Faith in Islam and its every aspect

Surely, every person has a favorite and valuable thing. Not every human’s favorite and valuable thing is the same. And he knows very well which thing is most dear and most valuable to him. Each person preserves their favorite and valuable thing well. They try their best to save it from destruction. Every believer has a dearest and most valuable thing. And that thing is his Faith (Iman). It is dearer to him than his soul. He can give up everything, even be ready to accept death; But he cannot give up his faith (Iman) in any situation. Indeed, the importance and necessity of faith in Islam are immense. No one can be a believer without faith (Iman). 

So I will present to you some information about it which is very important. At the same time, I will also mention the pillars of faith (Iman) which is the most important pillar of it. So first, let’s know what faith in Islam is.

What is faith in Islam?

According to the opinions of the majority of reliable scholars, Verily, faith (Iman) is:

To attesting by the heart, acknowledge by the mouth, and acting by the limbs. [Sharh Al-Aqidah At-Tahawiyyah, page 332] 

Basically, Faith in Islam is to attesting and acknowledge by the heart all the things that have been known with certainty that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) has brought them from Allah. Such as the oneness of Allah, prophethood, Resurrection, the Day of Judgment, to be obligatory the five times prayers, Zakat, fasting (of Ramadan), and Hajj. [Ghayatul Bayan Syarah Zubad Ibn Ruslan, Page No 7]

Allah Ta’ala said about faith (Iman): “O you who have believed, believe in Allah and His Messenger and the Book that He sent down upon His Messenger and the Book which He sent down before. And whoever disbelieves in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day has certainly gone far astray.” [Surah An-Nisa, verse 136]

What is the importance of faith in Islam?

Faith (Iman) in Islam is such an essential and valuable thing that if anyone does not have faith (Iman) and if he does good deeds equal to a mountain, then he will not enter Paradise and he will not get any reward for that good deed in the Hereafter. But Allah Ta’ala will reward him for his good deeds in this world. 

In this regard, Allah Ta’ala said: “And the Day those who disbelieved are exposed to the Fire (then it will be said), You exhausted your pleasures during your worldly life and enjoyed them, so this Day you will be awarded the punishment of (extreme) humiliation because you were arrogant upon the earth without right and because you were defiantly disobedient.” [Surah Al-Ahqaf, verse 20]

Allah Ta’ala also said: “Indeed, those who disbelieve and die while they are disbelievers – never would be accepted gold filled with the whole earth from one of them if he would (seek to) ransom himself with it. For those, there will be a painful punishment, and they will have no helpers.” [Surah Ali ‘Imran, verse 91]

On the other hand,  if anyone believes, does good deeds with sincerity, and dies while he is a believer, Of course, Allah will give him innumerable rewards. In this regard, Allah Ta’ala says:

“Except for those who believe and do righteous deeds, for they will have a reward uninterrupted. So what yet causes you to deny the Recompense? Is not Allah the most just of judges?” [Surah At-Tin, verses 6 – 8] 

Faith (Iman)

is a strong way of liberation from the eternal punishment of the Hereafter. One day, the believer will be released from Hell after being punished for his sins because of his faith (Iman). On the other hand, he who dies while he is a disbeliever will be in Hell forever. Because if Allah had given him billions of years of life in this world, he would work and live his life as a disbeliever. Proof of this is that he died in this world without Faith (Iman). And the last deed of life is the real identity of every person. In this regard, The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:

“A person may do deeds that seem to the people as the deeds of the people of Paradise while in fact, he is from the dwellers of the Hell; and similarly a person may do deeds that seem to the people as the deeds of the people of the Hell while in fact, he is from the dwellers of Paradise. Verily, the (results of) deeds done, depend upon the last actions (of life).” [Sahih Bukhari, Hadith No. 6493]

The difference between Iman and Islam

(1) Faith is the heart’s work of the believer, and Islam is his outer work. In this regard, Allah Ta’ala said, “The bedouins (desert-dwelling Arab peoples) say, ‘We have believed.’ Say, You have not (yet) believed; but say (instead), ‘We have submitted,’ for Faith (Iman) has not yet entered your hearts. And if you obey Allah and His Messenger, He will not deprive you of your deeds of anything. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” [Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 14]

(2) Only Allah knows best about the Iman (faith) of everyone. And Islam is a public work that everyone can realize and understand. In this regard, Allah Ta’ala said:

“And whoever among you cannot find the means to marry free, believing women, then (he may marry) from those whom your right hands possess (i.e., Halal) of believing slave girls. And Allah is most knowing about your faith (Iman).” [Surah An-Nisa, some part of verse 25]

(3) Islam is a broad act, and faith (Iman) is a particular act. And faith (Iman) increases and decreases again. But Islam does not increase and does not decrease. For Example, Obligatory Salah and fasting, Zakah (obligatory charity), Hajj, etc do not increase and do not decrease. And after the faith (Iman) decreases, the faith (Iman) increases again; In this regard, Allah Ta’ala said:

“The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts become fearful, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and they rely upon their Lord.” [Surah Al-Anfal, verse 2]

What is the most important pillar of faith?

