The document discusses the concept of "Taghut" in Islam. It provides definitions and translations of Taghut from the Quran and Hadith as false gods, tyrants, those who exceed proper bounds and lead people astray. It explains that Taghut encompasses any deviant teachings, doctrines, or oppressive powers that lead people away from Allah's teachings. The document warns that modern Muslims who reject myths but follow ideologies like materialism may still be influenced by Taghut. It also discusses attitudes of hypocrites known as Munafiqun who outwardly claim to follow Islam but inwardly reject it, preferring other rules and being led astray by Taghut.

1. BY: USTAZ ZHULKEFLEE HJ ISMAIL SINGAPURA UNDERSTANDING QUR’ANIC MESSAGE IN-HOUSE TALK FOR THE “MABUHAY CLUB” DARUL ARQAM SINGAPORE All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2010 13 FEBRUARY 2011 (SUNDAY) 3 PM @ THE GALAXY Muslim Converts Assn. Spore GEYLANG, CHANGI ROAD “ ...and eschew the ‘ Taghut ’ “ IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, MOST COMPASSIONATE, MOST MERCIFUL.

2. "THE BEST AMONGST YOU IS ONE WHO LEARNS THE QUR'AN AND WHO TEACHES IT"- ( HADITH FROM OUR PROPHET S.A.A.W .) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2010

3. For We assuredly sent amongst every People a messenger, (with the Command) "Serve (worship) Allah, and eschew the ‘ Taghut ’ * (False gods, all powers of Evil)“ ( Qur’an: An-Nahlu: 16: 36 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail. 2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM

4. “ whoever rejects ‘ Taghut ’ * (False gods, all powers of Evil) and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things.” ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 256 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail. 2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM

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6. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail. 2010 The term “ طَاغُوْت “ pronounced ‘ TWA-GHUUT ‘ usually means “ an idol ; false god ; seducer ; tempter (towards error ) ” – related to “ طاغية “ TAA-GHIYA ” meaning “ tyrant ; oppressor ; despot ;” TASAWWUR ISLAM

7. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail. 2010 The root “ طغو “ or “ طغى “ meaning “ exceed proper bounds; to be excessive; rage; tumultuous; to overcome; to tyrannize; oppress; terrorize; etc .” TASAWWUR ISLAM

8. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail. 2010 The root “ طغو “ or “ طغى “ meaning “ exceed proper bounds; to be excessive; rage; tumultuous; to overcome; to tyrannize; oppress; terrorize; etc .” Thus, it relates to “ all evil forces that seek to lead mankind away from Allah’s Way .” Be it false god, deviant doctrines or oppressive and unjust power. TASAWWUR ISLAM

9. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail. 2010 Thus a Muslim, having attested to the Kalimah of Tau h eed ( SHAHADATAIN ), he is required to be wary and vigilant by striving to embrace whole-heartedly the ways of Islam, and to shun totally the ways of Satan (the embodiment of this evil is collectively referred to as TAGHUT .) TASAWWUR ISLAM

10. “ O ye who believe! enter into Islam whole-heartedly; and follow not the footsteps of the Evil One ( SHAYTAN ); for he is to you an avowed enemy.” ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 208 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail. 2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM

11. “ Behold, thy Lord did call to him in the sacred valley to Tuwa― Go thou to Pharaoh, for he has indeed ( TAGHAA ) transgressed all bounds.” ( Qur’an: Naziat: 79: 16-17 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail. 2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM

12. “ Then he (Pharaoh) collected (his men) and made a proclamation, Saying "I am your Lord, Most High." But Allah did punish him, (and made an) example of him― in the Hereafter, as in this life.” ( Qur’an: Naziat: 79: 23-25 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail. 2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM

13. “ Then, for anyone who ( TAGHAA ) transgressed all bounds (in disbelief, oppression and evil deeds of disobedience to Allâh), and preferred the life of this world (by following his evil desires and lusts), verily, his abode will be Hell-fire;” ( Qur’an: Naziat: 79: 37-39 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail. 2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM

14. “ Nay! Verily, man does ( LAYAT-GHAA ) transgress (in disbelief and evil deed). Because he considers himself self-sufficient. Surely! unto your Lord is the return. ” ( Qur’an: ‘Alaq: 96: 6-8 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail. 2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM

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16. “ Hast thou not turned thy thought to those who were given a portion of the Book? They believe in JIBTI (sorcery, idol) and TAGHUT (Evil ones, devil) and say to the Unbelievers that they are better guided in the (right) way than the Believers!” ( Qur’an: Nisa’: 4: 51 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail. 2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM

17. Although many may imagine that “ TAGHUT ” as some unseen ‘spiritual’ entity – as represented by the source of evil i.e. the devil – yet the reality of “ TAGHUT ” is the deviationist teachings of Materialism , which is what ‘idolatry, love of worldly power, lust, greed etc.’ can be categorised under, something so apparent and can be seen. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail. 2010 REFLECTION: TASAWWUR ISLAM

18. Satan’s deception is to lure mankind away from IIMAN i.e. believing in the UNSEEN ( the Qur’an refer to as “ al-Ghayb ” ), the essential fundamental belief of Muslims attaining to TAQWA : All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail. 2010 REFLECTION: “ (they are those ) who believe in the Unseen ( BIL-GHAYB )” ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 3 ) TASAWWUR ISLAM

19. Traditionally, in warning Muslims of “ SHIRK ”, our Muslim teachers identified only the erroneous beliefs – e.g. myths ( TAKHAYYUL ), superstitions ( KHURAFAT ), sorcery ( SIHIR ), etc. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail. 2010 REFLECTION: TASAWWUR ISLAM

