Kalima
KALIMA
THE FIRST PILLAR OF ISLAM
LA-ILAHA ILLA-ALLAH,
Islam’s first requirement is to have BELIEF and then action. The Islamic Creed, the first pillar of Islam,
LA-ILAHA-ILLA-ALLAH, MUHAMMADUR-RASUL-ULLAH.
(i.e. There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah).
(Sahi-Muslim)
Islam started from Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) and attained perfection with the last Prophet Syeduna Muhammad (peace be upon him),
(Al-Quran, 5:3)
(Al-Quran, 2:256)
(Al-Quran, 3:85)
(Al-Quran, 3:67)
And behold! Allah will say:
(Al-Quran, 5:116)
Islam is for all mankind, because this is the religion of Almighty Allah. Man is born pure and sinless. The divine nature of Islam, makes it the only religion in the world, that offers genuine solutions to such problems as social unrest, destitution, prostitution, homicide and suicide, etc. But the genuine solutions need strong faith in eternal abode and special care of the immortal soul. The body will perish of the unbelievers and the sinner whatever comfort people look for, but the soul is the final stage of bliss of the believers. Time shows that nothing lasts but the soul. Soul is the master of the body and after the departure of the soul, the body starts rotting. Islam’s vital job is with the soul which demands belief in Allah , His Messenger , tolerance and love.
The first pillar starts with the most essential faith in unseen, (i.e. to believe in unseen). We have not seen Allah, yet we are to believe “LA-ILAHA ILLA-ALLAH” (There is no god but ALLAH). “There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah”. “Allah” of the first pillar is:
(Rabbul Alameen, Quran, 1:1)
And Muhammad peace be upon him) is:
“the Mercy for the worlds”
(Rahmatul-lil-Alameen: Quran, 21:107).
The first pillar if Islam is the fundamental and basic need of human, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
(Sahi-Bukhari, Muslim).
It clearly indicates that we must have faith in both the parts of the first pillar of Islam.
FIRST PILLAR AND VERSES ON FAITH (IMAN)
- Translation: “Only those are believers who believe in Allah and His Apostle.” (Al-Quran, 24:62)
- Translation: “So believe in Allah and His Apostle, say not trinity.” (Al-Quran, 4:171)
- Translation: “O you who believe! Believe in Allah and His Apostle.” (Al-Quran, 4:136)
- Translation: “So believe in Allah and His Apostle; and if you believe and do right, you have a reward without measure.” (Al-Quran, 3:179)
- Translation: “Believe, therefore, in Allah and His Apostle and the light which We have sent down.” (Al-Quran, 64:8)
ALMIGHTY’S CALL FOR OBEDIENCE
- Translation: “Obey Allah and His Apostle.” (Al-Quran, 3:32)
- Translation: “And obey Allah and His Apostle, that you may obtain mercy.” (Al-Quran, 3:132)
- Translation: “Those who obey Allah and His Apostle will be admitted to the garden.” (Al-Quran, 4:13)
- Translation: “Those who obey Allah and His Apostle are in the company of those who are the grace of Allah.” (Al-Quran, 4:69)
- Translation: “And obey Allah and His Apostle and fall into no disputes.” (Al-Quran, 8:46)
ALMIGHTY’S CURSE FOR DISOBEDIENCE.
- Translation: “If you do not, take notice of war from Allah and His Apostle.” (Al-Quran, 2:279)
- Translation: “For any that disobey Allah and His Apostle, for them is Hell.” (Al-Quran, 72:23)
- Translation: “But those who disobey Allah and His Apostle will be admitted to a fire.” (Al-Quran, 4:14)
- Translation: “Those who deny Allah and His Apostle and wish to separate between Allah from His Apostle…..to take a course midway.” (Al-Quran, 4:150)
- Translation: “Those who resist Allah and His Apostle will be among those most humiliated.” (Al-Quran, 58:20)
FIRST PART
LA ILAHA ILLA ALLAH (THERE IS NO GOD BUT ALLAH)
- Allah declared: Translation: So know Muhammad ``There is no go but Allah.” (Al-Quran, 47:19)
- The prophet Muhammad said: “Whoever says LA ILAHA ILLA ALLAH.” sincerely, will enter Paradise”. (Sahi-al-Jami)
- “LA ILAHA ILLA ALLAH” is the foundation of Tawheed (Oneness of Allah)
- “LA ILAHA ILLA ALLAH” is the best Dhikr of Allah / remembrance.
- “LA ILAHA ILLA ALLAH” is the key to Paradise.
- “LA ILAHA ILLA ALLAH” is the highway to Paradise.
- “LA ILAHA ILLA ALLAH” is the best cleanser of heart and soul.
