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Virtue of 'Laa ilaaha illalLaah'
Shaykh Husayn Aal Sheikh
26, Dhul-Qa'dah 1425 (7, January 2005)
All praise is due to Allaah, Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon the Messenger, his household and companions.
Brethren in faith! The greatest thing in this life is to actualize worship for Allaah alone. Tawheed is the greatest goal. The word, 'Laa ilaaha illalLaah' is the essence of the call of the Messengers. Allaah says,
"And We did not send any Messenger before you (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) but We revealed to him (saying): Lâ ilâha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I (Allaah)) so worship Me (Alone and none else)."
(Al-Anbiyaa 21:25)
'Laa ilaaha illalLaah' has great merits and distinctions as it has useful benefits and uncountable generous rewards. It has great rewards that no human has ever imagined. Sufyaan ibn 'Uyaynah said, "Allaah has not bestowed a blessing upon the slaves greater than making them know the word 'Laa ilaaha illalLaah'"
It is the beautiful and the firm word. It is the solid handhold and the statement of piety. Whoever adheres to it is saved and whoever neglects it perishes. The Messenger of Allaah said, "Allaah has forbidden the Fire for the one who said 'Laa ilaaha illalLaah' seeking by that Allaah's countenance." (Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim)
Brethren in Islaam! This great word has its obligations, conditions and implications. Al-Hasan Al-Basree said, "Some people say: whoever says 'Laa ilaaha illalLaah' shall enter Paradise.' [But the truth is that] whoever says 'Laa ilaaha illalLaah' and fulfils its rights and obligations shall enter Paradise."
Someone asked Wahb ibn Munabbih as to whether saying 'Laa ilaaha illalLaah' is the key to Paradise. He answered in the affirmative but added, "There is no key that has no prongs. If you bring a key that has prongs it will open the door for you and if you do not, it will not open the door for you."
It is therefore incumbent upon every Muslim to carry out the meanings of this word through establishing oneness for Allaah alone and rejecting the association of any partners with it.
This statement is not just a meaningless word. It rather has a meaning that is greater than all meanings and words. This is because it entails a fundamental teaching that nothing besides Allaah should be worshiped and that all that is worshiped besides Allaah is the greatest of all falsehoods and the most erroneous of all things.
It is a great word that does not benefit its sayer except if they know its meaning regarding what it affirms and repudiates and they believe in it and work by it. The true believer is the one who says it with a definite belief that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah alone Who is One and has no partner.
It is a statement that demands affirming the worship and sincerity in it for Allaah alone, shunning the worship of all that is beside Him and not to direct any act of worship to others besides Allaah. Allaah says,
"It is You Whom we worship and it is [only] from You that we seek assistance."
(Al-Faatihah 1:5)
'Laa ilaaha illalLaah' consists of a great meaning: It is that the servant should not direct any act of worship, submission or helplessness to anything besides Allaah alone. He does so with a pure monotheism that brings the soul out of the darkness of ignorance and morass of polytheism, and purifies it from the filth of superstitions and delusions. It is a pure monotheism that raises man honourably far from surrendering to any creature whoever he may be. Allaah says,
"And they were commanded not, but that they should worship Allaah, and worship none but Him Alone (abstaining from ascribing partners to Him), and perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât) and give Zakât, and that is the right religion."
(Al-Bayyinah 98:5)
'Laa ilaaha illalLaah' means worshipping Allaah alone and complete renunciation of all that is worshipped besides Him like intercessors and associates, be they noble angels or sent Prophets. Allaah commands,
"Say (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) "Verily, I am commanded to worship Allaah (Alone) by obeying Him and doing religious deeds sincerely for his sake only. And I am commanded (this) in order that I may be the first of those who submit themselves to Allaah (in Islâm) as Muslims." Say (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) "Verily, if I disobey my Lord, I am afraid of the torment of a great Day." Say (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) "Allaah Alone I worship by doing religious deeds sincerely for His sake only (and not to show-off, and not to set up rivals with Him in worship.)"
