the righteous Prophets (3:46; 6:85).
He was (no more than) a Messenger of Allah (4:171). Under Allah’s will, he performed miracles (3:49). Christ’s
creation was like that of Adam. Allah
(S.W.T.)
created Adam from dust, then said to him: ‘Be’ and he was (3:59). Christ
taught no false worship (5:116-117). He taught his disciples the worship of
Allah (S.W.T.)
as a Way that is straight (3:51). In
blasphemy indeed are those that say that Allah is Christ the son of Mary (5:17).
Therefore, they (the Christians) must not over glorify him to be God for
he is not Allah (5:17).
Allah
(S.W.T.)
guides the Jews and the Christians to the truth about Jesus Christ.
Jesus, just like Prophet Muhammad
(s.a.w.s.),
was a Prophet and a Messenger of Allah. The
only difference is that Jesus was only sent as a servant of Allah
(S.W.T.)
for the Children of Israel, whereas, Muhammad
(s.a.w.s.)
was sent as the Universal Messenger of Allah to the whole mankind.
Allah, the Most High, says:
“He
(Jesus) was no more than a servant: We granted Our favor to him and We made him
an example to the Children of Israel.” (Qur’an 53:59)
“Whatever
good (O man!) happens to you is from Allah; but whatever evil happens to you is
from your (own) soul. And We have
sent you (O Muhammad) as a Messenger to (instruct) mankind: and enough is Allah
for a witness.” (Qur’an 4:179)
One
very important attribute of Allah that we must tell non-Muslims, especially the
Christians, is that He is above His creation.
We must correct the idea in Christianity that “God
is everywhere.”
This misconception about God means that He can be present inside His
creation. The Qur’an tells us
very clearly that Allah is above His creation as shown in the following Ayât:
“He
is the Irresistible above His worshippers, and He is the All-Wise,
Well-Acquainted with all things.” (Qur’an 6:18)
“And
to Allah prostrate all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth, of
the live moving creatures and the angels, and they are not proud.
They fear their Rabb Who is above them.”
(Qur’an 16:50)
It
must be noted that when Allah the Almighty tells us that He is nearer to every
human being (56:85) even than his jugular vein (50:16) this means that He knows
very well the innermost state of every human’s feelings and consciousness. Allah
is Ever Near (34:50) to everyone by His infinite wisdom and knowledge because He
is All Knowing, All Wise (4:11, 9:28 and 27:6). Allah is with us by His hearing,
His seeing and His Knowledge. The Almighty says:
“Fear
not for I am with you I hear and see (everything).” (Qur’an 20:46)
After
enlightening the Christians on the unique and absolute qualities of Allah as
defined in the Qur’an, it is a must that we reiterate our invitation for them
to worship Him Alone. Verily, Allah is the Only True God of the whole mankind.
If they reject our invitation, then we do not have to compel them to
accept the Truth. What is important
is that we have performed our duty as Muslims.
Allah the Exalted says:
“Say:
‘O People of the Book! Come to what is common between us and you: that we
worship none but Allah, that we associate nothing with Him, and that none of us
shall take others as rabbs besides Allah.’
If they reject our invitation, then tell them plainly, ‘Bear witness
that we are Muslims.’” (Qur’an 3:64)
Verily,
the truth is that there is no god except Allah
(S.W.T.)
(Qur’an 3:62 and 4:87): the Only Creator and Sustainer (30:40 and 40:62) of all.
To Him belong all things in the heavens and on earth. He is free of all wants, worthy of all praise (4:131).
He is the Sovereign, the Holy, (the Source of) Peace, the Secure, the
Preserver, the Powerful, the Irresistible, the Grandiose: Glory be to Allah
(S.W.T.)
ahead of anything they may associate (with Him)! (Qur’an
59:22-24).
We
should make it clear to the non-Muslims that Allah
(S.W.T.)
will never guide them if they do not believe in the absolute Oneness of Allah
(S.W.T.).
All their good deeds will be in vain if they continue associating
partners with Allah
(S.W.T.)
and join others in worship with Him. Allah
(S.W.T.)
says:
“This
is the Guidance of Allah. He gives
that guidance to whom He pleases, of His servants if they were to join other
gods with Him, all that they did would be vain for them.” (Qur’an 6:88)
“And
indeed it has been revealed to you (O Muhammad), as it was to those (Allah’s
Messengers) before you: If you join others in worship with Allah, (then) surely
(all) your deeds will be in vain, and you will certainly be among the losers.”
