Innalhamdulillah... Truth Seeker each time I read your post, i tend to get confused....YOur one confusing fellow my friend.... Let me explain few things to you.... Allah said:"Who has created death and life, that He may test you which of you is best in deed. And He is the All-Mighty, the Oft-Forgiving;"(67:2) "Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: "We believe," and will not be tested".(29:2) "And We indeed tested those who were before them. And Allâh will certainly make (it) known (the truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make (it) known (the falsehood of) those who are liars, (although Allâh knows all that before putting them to test)".(29:3) From just these two Ayats, its evident that Life is a test....YOur not going to say I believe and then be provided with a confortable life and enter Jannah...Rather Allah will test you with Wealth...Society...your family...your rulers...etc....all as a means of testing the believers..... Thus the people have been test with Wealth...and According to the prophet They people fell in Love with the World....and Allah placed weakness in their hearts There is this beautiful Kutbah(speech) by the Prophet(saas) about loving this world....and the consequences of loving this world....but its too long to type it....in summary he(saas)" Do not excessively build a life that Allah has decided is bound to be in destruction, and do not recline to it or like it. Verly Allah has ordained on you that you should avoid its dangers. Otherwise you will expose yourselves to his anger and justifiably earn his punishment. "Whatever of good reaches you, is from Allâh, but whatever of evil befalls you, is from yourself."(4:79) And akhee ONly Allah can change the condition of the people...but allah has put a condition on the people... He said" Allah does not change the condition of the people until they change what is in themselves" thus if you want an islamic state....and all that other stuff....this can only be done when you change within.mmeaning learn your deen and implement it in all your affairs...then Allah will provide you with what you require..ie islamic state! unfortunetely we dont see this change...

Innalhamdulillah.... Truth Seeker did u actually read the whole article as for your question: The question then needs to be asked why have the Muslims foresaken their deen? We have many problems but what you need to continually ask Why? Why? Why? only then will you come to the true root of the problem rather than the symptoms. It is this root that needs solving. Response: he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: " The nations will soon gather up and call upon each other to gather up against you just as the diners call upon each other to the dining plate." The Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: " Certainly not, in fact, you would be numerous, but you would be like the foam of the ocean. And certainly Allaah would remove the fear of you from the hearts of your enemies, and He would certainly cast weakness into your hearts ." Someone asked: 'What is this weakness?' He (sallAllaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied: "Love for the worldly life and hatred for death." Truth Seeker didnt the Messenger of Allah(saas) give us a valid explanation?

Innalhamdulillah.... Akhil-Karim I think you missed the point of the noble shaykh….inshallah let me summarize few of his points… The Shaykh is pointing to the fact that the Muslim have forsaken their deen …for not implimenting the teachings of the Kitab and Sunnah in their daily lifes….and as a result they earned Allah’s anger….and therefore we are humiliated….. then the Noble Shaykh gives us few points on how to recover…. Let me see if I can pick up few of his statements for you…. There are even others who swear by other than Allaah. All of these things are considered Shirk and they are forms of Shirk which are widespread today amongst the Muslims In addition, among the major sins is the drinking of alcohol, the women displaying themselves, the building of mosques on gravesites and many, many more. 'The Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: "You would most certainly follow the ways of those who preceded you so completely and so literally, that even if they enter the hole of a Dabb (mastigure or lizard), you too would enter into it behind them." Among the things which are also widespread today, is the selling of goods on installments at an increase upon the cash price We have now discarded Jihaad with our persons and resorted only to Jihaad with our wealth due to its prevalence amongst us and to Jihaad with our tongues due to the ease of doing so The reason is that we have changed the blessings of Allaah. We have replaced them and have taken to worldly strives. Whoever introduces an innovation into Islaam and thinks that it is good, then he has indeed claimed that Muhammad (sallAllaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) was deceitful in conveying his message ".So what about us today? We have gone so far away from Islaam - not only in those things that we call the Sunnah, which is contradicted by Innovation. In fact, we have drifted totally away from Islaam. These are just a few of the calamies the shaykh Cites as the cause of our humilatation….. Then the Shaykh gives the remedy….he quotes the Prophet(saas)…”Until you return to your deen” what does this mean….it literally mean to learn the religion and then implement it in your lives… but how….he explains how…(ie..following the deen according Salaf us Salih..taribiyah & tasfiyyah..etc).so akhee please read it again...thoroughly.. Also the shaykh illustrates the nations before us...they cheated their religion...and then they were punished severely.... So are we any different? there is that Ayah...'Allah does not change the condition of the people until they change themselves" and this means only when you learn the religion and then implement it in your lifes...that is the remedy akhi.... The reason why i posted this is to show....that the Muslim are the cause of their ruin.

Innalhamdullah... akhee baarakallahu feekum...as for the question whether there were other creatures on Earth before Adaam(as)....inshallah i hope you find confort in this response. Allah the Almighty revealed: Remember when your Lord said to the angels: 'Verily, I am going to place mankind generations after generations on earth.' They said: 'Will You place therein those who will make mischief therein and shed blood, while we glorify You with praises and thanks (exalted be You above all that they associate with You as partners) and sanctify You.' Allah said: 'I know that which you do not know.' According to Ibn Qatadah(rahimullah), it was said that the angels were informed about the creation of Adam and his progency by the jinn who lived before Adam. Abdullah Ibn Umar(radiyallahu Anhum) said that the jinn had existed for about 2000 years before Adam and then shed blood....as we know jinns & humans are the only creatures with free will. Therefore Allah sent on them an army of angels that drove them out to the depths of the seas. Ibn Abi Hatim narrated from Ali jafar Al Baqer that the angels were informed that man would cause wickedness and shed blood on earth. Ma3salam

The Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) did not relate to us this story of the Jews' making the fat lawful by this trick, nor did Allaah relate to us the story of the Jews and their trickery in catching fish on Saturday by trapping them in the bay as has been mentioned in some exegesis of the Qur’aan - Allaah and his Messenger (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) did not relate to us these stories as mere events in History, but indeed they related it for the very reason that is mentioned by Allaah in the Qur’aan: "Indeed in their stories there is a lesson for men of understanding." [soorah Yoosuf 12:166] The lesson therefore, in these two stories - the story of the Jews and the fish and that of the Jews with the fat - is that we should not fall into what they fall into by devising tricks to get around what Allaah has prohibited. ‘Eenah transactions therefore, were made unlawful by the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) so that the Muslims do not fall into devising tricks to get around the unlawfulness of ribaa - the picture of which is to take a loan of less than you are required to repay - by disguising it opnely behind the guise of sale as the Jews disguised the fat when they changed its shape. When I say these things however, I am aware that there are many scholars who have agreed that ’eenah trading transactions are unlawful. There are others too, who because they may not have heard the Hadeeth, or they do not think that it is an authentic Hadeeth - because the science of Hadeeth is not their field of specialization - they say this type of trading is permissible due to the use of the term 'trade' in these transactions. The people of knowledge, however know that the mere presence of the word 'trade' in this transaction does not make it trade, except that it is not unlawful legally. If we go back to the Hadeeth, we see that the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) mentioned ’eenah trading as the first of a number of illnesses which would befall the Muslims. Amongst these illnesses are: the love of the worldly things and the abandonment of Jihaad in the cause of Allaah. We must therefore learn from this Hadeeth, and not fall into that against which we were warned, nor into those diseases which the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) mentioned. That is, if we want to return to the position that our Lord wants for us. As He says: "But honour belongs to Allaah, His Messenger (Muhammad) and to the Believers." [sooratul-Munaafiqoon 63:8] This is what I want to say in answer to these questions… We ask Allaah to allow us and you all to understand Islaam properly - in the light of the Qur’aan and the Sunnah and the understanding of the Salaf. And we ask Him to grant us all - both the rulers and the ruled - the success of working by this Islaam. I ask Allaah, for He is al-Ahad (the One), as-Samad (the Self-Sufficient). He who begets not, nor was begotten and there is none comparable to him - to accept our supplication and to give us victory over our enemies. Verily He is the all-Hearing, the One Able to Answer. And all praise is due to Allaah. Baarakallahu feeekum(May Allah bless you all) ameen

By combining these two issues which the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) warned, we would be able to understand the remedy which the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) prescribed as the cure for the ills that have befallen us from all sides. This is in reference to the first point about purification. 2 The second point to which we refer is training (tarbiyah) - after the scholars have done the necessary purification - and I have already explained what I mean by this. They must accompany this purification with training their families and their dependants in accordance with this pure Islaam. This is also so as not to become from amongst those who do not practice what they preach. Indeed our Lord has said: "O you who believe! Why do you say that which you do not do. Most hateful in the Sight of Allaah is that you say that which you do not do." [sooratus-Saff 61:2-3] For this reason we see the severe warning to those who do not work according to their knowledge. For the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) has mentioned in a Hadeeth: "Give glad tidings to this Ummah that it would rise up and be established in the land. So whoever does a deed of the Hereafter for a worldly benefit, he has no portion in the Hereafter." [42] I want - at the conclusion of this speech - to explain that in the pathway to progress we must avoid the unlawful acts which you all know for certain like some of the examples we mentioned before, such as Shirk, murder, Ribaa and so on. I would like to discuss in particular, the first disease which the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) mentioned in the Hadeeth of ’eenah trading transactions. This is because this disease is widespread in some countries and most of the people are as the Lord of the worlds says: "They do not know…" ‘Eenah trading is a type of transaction that involves Ribaa which is unlawful. There are unfortunately some people who conduct this type of business upon the presumption that it is legally permissible. ‘Eenah trading is known to the scholars and it derives its name from ‘ayn meaning an object or actual thing. A person - Mr. B - comes to a car merchant - Mr. C - for example and inquires about then buys a car. He buys this car upon installments, not cash, - for, say twenty thousand dollars. Mr. B who has just purchased this car upon installments, then returns to the merchant - Mr. C - form whom he bought the car and offers to sell it for cash. Mr. C - realizes that Mr. B does not want a car, rather he wants money. So, the two men now agree upon a cash price for the car of - let’s say eighteen thousand dollars. Thus Mr. B who purchased the car for installments has just resold it for eighteen thousand dollars. Mr. B now goes away having a debt of twenty thousand dollars, when in fact he has only taken eighteen thousand dollars. This type of transaction in the ‘eenah trading that the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) prohibited. So it is very clear to those who do not follow their vain desires or at least do not follow ‘eenah trading transactions. The true picture behind this type of transactions is that the borrower gets less than is recorded against him. There is no difference in this in which ribaa is disguised as trade and if he had gone and said: 'Lend me eighteen thousand dollars and I will give you back twenty thousand dollars. And why is this so? Because the borrower receives less cash than what he is required to repay. Then what is the difference between this and ‘eenah trading? This sale here was only used as a means of making ribaa permissible. This is exactly what the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) warned us against in some hadeeths which were mentioned before. That is, his (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) prohibiting us from following in the footsteps of those who went before us. He singled out the Jews specifically. For Allaah made fat unlawful for them, as the Lord of the Worlds said in the Qur’aan: "Due to the wrongdoings of the Jews, we made them unlawful for them certain good things which had been previously made lawful for them." [sooratun-Nisaa’ 4:160] We made unlawful for them some good things which had previously been made lawful for them. Amongst these good things which were made unlawful by this Qur’aanic injunction was fat - as was mentioned before in the Hadeeth: "Allaah has cursed the Jews, for the fat (of animals) was made unlawful for them, yet they melted it. Sold it and benefited from its receipts. And indeed if Allaah makes the eating of anything unlawful for a people, he also makes unlawful the receipts from its sale." [43] Here we find that the Jews have played with a legal ruling - the prohibition of eating fat. Allaah is all-Knowing and all-Wise. Due to the wrongdoings of the Jews, He made fat unlawful for them. When a Jew killed a fat sheep, he would only eat the red meat and throw away the fat in keeping with the injunction of Allaah. But they did not have patience with this legal ruling. So they devised a trick to make the fat lawful. They therefore melted the fat - this is what is meant by "so they disguised it". They melted it by placing it in pots and lighting fire below it. The fat therefore, took a different shape. The Shaytaan (devil) whispered to the Jews and made this act seem pleasing to them, that the fat had now changed from being fat. They full well knew that it was still fat in its nature, composition and taste. Then it was merely the shape that was changed - in order to eat it - as is said in some countries. By this change however, they made lawful what Allaah had made unlawful.