There are six pillars of faith in Islam which is the most important pillar of faith (Iman). Namely: 1. Believing in Allah, 2. believing in His angels, 3. believing in the Books of Allah, 4. believing in the Messengers of Allah, 5. believing in the Hereafter, 6. believing in the good and evil of Al-Qadr (predestination).

If a believer denies any of these, his Iman (faith) will be ruined. And I will try to describe in short the above subjects; Insha Allah.

Believing in Allah

To acknowledge the existence of Allah, to believe that He is One, that He is the Lord of the universe, that He has no partner, that there is no comparison to Him. Allah Ta’ala neither begets nor is born. And nor is there to Him any equivalent. In this regard, Allah Ta’ala said:

“Say, He is Allah, (who is) One. Allah is the Sustainer of needed by all. He neither begets nor is born. Nor is there to Him any equivalent.” [Surah Al-Ikhlas, verses 1 – 4]

To believe that Allah Ta’ala has many enduring qualities, all of which are only for him alone. No one can and will possess those qualities without Him. And believing strongly that Allah is the only one worthy of worship. No one else is worthy of worship. In this regard, Allah Ta’ala said:

“And do not invoke with Allah another deity. There is no  (worthy of worship) deity except Him. Everything will be destroyed except His Face (i.e., Himself). His is the judgment, and to Him, you will be returned.” [Surah Al-Qasas, verse 88]

Believing in Allah’s angels

To believe that Allah created the angels from light. They have existed yet, and they obey Allah all time and carry out the duties that Allah commands them to perform. And they don’t disobey Allah even for a moment. Verily, Allah Ta’ala said:

“O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones, over which are (appointed) angels, harsh and severe; they do not disobey Allah in what He commands them but do what they are commanded.” [Surah At-Tahrim, verse 6]

Believing in the Books of Allah

To believe that Allah revealed the books upon many messengers to guide people. Some books among those, Allah has mentioned in the Noble Qur’an. Such as the Torah, the Injeel, the Zabur, the Scriptures of Ibrahim, and the Qur’an. And the Quran is the last and final book of Allah. He will not reveal any book to anyone until the day of Judgment. And no one can ever change the Qur’an. If you deny any of the Quran’s verses, your Iman (faith) will ruin. And Allah Ta’ala said about the Quran:

“Then do they not reflect upon the Qur’an (i.e., its meanings and its objective)? If it had been from (any) other than Allah, they would have found within it much contradiction.” [Surah An-Nisa, verse 82]

Allah Ta’ala also said: “And it was not (possible) for this Qur’an to be produced by other than Allah, but (it is) a confirmation of what was before it and a detailed explanation of the (former) Scripture, about which there is no doubt, from the Lord of the worlds.” [Surah Yunus, verse 37]

Believing in the Messengers of Allah

To believe that  Allah Ta’ala created countless Prophets and Messengers from among men to guide the people. Allah Ta’ala chose them. Also, He has kept them away from sinful deeds. He forgave all their mistakes. They showed the right path to the people according to the command of Allah. They made a lifelong effort to keep people away from Satan’s ways and sins. And they conveyed the word of Allah to everyone. Verily, Allah Ta’ala revealed His books to His messengers.

And Allah’s Messengers and His Prophets said to their Ummah: “O my people, there is no misguidance in me, but I am a Messenger from the Lord of the worlds. I convey to you the messages of my Lord and advise you, and I know from Allah what you do not know. Then do you wonder that there has come to you a Reminder from your Lord through a man from among you, that he may warn you and that you may fear Allah so you might receive mercy?” [Surah Al-A’raf, verses 61 – 63]

Believing in the Hereafter

To believe without any hesitation what Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him) have said about what will happen after death. For example, the examination in the grave, being punished in it and receiving blessings, Being resurrected, setting the scales for measuring deeds, getting the record of good and bad, having the existence of Ḥawḍ Al-Kawthar, establishing Sirah on the Hell, interceding of the chosen servants of Allah, and acknowledge the existence of Paradise and Hell. Etc.

And Allah Ta’ala said about the Hereafter (the Last Day): “And what (harm would come) upon them if they believed in Allah and the Last Day and spent out of what Allah provided for them? And Allah is ever, about them, Knowing.” [Surah An-Nisa, verse 39]

Believing in the good and evil of Al-Qadr (predestination)

Allah has determined Al-Qadr (predestination). No one can change it except for Him. To believe that The Creator of good and evil is Allah Almighty, so everything in the universe, both good and evil, happens by the will of Allah. Remember, Allah has given all humankind and jinns the willpower and the strong intention to do good and stay away from evil. Verily, He has written all things in Lawh Mahfuz according to His knowledge.

