A comprehensive framework for what is forbidden in Islam

In Islam, "forbidden" refers to any action, behavior, or substance that Allah and His Messenger have prohibited. Avoiding forbidden acts is essential for maintaining a righteous life, preserving spiritual purity, and achieving success in both this life and the Hereafter. Muslims are encouraged to seek knowledge of what is forbidden and to strive to live according to Allah's guidance, always ready to repent if they fall into error.

The 33rd verse of Surah 7. Al A'raf lays down a comprehensive framework for what is forbidden in Islam, covering both actions and beliefs. It emphasizes the importance of moral integrity, justice, and monotheism, while warning against oppression, immorality, and making unfounded claims about Allah. The verse serves as a reminder of the ethical and spiritual responsibilities of Muslims to adhere to the guidance of Allah in all aspects of life.

Surah Al-A'raf, verse 33, reads:

قُلۡ اِنَّمَا حَرَّمَ رَبِّىَ الۡـفَوَاحِشَ مَا ظَهَرَ مِنۡهَا وَمَا بَطَنَ وَ الۡاِثۡمَ وَالۡبَـغۡىَ بِغَيۡرِ الۡحَـقِّ وَاَنۡ تُشۡرِكُوۡا بِاللّٰهِ مَا لَمۡ يُنَزِّلۡ بِهٖ سُلۡطٰنًا وَّاَنۡ تَقُوۡلُوۡا عَلَى اللّٰهِ مَا لَا تَعۡلَمُوۡنَ‏  

(7:33) Tell them (O Muhammad): 'My Lord has only forbidden indecent acts, whether overt or hidden; all manner of sin; wrongful transgression; and [He has forbidden] that you associate with Allah in His divinity that for which He has sent down no sanction; and that you ascribe to Allah things of which you have no sure knowledge that they are from Him.'

This verse is part of a passage in Surah Al-A'raf where Allah is addressing the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to clarify what is forbidden and sinful behavior. The verse lists several categories of forbidden actions and beliefs, emphasizing the importance of morality, justice, and the correct understanding of divine guidance.

1. Forbidden Immoralities (Fawahish):

• The term "immoralities" (فَوَاحِشَ, fawahish) refers to acts that are grossly immoral and indecent. These can include both physical and sexual immorality, as well as broader acts of indecency.
• The part of the verse specifies that these immoralities include both what is apparent and what is concealed, meaning that both outward actions and hidden intentions or thoughts that are immoral are forbidden. This highlights that Allah’s prohibitions extend to both visible and secret sins.

2. Sin (Ithm):

• The literal meaning of term "sin" (إِثْمَ, ithm)  is negligence. The sense of sin has entered into this word from "athimah" which means a she-camel that can run fast but willfully does not do so. Likewise that man who neglects to obey the Commandments of his Lord, in spite of his ability to do so, shall be sinful for he has no intention of pleasing Him. 
• The term here here refers to actions that are inherently wrong and harmful, both to oneself and to others. These include all forms of behavior that go against the commands of Allah and the moral order He has established.
• This covers a wide range of wrongful actions, such as lying, cheating, stealing, and other behaviors that violate the ethical teachings of Islam.
• This term also includes the Halal and Haraam concept and forbids Muslims to stay away from what has been termed as Haraam, whether in eating, relations and intimate relations between man and women outside the matrimonial bond.

3. Oppression Without Right (Baghī):

• Oppression (بَغْي, baghī) in this context refers to acts of injustice, tyranny, and wrongful aggression. The verse specifically mentions "without right," indicating that any form of oppression or injustice that is not sanctioned by a legitimate right is forbidden.
• This includes taking away the rights of others, whether through physical harm, unfair treatment, or unjust laws and practices. Islam emphasizes justice and fairness, and oppression is one of the most serious sins in this regard.
• It will be rebellion against the Truth, if one transgresses the prescribed limits and enters into the bounds where he has no right. Likewise all such people as transgress the bounds prescribed for the servants of Allah and follow their own will, behave as masters in His Kingdom and encroach on the rights that belong to Allah alone, are really rebels against Allah.

