Part I:

“The Three Fundamental

Principles”
Imam: Muhammad Ibn Abdul-Wahhab
May Allah bestow his Mercy upon him
(1115-1206AH/1703-1792CE)

Explanation by:
Sheikh Haytham Ibn Muhammad Sarhan

Teacher at the Prophet’s Mosque

www.Sarhaan.net
4

Introduction
All praise and thanks are for Allah, the Greatest, alone. We praise Him, seek
His help, and ask for His forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from the evil of
ourselves and from the evil of our actions. Whoever Allah guides, no one can
misguide and whoever He allows to go astray, there is no one who can guide. I
bear witness that there is no one worthy of worship except Allah alone, without
partners, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

‫فاث‬

Allah has created us because of it Allah does not accept any deeds
without it.

No one enters Paradise except a It causes good deeds to increase

monotheist.

It is a means to expiating sins. It leads to constant safety, guidance,

and sweetness of faith.

It is a means to attain tranquillity It is a means for the intercession of

the Prophet- may Allah praise him
amongst the angels and send him
peace.
 5

Our righteous predecessors and scholars of Islam began with this blessed book
due to the great benefits it contains. As a result, it has become the main book by
which a student of Islam begins his journey and builds upon it the rest of the
Islamic knowledge. We follow the path of our scholars so we may reach the rank
they have reached in knowledge. Moreover, this book is extremely important for
the common Muslim due to what it contains of the great foundations which is a
must to believe in with certainty; without any doubt.

He mentions the
Every point is points generally, Supplicates for
Easy and accompanied organizes them, and the reader and
Clear by proof(s) mentions their the listener of
number. Then, he his books.
begins with the
explanation.

In summary, they are the Three Questions of the Grave.

Who is your What is your Who is your

Lord? religion? Prophet?

If you study the three fundamental principles, act upon them, teach them,
and observe patience, you will answer the questions of the grave –by the
permission of Allah-.
6

The Four
Important The Three The The three
Important Importance Fundamenta
Points Points l Principles
(Soorah (Categories of studying (Questions Conclusion
Asr). of Tawheed. of the
Tawheed). Grave).
 7

Knowledge Acting upon it Teaching it Patience upon

aA its hardships

Tawheed of Lordship and Tawheed of Disassociating oneself

Tawheed of the Names Worship from polytheism and its
and Attributes of Allah people

The answer to the question: Why do we study Tawheed?

In summary, they are the Three Questions of the Grave.

Who is your Lord? What is your religion? Who is your Prophet?

religion

It begins from the saying of the author “After people die, they will be
resurrected…” to the end of the book.
8

Firstly, the Four Important Points

"In the Name of Allah

the Entirely Merciful,
the Especially
Merciful (1).
Know –may Allah
have mercy on you- Following Following Seeking
(2) that it is a must
upon us to study four the example the example blessings
matters: The first one: of the Book of the or increase
Knowledge. It is of Allah as righteous in
knowledge of: Allah, well as the predecessors goodness
His Prophet, and the
religion of Islam with Prophets – from the from the
proof. The second: peace be scholars of blessed
Acting upon it (3)". upon them-. Islam; they Name of
would begin Allah.
their books in
the Name of
Allah

(2) Habitually, the author begins by supplicating for the student of Islamic
knowledge and asks Allah to have mercy on them. This shows:

1. The mercy of the scholars of the 2. Islam, in its origin, is built upon
Sunnah toward their students. mercy.

Knowledge is knowing the truth with proof: It is the opposite of ignorance.

(3) The connection between Knowledge and Actions: Some of the scholars
have said: Knowledge calls for action; it's either responded to or otherwise, it
leaves. Thus, there is no benefit possessing knowledge while not acting upon
it. Rather, if a person seeks knowledge, it is a must to act upon it; otherwise,
one would be like the Jews. They have knowledge; however, they do not act
 9

upon it. Allah informs us that «they recognise him as they recognise their
sons» (Qur'an 2:146). The first whom the fire will be kindled are three kinds
of people and from them is a scholar who has sought knowledge and yet did
not act upon it. As the poet said:

'And the scholar who does not act upon his knowledge
will be punished before the idol worshiper'.

Thirdly,
Inviting to it.
It is a
It must must to
It must be
It must be be done know the
sincerely
based on with situation
for Allah,
Islamic wisdom of those
the Most
knowledge and whom
High.
patience you are
inviting

«Say, 'This is my way. I invite to Allah upon insight; I and those who
follow me. Exalted is Allah, and I am not of those who worship others
with Him» (Qur'an 12:108).
«Say, 'This is my way» That which is being pointed at is everything the
Messenger came with from the legislation; Qur'an and authentic Hadeeth.
«I invite to Allah» A person who invites to Allah is the sincere one who only
wishes to connect the people to their Creator.
«upon insight» meaning with knowledge, and it includes knowledge of: the
legislation and those being invited.
As if the author -may Allah have mercy upon him- is saying: 'If you study and
do righteous actions, it becomes obligatory upon you to be upon the path of
the Prophet and his companions as Allah says: «Say: 'This is my way. I call
to Allah upon insight; I and those who follow me'». Thus, it is a must to
teach.
others with Him' (12:108).
10

The fourth: patience upon (1) After teaching and inviting others, the
author mentions patience. As if he is
the harms (1). The proof is saying to you: ' the one who takes this
the saying of The Most High: path will come across hardships just like
«In the name of Allah The the Prophets and Messengers –peace be
Entirely Merciful The upon them- did, so it is a must to observe
Especially Merciful. By patience.
the time, Mankind are
certainly in loss. Except
those who believe, do
righteous deeds, advise one
another to the truth, and
advise one another with Linguistically: In Islam: Forbearance
patience» (Qur'an 103:1-3). Forbearance to do certain things
(2)
and stay away from
some.

Patience upon the Patience to stay away Patience with what

obedience of Allah so it from the disobedience Allah allows to befall
is carried out; such as, of Allah so it is you from the
patience to pray. abandoned; such as, the hardships; for
major sins. example, sickness.

(2) After mentioning the four principles the author quotes the proof from the
Qur'an; Surat Al-Asr. The author always follows the points with proof.
Why?

To teach the student to So, one knows the To train the student how
be a follower of the proofs when advising to correctly extract the
proof and not a blind those who oppose rulings from the proofs
follower of opinions. this belief. based on established
principles.
 11

(1) The intent of Imam Shaafi'ee Shaafi'ee -may Allah have mercy
(150-204H) -may Allah have mercy on him- said: “If Allah did not
on him- is that this soorah itself is reveal a proof to His slaves except
sufficient to establish the proof upon this chapter (soorah), it would
the slaves of Allah so they study, act have been enough for them” (1).
upon it, teach others, and observe Bukharee -may Allah have mercy
patience. on him- said: “Chapter:
Knowledge precedes speech and
What about the rest of the soorahs of
actions and the proof is the saying
the Qur'an?! The entire Qur'an is full
of Allah: «Know that no one is
of proofs.
worthy of worship except Him
(2) Imam Bukharee (194-256H) and seek forgiveness for your
began one of the chapters in his sins». Thus, he mentions
book "Sahih Bukharee" by the title knowledge before speech and
or heading: "Chapter: Knowledge action” (2).
precedes speech and action" and
mentioned the proof for it. Thus, it is
a must to study before speaking or
doing any action. It is not correct to
do actions without knowledge or
otherwise one would be imitating
the Christians.
12

Secondly, The Three Important Points

Know, may Allah (1) The author begins this section by supplicating
have mercy on you, for the student/reader.
it is obligatory upon
The author supplicates for the student in this book
every Muslim man
three times; to begin the Four Important Points, the
and woman to study
Three Important Points, and also when he says
these three points
“Know, may Allah guide you to His obedience that
and to act upon
Hanifiyyah is the way of Ibraheem". Before
them (1):
mentioning the four important points, the three
important points as well as when he say: Know,
may Allaah guide you to His Obedience that
Hanifiyyah is the way of Ibraheem.

Intro to the Three Important Points

Linguistically: To single In Islam: To single out Allah with

something out. that which is specific to Him from
his Lordship, Worship, and His
Names and Attributes.

Tawheed of Tawheed Tawheed of the Names and Attributes of

Lordship: To of Allah: To single out Allah with that which
single out Allah Worship: He has named and described Himself with
with His actions To single in His Book or in the statements of His
or to say that He out Allah
is the only with all Messenger -may Allah praise him amongst
Creator, worship. the angels and send him peace -. This is
Sustainer, and done by affirming that which He has
the Disposer of affirmed for Himself and negating that
all affairs which He has negated for Himself: without
distorting their meaning, denying them,
describing them, or giving examples.
 13

*The Names and Attributes of Allah The First Point: Allah has
are restricted only to that which has created us, provides for us, and He
been narrated in the Qur'an or the has not left us without a purpose;
Sunnah. This is done by affirming rather, He has sent to us a
that which Allah has affirmed for messenger. Whoever obeys him,
Himself in His Book or his will enter Paradise and whoever
disobeys him, will enter the Fire.
Messenger has affirmed for Him in The proof is the saying of Allah:
his statements .Also by negating that «We have certainly sent a
which Allah has negated for Himself messenger to be a witness over
in His Book or His Messenger you, as We have sent a
negated for Him. For example: «No Messenger to the Pharaoh.
slumber can overtake Him nor However, the Pharaoh
Sleep». This is done without disobeyed the Messenger; so We
distorting their meaning, denying seized him with a severe
them, explaining them, or giving punishment» (Qur'an 73:15-16).
examples.

Tawheed of Lordship Tawheed of Worship Staying away from

and Tawheed of the shirk and its people.
Names and
Attributes.

(1) In the first point, the author -may Allah have mercy on him- affirms
Tawheed of Lordship and Tawheed of the Names and Attributes: "Allah has
created us" so He is the Creator, "and provides for us" so He is the Provider, "
and He has not left us purposeless" without orders and prohibitions, "rather
He has sent us a Messenger".

To establish the proof upon the As a mercy: «We have not sent you
creation: «We do not punish anyone except as a mercy to everything that
until we send a Messenger» (Qur'an exists» (Qur'an 21:107).
17:15).
14

The second point affirms the worship

only for Allah, the Most High.
The Second Point: Allah is
not pleased that anyone is The author -may Allah have mercy on
worshipped with Him; not a him- says: “Allah is not pleased that
close angel nor a sent anyone is worshiped with Him”.
Messenger. The proof is the “Anyone” is indefinite so it includes
saying of Allah: «Surely the everyone and everything; prophets,
mosques belong only to righteous people, jinn, angels, pious, or
Allah, so do not make other than them whoever they may be .
supplication to anyone
along with Allah» (Qur'an The proof is the saying of Allah, the
72:18). Most High: «Surely the mosques belong
only to Allah, so do not make
supplication to anyone along with
Allah».

The entire earth; "The

The mosques which The body parts we earth has been made
are built to worship for me a place of
Allah in them. prostrate with. prayer and
purification"
(Bukharee).
 15

In the third point the author clarifies The Third Point: Whoever
staying away from shirk and its
people. obeys the Messenger and singles
Allah out with all worship, it is
not permissible for him to have
loyalty to those who oppose
Allah and His Messenger; even if
they are the closest relatives. The
proof is the saying of Allah the
Heart Speech Actions Most High: «You (O
Messenger) will not find
anyone who believes in Allah
1. Heart: We hate those who worship and the Last Day, making
other than Allah and their friendship with those who
celebrations; especially their shirk and oppose Allah and His
innovations in the religion due to Messenger (Muhammad), even
them associating partners in worship if they are their fathers, sons,
with Allah. brothers, or their kindred
(people). For such He has
2. Speech: «I am absolutely free of written Eemaan in their hearts,
that which you worship. “Say: 'O and strengthened them with
disbelievers, I do not worship that Rooh (proofs, light and true
which you worship and you do not guidance) from Himself. And
worship the One whom I worship. I He will admit them to Gardens
will not worship that which you under which rivers flow to live
worship and you will not worship in it forever. Allah is pleased
that which I worship. For you is with them, and they with Him.
your religion and for me is mine»” They are the Party of Allah.
(Qur'an 109). Verily, it is the Party of Allah
that will be successful» (Qur'an
3. Actions: By not participating in
their acts of worship, celebrations, 58:22).
etc.
16

Thirdly, the Importance of Studying Tawheed

Know - may Allah direct you to

obey Him- that certainly the
true religion, the way of
Ibraheem, is to worship Allah Linguistically: In Islam: Al
alone; making the Religion To lean Haneefeeyyah: is a
sincerely for Him. Allah has toward nation which is far
ordered everyone with this and something. from shirk and upon
He has created them because of sincerity, Tawheed,
it. Allah, The Most High, says: and Imaan.
«I did not create jinn and «(Qaanitan) one
Mankind except to worship
Me» (Qur'an 51:56). The who does a lot of
meaning of «worship» is to good deeds
single Allah out with all continuously for
worship. The greatest of that the sake of Allah
which Allah has ordered with is Haneefan» (Qur'an
Tawheed; which is to single out 16:120) meaning
Allah with all worship (3). The heading towards
worst of that which He forbade Allah and away
is shirk; which is to worship
from shirk since
others along with Him or
besides Him. The proof is His Haneef is the one
saying, The Most High: who is always upon
«Worship Allah and do not Tawheed and far
associate anything with Him» away from shirk.
(Qur'an 4:36).
(3) The author clarifies the reason why we study Tawheed and we have
mentioned its importance previously.

Linguistically: To single Islamically: To single out Allah in His

something out Lordship, Worship, and Names and Attributes

The author says that: “the meaning of «to worship Me» is 'to single Me out
with worship”. This is the saying of Ibn Abbas (3 years before hijra- 67 or
68H) -may Allah be pleased with him- when he said: “Every time the word
'worship' is used in the Qur'an it means Tawheed” such as «Worship Allah»
means: single Him out with worship, «O people worship your Lord» means:
O people single out your Lord with worship.
 17

Fourthly, the Three Fundamental Principles

(1) The author -may Allah have mercy If it is said to you: What are the
on him- began by mentioning the three three fundamental principles
principles which are the three questions obligatory upon the people to
each person will be asked in the grave. know? Say: The slave of Allah
He draws the attention of the reader by must know his Lord, his
asking a question then he answers it. religion, and his Prophet
Muhammad -may Allah praise
(2) The author -may Allah have mercy him and send him peace- (1).
on him- clarifies the first principle that If it said to you: Who is your
the Lord, the One deserving of worship Lord? Say: My Lord is Allah,
is Allah, the Perfect and the Most the one who has nurtured me
High. Then he mentions the proof for it and all of His creations with His
which is the saying of Allah: «All the favors and blessings. He is the
praise and thanks be to Allah, the One whom I worship and there
Lord of everything which He has is no other whom I worship
created». The Lord is the One who besides Him. The proof is His,
should be worshipped. the Most High, saying: «All the
praise and thanks be to Allah,
«All the praise and thanks be to the Lord of everything which
Allah, the Lord of everything which He has created» (Qur'an 1:1)
He has created» (2). Everything besides Allah is
created and I am one of those
creations (3).

«All the praise and «be to Allah…» «The Lord…»

thanks …» affirms affirms Tawheed affirms Tawheed
Tawheed of of the Names and of Lordship.
Worship. Attributes.

(3) It means that everything other than Allah is created and if I am created
then it is a must upon me to thank the Creator, the Perfect and the Most High.
18

If it is said to you: ‘How did you come to (1) The author mentions
know your Creator?’ Say: 'Through His some signs in the universe
signs and His creations. From His signs are and creations which prove
the night and the day, the sun and the the existence of Allah and
moon. From His creations are the seven affirm that there is no Lord,
heavens, the seven earths, everything no Creator, and no one
within them, and everything between them. worthy of being
The proof is His, The Most High, saying: worshipped except Allah
«And from His signs are the night, the alone. Then he mentions
day, the sun, and the moon. Do not the proofs from the Qur'an.
prostrate to the sun or to the moon, but Every created object is a
prostrate to Allah who created them, if sign which proves the
you truly worship Him» (Qur'an 41:37). existence of Allah, the
And also His, The Most High's, saying: Perfect and the Most High.
«Your Lord is certainly Allah who has However, the author
created the heavens and the earth in six differentiates between the
days, and then He rose over the Throne. signs in the universe and
He causes the night to cover the day the created objects since
which follows with haste; and the sun, the signs go through
the moon, and the stars subjected to His changes such as the night
command. Certainly, the creation and and the day. That which
commandment are His alone. Blessed is changes is a stronger proof
Allah the Lord of all creation» (Qur'an than that which does not
7:54) (1). change.
The Lord is the One who should be
worshiped. The proof is His, the Most (2) Some of the scholars
High, saying: «O Mankind, worship your said regarding this verse in
Lord, who has created you and those the second chapter of the
before you so that you may become Qur'an: This verse
pious. The One that has made the earth a mentions the first call in
resting place for you, the sky as a the Qur'an «O Mankind»,
canopy, has sent down rain from the sky, the first order «worship»
and brought forth therewith fruits as a meaning single out with
provision for you. Then do not set up worship, and the first
rivals unto Allah(in worship) while you prohibition «So do not
know (that He alone has the right to be worship others with Allah
worshiped)» (Qur'an 2:22) (2). while you know» is
Ibn Katheer (701-774H) -may Allah have prohibition against shirk.
mercy on him- said: “Only the One who
has created these things deserves to be (3) The one who is singled
worshiped” (3). out with Lordship must be
singled out with worship.
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The types of worship that Allah

The author follows the saying of commanded, such as Islaam, Imaan,
Ibn Katheer with a number of and Ihsaan. Moreover, Supplication
acts of worship of the heart and (Du’aa), Fear (Khawf), Hope (Rajaa),
body while mentioning the Reliance (Tawakkul), Longing
proofs from the Qur'an and the (Raghbah), and Dreading (Rahbah),
Sunnah for each one of them. Submissiveness (Khushoo’) Awe
(Khashyah), Repentance (Inaabah),
Seeking Assistance (Isti’aanah),
Seeking Refuge (Isti’aadhah), Asking
for Help (Istighaathah), Offering
Sacrifices (Dhabah), Making Oaths
(Nadhar) and all of the other types of
worship that Allah commanded – all
of these belong to Allah, alone. The
Supplication proof for this is Allah’s saying: «And
Supplication
of Worship: the masaajid belong to Allah, so do
for a need: It is not call unto anyone along with
It is an a direct Allah.» (Qur'an 72:18).
indirect supplication
supplication; such as saying: So whoever directs any part of these
such as ‘forgive me’, acts of worship to other than Allah,
prayer, then he is a polytheist, disbeliever.
‘have mercy
fasting, and The proof of this is Allah’s saying:
on me’, etc. «And whoever calls unto another
hajj.
gods besides Allah without any
proof, his reckoning is only with his
Lord. Surely, the disbelievers will
not be successful» (Qur'an 23:117).
Also the noble Hadeeth: "Du'a is
Its ruling worship" (Tirmidhee
Directing it
requires "Authentic"Albani). The proof is the
to other than
explanation. It saying of Allah: And your Lord said:
Allah is
is divided into «Call upon Me and I will respond
Major Shirk. to you. Those who scorn My
two categories.
worship will surely enter Hell in
humiliation!» (Qur'an 40:60).
20

That which only Allah is able to That which humans are capable
grant. Directing it to other than of. It is permissible with four
Allah is Major Shirk conditions:

The one being

asked is able One must
The one who is to be reached believe that the
through one of The one being
being asked is one who is
the means of asked is
alive which it being asked is
communicatio capable. This
disqualifies the only a means;
n. This disqualifies
dead. cannot bring
disqualifies the one who is
about benefit
the one who not capable.
or repel harm
cannot be himself.
contacted.

Believing that the one whom s/he is asking has the ability to bring about
benefit or repel harm himself then this is Shirk.

Note:

We study the ruling on certain actions. As for the ruling on the one who does
those actions then that needs the establishing of the proof upon the individual
and clarifying their doubts.
The scholars are the ones who can correctly determine if a person is a believer
or a disbeliever.
 21

Some believe that Others believe in The third group

only what Allah has means which Allah believes that the
made a means can be has not made a means. means itself has an
used as a means; This is Minor Shirk. effect; brings about
legislated or benefit or repels
perceptible means. harm. This is Major
This is correct. Shirk.

Such as Ruqyah (Qur'an and Medication; Allah has made it a

Sunnah). This is permissible since means for the healing.
it is a means which Allah has
legislated in order to remove
illnesses.

The hadeeth “Du'a (suplication) is the core of worship” is weak. However,

the authentic hadeeth is “Du'a (suplication) is worship”.

The verse «Your Lord has said 'ask Me I will respond to you. Those who
arrogantly do not worship me, will enter the fire in humiliation» explains
this point. His saying «worship Me» shows that Du'a is worship.
22

The proof for Fear (khawf) (1) Fear: is a feeling when one is faced with
is Allah’s saying: «Do not that which may harm or destroy him.
fear them but fear Me, if
you are believers» Qur'an Allah has prohibited us from fearing the
(3:175) (1). protectors of Satan and has ordered us to fear
Him alone.
The proof for Hope
(Rajaa) is Allah’s saying:
«So whoever hopes to
meet his Lord, then let
him perform righteous This fear is a Natural Prohibited
deeds, and not associate form of fear fear
anyone in worship with worship,
his Lord» Qur'an glorification
(18:110) (2). and inner fear

(2) Hope: Desiring It is the fear

something. of the
worshiper for
A hope which is the one s/he Losing
accompanied with humble- worships. It is Such as hope in the
ness and submission should done with fire, the mercy of
be only for Allah; directing submission to, enemy, Allah or
it to other than Allah is humbling predators obeying a
one's self for, … etc. created
Major Shirk.
and glorifying This is being while
The praiseworthy hope is the one permissib disobeying
worshipped. le. the Creator.
only for the one who does Allah must be
acts of obedience for Allah feared in this This is
and hopes for the reward, manner and it prohibited
or repents from sins and is Major
hopes for it to be accepted. Shirk if done
Hoping without doing good for other than
Allah.
deeds is deception and
unpraiseworthy hope.
 23

(1)
The proof for Reliance
(Tawakkul) is Allah’s saying:
«And upon Allah alone put
your reliance if you are truly
To rely upon It is true believers» Qur'an (5:23), and
something or dependence upon His saying: «And whoever
someone Allah,
relies upon Allah, then He is
confidence in
Him, whilst sufficient for him» Qur'an
taking the (65:3) (1).
necessary means.
The proof for Longing
(Raghbah) (2), Dreading
(Rahbah) (3), and
Submissiveness (Khushoo’)
(4) is Allah’s saying: «Verily,
they used to rush to do good
Truth-
Confide- deeds, and they would call on
fulness:
Be nce that Taking Us, longing (for His reward)
Allah will the and dreading (His
truthful
in your fulfil necessar punishment), and they used
what He y lawful
dependen to humble themselves
has means
ce upon submissively before Us»
Allah. promised.
Qur'an (21: 90).