(Qur’an 39:65)
It
is for their own salvation that they should accept the invitation to Islam and
turn to Allah (S.W.T.) for repentance. They
should refrain from associating partners in worship with Allah
(S.W.T.).
Allah, the Most Forgiving, forgives all sins except the association of
partners with Him. He
(S.W.T.)
says:
“Allah
forgives not that partners should be set up with Him; but He forgives anything
else, to whom He pleases; to set up partners with Allah is to devise a sin most
heinous indeed.” (Qur'an
4:48)
‘Abdullah
(R.A.A) narrated that Allah’s Messenger
(s.a.w.s.) said, “Anyone who dies worshipping others along with Allah will
definitely enter the Fire.” I said, “Anyone who dies worshipping none along
with Allah will definitely enter Paradise.”
(Bukhari 2/330, 6/24 and
Muslim168)
The
Qur’an enlightens us to testify that there is no God (worthy of true worship)
but Allah (47:19). Likewise, we read Ahâdîth regarding
Tawhîd. Allah’s
Messenger
(s.a.w.s.)
emphasized the importance of Tawhîd. Indeed,
the Qur’an and the Sunnah
provide us the certain knowledge of inviting people to Tawhîd;
therefore, there is no need for us to refer to any source such as the Bible.
The two authentic revealed Sources in Islam are sufficient for us.
They can enlighten and awaken the minds and hearts of sensible
non-Muslims who really seek for Truth.
As
Du’ât, we have to take
all the opportunities to seek knowledge of the Truth.
We have to read the Book of
Allah (S.W.T.)
and the authentic Ahâdîth (or
Sunnah) of His Messenger
(s.a.w.s.).
They serve as the best and genuine tools to convey the Truth to the
non-Muslims. Our belief and deeds must be based on these two authentic sources
of knowledge and guidance.
We
have to convey the need to search for knowledge of the Truth to the
non-practicing Muslims as well as the non-Muslims. We have to emphasize that
what we are going to explain to them is based on the Qur’an and the Sunnah.
We have to explain why the Qur’an is the Divine Revelation from Allah
(S.W.T.).
They have to know that the Qur’an is complete:
“For
We had certainly sent unto them a Book (Qur’an) based on knowledge, which We
explained in detail, a guide and a Mercy to all who believe.”
(Qur'an
7:52)
“…We
have sent down to you the Book (Qur’an) explaining all things, a guide, a
Mercy, and glad tidings to Muslims.” (Qur'an
16:89)
Furthermore,
we have to explain to them clearly why we have to follow the Sunnah
of the Prophet
(s.a.w.s.).
They have to know that to follow the Prophet
(s.a.w.s.)
is a divine commandment from
Allah, the Rabb of the
worlds:
“Say:
‘If you do love Allah follow me: Allah will love you and forgive you your sins
for Allah is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful.’”
(Qur'an 3:31)
“But
no, by your Rabb, 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.” (Qur'an
4:65)
It
is imperative, therefore, that we must strictly adhere to the Qur’an and the Sunnah.
It is a divine commandment that guides us to the Straight Path.
Both the Qur’an and the Sunnah
constitute the best guidance for the whole mankind. We have to believe and follow the following teachings from
the Qur’an and the authentic Ahâdîth:
“And
if you have a dispute concerning any matter, refer it to Allah and His
Messenger.’” (Qur'an
3:31)
“And
verily, this is my Straight Path so follow it, and follow not (other paths, for
they will separate you away from His Path.
This He has ordained for you that you may become pious.” (Qur'an
6:153)
Jabir
Bin ‘Abdullah
(R.A.A) narrated that Allah’s Messenger
(s.a.w.s.) said, “The best
speech is that embodied in the Book of Allah, and the best guidance is the
guidance given by Muhammad. The most evil affairs are their innovations; and
every innovation is an error.”