4. Shirk (Associating Partners with Allah):

• The verse condemns associating partners with Allah (شِرْك, shirk) as a grave sin. It specifically mentions associating with Allah something "for which He has not sent down any authority," emphasizing that there is no divine sanction or evidence for such practices.
• Shirk is considered the most serious of all sins in Islam because it contradicts the fundamental belief in the oneness of Allah (Tawhid). This includes worshiping idols, saints, or any other beings or objects besides Allah.
• At another place in Qur'an, Allah warns of associating others with Him: "Is it, then, in regard to Him Who watches over the deeds of every person that they are acting blasphemously by setting up His associates? Tell them: "Name those associates (if Allah Himself has made them His associates)! Or are you informing Allah of something the existence of which He does not even know?" Or do people arbitrarily utter empty words? Indeed, their foul contriving has been made to seem fair to the unbelievers and they have been barred from finding the Right Way. Whomsoever Allah lets go astray will have none to guide him." (Surah 13 Ra'ad, verse 33)

That is, the disbelievers are so audacious that they set up partners with Allah Whose knowledge is All-Comprehensive and Who is aware of even the minutest details of the good and bad actions of each individual. These are the audacious things they do. They ascribe partners and equals to Him. They believe that some of His creatures are a part and parcel of His Being, and have attributes and rights like Him. They presume that they shall not be called to account for whatever they do, even though they live in His kingdom.

5. Speaking Without Knowledge About Allah:

• The phrase "speaking without knowledge about Allah" refers to making statements, claims, or assertions about Allah, His nature, His will, or His commandments without having the proper knowledge or authority to do so. In Islamic theology, this is considered a serious sin because it can lead to misunderstanding or misrepresenting Allah and His teachings.
• Thus this part of the verse warns against saying about Allah what one does not know. This includes making unfounded claims about Allah’s nature, laws, or will, or inventing religious beliefs and practices without proper knowledge or evidence from divine revelation.
• This is a significant admonition because it addresses the importance of seeking accurate knowledge and understanding of Allah's guidance, rather than following conjecture, hearsay, or personal desires.

In summary, the forbidden things are described in four categories: (1) what is shameful or unbecoming; the sort of things which have also legal and social sanctions, not of a local but of a universal kind; they may be called offences against society: (2) sins against self and trespasses or excesses of every sort; these are against truth and reason; here would come in indiscipline, failure in doing intangible duties not clearly defined by law; selfishness or self-aggrandizement, which may be condoned by custom and not punished by law, etc.- (3) erecting fetishes or false gods; this is treason against the true God; and (4) corrupting religion by debasing superstitions, etc.

Let us concentrate on each verse of the Qur'an and try to figure out the hidden meaning, for therein lies the Divine Wisdom which is always cautioning us to remain on the right course, the Siraat Al Mustaqeem, lest the Evil forces of Satan derail us and take us to the era of darkness yet again which existed before the advent of Islam.

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our Understanding Islam - Frequently Asked Q&A for knowing more about Islam. You may also refer to our other reference pages: Understanding Al Qur'an and General Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Quran.

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An eye opener verse from Qur'an for those who commit Shirk by turning to deities other than Allah

Shirk is an act of associating partners with Allah in any form. It is considered the gravest sin in Islam, as it directly contradicts the core concept of Tawhid, which is the oneness and uniqueness of Allah. Shirk involves ascribing divine attributes to others besides Allah or attributing God's exclusive rights to any being or thing. Yet despite many cautions in Qur'an and Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, many a believers, who otherwise proclaim faith in Allah, turn to saints (generally those who have died), angels, or any other entities, for redress of their grievances and fulfillment of their wordily desires and needs.

Many a devotees of dead saints in the Indian sub continent still flock the graves of their saints and seek their help of "conveying" their woes to Allah. This is despite the fact that Allah promises His servants that He is close to their jugular vein and listens to their grievances. 

This is the most detestable act in the eyes of Allah and He strictly forbids such practices. This is the theme of the 5th verse of Surah 46 Al Ahqaf (The Sand-Dunes) in which Allah warns those who turn to others than Him for fulfilment of their needs and cautions them to leave such practices for those dead in graves do not even know that they are being called upon.

وَمَنۡ اَضَلُّ مِمَّنۡ يَّدۡعُوۡا مِنۡ دُوۡنِ اللّٰهِ مَنۡ لَّا يَسۡتَجِيۡبُ لَهٗۤ اِلٰى يَوۡمِ الۡقِيٰمَةِ وَهُمۡ عَنۡ دُعَآئِهِمۡ غٰفِلُوۡنَ‏ 

(46:5) Who is farther strayed from the Right Path than he who calls upon others than Allah that cannot answer his call till the Day of Resurrection, the while they are not even conscious that callers are calling upon them?

