Effects of Tawhid on Human Life Abul A'La Mawdudi, Towards Understanding Islam Now let us study the effects which the belief in La ilaha illallah has on the life of a man and see why he should always make a success of life and why one who denies it becomes a failure in life, both here and in the hereafter. 1. A believer in this Kalimah can never be narrow in outlook. He believes in a God Who is the Creator of the heavens and the earth, the Master of the East and the West and Sustainer of the entire universe. After this belief he does not regard anything in the world as a stranger to himself. He looks on everything in the universe as belonging to the same Lord he himself belongs to. His sympathy, love and service are not confined to any particular sphere or group. His vision is enlarged, his intellectual horizon widens, and his outlook becomes as liberal and as boundless as is the Kingdom of God. How can this width of vision and breadth of mind be achieved by an atheist, a polytheist or one who believes in a deity supposed to possess limited and defective powers like a man? 2. This belief produces in man the highest degree of self-respect and self esteem. The believer knows that Allah alone is the Possessor of all power, and that none besides Him can benefit or harm a person, or provide for his needs, or give and take away life or wield authority or influence. This conviction makes him indifferent to, and independent and fearless of, all powers other than those of God. He never bows his head in homage to any of God's creatures, nor does he stretch out his hand before anyone else. He is not overawed by anybody's greatness. This attitude of mind cannot be produced by any other belief. For it is necessary that those who associate other beings with God, or who deny God, should bow in homage to some creatures, regard them able to benefit or harm them, fear them and place their hopes in them. 3. Along with self-respect this belief also generates in man a sense of modesty and humbleness. It makes him unostentatious and unpretending. A believer never becomes proud, haughty or arrogant. The boisterous pride of power, wealth and worth can have no room in his heart, because he knows that whatever he possesses has been given to him by God, and that God can take away just as He can give. In contrast to this, an unbeliever, when he achieves some worldly merit, becomes proud and conceited because he believes that his merit is due to his own worth. In the same way pride and self-conceit are a necessary outcome and concomitant of shirk (association of others with God in His divinity), because a mushrik believes that he has a particular relation with the deities which does not exist between them and other people. 4. This belief makes man virtuous and upright. He has the conviction that there is no other means of success and salvation for him except purity of soul and righteousness of behaviour. He has perfect faith in God Who is above all need, is related to none and is absolutely just. This belief creates in him the consciousness that, unless he lives rightly and acts justly, he cannot succeed. No influence or underhand activity can save him from ruin. As against this, the kafirs and the mushriks always live on false hopes. Some of them believe that God's son has atoned for their sins; some think that they are God's favourites, and will not be punished; others believe that their saints will intercede with God on their behalf; while others make offerings to their deities and believe that by so bribing the deities they acquire a licence to do whatever they like. Such false beliefs keep them enmeshed in sin and evil deeds; depending on their deities, they do not bother about their souls and living pure and good lives. As to atheists, they do not believe that there is any Being having power over them, to Whom they should be responsible for their good or bad actions; therefore they consider themselves independent to act in whatever way they like. Their own fancies become their gods and they live like slaves of their wishes and desires. 