Allah Ta’ala said: “Indeed, Allah (alone) has knowledge of the Hour (Al-Qiyamah) and sends down the rain, and knows what is in the wombs (i.e., every aspect of the fetus’ present and future existence). And no soul perceives what it will earn tomorrow, and no soul perceives in what land it will die. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Aware.” [Surah Luqman, verse 34]

Remember, no one can do good without his will. No one can refrain from doing evil deeds without his will. So if anyone wants to follow the right path, Allah shows him the right way. And if someone does not want to give up evil deeds, then he misses many opportunities to do good deeds.

Allah Ta’ala said: “But those who deny My verses are deaf and dumb within darknesses. Whoever Allah wills – He sends astray, and whomever He wills – He puts him on a straight path.” [Surah Al-An‘am, verse 39]

Every servant definitely will get what Allah Ta’ala has written for him, and he will never get what Allah has not written for him. In this regard,

Ubayy bin Ka’b (RA) said:

If Allah punishes everyone in the heavens and on the earth, He would do so without being unjust to them, and if He shows mercy to them, his mercy would be much better than their actions merited. Were you to spend in support of Allah’s cause an amount of gold equivalent to Uhud (hill), Allah would not accept it from you till you believed in the Al-Qadr (predestination) and knew that what has come to you could not miss you and that what has missed you could not come to you. If you die on without believing it, you would enter Hell. [Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith No. 4699]

Some branches of Iman

There are many branches of Faith. And there are about 60 to 80 branches. In this regard, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “Faith has over seventy branches or over sixty branches; the most excellent of those is To say that there is no god but Allah, the undermost of those is removing what is harmful from the path. And shyness is a branch of Iman.” [Sahih Muslim, Hadith No 35]

Some of the branches of Faith are attached to the heart. For example, To hope for Allah’s mercy, to do good deeds for the sake of Allah and to give up evil deeds for Allah, to love Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him), to be grateful, and be satisfied with Allah’s Judgment. Etc.

A few of the branches of Iman that are associated with the tongue are: To recite Kalima Shahada, reciting the Qur’an, acquiring and propagating religious knowledge, remembering Allah, speaking the truth, to guard one’s tongue against useless words. Etc.

Some branches of it are related to limbs. Among those are: Achieving holiness, paying off debts, to fulfill the rights of everyone, obeying the Leaders, not hurting anyone unjustly, giving Sadaqah, to cooperate in good deeds. Etc.

Our Dua

May Allah Ta’ala grant us all the grace to remain steadfast in the faith and to die in the state of belief. Ameen.

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Tawakkul ala Allah (Reliance on Allah)

Every human being faces two things in the life of the world till death. One is happiness and the other is sadness. And neither of these two things is permanent in this world. Verily, Allah Ta’ala has placed happiness and sorrow in the life of every servant to test them. In people’s life, happiness will be followed by sadness and sadness will be followed by happiness. And so it will continue until death. Surely, Allah Ta’ala has made a way for every person to attain eternal happiness in the Hereafter and to control himself during times of sorrow in this life. And that is Tawakkul ala Allah (Reliance on Allah). It greatly motivates every believer to be grateful to Allah in times of happiness and patient in times of sorrow.

So I will present to you Tawakkul ala Allah (Reliance on Allah) and several things related to it that will help you to know many important things. And I will not neglect to mention reliable references for each topic, Insha Allah. So let’s first know what Tawakkul ala Allah (Reliance on Allah) is.

What is Tawakkul ala Allah (Reliance on Allah)?

In this context, Ali ibn Muhammad Jurjani Al-Sayyid Al-Sharif (Rh) said that Reliance on Allah is to rely on what is with Allah and to be disappointed in what is in the hands of people. [Al-Tarifat, page 70]

Abu Bakr bin Abu Al Dunya (Rh) mentioned in his book that,

“And a group of scholars said that its definition is to rely on Allah Ta’ala, have firm faith that Allah’s decision is implemented, follow the Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) in trying to obtain the necessities of food and drink, and to beware of the enemy as the Prophets (peace be upon them all) did.” [Kitab Al Tawakkul Ala Allah, page 20]

And resorting to the means to obtain the necessary things and the help and grace of Allah is not contrary to Tawakkul ala Allah (Reliance on Allah). Because a person asked Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) that, O Messenger of Allah! Shall I tie it (i.e., my camel) and rely (upon Allah), or leave it loose and rely (upon Allah)?” He (peace be upon him) said: “Tie it and rely (upon Allah).” [Jami’ at-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 2517]

But after resorting to means, relying on it is the opposite of Tawakkul ala Allah (Reliance on Allah). Because the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and His Companions (RA) did not put their trust in means after resorting to it, rather they put their trust in Allah. And Allah Ta’ala said: “If Allah helps you, none can overcome you; and if He forsakes you, who is there after Him that can help you? And in Allah (Alone) let believers put their trust.” [Surah Ali ‘Imran, verse 160]

What did Quran say about Tawakkul ala Allah (Reliance on Allah)?