(2) Longing: Loving to reach something which one desires.

(3) Dreading: A fear which leads one to flee from the object s/he fears.
(4) Submissiveness: Humbling oneself to the Greatness of Allah by
submitting to his universal and legislative decree.
It is a must for the 'traveler to Allah', the Perfect and the Most High, to
combine between fear and hope. It is not correct to over emphasize one of
them and thus be destroyed. Fear and hope should both be present like the two
wings of a bird.
24

The proof for Awe (khashyah) is (1) Awe: It is a fear based on

Allah’s saying: «So do not be in knowing the greatness of the One
awe of them, but have awe of being feared and His complete
Me» (Qur'an 2:150) (1). And the supremacy.
proof for Repentance (Inaabah) is
Allah’s saying: «And turn to (2) Returning to Allah by obeying
your Lord in repentance and Him and staying away from sins.
submit to Him (as Muslims)» This means to submit to Allah since
(Qur'an 39:54) (2). The proof for we are slaves and a slave must
Seeking Assistance (Isti’aanah) is submit to his Master. "The Master is
Allah’s saying: «You alone we Allah" as the Prophet said.
worship and You alone we ask (3) Seeking Assistance: This verse
for help» (Qur'an 1:5). Likewise, indicates a method of constraint
the hadeeth, “If you ask for help, (hasr) since the object of the
then ask help from Allah” sentence, even though usually comes
(Tirmidhee) (3). The proof for after the verb in the Arabic language,
Seeking Refuge (Isti’aadhah) is is mentioned before the verb,
Allah’s saying: «Say: I seek affirming it for whom it is
refuge with the Lord of the mentioned in the sentence and
Daybreak» (Qur'an 113:1) and negating it for anything else.
«Say: I seek refuge with the Therefore, it is as if the person has
Lord of the people» (Qur'an 114 : said, “We do not worship anything
1) (4). The proof for Asking for but you. We do not turn to anyone
Help (Istighaathah) is Allah’s else for help except You.”
saying: «And remember when
(4) Seeking Refuge: seeking
you sought help from your Lord
protection from something disliked.
and He responded to you…»
(Qur'an 8:9) (5). The proof for (5) Asking for Help: To be rescued
offering sacrifices (Dhabah) is from a difficulty or disaster.
Allah’s saying: «Say: Verily my
Seeking assistance, seeking refuge,
prayer, my sacrificial offerings,
asking for help, and asking for
my living and my dying are for
intercession can be sought from a
Allah, Lord of the Worlds. He
human being as long as s/he is able
has no partner. And with this I
to while fulfilling the four
have been commanded, and I
conditions; alive, present, able, and a
am the first of the Muslims»
means.
(Qur'an 6:162-163). Also from the
Sunnah, “May Allah curse the (6) Offering Sacrifices: Causing it
one who offers a sacrifice to to die by spilling its blood in a
other than Allah” (Muslim) (6). prescribed manner.
 25

The proof for

vows is Allah's
saying: «They
[are those who]
fulfill [their]
vows and fear
a Day whose
The sacrifice To serve the evil will be
of Hajj, Eid, Out of love and guests, for widespread»
Aqeeqah, or glorification business etc. Qur'an (76:7).
charity. such as the jinn
and the dead.
This is Major
Shirk.

Note: There are more details about sacrificing in “The Book of Tawheed”.

(1)

Making something obligatory upon Making something obligatory or

yourself which is not obligatory binding

Note: Oaths are of various types and have conditions and expiations as
explained in “The Book of Tawheed”.

For Allah For other than Allah

The author mentions these acts of worship as examples; not to restrict the acts
of worship only to these. There are many other acts of worship which are not
mentioned. Thus, whoever directs these or other than these acts of worship to
other than Allah has fallen into polytheism. Translator's note: Worship is
everything which Allah loves.
26

The Second (1) The author begins the second foundation,

Fundamental Principle: which is Knowing the Religion, by defining
Islam:
Knowing the Religion of
Islam, based on
evidences. This (i.e.
It means submitting to Allah by way of
Islam) means submitting
Tawheed, surrendering one’s full obedience
to Allah by way of
to Him, and staying away from Shirk and its
Tawheed, surrendering
people.
one’s (full) obedience to
Him, and absolving The definition of Islam entails submitting all
oneself from Shirk and its of the affairs to Allah since we are slaves and
people. They are three the slave must submit to the Master. The
levels: Islam, Imaan, and Master is Allah as we are informed by the
Ihsaan, each level Prophet.
consisting of its own
pillars. The First Level: Then he has divided the religion into three
Islam (1). The pillars of levels:
Islam are five: The
testimony that there is no
deity that has the right to
Islam Eemaan Ihsan
be worshipped except
Allah, and that
Muhammad is the
Messenger of Allah (2); (2) The pillars of Islam are five; first of
Establishing the prayer; them: The Shahaadah (No god should be
Giving the Zakaat; worshiped except Allah).
Fasting in Ramadhan;
Performing Hajj to
Allah’s Sacred House.
 27

The author mentions the proof for the The proof for the testimony of
testimony of faith and clarifies that its Faith is Allah’s saying: «Allah
meaning is: No god should be bears witness that there is no
worshiped except Allah. deity that has the right to be
worshipped except Him, and so
do the angels and those who
possess knowledge. He is
always maintaining His
creation with justice. None has
Negation Affirmation
the right to be worshipped but
Him- the All-Mighty, the All-
The negation is “No god should be Wise» Qur'an (3:18). The
worshiped” and the affirmation is meaning of it (i.e. the testimony
“except Allah”. of Faith) is: There is no one that
has the right to be worshipped
This sentence construction shows except Allah, alone. 'Laa ilaaha'
restriction and affirmation; it restricts negates everything that is
and affirms the worship for Allah worshipped besides Allah, while
alone and negates it for other than 'illa Allah' affirms the worship
Him. for only Allah, free from any
partner being mixed in with His
For this reason, the author said: An
worship, just as there is no
explanation of this, which will clarify
partner mixed in with His
it further, is found in Allah’s saying:
Dominion. An explanation of
«And remember when Ibraheem
this, which will clarify it further,
said to his father and to his people:
is found in Allah’s saying: «And
Verily, I am free from all that you
remember when Ibraheem said
worship – except for He who
to his father and to his people:
created Me…».
’Verily, I am free from all that
Ibraheem's saying «free from all that you worship – except for He
you worship» is the meaning of “no who created Me, and verily He
god should be worshiped”. will guide me.’ And He made it
a statement that will endure
«except for He who created Me» among his offspring that they
meaning “except Allah”. may turn back to» (Qur'an 43:
26-27).
28

Also His saying: «Say, 'O If it is said: The meaning of the

People of the Scripture, come testimony 'La ilaha ila Allah' is: There
to a word that is the same is no one who is worshiped (god)
between us and you - that we except Allah, then this is incorrect
will not worship except Allah; since s/he is approving of everything
will not associate anything which is worshipped besides Allah.
with Him and not take one However, when it is clarified with the
another as lords instead of addition 'rightfully', this shows that
Allah'. But if they turn away, s/he disbelieves in everything which is
then say, "Bear witness that worshipped beside Allah and that
we are Muslims [submitting to nothing deserves to be worshipped
Him]» (Qur'an 3:64) (1). except Allah.

If it is said: The meaning of “La ilaha ila Allah” is: There is no Creator
except Allah. Even though this statement is correct, it is not the meaning of
“La ilaha ila Allah”. This is the Oneness of Lordship, which was affirmed
even by the idol worshippers whom the Prophet was sent to; however, this did
not enter them into Islam.

(1) «Say, 'O People of the Scripture, come to a word that is the same
between us and you…». This verse is a proof for the falsehood of the
invitation for the “Unity of Religions”.
 29

(1) Allah has The proof for the testimony: 'Muhammad is the
emphasized this verse Messenger of Allah' is the saying of Allah:
with three different «There has certainly come to you a
emphatic devices: The Messenger from among yourselves. Grievous
'understood' oath, the to him is what you suffer; he is concerned
Arabic letter 'Laam', over you and to the believers he is kind and
and the 'Qad'. merciful» (Qur'an 9:128) (1).
(2) These four are a The meaning of this testimony is: Obeying his
must for every Muslim orders, believing that which he has said, stay far
in order to perfect away from his prohibitions, and that Allah is
their testimony. only worshipped with that which he has
legislated (2).

We must obey Believing Staying far We do not

him in everything he away from his worship Allah
everything he has informed prohibitions: except the way
has ordered us of: He is You must put he has
with, since he truthful and everything he worshiped
only conveys believed. has prohibited Allah: This is
from Allah. on one side and a proof against
you stand far the innovators
away on the in the religion
other side. of Allah.
30

The proof for Prayer(1), Zakaat (1) The second pillar: Prayer.
and the explanation of Tawheed It is worshipping Allah with
is Allah’s saying: «And they movements and statements, beginning
were not commanded except with 'Takbir' ('Allahu Akbar'-'Allah is
to worship Allah, making the the Greatest') and ending with
religion (i.e. worship) solely 'Tasleem' (greetings of peace). It is a
for Him alone, to perform the great pillar of the religion. Its
prayer, and give the Zakaat. obligation was conveyed to the Prophet
That is the right Religion» directly from Allah when the Prophet
(Qur'an 98: 5) (2). ascended to the heavens.
The proof for Fasting is Allah’s (2) The third pillar: Obligatory
saying: «O you who believe, Charity.
fasting is prescribed for you Linguistically it means growth and
just as it was prescribed for purification.
those before you, in order that It is of two types: Purification of the
you may acquire Taqwaa body and purification of the wealth.
(obey Allah)» (Qur'an 2: 183) (3) The fourth pillar: Fasting.
(3). Linguistically: To abstain.
The proof for Hajj is Allah’s Islamically: To worship Allah by
saying: «Hajj (pilgrimage) to abstaining from that which breaks the
the House (Ka’bah) is a duty fast, with a sincere intention from the
that people owe to Allah; beginning of Fajr to sunset. It is one of
those who are able to do it. the best acts of worship, since the three
And whoever disbelieves (by types of patience are all present in it.
denying Hajj), then surely Also, what shows its great status is the
Allah is not in need of any of fact that Allah has told us that He
His creation» (Qur'an 3: 97) Himself will reward the fasting person.
(4).

(4) The fifth pillar: Hajj.

Linguistically: To direct one's intention toward something or someone.
Islamically: To worship Allah by performing the rites of Hajj according to
the way of the Prophet –may Allah praise him and send him peace-. It is an
obligation on every Muslim who is able to, once in a lifetime.
 31

It consists of more than seventy

branches. The highest of them is saying
La illaaha illa Allaah and the lowest of
Islamically: Eemaan is
them is moving a harmful object from
statements of the tongue,
the road. And Hayaa [Modesty] is a
beliefs in the heart, and actions
branch of Imaan.
of the limbs; It increases with
Its pillars are six: That you believe in
Obedience to Allah and it
Allah, His angels, His books, His
decreases by disobeying Him.
Messengers, the Last Day, and that you
Therefore, Eemaan is believe in Al-Qadar (Divine Pre-
composed of five things; if one Decree) – the good of it and the bad of
of the five is not fulfilled then it.
this is not considered Imaan The proof for these six pillars is
according to Ahlus-Sunnah Allah’s statement: «Righteousness
wal-Jama’ah (birr) is not that you turn your faces
towards the east and the west (in
What is the proof for these five prayer), but rather righteousness
conditions? The hadeeth, “The (birr) is (for) the one who believes in
highest of them is saying La Allah, the Last Day, the Angels, the
illaaha illa Allaah” this is a Books and the Prophets» (Qur'an,
statement, “and the lowest of 2:177).
them is moving a harmful And the proof for Al-Qadar (Pre-
object from the road” this is Decree) is Allah’s saying: «Verily, We
an action of the limb, “and have created all things with Qadar
modesty is a branch from (divine pre-decree ordained for it)»
Imaan” this is an action of the (Qur'an 54: 49).
heart .

Allah's saying: «Which of you has had his Faith increased by it?» (Qur'an
9:124) proves that Imaan increases, and if it increases then surely it must
decrease. It has been clearly mentioned from the Prophet –may Allah praise
and send him peace- about the decrease in one’s religion through his
statement, “I haven't seen anyone more deficient in reason and
religion…” (Bukharee and Muslim).
32

Qadr
Everything
Messen The which will
Allah Angels Books Last
gers take place;
Day good and
bad

To believe in To believe in
To believe in
the existence Tawheed of To believe in
Tawheed of
of Allah, the Worship (only the Names and
Lordship (the
Perfect One. Allah should Attributes of
actions of
be Allah.
Allah)
worshipped)

The intellect Senses Al-Fitrah Legislated

The intellect In difficult (Natural Sources
cannot times you raise Instinct) Legislated
imagine the your hands to “No one is sources are
existence of the sky and born except many. Ibn al-
the creation say ‘O Lord’ they are upon Qayyim
without the ‘O Lord’ ‘O Al-Fitrah mentioned
existence of Lord’ and by (natural that there is
the Creator. the permission instinct). His not a verse in
«Or were of Allah your parents turn the Book of
they created calamity is him into a Allah except
by nothing? removed. Jew or that it has a
Or were they Christian or reference to
themselves Magian…” Tawheed,
the creators?» (Bukharee and without
(Qur'an52:35). Muslim). exception.
 33

Angels are from the invisible world. Allah has created them from light. They
obey Allah and never disobey Him. They have souls «holy spirit» (Qur'an
2:87), a body «Who made the angels messengers with wings» (Qur'an
35:1), heart «So much so that when fear is banished from their (angel’s)
hearts» (Qur'an 34:23) and intellect «they (angels) say: ‘What is it that you
Lord has said?» (Qur'an 34:23). They question and respond which proves
that they have an intellect. We believe in them, their names (Jibreel,
Meekaaeel, Israafeel, etc.), their duties (such as 'the carriers of the Throne'),
and everything else we have been informed about them.

We believe that they are from the Speech of Allah sent down to us and not
created. Allah sent with every Messenger a book. We believe in those that
Allah has informed us of by name, their narrations, and their rulings which
have not been abrogated by the Qur’an, since the Qur’an abrogates what came
before it from these Scriptures and it is Muhaiminan (trustworthy in highness
and a witness) over them. (Al-Qur’an, At-Tawraah (The Torah of Prophet
Moosaa), Al-Injeel (The Gospel of Prophet Eesaa), Az-Zaboor (The book of
Prophet David), Suhoof Ibraheem and Moosaa (The Scriptures of Prophets
Ibraheem and Moosaa).

We believe that they are all men and possess none of the characteristics of
Lordship. Allah has chosen them, has sent down revelation to them, and has
aided them with His verses and signs. We believe that they are slaves of Allah
and should not be worshipped, messengers and should not be rejected, they
have conveyed what has been entrusted upon them, they have advised their
people, they have fulfilled their mission, and have struggled in the way of
Allah. We believe in all of them, their names, their stories, and in the signs
that Allah used to aid them with. The first Prophets is Aadam, the first
Messenger is Nooh, and the seal of the Prophets is Muhammad –may the
peace and blessings of Allah be upon them all-. All of the previous laws are
abrogated by the law revealed to Muhammad ‫ڠ‬.
34

Believing in everything that happens after death; the soul exiting the body,
the Angels carrying it to the heavens and either the heavens will open or the
gates of the heavens will be closed on him, then they will return it back to his
body and s/he hears the footsteps of those burying him. Then the two angels
will question, the punishment or reward of the grave, the resurrection, the
account, the Siraat (the bridge), paradise or Hell Fire, the intercession, the
believers seeing their Lord on the Day of Judgement and in Paradise as Allah
wills, and Hawdh (River) of the Prophet –may Allah praise him and send him
peace-. Thus, everything that will happen after death falls under the category
of Belief in the Last Day.

Knowledge: Writing: Will: Creation:

To believe that Allah – The slave has The slave of
Allah is All- Glorified is He- a will but his Allah is
Knowing of commanded the will cannot be created and
everything and Pen to write executed his actions
nothing is everything that except by the follow him so
hidden from will happen will of Allah, they are
Him neither on until the Day of for whatever created as
Earth nor in the Judgement. Allah wills well.
Heavens. comes to be, «Allah
and whatever created you
Allah does not and that
will, will not which you
come to pass. do» (Qur'an
37:96).
 35

The third level: Ihsaan. It has one

pillar: “to worship Allah as if you
see Him, since even though you
do not see him, He certainly sees
you” And the proof is His saying:
«Truly, Allah is with those who
keep their duty unto Him, and
Worship of Worship of those who are Muhsinoon»
Mushaahada Muraaqaba (Qur'an 16:128). Also His saying:
(As if one sees (Of the one «And put your trust in the All-
Him) out of who knows Mighty, the Most Merciful, who
love, desiring, that he's being sees you (O Messenger) when
and yearning for observed). It you stand up (alone at night for
that which is is a worship prayers), and your movements
with Allah. For out of fear and among those who fall prostrate
example: the fleeing. A (along with you to Allah in the
worship of the Muslim does five compulsory congregational
Prophets and not go outside
Messengers prayers). Verily! He, only He, is
of this circle.
(peace be upon the All-Hearer, the All-Knower»
them). It is (Qur'an 26:217-220). Likewise His
possible for saying: «Whatever you (O
other than them Messenger) may be doing, and
to reach this whatever portion you may be
level as well. reciting from the Qur`aan, - and
whatever deed you people may
be doing (good or evil), We are a
Witness, when you are doing it.
» (Qur'an 10:61).

This does not mean that the one who worships Allah in this manner does so
only out of love and does not fear Him. However, in this level, the strongest
urge that drives the slave of Allah to worship is the love of Allah -The
Perfect, The Most High-. The Prophet–may Allah praise him and send him
peace- said: “Shouldn't I be a thankful servant” (Bukharee and Muslim).
36

The proof from the Sunnah is the famous This Hadeeth is a proof for
hadeeth of Jibreel narrated by 'Umar as he the pillars of Islaam, Imaan,
said: “One day while we were sitting with and Ihsaan. His statement
the Messenger of Allah, there appeared
before us a man with extremely white “The one being asked does
clothes and extremely black hair. There not know more than the
were no signs of travel on him and none one asking” is a proof that
of us knew him. He sat in front of the
Prophet and put his hands on his own no one knows when the Day
thighs. He said: “O Muhammad, tell me of Judgement will be except
about Islam”. The Messenger of Allah Allah.
said: “Islam is to testify that there is
none worthy of worship except Allah
and that Muhammad is the Messenger
of Allah, to establish the prayers, to pay
the zakat (charity), to fast (the month
of) Ramadhaan, and to do the
pilgrimage at the House if you have the
means to do so.” He said: “You are
correct”. We were amazed that he asks Disobedience to parents
the question and then he corrects it. He increases
said: “Tell me about Imaan”. He
responded, “It is to believe in Allah, His
angels, His books, His messengers, the
Last Day, and to believe in the divine Slavery increases
decree, (both) the good and the evil”.
He said: “You are correct”. He said:
“Tell me about Ihsaan”. He answered:
“It is that you worship Allah as if you Changing of roles (in the
see Him. And even though you do not society)
see Him, you know He certainly sees
you”. He said: “Tell me about (the time
of) the Hour”. He answered, “The one
being asked does not know more than
the one asking”. He said: “Tell me
about its signs”. He answered: “The A king has relations with
slave-girl will give birth to her master; his female slave and she
and you will see the barefooted, scantily gives birth to his son. Once
clothed, destitute shepherds competing
in constructing high buildings”. Then, the king dies, his son
he went away. I stayed for a long time. becomes the king. Thus, he
Then, he said: “O 'Umar, do you know becomes his mother's
who the questioner was?” I said: “Allah
and His Messenger know best”. He said: master
“It was (the Angel) Jibreel who came to
teach you your religion” (Muslim).
 37

(1) There are five things which have rights on the Student of Islamic
knowledge: his or her self, teacher, the place he studies at, classmates,
books, and the knowledge s/he has studied.

The right of himself: Since knowledge is worship, sincerity and following the
Sunnah are a must. Be a follower of the early scholars of Islam, fear Allah
with a true fear based on knowledge, know that Allah is watching you at all
times, humble yourself and be careful of arrogance.
Be pleased and accept what you have been given and stay away from that
which will not benefit you in the next life. Adorn yourself with the effects of
knowledge, good manners which are acceptable to the people, boycott
arrogance and feeling superior to your peers and others. Stay away from
sittings and meetings which have no benefit, adorn yourself with gentleness,
be firm upon the truth, and verify information and news before believing it.
Have high ambitions, strong desire to seek knowledge, travel for knowledge,
preserve the knowledge through writing, memorizing, etc. Preserve that
which you memorize by acting upon it and revising it. Try to understand by
extracting the branches of knowledge from its foundations, ask Allah for help,
respect academic integrity, and be truthful.
The 'paradise' of the Student of Islamic Knowledge is 'I don't know' , don't
waste time, seek general knowledge of various topics, read in Arabic carefully
and correctly, eventually read bigger books such as Saheeh Bukharee,
Muslim, etc.
Ask appropriate questions, listen carefully, understand the material, and then
act upon it, and don’t debate for the sake of debating; not for the sake of
finding and accepting the truth. Review knowledge. Be with the Qur'aan,
Sunnah, and their sciences. Study the important topics of every science.
Act upon the knowledge, flee from the love for leadership, fame, and the
dunya; this worldly life.
Have bad thoughts about yourself and good thoughts about others.
Give the charity of knowledge; enjoin the good, forbid the evil, outweigh the
benefits and the harms, spread the knowledge and love to benefit the people,
use your status/position to intercede for the Muslims with good intercessions;
to represent the truth and all that is good.
38

Be honourable, preserve knowledge, stay away from teaching and positions

before you are qualified for that.
Hold an appropriate stance or position regarding the mistake of a scholar, and
the difference of opinion among the scholars (Translator's Note: the mistake
is not accepted when it becomes clear, however, the scholar's virtues remain
and he is respected and never spoken ill of).
Repel doubts. Don't be part of groups and parties to love and hate for their
sake.
His teacher's right: People fall in three groups regarding this; two extremes
and one moderation. We will study –if Allah wills- that the first shirk took
place on earth is due to exaggerating on the status of the righteous, so it is a
must that we remain moderate with the righteous; don't exaggerate by giving
them rights they do not deserve nor fall short in giving them the rights which
are due to them.
The right of the place in which he studies.
The right of his classmates: Allah, the Perfect and the Most High, says: «You
are the best nation chosen for Mankind» and the Prophet –may Allah
praise him and send him peace- said: “None of you truly believes until he
loves for his brother what he loves for himself”.
The right of the book: To preserve the book and take care of it. These books
are a blessing from Allah, so it is a must to preserve them.
The right of the knowledge: to study it thoroughly and preserve it by
reviewing it and acting upon it since it is obligatory for the one who has
knowledge to act upon it. Then he teaches this knowledge since it is a
blessing and he must be thankful for this blessing.