The verse make it very clear that the wordily deities whom they call do not possess the powers by virtue of which they could give decisions on the prayers and petitions of their devotees. The these wordily deities do not possess the powers by virtue of which they could give decisions on the prayers and petitions of their devotees. “Until the Day of Resurrection” means that as long as the world lasts they will get no answer to their supplications and prayers from their deities, but when Resurrection will have taken place, the deities will turn hostile to their worshipers themselves, as becomes explicit from the next verse.

 6 )   And when the people are gathered [that Day], they [who were invoked] will be enemies to them, and they will be deniers of their worship.

That is, they will say: We had neither told the people to invoke us for help, nor are we aware that they used to invoke us. They themselves had presumed that we could fulfill their needs and so had started invoking us.

Let us now expand this verse and see its implications for the strayed Muslims:

Futility of Worshiping Others Besides Allah:

• The verse highlights that those who are invoked besides Allah have no power to respond to the calls or prayers of those who worship them. They are unable to provide any benefit, relief, or guidance to their worshipers.
• These entities, regardless of their nature, are completely powerless compared to Allah, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe.

The Condition of the Invoked Beings:

• The verse points out that these entities are not even aware that they are being invoked. This could refer to idols, which are inanimate and have no consciousness, or to deceased humans or other beings, who have no awareness of the prayers directed towards them.
• The verse thus illustrates the absurdity of calling upon those who neither hear nor can respond, emphasizing that such acts of worship are baseless and misguided.

Ultimate Misguidance:

• The verse begins by questioning, "Who is more astray than he who invokes besides Allah?" This rhetorical question implies that there is no one more misguided than a person who engages in this type of worship.
• The misguidance is profound because it represents a departure from the fundamental truth of monotheism (Tawhid) — the belief that Allah alone is worthy of worship and that only He has the power to respond to prayers.

The Day of Resurrection:

• The verse mentions that these entities will not be able to respond until the Day of Resurrection. On that Day, all false beliefs will be exposed, and those who worshiped others besides Allah will realize their error. However, by then, it will be too late for them to rectify their misguidance.

Supporting verse from Qur'an:

"For Him [alone] is the supplication of truth. And those they call upon besides Him respond to them not at all, except as one who stretches his hands toward water [calling it] to reach his mouth, but it will never reach it. And the supplication of the disbelievers is not but in error [i.e., futility]." (Surah Ar-Ra’d, 13:14)

This verse uses the metaphor of someone trying to reach water by stretching their hands towards it, but it never reaches their mouth, to illustrate the futility of calling upon anyone other than Allah. The verse emphasizes that only Allah can truly respond to prayers, while invoking others besides Him is utterly ineffective, just like trying to reach water by merely stretching out one's hands without making any actual effort to grasp it.

Supporting Hadiths:  

The message of this verse is reinforced by several Hadiths that emphasize the importance of Tawhid and the futility and danger of associating others with Allah (shirk).

• Hadith on the Prohibition of Shirk: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

Narrated by `Abdullah: The Prophet (ﷺ) said one statement and I said another. The Prophet (ﷺ) said "Whoever dies while still invoking anything other than Allah as a rival to Allah, will enter Hell (Fire)." And I said, "Whoever dies without invoking anything as a rival to Allah, will enter Paradise."(Sahih Al-Bukhari 4497). This hadith underscores the seriousness of shirk, the act of associating partners with Allah, and indicates that it leads to severe consequences in the Hereafter.

•  Hadith on the Exclusivity of Worship to Allah: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also said:

"The right of Allah over His servants is that they should worship Him alone and not associate anything with Him." (Sahih Al-Bukhari 2856, Sahih Muslim 30). This hadith emphasizes that the primary duty of every human being is to worship Allah alone, without associating partners with Him in any form. It aligns with the message of the verse by stressing the exclusivity of Allah's right to be worshiped.

Surah Al-Ahqaf, verse 5, highlights the utter misguidance of those who invoke beings other than Allah, beings that are powerless and unaware of the invocations directed at them. This verse serves as a strong reminder of the importance of Tawhid, the foundational concept of worshiping Allah alone. The teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), as reflected in various Hadiths, further reinforce this message, warning against the grave sin of shirk and emphasizing that only Allah is deserving of worship and capable of answering prayers.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎)  help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

You may read more posts on similar theme in our series of posts related to: Compiled verses from Qur'an on specific subjects: Religion

You may read more posts on similar theme in our series of posts related to: Compiled verses from Qur'an on specific subjects: Faith in Allah 

For more Selected Verses, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

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An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of the Qur'ān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi. 