This is also why some scholars of Hadeeth have said: "Al-Isnaad (the chain of narrators) is an essential part of the Religion. Had it not been for the Isnaad, anyone would have said whatever he wished." [34] This is a matter about which there is consensus amongst the scholars in theory. I know fully well what I mean when I say 'in theory.' That is because I must mention a bitter truth. In practice, the scholars did not pay much attention to this Isnaad as they should have done. Indeed only a small group of scholars paid attention to it. Some of them were: the Imaam, Ahmad Ibn Hanbal [35], the Imaam Yahyaa Ibn Ma‘een [36], ‘Alee Ibnul-Madeenee [37] and their students such as Imaam al-Bukhaaree [38] and Muslim [39] and others from amongst the scholars of Hadeeth, critics and those who gave character appraisals of the narrators of Hadeeth. This being the case, it follows that these are the ones upon whom one must rely in order to fulfill this task of purification of the Sunnah - to which we must return - after cleansing. The books of the Sunnah today are widely available. This is due to Allaah’s complete care and concern for the Muslim community - and in keeping with this promise - He mentions in the Qur’aan: "Verily, We have sent down the remembrance (dhikr) and surely We will preserve it." [sooratul-Hijr 15:9] On this occasion I must make a point. This noble aayah, when it states that "We have sent down the Dhikr and we shall surely protect it." Some people who do not specialize in the Sunnah, nor do they give it much credit are of the wrong opinion that the protection granted here encompasses the Qur’aan only. Let me say, yes Allaah has mentioned the dhikr in this aayah, for He has promised to preserve the words and letters of the Qur’aan. He has however, guarded its meanings by the Sunnah of His Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). The true accomplishment of this purification in not possible therefore, except through the scholars of Hadeeth. Consequently, the understanding of the Qur’aan cannot be established, except through this purified Sunnah. If not, the Muslims will fall into what those before, like the groups other than the Saved Sect, fell into. This is because the Qur’aan is as ‘Umar Ibnul-Khattaab (radiyallaahu ‘anhu) said: "The Qur’aan can be interpreted in many different ways." This is why Allaah stated: "And We have sent down to you the remembrance (dhikr), so that you may explain to the people what has been sent down to them." [sooratun-Nahl 16:44] We have sent down the Dhikr to you, O Muhammad, that you may explain to the people with your Sunnah, what has been sent down to them. This verse therefore, points to there being an explainer and a thing explained. The things explained in the revealed Qur’aan, which is referred to as the Dhikr and the explainer is the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) who is spoken to in this statement. There is no way for the Qur’aan to be understood except through the Sunnah - the authentic Sunnah. That is why the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) warned against two things, in order to fulfill this explanation in a true and correct manner. The first thing against which he warned his followers against is the reporting of things of him that he did not say: "Whoever deliberately lies upon me, then surely let him occupy his seat in the Fire." In another narration it states: Whoever says about me something which I did not say, then surely let him occupy his seat in the Fire." [40] This is the first issue against which the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) warned his followers. The second issue which the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) brought to the attention of his followers is that it is obligatory to refer to the Sunnah just as one refers to the Qur’aan. That is why the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: "I certainly do not want to find any one of you reclining upon his couch and saying that when there comes to you a command that I gave or something which I have prohibited: 'I do not know. What we have found lawful in the Book of Allaah, we accept it as lawful and what we have found in it to be unlawful, we accept it as unlawful.'"

This statement pleases us much. However, we are not pleased with those who are affiliated with the one who advocated these words. This is because they do not pay much attention to it, nor do they place any importance upon its implementation. So doing that requires a great effort on their part. It requires that they return to the Qur‘aan and the Hadeeth of the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) as they were understood by our righteous predecessors. So I say that the return to the Religion - which is the remedy needed to cure what has befallen the Muslims today requires two things from us. I call them: at-Tasfiyah (Purification) at-Tarbiyah. When I say 'tasfiyah', I mean that it is incumbent upon the scholars or the learned who wish to implement the correct system of understanding Islaam as it was understood by the righteous predecessors, that they should all work towards cleansing this Islaam. Cleansing it from that which entered into it and of that which it has no part. Indeed it is as free of things as the wolf was from the blood of Ya‘qoob’s son [29] as they say. Then they should call to this. Whether it be in matters of belief (‘aqeedah), laws about which there are many differences of opinion, or character or behviour. Purification of the Religion must take place in all aspects of this Islaam that Allaah completed for us, as we mentioned previously, and which we re-emphasize with the Hadeeth of the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam): "I did not neglect anything by which you would draw closer to Allaah and keep far away from the Hellfire, except that I ordered you to do it. And I did not neglect anything which would keep you far away from Allaah and draw you closer to the Fire, except that I prevented you from doing it." [30] For those wishing to follow this correct path, something must be made clear. Many of the scholars of the past and the present are aware that a lot of things entered into the Sunnah, or which it has no part. This occurred even in the first century when some deviant sects started raising their voices and calling to that which contradicted the Qur’aan and the Sunnah by following their vain desires. One of the Khawaarij [31] for example, after being guided by Allaah to the Sunnah said: 'Look carefully at where you take your Religion, for if we liked something we used to make it a Hadeeth.' For this reason, Ibn Sireen said: "Pay attention to where you take your Religion from." [32] This statement has been reported as a hadeeth of the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), but in fact, it is not a hadeeth, for the chain of narrators stops at Ibn Sireen