(2) Be honourable, preserve knowledge, and stay away from teaching and
positions before you are qualified for that.
(3) From the manners of asking questions is to ask about that which is more
important or beneficial first.
(4) The student of Islamic knowledge must also take care of his or her
appearance.
(5) After the death of the Prophet -may Allah praise him and send him peace-
we do not say: 'Allah and His Messenger know best', but rather we only
say: 'Allah knows best'.
 39

The third principle: This paragraph briefly talks about the

Prophet –may Allah praise him and send
Knowledge of your Prophet him peace-, including his name, his
Muhammad –may Allah praise lineage, his age, and a little bit about his
him and send him peace-. He Da’wah.
is: Muhammad Ibn
‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Abdul-
Muttalib Ibn Haashim, and
Haashim is from Quraysh,
and Quraysh is from the
Arabs, and the Arabs are from
the descendants of Ismaa’eel His name and His age:
Ibn Ibraaheem Al-Khaleel lineage: His age: 63 years
(the beloved) -upon him and He is: old, from them
our Prophet the best of praise Muhammad Ibn 40 years prior to
and peace-. ‘Abdullah Ibn becoming a
He lived 63 years; from them ‘Abdul-Muttalib prophet, and 23
40 years prior to becoming a Ibn Haashim, years a prophet
prophet, and 23 years as a and Haashim is and a messenger.
prophet and a messenger. from Quraysh,
He became a prophet with the and Quraysh is
verse «Iqraa», and a from the Arabs,
messenger with «Al- and the Arabs are
Muddathir». from the
His city was Mecca, and he descendants of
migrated to Medina. Ismaa’eel Ibn
Ibraheem Al-
Khaleel (the
beloved).

The Mecca period, which lasted The Medina period, which lasted 10
13 years. years.

Is he –may Allah praise him and send him peace- a Prophet or a Messenger?
He is a Prophet with the verse «Iqraa/Read» and then became a messenger
with «Al-Muddatthir/The one covered up».
40

Allah sent him as a warner against

Shirk (polytheism), and a caller to
Tawheed (monotheism).
His invitation to Islam during the The proof is His statement, «O
Meccan period was mainly focused you who covers himself [with a
garment]. Arise and warn. And
on Tawheed, and expelling Shirk;
your Lord glorify. And your
making worship solely for Allah clothing purify. And
alone. This da’wah continued in this uncleanliness avoid» (Qur'an 73-
way for a period of 13 years. 1-5).
He – may Allah praise him and send The meaning of «Arise and
him peace- was then ordered to warn» is to warn against Shirk
migrate to Medina, and his da’wah and call to Tawheed.
continued primarily focusing on «And your Lord glorify»; glorify
Tawheed, plus the revelation of the by singling Him in worship.
remaining aspects of the religion
«And your clothing purify»;
such as acts of worship, business cleanse your actions from Shirk.
transactions, and daily affairs of our
lives. «And uncleanliness avoid»; Rrujz
refers to idols. Abandoning it
And if someone was to examine his
means freeing yourself from it and
biography s/he would notice that his its people.
primary focus from the beginning of
13 years were spent calling to
the prophethood until his death was
Tawheed. After 10 years, he was
Tawheed. This is a clear and strong taken up to the heavens, and the
proof against those who discourage five daily prayers were made
people from studying Tawheed, and obligatory. He prayed 3 years in
claim that one only needs a few Mecca, until he was commanded
minutes to completely study it. to migrate to Madina.

We can extrapolate 2 benefits from his statement ‘he was taken up to the
heavens’:
(1) Whatever we are informed of from the Prophet – may Allah praise him
and send him peace- from affairs of the unseen, we respond with: We
believe, we affirm it is the truth, and we submit and accept it.
(2) The importance of the obligatory prayers, considering the fact that it was
made obligatory in the heavens.
 41

Migration is moving from the land of

Shirk to the land of Tawheed. It is
obligatory upon the Muslims and it will
remain so until the final Hour is
established. Migration
The proof is His statement, «Indeed, from
those whom the angels take [in death] everything
while wronging themselves- [the angels] Migration that Allah
will say, 'In what condition were you?' from has
They will say, 'We were oppressed in Mecca to commanded
the land'. They [the angels] will say, Medina. us to
'Was not the earth of Allah spacious This ended migrate
enough for you to emigrate therein?' when from or
For those, their refuge is Hell - and evil Mecca was boycott,
it is as a destination. Except for the conquered such as
oppressed among men, women, and specific
children who cannot devise a plan nor actions,
are they directed to a way. For those it people,
is expected that Allah will pardon them, times, and
and Allah is ever Pardoning and places.
Forgiving» (Qur'an 4:97-99).
And His saying, «O My servants who
Repentance will come to
have believed, indeed My earth is
end by 1 of 2 means:
spacious, so worship only Me» (Qur'an
29:56). Al-Baghawi (516H) mentions: The (1) The sun rising from the
reason behind the revelation of this verse west.
is the Muslims that were in Mecca that (2) Death. Allah says, «But
had not migrated, Allah called onto them repentance is not
with the name of faith (those who have accepted from those
believed). who continue to do evil
And the proof for migration in the Sunnah deeds up until, when
is the Prophetic saying, “Migration will death comes to one of
not end until repentance comes to an them, he says, 'Surely,
end, and repentance will not come to an I have repented now',
end until the Sun rises from the West” or of those who die
(Abu Dawood, Authenticated by Albani). while they are
disbelievers» (Qur'an 4:
18).

“There is no migration after the conquest” refers to the migration from

Mecca to Medina, where the Prophet –may Allah praise and send him peace-
is also eluding to the fact that Mecca will never again return to a land of
disbelief.
42

(1) Shaykh Ibn Uthaimeen (1347- So, when he settled in Medina

1421H) mentions: ‘Zakaat was he was commanded with the rest
first made obligatory in Mecca,
but the amount one must reach of the Islamic Legislation such
before it becomes obligatory to as zakaat (1), sawm (fasting),
pay and how much is it obligatory hajj, jihaad, adhaan,
to pay was not determined except commanding the good and
in Madina. forbidding the evil, along with
(2) The Prophet–may Allah praise other legislations.
and send him peace- died on the
He continued like this for 10
10th year after migration, and was
buried in the house of ‘Aisha – years until his eventual death –
may Allah be pleased with her- may Allah praise and send him
(3) There is no good except he peace- (2).
directed the Muslims to it and no But his religion remains, and
evil except he warned them this is his religion; there is no
against it. It is essential that we good except he directed his
bear witness that the Prophet–may
followers to it, and no evil
Allah praise and send him peace-
has fulfilled his trust, conveyed except he warned them against
his message, advised this nation, it. From the good he directed to:
and has truly strove for the sake Tawheed, and everything that
of Allah, until he left us on a clear Allah loves and is pleased with.
path whose night is as clear as its From the evil he warned us
day; no one deviates from it but from; Shirk, and everything
he is destroyed.
Allah dislikes and hates (3).

Major Shirk: Minor Shirk: Major Sins: Minor Sins:

Takes one out of Does not take Every action Every
the fold of Islam. one out of the that is subjected forbidden act
fold of Islam. to a specific that is not
punishment. subjected to a
specific
punishment.
 43

Allah sent him to all the people, (2) The Prophet – may Allah praise
and send him peace-was sent to
and made obedience to him
all people. Due to this all other
obligatory upon people and jinn. legislations that came before it
The proof is His saying, «Say, became abrogated. Jews and
[O Messenger], ‘O people, Christians at the time of the
surely I am the Messenger of Prophet– may Allah praise and
God to you all…» (Qur'an send him peace- and in our time,
7:158) (1(. if the message of Islam reaches
them and they do not accept it are
Allah has completed through him
considered disbelievers, even if
the religion. The proof is His they are upon the same religion of
saying, «… This day I have Musa and Eesaa -may peace be
perfected for you your religion, upon them-.
completed My favor upon you, His saying, «Say, 'O People of the
and have approved for you Scripture, come to a word that is
Islām as religion…» (Qur'an equitable between us and you – that
5:3) (2(. we will not worship except Allah
And the proof for his death– may and not associate anything with
Allah praise and send him peace- Him and not take one another as
lords instead of Allah.” But if they
is, «Certainly you will die and
turn away, then say, 'Bear witness
they will die. Then, on the Day that we are Muslims [submitting to
of Resurrection, before your Him].» (Qur'an 3: 64(.
Lord, you will dispute» (Qur'an
39:30-31).

The Prophetic saying, “I swear by He whose Hands my soul is in, there is

not a Jew or a Christian that hears of me and then does not believe in me
except he is from the people of the Hell-Fire” (Muslim and others).
(3) This verse is a proof against those who innovate acts of worship in the
religion.
44

Conclusion

(1) All people will taste death When people die, they will be resurrected,
without exception, and they and the proof is His saying, «From it [i.e.,
will be resurrected for a great the earth] We created you, and into it We
day, the Day of Judgement, will return you, and from it We will
and then they will be judged; extract you another time» (Qur'an 20: 55).
either rewarded or punished Also, His saying: «And Allah has caused
for their actions. you to grow from the earth a
(2) And whoever denies the [progressive] growth. Then He will
resurrection and the return you into it and extract you
judgement has disbelieved, [another] extraction» (Qur'an 71:17-18).
because he has denied a pillar After the resurrection, they will be held
from the pillars of faith. accountable; either rewarded or punished
(3) Nuh is the first of the for their actions. The proof of this is His
messengers, and the proof is saying, «And to Allah belongs whatever is
His saying, «Indeed, We in the heavens and whatever is in the
have revealed to you, [O earth - that He may recompense those
Messenger], as We revealed who do evil with [the penalty of] what
to Noah and the prophets they have done and recompense those
after him» (Qur'an 4:16). The who do good with the best [reward]»
first prophet is Adam–may (Qur'an 53: 31) (1). Whoever denies the
Allah praise and send him resurrection has disbelieved, and the proof
peace-. The prophet–may is His saying, «Those who disbelieve have
Allah praise and send him claimed that they will never be
peace- was asked if Adam resurrected. Say, 'Yes, by my Lord, you
was a prophet? He said: “A will surely be resurrected; then you will
prophet that was spoken to surely be informed of what you did. And
by Allah” (Ibn Hibaan). The that, for God, is easy» (Qur'an 64:7) (2).
last prophet and messenger Allah has sent all the messengers to bring
is Muhammad –may Allah good news and to warn. The proof is His
praise and send him peace-. saying, «[We have sent] messengers as
The proof is Allah’s saying: bringers of good news and warners»
«Muhammad is not the (Qur'an 4:165). The first of them is Nuh,
father of any one of your and the last of them is Muhammad –may
men, but he is the Allah praise and send him peace-, and he
Messenger of Allah and the (Muhammad) is the seal of the prophets,
seal [i.e., last] of the and the proof that Nuh is the first of the
prophets. And ever is messengers is His saying, «Indeed, We
Allah, of all things, have revealed to you, [O Messenger], as
Knowing» (Qur'an 33:40(. We have revealed to Noah and the
prophets after him.» (Chapter 4: 163) (3).
 45

Allah has made it obligatory upon all Allah sent messengers and prophets
the slaves to disbelieve in everything to give good news and to warn; all
which is worshiped besides Him and have invited to Tawheed and fought
to believe in Allah. Ibn Qayyim –may against Shirk and false deities in all
Allah have mercy on him- has said: its forms. The proof is His saying,
"'Taghoot is that through which the «We have certainly sent to every
person has passed the boundaries, nation a messenger [saying],
with regards to worship, following, or 'Worship Allah" meaning worship
obedience". Allah has sent a Him alone "and avoid Taghoot»
messenger to every nation, from (Qur'an 16:36) meaning to place
Nooh to Muhammad–may Allah have these false deities in one side and
mercy on him- each ordering their place yourself in the opposite side.
people to worship Allah alone and This is the best way to stay away
forbidding them from worshipping from them, and to free yourself from
false deities. shirk and its people.
The proof is His saying, «And We Allah has made it obligatory on all
have certainly sent to every nation His worshippers to reject false gods,
a messenger, [saying], 'Worship and to have faith in Allah, and this
Allah and avoid Taghoot» (Qur'an must begin by first rejecting false
16:36). These false deities are many, gods before having faith in Allah,
but their heads are five. Iblees -may «… So whoever disbelieves in
Allah curse him-, whoever is Taghoot and believes in Allah has
worshipped and they are pleased with grasped the most trustworthy
it, whoever calls people to handhold with no break in it. And
worshipping them, whoever claims to Allah is the All-Hearing and the
know the unseen, and whoever rules All-Knowing» (Qur'an 2:256).
by something other than what Allah Taghoot: Anything that a person
revealed. The proof is His saying, exceeds his boundaries with regards
«There is no compulsion in to worship (such as worshipping a
acceptance of the religion. The tree or a stone), or someone they
right course has become clear from follow (such as an evil scholar), or
the wrong. So whoever disbelieves obey (such as leaders who order to
in Taghoot and believes in Allah disobey Allah).
has grasped the most trustworthy These false deities are many, but
handhold with no break in it. Allah their heads are five; Iblees -may
is the All -Hearing and All- Allah curse him-, whoever is
Knowing» (Qur'an 2:25).This is the worshipped and they are pleased
meaning of ‘there is no deity worthy with it, whoever calls people to
of worship except Allah’, and in the worshipping them, whoever claims
Prophetic statement, “The head of to know the unseen, and whoever
the matter is Islam, its pillar is rules by something other than what
prayer, and its top is struggle for Allah has revealed.
the sake of Allah” (Tirmidhee).
46

Major Disbelief Minor Disbelief

If one believes that human laws If one believes that judging by

are similar or better than the law other than the law of Allah is
of Allah false, but he judges by it due to
his desires, love for leadership, or
other similar reasons.

Struggle of Struggle Struggle

the Soul against Satan against Kufaar Struggle
and against people
It is done by It is done by
Munafiqeen of oppression,
seeking avoiding
innovation, and
knowledge, doubts (Shirk With the heart,
evil
acting upon it, and speech, wealth,
teaching it, innovations) and self. With the heart,
and patience. and desires speech, and
(Major and hand.
Minor sins).

It is a must for every intelligent person to ponder over this great treatise and
to study it carefully due to what it contains of the great principles every
individual needs in the grave.
 47

Summary in a Chart

It is knowledge of: Allah, His Prophet, and the

The Three Fundamental Principles (In summary 'The Questions of the Grave'), their

religion of Islam with proof.

The Four Important Points and their prop (Soorah Al
proofs, why do we study Tawheed? Why do we study The Three Fundamental

(The Three Fundamental Principles)

Knowledge calls for actions; it is either
responded to or it departs
A scholar who does not act upon his knowledge
will be punished before the idol worshipper
Principles? What is the benefit of studying them?

Conditions for Da'wah: Sincerity, Islamic

Knowledge, knowledge of the one you are
ASr)

inviting, wisdom, and patience.

The first obligation we should invite to is

Tawheed; this is the way of the Prophets and the
Messengers. The most important Da'wah is
inviting to Tawheed and warning against Shirk
Patience to obey Allah (Prayer), staying away
from disobeying him (Interest), and when tested
with a calamity (Poverty).
Patience with seeking knowledge, righteous
actions, and da'wah.
Tawheed of Lordship (The only Creator deserves to be
worshipped alone) and Tawheed of the Names and Attributes.
The Three Important

Tawheed of Worship (Sincerity), Allah is not pleased that

anyone is associated in worship with Him; not an angel nor a
Points

messenger
Freeing yourself from shirk and its people; by the heart (hating
the disbelievers), by the tongue ("Say: O disbelievers: 'I do not
worship that which you worship'), and by actions (not
participating in their celebrations, festivals, and not imitating
them).
48

(Haniyfeeyah): The nation which is free from shirk and upon

sincerity and monotheism.
The Three Fundamental Principles (In summary 'The Questions of the Grave'), their proofs, why do we study

Tawheed Linguistically: to single something out

Tawheed? Why do we study The Three Fundamental Principles? What is the benefit of studying them?

Islamically: To single out Allah with that which is specific to

Him from his Lordship, Worship, and His Names and
The reason for studying Tawheed

Attributes. It has three categories:

1. Tawheed of Lordship: To single out Allah with His actions
or to say that He is the only Creator, King, and Manager of the
affairs of His creations.
2. Tawheed of Worship: To single out Allah with all worship.
3. Tawheed of the Names and Attributes of Allah: To single
out Allah with that which He has named and described Himself
with in His Book or in the statements of His Messenger -may
Allah praise him amongst the angels and send him peace -. This
is done by affirming that which He has affirmed for Himself
and negating that which He has negated for Himself: without
distorting their meaning, denying them, describing them, nor
giving examples.
Shirk is worshipping other than Allah along with Him. It is the
GREATEST sin on earth!
Knowing Allah, the Most Perfect: Who is your Lord? How did
you come to know Allah? The Lord is the one who must be
worshipped, types of worship, and the ruling on directing any
The Three Fundamental Principles

worship to other than Allah with proof.

Knowing Islam and its proofs, the definition of Islam, levels of
the religion, the pillars of Islam, the definition of Shahadah, the
pillars of Imaan, branches of Imaan, Ihsaan, proofs for the
levels of the religion, and signs of the Hour.
Knowing the Messenger: his lineage, birth, age, he is a prophet
and messenger, his country, the wisdom for him being sent, the
time period he invited to Tawheed, his ascension to the
heavens, where and when were the prayers obligated?
Migration, its ruling, and time. When were the rest of the
legislations legislated? The time period of da'wah, his death,
what religion did he come with, he is sent to people and jinn,
the religion is complete so are the favors of Allah.
 49

Resurrection and answering for the actions after death, the

The Three Fundamental Principles (In summary 'The Questions of the Grave'), their proofs, why do we study

disbelief of denying the resurrection, the profession of the

Tawheed? Why do we study The Three Fundamental Principles? What is the benefit of studying them?

messengers and their invitation, the first and the last messenger,
the two pillars of Tawheed; disbelieving in everything
worshipped besides Allah and believing only in Allah, the
definition of Taghoot, the heads of Taghoot, the description of
how to disbelieve in the Taghoot, the meaning of La Ilaha Ila
Allah, Islam is the main part of the religion, the pillar of the
deen is the prayer, 'that which gives power to the deen' is
Struggle in the way of Allah.
Struggling with that which is
mentioned is Soorah Al Asr
(Knowledge, righteous actions,
teaching, and patience)
Major Shirk (takes one
out of Islam) and Minor
Conclusion

Doubts Shirk
Innovations in the
religion
Major sins (every sin
which has a specific
punishment)
Desires Minor Sins (every
prohibition which does
not have a specific
punishment)
With the heart, speech, actions, and
wealth

With the heart, speech, and hand

50

It is anything which the slave goes overboard with in

terms of worshipping such as stones and trees, following
such as evil scholars, or obeying such as rulers who order
with the disobedience of Allah. Tawagheet (pl. of
taghoot) are many, but their heads are five: Iblees,
anyone worshipped while he is pleased with it, whoever
invites others to worship him, whoever claims knowledge
of the unseen world, and whoever judges by other than
the law of Allah.

Allah knows best and may Allah praise and send peace on Muhammad, his
followers, and his companions
 51

The Three Fundamental Principles Test

Circle the correct answer in the brackets.