In addition, references of other sources which have been explored have also been given above. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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The virtue of Gentleness and Kindness (Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

There is no difference of opinion ever about the value of kindness, goodness and gentleness. Many a hard nuts that could not have otherwise been cracked generally give away to kindness. In fact in all studies and strategies taught to managers today it is suggested with force for being kind and good when brokering a business deal or confronting a difficult customer. 

Prophets too all along the history of prophethood had been confronted with with very hostile audience who would either no listen to them or turn down the Divine message with utter harshness and rebukes. Yet, Allah always advised the prophets to be kind and gentle in their approach for it is with kindness one can win over even the hardest of hearts. 

We share a hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in the light of reference from Qur'an on the same subject. This Hadith is mentioned in Sunan Ibn Majah /  Book 33 Etiquette / كتاب الأدب) / Chapter 9: Gentleness / باب الرِّفْقِ / as Hadith number # 3687 under:

It was narrated from Jarir bin Abdullah Al-Bajali that the Messenger of Allah(ﷺ) said: "Whoever is deprived of gentleness, he is deprived of goodness."

Arabic Text:‏

حَدَّثَنَا عَلِيُّ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا وَكِيعٌ، عَنِ الأَعْمَشِ، عَنْ تَمِيمِ بْنِ سَلَمَةَ، عَنْ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنِ هِلاَلٍ الْعَبْسِيِّ، عَنْ جَرِيرِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ الْبَجَلِيِّ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ ‏ "‏ مَنْ يُحْرَمِ الرِّفْقَ يُحْرَمِ الْخَيْرَ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)

The hadith emphasizes the importance of gentleness and kindness in one's actions and character. The hadith can be understood in the context of various teachings in the Quran that highlight the virtues of kindness, compassion, and good conduct.

In the Quran, Allah repeatedly emphasizes the importance of treating others with gentleness and kindness. For example, in Surah Al-Imran (3:159), it is mentioned:

"And by the mercy of Allah, you dealt with them gently. And had you been severe and harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you."

This verse illustrates that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was advised by Allah to be gentle with his companions, showing that gentleness fosters stronger bonds and better relationships. Similarly, in Surah An-Nahl (16:125), Allah instructs believers to:

"Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best."

This verse encourages Muslims to convey the message of Islam with wisdom and gentleness, demonstrating that the manner in which something is conveyed is as important as the message itself.

The life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is rich with examples of gentleness, kindness, and goodness. Here are a few notable instances:

• Kindness to Children and the Vulnerable: 
• The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was known for his kindness and affection towards children. There are numerous narrations where he would play with children, carry them on his shoulders, and show them love and respect. 
• An example is when he allowed his grandchildren, Hasan and Husain, to climb on his back while he was in prostration during prayer. When asked why he did so, he replied that he wanted to prolong his prostration because they were on him.
• Compassion and Mercy: 
• The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) showed immense compassion and mercy, even towards his enemies. During the conquest of Mecca, when he had the opportunity to take revenge on those who had persecuted him and his followers for years, he instead forgave them and granted them amnesty. 
• He exemplified this mercy in his treatment of prisoners of war, ensuring they were treated humanely and often releasing them without ransom.
• Respect for Others: 
• The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) treated everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of their social status. He would listen attentively to people and give them his full attention, making them feel valued and heard. 
• An example is when he would shake hands with everyone, from elders to children, and he would never pull his hand away until the other person did.
• Gentleness in Teaching and Advising: 
• When correcting others or giving advice, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would do so gently and with wisdom. He understood the importance of guiding people without harshness or judgment. 
• A famous incident is when a Bedouin urinated in the mosque, and some companions wanted to rebuke him harshly. However, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) intervened and asked them to calmly explain to the man that the mosque is a place of worship and purity.

These examples illustrate how the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) embodied gentleness, kindness, and goodness in his daily life. His actions serve as a timeless example for Muslims and people of all faiths on how to interact with others with compassion and respect.

Therefore, the hadith about gentleness can be seen as a practical application of these Quranic teachings. It suggests that a person who lacks gentleness may miss out on opportunities for goodness, both in their interactions with others and in their overall conduct. Gentleness is a trait that not only enhances personal character but also facilitates better communication, understanding, and harmony in society.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our exclusive reference page Etiquettes taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more etiquettes attributed to Prophet Muhammad.

You may also refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given below. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

Photo | Source of Hadith

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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Beware of the time when the ignorant will give verdict on religious matters (Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

In order to remain any faith alive, we need genuine, well read and sincere scholars to explain the religious scriptures in their true perspective, devoid of any prejudice and personal ambitions. However, as the world is progressing and means to spread knowledge increasing manifold, fake and illiterate pseudo scholars are thriving and by twisting the religious matters in a way that these look based on truth and logic.