5. The believer never becomes despondent. He has a firm faith in God Who is Master of all the treasures of the earth and the heavens, Whose grace and bounty have no limit and Whose powers are infinite. This faith imparts to his heart extraordinary consolation, fills it with satisfaction and keeps it filled with hope. Although he may meet with rejection from all sides in this world, faith in and dependence on God never leave him, and on their strength he goes on struggling. Such profound confidence can result from no other belief than belief in one God. Mushriks, kafirs and atheists have small hearts; they depend on limited powers; therefore in times of trouble they are soon overwhelmed by despair and, frequently, they commit suicide.2 6. This belief produces in man a very strong degree of determination, patient perseverance and trust in God. When he makes up his mind and devotes his resources to fulfilling the Divine Commands in order to secure God's pleasure, he is sure that he has the support and backing of the Lord of the universe. This certainty makes him firm and strong like a mountain, and no amount of difficulties, impediments and opposition can make him give up his resolution. Shirk, kufr and atheism have no such effect. 7. This declaration inspires bravery in man. There are two things which make a man cowardly: (i) fear of death and love of safety, and (ii) the idea that there is someone else besides God who can take away life and that man, by adopting certain devices, can ward off death. Belief in La ilaha illallah purges the mind of both these ideas. The first idea goes out of his mind because he knows that his life and his property and everything else really belong to God, and he becomes ready to sacrifice his all for His pleasure. He gets rid of the second idea because he knows that no weapon, no man or animal has the power of taking away his life; God alone has the power to do so. A time has been ordained for him, and all the forces of the world combined cannot take away anyone's life before that time. It is for this reason that no one is braver than the one who has faith in God. Nothing can daunt him: not even the strongest tempest of adversity and the mightiest of armies. Where can the mushriks, the kafirs and the atheists get such great determination, force and power from? They hold life the dearest thing in the world; they believe that death is brought about by the enemy and can be warded off by running away from him! 8. The belief in La ilaha illallah creates an attitude of peace and contentment, purges the mind of jealousy, envy and greed and keeps away the temptations of resorting to base and unfair means for achieving success. The believer understands that wealth is in God's hands, and He apportions it out as He likes; that honour, power, reputation and authority - everything - is subjected to His will, and He bestows them as He will; and that man's duty is only to endeavour and to struggle fairly. He knows that success and failure depend on God's grace; if He wills to give, no power in the world can prevent Him from so doing; and if He does not will it, no power can force Him to. On the other hand, the mushriks, the kafirs and the atheists consider success and failure as dependent on their own efforts and the help or opposition of earthly powers. Therefore, they always remain slaves to cupidity and envy. They never hesitate to turn to bribery, flattery, conspiracy and other kinds of base and unfair means to achieve their ends. Jealousy and envy of others success eat them away, and they will stop at nothing to bring about the downfall of a successful rival. 9. The most important effect of La ilaha illallah is that it makes man obey and observe God's Law. One who has belief in it is sure that God knows everything hidden or open and is nearer to him than his own jugular vein. If he commits a sin in a secluded corner and in the darkness of night, He knows it; He even knows our thoughts and intentions, bad or good. We can hide from everyone, but we cannot hide anything from God; we can evade everyone, but it is impossible to evade God's grip. The firmer a man's belief in this respect, the more observant will he be of God's commands; he will shun what God has forbidden and he will carry out His behests even in solitude and in darkness, because he knows that God's 'police' never leaves him alone, and he dreads the Court whose warrant he can never avoid. It is for this reason that the first and the most important conditions for being a Muslim is to have faith in La ilaha illallah. 'Muslim', as you have already been told, means one 'obedient to God' and obedience to God is impossible unless one firmly believes in La ilaha illallah. In the teachings of Muhammad (blessings of Allah and peace be upon him) faith in One God is the most important and fundamental principle. It is the bedrock of Islam and the mainspring of its power. All other beliefs, commands and laws of Islam stand firm on this foundation. All of them receive strength from this source. Take it away, and there is nothing left of Islam.