(Az-Zumar 39:11-14)
It is a word that entails giving all attention to Allaah alone in submission and helplessness, desiring Him, returning to Him in repentance, beseeching Him, having hope in His mercy and fearing His punishment. Those who believe in 'Laa ilaaha illalLaah' do not direct any act of worship to anything besides Allaah. They do not ask anyone except Allaah, they do not rely on anyone except on Him and they do not have hope in anyone except in Him alone. When they slaughter, they do so only for Allaah and when they vow they do so only for Him. They do not seek the removal of any distress and they do not seek any benefit from anyone except Allaah alone. Allaah says,
"Say (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) "Verily, my Salât (prayer), my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allaah, the Lord of the 'Alamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists). He has no partner. And of this I have been commanded, and I am the first of the Muslims."
(Al-An'aam 6:162-163)
Dear brethren! One of the conditions of 'Laa ilaaha illalLaah' is to have the knowledge of its afore-mentioned meanings. Allaah says,
"So know (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) that, Lâ ilâha ill-Allaah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allaah)."
(Muhammad 47:19)
The Messenger of Allaah said, "Whoever dies with knowledge that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah shall enter Paradise." (Muslim)
Another condition for this great word is to believe in it with certainty and with no doubt. Allaah says,
"Only those are the believers who have believed in Allaah and His Messenger, and afterward doubt not."
(Al-Hujuraat 49:15)
The Prophet said, "The testimony that there is no deity worthy of being worshipped except Allaah and that I am the Messenger of Allaah: No slave meets Allaah with this [belief], having no doubt in them except that he enters Paradise." (Muslim)
Another condition of this statement is sincerity that negates shirk and showing-off. That is by purifying all words and deeds from all hidden and apparent blemishes. The Messenger of Allaah said, "The most fortunate of all people in respect to my intercession is the one who says 'Laa ilaaha illalLaah' sincerely from his heart." (Al-Bukhaaree)
Truthfulness in words and deeds and in the heart regarding this word is also one of its conditions. The Prophet said, "No one testifies that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allaah and that Muhammad is the slave of Allaah and His Messenger, truthfully from his heart except that Allaah forbids Hell-Fire for him."
Another condition of this word is the perfect love for Allaah and His Messenger, and for the religion of Islaam and its laws. Allaah says,
"But those who believe, love Allaah more (than anything else)."
(Al-Baqarah 2:165)
One must also accept this word completely with one's heart and through one's utterance. One should have a total and absolute submission for the law of Allaah. Allaah says,
"And whosoever submits his face (himself) to Allaah, while he is a Muhsin (good-doer i.e. performs good deeds totally for Allaah's sake without any show-off or to gain praise or fame and does them in accordance with the Sunnah of Allaah's Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him)) then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold."
(Luqmaan 31:22)
Belief in Islaamic monotheism with the heart should be exemplified through deeds and uprightness. For, pure belief cannot survive without corresponding righteous deeds. Allaah says,
"And who can be better in religion than one who submits his face (himself) to Allaah (i.e. follows Allaah's Religion of Islâmic Monotheism); and he is a good-doer, and follows the religion of Ibrâhîm (Abraham) Hanîfa (Islâmic Monotheism - to worship none but Allaah Alone)."
(An-Nisaa 4:125)
Feelings of the believer in the word 'Laa ilaaha illalLaah' are always connected to his Lord. He carries out His commandments and shuns His prohibitions.
Fellow Muslims! People of 'Laa ilaaha illalLaah' believe that judgment belongs only to Allaah. They believe that He has power over their desires and their souls. Islaam is their law and system. It is the source of their glory and pride. They surrender to their Lord and Creator and submit to His law because the judgment belongs to Allaah alone. Allaah says,
"But no, by your Lord, they can have no Faith, until they make you (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission."
(An-Nisaa 4:65)
Brethren in faith! Muslim countries are now passing through difficult crises and tribulations. All that happens of afflictions are only a trial from Allaah,
"If it had been Allaah's Will, He Himself could certainly have punished them (without you). But (He lets you fight), in order to test some of you with others."