(1) The name of this book is: ("The Three Questions of the Grave" – The Three types of
Tawheed—all of the above).
(2) The Three Fundamental Principles are basically the questions of the grave
(True – False).
(3) The author makes du'a for the reader in this book in (two places – three
places).
(4) The books of the author are distinguished by their (simplicity – points are
mentioned generally before details provided- proofs are from Qur'an and
Sunnah – makes du'a for the student – clarifies doubts present in our time-
it has many explanations – asks and answers important questions – Allah
has made it acceptable to the people – all of the above).
(5) The book "Three Questions of the Grave" can be divided into (5, 6) chapters.
(6) Studying Tawheed is a (communal obligation – individual obligation).
(7) The proof for the four important points is Soorah (Al Asr – Al Ikhlaas).
(8) Whoever studies but does not act upon it is imitating the (Christians – Jews –
all of the above).
(9) Patience is divided into (two – three) parts.
(10) The meaning of Imam Shaafiee's statement about Soorah Al Asr is: (it is
sufficient to establish the proof – it suffices all the other Soorahs in the
Qur'an)
(11) Whoever believes in one of the types of Tawheed only is not considered to
be worshipping Allah alone (True – False).
(12) Freeing one's self from polytheism and its people is done by (heart, speech,
and actions – by freeing one's self from the actions and the one doing them
– all of the above).
(13) The meaning of masaajid in the saying of Allah "Certainly the masaajid
belong to Allah" is (the physical, built, prayer places – the limbs which
52
touch the ground during prostration – the earth on which prostration may
be performed - all of the above).
(14) The way of the early scholars of Islam [Salaf]: (beliefs are based on proofs
– first a person believes then he finds supporting proof).
(15) The misguided from Muslim scholars imitate the (Jews – Christians).
(16) The misguided from the Muslim worshippers imitate (Jews – Christians).
(17) The three important points are the Three Fundamental Principles (True –
False).
(18) Supplication is divided into (du'a of worship and du'a of need, 'direct' du'a
and 'indirect' du'a .
(19) The du'a of need is divided into (two – four) parts.
(20) In terms of their belief regarding taking the means, people are divided into
(two extremes and a moderation – major polytheism, minor, and
permissible).
(21) It is permissible to seek help from the creations (unrestrictedly – in that
which they can do - with four conditions).
(22) The meaning of 'La Ilaha Ila Allah' is (Allah is able to create – there is no
god but Allah - nothing should be worshipped except Allah – all of the
above).
(23) Unity of Faiths is (permissible – major sin – disbelief).
(24) The general proofs for the existence of Allah are (many – four).
(25) Do the angels have hearts? (Yes – No).
(26) The relationship between Eemaan and Tawheed is: Eemaan is general and
Tawheed is a part of it (True – False).
(27) The pillars of Eemaan are (5, 6, 7).
(28) Polytheists direct some of their worship to Allah (True – False).
(29) The one who is worshipped beside Allah while s/he is not pleased with it is
(a taghoot, is not a taghoot).
(30) To single out Allah with managing the universe and sending down rain is
from Tawheed of… (worship – lordship – names and attributes).
(31) That which negates or destroys the origin of Tawheed is (major shirk -
minor shirk – innovations).
(32) The greatest obligation is being dutiful to the parents (True – False).
 53

(33) The worst sins are adultery/fornication and killing a soul which Allah
forbade to kill (True – False).
(34) Mi'raaj is the journey of the Prophet -may Allah praise and sen him peace-
from Makkah to Jerusalem (True – False).
(35) The Prophet –may Allah praise him and send him peace- was sent to (his
nation only – humans and jinn).
(36) The Prophet –may Allah praise him and send him peace- (has died –
prophets do not die).
(37) Whoever disbelieves in the resurrection disbelieves (major kufr – minor
kufr).
(38) The religion of the Prophets (is one – every Prophet has his own religion).
(39) Migration is (no longer valid after the conquest of Makkah – valid until the
Day of Judgement).
(40) Migration is (moving from a country of disbelievers to a Muslim country –
leaving that which Allah has prohibited).
(41) The religion of Islam is complete with the exception of the dreams of the
righteous -they are part of it too- (True – False).
(42) Directing any type of worship to other than Allah is (major – minor) shirk.
(43) It is a must to differentiate between the ruling on an specific action and the
ruling on a specific person (True –False).
(44) The first Prophet is (Nooh -peace be upon him-, Adam -peace be upon him)
(45) Our Prophet is (a prophet - a messenger - all of the above).
54

Match the items on List A with the items on List B

List A List B
Tawheed 1
Linguistically
Tawheed Islamically 2 Comprises believing in everything
which will happen after death
Tawheed of Worship 3 It is a statement of the tongue, belief
in the heart, actions with the limbs,
increases with obedience and
decreases with sins
Tawheed of 4 Islam, Imaan, and Ihsaan
Lordship
Tawheed of the 5 For Allah and for other than Allah
Names and
Attributes
Haneefiyyah 6 Obligatory, Permissible, and
Prohibited
The first call and 7 Islamic and through senses
order in the Qur'an
Partner 8 Questions of the grave
Khashyah 9 Knowledge, actions, teaching, and
patience
Tawakkul 10 Sincerity and Following the Sunnah
The two conditions 11 It is to truthfully rely upon Allah,
for the acceptance of while fully trusting Him, and taking
actions the means
Summary of The 12 It is a fear based on knowledge of the
Four Important greatness of the One s/he fears and
Points His complete Power
Summary of The 13 It's like, example, or similar to it
Three Important
Points
Summary of The 14 In Soorah Baqarah
Three Fundamental
Principles
Means are divided 15 A nation which is free from shirk and
into… based on Sincerity and Tawheed
Oaths are divided 16 Singling out Allah with that which He
 55

into… has named and described Himself

with in His Book and on the
statements of His Messenger by
affirming everything He has affirmed
for Himself and negating everything
He has negated for Himself without
distorting the meaning, negating it,
describing it , nor likening it to the
creation.
Slaughtering is 17 Singling out Allah with worship
divided into…
Fear is divided 18 Singling out Allah with creating,
into… ownership, and managing
Islam 19 Singling Allah out with that which is
specific to Him
Levels of the 20 Noun, to single out something, to
Religion make it one
Imaan 21 The rising of the sun from the west or
the nearing of death
Imaan on the Last 22 Going overboard by worshipping,
Day comprises of following, or obeying other than
Allah
The balanced way of 23 Tawheed of Lordship, Names and
the people of the Attributes, worship, and distancing
Sunnah with the one's self from Shirk and its people
non-Muslims
The time when 24 Submitting to Allah with Tawheed,
repentance is no obeying Him, and freeing one's self
longer valid from Shirk and its people
Taghoot 25 That which is worshipped besides
Allah and has a physical form such as
idols etc.
56

Appendix A:
The Four Fundamental Principles

In the name of Allāh; the Most Merciful; the Bestower of Mercy.

[KEYS TO HAPPINESS] [1]

I ask Allāh, the Most Generous; the Lord of the Great Throne, to make you
from His Awliyāʾ [2] in this world and the Hereafter; that He makes you
blessed wherever you are and makes you from those who:
 show Shukr (gratitude) [3] when bestowed with a blessing. [4]
 have Ṣabr (patience) when afflicted [with a calamity]. [5]
 make Istighfār (seek forgiveness) when committing a sin.

Indeed, these three [characteristics] are the keys of happiness.

[AL-ḤANĪFIYYAH]
Know - may Allāh guide you to His obedience - that al-Ḥanīfiyyah is the
religion of Ibrāhīm (alayhi as-salaam): that you worship Allāh alone, making
the religion sincerely for Him; as He (the Most High) said:
{I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me} [51:56]

When you have acknowledged that Allāh created you for His worship, then
know that worship is not regarded as being worship unless it is accompanied
by Tawḥīd, just as the Ṣalāh is not regarded as being a valid prayer unless it is
accompanied by purification.

Similarly, if Shirk enters into worship it invalidates it, just like impurity
[invalidates] purification when it enters into it.

When you have acknowledged that Shirk entering into worship invalidates it,
negates all the actions and necessitates the person in it to eternal Hell-Fire,
then you will realise the most important matter obligatory upon you is: to
have knowledge regarding this, so that Allāh may save you from the abyss of
committing Shirk with Him. Allāh said regarding this:
{Indeed Allāh does not forgive that partners should be set up with him,
but He forgives everything else [apart from that] to whom He wills}
[04:116]
 57

This knowledge comprises of four principles which Allāh (the Most High) has
mentioned in His Book.

[THE FIRST PRINCIPLE] [6]

You should know that the disbelievers whom the Messenger of Allāh (sal
Allāhu alayhi wa salaam) fought, they used to affirm that Allāh (the Most
High) is the Creator and the One who controls all the affairs. However, this
[mere belief] did not enter them into Islām.
The evidence of this is the saying of the Most High:

{Say (O Muḥammad): who provides for you from the Heavens and the
earth? Who controls hearing and sight? Who brings out the living from
the dead and brings out the dead from the living? Who controls the
affairs? They will say: Allāh. Say: "Then will you not fear Him?”}
[10:31]

[THE SECOND PRINCIPLE] [7]

The disbelievers say: ‘We do not call upon them (the idols and false gods) and
turn towards them except to seek nearness and intercession [to Allāh].’

The evidence [of them claiming to seek] nearness, is His saying:

{Those who take protectors besides Him (say): ‘We only worship them so
they may bring us near to Allāh.’ Verily, Allāh will judge between them
concerning that wherein they differ. Truly, Allāh guides not him who is a
liar, and a disbeliever} [39:03]

The evidence [of them claiming to seek] intercession is the saying of the Most
High:
{They worship other than Allāh that which neither hurts them nor
benefits them, and they say: "These are our intercessors with Allāh}
[10:18]

[THE TYPES OF INTERCESSION]

Shafāʿah (Intercession) [8] is two types: The prohibited intercession and the
[correct] affirmed intercession.

The prohibited intercession is that which is sought from other than Allāh in
which only Allāh is able to do. [9]
58

The evidence is the saying of the Most High:

{O you who believe, spend of that with which We have provided for you,
before a Day comes when there will be no bargaining, friendship nor
intercession. It is the disbelievers who are the oppressors} [2:254]

The [correct] affirmed intercession is that which is sought from Allāh. The
one who intercedes is honoured with the intercession, and the one who is
interceded for is he whose deeds and speech are pleasing to Allāh, after He
gives Permission.

He (the Most High) said:

{Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission?}
[02:255]

[THE THIRD PRINCIPLE] [10]

The Prophet (sal Allāhu alayhi wa sallam) came to people differing in their
worship. From amongst them were people who worshipped the angels, some
worshipped the prophets and the righteous people, some worshipped stones
and trees whilst others worshipped the sun and the moon.

The Messenger of Allāh (sal Allāhu alayhi wa sallam) fought them all and did
not differentiate between them.

The evidence is the saying of the Most High,

{Fight them until there is no more Fitnah (disbelief and polytheism) and
all the religion is for Allāh (Alone)} [02:193]

The evidence [that they worshipped] the sun and the moon is the saying of the
Most High:
{And from among His signs are the night and the day, and the sun and
the moon. Do not prostrate to the sun or the moon} [41:37]

The evidence [that they worshipped] the angels is the saying of the Most
High:
{Nor did He order you to take the angels and Prophets as lords} [03:80]
 59

The evidence [that they worshipped] the Prophets is the saying of the Most
High:
{When Allāh will say, ‘O ʿĪsā ibn Maryam, did you say to the people,
‘Worship me and my mother as two gods besides Allāh’.’ He will say,
‘May You be Glorified! It was not for me to say what I had no right (to
do so). Had I said such a thing You would have surely known it. You
know what is in myself and I do not know what is in Yours. Truly You
are the All-Knower of all that is hidden} [05:116]

The evidence [that they worshipped] the righteous people is the saying of the
Most High:
{Those whom they call upon desire (for themselves) means of access to
their Lord (Allāh), as to which of them should be the nearest, they hope
for His Mercy and fear His Torment} [17:57]

The evidence [that they worshipped] the stones and trees is the saying of the
Most High:
{Have you considered al-Lāt and al-ʿUzzah and Manāt, the other third?}
[53:19]

Also, the Ḥadīth of Abū Wāqid al-Laythī (may Allāh be pleased with him)
who said: ‘We departed with the Prophet (sal Allāhu alayhi wa sallam) to
Ḥunayn and we had recently left disbelief. The Mushrikūn (polytheists) used
to have a lote-tree which they would take as a place of devotion and hang their
weapons upon; it had been named: ‘Dhāt Anwāṭ’.

We passed by a lote-tree and said, “O Messenger of Allāh, appoint for us a

Dhaat Anwaat like they have a Dhāt Anwāṭ…”

[THE FOURTH PRINCIPLE] [11]

The Mushrikūn (polytheists) of our time are worse in their Shirk than the
Mushrikūn (polytheists) who came before. This is because those who came
before, committed Shirk during times of ease whilst directing their worship
sincerely to Allāh during times of difficulty and hardship.

However, the Shirk of the Mushrikūn (polytheists) of our time is constant, -

during times of both ease and difficulty. The evidence is the saying of the
Most High:
60

{When they embark on a ship they invoke Allāh making their faith pure
for Him only, but when He brings them safely to land, behold, they give a
share of their worship to others} [29:65]

May the peace and blessings of Allāh be upon our Prophet Muḥammad and
his family and all his companions.

Important Notes on the Text

About this treatise

The Four Fundamental Principles (al-Qawāʿid al-Arbaʿ) is a treatise authored
by Shaykh Muḥammad Ibn ʿAbd al-Wahhāb as a summary of the author’s
more detailed book: Kashf ash-Shubahāt (A removal of the doubts), the
author wrote these four principles in order to refute the common doubts of the
people of Shirk.

[1] Keys to happiness

The author named the following three matters as being the keys to happiness,
this is because a person’s life revolves around them:
Gratitude (Shukr):
{But few of My slaves are grateful} [34:13]

Patience (Ṣabr):
{O you who believe! Seek help in patience and as-Ṣalāh} [02:153]

Seeking Forgiveness (Istighfār):

{It is He Who accepts repentence from His servants and pardons evil acts
and knows what they do} [42:25]

[2] “I ask Allāh, the Most Generous; the Lord of the Great Throne, to make
you from His Awliyā”

Who are the Awliyāʾ of Allāh?

Shaykh al-Islām Ibn Taymiyyah said: A Walī is a person who has Īmān and
Taqwā. The evidence is:
{Indeed the Awliyāʾ of Allāh, no fear shall come to them, nor shall they
grieve. They are those who believed, and maintained Taqwā} [10:62]
 61

[3] “To show Shukr (gratitude)…”

We show Shukr (gratitude) to Allāh in three ways:
1. Heart: Appreciating the blessing and referring it back to Allāh alone
2. Tongue: by mentioning and praising Allāh upon the blessing:
{This is from the virtue of my Lord} [27:40]
{As for the blessings of your Lord, make a mention of them} [93:11]
3. Limbs: A person should use this blessing in a manner which pleases
Allāh. This is according to the type of blessing. So the blessing of wealth
should be used in aiding Islām and giving in charity. The blessing of
knowledge is to teach this knowledge to others.

Before a person is blessed with something, his heart your be attached to his
Creator and Provider.

[4] “When bestowed with a blessing…”

Blessings are not always a reward, sometimes a good blessing can also be an
affliction and a test:
{We test you with evil and with good as trial} [21:35]

[5] “You are patient when afflicted [with a calamity]…

The types of people in relation to afflictions and calamities
1. Despondant and complaining: This is Haraam (impermissible), a person
can be despondant in his heart, with his tongue or in his actions.
2. Patient: This is an obligation when afflicted by any calamity.
3. Pleased: This is recommended, and a level higher than patience.
4. Gratitude: This is the highest level a person may achieve.

[6] The First Principle

Summary: The disblievers at the time of the Prophet (sal Allāhu alayhi wa
sallam) used to accept Tawḥīd ar-Rubūbiyyah. He called them and fought
them, this is because they did not accept Tawḥīd al-Ulūhiyyah.

[7] The Second Principle

Summary: The disbelievers at the time of the Prophet (sal Allāhu alayhi wa
sallam) did not worship the idols, because they knew they cannot benefit nor
harm, rather they used to worship them in order for the idols to bring them
closer to Allāh and as a form of intercession.
62

[8] “Shafāʿah (Intercession) is two types…”

*Refer to the types of Shafāʿah on the next page.
Linguistic definition: To make one into two, an even number.

Islamic Shariʿ definition: Seeking intercession on behalf of another person in

order to bring about some benefit or repel some harm.

[9] “The prohibited intercession is that which is sought from other than
Allāh in which only Allāh is able to do...”
The ruling of seeking aid and intercession from people:
The base ruling is that help, aid and intercession is only asked from Allāh.
However, in worldly related matters, it is also permissible to ask from people.
The Prophet (sal Allāhu alayhi wa sallam) used to help, and seek the help of
his companions.

Intercession (Shifa’a) is permitted with four conditions:

1. Alive: The person whose help and intercession is sought is alive, and not
from the deceased.
2. Ability: The person must have the ability to help and intercede, his help
should not be from matters that only Allāh has control over e.g. asking
for paradise or forgiveness of sins etc.
3. Present: He should be present, and be able to be communicated to.
4. Belief: The person seeking the help and intercession should believe that
the person whose help is sought is only a cause placed by Allāh, not that
he himself controls the matter.

[10] The Third Principle

Summary: The Prophet (sal Allāhu alayhi wa sallam) came to a nation of
people who worshipped different objects and deities, and he did not treat
them differently.

[11] The Fourth Principle

Summary: The Mushrikūn of our time are more severe in the Shirk than the
Mushrikūn of the earlier time.
 63

Negated & not permitted Correct & Affirmed in the

It is intercession that is sought Sharee’ah
from other than Allāh. Which is sought from Allah. Its
It is requested in a matter that only Conditions are:
Allāh can do 1. Allaah permits the intercession
It has been negated by Quran 2. He is pleased with the person
Its Ruling: Major Shirk interceding
3. and pleased with the person
being interceded for.

{And how many angels there are

in the heavens whose
intercession will not avail at all
except [only] after Allāh has
permitted [it] to whom He wills
and approves} [53:26]

Specific for the Prophet (sal General from the Prophets,

Allaahu alayhi wa sallam) angels, righteous people and
children
The Great Intercession Intercession for the people of
Intercession for his uncle Abū Tawḥīd, that their ranks is raised in
Ṭālib, that his punishment is Paradise
lessened Intercession for the people of
Intercession for the opening of the Tawḥīd not to enter into the Fire
doors of Paradise Intercession for the people of
Tawḥīd that have entered the Fire
to be removed from it
64

Self-Test Questions

This exam is to test what you have understood from the study of The Four
Fundamental Principles. The Prophet (sal Allāhu alayhi wa sallam) said,
“whoever cheats us, is not from us.”

Mention the evidence from the Quran or Sunnah:

1. A good blessing can be a test.
2. The disbelievers used to affirm Tawḥīd ar-Rubūbiyyah.
3. The Mushrikūn used to worship idols seeking closeness to Allāh.
4. The negated type of intercession.
5. The Mushrikūn used to worship the sun and moon.
6. The Mushrikūn used to worship the angels.
7. The Mushrikūn used to worship the Prophets.
8. The Mushrikūn used to worship the righteous people.
9. Shirk is not permitted.
10. The Mushrikūn used to be sincere in times of difficulty and perform acts of
Shirk in times of ease.

Introductions:
1. Why do we study and teach Tawḥīd?
2. Why do we study the Four Fundamental Principles?
3. What are the three sections of this treatise?
4. Mention the Four Fundamental Principles are a summary of which book?
5. Why do we not start by studying the book: Kashf ash-Subahāt?
6. What are the keys to happiness?
7. What is the definition of al-Ḥanīfiyyah?
8. How did Ibn Taymiyyah define the Awliyāʾ?
9. How do we show gratitude for a blessing?
10. Mention the four types of reactions to a calamity and their rulings.

Intercession (ash-Shafāʿah):
1. Define ‘Shafāʿah’ linguistically?
2. Define ‘Shafāʿah’ according to the Shariah.
3. What are the two main types of ‘Shafāʿah’?
 65

4. What are the two types of Affirmed Intercession? Give examples for each
type.

Summarise:
1. The first principle.
2. The second principle.
3. The third principle.
4. The fourth principle.
5. What is the ruling of Shirk becoming mixed with an action and what is the
evidence?
66

Appendix B: Ten Matters that

Invalidate a Person’s Islam

In the name of Allāh; the Most Merciful; the Bestower of Mercy

Know that the matters which invalidate a person’s Islām are ten:

First: Shirk (ascribing partners) in the worship of Allāh (the Most High)
Allāh (the Most High) said:
{Indeed Allāh does not forgive that partners are ascribed to Him,
however He forgives anything other than that for whoever He wills}
[04:116]
The Most High said:
{Verily, whoever sets up partners with Allāh (in worship), then Allāh has
made Paradise forbidden for him and the Fire will be his abode. There
will be no helpers for the Oppressors} [5:72]
Included in this is sacrificing for other than Allāh such as a person sacrificing
for a Jinn or towards a grave.
Second: Whoever who sets up intermediaries between himself and Allāh;
supplicating to them, requesting intercession from them and having Tawakkul
upon them. [Such a person] has disbelieved by the agreement [of the
Scholars].
Third: A person who does not consider the Mushrikūn (Polytheists) to be
disbelievers, doubts their disbelief or considers their ideology to be correct.
[Such a person has] disbelieved.
Fourth: Whoever believes that the guidance of somebody other than the
Prophet is more perfect than the guidance of the Prophet (sal Allāhu alayhi
wa sallam); or the laws of other than the Prophet are better than the laws of
the Prophet (sal Allāhu alayhi wa sallam) like the person who prefers the laws
of the Ṭawāghīt (false deities). [Such a person has] disbelieved.
Fifth: If a person hates anything which the Messenger (sal Allāhu alayhi wa
sallam) came with, even if the person performs the action. [Such a person
has] disbelieved.
Sixth: A person who makes a mockery of anything from the religion of the
Prophet (sal Allāhu alayhi wa sallam), its rewards or punishments. [Such a
person has disbelieved].
 67

The evidence for this is the saying of Allāh (the Most High):
{Say: Was it at Allāh, His Signs, His Messenger that you used to make
mockery of? Do not make any excuse, indeed you have disbelieved after
your Īmān} [9:65-66]
Seventh: Magic; included in this is ways of turning a person away from
something he loves or swaying a person to love something [through magic].
So whoever does this or is pleased with it being done has disbelieved.
Allāh (the Most High) says:
{They (the two Jinn) would not teach this to anybody except saying: we
are only a trial so do not disbelieve} [02:102]
Eighth: Supporting and helping the Mushrikūn (Polytheists) over the
Muslims.
The evidence is the saying of Allāh (the Most High):
{Whoever wholeheartedly supports them and takes them as friends is
surely from amongst them. Verily Allāh does not guide the oppressive
people.} [05:51]
Ninth: Whoever believes it is permissible for some people to be outside of
the Shariah of Muḥammad (sal Allāhu alayhi wa sallam), just as it was
permissible for Khiḍr to be outside the Shariah of Mūsā (alayhi as-salaam).
[Such a person has] disbelieved.
Tenth: Completely turning away from the religion of Allāh, by not learning it
nor acting by it.
The evidence is the saying of Allāh (the Most High):
{Who is oppressing than the one who, when the Verses of his Lord are
mentioned, completely turns away from them. Indeed we will exact
retribution from the criminals (disbelievers).} [32:22]
There is no difference in all of these matters which invalidate a person’s
Islām whether a person is [doing them] in jest, with intent or out of fear
except if a person is compelled to do them.
All of these matters are the most dangerous and yet most common of what
takes place. So, it is befitting that a Muslim takes caution and fears for
himself regarding them. We seek refuge in Allāh from anything that causes
His anger and His painful punishment.
May Allāh send salutations upon the best of His creation Muḥammad, his
family and companions, and grant them peace.
68

Important Notes on the Text

In the name of Allāh, the Most Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy

Are the invalidators limited to only ten?