This article I think clearly explains the importance of prayer. I hope you enjoy it. The Prayer: is the second pillar from the pillars of Islaam and the most important pillar of Islaam after the Shahaadah (testimony) of Faith.The Prayer: is a link between the servant and his Lord. The Prophet (saws) said: "Indeed, when one of you prays, he speaks privately with his Lord." [Reported by Al-Bukhaaree] And Allaah says in the qudsee hadeeth: "I have divided the prayer between Myself and My servant into two parts, and My servant will have what he asks for.So when the servant says: ‘Al-Hamdulillaahi Rabb-il-‘Alameen’, Allaah says: ‘My servant has praised Me.’ And when he says: ‘Ar-Rahmaan-ir-Raheem’, Allaah says: ‘My servant has extolled Me.’And when he says: ‘Maaliki-yawm-id-Deen’, Allaah says: ‘My servant has honored Me.’And when he says: ‘Iyyaaka Na’bdu wa Iyyaaka Nasta’een’, Allaah says: ‘This is between Me and My servant and My servant will have what he asks for.’And when he says: ‘Ihdinaas-Siraat-al-Mustaqeem. Siraat-aladheena an’amta ‘alaihim. Ghairil-Maghdoobi ‘alaihim wa lad-Daalleen’, Allaah says: ‘This is for My servant and for My servant will be what he asks for.’" [Reported by Muslim]The Prayer: is a garden of ‘ibaadaat (acts of worship), in which every splendid type of worship is found. There is the takbeer, by which the prayer is initiated, the standing in which the person praying recites the words of Allaah, the bowing in which he extols his Lord, the rising from the bowing position, which is filled with the praising of Allaah, the prostration in which he glorifies Allaah by His highness and in which he implores him through supplication, the sitting in which there is the tashahhud and (more) supplication and the closing with tasleem.The Prayer: is a means of support and assistance in times of distress and grief. And it prevents one from evil and shameful deeds. Allaah says: "Seek assistance in patience and prayer." And He says: "Recite what has been revealed to you from the Book and establish the prayer. Verily, the prayer prevents one from evil and shameful deeds."The Prayer: is the light of the believers in their hearts and in their place of gathering (on the Day of Judgement). The Prophet (saws) said: "The prayer is light." And he (saws) said: "Whoever guards it (his prayers), it will be a light, a proof and a (means of) salvation for him on the Day of Judgement." [Reported by Ahmad, Ibn Hibbaan and At-Tabaraanee]The Prayer: is the joy and delight of the believers’ souls. The Prophet (saws) said: "My delight was placed in the prayer." [Reported by Ahmad and An-Nasaa’ee]The Prayer: wipes away sins and expiates evil deeds. The Prophet (saws) said: "Do you think that if there was a river by the door of one of you and he bathed in it five times a day that there would remain any dirt on him?" They (the Companions) answered: "There would not remain any dirt on him." The Prophet (saws) said: "That is how it is with the five (daily) prayers, through them Allaah washes away the (minor) sins." [Reported by Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim] And the Prophet (saws) said: "The five (daily) prayers and Jumu’ah (prayer) to Jumu’ah (prayer) are an expiation for what (sins) occur between them so long as one is not guilty of major sins." [Reported by Muslim]The Prayer in Congregation: Ibn ‘Umar (raa) reported that the Prophet (saws) said: "Prayer in congregation is better than praying alone by twenty-seven degrees." [Reported by Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim] Ibn Mas’ood (raa) said: "Whoever would be happy to meet Allaah tomorrow as a Muslim, then let him preserve (in establishing) these five prayers from the place where they are called from (i.e. masjids), for verily, Allaah has legislated for your Prophet the ways of guidance. And indeed these (five prayers in the masjid) are from the ways of guidance. And if you were to pray in your homes as this man who refrains (to pray in the masjid) prays in his home, then you would have abandoned the Sunnah of your Prophet. And if you were to abandon the Sunnah of your Prophet (saws) you would go astray. There is not a man that performs the ablution and does it well, then sets out to go to one of these masjids except that Allaah records a good deed for him for every step he takes and raises him up one level and erases one evil deed due to it. You have certainly seen us, and no one would refrain from the prayer (in the masjid) except the hypocrite whose hypocrisy was well known. And indeed a man would be brought supported by two men until he was made to stand in the row (for prayer)." [Reported by Muslim]Al-Khushoo’ (Submissiveness) in the Prayer, which means that 1) the heart is present and attentive, and 2) preserving that condition - are both from the means of entering Paradise. Allaah says: "Successful indeed are the believers. Those who in their prayers are submissive. And those who turn away from vain talk. And those who pay their Zakaat. And those who protect their private parts - Except in front of their spouses or those (women) whom their right hands possess, for indeed they are not held to blame (in that). So whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors. And those who keep their trusts and covenants. And those who preserve their prayers. They are the inheritors - the ones who will inherit Al-Firdaus (highest level in Paradise), in which they will abide forever." Being sincere to Allaah in the prayer and performing it according to the manner it is described in the Sunnah are the two fundamental conditions for its acceptance. The Prophet (saws) said: "Verily, actions are by intentions and every person will have what he intended." [Reported by Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim] And he (saws) said: "Pray as you have seen me pray. {Reported by Al-Bukhaaree]Written by Muhammad Ibn Saalih Al-‘UthaimeenOn 4-13/1406H