(Muslim1885 and Ibn Majah 1/45)
Jabir
Bin ‘Abdullah (R.A.A)narrated that Allah’s Messenger
(s.a.w.s.)
used to say in his prayer after tashahhud, “The most excellent words are the words of Allah and the most
excellent guidance is the guidance given by Muhammad.”
(Tirmidhi 956 and Nasa'i)
Hudhaifah
(R.A.A) narrated that Allah’s Messenger
(s.a.w.s.) said to us, “Honesty descended from the Heavens and settled in the
roots of the hearts of men (faithful believers), and then the Qur’an was
revealed and the people read the Qur’an,
(and learned from it) and also
learned it from the Sunnah. Both Qur’an
and the Sunnah strengthened their (the faithful believers’) honesty.”
(Bukhari 9/381)
All
of us have to read Islamic books that are based on the Qur’an and authentic Ahâdîth
written by Muslim scholars.
We have to explain further to the non-Muslims that true knowledge of
Islam consists of the Qur’an, the Sunnah and
the prescriptions rightly deduced from the two:
‘Abdullah
Bin ‘Amr
(R.A.A) narrated that Allah’s Messenger
(s.a.w.s.) said: “Knowledge consists of three things: the decisive verses (Qur’an
), authentic Hâdîth and prescriptions rightly deduced from the two.
What is beside them is superfluous.” (Ibn
Majah 1/54 and Abu Dawud 2879)
Mu’adh
Bin Jabal
(R.A.A) narrated that some of his companions said, “When Allah’s
Messenger (s.a.w.s.)
intended to send him (Mu'adh Bin Jabal) to Yemen, he
(s.a.w.s.)
asked: “How will you judge when the occasion of deciding a case arises?”
He replied, I shall judge in accordance with Allah’s Book. He was asked: “(What will you do) if you do not find
any guidance in Allah’s Book?” He
replied, “(I shall act) in accordance with the Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger
(s.a.w.s.) ”.
He (s.a.w.s.)
asked, “(What will you do) if
you do not find any guidance in the Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger
(s.a.w.s.)
and in Allah’s Book?” He
replied, “I shall do my best to form an opinion and I shall spare no
effort.” Allah’s Messenger
(s.a.w.s.)
then patted him on the breast and said: “Praise be to Allah Who has helped
Allah’s Messenger to find something which pleases Allah’s Messenger.”
(Abu Dawud 3585)
We
have to encourage the non-Muslims to read the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah
as well as books based on these Divine Sources of Truth.
We have to remember that the first Surah (Chapter)
that Allah (S.W.T.) revealed to His Messenger
(s.a.w.s.) for our guidance pertains to reading.
Allah the Exalted commands:
“Read!
In the name of your Rabb and Cherisher, Who created — created man, out of a
leech-like clot. Read!
And your Rabb is Most Bountiful. He Who taught (the use of) the Pen, taught
man that which he knew not...” (Qur'an
96:1-4)
When
we follow the divine commandment to read, we find that of all books, the
Qur’an is the only Book wherein Allah instructs mankind to: read (73:20), understand (21:10; 47: 24; 54:17, 22, 32, 40),
study (2:121), recite (29:45 and 73:4), listen (7:204), remember (80:11-14) and
follow it for guidance (6:155 and 39:18).
The Qur’an, is the Truth from Allah (Qur’an, 32:2-3).
It is the Book Full of Wisdom (36:2);
and the Truth of assured certainty (69:51).
Why? Because, it is the Truth from our Rabb
(22:54)
¾ the One full of knowledge and wisdom (22:52). Allah
(S.W.T.)
says:
“We
sent down (the
Qur’an) in Truth, and in Truth has
it descended...” (Qur'an 17:105)
The
following Âyât (verses)
should awaken all of us to learn more of Allah’s
Book:
“Is
then one who does know that, that which has been Revealed unto you from your
Rabb is the Truth, like the one who is blind?
It is those who are endowed with understanding that receive
admonition...!” (Qur'an
13:19-24)
The
Prophet (s.a.w.s.)
also inspires us to learn and teach Allah’s
Book. He stresses that if we hold
on to the Qur’an we will never go astray:
Uthman
Bin Affan
(R.A.A) narrated that the Prophet
(s.a.w.s.) said, “The most superior among you (Muslims) are those who learn the
Qur’an and teach it.” (Bukhari
6/546)
Jabir
Bin ‘Abdullah
(R.A.A) narrated that the Prophet
(s.a.w.s.) said, “…I have left
among you the Book of Allah, and if you hold fast to it, you would never go
astray…” (Muslim
2803.1)
It
is for our guidance that we must believe the whole of the Qur’an.