In many Muslim countries, specially in Asia, such pseudo intellectuals are on the increase and we find them in abundance. Since such people have a clout of their own, they are able to lure in the illiterate and the ignorant ordinary people and feed them with something which is tangent to the actual teachings of Islam. Since Qur'an is in Arabic, such fake scholars take advantage of the ignorance of Arabic language of their followers and teach them things that suit their personal ambitions and glorification.

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ could feel a similar time to come and warned his followers to beware of such time and fake scholars. A hadith, attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, highlights the importance of religious knowledge and the role of scholars in guiding the Muslim community.

This Hadith is mentioned in Sahi al-Bukhārī  (Book 3 Knowledge /  كتاب العلم / Chapter 34:  How the (religious) knowledge will be taken away / بَابُ كَيْفَ يُقْبَضُ الْعِلْمُ‏ ) as Hadith 100, given herein under:

Narrated `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`As:

I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saying, "Allah does not take away the knowledge, by taking it away from (the hearts of) the people, but takes it away by the death of the religious learned men till when none of the (religious learned men) remains, people will take as their leaders ignorant persons who when consulted will give their verdict without knowledge. So they will go astray and will lead the people astray."

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا إِسْمَاعِيلُ بْنُ أَبِي أُوَيْسٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي مَالِكٌ، عَنْ هِشَامِ بْنِ عُرْوَةَ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَمْرِو بْنِ الْعَاصِ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ ‏ "‏ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لاَ يَقْبِضُ الْعِلْمَ انْتِزَاعًا، يَنْتَزِعُهُ مِنَ الْعِبَادِ، وَلَكِنْ يَقْبِضُ الْعِلْمَ بِقَبْضِ الْعُلَمَاءِ، حَتَّى إِذَا لَمْ يُبْقِ عَالِمًا، اتَّخَذَ النَّاسُ رُءُوسًا جُهَّالاً فَسُئِلُوا، فَأَفْتَوْا بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ، فَضَلُّوا وَأَضَلُّوا ‏"‏‏.

قَالَ الْفِرَبْرِيُّ حَدَّثَنَا عَبَّاسٌ قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ حَدَّثَنَا جَرِيرٌ عَنْ هِشَامٍ نَحْوَهُ‏.‏

Let us try to interpret this Hadith in our present times and see how fake scholars are fast taking over genuine scholars and a God forbids a time may come when these fake scholars my take lead over the genuine scholars, for the quest for true knowledge is a laborious thing and learners consult the social media for answers to their queries.

Gradual Loss of Knowledge:

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasizes that Allah does not remove knowledge from people abruptly or directly from their hearts. Instead, knowledge diminishes over time as scholars (religious learned men) pass away.

The Role of Scholars:

Religious scholars are the custodians of Islamic knowledge. Their presence is essential for maintaining the correct understanding and practice of the faith. As they die, the knowledge they possess diminishes unless it has been passed on to the next generation.

The Consequence of Ignorance:

• When there are no scholars left, people may turn to unqualified individuals for religious guidance. These individuals, lacking proper knowledge, will give incorrect rulings or interpretations (fatwas) when consulted.
• As a result, these ignorant leaders will not only lead themselves astray but also misguide the people who follow them.

Implications of the Hadith:

• The Value of Religious Education: The hadith underscores the importance of religious education and the preservation of knowledge. It encourages the Muslim community to learn from qualified scholars and to prioritize the transmission of knowledge from one generation to the next.
• Warning Against Ignorance: The hadith serves as a warning against taking religious knowledge lightly or neglecting the study of it. It highlights the dangers of ignorance, especially in matters of faith, and the potential for widespread misguidance when unqualified people assume leadership roles.
• Responsibility to Seek Knowledge: Muslims are encouraged to seek knowledge actively and to consult those who are truly learned. This hadith also serves as a reminder to scholars to pass on their knowledge to others, ensuring that future generations can continue to uphold the teachings of Islam correctly.

In nutshell, this hadith teaches the importance of religious scholars in preserving Islamic knowledge and warns of the dangers that arise when they are no longer present to guide the community. The gradual loss of such scholars and the rise of ignorant leaders can lead to widespread misguidance, making it crucial for Muslims to value, seek, and preserve authentic religious knowledge.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Warning and Cautions for more Hadiths on the subject

For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Source of Hadith

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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The reward of calling for prayers (Adhan - الأذان) and attending prayers (As salat - الصلاة)

As salat - الصلاة is a very important pillar of Islam, obligatory for all adult male and female Muslims five times a day. The five cycle prayer time commences every morning before the break of the dawn, and continues at noon, afternoon, just after the sunset and late at night. The As salat - الصلاة in fact is one to one communication between a servant and His Lord, Allah without the need of any intermediaries. 