(Muhammad 47:4)
He also says,
"And that Allaah may test (or purify) the believers (from sins) and destroy the disbelievers."
(Aal Imraan 3:141)
Calamities increases the people of 'Laa ilaaha illalLaah' in nothing but faith in Allaah and in His Messenger and steadfastness upon the truth in terms of belief, conduct and way of life.
"But they never lost heart for that which did befall them in Allaah's Way, nor did they weaken nor degrade themselves. And Allaah loves the patient."
(Aal 'Imraan 3:146)
Allaah says,
"But if you remain patient and become pious, not the least harm will their cunning do to you."
(Aal Imraan 3:120)
The people of 'Laa ilaaha illalLaah' know that their renunciation of the obligations of this word is the greatest loss and perdition. They realize that there is no meaningful life for this Ummah without Islaam. The existence of the Ummah is dependent upon this word and its extinction lies in neglecting it.
Fellow Muslims! The real link that connects all Muslims together is the word 'Laa ilaaha illalLaah'. They should therefore base their love upon it and make their society one body and a firmly-joined structure. It is the link of monotheism that renders all other links insignificant. It is a link that weakens all tribal slogans, racial calls and partisan inclinations. It is a link whose essence is to love for your fellow believer what you love for yourself. The Prophet said, "None of you believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself."
He should also dislikes for his brother what he dislikes for himself of all evils. He should share with him his pains and sorrows. The Prophet said, "The [true] Muslim is the one from the harm of whose tongue and hand other Muslims feel safe." (Al-Bukhaaree)
Brethren in Islam! Manners and good conducts are strongly connected to the faith of the Ummah and its fundamentals. They are rather the embodiment of its values. The people of 'Laa ilaaha illalLaah' possess noble morals and unparalleled values. They are compassionate with the creatures. They are generous and kind to all Muslims. Allaah says,
"And do good. Truly, Allaah loves the good-doers."
(Al-Baqarah 2:195)
Allaah also says,
"And speak good to people."
(Al-Baqarah 2:83)
The Messenger of Allaah said, “The similitude of believers in regard to their mutual love, affection and mutual fellow feeling is like that of one body; when any limb of it aches, the whole body shares the sleeplessness and fever with it.”
The people of 'Laa ilaaha illalLaah' are just, fair and reforming. That is why any behaviour that is unjust, cruel, harmful and unwise has nothing to do with Islaam, according to Ibn Al-Qayyim. Allaah says,
"Verily, Allaah enjoins Al-'dl (i.e. justice and worshipping none but Allaah Alone - Islâmic Monotheism) and Al-Ihsân (i.e. to be patient in performing your duties to Allaah, totally for Allaah's sake and in accordance with the Sunnah (legal ways) of the Prophet (peace be upon him in a perfect manner), and giving (help) to kith and kin (i.e. all that Allaah has ordered you to give them e.g., wealth, visiting, looking after them, or any other kind of help), and forbids Al-Fahshâ' (i.e. all evil deeds, e.g. illegal sexual acts, disobedience of parents, polytheism, to tell lies, to give false witness, to kill a life without right), and Al-Munkar (i.e. all that is prohibited by Islâmic law: polytheism of every kind, disbelief and every kind of evil deeds), and Al-Baghy (i.e. all kinds of oppression), He admonishes you, that you may take heed."
(An-Nahl 16:90)
Fellow Muslims! It is part of the belief of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah to regard all those who face the qiblah as Muslims as long as they acknowledge what the Prophet brought and believe in all that he said. The Messenger of Allaah said, "Anyone who performs the prayer as we do, faces our qiblah and eat our slaughtering is a Muslim. He is under the protection of Allaah and the protection of His Messenger. So do not betray Allaah in His protection." (Al-Bukhaaree)
Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah do not declare anybody an infidel for whatever sin they commit as long as they do no regard it as lawful. It is a great calumny to declare a Muslim a disbeliever without a proof from the Qur'aan or the Sunnah or the consensus of the authorized Muslims. The Messenger of Allaah said, "If someone calls his brother a disbeliever, one of them has really become a disbeliever. It is either the accused is actually a disbeliever or else the accusation rebounds to the accuser." (Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim)
The scholars' have different explanations for the clause, 'or else the accusation rebounds to the accuser'. The most popular of these is that it only applies to someone who declares other Muslims as infidels and believes that doing so is lawful.