The author Imām Muḥammad ibn ʿAbd al-Wahhāb (rahimahullah) mentioned
ten matters which invalidate a person’s Islām. He limited them to ten even
though there are other matters which may invalidate a person’s Islām. Despite
knowing this, he limited his treatise to only ten invalidators. This is
customary to his style of teaching, which he took from the Prophetic method
of education and teaching.
As an example, the Prophet (sal Allāhu alayhi wa sallam) limited the
destructive sins to seven1, even though there are many other destructive sins.
The benefit in this is that it is easier for people to understand, memorise and
recall something which is limited to a particular number, as opposed to a
teacher listing every individual matter.
So the invalidators of Islām are more than ten, however the author mentioned
the severest of them.
First invalidator: shirk
Shirk is when a person to directs any act of worship to other than Allāh, or
equates any unique attribute of Allāh to creation. The type of Shirk which
invalidates a person’s Islām is: Shirk Akbar (Major Shirk), and it is only
Major Shirk which exits a person from the fold of Islām and not Minor Shirk.
If a person, before his death, sincerely repents from committing Shirk then
Allāh will forgive him and he does not exit from the fold of Islām.
{Say, "O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by
sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allāh. Indeed, Allāh forgives all
sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful."} [39:53]
After mentioning the first invalidator, the author then mentioned an Aayah as
an evidence for it. This is one of the distinctions of Imām Muḥammad ibn
ʿAbd al-Wahhāb, it is noticed from his writings that he relies heavily on
evidences, always justifying anything he says with an evidence.
The author mentioned the saying of Allāh (the Most High):
{Indeed, Allāh does not forgive Shirk (partners to be ascribed to him),
but he forgives what is less than that for whom he wills} [04:48]
 69

This Āyah shows us that Allāh does not forgive Shirk, however He forgives
all other sins whether they are major sins or minor sins. This Āyah therefore
opposes the Khawaarij who considered a person who commits a major sin to
be a disbeliever.
As for Shirk Aṣghar (Minor Shirk), then a person will be punished for it, but
he will eventually enter into Paradise. Some scholars mentioned that Minor
Shirk is similar to the Major Sins, so the person remains under the will of
Allāh, perhaps He will punish him or perhaps He will punish him. A third
opinion distinguishes between a large number of actions containing Minor
Shirk (this type of person is punished) and between a small number of actions
containing Minor Shirk which may be forgiven.
“…Included in this is sacrificing for other than Allāh such as a person
sacrificing for a jinn or towards a grave.”
The author then mentioned a common example of Shirk which is slaughtering
for other than Allāh i.e. slaughtering an animal in the name of a person or
Jinn, with both love and reverence.
Second invalidator: whoever sets up intermediaries between himself and
Allāh; supplicating to them, requesting intercession from them and
having tawakkul (reliance) upon them. [such a person] has disbelieved by
the agreement [of the scholars].
We have previously studied the belief of the Mushrikūn to whom the Prophet
(sal Allāhu alayhi wa sallam) was sent. They used to believe in Tawḥīd Ar-
Rubūbiyyah i.e. that Allāh is the true Creator, Provider, Owner etc. However
their disbelief and Shirk occurred in Tawḥīd al-Ulūhiyyah i.e. in worshipping
other deities and entities. This has been clearly demonstrated in Sūrah Al-
Kāfirūn:
{Say, "O disbelievers, I do not worship what you worship. Nor are you
worshippers of what I worship. Nor will I be a worshipper of what you
worship. Nor will you be worshippers of what I worship. For you is your
religion, and for me is my religion”} [109:01-09]
Their Shirk in worship was in placing intermediaries between themselves and
Allāh, seeking a Wasīlah or a Shafāʿah to Allāh i.e. intercession.
So whoever directs any aspect of Worship to a Prophet, Walee or righteous
person, believing that it is a form of Wasīlah or Shafāʿah, then he has
disbelieved with the very Shirk of Quraysh.1 Allāh informed us of their Shirk,
they would say:
70

{We only worship them that they may bring us nearer to Allāh in
position} [39:03]
{And they worship other than Allāh that which neither harms them nor
benefits them, and they say, "These are our intercessors with Allāh"}
[10:18]
Third invalidator: A person who does not consider the Mushrikūn
(polytheists) to be disbelievers, doubts their disbelief or considers their
ideology to be correct. [such a person has] disbelieved.
The quality which truly establishes Tawḥīd is not the mere pronunciation of
Lā ilāha illa Allāh, nor is it even acting upon its meaning. Rather, from the
pillars and conditions of Tawḥīd is for a person to hate, reject and disbelieve
in all other false deities and everything which is worshipped besides Allāh.
He (the Exalted) said:
{So whoever disbelieves in Taghoot (false gods and deities) and believes
in Allāh has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in
it…} [02:256]
Allāh mentioned the statement of Ibrāhīm (alayhi as-salaam) said:
{When Ibrāhīm said to his father and his people, "Indeed, I am
disassociated from that which you worship Except for He who created
me; and indeed, He will guide me."} [43:26]
So whoever does not consider the Mushrikūn, Jews or Christians to be
disbelievers, doubts it or justifies their religion, then he himself has left the
fold of Islām.
Fourth invalidator: whoever believes that the guidance of somebody
other than the prophet is more perfect than the guidance of the prophet
(sal Allāhu alayhi wa sallam); or the laws of other than the prophet are
better than the laws of the prophet (sal Allāhu alayhi wa sallam) like the
person who prefers the laws of the tawaagheet (false deities). [such a
person has] disbelieved.
The best guidance is the guidance of Muḥammad (sal Allāhu alayhi wa
sallam). For this reason Ahl as-Sunnah Wa ‘l-Jamāʿah do not normally
emphasise and exaggerate the biographies of scholars, because they did not
want to attach people to personalities, but they want people to be attached to
the guidance of the Prophet (sal Allāhu alayhi wa sallam). Allāh (the most
High) said:
 71

{There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allāh an excellent
example for anyone whose hope is in Allāh and the Last Day and [who]
remembers Allāh often} [33:21]
Therefore, we do not give precedence to the statement of any individual
scholar if it is contradictory to the statement of the Prophet (sal Allāhu alayhi
wa sallam).
If a person believes that the judgement, laws or rulings of any person, scholar
or ruler are equal to or better than the laws of Allāh then he has committed
Kufr and left the fold of Islām, even if he ruled by the laws of Allāh.
A person who rules by the laws of other than Allāh can be classified into three
types:
1. A person by other than the laws of Allāh, believing that they are equal to
or better than the laws of Allāh. This is major disbelief and he has left the
fold of Islām.
2. A person who rules by other than the laws of Allāh, whilst believing that
the laws of Allāh are superior and an obligation, but he does this due to
worldly desires such as wanting authority or wealth. The ruling upon him
is that he has committed minor Kufr which does not take him out of the
fold of Islām, however we fear that he may fall into disbelief, and he is on
the verge of severe danger in his religion.
3. The person is ignorant, he does not know, he merely hears a ruling from
somebody thinking that it is the rule of Allāh. If it is a matter which is not
known by necessity, then he is excused for his ignorance.
Fifth invalidator: if a person hates anything which the messenger (sal
Allāhu alayhi wa sallam) came with, even if the person performs the
action. [such a person has] disbelieved.
A Muslim must love every command of the Shariah. Also the love of a
Muslim towards Allāh must be greater than his love for any other entity,
nobody must be equated to Allāh with regards to this – neither the Prophet
(sal Allāhu alayhi wa sallam) nor anybody else.

A Muslim must love everything which has been mentioned in the Quran and
Sunnah. If a person implements an obligation of the religion but dislikes or
detests it then he has disbelieved. An example of this is a person who prays
whilst at the same time disliking its obligation. Allāh (the Most High) said:
72

{But no, by your Lord, they will not [truly] believe until they make you,
[O Muḥammad], judge concerning that over which they dispute among
themselves and then find within themselves no discomfort from what you
have judged and submit in [full, willing] submission} [04:65]
Sixth invalidator: a person who makes mockery of anything from the
religion of the prophet (sal Allāhu alayhi wa sallam), its rewards or
punishments. [such a person has disbelieved].
The author said: “whoever makes mockery of anything from the religion…”
the word ‘anything’ implies mockery of the religion of even the most smallest
of matters is Kufr. Therefore any mockery of Allāh, His Messenger, His
rulings and the Shariah, no matter how minor a person considers it to be, is
Kufr which exits a person from the fold of Islām.
Then the author said: “and its rewards or punishments” – if a person mocks or
jests about anything regarding the reward Allāh has prepared for the people of
Taqwa, or the punishments Allāh has warned the sinners against; if a person
mocks or jests about anything relating to the delights of Paradise, or the pains
of Hell, then he has disbelieved.
The hypocrites who mocked the Prophet (sal Allāhu alayhi wasallam) and his
companions justified their actions by saying:
{And if you ask them (i.e. the mockers), they will surely say, "We were
only conversing and playing"} [09:65]
Yet despite this, Allāh described them as having lost their Īmān and
committing disbelief. This shows that Allāh (the Most High) rebuked them
with severity. In normal situations, if a person presents an excuse for his
actions then his excuse is accepted and he is shown mercy. However Allāh
(the Most High) rebuked them with severity even after they presented their
excuses. This was to show the danger of mocking the religion.
{Say: was it at Allāh, his signs, his messenger that you used to make
mockery of?} [09:65]
{Say: was it at Allāh} i.e. is there no other matter remaining that you could
mock such that you have to resort to mocking the most sacred and divine
matters such as Allāh, or {His signs} whether they are religious rulings like
mocking the Prayer or universal signs of Allāh like a person saying: the four
seasons in the year is stupidity or {His messenger} which includes any
previous Prophet or Messenger.
 73

{…That you used to make mockery of?} i.e. through joking, mocking or
jesting regarding these divine sacred matters.
{Do not make any excuse, indeed you have disbelieved after your Īmān, If
We pardon one faction of you - We will punish another faction because
they were criminals} [09:66]
This is the evidence that a person who mocks any aspect of Islām has
disbelieved and invalidated his Islām, and any excuse he present will not be
accepted. However if he sincerely repents and seeks forgiveness then he will
be forgiven. There are three conditions for the acceptance of his repentance:
1. That he must truly be sorrowful and apologetic for his mockery, and this
in itself cannot be a joke. So his repentance must be sincere.
2. He must praise Allāh and His religion and be sincere in this. Just as he
mocked Allāh and His religion, then he must also praise them.
3. He publicly announces his repentance and frees himself from his previous
actions of mockery.
The ruling regarding a person who listens to the insulting and mockery
of Islām
A person who hears the mocking and insulting of the religion can react in
three possible ways. The first way is for him to be displeased with it, making
his displeasure known, forbidding and reprimanding it. Such a person is a true
Believer, striving for the sake of Allāh.
The second way is for a person to be displeased with the mocking, to turn
away and distance himself from the mockers. Such a person has fulfilled the
obligation upon him.
The third way is that he hears the mockery of Islām but remains in his place
listening to it. His ruling is the ruling of the mocker, he is similar to him in his
actions. The evidence for this is the saying of Allāh:
{And it has already come down to you in the Book that when you hear
the verses of Allāh [recited], they are denied [by them] and ridiculed; so
do not sit with them until they enter into another conversation. Indeed,
you would then be like them. Indeed, Allāh will gather the hypocrites and
disbelievers in Hell all together} [04:140]
This Aayah therefore warns against listening – or watching – mockery and
joking of the religion. This also includes attending comedy shows in which
Islām is mocked, or watching films or TV shows. The recent trend of movies
regarding Prophets and companions also enters into this. They are often
depicted by actors who are either non-Muslims or disobedient people.
74

Seventh invalidator: magic; included in this is ways of turning a person

away from something he loves or swaying a person to love something
[through magic].
The author mentioned two types of magic:
Ṣarf: Using magic to turn a person away from a woman, whether it is his wife
or otherwise.
ʿAṭf: To sway a person towards being attracted to a woman who he would not
normally be attracted to, whether it is his wife or otherwise.
In any case, practicing any type of magic or sorcery is disbelief, an invalidator
of Islām. Why is magic an invalidator of a person’s Islām? Because it is not
possible for a person who partake in magic and control it unless he
disbelieves in Allāh. Therefore it is Kufr Akbar (Major Disbelief). It is one of
the biggest avenues to call people to Shirk.
{They (the two Jinn) would not teach this to anybody except saying: we
are only a trial so do not disbelieve} [02:102]
The Jinn or Shayṭān a person uses for magic must be worshipped and
submitted to. For this reason, the more the magician worships the Shaṭān, the
stronger is magic will be.
So whoever does this or is pleased with it being done has disbelieved.
It does not matter whether a person is involved in magic himself, or goes to a
magician for it to be done for him, then he has disbelieved. This shows that
Imām Muḥammad ibn ʿAbd al-Wahhāb does not differentiate between the
two types of people.
The Prophet (sal Allāhu alayhi wa sallam) said, “Whoever partakes in magic,
or has magic performed for him, is not from us.”1
The opinion that Imām Muḥammad ibn ʿAbd al-Wahhāb had regarding the
Islāmic punishment for a person who partakes in magic is:
1. He is considered to be a Kaafir.
2. He is sentenced to the corporal punishment of death.
3. Repentance is not sought from him.
Eighth invalidator: Supporting and helping the Mushrikūn over the
Muslims.
Supporting and helping the disbelievers over the believers invalidates a
person’s Islām if he believes and intends to support Kufr over Islām.
 75

The evidence is the saying of Allāh (the Most High):

{Whoever wholeheartedly supports them and takes them as friends is
surely from amongst them. Verily Allāh does not guide the oppressive
people} [05:51]
Aiding the disbelievers over the believers is different levels, it can either be
Kufr Akbar which negates a person’s Islām, or it is a major sin.
It is Major Kufr if a person aids and supports the disbelievers over the
Muslims out of love for what they are upon, i.e. loving the religion of
disbelief, Shirk and misguidance. He aids them out of free choice i.e. he is not
compelled to do so. This person has left the fold of Islām, because Allāh said,
{…he is surely from amongst them}.
As for a person aiding the disbelievers over the believers whilst rejecting their
religion or being pressured to do so, and not out of love for their religion, then
he is committing a major sin and Kufr is feared upon him but he remains a
sinning Muslim.
Ninth invalidator: whoever believes it is permissible for some people to be
outside of the sharee’ah of Muḥammad (sal Allāhu alayhi wa sallam), just
as it was permissible for khidhr to be outside the sharee’ah of Mūsā
(alayhi as-salaam). Such a person has disbelieved.
There are some people who believe that whatever the Jews and Christians are
upon is the truth, and that they are brothers in Faith such that we should not
consider them to be disbelievers. They justify this due to the Jews and
Christians believe in the teachings of their Prophets (Mūsā and ʿĪsā). They
also say Khiḍr lived in the time of Prophet Mūsā and yet was outside his
Shariah.
The reply to this:
Firstly: The Prophet (sal Allāhu alayhi wa sallam) told us that every Prophet
was always sent specifically to his tribe, whereas our Prophet (sal Allāhu
alayhi wa sallam) was sent to all of mankind. For this reason, any person to
whom the Shariah of Muḥammad (sal Allāhu alayhi wa sallam) was conveyed
to but he refused to accept it then he remains a Kāfir, even if he claims he is a
follower of Mūsā (i.e. a Jew) or a follower ʿĪsā ( i.e. a Christian).
Secondly, there is clear evidence which orders the Jews and Christians to
believe in the Shariah of Prophet Muḥammad (sal Allāhu alayhi wa sallam).
He said: “By the one in whose hand my soul is, if a Jew and Christian hears of
me but does not believe in me then he will be from the people of the Fire.”
76

Thirdly: It is upon him to establish the authenticity of the claim that Khiḍr did
not follow the Shariah of Prophet Mūsā (alayhi assalaam). Even if the claim
is authentic, it is not an evidence to justify the action of any person today
because aspects of the legislation of previous prophets differed from our
legislation.
Therefore, any person to whom the message of Prophet Muḥammad (sal
Allāhu alayhi wa sallam) was conveyed and he does not believe in it, then he
is a Kāfir (disbeliever).
Tenth invalidator: completely turning away from the religion of Allāh,
by not learning it nor acting by it.
This is complete disregard for the religion of Islām in both knowledge and
actions; it is disbelief, we ask Allāh for safety and pardoning.
There are many Āyāt which speak about the disbelief of those who make
Iʿrāḍ (turn away) from the religion of Allāh:
{Who is oppressing than the one who, when the Verses of his Lord are
mentioned, completely turns away from them. Indeed we will exact
retribution from the criminals (disbelievers)} [32:22]
{But those who disbelieve, from that of which they are warned, are
turning away} [46:03]
{And whoever turns away from the remembrance of his Lord He will put
into arduous punishment} [72:17]
There is no difference in all of these matters which invalidate a person’s
Islām whether a person is [doing them] in jest, with intent or out of fear.
The author concluded his treatise by mentioning an important matter, and that
is that a person may justify doing one of the above actions and then say he
was merely jesting. However, the author stated that any person who does one
of the above invalidators leaves the fold of Islām, regardless of whether he
did it in jest or seriousness. This is Allāh (the Most High) said:
{If you ask them, they will surely say, "We were only conversing and
playing." Say, "Is it Allāh and His verses and His Messenger that you
were mocking?" Make no excuse; you have disbelieved after your
belief…} [09:65-66]
So Allāh judged them to be disbelievers, even though they justified their
actions by claiming they were merely joking.
 77

As for a person who does an invalidator out of fear, and his fear is only for
his reputation, authority or some wealth then the same ruling as above
applies.
…Except if a person is compelled to do them….
A person who is physically compelled to do an act of Kufr, whilst his heart
rejects it and remains upon belief, is excused due to the saying of Allāh:
{Whoever disbelieves in Allāh after his belief... except for one who is
forced [to renounce his religion] while his heart is secure in faith}
[16:106]
This is because nobody can compel nor control the actions of the heart. A
person may be compelled to make a statement or an action, however the
actions of his heart only he himself controls them.
However the person who is compelled and coerced is only excused with the
following conditions:
1. His heart feels tranquil with Īmān.
2. He does not exceed the level he is coerced with i.e. if he is coerced and
compelled to insult one of the Companions, he does not exceed this by
compelling all the Companions.
3. The person tries to find a way out without being harmed; like some of the
scholars did at the time of Imām Aḥmad. When they were compelled to
say the Quran is created, they would instead point to their fingers (as if
enumerating) and say: “The Torah, Injīl and Quran. These are created.”
They meant by: “these are created” i.e. their fingers that they were
pointing at!
4. He does not transgress the rights of anybody else; so a person is not
permitted to kill another person even if he was ‘coerced’ to do so.
All of these matters are the most dangerous and yet most common of
what takes place. So it is befitting that a Muslim takes caution and fears
for himself regarding them. We seek refuge in Allāh from anything that
causes his anger and his painful punishment.
The invalidators which he mentioned are “from the most dangerous and
common” invalidators. This shows that the author knew of the other
invalidators but he wanted to limit them to ten if the most common and
dangerous invalidators.
78

This treatise, and others similar to it, also demonstrate the sincerity of Imām
Muḥammad Ibn ʿAbd al-Wahhāb towards the Ummah. He only explained
these invalidators as an advice to the Ummah, so we can be aware of them.
He mentioned every invalidator with an evidence. This is from the custom of
the scholars i.e. mentioning evidences for each statement and claim. May
Allāh have mercy upon him.
May Allāh send salutations upon the best of his creation Muḥammad, his
family and companions, and grant them peace.
 79

Table of Contents

1 Introduction 4–6

2 The Four Important Points 7 - 11

3 The Three Important Points 12 – 15

4 The Importance of Studying Tawheed 16

5 The Three Fundamental Principles 17 - 43

6 Conclusion 44 – 46

7 Summary of the text in the form of a chart 47 - 50

8 Open Questions 51 - 55

9 Appendix A: The Four Fundamental Principles 56 - 65

10 Appendix B: The Ten Invalidators of One’s Islam 66 - 78

11 Table of Contents 79
80

Part II:

“The Four Foundations”

Imam: Muhammad Ibn Abdul-Wahhab
May Allah bestow his Mercy upon him
(1115-1206AH/1703-1792CE)

Explanation by:
Sheikh Haytham Ibn Muhammad Sarhan

Teacher at the Prophet’s Mosque

www.Sarhaan.net
 81

All Praise is due to Allah

Truly, all praise is due to Allah; we praise Him, seek His help, and ask His
forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from the evils of ourselves and our bad
actions. Whomsoever Allah guides, none can turn astray. And whomsoever
Allah turns astray, none can guide. I bear witness that there is nothing worthy
of worship except Allah, the Only One without any partner. And I bear
witness that Muhammad ‫ ﷺ‬is His servant and (final) messenger.

An Introduction before the explanation

Author of this treatise

Shaykhul Islaam, Revivor of the call to Tawheed (Islamic Monotheism),

Imam Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahab Ibn Sulaymaan At-Tameemi: Abul
Hussein.
He was born in Unayzah in the year (1115 Hijri) and passed away in
Dir’eeyah in the year (1206 Hijri)

Qawaid Al Arab’aa (The Four Foundations) is the second treatise which

is studied in the series of Tawheed. Great importance is placed in this
book for many reasons including:

Following the path of the scholars of The advice of our scholars to study
our pious predecessors. it.

Because it is a summary of the book It contains refutations against the

“Kashf Ash Shubuhaat” (Removing doubts of polytheists.
doubts pertaining to polytheism).

We begin with this book rather than beginning with “Kashf Ash Shubuhaat”
(Removing doubts pertaining to polytheism) so that none of the doubts
mentioned in the book might affect the student in any manner.
82

Index of The Four Foundations:

It is divided into Three Categories. They are:

1- Introduction 2- Importance of 3- Foundations.

(Keys to studying
Happiness). Tawheed
(Monetheism).
 83

Part I: Introduction (Keys to Happiness)

In The Name of Allah, (1) Reasons the author began his book
the Ever-Merciful, the with the name of Allah:
Bestower of Mercy,

(1) I ask Allah, the Following Imitating those From the

Noble Lord of the the example who preceded us angle of
Great Throne, that He of the Book from the seeking
of Allah, Scholars, and blessing by
be your Protector in
Messengers the pious evoking the
this world and the
and predecessors as name of
Hereafter (2), and that Prophets it was there Allah the
He makes you blessed may Allah common most
wherever you are (3). have mercy practice to begin Generous.
on all of their writings
them. and works in the
name of Allah.

(2) After beginning with the name of Allah, the Shaykh (may Allah forgive him)
began his introduction by making du’a for the student of knowledge as is common
in his works. In this is a proof of his care and love for the student of knowledge by
him asking Allah that all good reaches them.
(3) The allies of Allah are those who combine between Correct Belief and God
Consciousness.
Shaykh Al Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah be pleased with him) said:
“Whosoever believes and is God conscious, is to Allah an Ally” and the proof of
this is the statement of Allah the most high: “No doubt! Verily, the Auliya' of
Allah (i.e. those who believe in the Oneness of Allah, fear Allah, and abstain
from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which he has forbidden) have no fear nor
will they grieve. Those who have faith, and are Godwary” [10:62]
Barakah: Increase and Gain.
Tabarruk: Seeking increase and gain.
Mubarak: Is the person who benefits wherever he might be.
84

Tabarruk (Seeking Blessings) is

divided into two types:

Forbidden: Legislated:
Which includes that which has not This can be further And that He
been established or confirmed by divided into two makes you from
any proof from the Quran or Sunnah subcategories of those (people)
in Shari’ah or common sense. This minor Shirk:
is from the types of Minor Shirk. that, when
given, are
thankful (1).
Sensory (tangible) - Such as
Knowledge, supplication, and the
likes. An individual can seek
Religious - such blessings from his knowledge,
as praying in calling others to good, this is
Masjid Al-Haram Barakah, because as a result of such
in Makkah or in good actions a great amount of good
the Prophets was achieved. For example the
Masjid in books of Shaykhul Islaam
Madinah (Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahaab)
and others from the scholars whom
Allah has placed immense amounts
of Barakah in their works and the
Ummah has benefited tremendously
from them.