(Al-Quran, 7:172)
The name of the Creator of the Universe in the first Pillar of Islam is “Allah”. Another word very frequently used for the Almighty in the Holy Quran is “Rabb” which is generally translated into the English version of the Quran, as “Lord”. The Holy Quran declares:
(Al-Quran, 7:180)
This verse is commented upon in his tradition, and Abu Hurairah (Radi-allah-anha) narrates that the Holy Prophet said:
In praying to Allah, it is usual for the worshiper to address the Almighty by that name or attribute
which he wishes to appeal to. If praying for pardon, he will address Allah either ‘Ya Afue’ or ”Ya Tawwabu’ etc.
Allah Almighty is above any thought we can possibly have about Him, for our thoughts are transitory things.One moment of enlightenment under Allah’s light is better than thousands of months or years of worldly job.
SECOND PART
SECOND PART MUHAMMAD -UR – RASULULLAH (ﷺ)
( 48; 29) AL FATH.
What is the implication of the second part of the Kalimah ?
Who is the Prophet Muhammad ?
What is his status ?
What is his personality ?
What is the nature of his personality and all their allied questions ?
There are numerous confusions which arise in the mind of Muslims especially in this age of doubt and the impact of materialism. Everybody ‘s level of knowledge is not the same whether he may be called a scholar or whatever. The comprehension of facts through knowledge varies from person to person. These problems arise because those who come forward to understand the problem view it with their subjective limitations. Don’t say that they are dishonest. Those that say that the Holy Prophet’s teachings are important and cultivation of love for him is not, we cannot even call them dishonest. This is a matter of faith , and no one who is sincere would like to be dishonest. Those who fall short in understanding, this is because of their subjective limitations. This should not be made into the grounds for fighting and theological bickering. Thus you will hear views expressed about the Holy Prophet which many of us will consider as derogatory. For example, People read the same book but some recognize the Alphabets and some the words . Others will read sentences and paragraphs. Those with higher education will know the language in which it is written, the Subject, Theme, Sub Theme and Inter related Subjects. Therefore knowledge is either of a higher order or lower order. Those who can see as far as their nose , they can see that far and no further. How can we call them dishonest and make their limited knowledge the grounds for fighting? You will find people of knowledge of a lower order saying, “The Holy Prophet (Salla’llahu’alaihi wa sallam) is just a mortal like us.” ( may Allah save us from this belief )
Yet you will find great intellectual giants of this time like the great Sir Muhammad Iqbal (may Allah be pleased with him) who as a poet of Islam is incomparable with anyone else before him except,
Maulana Jalaludin Rumi (Rahmatullah-alai) , saying
Gubare Raah Koh Bakhsha , Faroghe Waadiyeh Sina .
Nigaheh Ishq-o-Masti Meh, Wohi Awwal , Wohi Akhir ,
Wohi Qur’aan , Wohi Fur’qaan , Wohi Ya-sin , Wohi Ta-hah.”
Translation:
“That possessor of knowledge of the parts of guidance , that terminator of the office of divine Messenger ship , that leader of all creation , who illuminates the sand below the feet of the caravan of his followers into the illuminated sand of Sinai . From the point of view of love and approach to the problem in depth ; it is he who is the first and it is he who is the last , and it is he who is the Qur’aan and it is he who is the standard of right and wrong in this entire universe. And he is Ya-sin and Ta-hah.”
What does the Holy Quran say about the Holy Prophet Syeduna Muhammad (peace be upon him), which is absolutely authentic?
Let’s explain the status of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) from the Holy Quran. According to the Quran, the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) has a double status. One aspect of his personality is universal and the other is mundane (earthly).
The Holy Quran says
(Surah Anbiya 21 V 107)
All the worlds , beyond this earth and humanity . This is called the cosmic or universal level. He is the mercy for the entire creation of Allah. His mundane status is , as the Quran say in S 18 V 110 – Kahf
Many people have stumbled on this verse because this word Mislukum can be translated in two ways . One translation leads to Kufr whilst the other translation is the translation of Imaan. It has been translated by some as being “like you” This is the translation on the basis of Kufr. This statement is the greatest falsehood against the Quran and Hadith and is blasphemy against the personality of the Holy prophet (peace be upon him). Blasphemy leads a person to Kufr. No human being is like the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), What do they mean when they translate it in this ugly fashion ? Like whom ? A robber , murderer, drunkard, thief , devil incarnate, like whom ? Who has that standard of piety and status that he can be likened to the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him)? The connotation of the verse is to emphasize the humanity of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) so that Muslims do not fall prey, like others have, in view of his great qualities and miraculous powers that Allah has given him. They may not fall into the misconception that he is God or son of God like others have fallen before them. It is his divinity that is being denied here, not that he is like us. He is a human being – We are human beings.