Today unfortunately, we have not seen those groups and parties agreeing with us in administering this cure. For there is no remedy for the Muslims to return to their pride and strength, except through their return to their Religion. This point is a point about which no one from amongst the Muslims disputes. This is so regardless of his alliances and regardless of his affiliation to a particular group, or regardless of his particular school of law. The dispute arises however, in the understanding of the Religion. As I have mentioned before, there are two schools of thought, that of the Salaf and that of the khalaf. The Salaf never disputed nor disagreed about the fundamentals of the Religion. They never disputed that fact that in times of dispute, the matter is referred to the Qur‘aan and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). Therefore, they sort their judgements from these two sources and they submitted totally to these judgements as we have mentioned in the previous Qur‘aanic verse. Differences occurred amongst them primarily due to what I have mentioned previously, which is that a Hadeeth of the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) may not have reached one of them. So he may act as he sees fit based upon the knowledge that he has. Thus he may fall into unintentional error at times. This is why the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said in an authentic hadeeth: "If an arbitrator gives a verdict based upon his personal reasoning (ijtihaad) and he is correct in that verdict, then he receives two rewards. And if he makes an error then he receives only one." [27] Therefore it is compulsory that the Muslims return back to this principle about which there should be no difference of opinion. I mean the principle of following the Qur‘aan and the Sunnah upon the understanding of the righteous predecessors. If we agree to return to this system, and use it as our course of action and methodology and if we agree to cooperate, firstly in understanding this methodology and secondly upon the implementation of it, then there comes something of extreme importance which is the summary of the answer to the question about the path to progress. It is compulsory upon all of the Muslims today to first have a proper understanding of their Religion, then to implement it correctly, each person according to his ability. The rulers are different from the ruled. The rulers have the highest authority, while the authority of the ruled is limited. If both the rulers and the ruled take up their responsibility therefore, firstly understanding Islaam correctly, then secondly implementing this Islaam totally - each according to his ability, as I said before - I believe that one day the Believers will rejoice due to the victory to Allaah. I see many Islaamic Du’aat (callers to Islaam) who constantly call upon the governments to rule in accordance with what Allaah has sent down - and this is a genuine call without a doubt. For Allaah has said: "And whoever does not rule by what Allaah has revealed, then these are the disbelievers." [sooratul-Maa‘idah 5:44] And in another statement: "…then these are the rebellious." [sooratul-Maa’idah 5:47] And in yet another statement: "…such are the oppressors." [sooratul-Maa’idah 5:45] It is true that the governments should rule by the implementation of Islaam and their constitutions, laws and upon their people. This is true and compulsory. However, we would like to remind those individuals who are calling to this statement, that they should not forget their own selves. As Allaah states: "O you who believe! Take care of your own selves, no harm can come to you from those who have gone astray if you follow right guidance." [sooratul-Maa‘idah 5:105] So it is obligatory upon every Muslim to truly understand Islaam and enjoin it to the best of his ability upon himself and upon those whom he has responsibility and authority. So the Messenger of Allaah has said: "You are all guardians and responsible for your wards and things under your care." [28] The man therefore is a guardian and is responsible for his dependants. The woman is also responsible and a guardian over her dependants and so on. Some of the du’aat refer to this self-training by this statement which was made by one of them: 'Establish the Islaamic state in your heart and it will be established for you upon your land.' I repeat: 'Establish the Islaamic state in your heart and it will be established for you upon your land .'

Then Imaam ash-Shaatibee said: "We used to use this authentic narration from Imaam Maalik - The Imaam of Daarul-Hijrah (Madeenah) - as evidence to prove that it is not permissible for any Muslim to introduce into the Religion something new, however small or insignificant it may be, whether it be in character, worship or belief. We used to use this tradition as evidence, relying upon the Noble Qur'ânic statement which states that Allaah completed his favours upon us by the completion of our Religion which is al-Islaam." [26] So what about us today? We have gone so far away from Islaam - not only in those things that we call the Sunnah, which is contradicted by Innovation. In fact, we have drifted totally away from Islaam. We have drifted away, not only in the things which some may call 'secondary matters, not important', but we have drifted away from the Islaam which Allaah has ordained for us as our Religion. We have strayed in our legal judgements, our thoughts, even in our beliefs. If however, we sincerely want to administer this cure that Allaah has prescribed for us upon the tongue of His Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), which is to return to the Religion, then how should we understand this Religion? So there are two understandings known to the scholars, who are aware of the differences existing between the past and present day scholars. There are two schools of thought - one affiliated to the Salaf and the other affiliated to the khalaf. Those affiliated to the khalaf admit that the way of the Salaf is sounder and safer. They claim however, that the way of the khalaf is greater in knowledge and wiser. So what do you think? Shall we take our beliefs firstly from the Righteous Salaf or from those who admit that the way of the Salaf is sounder, but that their way is more knowledgeable and wiser? Without a doubt, it is clear from the evidences we mentioned previously that it is compulsory for us in these times to align firstly our beliefs to that of the Salafus-Saalih. We must also return to what they were upon in legal matters and in matters of character and deportment. We must return to the Salaf in these matters. The Salaf, who did not see any other recourse in times of dispute, except to depend upon the Qur‘aan and the Sunnah. Allaah states in the Qur‘aan: "And by your Lord! They do not truly believe, until they seek your judgement (O Muhammad) in whatever they dispute about. They do not find any reservations in their hearts about your judgement, but instead submit totally to it." [sooratun-Nisaa‘ 4:65]

Then Imaam ash-Shaatibee said: "We used to use this authentic narration from Imaam Maalik - The Imaam of Daarul-Hijrah (Madeenah) - as evidence to prove that it is not permissible for any Muslim to introduce into the Religion something new, however small or insignificant it may be, whether it be in character, worship or belief. We used to use this tradition as evidence, relying upon the Noble Qur'ânic statement which states that Allaah completed his favours upon us by the completion of our Religion which is al-Islaam." [26] So what about us today? We have gone so far away from Islaam - not only in those things that we call the Sunnah, which is contradicted by Innovation. In fact, we have drifted totally away from Islaam. We have drifted away, not only in the things which some may call 'secondary matters, not important', but we have drifted away from the Islaam which Allaah has ordained for us as our Religion. We have strayed in our legal judgements, our thoughts, even in our beliefs. If however, we sincerely want to administer this cure that Allaah has prescribed for us upon the tongue of His Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), which is to return to the Religion, then how should we understand this Religion? So there are two understandings known to the scholars, who are aware of the differences existing between the past and present day scholars. There are two schools of thought - one affiliated to the Salaf and the other affiliated to the khalaf. Those affiliated to the khalaf admit that the way of the Salaf is sounder and safer. They claim however, that the way of the khalaf is greater in knowledge and wiser. So what do you think? Shall we take our beliefs firstly from the Righteous Salaf or from those who admit that the way of the Salaf is sounder, but that their way is more knowledgeable and wiser? Without a doubt, it is clear from the evidences we mentioned previously that it is compulsory for us in these times to align firstly our beliefs to that of the Salafus-Saalih. We must also return to what they were upon in legal matters and in matters of character and deportment. We must return to the Salaf in these matters. The Salaf, who did not see any other recourse in times of dispute, except to depend upon the Qur‘aan and the Sunnah. Allaah states in the Qur‘aan: "And by your Lord! They do not truly believe, until they seek your judgement (O Muhammad) in whatever they dispute about. They do not find any reservations in their hearts about your judgement, but instead submit totally to it." [sooratun-Nisaa‘ 4:65]