(1) Blessings are a test, the proofs for this are many including:
 “And We test you with evil and with good as trial” [21:35].
 “And when [Solomon] saw it placed before him, he said, "This is from the
favour of my Lord to test me whether I will be grateful or ungrateful. And
whoever is grateful - his gratitude is only for [the benefit of] himself. And
whoever is ungrateful - then indeed, my Lord is Free of need and
Generous” [27:40]
 “As for man, when his Lord tries him by giving him honour and gifts,
then he says (puffed up): "My Lord has honoured me” [89:15]
 In the narration of our Messenger «There were three from the sons of
Israeel in which Allah wanted to test…».
 85

Blessings are connected to Tawheed Al-Rububiyyah (Oneness of

Allah’s Lordship) and Tawheed al-Uluhiyyah (Oneness of Worship)
and giving thanks to Allah in regards to it divides into two:

Gratefulness after the occurrence Connecting oneself to Allah before

of blessings is achieved by the the blessing:
following:

This type requires from the slave

The heart The The limbs unwavering belief and faith that
tongue the Bestower of blessings is Allah,
the slave does not connect his heart
to other than Allah nor does he
By By seek good from anyone other than
having relaying him.
sincere the By using
belief blessing such
and s Allah blessings In the same manner Paradise is not
complet bestowe in a sought from anyone except Allah
e d upon matter seeing as he is the controller of it,
submiss you to that we do not seek provision from
ion that others, pleases other than Allah.
Allah is praise, Allah by
the gratitud doing
provider e and “And rely upon the Ever-Living
acts of
and thanks who does not die, and exalt
worship
Bestowe to Allah [Allah] with His praise. And
to get
r and as Allah sufficient is He to be, with the sins
closer to
that the most of His servants, Acquainted”
Him, by
every high [25:58]
staying
blessing states away “Verily, those whom you worship
that “And as from besides Allah have no power to
occurs for the sins and give you provision, so seek your
to the bountie by provision from Allah (Alone)”
slave is s of impleme meaning seek it from only Allah
solely your nting his and not from others, “And worship
from Lord comman Him (Alone), and be grateful to
Allah. then dments. Him” [29:17]
proclai
m it”
[93:11].
86

(1) This is because patience is mandatory by the

(1) And when
consensus of scholars.
tested, are
Mankind in times of tribulations divide into the patient and
following four categories: when they sin,
they repent.

Discontent Patient Content Thankful

1- Being discontent - Ruling: Impermissible, it is from the Major sins and it

may be committed by:

The The The

heart tongue limbs

The Heart: Imam Ibn Qayyim Al Jawzee said what means: Verily some of the
people do not dare to say it with their tongue, however their own selves testify
to the to this by them possessing bad thoughts of their Lord they say with their
heart “My Lord oppressed me, my Lord prevented me, my restricted me…etc.”
whether that may be a lot or a little. So search within yourself to ensure it is
free from these characteristics, for if you are saved from it then you are saved
from a great (sin).
The Tongue: This occurs by screaming, shrieking, wailing, doom cursing or use
of crude language
The Limbs: This occurs by smacking the cheeks (wailing during calamities), and
tearing up one’s clothing and to pull one’s clothing/hair and so on.
2- Patience - Ruling: Compulsory by consensus of scholars, and it is
obligatory to be patient with one’s heart, tongue, and limbs. Imam Ahmed may
Allah be pleased with him said “Sabr has been mentioned in the Qur’an
approximately ninety times and it is an obligation by the consensus of the
Scholars and it is half of faith, for verily faith is two parts one portion patience
and the second being thankful” [Madarij As Salikeen by Ibn Qayyim]
3- Contentment - Ruling: Highly recommended, and it is a high level of
patience
4- Thankfulness - Ruling: Recommended, and it's the highest and most
complete level
 87

Part II: The Four Fundamental

Principles
In The Name of Allaah The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful
Know, May Allah guide you to His obedience, that the Hanifiyyah – the
religion of Ibrahim – is that you worship Allah alone, sincerely, making the
religion purely for Him. As Allah, the Most Exalted says: “And I did not
create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” [Al-Dhariyat:56] (1)
So, when you know that Allah created you to worship Him, then know that
‘worship’ is not considered worship except with Tawheed (monotheism).
Like the salah (prayer is not an acceptable salah except with purity
(taharah). So, if shirk enters into worship, it is not accepted, just as
impurity destroys purity if it enters into it.
So, if you know that when shirk is mixed (with worship), the worship is not
accepted, and destroys the action, thus making the person acting (upon this
kind of worship) from the people who will be permanently in the Hellfire,
then you will realise that it is the most important topic for you to study.
Perhaps (through this study) Allah will save you from this evil trap,
meaning shirk with Allah, concerning which Allah – the Exalted – has said:
“Indeed, Allah does not forgive association (shirk) with Him, but He
forgives what is less than that for whom He wills. ” [Al-Nisa:116]
And this will be (accomplished) through knowing the four principles that
Allah – the Exalted – has mentioned in His book.

The First Principle:

To know that the disbelievers whom the Messenger of Allah (Peace and
blessings be upon him) fought admitted that Allah – the Exalted – is the
Creator, the One who Gives Sustenance, and is in charge of all the affairs,
yet this did not enter them into Islam. And the proof is in His, the Exalted
saying: “Say, ‘Who provides for you from the heaven and the earth? Or
who controls hearing and the sight and who brings the living out of the
dead and brings the dead out of living and who arranges [every] matter?’
They will say, ’Allah,’ so say, ‘Then will you not fear Him ” [Yunus:31] (2)
88

The Second Principle:

They (the polytheists) would say, “We do not supplicate to them and turn
towards them except to seek nearness and intercession (to Allah).”
And the proof of the ‘nearness’ is in His Exalted saying: “And those who
take protectors besides Him [say], ‘We only worship them that they may
bring us nearer to Allah in position.’ Indeed, Allah will judge between them
concerning that over what they differ. Indeed, Allah does not guide he who
is a liar and [confirmed] disbeliever.” (2) [Al-Zumar:3]
And the proof of the ‘intercession’ (shafa’ah) is in His Exalted saying: “And
they worship other than Allah; that which neither harms them nor benefits
them, and they say, ‘These are our intercessors with Allah. ” [Yunus:18]
And there are two types of intercession: shafa’ah al manfiyya (denied and
negated intercession); and shafa’ah al-muthbata (affirmed and allowed
intercession). (3)

(1) In this brief introduction, the author -may Allah have mercy on him-
clarifies why we study Tawheed.
(2) The disbelievers that our Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) was
sent to were a people that believed in Tawheed Al-Rububiyyah and that
withstanding our Messenger (Peace and blessings be Upon Him) fought them.
This is because the dispute between them and our Prophet (Peace and blessings
be upon him) was in Tawheed al Uluhiyyah. Consequently, anyone who diverts
any act of worship to other than Allah is a Polytheist Disbeliever.
(3) The people of polytheism attempt to validate their actions by stating “we do
not call upon these false deities or turn to them besides Allah except to seek
nearness and intercession”. And this was enough of a reason for our Prophet
(Peace and blessings be upon him) to declare them disbelievers and fight them
upon this basis.

(4) Intercession: Linguistically From assembling and making one into two.
Religiously: Interceding with others in an attempt to gain benefit or deter
harm.
 89

Categories of Intercession:

Affirmed - That which is That which the creation have the Negated - This
sought by solely from ability to assist in. This is carried type has been
Allah. This contains three out with the following conditions: refuted by the
conditions: 1- The intercessor must be present Qur’aan; That
1- Allah’s permission for (or contacted through modern means which is sought
the intercession to take of communication). by other than
place. 2- The intercessor is alive. Allah in that
2- Allah’s satisfaction with 3- The intercessor must be able to which only
the person interceding. carry out that which is sought Allah has
3- Allah is pleased with through him. control over.
the person interceded for. 4- The person interceded for must
This is further divided believe that the intercessor is strictly Ruling: Major
into: a means and Allah is the reason Shirk
behind such assistance.

Specific to the Prophet (peace and General – For the Prophets, Messengers,
blessings be upon him): Angels, Monotheists and Children:
1- The Major Intercession (on the day of 1- For the ranks of the believers to be
Resurrection). elevated.
2- For his Uncle Abu Taalib’s punishment 2- For those amongst the believers who
to be lessened in the Hell Fire. deserved to enter the hellfire to not enter
3- For the Gates of Paradise to be opened. it.
3- For those amongst the believers who
entered the hellfire to be removed from it.

Further Clarifications:
Negated Intercession: That which is sought from other than Allah in that which
only Allah has control over.
The evidence for this is the statement of Allah the most High: “O you who
have believed, spend from that which We have provided for you before there
comes a Day in which there is no exchange and no friendship and no
intercession. And the disbelievers - they are the wrongdoers.” [2:254]
Affirmed Intercession: That which is sought from Allah, the intercessor is
honoured by giving intercession as well as the one being interceded. Allah is
pleased with the speech and action of the intercessor after Allah’s permission
as Allah the most High states: “Who is he that can intercede with Him except
with His Permission?” [2:255]
90

The Third Principle (1):

That the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) came to a people who
had different (objects) of worship: from them were the worshippers of the
Angels and from them were those who worshiped the Prophets and the
Righteous and from them were those who worshiped the trees and the
stones and from them were those who worshipped the Sun and the Moon.
The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings be upon him) fought them
and did not make any distinction between them. The evidence for this is the
statement of Allaah: “And Fight them until there is no more Fitnah (disbelief
and polytheism of others along with Allaah) and that all the worship is for
Allaah Alone.” [2:193]
And the reason for the Sun and the Moon is the saying of Allaah: “And from
among His Signs are the night and the day and the sun and the moon.
Prostrate not to the sun nor to the moon, but prostrate to Allaah who
created them, if you really worship Him. ” [41:37]
And the reason for the Angels is the saying of Allaah: “ Nor would he order
you to take Angels and Prophets for lords (gods). ” [3:80]
And the reason for the Prophets is the saying of Allaah: “And (remember)
when Allaah will say (on the Day of Judgement): O Issa (Jesus), son of
Maryam (Mary)! Did you say unto mankind: Worship me and my mother
as two gods besides Allaah? He will say: Glory be to You! It was for me to
say what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing, You would surely
have known it. You know what is my inner self though I do not know what
is in Yours, truly, You only You, are the All-Knower of all that is hidden
and unseen." [5:116]
And the reason for the Righteous is the saying of Allaah: “Those whom they
call upon (like Issa/Jesus son of Maryam (Mary), Uzair (Ezra), angels, etc.)
desire (for themselves) means of access to their Lord (Allaah), as to which
of them should be the nearest and they (Issa Jesus) and Uzair (Ezra), angels
hope for His Mercy and fear His Torment. ” [17:57]

(1) This principle is a clear and apparent evidence in refuting those who say
“Shirk only occurs in worshiping idols, and that religious evidences came
specifically for idol worship and other than that from false deities that were
apparent in the Prophets time”. Indeed the Prophet (peace and blessings be
upon him) did not differentiate between them rather he opposed all false Gods,
as well as engaged in combat against without any exception so that the
Religion was made solely for Allah.
 91

And the reasons for the Trees and Stones is the saying of Allaah: “ Have you
then considered Al Lat and Al Uzza (two idols of the pagan Arabs). And
Manat (another idol of the pagan Arabs) the other third? ” [53:19-20]
And the Hadith of Abu Waqid Al-Laithi who narrated that when the
Messenger of Allah ‫ ﷺ‬went out to Hunain he passed a tree that the
idolaters called Dhat Anwat upon which they hung their weapons. They
(the Companions) said: «O Messenger of Allah! Make a Dhat Anwat for us
as they have a Dhat Anwat.' The Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬said: "Subhan Allah! This is like
what Musa's people said: Make for us a god like their gods. By the One in
Whose is my soul! You shall follow the way of those who were before you.»
The Fourth Principle:
The mushrikeen (those who commit shirk) of our time are worse in Shirk
than the previous generations because the former generations committed
Shirk during times of ease but they would become sincere during difficult
times unlike the mushrikeen of today, whose Shirk is continuous; at times
of ease and hardship. Proof is the Saying of Allah, “When they embark on a
ship they invoke Allah making their faith pure for Him only, but when He
brings them safely to land, behold, they give a share of their worship to
others”. [Al-Ankaboot: 65]. (1)
Allah knows best. May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon our messenger
and his kin and companions.

(1) The author may Allah have mercy on him clarified in this principle the
grave position of the polytheists of our time for they are more severe in their
polytheism than the first polytheists. This is due to the fact that the polytheists
in our time associate patterns with Allah in times of hardship as well as ease as
for the early polytheists then they would associate partners with him in times of
ease and would recognize and call upon Allah in times of hardship.
Therefore, if the disbelievers to whom the Prophet (Peace and blessings be
upon him) was sent were less in associating partners with Allah and disbelief,
then how about those who associated partners with Allah at all times in times
of ease and hardship, indeed they're even more deserving to be titled
disbelievers.
92

Summary

Seeking paradise is not to be sought from

Related to Tawheed
other than Allah as Allah is the owner of it.
The Four Fundamental Principles, which is a summary of Kashf Ash Shubuhaat (Removing Doubts Pertaining to polytheism)

al-Rububiyyah
Similarly, one's provision is not sought from
Blessi anyone except Allah. It is binding to
ngs are connect oneself to Allah and not to other
a test, than him.
the

Thankfulness upon being blessed

eviden
If he is given, he is content

ce
Thankfulness is manifested in the heart
“And
through the recognition and avowal that all
We
the blessings are from Allah and no other.
test Related to Tawheed al-Uluhiyyah Thankfulness is manifested on the tongue
you
“This is from the favour of my Lord to test
The Introduction which includes the “Keys to Happiness”

with
evil me whether I will be grateful or
and ungrateful.” [27:40]
with Thankfulness is manifested on the limbs: By
good using such blessings to thank the Bestower
as of blessings and with every blessing is a
Keys to Happiness:

trial” means of showing thankfulness.

[21:35 Thankfulness for wealth is by spending in
] obedience to Allah and thankfulness for
knowledge occurs by giving it to those who
ask either by way of verbally asking or by
way of them clearly needing it.
Discontent: Ruling: Major sin, rather it
could reach the level of minor shirk, this
occurs by one's heart, tongue and limbs.
Patient: Ruling: Compulsory by the
If he is tried he is patient

consensus of the scholars by the heart,

tongue and limbs. “Patience is similar to
its name, bitter to pronounce however its
ending is sweeter than honey”.
The types of people
upon the occurrence
Content: Ruling: Highly recommended,
of a calamity:
complete contentment with ones Lord
occurs by one knowing that all that has
reached him from Allah and all that which
Allah has predetermined for the slave is
good for him.
Thankful: This is the highest and most
beloved level, and one is included amongst
the slaves of Allah that are thankful.
If he sins, he seeks forgiveness.
Why Al Hanifeeyah – The path of Ibraheem, verily Allah created you for
do worship and worship is not considered worship except with Tawheed.
 93

we If Shirk enters into an act of worship it invalidates and nullifies it and

study enters the doer into the hellfire, residing therein eternally. This
Taw knowledge is the most important to understand.
heed
?
Principle 1: The disbelievers that the Messenger (Peace and blessings be upon
him) fought believed in Tawheed al-Rububiyyah but did not believe in Tawheed
The Four Principles

Al-Uluhiyyah and this did not enter them into Islam.

Principle 2: The (early) disbelievers worshipped idols to seek nearness and
intercession.
Principle 3: The Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) was sent to a people
who varied between one other in false worship however, the Prophet did not
separate between their different paths of shirk.
Principle 4: The polytheists of our time are worse in terms of Shirk than the early
polytheists.

Self Examination

Name: ……………………………………………………………………………...

Amount memorized from Kitaab At- Have you memorized the Qawaid Al
Tawheed: …………………………….. Arba’aa? ………………………………

Action Evidence from the Qur’aan or Sunnah

Blessings are a test …………………………………………
Disbelievers believed in Al- …………………………………………
Rububiyyah …………………………………………
Seeking nearness …………………………………………
Negated intercession …………………………………………
Evidence for Sun and Moon worship …………………………………………
Evidence for the Angels …………………………………………
Evidence for the Prophets …………………………………………
Evidence for the Righteous …………………………………………
Evidence for Stones and Trees …………………………………………
The polytheists worshipped Allah
…………………………………………
alone in times of hardship and
…………………………………………
associated partners with Him in times
…………………………………………
of ease
Evidence for Shirk …………………………………………
94

Answer each of the following questions:

1. ……………………………………
2. ……………………………………
3. ……………………………………
4. ……………………………………
Why do we study Tawheed? 5. ……………………………………
6. ……………………………………
7. ……………………………………
8. ……………………………………
9. ……………………………………
1. ……………………………………
2. ……………………………………
Why do we study Qawaid Al-Arba'aa?
3. ……………………………………
4. ……………………………………
1. ……………………………………
Qawaid Al-Arba'aa divides into three 2. ……………………………………
3. ……………………………………
Qawaid Al-Arba'aa is the summary of …………………………………………
what book? …………………………………………
Why don’t we study Kashf Ash …………………………………………
Shubuhaat(Removing Doubts …………………………………………
Pertaining to Shirk)? …………………………………………
1. ……………………………………
Keys to happiness 2. ……………………………………
3. ……………………………………
Hanifeeyah is: …………………………………………
Benefits that we gain from studying …………………………………………
Qawaid Al-Arba'aa …………………………………………
Shaykh Al Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah
The Allies of Allah are:
stated:
…………………………………………
What is the evidence for this? And
…………………………………………
why?
…………………………………………
1. ……………………………………
How is one grateful upon receiving
2. ……………………………………
blessings? Along with examples.
3. ……………………………………
How does a slave connect oneself to …………………………………………
Allah? …………………………………………
 95

1. ……………………………………
Ruling: ……………………………
This occurs by: …………………...
2. ……………………………………
Ruling: ……………………………
The state of individuals when tried This occurs by: …………………...
along with the appropriate ruling. 3. ……………………………………
Ruling: ……………………………
This occurs by: …………………...
4. ……………………………………
Ruling: ……………………………
This occurs by: …………………...
Define intercession: Linguistically: ………………………..
Religiously: …………………………..
Intercession divides into: 1. ……………………………………
2. ……………………………………
Conditions of legislated intercession 1. ……………………………………
2. ……………………………………
3. ……………………………………
This divides into: 1. ……………………………………
Which divides into:
……………………………………
……………………………………
……………………………………
2. ……………………………………
Which divides into:
……………………………………
……………………………………
……………………………………
The first principle: …………………………………………
The second principle: …………………………………………
The third principle: …………………………………………
The ruling of an act of worship if it …………………………………………
Shirk enters into it. …………………………………………
96

Table of Contents

1 Introduction, including the keys to happiness 83 – 86

2 First Principle 87

3 Second Principle 88 – 89

4 Third Principle 90

5 Fourth Principle 91

6 Addendum (summary of the text in picture format) 92

7 Exam 93 - 95

8 Index 96
 97

Part III:
“The Ten Invalidators of
Islam”
Imam: Muhammad Ibn Abdul-Wahhab
May Allah bestow his Mercy upon him
(1115-1206AH/1703-1792CE)

Explanation by:
Sheikh Haytham Ibn Muhammad Sarhan

Teacher at the Prophet’s Mosque

www.Sarhaan.net
98

The Ten Invalidators of Islam:

Sheikhul-Islam Muhammad Ibn Abdul-Wahhab -may Allah have
mercy on him- said:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
Know that the Invalidators of Islam are ten:

The First Invalidator:

Setting Up Partners in the Worship of Allah, the Most High.
Allah, the Most High, says: “Verily, Allah does not forgive that partners be set
up with Him (in worship), but He forgives whatever is less than that, to
whomever He wills. And whoever sets up partners with Allah, he has indeed
invented a tremendous sin.” [4:48]
And He, the Most High, says: “…Verily, whoever sets up partners with Allah
(in worship), then Allah has forbidden paradise to him, and his final abode
will be the Fire. And the Zaalimoon (wrongdoers, polytheists) will have no
helpers.” [5:72]
From this (shirk) is offering a sacrifice (Dhabh) for other than Allah, like the
one who sacrifices to the Jinn or to (the one in) the grave.

The second Invalidator:

Whoever makes between himself and Allah Intermediaries (al-Wasaa’it),
Supplicating them (ad-Du’aa), Asking them for Intercession (Shafaa’a) and
Relying upon them (Tawakkul) - In that case he/she has already become a
Kaafir (Unbeliever). This is the Consensus (Ijmaa’a) of the Muslim
communities past and present.

The Third Invalidator:

Whoever does not declare the Kufr (disbelief) of the pagans; or has doubts
about their Kufr (disbelief); or considers their madh-hab (way of
life/religion) as correct or valid. Such a one has fallen into disbelief by
Consensus.

The Fourth Invalidator:

The belief that the Guidance of someone other than the Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬is more
perfect than his Guidance; or that the Ruling of other than the Prophet (‫)ﷺ‬
is Better than his Ruling; [or the Permissibility of Accepting the Ruling from
other than what Allah has revealed].
 99

The Fifth Invalidator:

Whoever Hates Anything of What the Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬came with Has
Committed Kufr (Disbelief), even if he practices it [i.e. that thing which the
Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬has come with].