Men are encouraged to offer As salat - الصلاة in the masjids. A prayer caller, called Moazzan " مؤذن " calls the Adhan - الأذان which alerts the worshippers and they proceed to the masjid to offer the As Salat in congregation. This caller of the Adhan assumes a very rewarding position among the Muslims as will be seen in the Hadith being shared today. The hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ alos makes a mention of importance of some of the As Salat over other and hurrying to the masjid to be in the front rows.

This Hadith is mentioned in Sahi al-Bukhārī  (Book 53 Witnesses /  كتاب الشهادات / Chapter 30:  Drawing lots to solve problems / بَابُ الْقُرْعَةِ فِي الْمُشْكِلاَتِ‏ ) as Hadith 2689, given herein under:

Narrated byAbu Huraira:

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "If the people knew what is the reward of making the call (for the prayer) and (of being in) the first row (in the prayer), and if they found no other way to get this privilege except by casting lots, they would certainly cast lots for it. If they knew the reward of the noon prayer, they would race for it, and if they knew the reward of the morning (i.e. Fajr) and `Isha prayers, they would present themselves for the prayer even if they had to crawl to reach there.

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا إِسْمَاعِيلُ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي مَالِكٌ، عَنْ سُمَىٍّ، مَوْلَى أَبِي بَكْرٍ عَنْ أَبِي صَالِحٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ لَوْ يَعْلَمُ النَّاسُ مَا فِي النِّدَاءِ وَالصَّفِّ الأَوَّلِ، ثُمَّ لَمْ يَجِدُوا إِلاَّ أَنْ يَسْتَهِمُوا عَلَيْهِ لاَسْتَهَمُوا، وَلَوْ يَعْلَمُونَ مَا فِي التَّهْجِيرِ لاَسْتَبَقُوا إِلَيْهِ، وَلَوْ يَعْلَمُونَ مَا فِي الْعَتَمَةِ وَالصُّبْحِ لأَتَوْهُمَا وَلَوْ حَبْوًا ‏"‏‏.‏

This hadith narrated by Abu Huraira highlights the immense spiritual rewards associated with various aspects of the Islamic practice of Salat (prayer). The hadith emphasizes the importance of the Adhan (call to prayer), the significance of praying in the first row, and the great value of specific prayers, particularly the Fajr (dawn) and Isha (night) prayers. Let us explain each aspect of the Hadith separately:

The Call to Prayer (Adhan):

• The Adhan is the call to prayer that announces the time for the five daily prayers. The hadith emphasizes that if people truly understood the immense reward for making the Adhan, they would be so eager to perform it that they would cast lots for the privilege.
• Related Hadith: The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: "The Mu'adhdhinun (those who call the Adhan) will have the longest necks on the Day of Resurrection." (Sahih Muslim 387)
• Implication: The phrase "longest necks" is understood metaphorically to mean that the Mu'adhdhinun will have a special status or honor on the Day of Judgment. This shows the high value placed on those who call others to worship Allah.

Praying in the First Row:

• The first row in the congregation holds a special status due to its proximity to the Imam and because those in the first row are seen as being foremost in their eagerness to worship Allah.
• Related Hadith: The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: "The best rows for men are the first rows, and the worst rows for men are the last rows." (Sahih Muslim 440a)
• Implication: Being in the first row is highly meritorious because it reflects a person’s zeal to be closest to the Imam and to gain the greatest reward in communal prayer.

