The Reality of Tasawwuf [Sūfism] Authored by the Noble Shaykh Sālih bin Fawzān bin Abdullāh Al-Fawzān Translation by Abu Zaid Imran Hamid, with edits/additions to the translation, and changes to the Romanization style by westlondondawah.net. Checked by Yāsīn Abū Ibrāhīm. PART 2-- GUIDELINES FOR CORRECT WORSHIP Verily, the worship that has been legislated by Allāh the Most High and Glorified is built upon firm foundations and principles which can be summarised by the following: Firstly, worship is Tawqīfiyyah 1 , the Legislator of this act of worship must be Allāh the Most High and Glorified, as He the Most High said to His Prophet: “So stand (ask Allāh to make) you (Muhammad) firm and straight (on the religion of Islāmic Monotheism) as you are commanded and those (your companions) who turn in repentance (unto Allāh) with you, and transgress not (Allāh’s legal limits).” (Qur’ān 11:112). He the Most High also said: “Then We have put you (O Muhammad) on a plain way of (Our) commandment [like the one which We commanded Our Messengers before you (i.e. legal ways and laws of the Islāmic Monotheism)]. So follow you that (Islāmic Monotheism and its laws), and follow not the desires of those who know not” (Qur’ān 45:18). And He said regarding His Prophet: “I only follow that which is revealed to me” (Qur’ān 46:9). Secondly, it is essential that the act of worship is sincere for Allāh and free from the impurities of Shirk as He the Most High said: “So whoever hopes for the Meeting with his Lord, let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord.” (Qur’ān 18:110). So if any Shirk mixes with the act of worship it renders it invalid as He the Most High said: “If they had joined in worship others with Allāh, all that they used to do would have been of no benefit to them.” 1Tawqīfiyyah is a term that refers to aspects of the religion where there is no room for speculation. 2Polytheism: i.e. associating partners with Allāh in His Lordship, in His Worship and in His Names and Attributes. (Qur’ān 6:88). And He the Most High said: “And indeed it has been 6 revealed to you (O Muhammad), as it was to those (Allāh’s Messengers) before you: If you join others in worship with Allāh, (then) surely (all) your deeds will be in vain, and you will certainly be among the losers. Nay! But worship Allāh (Alone and none else), and be among the grateful” (Qur’ān 39:65-66). Thirdly, the example for the act of worship and the one who clarifies it must be the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) of Allāh as He the Most High said: “Indeed in the Messenger of Allāh (Muhammad) you have a good example” (Qur’ān 33:21). Also He the Most High said: “And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad) gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it) (Qur’ān 59:7). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever does an act of worship that is not from our affair, will have it rejected.” The Hadīth is reported by Muslim. And in another narration, [the Prophet said] “Whoever innovates in this affair (religion) of ours will have it rejected.” Agreed upon (Bukharī & Muslim). And his (peace and blessings be upon him) saying, “Pray as you have seen me pray.” Agreed upon (Bukharī & Muslim). And he said: “Take from me your rituals.” Reported by Muslim. These are just a few of the numerous texts. Fourthly, worship is restricted by specific times and quantity of units and it is not permissible to go beyond these restrictions, for example Allāh the Most High said about prayer: “Verily, the prayer is enjoined on the believers at fixed hours.” (Qur’ān 4:103). And about the pilgrimage, the Most High said: “The Hajj (pilgrimage) is (in) the well-known months.” (Qur’ān: 2:197). Similarly about the fasting, the Most High said: “The month of Ramadhān in which was revealed the Qur’ān, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadhān), he must observe Saum (fasts) that month.” (Qur’ān 2:185). Fifthly, the act of worship must be based on 7 love for Allāh the Most High, humility before Him, fear of Him and hope in Him. He, the Most High said: “Those whom they call upon [like Iesa (Jesus) son of Maryam (Mary), ‘Uzair (Ezra), angel, etc.] desire (for themselves) means of access to their Lord (Allāh), as to which of them should be the nearest and they [Iesa (Jesus), Uzair (Ezra), angels, etc.] hope for His Mercy and fear His Torment.” (Qur’ān 17:57). He the Most High said about His Prophets: “Verily, they used to hasten on to do good deeds, and they used to call on Us with hope and fear, and used to humble themselves before Us.” (Qur’ān 21:90). And He the Most High said: “Say (O Muhammad): If you (really) love Allāh then follow me Allāh will love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allāh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. Say (O Muhammad): Obey Allāh and the Messenger But if they turn away, then Allāh does not like the disbelievers.” (Qur’ān 3:31-32). So He, the Most Glorified mentioned the signs of the love for Allāh and its fruits. As for its signs they are compliance with the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), and obedience to Allāh and obedience to His Messenger. The fruits are achieving the love of Allāh the Most Glorified, forgiveness for sins and His mercy – the Most Glorified. Sixthly, a person is not exempted from the obligation of worship from the point he reaches puberty until his death so long as he is sane. The Most High said: “And die not except in a state of Islām (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allāh” (Qur’ān 3:102). And He said: “And worship your Lord until there comes unto you the certainty (i.e. death).” (Qur’ān 15:99).
Posted on: Sun, 29 Jun 2014 11:16:34 +0000