We are not considered to be true believers if we doubt some parts of the
Revelation. If we reject any part
of it, we will suffer grievous punishment in the Hereafter. Allah
(S.W.T.) warns:
.
. . Then is it only a part of the Book that you believe in.
And do you reject the rest? But
what is the reward for those among you who behave like this but disgrace in this
life? And on the Day of Judgment they shall be
consigned to the most grievous chastisement for Allah is not unmindful of what
you do. These are the people who
buy the life of this world at the price of the Hereafter: their chastisement
shall not be lightened nor shall they be helped. (Qur'an
2:85-86)
In
our Da’wah, we have to
explain to the non-Muslims that the Qur’an is the only comprehensive book
available to mankind for guidance. Allah
(S.W.T.) says that nothing has been omitted from it (6:38).
It is further explained in detail (11:1 and 6:114).
It guides us to believe and obey Muhammad
(s.a.w.s.)
(3:31-32; 4:170 and 47:33). For our
complete guidance, it is necessary for us to follow the Sunnah
(Traditions of the Prophet
(s.a.w.s.) )
because he is Allah’s
universal Messenger to the whole mankind (34:28).
He is the Seal of the Prophets (33:40) whom our Creator sent with
Guidance and the Religion of Truth, to make it prevail over all religions
(61:9).
Islam
is not only complete but also applies to all generations, at all times, under
any circumstance. In other words, it is the perfect religion for the whole
mankind. Allah the Exalted says:
“...This
day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and
have chosen for you Islam as your religion.”
(Qur'an 5:3)
Islam
as the perfect religion is one of the important concepts that we should know and
at the same time convey to all. We
do not, therefore, need to make bid’ah (innovation or fabrication) in our religion. The Prophet
(s.a.w.s.)
stresses the importance of knowing and holding on to the Qur’an and the Sunnah
and at the same time warns us to avoid bid’ah. To reiterate:
Jabir
Bin ‘Abdullah
(R.A.A) narrated that Allah’s Messenger
(s.a.w.s.) said, “The best
speech is that embodied in the Book of Allah, and the best guidance is the
guidance given by Muhammad. The most evil affairs are their innovations; and
every innovation is an error.”
(Muslim1885 and Ibn Majah 1/45)
‘Aishah
(R.A.A) narrated
that Allah’s Messenger
(s.a.w.s.)
said, “Whoso introduces any
thing new to this affairs of ours (i.e., religion) which does not form a part of
it, it is invalid.” (Bukhari 3/861 and Ibn Majah 1/14)
Hasan
Bin Attiyah
(R.A.A) narrated that Allah’s Messenger
(s.a.w.s.) said, “No one ever made an innovation in their religion but Allah
withdrew the equal portion from their Sunnah and He would not restore it to them
till the Day of Resurrection.” (Tirmidhi
188)
Yahya
Bin Abu Muta
(R.A.A) said, “I heard Irbad Bin Sariya as
saying, “One day Allah’s Messenger
(s.a.w.s.) got up among us and
delivered a profoundly effective sermon to us: the hearts softened and eyes
welled up with tears thereby.” It
was said: “Allah’s Messenger
(s.a.w.s.),
you have delivered to us a farewell sermon.
So enjoin upon us some duty.” He
remarked, “God-consciousness (fear of Allah), listening to (the commands of
those at the head of affairs) and the compliance (thereof) are obligatory duties
for you, even if he (the ruler) be an Abyssinian slave.
Very soon, you would see tremendous controversy after me. At that juncture, it is incumbent upon you to adhere strictly
to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided caliphs.
Hold fast that with teeth and pursue not the affairs of innovation for
every innovation is straying from the Right Path.”
(Ibn Majah 1/42, Abu Dawud 4950, and Tirmidhi)
Ghudhayf
Bin al Harith al Thumali
(R.A.A) narrated that Allah’s Messenger
(s.a.w.s.) said, “Never did a people make an innovation (in religion) there was
withdrawn from them the equal measure of Sunnah. Adhering to Sunnah is better
than making innovations.” (Tirmidhi
187 and Ahmad)
As
much as possible, we must refrain from committing Bid'ah.