The only natural result - the Sunnah of Allaah - and you will find no replacement for the Sunnah of Allaah, due to their falling into all sorts of contradictions and their making lawful what Allaah has made unlawful. So it is for Allaah to cast a great humiliation and degradation upon them. This humiliation which we see has taken control of all the Muslim countries. Even if they seem free upon the surface, in fact they cannot move or act as the Book of their Lord and the Sunnah of their Prophet (sallAllaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) direct them to. For example, it has been mentioned in an authentic hadeeth: "Fight the polytheists (mushrikeen) with your wealth, tongues and persons." [22] We have now discarded Jihaad with our persons and resorted only to Jihaad with our wealth due to its prevalence amongst us and to Jihaad with our tongues due to the ease of doing so. As for Jihaad with our persons, this has become - unfortunately - among has the means. This is why the Prophet (sallAllaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) in this authentic hadeeth described both the ills and the cure for these illnesses. For he mentioned some examples of the ills which would befall the Muslims at the beginning of the hadeeth, then at the end he gave the cure. He said: "He would not remove it from you until you return to your Religion." This cure is the only remedy for the Muslims if they want to retrieve their strength, pride and honour and if they want Allaah to make them superior in the land, just as He made those before them superior in the land. This is why the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: "Give glad tidings to this Ummah, that it would rise up and attain dominance in the land. Whoever therefore, does an act for the Hereafter for worldly benefit, he has no portion in the Hereafter." [23] The words of the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu ’alayhi wa sallam): "…until you return to your Religion." Gives me the opportunity to introduce the last part of the question for this Muslim nation which has been plagued with a humiliation and degradation which has never befallen it before. Allaah the Exalted says: "That is because Allaah will never change a grace which he has bestowed upon a people until they change what is in their own selves." [sooratul An’aam 6:53] What then is the reason for the changing of the blessings of strength from Allaah and the honour and superiority in the land which were bestowed upon the Muslims before? The reason is that we have changed the blessings of Allaah. We have replaced them and have taken to worldly strives. We have also abandoned Jihaad in the Path of Allaah. Therefore, the logical result of all this is that if a Muslim does not help the cause of Allaah, he in return would not receive the Help of Allaah as is stated in the Words of Allaah: "If you help Allaah, He will help you." [soorah Muhammad 47:7] I must pause here to explain. Allaah has placed upon the tongue of his Messenger (sallAllaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) that cure for this chronic disease which has befallen the Muslims in all of the Islaamic lands. That cure is to return to their Religion which is Islaam as you all know and as Allaah explains: "…And whoever seeks a religion other than Islaam, it will never be accepted of him and in the Hereafter, he will be one of the losers." [soorah Aali-‘Imraan 3:85] And as He mentioned in another statement: "This day I have completed your Religion and completed my favours upon you and I have chosen for you Islaam as your Religion." [sooratul-Maa’idah 5:3] It pleases me here to take the opportunity to explain what the Imaam, ash-Shaatibee (rahimahullaah) said in his great book called 'al-I’tisaam' when mentioning what Imaam Maalik [24] said: "Whoever introduces an innovation into Islaam and thinks that it is good, then he has indeed claimed that Muhammad (sallAllaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) was deceitful in conveying his message ". Read if you like the Words of Allaah: "This day I have completed your Religion and completed my favours upon you and I have chosen for you Islaam as your Religion." [sooratul-Maa‘idah 5:3] The last of this Ummah would not be restored and put in order, except by what put the first of this Ummah in order. Whatever was not part of the Religion at that time, cannot be part of the Religion today."

In addition, among the major sins is the drinking of alcohol, the women displaying themselves, the building of mosques on gravesites and many, many more. The second category of unlawful acts is of two further types: That is which one indulges without knowing its ruling or that it is unlawful. This, without a doubt, is an evil which is widespread amongst many Muslims. That in which one indulges by devising tricks to make unlawful acts lawful, just as the Jews fraudulently caught the fish, as has been mentioned in the Qur’aan - as is well-known to all - and just as their trickery in making use of fat was prohibited for them, we gather from the words of the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) in an authentic hadeeth: " Allaah has cursed the Jews, for the fat (of animals) was made unlawful for them, yet they melted it. Sold it and benefited from its receipts. And indeed if Allaah makes the eating of anything unlawful for a people, he also makes unlawful the receipts from its sale." [16] This hadeeth, in spite of it being from amongst the very important Ahaadeeth, is among the Ahaadeeth that is rarely heard upon the tongues of those giving sermons and admonitions. It is a hadeeth that would save the Muslims from following into what the Jews before fell into. In addition, the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) warned against falling into what the Jews fell into, in an authentic hadeeth reported by al-Bukhaaree among others, in his book of authentic Ahaadeeth from the hadeeth narrated by Aboo Sa’eed al-Khudree (radiyallaahu ’anhu) [17] who said: 'The Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: "You would most certainly follow the ways of those who preceded you so completely and so literally, that even if they enter the hole of a Dabb (mastigure or lizard), you too would enter into it behind them." We said: 'O Messenger of Allaah, the Jews and the Christians?' He said: "Whom else?" [18] Thus I say as a warning, that this type of indulgence in unlawful acts through the slightest means of trickery, has happened to the Muslims in some of their transactions and contracts. One of the most common of these practices is what is known as the marriage of legitimacy (nikaahut-tahleel). The doer of which is cursed in the authentic Sunnah by the statement of the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu ’alayhi wa sallam): "Allaah has cursed the legitimizer and the one for whom the woman was legitimized." [19] Even with this being the case, there are still from 'experts' in fiqh (Islaamic jurisprudence) who permit this marriage of legitimacy, even though the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) has cursed those who indulge in it as you have just heard. Among the things which are also widespread today, is the selling of goods on installments at an increase upon the cash price (i.e. a higher purchase). Among them also is the dealing in ’eenah transactions. [20] which is widespread in some Islaamic countries, I am sorry to say. The time however, does not permit for me to expound on all these points mentioned here. I just wanted to remind the brothers of a hadeeth that is appropriate for this occasion. This is the statement of the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu ’alayhi wa sallam ): "If you indulge in ’eenah transactions when trading and you start to hold on to the tails of cattle and you are satisfied to concentrate only upon farming and you have abandoned Jihaad in the Cause of Allaah, Allaah will cast a humiliation upon you which would never be lifted from you until you return to your Religion." [21] In this Hadeeth therefore, there is an extremely clear picture of the poisons and the ills which will result from the love of this world and that it is the rat-race and the concentration upon taking all necessary steps to accumulate wealth, that has resulted in what is now the present state of the Muslims. The Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) mentioned the abandonment of Jihaad with the evil of ’eenah transactions, the holding fast to the tails of cattle and the contraction only upon farming. This abandonment of Jihaad has now become a commonplace today, encompassing all Arab and Muslim countries without exception. This is so, despite their having in their possession the means to wage Jihaad, which may not be available to the eager Muslim youths in order that they may defend their countries, their lands, even their honour and dignity.