Allah Ta’ala has said many things about Reliance on Him. Some of Allah’s words about Tawakkul are

“The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, feel a fear in their hearts and when His Verses (this Qur’an) are recited unto them, they (i.e. the Verses) increase their Faith (Iman); and they put their trust in their Lord (Allah).” [Surah Al-Anfal, verse 2]

“Say: Nothing shall ever happen to us except what Allah has written for us. He is our Maula (Lord, Helper, and Protector). And in Allah let the believers put their trust.”  [Surah Al-Tawbah, verse 51]

“And to Allah belongs the Ghaib (Unseen) of the heavens and the earth, and to Him return all affairs (for decision). So worship Him and put your trust in Him. And your Lord is not unaware of what you (people) do.” [Surah Hud, verse 123]

“Why should we not put our trust in Allah while He indeed has guided us our ways? And we shall certainly bear with patience all the hurt you may cause us, and in Allah (Alone) let those who trust, put their trust.” [Surah Ibrahim, verse 12]

“And obey not the disbelievers and the hypocrites, and harm them not (in revenge for their harming you till you are ordered). Put your trust in Allah, and Sufficient is Allah as a Wakil (Trustee, or Disposer of affairs).” [Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 48]

What did Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) say about Tawakkul ala Allah (Reliance on Allah)? 

Of course, Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) has said many things about Reliance on Allah. He strongly has inspired us to rely on Allah in all situations and He clearly has forbidden us to disappoint from Allah’s help, mercy and favor. Some of His words are:

‘Umar (RA) said, I heard Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) saying: “If you all depend on Allah with due reliance, He would certainly give you provision as He gives it to birds who go forth hungry in the morning and return with a full belly at dusk.” [Jami’ At-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 2344]

Narrated Jabir bin Abdullah (RA), I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) say three days before his death: “No one of you will die but he should keep a good concept in Allah (at the time of his own death).” [Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith No. 3113]

Abu Hurairah (RA) reported Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) as saying: “A strong believer is better and is more lovable to Allah than a weak believer and there is good in everyone. Be greedy (Be highly interested) in which gives you benefit (in the Hereafter) and seek help from Allah and do not lose heart, and if anything (in the form of trouble) comes to you, don’t say: If I had not done that, it would not have happened so and so, but say: Allah had determined and He did that what He wanted to do. Verily, ‘if’ (this word) opens the work of Satan.” [Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 2664]

And

Narrated Abu Huraira (RA): Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said, “No doubt, it is better for any one of you to cut a bundle of wood and carry it over his back rather than to ask someone. So may he give him or may not give him.” [Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 2074]

Narrated Jabir (RA): Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said, “verily if the children of Adam run away from his provision as he runs away from the death, then definitely his provision will reach out him like the death reach him out.” [Sahih Al Jami’, Hadith No. 5240]

What are the benefits of Tawakkul?

There are many benefits of Tawakkul ala Allah (Reliance on Allah). Some of them are:

(1) Allah has promised Paradise for those who try to be patient, trust in Allah, and die as believers. In this regard, Allah Ta’ala said: 

“And those who believe and do righteous good deeds, to them I shall surely give lofty dwellings in Paradise, underneath which rivers flow, to live therein forever. Excellent is the reward for the workers. Those who are patient, and put their trust (only) in their Lord (Allah).” [Surah Al-Ankabut, verses 58 – 59]

(2) Those who always trust in Allah, He removes their worries and gives them peace of mind. Verily, Allah Ta’ala said:

“No calamity befalls except with Allah’s permission. Whoever believes in Allah, He (Allah) guides his heart. And Allah is All-Knowing of everything.” [Surah Al-Taghabun, verse 11]

(3) Allah loves those who put their trust in Him alone in all their affairs and do not care about anything else. And Allah Ta’ala said:

“Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah (put not trust in the decision), certainly, Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him).” [Surah Ali ‘Imran, some part of verse 159]

And

(4) Trust in Allah removes fear from people’s hearts. In this context, Allah Ta’ala said:

“Those (i.e. believers) unto whom the people (hypocrites) said, ‘Verily, the people (pagans) have gathered against you (a great army), therefore, fear them.’ But it (only) increased them in Faith (Iman), and they (i.e. believers) said: Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us).” [Surah Ali ‘Imran, verse 173]

(5) Those who put their trust in only Allah, He suffices them and He makes them self-reliant.  Of course, Allah Ta’ala said:

“And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him.” [Surah At-Talaq, some part of verse 3]

(6) Trust in Allah removes from the mind all kinds of omen thoughts. In this regard, Narrated by Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (RA), The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Taking omens is polytheism; taking omens is polytheism. He said it three times. Every one of us has some, but Allah removes it by trust (in Him).” [Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith No. 3910]

How to attain Tawakkul?

There are many actions that, if you implement them in your life, will increase Tawakkul ala Allah (Reliance on Allah) in your mind. So I am mentioning some actions here.

(1) Be very happy with Allah’s decision in all situations. 

(2) Continue to make Dua to Allah till you die.

(3) Consider everyone powerless except for Allah. 

(4) Keep trying to stay away from sinful activities. 

(5) Be firm in the hope to get Allah’s help and mercy. 

(6) Try to be patient in times of trouble and sorrow for the pleasure of Allah. 

