The Shahada- 2

  

Shahada, that is, the testimony: Laa Ilaaha illallaahu Muhammadur-Rasullullah, is not merely a formula of faith; it is a complete commitment that Allah demands from a believer, so that he establishes only Allah alone in his heart as his Lord, his God, and that he does not worship any other things, or people, or animals, or claim that these are gods alongside Allah. This person must be conscious that when he pronounces these words, that Allah alone is worthy of worship, not others, and NOT EVEN THE PROPHETS whom Allah sent upon the earth.

 

That is why Shahada is in two phases: first, to believe in Allah and worship Him alone, and second, to believe in Muhammad (pbuh), His Prophet, His Messenger. Here, what is important to retain is that Allah makes it clear: Beware! I alone am worthy of worship – you must pray to Me alone. My Messenger Muhammad (pbuh), just like all the prophets and messengers before him and even those who will come after him, are only human beings who come from Me to show you the path that will lead you to Me.

Trials, Patience & Faith- 2

 

In this temporary world, every soul must go through certain trials. Pains, losses, illnesses, uncertainties, and injustices are not things out of the ordinary, but rather elements that form part of life on earth. Allah has informed us that this worldly life is a field of trials, destined to reveal the sincerity of our faith and the depth of our submission. A true believer will not be content merely seeking the comfort of Paradise, but will make every effort to draw closer to Allah Himself, Who is the Master of Paradise. In the Qur’an, Allah says:

“We will certainly test you with a touch of fear and famine and loss of property, life, and crops. But give good tidings to the patient.” (Al-Baqara 2: 156)

 

To be a Muslim means to submit oneself entirely to the will of Allah. It is not merely a religious affiliation, but a posture that one must adopt in daily life, in all intentions and actions – this submission must permeate one’s entire life. One must become like the soul that recognises it belongs to Allah, its Creator, and that everything – whether happiness or hardship – comes from Him.

 

“Say: Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.” (Al-Anam 6: 163)