Innalhamdulillah.... Bismillah....I know this is rather long....But if u thirst for islamic knowledge...this is for you...and By Allah you are being reward for this...we all need rewards! (1)Part one: The Muslims in general! By Shaykh Nasir Albani (Rahimullah)the Ocean of Knowledge THE REASONS FOR THE WEAKNESS OF THE MUSLIM UMMAH The scholars have listed many reasons for the weakness of the Muslim Ummah. They are all aware however, or at least some of them are aware, that the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) compiled these reasons in one sentence, in an authentic hadeeth when he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: " The nations will soon gather up and call upon each other to gather up against you just as the diners call upon each other to the dining plate." Someone asked: 'Is it because of our little numbers at that time?' The Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: " Certainly not, in fact, you would be numerous, but you would be like the foam of the ocean. And certainly Allaah would remove the fear of you from the hearts of your enemies, and He would certainly cast weakness into your hearts ." Someone asked: 'What is this weakness?' He (sallAllaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied: "Love for the worldly life and hatred for death." Related by Aboo Daawood (no. 4297) and in al-Mishkaat (3/1475). It was authenticated by Shaykh al-Albaanee in Silsilatul-Ahaadeethus-Saheehah (no. 957) and in Saheehul-Jaami’ (no. 8183). Indeed the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) was correct, because every Muslim in his right mind can see that the love of this world is the root of all evil and it is the reason behind all wrongdoings and calamities. Why not? When it is that this is drives man to be miserly and covetous with regards to wealth and person, with which we strive in the Path of Allaah - by spending the wealth that is dear to us and by sacrificing our person which is even dearer than the wealth. This is why the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: "… Beware of covetousness, for indeed covetousness destroyed those before you by causing them to spill the blood of each other and to make unlawful things lawful ."(Muslim (8/18)) As has been mentioned in many of the books of the Sunnah, among them Saheeh Muslim. I must take this opportunity here to mention, that the making of unlawful things lawful is of two natures. The first is the indulgence in unlawful acts whilst being fully aware of their unlawfulness. This is visibly present among the Muslims today in all of its forms and types. Even the greatest of all sins, Shirk (the association of partners with Allaah and the worship of others besides Allaah) is clearly apparent in some societies and in some personalities who call upon other than Allaah in times of distress, seek other than the relief of Allaah from hardships and sacrifice to other than Allaah. There are even others who swear by other than Allaah. All of these things are considered Shirk and they are forms of Shirk which are widespread today amongst the Muslims. Most people however, and I would not say most of the common folk, but most of the learned, are not concentrating upon warning the people from these forms of Shirk and idolatry. These are the greatest of all sins, as has been mentioned in an authentic hadeeth, which states that among the greatest of sins are Shirk, murder, being unkind to parents and interest (ribaa). [15] And if you only knew ribaa, since it has become so widespread today due to the establishment of what are known today as "Banks".

of disbelief, sin and disobedience such that he became completely worthless and insignificant in the Sight of Allaah? O Allaah we seek refuge with You from opposing Your Command and taking on board Your Prohibition! What caused the inhabitants of the earth to be drowned to such an extent that the water rose above the highest peaks? What caused the wind to rage over the people of Aad until the men could be seen lying dead as if they were hollow trunks of palm trees? Their land, homes and animals were destroyed and they remain a lesson for all who follow until the Day of Judgement. What caused the people of Thamud to be destroyed by the awful cry such that their very hearts stopped beating and they were killed to the last of them? What was it that caused the city of Lut to be raised so high that the Angels could hear the whining of their dogs and then its being turned upside down and everything being destroyed? Then He followed this up by raining stones upon them from the sky and hence combined for them a punishment that had not been meted out to any before them, and their brothers shall get a similar punishment and that is not far off. What was it that caused the cloud to come upon the people of Shu`ayb and rain down upon them blazing fire? What was it that caused Pharaoh and his people to be drowned and their souls to be presented with Fire day and night, so the bodies were drowned and the souls burnt? What was it that caused Qaaroon, his family, wealth and property to be swallowed by the earth? What was it that caused the nations that succeeded Nuh to be destroyed?

Innalhamdulillah.... Taken from 'Jawaab al-Kaafi of ibn al-Qayyim' It is necessary to know that performing sins is detrimental and harmful to the servant. The harm that sins cause to the heart is comparable to the differing levels of harm that various types of poison cause to the body. Indeed is there a single evil that occurs in the world or will occur in the Hereafter (i.e. entering Hell) except that its cause is sin? What caused our parents to be ejected from Paradise – the land of delight, felicity and joy, to the land of pain, misery and affliction? What caused Iblees to be ejected from enjoying the company of the Angels to being debased and cursed? What caused his outward and inward form to be disfigured such that he took on the most vile of features and his inner features even worse? What caused him to become distant (from Allaah) after being close, being under the Mercy (of Allaah) to being under His curse, from being beautiful to being ugly, from being in Paradise to being in the blazing Fire, from being a believer to being a disbeliever, from being the friend of Allaah to being His greatest enemy, from being a person devoted to the glorification of his Lord to being a person of kufr, shirk, lies and shameful deeds, from wearing the raiment of faith to wearing the raiment

Innalhamdulillah….. Akhil Karrim, there are few problems with the way you pose questions, first you language is uncalled for; this is not the manners and characteristics of a Muslim. It is well known that one of the characteristic of hypocrites is that they use vulgar language when they argue. Your approach is all wrong. Perhaps if you’d refrain from using vulgar language you would have a much better response. the beloved sister said: The manjah of the Salafis .....it clearly shows in your posts that u dislike our manhaj Second, how do u claim to love the Salaf, and at the same time hate those who traverse and calling to their way?!? Third I made it clear that I could only address one person at a time, it was either you or Truth Seeker, multiple discussions are in fact Time consuming……but u chose to ignore this fact This claim of yours about separating the Muslims, well bro perhaps u have not noticed but, you don’t need me for that….Allah’s messenger(saas) has foretold the splitting of the Ummah….And there is nothing you or I can do about it until Isa(as) comes back…and after him they will split again. So we are command to clinch to the truth and warn against falsehood. And this warning is a requirement upon every Muslim… we are commanded to forbidden evil and to command good. And lastly I’m a brother inshallahU Ta’ala And akhee I believe one of the Rules in SOL is to address the post not attack me personally. Please adhere to this rule. Baarakallahu feekum…