(7) Be disappointed to gain what people have, and Be highly interested in what gives you benefit in the Hereafter. 

(8) Be extremely satisfied with what Allah Ta’ala has given you. 

(9) Give precedence to the commands of Allah Ta’ala over everything. 

(10) Submit all your hopes and needs only to Allah.

(11) Try to be self-reliant and make strong efforts to gain closeness to Allah.

Our Dua to Allah

May Allah grant us Tawfiq to rely on Him in all situations properly, make ourselves self-reliant, and stay away from harming and bothering others. Ameen. 

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Hypocrite person (Munafiq) meaning

There are different types of people in the world. Verily, Allah Ta’ala loves the believers and dislikes the disbelievers until they come back to Allah by repentance. He gives chances to the disbelievers to follow their desires until a certain time. Then He seizes them suddenly for punishment. There are different types of people among the disbelievers. The most dangerous people among them are the hypocrites. Of course, every hypocrite person (Munafiq) will enter Hell, if he dies without repenting to Allah for his sins and bad deeds. Indeed, Allah has prepared for hypocrite people painful punishments. They have no idea what terrible consequences are awaiting them in the Hereafter.  

So I will present some important information about the hypocrite person (Munafiq) that will clarify his identity to you. And I will mention some words of Allah Ta’ala about Munafiq that will help you understand his evil aspects. So let’s know who the Hypocrite person (Munafiq) is.

Who is the Hypocrite person (Munafiq)?

A hypocrite person is one who hides Kufr in the heart and exposes the faith (Iman) by the mouth. And Sheikh Abd al-Aziz Abdullah Ibn Baz (Rh) made more clear this definition and said:

“Hypocrites are meant those people who express Islam to each other, while they are not on Islam. They claim to be Muslims while secretly they disbelieve in Allah and deny the Messenger of Allah. These are the hypocrites. They are called hypocrites because they reveal Islam and hide the disbelief (Kufr).” [Majmoo al Fatawa of Ibn Baz, volume 5, page 49]

There are two types of hypocrites. 1. Hypocrites in terms of faith. And they are Big Munafiqs. 2. Hypocrites in terms of work. And they are small Munafiqs.

Big Munafiqs are those who declare themselves to be Muslims, claiming to be believers. But they reject Islam wholeheartedly. They disbelieve in Allah, His Messengers, the Hereafter, and all matters of Iman by their hearts. 

Indeed, they are not Muslims. They are real Hypocrite people (Munafiqs), and they will be in Hell forever. And it is impossible to identify the Big Munafiqs because their Kufr activities are intertwined with the heart. And no one else knows the true state of the heart. Only Allah knows best the true state of the heart. 

Small Munafiqs are those who sincerely believe in Allah, the Hereafter, and all matters of Iman (faith). But they act like the works of hypocrites (big Munafiqs), and neglect to follow the rules of Islam.

Verily, small Munafiqs are Muslims. But their Iman very weak. They will stay in Hell as long as Allah will keep them there. After there, they will be released from Hell by Allah’s mercy. And it is possible to identify the Small Munafiqs because there are many ways to recognize them.

What does the hypocrite person (a big Munafiq) do?

A hypocritical person (i.e., a big Munafiq) usually does two kinds of work. 1. Overt works. 2. Secret works. 

His Overt works are: Lying, breaking promises, betraying deposits (Amanat), using bad language when quarreling, causing chaos among people, swearing falsely, cheating, etc. And in this regard, Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr (RA) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“There are four things that whoever has them, then he is a hypocrite, and whoever has one attribute from among them, then he has an attribute of hypocrisy until he leaves it. (Those four things are:) Whoever lies whenever he speaks, he does not fulfill whenever he promises, he is vulgar whenever he argues, and whenever he makes an agreement he proves treacherous.” [Jami’ at Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 2632]

It was narrated that Abu Sha’tha (Rh) said: It was said to Ibn ‘Umar (RA), ‘We enter upon our rulers and say one thing, and when we leave we say something else.’ He (RA) said: “At the time of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), we used to regard that as hypocrisy.” [Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith No. 3975]

And

His secret works are: Disbelieving in Allah and His Messengers, denying what Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) has brought from Allah, hostility towards Him, disbelieving in the Qur’an, opposing the religion of Allah, rejoicing in the loss of Islam, being unhappy in Islamic deeds if own interests are hurt, etc.

In this regard, Allah Ta’ala said: “If good befalls you, it grieves them, but if a calamity overtakes you, they say: ‘We took our precaution beforehand’ and they turn away rejoicing.” [Surah Al-Tawbah, verse 50]

“They swear by Allah that they did not say (anything against the Prophet ﷺ) while they had said the word of disbelief (kufr) and disbelieved after their (pretense of) Islam and planned that which they were not to attain. And they were not resentful except (for the fact) that Allah and His Messenger had enriched them with His bounty. So if they repent, it is better for them; but if they turn away, Allah will punish them with a painful punishment in this world and the Hereafter. And there will not be for them on earth any protector or helper.” [Surah At-Tawbah, verse 74]

What did Al-Quran say about the hypocrite person?