Some said, "The sin of calling his brother will rebound on him."
Some said, "Doing so may lead him to disbelief because sins are harbingers of disbelief."
Brethren in faith! 'Laa ilaaha illalLaah' is a great word that protects the blood, property and honour of its sayer. The Messenger of Allaah said, "The blood of a Muslim who testifies that there is no deity worthy of being worshipped except Allaah and that I am the Messenger of Allaah should not be shed except on account of one of the following three things: a married person who commits adultery, a life for a life and the one who renounces his religion and abandons the community of the Muslims." (Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim)
Muslim reported on the authority of Usaamah ibn Zayd who said, "The Messenger of Allaah sent us to Huraqah, a tribe of Juhaynah. We attacked that tribe early in the morning and defeated them and I and a man from the Ansaar caught hold of a person (of the defeated tribe). When we overcame him, he said: Laa ilaaha illaa Allaah. At that moment the Ansaari spared him, but I attacked him with my spear and killed him. The news had already reached the Prophet (peace be upon him). So when we came back he said to me: "Usaamah, did you kill him after he had said Laa ilaaha illaa Allaah? I said, "Messenger of Allah, he did it only as a shelter out of the fear of the weapon." He (the Prophet) then observed, "Did you tear his heart in order to know that?'' The Prophet then went on repeating this to me."
In another version of the hadeeth, the Messenger of Allaah told him, "What are you going to do with 'Laa ilaaha illaa Allaah' when it comes on the Day of Resurrection?"
It is on account of this that he warned whoever takes arm against the Muslims saying, "Whoever takes arms against us is not of us.
Dear brethren! Fear Allaah and adhere by the realities of 'Laa ilaaha illaa Allaah'. Respect its obligations and conditions in order to attain safety and success.
Shaykh Husayn Aal Sheikh
26, Dhul-Qa'dah 1425 (7, January 2005)
All praise is due to Allaah, Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon the Messenger, his household and companions.
Brethren in faith! The greatest thing in this life is to actualize worship for Allaah alone. Tawheed is the greatest goal. The word, 'Laa ilaaha illalLaah' is the essence of the call of the Messengers. Allaah says,
"And We did not send any Messenger before you (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) but We revealed to him (saying): Lâ ilâha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I (Allaah)) so worship Me (Alone and none else)."
(Al-Anbiyaa 21:25)
'Laa ilaaha illalLaah' has great merits and distinctions as it has useful benefits and uncountable generous rewards. It has great rewards that no human has ever imagined. Sufyaan ibn 'Uyaynah said, "Allaah has not bestowed a blessing upon the slaves greater than making them know the word 'Laa ilaaha illalLaah'"
It is the beautiful and the firm word. It is the solid handhold and the statement of piety. Whoever adheres to it is saved and whoever neglects it perishes. The Messenger of Allaah said, "Allaah has forbidden the Fire for the one who said 'Laa ilaaha illalLaah' seeking by that Allaah's countenance." (Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim)
Brethren in Islaam! This great word has its obligations, conditions and implications. Al-Hasan Al-Basree said, "Some people say: whoever says 'Laa ilaaha illalLaah' shall enter Paradise.' [But the truth is that] whoever says 'Laa ilaaha illalLaah' and fulfils its rights and obligations shall enter Paradise."
Someone asked Wahb ibn Munabbih as to whether saying 'Laa ilaaha illalLaah' is the key to Paradise. He answered in the affirmative but added, "There is no key that has no prongs. If you bring a key that has prongs it will open the door for you and if you do not, it will not open the door for you."
It is therefore incumbent upon every Muslim to carry out the meanings of this word through establishing oneness for Allaah alone and rejecting the association of any partners with it.