Innalhamdulillah….. In the light of the Palestinian resistances, Chechniyian, Kashmirian, Bosnian, Albanian struggle and the leftover bleeding Muslims, One must question how we got ourselves in this dreadful station? The prevailing thought is to simply point the finger at the Muslim rulers. This notion may possibly be precise, so then what is the medicine to rectify our ailing position? It’s the remedy to write lengthy articles to defame them? Is it to publicly vilify them? Perhaps demonstrations would serve our purpose? These tactics and among others are exercised daily in the constant struggle to disentangle our troubles; however they’ve turn out to be the leading source of our misery. But all praises and appreciations belong to Allah Jala Wa Cala who has sent down the book to his slave Muhammad (saas) as a messenger and prophet to extract mankind from darkness to light. The following oeuvre shall serve as a manual to All those who seek the pleasure of Allah Subhanahu wa ta’alah in the face of an overwhelming fitnah (test). In the Coming posts… inshallah… I shall address the position of the Muslim populace concerning THE CORRUPT Muslim rulers so that we may achieve Success in this life and in the Hereafter. The themes are as followed: (1) The Muslim (excluding the rulers) (2) Corrupt Muslim rulers (3) Kingship (4) Multiple rulers (5) Ruling by other then what Allah has Revealed(ie. Shari’ah) 6) Residing in the land of the Kufar (disbelievers) * In you have any other themes you like me to address please do not hesitate Wa Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Baarakatu

After this clear explanation, it is of the utmost importance for the Muslim to know how Shirk spread amongst the believers, after they were muwahhideen (people upon Tawheed) Concerning the saying of Allaah – the most perfect – about the people of Nooh: “And they have said: You shall not forsake your gods, nor shall you forsake Wadd, nor Suwaa‘, nor Yaghooth, nor Ya’ooq, nor Nasr.” [soorah Nooh 71:23] It has been related by a group from the Salaf (Pious Predecessors), in many narrations, that these five deities were righteous worshippers. However, when they died, Shaytaan (Satan) whispered into their people to retreat and sit at their graves. Then Shaytaan whispered to those who came after them that they should take them as idols, beautifying to them the idea that you will be reminded of them and thereby follow them in righteous conduct. Then Shaytaan suggested to the third generation that they should worship these idols besides Allaah – the Most High – and he whispered to them that this is what their forefathers used to do!!! So Allaah sent to them Nooh (’alayhis-salaam), commanding them to worship Allaah alone. However none responded to his call except a few. Allaah – the Mighty and Majestic – related this whole incident in Soorah Nooh. Ibn ’Abbaas relates: “Indeed these five names of righteous men from the people of Nooh. When they died Shaytaan whispered to their people to make statues of them and to place these statues in their places of gathering as a reminder of them, so they did this. However, none from amongst them worshipped these statues, until when they died and the purpose of the statues was forgotten. Then (the next generation) began to worship them.” [7] The likes of this has also been related by Ibn Jareer at-Tabaree and others, from a number of the Salaf (Pious Predecessors) – radiyallaahu ’anhum. In ad-Durral-Manthoor (6/269): ’Abdullaah Ibn Humayd relates from Aboo Muttahar, who said: Yazeed Ibnul-Muhallab was mentioned to Aboo Ja’far al-Baaqir (d.11H), so he said: He was killed at the place where another besides Allaah was first worshipped. Then he mentioned Wadd and said: “Wadd was a Muslim man who was loved by his people. When he died, the people began to gather around his grave in the land of Baabil (Babel), lamenting and mourning. So when Iblees (Satan) saw them mourning and lamenting over him, he took the form of a man and came to them, saying: I see that you are mourning and lamenting over him. So why don't you make a picture of him (i.e. a statue) and place it in your places of gatherings so that you maybe reminded of him. So they said: Yes, and they made a picture of him and put in their place of gathering; which reminded them of him. When Iblees saw how they were (excessively) remembering him, he said: “Why doesn't every man amongst you make a similar picture to keep in your own houses, so that you can be (constantly) reminded of him.” So they all said “Yes.” So each household made a picture of him, which they adored and venerated and which constantly reminded them of him. Aboo Ja’far said: “Those from the later generation saw what the (pevious generation) had done and considered that...to the extent that they took him as an ilaah (diety) to be worshipped besides Allaah. He then said: “This was the first idol worshipped other than Allaah, and they called this idol Wadd.” Thus the wisdom of Allaah – the Blessed, the Most High – was fufilled, when He sent Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) as the final Prophet and made his Sharee’ah the completion of all divinely Prescribed Laws, in that He prohibited all means and avenues by which people may fall into Shirk – which is the greatest of sins. For this reason, building shrines over graves and intending to specifically travel to them, taking them as places of festivity and gathering and swearing an oath by the inmate of a grave; have all bee prohibited. All of these lead to excessiveness and lead to the worship of other than Allaah – the Most High. This being the case even more so in an age in which knowledge is diminishing, ignorance is increasing, there are few sincere advisors (to the truth) and Shaytaan is co-operating with men and jinn to misguide mankind and to take them away from the worship of Allaah alone – the Blessed, the Most High.