Importance of the Prayers

• The Noon Prayer (Dhuhr):
• The Dhuhr prayer, offered in the middle of the day, is significant in the routine of daily prayers. The hadith indicates that if people truly knew its reward, they would hasten to perform it.
• Related Hadith: The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: "The prayer offered in the middle of the day (i.e., Dhuhr) is the most beloved prayer to Allah." (Sunan al-Nasa'i 504)
• Implication: Dhuhr prayer, despite being in the middle of the day when people might be busy, holds great spiritual value, and Muslims should strive to perform it promptly.
• Fajr and Isha Prayers:
• Fajr and Isha prayers are particularly emphasized due to the difficulty associated with them—Fajr is at dawn when people are typically asleep, and Isha is late at night. The hadith stresses that the reward for these prayers is so great that people would attend them even if they had to crawl to reach the mosque. 
• Related Hadith on Fajr and Isha:
• The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: "Whoever prays the Fajr prayer in congregation, it is as if he has prayed the whole night." (Sahih Muslim 656a)
• The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) also said: "The most burdensome prayers for the hypocrites are the Isha and Fajr prayers, but if they knew what (reward) there is in them, they would come even if they had to crawl." (Sahih al-Bukhari 657)
• Implication: Both prayers are challenging due to the timing, but the spiritual reward is immense. This shows the importance of overcoming personal comfort to maintain a strong connection with Allah.

Connection to the Quran

The emphasis on Salat in this hadith aligns with the Quranic teachings about the importance of prayer. The Quran frequently emphasizes the need to establish regular prayers and to be mindful of them.

• Consistency and Commitment:
• Quranic Reference: "And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience]." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:43)
• Implication: The Quran underscores the importance of regular and committed prayer, which is echoed in the hadith’s emphasis on the rewards for specific prayers.
• Spiritual Awareness:
• The hadith encourages believers to be aware of the spiritual rewards of their actions, which aligns with the Quran’s emphasis on conscious and mindful worship.
• Quranic Reference: "Indeed, the prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah knows that which you do." (Surah Al-Ankabut 29:45)
• Implication: Many a non Muslim label prayer as a ritual and not a form of worship. It is for their information that Prayer is not just a ritual; it is a means to connect with Allah and to cultivate a life free of immorality. The rewards mentioned in the hadith serve to motivate believers to perform prayers with sincerity and dedication.

The hadith narrated by Abu Huraira highlights the tremendous rewards associated with various aspects of prayer, such as making the Adhan, praying in the first row, and performing the Dhuhr, Fajr, and Isha prayers. It underscores the idea that if believers truly understood these rewards, they would go to great lengths to attain them.

In light of other hadiths and the Quran, this hadith encourages Muslims to maintain consistency and dedication in their prayers, to appreciate the spiritual benefits of their worship, and to strive for excellence in their relationship with Allah. The rewards mentioned serve as a powerful motivation to prioritize Salat and engage with it wholeheartedly, knowing that the effort is highly valued by Allah.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about As Salat - Prayers

Please refer to our reference pages: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Saum - Fasting in Ramadan and Collections of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Rewards for more Hadiths on the subject.

For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | 

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

Who is Muslim to Allah

We have written a number of posts on defining Muslims, yet many a reader keep asking to define a person who is a Muslim to Allah. Generally speaking, a Muslim is someone who submits to the will of Allah, believes in the oneness of God (Tawhid), and follows the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as conveyed in the Quran and Hadith. The identity of a Muslim is defined by their faith (Iman), their actions (Amal), and their adherence to the principles of Islam. 

At many a places in Qur'an, Allah has laid down the conditions for someone to be a Muslim. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has also explained these verses to educate the non Muslims to know these pre-conditions before entering the fold of Islam. Most people do not know the truth of the Qur'an of Allah, and comment on Islam without knowing what actually Allah, Qur'an and Islam is. Thus it is the responsibility of everyone wanting to know about Islam to read Qur'an once in own language, then the canvass of confusion, mistrust and  ambiguity will start to clear and answer many a lies about Islam.

" .... And We have sent down to you the Book as clarification for all things and as guidance and mercy and good tidings for the Muslims." (Surah Al Nahl 16:89)

That is Qur'an clarifies all doubts and answers questions to tell the world who is a Muslim to Allah and those who understand and follow the Divine Commandments contained in Qur'an are true Muslims. Let us know these pre-conditions for being a Muslim is to Allah, based on the Quran and Hadith.

Submission to Allah (Islam):

Let us first understand what Islam is, for the word Muslim takes its roots from the very word Islam. The word "Muslim" comes from the Arabic root "S-L-M," which means submission or surrender. A Muslim is one who submits to the will of Allah.

Surah Al-Imran (3:19): "Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam. And those who were given the Scripture did not differ except after knowledge had come to them - out of jealous animosity between themselves. And whoever disbelieves in the verses of Allah, then indeed, Allah is swift in [taking] account."

Surah Al-Imran (3:85): "And whoever desires other than Islam as religion - never will it be accepted from him, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers."

These verses highlight that being a Muslim means submitting to the will of Allah, which is the essence of the faith.