This statement is not just a meaningless word. It rather has a meaning that is greater than all meanings and words. This is because it entails a fundamental teaching that nothing besides Allaah should be worshiped and that all that is worshiped besides Allaah is the greatest of all falsehoods and the most erroneous of all things.
It is a great word that does not benefit its sayer except if they know its meaning regarding what it affirms and repudiates and they believe in it and work by it. The true believer is the one who says it with a definite belief that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah alone Who is One and has no partner.
It is a statement that demands affirming the worship and sincerity in it for Allaah alone, shunning the worship of all that is beside Him and not to direct any act of worship to others besides Allaah. Allaah says,
"It is You Whom we worship and it is [only] from You that we seek assistance."
(Al-Faatihah 1:5)
'Laa ilaaha illalLaah' consists of a great meaning: It is that the servant should not direct any act of worship, submission or helplessness to anything besides Allaah alone. He does so with a pure monotheism that brings the soul out of the darkness of ignorance and morass of polytheism, and purifies it from the filth of superstitions and delusions. It is a pure monotheism that raises man honourably far from surrendering to any creature whoever he may be. Allaah says,
"And they were commanded not, but that they should worship Allaah, and worship none but Him Alone (abstaining from ascribing partners to Him), and perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât) and give Zakât, and that is the right religion."
(Al-Bayyinah 98:5)
'Laa ilaaha illalLaah' means worshipping Allaah alone and complete renunciation of all that is worshipped besides Him like intercessors and associates, be they noble angels or sent Prophets. Allaah commands,
"Say (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) "Verily, I am commanded to worship Allaah (Alone) by obeying Him and doing religious deeds sincerely for his sake only. And I am commanded (this) in order that I may be the first of those who submit themselves to Allaah (in Islâm) as Muslims." Say (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) "Verily, if I disobey my Lord, I am afraid of the torment of a great Day." Say (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) "Allaah Alone I worship by doing religious deeds sincerely for His sake only (and not to show-off, and not to set up rivals with Him in worship.)"
(Az-Zumar 39:11-14)
It is a word that entails giving all attention to Allaah alone in submission and helplessness, desiring Him, returning to Him in repentance, beseeching Him, having hope in His mercy and fearing His punishment. Those who believe in 'Laa ilaaha illalLaah' do not direct any act of worship to anything besides Allaah. They do not ask anyone except Allaah, they do not rely on anyone except on Him and they do not have hope in anyone except in Him alone. When they slaughter, they do so only for Allaah and when they vow they do so only for Him. They do not seek the removal of any distress and they do not seek any benefit from anyone except Allaah alone. Allaah says,
"Say (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) "Verily, my Salât (prayer), my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allaah, the Lord of the 'Alamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists). He has no partner. And of this I have been commanded, and I am the first of the Muslims."
(Al-An'aam 6:162-163)
Dear brethren! One of the conditions of 'Laa ilaaha illalLaah' is to have the knowledge of its afore-mentioned meanings. Allaah says,
"So know (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) that, Lâ ilâha ill-Allaah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allaah)."
(Muhammad 47:19)
The Messenger of Allaah said, "Whoever dies with knowledge that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah shall enter Paradise." (Muslim)
Another condition for this great word is to believe in it with certainty and with no doubt. Allaah says,
"Only those are the believers who have believed in Allaah and His Messenger, and afterward doubt not."
(Al-Hujuraat 49:15)
The Prophet said, "The testimony that there is no deity worthy of being worshipped except Allaah and that I am the Messenger of Allaah: No slave meets Allaah with this [belief], having no doubt in them except that he enters Paradise." (Muslim)
Another condition of this statement is sincerity that negates shirk and showing-off. That is by purifying all words and deeds from all hidden and apparent blemishes. The Messenger of Allaah said, "The most fortunate of all people in respect to my intercession is the one who says 'Laa ilaaha illalLaah' sincerely from his heart." (Al-Bukhaaree)
Truthfulness in words and deeds and in the heart regarding this word is also one of its conditions. The Prophet said, "No one testifies that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allaah and that Muhammad is the slave of Allaah and His Messenger, truthfully from his heart except that Allaah forbids Hell-Fire for him."