The Sixth Invalidator:

Whoever Ridicules, Scorns or Makes Mockery of Anything of the Religion of
the Prophet (‫)ﷺ‬, Its Reward or Its Punishment, Has Committed Kufr
(Disbelief).
Allah, the Most High, says: “…Say: Was it Allah, and His Ayaat (proofs, signs,
and revelations) and His Messenger (‫ )ﷺ‬that you were mocking? Make no
excuse; you have disbelieved after you had believed…” [9:65-66]

The Seventh Invalidator:

Sorcery or Magic, which includes as-Sarf (causing alienation) and al-‘Ataf
(causing affection or attachment). He who practices it or is pleased with it is
a disbeliever.
And the evidence of this is the Saying of Allah, the Most High: “…but neither
of these two (angels Haaroot and Maaroot) taught anyone (such things) till
they had said, ‘we are only a fitnah (trial, test) so do not disbelieve (by
learning this magic from us)...’” [2:102]

The Eigth Invalidator:

Backing or supporting the polytheists and aiding them against the Muslims.
And the evidence of this is the Saying of Allah, the Most High: “O you who
believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians as Auliyaa’ (friends, protectors,
helpers, etc.), they are but Auliyaa’ to one another. And if any amongst you
takes them as Auliyaa’, then surely he is one of them. Verily, Allah guides not
those people who are the Zaalimoon (polytheists and wrong-doers and
unjust)” [5:51]

The Ninth Invalidator:

Whoever believes that some people are exempted from abiding by the
Sharee’ah (Laws) of Muhammad (‫ )ﷺ‬- just as al-Khidhr (‫ )ڠ‬was
exempted from the Sharee’ah (Laws) of Moses (‫ )ڠ‬- is a Kaafir.
100

The Tenth Invalidator:

Total Disregard or Turning Away from the Religion of Allah, by neither
Learning It nor Acting upon It. And the evidence of this is the Saying of
Allah, the Most High: “And who does more wrong than he who is reminded
of the Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, signs, revelations, etc.) of his Lord,
then he turns away there from? Verily, We shall exact retribution from the
Mujrimoon (disbelievers, polytheists, sinners, etc)” [32:22]

There is no difference – in respect of (the commission of) these nullifiers -

between the al-Haazil (joker), al-Jaadd (the serious person) and al-Khaa’if
(the one who fears). The exception to this is al-Mukrah (the one who is
under duress/coercion). All of these (nullifiers) are of the most dangerous
matters and the most common in occurrence. Hence, a Muslim should be
cautious about them and fear for himself (from falling into them).
We seek refuge with Allah from the causes of His wrath and severe
punishment.
May the peace and blessing of Allah be on the best of His creatures,
Muhammad (‫ )ﷺ‬and on his family and companions.
 101

The Author’s
Introduction:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
Know that the Nullifiers of Islam are ten:

Why Do The Scholars Begin Their Books With

The BasmAllaah (In The Name of Allaah)?

The Noble The Hadith: Or following Perhaps to earn

Quran and The “Anything the Scholars of the blessings of
Prophets and which does not The Salaf Allaah by
The start with (predecessors, beginning with
Messengers BasmAllaah is may Allaah His Name.
(peace be upon imperfect” have mercy on
all of them) as Even though it all of them).
examples. is weak.

If a number/ is mentioned in the Quran or in

the Ahadeeth:

If there is no bigger number than it If however, we found that there is a

in the Quran or in the Sunnah, then bigger number that is in the Quran
the number has a reason, that is, that and Ahadeeth, then that number has
it cannot be exceeded. For instance: no reason and we can take the
Pillars of Imaan, as in the Hadeeth bigger and more profound number.
of Jibreel (‫)ڠ‬. The Messenger of Allaah (‫ )ﷺ‬said:
«Five are the acts of Fitra». The
other saying of the Messenger of
Allaah (‫ )ﷺ‬as: «Avoid The Seven
Destructive Things». Agreed upon
narrations.
102

Why Is The Number Mentioned Sometimes and It Has No

Concept/Reason?
This is from the perfect method of the Messenger of Allaah (‫ )ﷺ‬teachings.
That is because he (‫ )ﷺ‬wanted to make it easier for his listeners to grasp what
was mentioned in the session and recall them at a later time. Like the sayings
of the Messenger of Allaah (‫)ﷺ‬: «There are three things for which I swear
and narrate to you about, so remember it. He (‫ )ﷺ‬said. The wealth of a
slave (of Allaah) shall not be decreased by charity, no slave (of Allaah)
suffers injustice and is patient with it except that Allaah adds to his
honour, no slave (of Allaah) opens up a door to begging except that
Allaah opens a door for him to poverty», and the author (may Allaah have
mercy on him) followed that.

Why Do We Study/Understand These Invalidator/Nullifiers?

It is to distance ourselves from invalidators/nullifiers and to avoid falling into
them. Therefore, by studying them we can get a great benefit, and that is
similar to learning the matters which invalidates wudu or prayer. Thus we can
avoid them. Hudhayfah Bin Al Yamaan (radi Allaahu anhu) narrated: «The
people used to ask the Messenger of Allaah (‫ )ﷺ‬about good, but I used to
ask him (‫ )ﷺ‬about evil for fear that it might overtake me».

What Are The Nullifiers of Islaam?

It is from what ruins one's Islaam and what causes one to exit the fold of
Islaam and fall into major disbelief. Islaam is to surrender to Allaah (‫)گ‬
with Tawheed (Monotheism), and to submit to Allaah with complete
obedience and to renounce shirk (all of polytheism) and the people of
polytheism.

The meaning Why do the scholars use Are Are they

of this is: these restricted to
different expressions like: nullifier a specific
Committing Nullifiers or the things s agreed number?
any of these
that invalidate, or voids? upon by
nullifications No.
That is these words are the the
by the
same in meaning and we scholars Why did he
Muslim,
use them, so that the ? say they are
makes him
students do not get bored Ten?
leave the fold Yes.
of Islaam (We from using the same words These are
ask Allaah for frequently. e.g. things that the most
His Wellness break the wudu, or dangerous /
and Safety). invalidators of Islam. For
memorizing.
 103

Is It Possible To Categorise These Nullifiers In

General Terms?

Acts of speech: Actions: Belief: Doubts:

Including Such as Such as In the disbelief of the
cursing Allaah practicing relying on Jews and the
or His magic. other than Christians, who did not
Messenger (‫)ﷺ‬ Allaah to believe in the Prophet's
or the religion get benefits. message (‫ )ﷺ‬when they
of Islaam. received it.

Did The Messenger of Allaah (‫ )گ‬mention Ten Nullifiers? What is the

proof?
Yes, the Messenger of Allaah (‫ )ﷺ‬mentioned all of these invalidators and
every nullifier has a proof from the Quran and Sunnah. Allaah (‫ )گ‬says in the
Quran: “And thus do We explain the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons,
signs, revelations, etc.) in detail, that the way of the Mujrimun (criminals,
polytheists, sinners), may become manifest” [6:55]

Is One Permitted To Declare Someone A Disbeliever, If That Person Was

Seen Or Was Known To Commit Any Nullifiers?
No, they are not. They have to be consulted with the senior scholars and the
Islamic Shari'ah Court to make a ruling on his disbelief. The Messenger of
Allaah (‫ )ﷺ‬said: «If anyone says to his brother, Oh Disbeliever! Then
surely one of them is as such, (i.e. either the one who is claimed to be a
disbeliever is indeed a disbeliever, or the one claiming is himself a
disbeliever)».

Who Compiled These Invalidators?

All of the authors of Fiqh (Jurisprudence) would mention the Invalidators in
chapters of discussing the rulings on disbelief. However, the author was the
first to assign a special research about them.

Is It Vital To Differentiate Between The Act Of Kufr From The One Who
May Commit That Act?
Yes definitely, that is because it is not true that one who falls into an act of
disbelief, has necessarily become a disbeliever. Therefore in order to apply the
ruling of disbelief one must be absolutely clear on the circumstances of that
act, so that there can be no doubts. Furthermore, the author's goal (may Allaah
have mercy on him) is not to proclaim these people disbelievers, however,
rather to warn them of the invalidators and this is just to advice the Ummah
(Muslim Nation).
104

What Are One's Obligations After Studying The Knowledge Of These

Invalidators?
That the Muslim should be very careful of them and be aware of their danger
and he should warn others from them. However, judging individuals should be
left to the senior scholars and the Islamic Shari'ah Courts. Allaah (‫ )گ‬says in
the Quran: “Verily, there has come unto you a Messenger (Muhammad (‫)ﷺ‬
from amongst yourselves (i.e. whom you know well). It grieves him that you
should receive any injury or difficulty. He (Muhammad (‫ )ﷺ‬is anxious over
you (to be rightly guided, to repent to Allaah, and beg Him to pardon and
forgive your sins, in order that you may enter Paradise and be saved from
the punishment of the Hell-fire), for the believers (he SAW is) full of pity,
kind, and merciful. But if they turn away, say (Oh Muhammad (‫)ﷺ‬: "Allaah
is sufficient for me. La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped
but He), in Him I put my trust and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne”
[11:128-129]
 105

The First Invalidator:

The First Invalidator:

Setting Up Partners in the Worship of Allah, the Most High.
Allah, the Most High, says: “Verily, Allah does not forgive that partners be set
up with Him (in worship), but He forgives whatever is less than that, to
whomever He wills. And whoever sets up partners with Allah, he has indeed
invented a tremendous sin.” [4:48]
And He, the Most High, says: “…Verily, whoever sets up partners with Allah
(in worship), then Allah has forbidden paradise to him, and his final abode
will be the Fire. And the Zaalimoon (wrongdoers, polytheists) will have no
helpers.” [5:72]
From this (shirk) is offering a sacrifice (Dhabh) for other than Allah, like
the one who sacrifices to the Jinn or to (the one in) the grave.

Types of Shirk (Joining others in worship with Allaah)

Major Shirk (Joining others in worship Minor Shirk (The Minor Disbelief /
with Allaah), this is the intended focus of Polytheism). This is that it's essence is
the author (may Allaah have mercy on to assign a cause for something which
him). The essence is believing that there Allaah has not made it a cause and
is another supernatural force other than every path that leads to Major Shirk
Allaah (‫ )گ‬in the Universe, and it is able (Invalidating One's Islaam) is
to provide benefits or prevent harm. This considered to be Minor Shirk (i.e. one's
type: Islaam is not invalidated). This type:
1. Invalidates one's Islaam (i.e. you are 1. Does not cause one to become a
no longer a Muslim). disbeliever/polytheist.
2. Invalidates one's good deeds (i.e. 2. Invalidates only one's special action.
whatever charity or prayer you did 3. Does not subject one to capital
before are all lost). punishment or confiscation of
3. You are subjected to capital wealth/property by the ruler.
punishment and confiscation of 4. Does not necessitate one to eternal
wealth /property by the ruler. punishment in the hell fire.
4. Necessitates one to eternal 5. As long as it is considered by the
punishment in the Hell fire. islamic shari'ah court to be minor
5. The above are only applicable if the shirk (disbelief).
Islamic Shari'ah court declares it 6. If the acts of minor polytheism and
major disbelief. minor disbelief are not preceded in
6. If the acts of polytheism and disbelief quran and sunnah, then they are
are preceded in Quran and Sunnah, minor polytheism / disbelief.
then they are to be considered major
polytheism / disbelief.
106

Will Major Shirk Be Forgiven?

No, it will not be forgiven if one dies in the state of Major Shirk (Major
Disbelief). Allaah (‫ )گ‬says in the Quran: “Verily, Allaah forgives not that
partners should be set up with him in worship” [4:48]
If he repents then he is forgiven because of the statement of Allaah (۵) in
the Quran: “Say: Oh 'Ibbadi (My slaves) who have transgressed against
themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of
Allaah, verily Allaah forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most
Merciful” [39:53]
As long as the Sun have risen from the West (i.e. Sun did not rise from its
place of setting) because of the saying of the Messenger of Allaah (‫)ﷺ‬:
«Migration will not end until repentance ends and repentance will not end
as long as the sun has not risen from the West"1. (i.e. the place of its
setting)». Or perhaps when death is upon him and Allaah (۵) says in the
Quran: “And of no effect is the repentance of those who continue to do evil
deeds until death faces one of them and he says: "Now I repent;" nor of
those who die while they are disbelievers. For them We have prepared a
painful torment” [4:18]

Types Of Forbidden Acts:

Major Minor Major Sins: Minor

Shirk: Shirk: Sins:
(The Kaba'ir), they are acts
(Major (Minor which have been assigned a (The
Disbelief Disbelief specific punishment, such as Sagha'ir), It
which which being cursed by Allaah, or is all acts
invalidates does not being exiled or being disowned that Allaah
One's invalidate or he has become a disbeliever has
Islaam) It One's (Kafir) or Mushrik (polytheist, forbidden
is the Islaam) who associates others in but has not
greatest of greater worship with Allaah), or is not assigned a
them all. than major from the believers or has the specific
sins. attributes of the worst animals. punishment

Is There an Exact Number of Major Sins?

It does not have a specific number but can include any act that conform to the
above description.
Are Major Sins a Single Level or Multiple Levels?
It has various levels, The Messenger of Allaah (‫ )ﷺ‬said: «The biggest of the
majors (sins)».
 107

What is the Ruling of Major Sins?

It's ruling is that repentance is mandatory/required, the Messenger of Allaah
(‫ )ﷺ‬said: «If one avoids the major sins».

The Ruling On The One Who Commits

Major Sins:

A Weak Believer or a He is praiseworthy in Not recommended

Believer by Faith but proportion to his faith and to sit with one
is a sinner by blameworthy in proportion who is in the state
committing the major to how much he committed of committing a
sins. major sins. major sin.

Types Of Sacrifices
(i.e. Animals being slaughtered)

Sacrificing For Sacrificed For Other Sacrifice Of

Allaah Than Allaah Necessity
That is the purpose of Sacrificing for other than Religiously natural
that sacrifice was Allaah such as out of sacrificing such that
solely for the sake of love or exaltation (this is one slaughters to
Allaah and this is what is the intended feed himself and or
what is legislated focus of the author). It is feeding the guest
such as the sacrificing Shirk Al Akbar (Major one has and or for
of the animal on the Polytheism/Disbelief) business purposes
day of Eid-ul-Adha such as to sacrifice for such that he has a
(i.e. the Day of Hajj) Jinn (djinn, genies devils halaal slaughtering
and for other charity and demons) or for the business to support
for the sake of Allaah deceased at their graves. himself and so
(‫)گ‬. forth.
108

The Second Invalidator:

The second Invalidator:

Whoever makes between himself and Allah Intermediaries (al-Wasaa’it),
Supplicating them (ad-Du’aa), Asking them for Intercession (Shafaa’a) and
Relying upon them (Tawakkul) - In that case he/she has already become a
Kaafir (Unbeliever). This is the Consensus (Ijmaa’a) of the Muslim
communities past and present.

Categories Of Intercessions:

Things the creation is Things only Allaah is capable of:

capable of:
The intercessor is
from the creation and The Affirmed / Positive: The Negated:
is capable of Allaah )۵( has reserved This type has been
interceding. This intercession for Himself. It refuted by the
category is valid cannot be sought except Qur’aan; That which
subject to four from Him. It has the is sought by other
conditions: following conditions: than Allah in that
 Intercessor must  Allaah (۵) permits which only Allah
be present. the intercession. has control over.
 The intercessor  Allaah (۵) is pleased
must be living. with the intercessor. Ruling: Major Shirk
 The intercessor  Allaah (۵) is pleased
must have the with the one who seeks
ability to the intercession.
intercede.
 The belief that it
is just a means.

Is It Correct For One To Say To Someone: "Pray For Me"?

The condition for seeking this dua (prayer) is that from the one who is sought
is living; present and capable of making this dua (prayer) while believing that
he is only a means, then this is correct. However, it is not recommended.
 109

Types of Affirmed Intercession:

Specific to The Messenger of Allaah General Intercession that is Given to

(‫)ﷺ‬: The Messengers, Prophets, Angels,
This intercession consists of three Righteous People, and People Of
types/parts: Tawheed:
 The great intercession (at the Day This intercession consists of three
of Judgement). types/parts:
 The intercession for Abu Taalib  The intercession for elevating
(the kafir uncle of the Messenger the ranks of the believers.
of Allaah (‫))ﷺ‬.  The intercession for those who
 The intercession of the Messenger deserve Hell from believers to be
of Allaah (‫ )ﷺ‬to open the gate of saved from it.
Jannah (paradise).  The intercession for those who
entered Hell from the believers
and are removed from it.

Tawakkul (Reliance/Trust/Dependence Upon Allaah)

Sincere depending and reliance in putting one's full trust completely
with Allaah (۵) while taking an advantage of permissible means.

Major Shirk (Disbelief): Minor Shirk Permissible

(Disbelief): Tawakkul:
If it is directed to other than
Allaah (‫ )گ‬and this is the Depending on Such as
intended focus of the author. someone who is depending on
Tawakkul (reliance) in the context living and lacks someone who
of worship and submission. It is the ability to help, has the ability to
complete form of dependence. like the one discharge what
Therefore, it is accompanied by a someone depends is needed, such
belief that in its hand is the source upon for living as asking
of benefit and removal of harm and elevating his someone to sell
and it lacks the ability such as are status beyond his something on
the dead. level. your behalf.

Is It Correct To Say: “I Depend On This Person” or “I Depend On Allaah

and Then On This Person”?
Neither of the statements is correct because it is an action of the heart and it
should not to be directed to other than Allaah (‫)گ‬. Rather you should say, I
depend on so and so meaning I have authorised this person to do something
for me. The Messenger of Allaah (‫ )ﷺ‬had depended on someone from the
Sahabah/Companions (‫ )ﭫ‬for a general or a specific affairs of his life.
110

The Third Invalidator:

The Third Invalidator:

Whoever does not declare the Kufr (disbelief) of the pagans; or has doubts
about their Kufr (disbelief); or considers their madh-hab (way of
life/religion) as correct or valid. Such a one has fallen into disbelief by
Consensus.

How Islaam Has Judged The Mushrikeen/Disbelievers?

Whoever received the Message of the Messenger of Allaah (‫ )ﷺ‬yet did not
believe in it, he is judged to be a complete disbeliever. Allaah (‫ )گ‬says in the
Quran: “Whoever seeks other than Islam as a religion, it will not be accepted
from him, and in the Hereafter he will be among the losers” [3:85]
Are the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) Mushrikeen?
Yes, Jews and Christians who did not believe in the prophet Muhammad (‫)ﷺ‬
are among the Mushrikeen/Disbelievers. The evidence for this is the saying of
Allah (‫ (گ‬in Quran: “Fight against those who (1) believe not in Allaah, (2)
nor in the Last Day, (3) nor forbid that which has been forbidden by Allaah
and His Messenger (4) and those who acknowledge not the religion of truth
(i.e. Islam) among the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), until
they pay the Jizyah with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued”
[9:29]. And the saying of the Messenger of Allaah (‫ )ﷺ‬who said: «By Him in
Whose hand is the life of Muhammad, anyone from the people of the Jews
or the Christians who hears about me, and then dies not believing with
what I have been sent with except that he will be from the inhabitants of
Jahannam (hell fire)».

Are We Not Allowed To Fulfill Our Commitment To Them?

Whoever makes a commitment to them MUST fulfill it. Allaah (‫ )گ‬says in
the Quran: “So long, as they are true to you, stand you true to them. Verily,
Allaah loves Al Muttaqun” [9:7] And when dealing with Mushrikeen
(polytheist/disbelievers), people can be categorized into three groups:

Participating Committin The Middle path of Ahlul Sunnah Wal

with g injustice Jama'ah1 (People of Quran, Sunnah and Way
disbelievers against of The Salaf) is to avoid participating in their
in their them, such celebrations and festivals and fulfilling all
celebrations, as killing, trust and commitments and not committing
festivals and stealing, injustices upon them and collaborating with
religious cheating, them in business while making sure you call
devotions. harming them to The Islaam (Tawheed, Quran,
them. Sunnah and The Way Of The Sahabah).
 111

The Fourth Invalidator:

The Fourth Invalidator:

The belief that the Guidance of someone other than the Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬is
more perfect than his Guidance; or that the Ruling of other than the
Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬is Better than his Ruling; [or the Permissibility of Accepting
the Ruling from other than what Allah has revealed].

Types Of Ruling By Other Than What Allaah Has Revealed:

It is to prefer the rulings of other than Believing that the ruling of Allaah
Allaah (‫ )گ‬over what Allaah has (‫ )گ‬should be applied and it is the
commanded, to believe that the best for society but preferring the
ruling of Allaah (۵) is not ruling of other than Allaah because
beneficial. If someone believes way of their desires, their love for a
then he has completely rejected the position of leadership or power and
what Allaah has revealed and he has so forth. In this case they have
become a disbeliever and his committed a Kufr Al Asghar (Minor
disbelief is considered a Al Kufr Al Disbelief) and as a result if they
Akbar (Major Disbelief) and he has transgress against the right of
invalidated his Islaam (i.e. he has another Muslim then he also
become a disbeliever). Allaah (۵) becomes an oppressor and is in
says in the Quran: “They (the Jews danger to falling into Kufr Al Akbar
and the Christians) took their rabbis (Major Disbelief) causing him to
and their monks to be their lords leave the fold of Islaam (i.e.
besides Allaah (by obeying them in invalidate his own belief).
things which they made lawful or
unlawful according to their own
desires without being ordered by
Allaah)” [9:31]
112

The Fifth Invalidator:

The Fifth Invalidator:

Whoever Hates Anything of What the Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬came with Has
Committed Kufr (Disbelief), even if he practices it [i.e. that thing which the
Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬has come with].

What is the Evidence for this Invalidator?

Allaah (‫ (گ‬says in the Quran: “That is because they hate that which Allah
has sent down (this Quran and Islamic laws, etc.), so He has made their
deeds fruitless” [47:9].
And He says: “But no, by your Lord, they can have no Faith, until they make
you (Oh Muhammad sallallahu alaihe wassallam) judge in all disputes
between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions,
and accept (them) with full submission” [4:65].
And He says: “And whomsoever Allah wills to guide, He opens his breast to
Islam, and whomsoever He wills to send astray, He makes his breast closed
and constricted, as if he is climbing up to the sky. Thus Allah puts the wrath
on those who believe not” [6:125].

Loving And Hating For The Sake Of Allaah:

We are obliged to love the sake of Allaah and hate for the sake of Allaah (‫)گ‬
and it is from the strongest bonds of Imaan (faith).

What Is One Obliged To Love For Sake Of

Allaah?

Every action Everyone who The specific Specific places

that Allaah is practices what times that that Allaah
pleased with, it Allaah is Allaah loves, loves, such as
is everything pleased with, such as Night Makkah, City
that is such as Of Decree, Last of The Prophet
legislated by prophets, Third Of The (i.e. Madinah).
the Shari'ah messengers, Night.
and Tawheed. angels,
sahabah.
 113

What Is Obliged To Hate For The Sake Of

Allaah?

Every action Those who act on Specific times Specific places

that Allaah what Allaah (‫)گ‬ that Allaah that Allaah
(‫ )گ‬hates and hates such as the (‫ )گ‬hates such (‫ )گ‬hates such
rejects and Mushrikeen as the times as places
everything that (polytheists) and when the sun is where shirk
the Shari'ah the munafiqeen worshipped. (polytheism) is
forbids such as (hypocrites) and committed /
shirk. the shayateen performed.
(devils).