Belief in the Oneness of Allah (Tawhid):

Tawhid is the foundation of a Muslim's faith, emphasizing the absolute monotheism that is central to Islam. Thus, a Muslim is someone who believes in the oneness of Allah, acknowledging Him as the sole creator and sustainer of the universe.

Surah Al-Ikhlas (112:1-4): "Say, 'He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, Nor is there to Him any equivalent.'"

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:163): 

وَإِلَـٰهُكُمْ إِلَـٰهٌۭ وَٰحِدٌۭ ۖ لَّآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ

Your God is ˹only˺ One God. There is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Him—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful 

The above verses make it clear that anyone who claims to be a Muslim must have firm belief in the Oneness of Allah. Anyone who has a doubt about oneness of Allah and tend to follow and route his grievances to worldly deities or even associating someone to share the powers of Allah is surely misled and cannot claim himself to be a Muslim.

Following the Guidance of the Quran and Sunnah:

A Muslim is one who follows the guidance provided by the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Surah Al-Ahzab (33:36): "It is not for a believing man or a believing woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter, that they should [thereafter] have any choice about their affair. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger has certainly strayed into clear error."

Surah Al-Imran (3:31): "Say, [O Muhammad], 'If you should love Allah, then follow me, so Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.'"

These verses emphasize the importance of adhering to the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah (the practices and sayings of the Prophet).

Righteous Actions (Amal Saleh):

Merely proclaiming to be a Muslim is not enough. One has to show by his actions, his dealings with others and being a righteous, for a Muslim is not only defined by his belief but also by his righteous actions.

Surah Al-Asr (103:1-3): "By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience."

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:277): "Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayer and give zakah will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve."

These verses show that true faith (Iman) is coupled with good deeds, such as prayer, charity, and other acts of kindness and justice.

Sincerity (Ikhlas) and Intention (Niyyah):

The sincerity of a Muslim's heart and their intentions are crucial to their identity as a Muslim. The sincerity in belief and faith draws a thin line between the Muslims and the hypocrites (Munafiqun المنافقون). In the early days of Islam, many pretended to be Muslims outwardly, but in their hearts they remained disbelievers. A Muslim thus has to have a clear understanding of what he beleives and have sincere intentions in what he does.

Surah Al-Bayyinah (98:5): "And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion, inclining to truth, and to establish prayer and to give zakah. And that is the correct religion."

Hadith (Sahih Bukhari, 1): The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended."

These teachings highlight the importance of performing actions with sincerity and pure intention for the sake of Allah.

Brotherhood and Community (Ummah):

A Muslim is part of a global brotherhood, united by faith and mutual support. A true Muslim is a brother to the other Muslim and this bondage should be supreme over all other wordily pledges and bondages.

Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10): "The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy."

Hadith (Sahih Muslim, 2586): The Prophet said, "The believers, in their mutual kindness, compassion, and sympathy are just like one body. When one of the limbs suffers, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever."

Muslims are encouraged to support one another, fostering a sense of unity and brotherhood. It is this bondage which ensure co-existence specially in times of distress, aggression and subjugation. 

Devotion to Worship:

Worship is central to the life of a Muslim, as it is the means through which they connect with Allah and seek His guidance and mercy. A Muslim is devoted to worshipping Allah through various acts such as prayer (Salah), fasting (Sawm), charity (Zakah), and pilgrimage (Hajj).

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:21): "O mankind, worship your Lord, who created you and those before you, that you may become righteous."

Surah Al-Ankabut (29:45): "Recite, [O Muhammad], what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah knows that which you do."

In the light of the Quran and Hadith, a Muslim is someone who submits to Allah's will, believes in His oneness, follows the guidance of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, performs righteous deeds with sincerity, and is part of a global brotherhood. A Muslim is devoted to worship and seeks to live a life of piety, modesty, and righteousness in accordance with the teachings of Islam. This identity is defined by both faith and action, with the ultimate goal of earning the pleasure of Allah and attaining success in this life and the Hereafter.

Isn't it time to carryout a reappraisal of our faith and ascertain our level of faith in Allah and be the Muslims Allah wants us to be??

Please read our previous posts to grasp the theme in totality:

• Who is a Muslim
• What are the traits of a Muslim
• What are the qualities in a Muslim that Allah loves
• Seven qualities of Muslims that Allah loves
• 10 virtues of Muslims for whom Allah promises a mighty reward

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Photo | 

For more Q&A about Understanding Islam, please refer to our reference page: Understanding Islam - Frequently asked Q&A

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on Social Media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Holy Qur'an - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More