Another condition of this word is the perfect love for Allaah and His Messenger, and for the religion of Islaam and its laws. Allaah says,
"But those who believe, love Allaah more (than anything else)."
(Al-Baqarah 2:165)
One must also accept this word completely with one's heart and through one's utterance. One should have a total and absolute submission for the law of Allaah. Allaah says,
"And whosoever submits his face (himself) to Allaah, while he is a Muhsin (good-doer i.e. performs good deeds totally for Allaah's sake without any show-off or to gain praise or fame and does them in accordance with the Sunnah of Allaah's Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him)) then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold."
(Luqmaan 31:22)
Belief in Islaamic monotheism with the heart should be exemplified through deeds and uprightness. For, pure belief cannot survive without corresponding righteous deeds. Allaah says,
"And who can be better in religion than one who submits his face (himself) to Allaah (i.e. follows Allaah's Religion of Islâmic Monotheism); and he is a good-doer, and follows the religion of Ibrâhîm (Abraham) Hanîfa (Islâmic Monotheism - to worship none but Allaah Alone)."
(An-Nisaa 4:125)
Feelings of the believer in the word 'Laa ilaaha illalLaah' are always connected to his Lord. He carries out His commandments and shuns His prohibitions.
Fellow Muslims! People of 'Laa ilaaha illalLaah' believe that judgment belongs only to Allaah. They believe that He has power over their desires and their souls. Islaam is their law and system. It is the source of their glory and pride. They surrender to their Lord and Creator and submit to His law because the judgment belongs to Allaah alone. Allaah says,
"But no, by your Lord, they can have no Faith, until they make you (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission."
(An-Nisaa 4:65)
Brethren in faith! Muslim countries are now passing through difficult crises and tribulations. All that happens of afflictions are only a trial from Allaah,
"If it had been Allaah's Will, He Himself could certainly have punished them (without you). But (He lets you fight), in order to test some of you with others."
(Muhammad 47:4)
He also says,
"And that Allaah may test (or purify) the believers (from sins) and destroy the disbelievers."
(Aal Imraan 3:141)
Calamities increases the people of 'Laa ilaaha illalLaah' in nothing but faith in Allaah and in His Messenger and steadfastness upon the truth in terms of belief, conduct and way of life.
"But they never lost heart for that which did befall them in Allaah's Way, nor did they weaken nor degrade themselves. And Allaah loves the patient."
(Aal 'Imraan 3:146)
Allaah says,
"But if you remain patient and become pious, not the least harm will their cunning do to you."
(Aal Imraan 3:120)
The people of 'Laa ilaaha illalLaah' know that their renunciation of the obligations of this word is the greatest loss and perdition. They realize that there is no meaningful life for this Ummah without Islaam. The existence of the Ummah is dependent upon this word and its extinction lies in neglecting it.
Fellow Muslims! The real link that connects all Muslims together is the word 'Laa ilaaha illalLaah'. They should therefore base their love upon it and make their society one body and a firmly-joined structure. It is the link of monotheism that renders all other links insignificant. It is a link that weakens all tribal slogans, racial calls and partisan inclinations. It is a link whose essence is to love for your fellow believer what you love for yourself. The Prophet said, "None of you believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself."
He should also dislikes for his brother what he dislikes for himself of all evils. He should share with him his pains and sorrows. The Prophet said, "The [true] Muslim is the one from the harm of whose tongue and hand other Muslims feel safe." (Al-Bukhaaree)
Brethren in Islam! Manners and good conducts are strongly connected to the faith of the Ummah and its fundamentals. They are rather the embodiment of its values. The people of 'Laa ilaaha illalLaah' possess noble morals and unparalleled values. They are compassionate with the creatures. They are generous and kind to all Muslims. Allaah says,
"And do good. Truly, Allaah loves the good-doers."
(Al-Baqarah 2:195)
Allaah also says,
"And speak good to people."