Thank you all for replying. Nunne You didn't state why you made those choices? why do you think a female is more likely to rebel? peace Xafsa

Imagine that you were raised in a very wealthy family.You grew up with values and rules reflective of your social class...such as dress code, language, who to hang out with etc. You had an ivory school education and you have a good job. The only thing left for you to do in your life is to tie the knot. But since you are a member of the upper social class you are expected to marry someone who's family is just as rich or even more wealthy. My question is this...who is more likely to break the rule male or female? Would a man or a women marry the one they love even thought they dont fit the profile. Who is more excepting of the rule? and who would rebel? This is just based on opinions...so my fellow nomads what do you think? This question is based on social structure in the world. Peace XAfsa

You cannot blame the failings of one person on another. If a somali man is not educated or has a dead end job it is no ones fault except his own. It all depends on how much your success means to you...you think you can't be successful with out a female to pat you on the head when you do good or to bandage your wounds when the words attacks? As a women I would not be supporting a man who, like the rock chick said, has no ambition.No one wants to be on a sinking ship....you support someone who has a vision for them selves..someone who plans on their future. There is this hadith that goes something like this: Aduunyada u shaqeeyso sida in aad waligaa dhimaneeyn, aakhirana u shaqeeyso sida in aad birri dhimaneeysid. salaam Xafsa

Abdinuur: That phrase is referring to slaves owned by the muslims back in the day. If i'm not mistaking the "right hand" part means they are slaves captured in a halal way. I heard this being reffered to female slaves that the muslim men owned...telling them that they are like their wives. Peace XAfsa

Lakkad brother I salute you for such a great idea. I think that writing letters to congress or the president is not going to help the somali people in the least(assuming you are talking about the USA president and congress?). The problem that faces us as somalis is caused by us...so we have to help our selves get back on our feet. This would include taking an active role in our communties both back in africa and abroad. We have to first work on this Qabiil thing that has torn us apart. When we as a people have healed our wounds and have excepted ourselves regardless of qabiil can we expect help from others. I am ready to take my part in helping our nation heal. This only just my opinion. peace and luv

I can't stand men that walk like a women or have an air of famininity about them. I saw this guy once he was shaking his ass and swinging his hips and when he's talking he would hold his hips...Yuck!! A guy that does not take care of himself..like brushing his teeth, combing his hair and wearing cloths that actually fit and match color wise. How hard could it be... peace

I agree with matching my girl Hibo with jamaal....they would click...lol walaahi waa la hesheen! Since I dont know anyone very well here I can't really match anyone up. peace and luv

alright girl............didn't mean to jump to conclusions peace and luv

cushtic cutie...I got a the poem as a forward from a friend of mine a couple of months ago. I didn't write it and I don't pretend to have wrote it. Just to clear things up. Peace andluv

WOMEN OF ISAM You look at me and call me oppressed, Simply because of the way I'm dressed, Islam You know me not for what's inside, You judge the clothing I wear with pride, My body's not for your eyes to hold, You must speak to my mind, not my feminine mold, I'm an individual, I'm no mans slave, It's Allahs pleasure that I only crave, I have a voice so I will be heard, For in my heart I carry His word, " O ye women, wrap close your cloak, So you won't be bothered by ignorant folk", Man doesn't tell me to dress this way, It's a Law from God that I obey, Oppressed is something I'm truly NOT, For liberation is what I've got, It was given to me many years ago, With the right to prosper, the right to grow, I can climb mountains or cross the seas, Expand my mind in all degrees, For God Himself gave us LIB-ER-TY, When He sent Islam, To You and Me! ````````````````````````````````````````````` Ever wonder... Why a nun can be covered from head to toe and she's respected for devoting herself to God, but when a Muslimah does that, she's "oppressed"? Why a Jew can grow a beard and he's just practicing his faith, and when a Muslim does that, he's an extremist? When a western woman stays at home to look after the house and kids she's sacrificing herself and doing good for the household, but when a Muslim woman does so, she "needs to be liberated"? Why is it that when a child dedicates himself to a subject, he has potential, and when a child dedicates himself to Islam, he is hopeless? When a Christian kills someone, religion is not mentioned, (i.e., Ireland and the IRA) but when a Muslim is charged with a crime, it's Islam that goes to trial? But then again, why is it after all that, Islam is still the fastest growing religion in the world?

Magnoona girl I'm glad you enjoyed it. Lakkad this women is everywhere if you know where to look...its not hard to find a good women...a good man...? well thats another issue. Not to disrespect the brothas but its hard to find an above average guy. I guess the true test for the ladies is..how much of these qualities do you see in yourself? Are you a good women?