Allah Ta’ala said many things about the hypocritical people (Munafiqs) and their deeds. So I am mentioning some words of Allah about them here.

Allah Ta’ala said: “And when it is said to them, Believe as the people have believed, they say, ‘Should we believe as the foolish have believed?’ Unquestionably, it is they (Munafiqs) who are foolish, but they know (it) not. And when they meet those who believe, they say, ‘We believe; but when they are alone with their evil associates, they say, Indeed, we are with you; we were only mockers (with believers).” [Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 13 – 14]

“When it is said to them, ‘Come to Allah’s revelations and the Messenger,’ you see the hypocrites turn away from you stubbornly.” [Surah An-Nisa, verse 61]

“The Munafiq men and Munafiq women are of one another. They enjoin what is wrong and forbid what is right and close their hands (i.e., refuse to spend in the way of Allah). They have forgotten Allah, so He has forgotten them (i.e., He has given them a chance to do what they want). Indeed, the hypocrites – it is they who are defiantly disobedient.” [Surah At-Tawbah, verse 67]

Allah Ta’ala further said about them

“Indeed, the Munafiqs (think to) deceive Allah, but He deceives them (i.e., punishes for deceiving). And when they stand for prayer, they stand lazily, showing (themselves to) the people and not remembering Allah except a little. Wavering between them, (belonging) neither to these (i.e., the believers) nor to those (i.e., the disbelievers). And whoever Allah sends astray – never will you find a path for him.” [Surah An-Nisa, verses 142 – 143]

“Did they not know that Allah knows their secrets and private conversations and that Allah is the Knower of the unseen?” [Surah At-Tawbah, verse 78]

“They swear to you so that you might be satisfied with them. But if you should be satisfied with them – indeed, Allah is not satisfied with defiantly disobedient people.” [Surah At-Tawbah, verse 96]

“They have made their (false) oaths as a shield; So they hinder (others) from the Way of Allah. Evil indeed is what they do!” [Surah Al-Munafiqun]

The words of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) about Munafiqs

Narrated Abu Hurairah (RA): Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said, “The signs of a hypocrite are three: Whenever he speaks, he tells a lie; and whenever he promises, he breaks his promise; and whenever he is entrusted, he betrays (proves to be dishonest).” [Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 6095]

Abu Hurairah (RA) reported Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) as saying: “The most burdensome prayers for the hypocrites are the Isha prayer and the Fajr prayer. If they were to know the blessings they have in store, they would have come to them, even though crawling.” [Sahih Muslim, some part of the Hadith No. 651 b]

Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari (RA) said The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “The parable of the believer who recites the Qur’an is that of a citron, the taste and smell of which are good. The parable of a believer who does not read the Qur’an is that of a date, the taste of which is good but has no smell. The parable of a hypocrite who reads the Qur’an is that of basil, the smell of which is good but its taste is bitter. And the parable of a hypocrite who does not read the Qur’an is that of a colocynth (bitter-apple), the taste of which is bitter and has no smell.” [Sunan an-Nasa’i, Hadith No. 5038]

Allah Ta’ala says about their consequences

“Give tidings to the hypocrites that there is for them a painful punishment.” [Surah An-Nisa, verse 138]

“And it has already come down to you in the Book (i.e., the Qur’an) that when you hear the verses of Allah (recited), they are denied (by bad people) and ridiculed; so do not sit with them until they enter into another conversation. Or else you will be like them. Surely Allah will gather the hypocrites and disbelievers all together in Hell.” [Surah An-Nisa, verse 140]

“Indeed, the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of Hell – and never will you find a helper for them.” [Surah An-Nisa, verse 145]

“So let not their wealth or their children impress you. Allah only intends to punish them through them in worldly life and that their souls should depart (at death) while they are disbelievers.” [Surah At-Tawbah, verse 55]

“Allah has promised the hypocrite men and hypocrite women and the disbelievers the fire of Hell, wherein they will abide eternally. It is sufficient for them. And Allah has cursed them, and for them is an enduring punishment.” [Surah At-Tawbah, verse 68]

Their condition in the Hereafter

“On that day, the Munafiq men and Munafiq women will say to those who believed, Wait for us that we may acquire some of your light. It will be said, ‘Go back behind you (i.e., to the worldly life) and seek the light.’ And a wall will be placed between them with a door, its interior containing mercy, but on the outside of it is torment.” [Surah Al-Hadid, verse 13]

“They (i.e., the hypocrites) will call to them (i.e., the believers), Were we not with you? They (the believers) will say, Yes, but you afflicted yourselves (by hypocrisy) and awaited (misfortune for us) and doubted, and false hopes deluded you until there came the command of Allah. And the Deceiver (i.e., Satan) deceived you concerning Allah.” [Surah Al-Hadid, verse 14]

“So today, no ransom will be taken from you or from those who disbelieved. Your refuge is the Fire. It is most worthy of you, and wretched is the destination.” [Surah Al-Hadid, verse 15]

Our Dua to Allah

May Allah Ta’ala forgive us all and grant us the grace to stay away from all activities of the hypocrites. Ameen.