Innalhamdulillah..... From that which has been established in the Sharee’ah (prescribed law) is that mankind was – in the beginning – a single nation upn true Tawheed, then Shirk (directing any part or form of worship, or anything else that is solely the right of Allaah, to other than Allaah) gradually overcame them. The basis for this is the saying of Allaah – the Most Blessed, the Most High: Ibn ’Abbaas – radiyallaahu ’anhu – said: “Between Nooh (Noah) and Aadam were ten generations, all of them were upon Sharee’ah (law) of the truth, then they differed. So Allaah sent Prophets as bringers of good news and as warners.” Ibn ’Urwah al-Hanbalee (d.837 H) – rahimahullaah – said: “This saying refutes those historians from the People of the Book who claim that Qaabil (Cain) and his sons were fire-worshippers.” “This saying refutes those historians from the People of the Book who claim that Qaabil (Cain) and his sons were fire-worshippers.” Firstly: His (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying that he related from his Lord (Allaah): “I created all my servants upon the true Religion (upon Tawheed, free from Shirk). Then the devils came to them and led them astray from their true Religion. They made unlawful to people that which I had made lawful for them, and they commanded them to associate in worship with Me, that which I had sent down no authority.” Secondly: His (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying: “Every child is born upon the fitrah [5] but his parents make him a Jew or a Christian or a Magian. It is like the way an animal gives birth to a natural offspring. Have you noticed any born mutilated, before you mutilate them?” Aboo Hurayrah (radiyallaahu ’anhu) said: Recite if you wish: “Allaah’s fitrah with which He created mankind. There is to be no change to the creation (Religion) of Allaah.” [sooratur-Room 30:30]

Innalhamdulillah..... I got this from a book By Shaikh Muhammad bin Jameel Zino, he one of the contemporary scholars of Islam. A student of Shaikh Al-Albaanee, he has written many valuable works on Islam. Mashallah Kitab u tawheed, that book is beautiful by Shaykh Abdul Wahaab...unfortunetely i dont have that one book, but i have Usool At thalatha( the 3 fundementals) alhamdulillah.... a must have

Innalhamdulillah.... Tayyib...Baarakallahu feekuum Inshallah Truth Seeker all your questions shall be addressed in Email format/msn So inshallah you should hear from me in few days....perhaps on thursday inshallah....wa Allahu MustaCan( and May ALlah help us) sahal, we wish to also advice u in private inshallah, in a humble manner . In Email format/msn, please and i ask you for the sake of Allah stop talking without knowledge...for the sake of Allah walaal. dont let hatred cloud your judgements.

Innalhamdulillah Truth Seeker (Alla y hadik)May Allah guide you Ive displayed by Case.. take it of leave it ..its clear that The Hizbu Tahreer are not upon the same 'Aqeeda then the Ahlul Sunnah WalJamCa, there is no need for use to Discuss politics..Ahad Hadith..for this will give you the plateform to spread your doubts. Muhammad, Rasulullah(saas) was not send to argue and debate with the people of innovation or the kufar, but to only convey the message...Thus we follow him in all ascepts. however Truth Seeker the people of knowledge have read your doubts, and they wish to advice you in this matter... in private Via MSN...So inshallah if you are interested send me a private message and we can arrange something... Wa salamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa baarakatu... and this thread is to learn about shirk...if you have something to contribute... please do so....

Innalhamdulillah... Ar-Riyaa Riyaa is the practise of performing any of the various forms of worship in order to be seen and praised by people. This sin destroys all the benefits that lie in righteous deeds and brings on the one who commits it a serious punishment. It is particularly dangerous, because it is natural for man to desire and enjoy the praise of his fellow men. Doing religious acts to impress people or in order to be praised by them is, therefore, an evil which deserves man's utmost caution. This danger is really significant to the believers whose goal is to make all of the acts of their lives religious acts dedicated to God Ash-Shirk al-Akbar (Major Shirk) This form of Shirk occurs when any act of worship is directed to other than Allaah. It represents the most obvious form of idolatry which the prophets were specifically sent by Allaah to call the masses of mankind away from. This concept is supported by Allaah's statement in the Qur'aan "Surely we have sent to every nation a messenger saying, worship Allaah and avoid Taaghoot (false gods)" Taaghoot actually means anything which is worshipped along with Allaah or instead of Allaah. For example, love is a form of worship which, in its perfection, should only be directed to Allaah. In Islaam, the love of God is expressed by total obedience to Him. It is not the type of love which man naturally feels toward creation; towards parents, children, food, etc. To direct that type of love towards God is to lower Him to the level of His creation which is Shirk in al-Asmaa was-Sifaat. Love which is worship is the total surrender of one's will to God. Consequently, Allaah told the Prophet (saws) to tell the believers: Ash-Shirk al-Asghar (Minor Shirk) Mabmood ibn Lubayd reported, "Allaah's messenger (saws) said: "The thing I fear for you the most is ash-Shirk al-Asghar (minor shirk)." The companions asked "Oh! messenger of Allaah, what is minor Shirk?" He replied "Ar-Riyaa (showing off), for verily Allaah will say on the Day of Resurrection when people are receiving their rewards, 'Go to those for whom you were showing off in the material world and see if you can find any reward from them.' Mahmood ibn Lubayd also said, "The Prophet (saws) came out and announced, 'O people, beware of secret Shirk!' The people asked, 'O messenger of Allaah, what is secret Shirk?' He replied, 'When a man gets up to pray and strives to beautify his prayer because people are looking at him; that is secret Shirk.' Baarakallahu feekum Oh Muslimeen wa salamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa baarakatu

Innalhamdulllah... The study of Tawheed cannot be considered complete without a careful analysis of its opposite, Shirk. Some mention of Shirk has already been made in the Tawheed page and examples of it have been given to illustrate how Tawheed may be obliterated. However, in this Page Shirk will be looked at as a separate topic whose grave importance Allaah has attested to in the Qur'aan, Shirk in Ruboobeeyah This category of Shirk refers to either the belief that others share Allaah's Lordship over creation as His equal or near equal, or to the belief that there exists no Lord over creation at all. Most religious systems fall into the first aspect of Shirk in Ruboobeeyah while it is the philosophers and their man-made philosophies who tend to fill the second aspect. A) Shirk by Association Beliefs which fall under this sub-category are ones in which a main God or Supreme Being over creation is recognized, however His dominion is shared by other lesser gods, spirits, mortals, heavenly bodies or earthly objects. Such belief systems are commonly referred to by theologians and philosophers as either monotheistic (having one God) or polytheistic (having more than one God). According to Islaam, all of these systems are polytheistic and many represent various degrees in the degeneration of divinely revealed religious systems all of which were originally based on Tawheed. B) Shirk by Negation This sub-category represents the various philosophies and ideologies which deny the existence of God either explicitly or implicitly. That is, in some cases God's non-existence is stated (Atheism), while in other cases His existence is claimed, but the way in which He is conceived actually denies His existence (Pantheism). Shirk in al-Asmaa was-Sifaat Shirk in this category includes both the common pagan practice of giving Allaah the attributes of His creation as well as the act of giving created beings Allaah's names and attributes. Shirk In al-'Ebaadah In this category of Shirk, acts of worship are directed to other than Allah and the reward for worship is sought from the creation instead of the Creator.