Innovation in religion, which includes the manner of conveying Islam to
others contrary to the Qur'an and the Sunnah must be avoided. Let us
always be guided with the Qur’anic injunction to obey Allah
(S.W.T.)
and His Messenger (s.a.w.s.)
by adhering to the Qur'an and
the Sunnah. We must take admonitions from the following Qur'anic injunctions:
“But
no, by your Rabb (Sustainer), 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.” (Qur'an
4:65)
"...And
whosoever does not judge in accordance with what Allah has revealed, such are
the kafiroon (disbelievers).”
(Qur'an
5:44)
"...And whosoever does not judge in accordance with what Allah has revealed, such are the dhalimoon (wrongdoers).” (Qur'an 5:45)
"...And
whosoever does not judge in accordance with what Allah has revealed, (then) such
are the fasiqoon (the rebellious) to Allah.” (Qur'an
5:47)
"It is not for a believer, man or woman when Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he has indeed strayed into a plain error." (Qur'an 33:36)
“O
you who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger (Muhammad) and render not
vain your deeds.” (Qur'an
47:33)
In
our Da'wah, we must refrain using any source outside authentic Islamic sources.
Let us not imitate those who do Da'wah by referring to the Bible or any
part thereof. Let us remember that
Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.)
rebuked one of his closest
companions for trying to refer to the Torah. We Du’ât must
take lesson from the following Hâdîth:
Jabir
Bin ‘Abdullah (R.A.A)
narrated that Umar Bin al-Khattab
(R.A.A)
brought to Allah’s Messenger
(s.a.w.s.) a
copy of the Torah and said: “Allah’s Messenger
(s.a.w.s.),
this is a copy of the Torah.” He (Allah’s Messenger
(s.a.w.s.))
kept quiet and he (Umar ) began to read it. The (color)
of the face of Allah’s Messenger
(s.a.w.s.)
underwent a change. Abu Bakr
(R.A.A)
said, “Would
that your mother mourns you, don’t you see the face of Allah’s Messenger
(s.a.w.s.) ?”
Umar
(R.A.A) saw
the face of Allah’s Messenger
and said, “I seek refuge with
Allah from the wrath of Allah and the wrath of His Messenger
(s.a.w.s.) . We are well pleased
with Allah as Rabb, with Islam as religion, and with Muhammad
(s.a.w.s.)
as Prophet.” Whereupon Allah’s Messenger
(s.a.w.s.) said: “By Him in Whose hand is the life of Muhammad, even if Moses
were to appear before you and you were to follow him, leaving me aside, you
would certainly stray into error. If
(Moses) were alive (now), and he found my prophethood, he would have definitely
followed me.” (Tirmidhi
194, Darimi and Mishkat, 1/20)
It
must be noted that according to the narration Umar Bin al-Khattab
(R.A.A) merely
“began to read the Torah”. He
did not get any guidance from it or quote any verse from it the way some Du’ât
and even scholars in today’s generation give emphasis to some Biblical verses
in trying to convey Islam. Umar
(R.A.A) invited the people through the Qur’an and not with the
Torah. Even after the Messenger’s
death, Umar
(R.A.A) admonished
the Muslims to stick to the Qur’an so they would be guided to the Right Path:
Anas
Bin Malik
(R.A.A)
narrated
that he heard 'Umar
(R.A.A) speaking while standing on the pulpit of the Prophet
(s.a.w.s.)
in the morning (following the death of the Prophet
(s.a.w.s.) ),
when the people had sworn allegiance to Abu Bakr
(R.A.A)
. He said the Tashah-hud
before Abu Bakr,
and
said, “Amma Ba'ad (then after) Allah has chosen for his Messenger
(s.a.w.s.)
what is with Him (Paradise) rather than what is with you (the world). This is
that Book (Qur’an) with which Allah guided your Messenger
(s.a.w.s.),
so stick to it, for then you will be guided on the right path as Allah guided
His Messenger
(s.a.w.s.)
with it.” (Bukhari
9/374)
Caliph Umar