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Muttaqee servants & some info about them

There are different kinds of servants of Allah in the world. Such as the believing servants, the disbeliever servants, the hypocrisy servants, etc. The believing servants are those who sincerely believe in Allah and His Messenger and believe in the Hereafter. And those who disbelieve do not believe in the word of Allah. And the hypocrites show to believe in Allah openly, but they deny Him through their hearts and their deeds, and they also disbelieve in the Hereafter. Among the believing servants, the most respected and beloved servants to Allah are the Muttaqee servants. Allah Ta’ala has reserved for such servants a great reward in this world, and in the Hereafter. Verily, such servants have many admirable qualities.

So I will present some valuable information about them that will make their identity clear to you. And I will also mention a few verses of the Qur’an and some Hadiths about them, which will highlight their status to you. So let’s know first who Muttaqee servants are?

Who are Muttaqee servants?

Imam Jalaluddin Al-Suyuti (Rh) has mentioned in his book of Tafsir that,  Muttaqee servants refer to the people who run towards Taqwa (the fear of Allah) by obeying His (Allah’s) commands and forsaking forbidden deeds. [Tafsir Jalalain, Surah al-Bakarah, verse 2]

Ibn ‘Abbas (RA) said about Muttaqee servants:

Those who stay away from Shirk (i.e., to associate anyone with Allah), Major sins, and obscenity are Muttaqee servants. [Tafsir al-Baghawi, volume 1, page 60]

Abu Yazid al-Bastami (Rh.) said: Muttaqee servants are persons when they speak, they speak for Allah and when they act, they act for Allah. [Tafsir al-Qurtubi, Surah al-Bakarah, verse 2]

Basically, those who hold fast Taqwa in themselves are called Muttaqee servants. And Taqwa is to do what Allah has commanded and to forsake what He has forbidden. [Majmu’ al-Fatawa, volume 3, page 120]

What are the qualities of the Muttaqee servants?

They have many qualities. Their most notable qualities are: – They accept the words of Allah and His Messenger without hesitation and believe in every word of them. They perform the prayer (Salah), pay the obligatory charity, give Sadaqah (non-obligatory charity), and believe in the Hereafter. In this regard, Allah Ta’ala said:

“Who believe in the unseen, establish Salah, and spend out of what I have provided for them. And who believe in what has been revealed to you, (O Muḥammad), and what was revealed before you, and have sure faith in the Hereafter. Those are upon (right) guidance from their Lord, and it is those who are successful.” [Surah Al-Baqarah, verses 3 – 5] 

They have more qualities. For example, they refrain from sin and unrighteous deeds, and they also put others away from sin and forbidden work. If they ever commit a sin or wrongdoing, they become soon ashamed of what they have done, seek forgiveness from Allah, and turn back from their sin quickly to good deeds. They do good deeds themselves and encourage others to do good deeds.

Because Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said:

“A man will be brought on the Day of Resurrection and thrown in the Hell. Then his intestines will come out, and he will go around as a donkey goes around a millstone. The people of Hell will gather around him and say: O so-and-so! What is wrong with you? Didn’t you use to order us to do good deeds and forbid us to do bad deeds? He will reply: Yes, I used to order you to do good deeds, but I did not do them myself, and I used to forbid you to do bad deeds, yet I used to do them myself.” [Sahih Bukhari, Hadith No. 3267]

Muttaqee servants do not harm, don’t hurt anyone, and they contain patience in danger. And they are always grateful to Allah, and they are humble. At the same time, they seek the welfare of the people, and they are steadfast in obedience to Allah and His Messenger.

What did Allah Ta’ala say about the Muttaqee servants?

Allah Ta’ala said many things about their works and their status. Some of the sayings of Allah Ta’ala about them are:

“Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but (real) righteous is one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets. And (who) gives wealth ‘in spite of love for it’ to relatives, orphans, the needy, the (destitute) traveler, those who ask (for help), and (gives wealth) for freeing slaves. (And who) establishes Salah and gives zakah; (those who) fulfill their promise when they promise; and (those who) are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are Muttaqee.” [Surah al-Bakarah, verses 177]

“And it will be said (in the Hereafter) to those who feared Allah, What did your Lord send down? They will say, (That which is) good. For those who do good in this world is good, and the home of the Hereafter is better. And how excellent is the home of the Muttaqee (servants)! Gardens of perpetual residence, which they will enter, beneath which rivers flow. They will have therein whatever they wish. Thus does Allah reward the Muttaqee (servants).” [Surah An-Nahl, verses 30 – 31]

Allah Ta’ala further said

“Say, Shall I inform you of (something) better than that? For those who fear Allah (i.e., Muttaqeen) will be gardens with their Lord beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide eternally, and (will be there) purified spouses and pleasure from Allah. And Allah is All-Seeing of (His) servants. Those who say, Our Lord, indeed we have believed, so forgive us our sins and protect us from the punishment of the Fire. Those who are the patient, the true, the obedient, those who spend (in the way of Allah), and those who seek forgiveness before dawn.” [Surah Ali’Imran, verses 15-17]