Students of science and physics know that charcoal is pure carbon and diamond is also pure carbon. It is only the frequency of molecules of the electronic particles of the diamond that makes one a diamond and the other charcoal. Black – illuminous . Medicinal value . Monetary value . World of difference. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) is human and we are human beings, but he is diamond and we are charcoal. Although, basically, both are the same in their laws of existence , value and worth is worlds apart. Although me and you and the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) are human beings, there is a world of difference in point of status, constitution of personality and powers . This is the status with regard to the temporal world in which we live. As a divine messenger, does Allah deal with him differently? Allah addresses all prophets in the Quran from Adam (Alai’ his salaam) to Jesus (Alaihis salaam) He always addresses them by name and He has not addressed the Holy prophet (peace be upon him) even once in the Quran by name. Can we attribute any meaninglessness to Allah’s wisdom? Allah wants to demonstrate the grandeur of the status of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) and the special relation with Him. A person is not called by name either out of intense love or respect. Allah demonstrates here that He loves the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) intensely and he wants the Muslims to honor him.
Remember Allah has said in the Holy Quran
( Hujurat , Verse 2 )
What is this status.? You will forgive any insult done to you but you will never forgive any insult done to your beloved. This is the law of love. If for a single error, of disrespect to Allah’s beloved, every act of virtue is annulled, how much Allah love him ? He does not even give the blasphemer, the Tuafiq ( divine help ) to realize he has sinned , thus the door of repentance remains closed. Beware of this . The great arifeen ( those who rose to spiritual eminence) they say,
Nafas ghum kar dami ayaad Junaid oh Bayazid Jah”
“There is a place where respect has to be oIered and that place is more delicate than the Arsh of God , When great spiritual luminaries from amongst his followers like Junaid Baghdadi and Bayazid Bistami (may Allah be pleased with them) . When they come to the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) they come trembling.”
What are Muslims being taught? They have lost the source of grace and they feel that they can get grace from Allah . The source of grace as established by Allah is only the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) . There is no other source. “Ya ayyuhan Nabi ” Ya ayyuhar Rasul” This refers to his official status. “Ya ayyuhal Muddathr” Ya ayyuhal Muzzamil” Here there's a rise in status. Here it shows the intimacy of friendship. There is a further rise ” Ya sin” “Ta ha” What is the meaning of this?” “Parda ba parda heh nihah, pardah nashin ka raaze ishq” — Love has curtains which cannot be penetrated by the outsiders. Not only is the Prophet Syeduna Muhamamd(peace be upon him) honorable but the soil upon which he walks becomes honorable.
The Quran says this in Surah 90 V 1- 4:
It means , Not only is the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) venerable but even the particles of dust that touch the soles of his blessed shoes become venerable.
Molvi Zakarriya ( Deobandi Aalim) quotes in his book “the virtues of Hajj” in the chapter “behavior in Madinah and its virtues” that the portion of the earth in the immediate vicinity of the holy body of Rasulullah (peace be upon him) is even higher in rank than the Kaaba and the Throne of Allah. He quotes on the authority of Qaadi Ayaadh, Imam Maalik and ibn Asaakir.
HIS UNIVERSAL/ COSMIC STATUS.
The Quraan says in Surah 21 V 107 – al Anbiya
and in another verse Surah 5 Verse 15. Maida
The Arabic Letter (wow) here is the wow of conjunction, the noor is something different and the kitaab (Book) is something different. There is a difference of opinion amongst the commentators , some say ‘ light ‘ here refers to the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) others say that it does not, but only to the guidance he has brought. Here again the same problem comes in, ‘ fikre har kast be kadre himmate woh ‘, but the Prophet (peace be upon him) was commissioned by God to explain every intricate verse of the Quran, and it says
li tu bayyina lin naasi na nuzzila ilayhim Here comes in hadith as the authority .
Let us ask the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) what is the reference to the word noor here. In the Hadith quoted on the authority of Muhaddith ‘ Abd ur Razzaq the eminent forerunner of Imam Bukhari and (and even quoted by non-Ahle-Sunnah scholar like Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi one of the very eminent Aalim of Deoband in his kitaab Nashrut teeb fi zikre Habeeb). Hazrat Jaber bin Abd ullah bi Ansari reports that the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) informed him that:
This Hadith compels us to side with those commentators who say that noor here refers to the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). It has been the consensus of Muslim belief which was challenged only in this period of Muslim decay and degeneration, under the impact of modern materialism , that the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) is the center of creation, that Allah created the light of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) and from that light He created the whole universe. Allah is indivisible, so the meaning in the Hadith is sababbiya, not from the light, but because of the light. The Qur’ an also bears testimony to this that the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) was the first of creation, when it explicitly affirms this fact, when it says : Surah 6 Verse 163 - al Anaam
Muslim here refers to the first thing or being to submit to the will of Allah and not the misuse it has been put to in these days of bickering. Muslim means he or she that submits his/her will entirely to the will of God. In another verse Allah says, Surah 3 v 83- al Imraan
Then what would ‘ I am the first among the Muslims mean” ? That the first being to be created by Allah was the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him).