(Al-Baqarah 2:83)
The Messenger of Allaah said, “The similitude of believers in regard to their mutual love, affection and mutual fellow feeling is like that of one body; when any limb of it aches, the whole body shares the sleeplessness and fever with it.”
The people of 'Laa ilaaha illalLaah' are just, fair and reforming. That is why any behaviour that is unjust, cruel, harmful and unwise has nothing to do with Islaam, according to Ibn Al-Qayyim. Allaah says,
"Verily, Allaah enjoins Al-'dl (i.e. justice and worshipping none but Allaah Alone - Islâmic Monotheism) and Al-Ihsân (i.e. to be patient in performing your duties to Allaah, totally for Allaah's sake and in accordance with the Sunnah (legal ways) of the Prophet (peace be upon him in a perfect manner), and giving (help) to kith and kin (i.e. all that Allaah has ordered you to give them e.g., wealth, visiting, looking after them, or any other kind of help), and forbids Al-Fahshâ' (i.e. all evil deeds, e.g. illegal sexual acts, disobedience of parents, polytheism, to tell lies, to give false witness, to kill a life without right), and Al-Munkar (i.e. all that is prohibited by Islâmic law: polytheism of every kind, disbelief and every kind of evil deeds), and Al-Baghy (i.e. all kinds of oppression), He admonishes you, that you may take heed."
(An-Nahl 16:90)
Fellow Muslims! It is part of the belief of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah to regard all those who face the qiblah as Muslims as long as they acknowledge what the Prophet brought and believe in all that he said. The Messenger of Allaah said, "Anyone who performs the prayer as we do, faces our qiblah and eat our slaughtering is a Muslim. He is under the protection of Allaah and the protection of His Messenger. So do not betray Allaah in His protection." (Al-Bukhaaree)
Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah do not declare anybody an infidel for whatever sin they commit as long as they do no regard it as lawful. It is a great calumny to declare a Muslim a disbeliever without a proof from the Qur'aan or the Sunnah or the consensus of the authorized Muslims. The Messenger of Allaah said, "If someone calls his brother a disbeliever, one of them has really become a disbeliever. It is either the accused is actually a disbeliever or else the accusation rebounds to the accuser." (Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim)
The scholars' have different explanations for the clause, 'or else the accusation rebounds to the accuser'. The most popular of these is that it only applies to someone who declares other Muslims as infidels and believes that doing so is lawful.
Some said, "The sin of calling his brother will rebound on him."
Some said, "Doing so may lead him to disbelief because sins are harbingers of disbelief."
Brethren in faith! 'Laa ilaaha illalLaah' is a great word that protects the blood, property and honour of its sayer. The Messenger of Allaah said, "The blood of a Muslim who testifies that there is no deity worthy of being worshipped except Allaah and that I am the Messenger of Allaah should not be shed except on account of one of the following three things: a married person who commits adultery, a life for a life and the one who renounces his religion and abandons the community of the Muslims." (Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim)
Muslim reported on the authority of Usaamah ibn Zayd who said, "The Messenger of Allaah sent us to Huraqah, a tribe of Juhaynah. We attacked that tribe early in the morning and defeated them and I and a man from the Ansaar caught hold of a person (of the defeated tribe). When we overcame him, he said: Laa ilaaha illaa Allaah. At that moment the Ansaari spared him, but I attacked him with my spear and killed him. The news had already reached the Prophet (peace be upon him). So when we came back he said to me: "Usaamah, did you kill him after he had said Laa ilaaha illaa Allaah? I said, "Messenger of Allah, he did it only as a shelter out of the fear of the weapon." He (the Prophet) then observed, "Did you tear his heart in order to know that?'' The Prophet then went on repeating this to me."
In another version of the hadeeth, the Messenger of Allaah told him, "What are you going to do with 'Laa ilaaha illaa Allaah' when it comes on the Day of Resurrection?"
It is on account of this that he warned whoever takes arm against the Muslims saying, "Whoever takes arms against us is not of us.
Dear brethren! Fear Allaah and adhere by the realities of 'Laa ilaaha illaa Allaah'. Respect its obligations and conditions in order to attain safety and success.