“Indeed, Allah is with Muttaqee servants and those who are doers of good.” [Surah An-Nahl, verse 128]

“O mankind, indeed I have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the noblest of you in the sight of Allah is he who has the most Taqwa of you. Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing and Aware. [Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 13]

“O you who have believed, fear Allah and believe in His Messenger; He will (then) give you a double portion of His mercy and make for you a light by which you will walk and forgive you, and Allah is the Most Forgiving and Merciful.” [Surah Al-Hadid, verse 28]

Allah Ta’ala has mentioned some excellent qualities of them in the Quran

In this regard, Allah Ta’ala said: “And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden (i.e., Paradise) as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for Muttaqee servants. Who spend (in the cause of Allah) during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people – and Allah loves the doers of good; And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves (by transgression), remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins – and who can forgive sins except Allah? – and (who) do not persist in what they have done while they know. Those – their reward is forgiveness from their Lord and gardens (i.e., Paradise) beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide eternally, and excellent is the reward of the (righteous) workers.” [Surah Ali’Imran, verses 133-136]

What is Taqwa in Islam?

Taqwa is an important quality of Muttaqee servants. No one can be Muttaqee without this quality. In the definition of Taqwa, Talaq bin Habib (Rh) said: “Taqwa is to act according to the obedience of Allah, to expect Allah’s mercy according to the light from Allah. Taqwa is to forsake disobedience to Allah, to fear Allah’s punishment according to the light from Allah.” [The Musannaf of Ibn Abi Shaybah, volume 7, page 182] 

Explaining the definition of Taqwa more clearly, Shaikh Husayn ibn Muhammad Al-Mahdi (Rh) said:

“And it (Taqwa) means obeying all His (Allah’s) commands and forsaking the things that are forbidden by Him. Full Taqwa includes performing essential tasks and avoiding dubious and forbidden acts. Even after this, sometimes it includes performing the Mustahabb deeds (Desirable good works) and avoiding the Makruh deeds (Disliked works). And this is the highest level of Taqwa.” [Soud Al-Afkar fi Al-Adab wa Al-Akhlaq, volume 2, page 75]

Verily, Taqwa stays in the heart of humans. If one’s Taqwa increases, then his heart becomes healthy and good. And if one’s Taqwa decreases, then his heart begins to get spoilt. And the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said that,

“Beware! There is a piece of flesh in the body; if it becomes good (reformed) the whole body becomes good, but if it gets spoilt the whole body gets spoilt. Know, and that is the heart.” [Sahih Bukhari, Hadith No. 52]

What did the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) say about Taqwa?

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Don’t be envious of each other, don’t bid him out for raising the price, don’t nurse aversion or enmity, don’t enter into a transaction when the others have entered into that transaction, and be as fellow brothers and servants of Allah. A Muslim is the brother of a Muslim. He neither oppresses him nor humiliates him nor looks down upon him. Taqwa is here, (and while saying so) he pointed towards his chest thrice. It is a serious evil for a Muslim that he should look down upon his brother Muslim. All things of a Muslim are Haram (forbidden) for another Muslim: his blood, his wealth, and his honor.” [Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 2564 a]

The Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked: ‘What most admits people to Paradise?’ He (peace be upon him) said: “Taqwa and good manners.” And he was asked: ‘What most leads people to Hell?’ He (peace be upon him) said: “The Two hollows: The mouth and the private part (i.e., abusing these two things).” [Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith No. 4246]

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) also said: “Have Taqwa (fear Allah) wherever you are, and follow an evil deed with a good (i.e., do the good deed immediately after evil deed), it (i.e., the good deed) wipes that (i.e., evil deed) out, and treat the people with good behavior.” [Jami’ At-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 1987]

The ways to achieve Taqwa

• Keep trying hard to obey Allah Ta’ala and His Messenger (peace be upon him).
• Practice Nafl (additional) fasting according to the sunnah of Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him).
• Continue to strive to achieve all the qualities that Allah Ta’ala has mentioned in the Quran for the Muttaqee servants.
• Hold fast to the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and stay away from Bidʻah.
• Keep trying hard to stay away from all kinds of sinful deeds, big or small.
• Contemplate deeply about Allah’s revelations and signs. If you do not understand any verse of the Quran, don’t neglect to go wise Muslim scholar and ask him.
• More and more remember Allah, and recite the Qur’an frequently if you have a chance to do it.
• Maintain good relationships with good and honest people.
• Study the biographies of the Companions of Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him).
• Do not despise others and do not consider yourself better than others.

Our Dua to Allah Ta’ala

May Allah forgive us all sins and Mistakes and include us in the Muttaqee servants. And grant us Tawfiq to remain steadfast in obedience to Allah Ta’ala and His Messenger (peace be upon him). Ameen.

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