Science bears testimony to this fact today. Modern science says that this entire universe started as a point of light in intense motion. This point of light projected itself on the tape of extension and became space and projected itself on the tape of duration and became time. The experiment of physical analysis pursued on the principle of heat, by raising temperature and disintegrating a particular thing into its constituent particles prove that the essence of all matter is light.
Hubert Reeves, the Canadian Astrophysicist – light radiation theory. The essential human being therefore is a spaceless and timeless being . (ar Ruh – the essence al Asl). All matter is therefore ultimately anti-matter and all the properties of matter ultimately cease to exist, since the essential being was created in the transcendental world called al Jannah.
When Allah willed the universe to exist He said, kun Muhammadah. Therefore the real Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the foundation of the universe and all creation came through him. When our pious ancestors taught that the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) is the medium or Wasilah between this world and Allah- How can it be said that they were teaching wrongly? What else is there that links this universe with Allah except Allah’s first creation. the nur-e-Muhammadi?
Allah is all Mighty and all Powerful, He does not need any Wasilah, but He has made a universe which is in need . ( angels are intermediaries- Allah is light- high voltage -transformers). The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) is the intermediary for forgiveness also according to the Quraan Surah 4 Verse 64 al Nisah.
This verse of the holy Quran is for all times.
The Question arises , How do I approach the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) today ? Some people say go to Madinah, then forgiveness is only for the rich.
If we say the verse was only for the companions then we are denying the Quran is for all times. People who say the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) is only hayaat or living in Madinah Seem to be very ignorant about the constitution of human life and the meaning of death. If one means by the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) his bodily constitution which lies buried in Madinah, then this is a childish view. Madinah has an added affinity because the blessed body lies buried there but the essential Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) transcends the limitations of space and time and thus, he is a living Prophet that is approachable everywhere. When one approaches anyone, with a plea of help , one approaches with full respect and humility. Thus our elders have taught , and rejected lately on the basis of defective knowledge, that we should stand with full respect and humility and greet him (salaam) , and present our plea(dua).
The word Salaat in Arabic has three meanings, Salah, Qurbiyat, (nearness) and greeting. Thus salat o salaam means approach and greet. We do this in Attahiyat ( Tashahud) . Form a direct contact with him and present one's petition to him. If he feels we are fit then he will plead for us to Allah. Is Allah an impersonal force.? He is also the beloved of Allah (Habib ullah). The office of habib ullah is open to all Muslims, according to the Holy Quran.s3 v31
If through his imitation his followers can become Allah’s beloved, it is absolutely rational and clear that he is Allah’s beloved .He is the magnet that turns the iron filings into something magnetized. He has stated to his followers as we read in the books of Hadith, he said,”Ana habib ullahi wa la fakhr”. “I am the beloved of Allah and I don’t say it by way of pride”. ” wala sowfa…….fatarda” Allah has commanded entire creation to seek Allah’s pleasure, Allah says,” I seek thine pleasure my beloved Rasul”
This is the MAQAME MAHBUBIYA. He has been given al Kauthar. “good in abundance”. Therefore he will liberate us sinners from hell by giving us charity from his abundance of virtues, on the Day of Reckoning.
This is what is meant by Shafa’at or intercession. Another status is that which is unknowable to us. The Quraan proclaims in Surah 33 v 45.
Who else can be a witness except him who sees the things upon which he stands witness. He is a witness that Allah exists, unless he has seen Allah he cannot be a witness. He is a witness that the universe is infinite, heaven exists, angels etc. This status is beyond our understanding. The Hadith is in the sihah, were he says,
“There is an aspect of my life when my personality is projected in that direction, then I am with Allah and my time is with Him . It is at a level where no angel and no Divine messenger can even witness it.”
This status transcends everybody. How can we explain this status? How can Abu Bakr (Radiallahu anha) “Ya Aba Bakrin ! lam yarifi haqiqati siwae Rabbi” Yet you see little, little Molvis, walking on their two legs, opening their mouths, that this unique personality is just like us. It is an insult to human reason. It is an insult to the Quraan. It is an insult to your Iman. It is to lay eggs at your own feet. One cannot damage the Holy Prophet (PBUH) but it is damage to one’s self. Beware of it. Meraj-see entire universe-including Allah-from highest point. s53 v7-9
All differences were abolished here, except one, he is the created whilst Allah is the creator. The Quraan says in s4 v150