Does a Woman Become a Disbeliever by Hating Polygamy?

The reality is she has not negated the Shari'ah. Rather she does not like that her
husband marries another woman/women and there is no blame on this matter.
114

The Sixth Invalidator:

The Sixth Invalidator:

Whoever Ridicules, Scorns or Makes Mockery of Anything of the Religion
of the Prophet (‫)ﷺ‬, Its Reward or Its Punishment, Has Committed Kufr
(Disbelief).
Allah, the Most High, says: “…Say: Was it Allah, and His Ayaat (proofs, signs,
and revelations) and His Messenger (‫ )ﷺ‬that you were mocking? Make no
excuse; you have disbelieved after you had believed…” [9:65-66]

The One Who Mocks or Jokes:

The Meaning and Ruling: His repentance Is

Accepted Subject to Some
Mockery means to make fun of someone or
Conditions:
something and the ruling for the one who
mocks or insults the religion is that he is 1- To praise Allaah the
considered a disbeliever because is opposing way He should be
the truth and his disbelief is Kufr Al Akbar praised.
(Major Disbelief) which has invalidated his 2- To distance himself
Islaam and to stay in the hell fire forever. (we from the mockery he
seek refuge with Allaah from such). has committed (i.e. not
As for the one who is in the company of one repeating it).
who is insulting Allaah (۵) and or His 3- He should clearly
Messenger (‫)ﷺ‬, then it is a MUST upon him manifest his repentance,
to oppose and shun what is being said and or so that people may
to remove oneself from the gathering in which know his truthfulness.
the conversation is taking place. Allaah (۵) As for regarding the one
says in the Quran: “And it has already been who insults the Messenger
revealed to you in the Book (this Quran) that of Allaah (‫)ﷺ‬, his
when you hear the Verses of Allaah being repentance is accepted to
denied and mocked at, then sit not with them, Allaah (۵) IF he is
until they engage in a talk other than that; truthful, he will be judged
(but if you stayed with them) certainly in that in an Islamic court.
case you would be like them” [4:140]

However, if the alleged insult is not clear. Does this ruling of kufr apply to one
whose insult is not clear? The proper approach is to explain to him the danger
of his speech and so if he repents, then he is to be left alone, otherwise his case
should be referred to the Islamic Supreme Court and the Major Scholars.
 115

The Seventh Invalidator:

The Seventh Invalidator:

Sorcery or Magic, which includes as-Sarf (causing alienation) and al-‘Ataf
(causing affection or attachment). He who practices it or is pleased with it
is a disbeliever. And the evidence of this is the Saying of Allah, the Most
High: “…but neither of these two (angels Haaroot and Maaroot) taught
anyone (such things) till they had said, ‘we are only a fitnah (trial, test) so do
not disbelieve (by learning this magic from us)...’” [2:102]

Magic (All Kinds of It):

Its Ruling: The Signs of a Magician / Sorcerer:

The Magic 1- It is that not following the condition of the accepted
(sorcery) is Ruqyah Ash Shara'iyyah (legislated healing) which
Kufr Al Akbar has the following conditions:
(major - Allaah's Words and Names should ONLY be
disbelief) used.
because Allaah - Arabic Language should ONLY be used.
(۵) says in - To believe that (ruqiyyah/healing) ONLY works
the Quran: “But by Allaah's Will.
neither of these 2- Using disjointed words or using speech that which is
two (angels) NOT Comprehensible by human beings.
taught anyone 3- Watching the Stars and Palm Readings and Tea Leaf
(such things Readings.
i.e. magic) till 4- Blowing On Knots.
they had said, 5- Breaking Relationship or Joining Relationship/Love
"We are only Divinations.
for trial, so 6- Counselling the sick to Oppose the Shari'ah, like
disbelieve not committing forbidden Major Sins.
(by learning 7- Abandoning Prayer/Salat.
this magic 8- Not mentioning The Name Of Allaah when
from us)” slaughtering an animal for sacrifice.
[2:102] 9- Asking about the name of one's mother.
10- Claiming to known the knowledge of the
unknown/unseen/ghayb.
116

The Ruling On The One Who Seeks The Counsel Of The Magicians:
And that is inclusive to visiting the magician and or sending someone on one's
behalf or sending a letter or communicating or watching its channel or website
and magazine that contains this type of content/materials. And the ruling of
one who seeks the help of the magicians is that his prayers are not accepted for
40 days as it is mentioned in the Ahadeeth of the Messenger of Allaah (‫)ﷺ‬:
«He who visits a diviner/soothsayer and asks him/her about anything,
his/her prayer will not be accepted for 40 days».
As for the one who simply believes in sayings of the magicians, then the
Messenger of Allah (‫ )ﷺ‬said: «Whoever goes to soothsayer or a fortune
teller and believes in what he says, he has disbelieved in what was revealed
to Muhammad (‫»)ﷺ‬.
Except for the one who goes to him for the purpose of forbidding his actions
and or warns others against him provided that he is qualified to do so.

Types Of Ruling By Other Than What Allaah Has Revealed:

Permissible: Impermissible:
That which depends on the That which consists of any types of magic.
Ruqiyyah Ash Shara'iyyah The Messenger of Allaah (‫ )ﷺ‬was asked
or permissible medicine and about a charm for one who is possessed
supplications of prayers. (nashrah) and said: «It is from the
action/doing of shaytaan (satan)».

Refutation/Rejection Of One Who Says/Claims That Magic Can Be Cured

By Magic:
1- Curing magic with magic contradicts the Quran and the Sunnah and what
the companions and the righteous predecessors (may Allaah be pleased
with all of them) were upon.
2- It weakens the seeking of treatment by using the Quran and the authentic
Dua (supplications) reported in the Sunnah of The Messenger (‫)ﷺ‬.
3- It strengthens the position of magicians and magic in the eyes of the public.
4- It diminishes the certainty of seeking the Quran and Duas (authentic
supplications) and replaces them with the uncertainty found in magic.
5- Removing the effect of magic by magic requires one to indulge in what
pleases Ash Shaytaan (The Devil/Satan).
6- If the one afflicted by magic is patient then he is rewarded with Jannah as
mentioned by the Messenger (‫)ﷺ‬.
7- Curing magic by magic increases the hold of the magician on the afflicted.
8- When the Messenger of Allaah (‫ )ﷺ‬was afflicted by the magic, he never
used or sought the aid of a magician/magic but rather he used the Ruqiyyah
Ash Shara'iyyah (Healing which is legislated in the Quran and the authentic
Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah (‫)ﷺ‬.
 117

The Eighth Invalidator:

The Eighth Invalidator:

Backing or supporting the polytheists and aiding them against the Muslims.
And the evidence of this is the Saying of Allah, the Most High: “O you who
believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians as Auliyaa’ (friends, protectors,
helpers, etc.), they are but Auliyaa’ to one another. And if any amongst you
takes them as Auliyaa’, then surely he is one of them. Verily, Allah guides not
those people who are the Zaalimoon (polytheists and wrong-doers and
unjust)” [5:51]

Supporting The Disbelievers Against The Believers:

It is obligatory upon every Muslim to distance themselves from the
polytheists, disbelievers and their religion and be supportive of the people of
Tawheed (monotheism) and loving their (monotheism) religion. Therefore,
whoever loves disbelief or is pleased with disbelief or supports it against
monotheism or helps the polytheists and disbelievers against the Muslims, then
has disbelieved and is one of them. As a result, supporting the polytheists and
or the disbelievers against the Muslims falls into TWO categories:

Polytheism/Disbelief Which Act Of Disbelief/Polytheism That

Invalidates One's Islaam: Does Not Invalidate One's Islaam:
That is to ally with the polytheists This type is not assisting or loving
and or disbelievers against the the polytheists or disbelievers and or
Muslims out of loving them and hating the Muslims but rather doing
hating the Muslims and wanting this out of the worldly interests and
them to be victorious over the worldly gain.
Muslims/Believers.
118

The Ninth Invalidator:

The Ninth Invalidator:

Whoever believes that some people are exempted from abiding by the
Sharee’ah (Laws) of Muhammad (‫ )ﷺ‬- just as al-Khidhr (‫ )ڠ‬was
exempted from the Sharee’ah (Laws) of Moses (‫ )ڠ‬- is a Kaafir.

Supporting The Disbelievers Against The Believers:

Whoever believes that some people can become exempted from the Shari'ah of
the Messenger of Allaah (‫ )ﷺ‬he has become a disbeliever and his disbelief is
from the major disbelief which takes one out of the fold of Islaam and this is
by the consensus of the major scholars and he will be asked to repent and after
clear evidence are shown to him and he still believes, otherwise he may be
subjected to punishment by Islamic court. Allaah says in the Quran: “Say (Oh
Muhammad ‫)ﷺ‬: "Oh mankind! Verily, I am sent to you ALL as the
Messenger of Allaah” [7:158]
Translator's Note: Even though the Sheikh (may Allaah reward him and
preserve him) who gave an explanation here only narrated the last part of the
hadith from the Messenger of Allaah (‫ )ﷺ‬but I will narrate the entire hadith so
as to benefit from the whole story of the hadith and the importance of such
hadith in our time today especially.
It is reported on the authority of Jabir Bin Abdullah (radi Allaahu anhu) that
Umar Ibn Al Khattab (radi Allaahu anhu) came to the Messenger of Allaah
(‫ )ﷺ‬with a book he obtained from some of the people of Scriptures (Jews /
Christians). He read it to the Messenger of Allaah (‫ )ﷺ‬but the Messenger of
Allaah (‫ )ﷺ‬became angry and he said: «Are you playing in it, Oh Son of Al
Khattab? By the One in Whose Hand is my soul, I have come to you with
a pure Scripture so do not ask them (Jews/Christians) about anything
because they might narrate something truthful and you disbelieve in it
and or they narrate something false and you believe in it. By the One in
Whose Hand is my soul, were Musa (Moses alaihe sallaam) alive today, he
would have no choice but to follow me».
Therefore, this includes that the people of the Book (Jews / Christians /
Polytheists / Atheists) who received the message of the Messenger of Allaah
(‫ )ﷺ‬because they are all considered polytheists/disbelievers as mentioned
before.
Furthermore, did Al Khadr (‫ )ڠ‬leave the religion of Musa (Moses) (‫?)ڠ‬
And even if he did, he may have been from the Ummah other than the Ummah
of Musa (Moses) alaihe wassallam. In such times the Prophets (alaihim sallatu
wassallam) were to sent to their own specific communities and people but our
Messenger of Allaah (‫ )ﷺ‬was/is sent to all of mankind/Jinn. Therefore, one
cannot abandon the Shari'ah of the Messenger of Allaah (‫)ﷺ‬.
 119

The Tenth Invalidator:

The Tenth Invalidator:

Total Disregard or Turning Away from the Religion of Allah, by neither
Learning It nor Acting upon It. And the evidence of this is the Saying of
Allah, the Most High: “And who does more wrong than he who is reminded
of the Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, signs, revelations, etc.) of his Lord,
then he turns away there from? Verily, We shall exact retribution from the
Mujrimoon (disbelievers, polytheists, sinners, etc)” [32:22]

Turning Away From The Religion Of Allaah:

The Messenger of Allaah (‫ )ﷺ‬said: «Whomever Allaah wants good for,
Allaah makes him comprehend the Religion (i.e. Islaam)». And the one
whom Allaah (۵) does not want good for, Allaah turns him away from and
he becomes heedless regarding learning the religion of Allaah (۵). Allaah
(۵) says: “And who does more wrong than he who is reminded of the Ayat
(proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of his Lord, then
he turns aside therefrom? Verily, We shall exact retribution from the
Mujrimun (criminals, disbelievers, polytheists, sinners, etc.)” [32:22]
And the Mujrimun (criminals, disbelievers, polytheists, sinners, rejecters, etc.)
are the inhabitants of the Hell-Fire, and we seek refuge with Allaah (۵) from
such.
The Ruling On One Who Turns Away from Islaam:
If one turns his hearing and his heart from the Messenger of Allaah (‫ )ﷺ‬and
does not believe in him nor he denies him and does not show his loyalty nor
does he show his enmity and he does not give any regard to what the
Messenger of Allaah (‫ )ﷺ‬came with at all, then the ruling on him/her is that
he/she is a disbeliever and their disbelief falls into the Kufr Al Akbar (major
disbelief) and thus it takes them out of the fold of Islaam.
120

The Author’s Summary:

There is no difference – in respect of (the commission of) these nullifiers -

between the al-Haazil (joker), al-Jaadd (the serious person) and al-Khaa’if
(the one who fears). The exception to this is al-Mukrah (the one who is
under duress/coercion). All of these (nullifiers) are of the most dangerous
matters and the most common in occurrence. Hence, a Muslim should be
cautious about them and fear for himself (from falling into them).
We seek refuge with Allah from the causes of His wrath and severe
punishment. May the peace and blessing of Allah be on the best of His
creatures, Muhammad (‫ )ﷺ‬and on his family and companions.

There Is No Difference Between Any Of The Nullifiers/Invalidators

The The Guilty: The Fearful:

Mocker: The one Who claims that he commits the Naqidh
The one who (invalidator) out of fear for his wealth or for
who commits the his position in the society, even though he
commits the Naqidh was not forced to do so. Allaah (۵) says in
Naqidh (i.e. (nullifier/in the Quran: “And of mankind are some who
singular validator) say: "We believe in Allaah," but if they are
nullifier/inv seriously made to suffer for the sake of Allaah, they
alidator) and consider the trial of mankind as Allaah's
and he commits it punishment, and if victory comes from your
alleges he intentionall Lord, (the hypocrites) will say: "Verily! We
was merely y and does were with you (helping you)." Is not Allaah
innocently not excuse Best Aware of what is in the breast of the
joking. himself. 'Alamin (mankind and jinns)” [29:10]

The Compulsion/The Forced:

If someone was truly forced to commit an invalidator, he would not become a
disbeliever. The cases of compulsion he is excused are:
1. To be genuinely forced to commit it, because there is no excuse for the one
who is not under compulsion, like the one who is fearful.
2. He should not transgress. If he is forced to curse someone and he goes
beyond and curses others as well, it is considered Kufr (disbelief).
3. He should try his best to be patient and not to declare kufr (disbelief).
4. His heart should be content with faith, it means that he should have faith in
his heart, while he is uttering what he is forced to utter or say.
5. What he is forced to say, should not be a transgression against others, nor
should it be a misguidance for other people/humans.
 121

Very Important Clarifications:

FIRST: The author does not intend by writing this book to proclaim takfeer,
(i.e. taking people out of the fold of Islaam) on the Ummah (Ahlul Sunnah
Wal Jama'ah), rather his intention is to teach the people on the nullifiers of
Islaam. That is by warning them and powering them to take precautions from
them.
Therefore, if they were to take precaution from them, it will correct their belief
(Imaan) and save them from the painful punishment of the Hell Fire. It is then
hoped that they will warn the others from them, for indeed these nullifiers of
Islaam are grave danger and it is incumbent to learn them and be conscious
about them.

SECOND: The Muslim's fear of shirk should compel him to gain knowledge of
the Shari'ah, the Messenger of Allaah (‫ )ﷺ‬said: «Whomever Allaah wants
good for, Allaah makes him comprehend the Religion (i.e. Islaam) ».
Therefore, understanding of the religion is from the most important and
greatest obligations and through it one protects himself from shirk, innovations
and sins. And anything that increases a person's knowledge of his Lord (Allaah
subhannahu wa ta'ala), then the more careful that person will be with regard to
these actions and affairs.
And anything that elevates the person's knowledge of religion, the greater will
be its sincerity to Allaah and it will complete his Imaan (faith). It was said by
some of our people of knowledge (i.e. the scholars): "We sought knowledge
for other than Allaah, but it refused to come, except if we sought it for the sake
of Allaah".

THIRD: It is not permitted to proclaim takfeer, (i.e. taking people out of the
fold of Islaam) on a specific person, except after establishing a firm evidence
of one falling into one of the nullifiers of Islaam. And there is no excuse to be
found for the proclaimed and the only one who is permitted to taking people
out of the fold of Islaam is the appointed officer of the Muslim Governments,
or one appointed from the Official Judiciary system of the Islamic Supreme
Legislation. As for the general public, it is not permitted to them to indulge in
these matters.

FOURTH: The author concludes his book with the following prayer: «We seek
refuge in Allaah (۵) from what necessitates his anger and his painful
punishment». And this prayer reflects his good intention and his concern and
kindness for the reader. And this was his habit in all of his writings. May
Allaah have mercy on him and forgive him and grant him a generous reward.
122

Test Yourself:
1- Why Do The Scholars begin Their Books With The BasmAllaah (Name of Allaah)?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
2- What is The Meaning Of The Nullifiers (Nawaqidh) Of Islaam?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
3- Why Do The Scholars Use Different Expression Like: Nawaqidh, Mufsidat, Mubtilat?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
4- Are These Nawaqidh Restricted On By The Scholars?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
5- Are These Nawaqidh Restricted By Any Number?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
6- Why Did The Author (may Allaah have mercy on him) Said: "They Are Ten"?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
7- If The Number Is Mentioned In The Quran Or Sunnah, Does That mean It Has A
Concept, So It Cannot Be Exceeded? Or Not?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
8- Why Is The Number Mentioned Sometimes And It Has No Concept/Reason?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
9- Give An Example Of The Number That Has A Concept/Reason?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
10- Give An Example Of The Number That Does Not Have A Concept/Reason?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
11- Did The Author Identify More Than Ten Nullifiers/Invalidators?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
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12- Where In The Text Did He Identify More Than Ten Nullifiers/Invalidators?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
13- Is It Possible To Restrict The Nawaqidh (Invalidators/Nullifiers)?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
14- How Can The Nawaqidh (Invalidators) Be Restricted?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
15- Why Do We Study The Nawaqidh (Invalidators)?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
16- Have Any Of The Authors, Other Than This Author, Written About The Subject?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
17- Is There A Difference When Discussing The Nawaqidh (Invalidators) Between The
Act And The Doer Of The Act?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
18- What Is The Reason For The Tafreeq (Differentiation)?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
19- Was It The Author's Intention To Make Takfeer (label someone a disbeliever) On A
Specific Person?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
20- What Is The Duty Of One Who Studies The Nawaqidh (Invalidators)?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
21- What Type Of Shirk Has The Author Focused On?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
22- How Can We Distinguish Between Shirk Al Akbar and Shirk Al Asghar?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
124
23- Can The Repentance Of One Who Commits Shirk Al Akbar Be Accepted? And When
Can It Never Be Accepted?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
24- What Is Worse: Shirk Al Asghar Or Major Sins (The Kaba'ir)?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
25- How Can One Recognize The Major Sins (Kaba'ir)?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
26- Are The Major Sins (Kaba'ir) Restricted To A Specific Number?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
27- What Is The Ruling Of The Person Who Commits Major Sins (Kaba'ir) And Is He
Praiseworthy or Blameworthy?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
28- Is It Permitted To Be In The Company Of The One Who Commits A Major Sin?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
29- Are The Major Sins (kaba'ir) Of Various Grades?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
30- Can The Major Sins Be Forgiven By Good Deeds? Or Must One Repent For Them?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
31- What Are The Categories Of The Forbidden Actions?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
32- What Are The Types Of Shirk Al Akbar (Major Disbelief)?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
33- What Are The Types Of Sacrificing Animals?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
34- When Does Slaughtering Become Shirk Al Akbar (Major Disbelief)?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
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35- What Are The Types Of Intercessions?

...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
36- What Is At Tawakkul (reliance upon Allaah)?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
37- How Many Categories Of Tawakkul Are There?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
38- Is It Correct To Say, I Depend On This Person or I Depend On Allaah (‫ )عزوجل‬And
Then On This Person?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
39- What Should One Say Or How Should One Say It?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
40- What Is The Evidence Of The Disbelief Of The Mushrikeen (polytheists) And Does
That Include The People Of The Books?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
41- Does This Mean That We Are Not Permitted To Fulfill Our Covenants To Them?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
42- What Are The Different Reactions Of People Towards Those Who They Have
Promises To?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
43- What Are The Different Ways In Which One Can Judge By Other Than What Allaah
Has Revealed?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
44- What Is The Ruling Of The Love For Sake Of Allaah?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
126
45- Who Can We Love For The Sake of Allaah? And Who Is The One Who We Can Hate
For The Sake Of Allaah?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
46- What Type Of Kufr (disbelief) Is Mocking The Religion?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
47- Is It Possible For The One Who Mocks The Religion To Repent? And What Are The
Conditions Of His Repentance?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
48- What Is The Ruling Of Cursing The Prophet (‫?)ﷺ‬
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
49- What Is The Ruling Of One Who Listens To Such Cursing?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
50- What Is The Evidence Of The Disbelief Of The Sorcerer?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
51- What Are The Signs Of The One Who Indulges In Sorcery Or Magic?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
52- What Is The Ruling Of One Who Visits The Sorcerer?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
53- What Are The Different Way That One Can seek Out The Sorcerer?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
54- What Are The Different Ways Of Curing The Effects Of Magic?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
55- How Can We Refute The One Who Says That We Can Repel Magic With Magic?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
56- What Is The Ruling Of Supporting The Mushrikeen (polytheists)?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
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57- Is It Permissible For One To Abandon The Shari'ah Of Muhammad (‫?)ﷺ‬

...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
58- Did Khadr Abandon The Religion Of Musa (Moses alaihe wassallam)?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
59- What Is The Ruling Of One Who Shuns The Religion Of Allaah (‫ )سبحانه و تعالى‬By
Refusing To Learn It Or Practice It?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
60- How Does The Author Distinguish Between One Who Is Committing Nawaqidh
(invalidators) Out Of Fear Versus Being Forced To Commit Them?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
61- What Are The Conditions Of The Compulsion?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
62- What Was The Wisdom Of Concluding The Book With That Specific Dua
(supplication)?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
63- How Can A Muslim Take Precautions From Shirk?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
128

Table of Contents

1 The Ten Invalidators of Islam 98-100

2 The Author’s Introduction 101-404

3 The First Invalidator 105-107

4 The Second Invalidator 108-109

5 The Third Invalidator 110

6 The Fourth Invalidator 111

7 The Fifth Invalidator 112-113

8 The Sixth Invalidator 114

9 The Seventh Invalidator 115-116

10 The Eighth Invalidator 117

11 The Ninth Invalidator 118

12 The Tenth Invalidator 119

13 The Author’s Summary 120-121

14 Test Yourself 122-127

15 Table of Contents 128