WOMEN OF ISAM You look at me and call me oppressed, Simply because of the way I'm dressed, Islam You know me not for what's inside, You judge the clothing I wear with pride, My body's not for your eyes to hold, You must speak to my mind, not my feminine mold, I'm an individual, I'm no mans slave, It's Allahs pleasure that I only crave, I have a voice so I will be heard, For in my heart I carry His word, " O ye women, wrap close your cloak, So you won't be bothered by ignorant folk", Man doesn't tell me to dress this way, It's a Law from God that I obey, Oppressed is something I'm truly NOT, For liberation is what I've got, It was given to me many years ago, With the right to prosper, the right to grow, I can climb mountains or cross the seas, Expand my mind in all degrees, For God Himself gave us LIB-ER-TY, When He sent Islam, To You and Me! ````````````````````````````````````````````` Ever wonder... Why a nun can be covered from head to toe and she's respected for devoting herself to God, but when a Muslimah does that, she's "oppressed"? Why a Jew can grow a beard and he's just practicing his faith, and when a Muslim does that, he's an extremist? When a western woman stays at home to look after the house and kids she's sacrificing herself and doing good for the household, but when a Muslim woman does so, she "needs to be liberated"? Why is it that when a child dedicates himself to a subject, he has potential, and when a child dedicates himself to Islam, he is hopeless? When a Christian kills someone, religion is not mentioned, (i.e., Ireland and the IRA) but when a Muslim is charged with a crime, it's Islam that goes to trial? But then again, why is it after all that, Islam is still the fastest growing religion in the world?

How To Recognize A Good Woman A good woman is proud. She respects herself and others. She is aware of who she is. She neither seeks definition from the person she is with, nor does she expect them to read her mind. She is quite capable of articulating her needs. A good woman is hopeful. She is strong enough to make all her dreams come true. She knows love, therefore she gives love. She recognizes that her love has great value and must be reciprocated. If her love is taken for granted, it soon disappears. A good woman has a dash of inspiration and a dabble of endurance. She knows that she will at times have to inspire others to reach the potential God gave them. A good woman knows her past, understands her present and faces toward the future. A good woman does not live in fear of the future because of her past. Instead, she understands that her life experiences are merely lessons meant to bring her closer to self-knowledge and unconditional self-love.

Rap-mistress...girl I feel your pain. I've been there too. Baby girl keep your head up...life goes on. Peace

Leamante those are some deep words...you got talent. Keep spitting those rhymes out. Peace and luv

Nubian Love TOUCH MY MIND WITH WORDS OF MEANING IF YOU RESPECT ME TRUE, SHOW ME THE BEAUTY OF YOUR SOUL,THE REAL AND SPECIAL YOU UNVEIL TO ME YOUR ESSENTIAL SELF, THE SUBSTANCE NOT THE FORM IF YOU WANT THE "REAL WOMEN",THEN SHOW TO ME THE "REAL MAN" BUT A MAN OF TRUE MATURITY,A KING NOT JUST A PRINCE WILL GAIN THE HEART OF THIS NUBIAN QUEEN, FOR SHE IS HEAVEN SENT JUST FOR HIM. SO TOUCH MY MIND BEFORE MY BODY AND SEE WHAT WILL UNFOLD, A MAN THAT RESPECTS HIS NUBIAN QUEEN WILL HAVE TREASURES TO BEHOLD TOUCH MY SPIRIT WITH YOUR OWN,FOR THIS WILL BE THE KEY FOR UNLOCKING ALL MY GOODNESS,TO GET THE BEST OF ME..... [This message has been edited by xafsa (edited 05-09-2002).]

Sunset brotha you got talent.........Keep the words coming. peace and luv

I dont care who wins as long as its not the lakers.god I hate that team...don't know why i just do. Since Minnesota is out ...I aint gonna hate on any other team(except lakers of course) Peace

My tree is Weeping Willow. ITs accurate somewhat

I'm doing Biology with hopes of going to med school insha alaah. Abdinuur and scorpion sistah my fellow biologists...hats off to y'all Peace and luv

Damn!!! girl you don't ask easy questions do you? Thats really hard...but if you remember that abortion is haram because your taking the life from another human...then it itsn't hard. I don;'t know!!!!!!! HArd question.

For me its not one item its 3... my carmex chapstick----with out this i go crazy. my powder---my face is greasy!! and finally my eyeliner.

Hibo, naahooy maa ninka ii dhaaftid?!! war walaala yaaloow gabadhaan gardareey wadaa...cajiib..war waa layaabay Porn? Hibo i didn;t know you were like that!! Dadoow barashoo geelow rarasho PEace and luv