20. Traditionally, in warning Muslims of “ SHIRK ”, our Muslim teachers identified only the erroneous beliefs – e.g. myths ( TAKHAYYUL ), superstitions ( KHURAFAT ), sorcery ( SIHIR ), etc. Yet, the greatest threat to TAU H IID , which can become a form of SHIRK to Allah, is “ MATERIALISM ” as an ideology – a belief to replace our “ AQEEDAH. ” All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail. 2010 REFLECTION: TASAWWUR ISLAM

21. Thus ‘modern’ Muslims who pride themselves as being intellectual, rational and ‘progressive’, who indeed may have rejected myths ( TAKHAYYUL ) and superstitions ( KHURAFAT ), yet they may still be followers of “ TAGHUT ” – ideologies that will lead them away from TAU H IID towards “ SHIRK ” ; from “Light” into “Darkness”; from “Faith” to “Unbelief”. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail. 2010 REFLECTION: TASAWWUR ISLAM

22. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail. 2010 ALLAH’S WARNING REGARDING SOME PEOPLE CLAIMING TO BE MUSLIMS TASAWWUR ISLAM

23. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail. 2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM ATTITUDE OF THE ‘MUNAFIQUN’

24. “ Hast thou not observed those who assert that they believe in that which hath been sent down unto thee and that which hath been sent down before thee desiring to go to TAGHUT (the devil) for judgement, whereas they have been commanded to disbelieve in him; and Satan desires to lead them far astray.” ( Qur’an: Nisa’: 4: 60 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail. 2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM ATTITUDE OF THE ‘MUNAFIQUN’

25. REFLECTION: From being a Muslim , one has to strive to be true believer – Mu’-meen . Without which hypocrisy ( NIFAQ ) may afflict him. Such people would inwardly rejects Islam and its teachings, preferring other “ -isms ”, or rules, even when these are contrary to the Islamic principles. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail. 2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM ATTITUDE OF THE ‘MUNAFIQUN’

26. “ When it is said to them: "Come to what Allah hath revealed and to the Messenger": thou sees the Hypocrites ( Munafiqun ) , avert their faces from thee in disgust.” ( Qur’an: Nisa’: 4: 61 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail. 2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM ATTITUDE OF THE ‘MUNAFIQUN’

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28. “ Of the people there are some who say: "We believe in Allah and the Last Day" but they do not (really) believe. Fain would they deceive Allah and those who believe, but they only deceive themselves, and realize (it) not! In their hearts is a disease; and Allah has increased their disease and grievous is the penalty they (incur), because they are false (to themselves). ” ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 8-10 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail. 2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM ATTITUDE OF THE ‘MUNAFIQUN’

29. “ When it is said to them: "Make not mischief on the earth", they say: "Why, we only want to make peace!" ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 11 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail. 2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM ATTITUDE OF THE ‘MUNAFIQUN’

30. “ When it is said to them: "Believe as the others believe" they say: "Shall we believe as the fools believe?" Nay, of a surety they are the fools, but they do not know.“ ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 13 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail. 2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM ATTITUDE OF THE ‘MUNAFIQUN’

31. “ When they meet those who believe, they say: "We believe" but when they are alone with their evil ones ( SHAYAATIN – their leaders) they say: "We are really with you, we (were) only jesting.“ ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 14 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail. 2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM ATTITUDE OF THE ‘MUNAFIQUN’

32. REFLECTION: These Muslims, referred to as hypocrites, would outwardly insist their loyalty and affiliation is with the Muslims, yet they are merely mocking Islam. They may have a hidden agenda for this, because their true loyalty is in fact with their ‘leaders’ whom Allah describes as their ‘Satans’ ( SHAYAATIN ). All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail. 2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM ATTITUDE OF THE ‘MUNAFIQUN’

33. “ Allah will throw back their mockery on them and give them rope in their trespasses ( TUGHYAN ) ; so they will wander like blind ones (to and fro)” ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 16 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail. 2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM ATTITUDE OF THE ‘MUNAFIQUN’

34. “ These are they who have bartered guidance for error: but their traffic is profitless, and they have lost true direction.” ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 16 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail. 2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM ATTITUDE OF THE ‘MUNAFIQUN’

35. REFLECTION: Although it may seem that they are successful in their scheme, this is only because Allah has gave them temporary leeway, to test all of us mankind. Yet, the reality is that they ( MUNAFIQUN ) have no true direction in life, they are astray, groping like the blind. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail. 2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM ATTITUDE OF THE ‘MUNAFIQUN’

36. “ Of those who reject faith the patrons are the TAGHUT – (Evil Ones): from light they will lead them forth into the depths of darkness. They will be companions of the fire, to dwell therein (for ever).” ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 257) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail. 2010 ATTITUDE OF THE ‘MUNAFIQUN’ TASAWWUR ISLAM

37. REFLECTION: Allah tells us that these hypocrites ( MUNAFIQUN ) and the Unbelievers ( KAFIRUN ) are in fact being led by TAGHUT , who is their WALIY (patron, protector, friend, helper, etc.). When judged in the light of Islam, their life is moving along a slippery downward path into further unbelief. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail. 2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM

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39. “ O you who believe! Take not for friends and protectors those who take your religion for a mockery or sport ,― whether among those who received the Scripture before you, or among those who reject Faith; but (be conscious and) fear you Allah, if you have Faith (indeed).” ( Qur’an: Ma-idah: 5: 57 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail. 2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM

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41. “ Never will the Jews or the Christians be satisfied with you unless you follow their form of religion. Say: "The Guidance of Allah that is the (only) Guidance." Were you to follow their desires, after the knowledge which has reached you, then would you find neither protector nor Helper against Allah.” ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 120 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail. 2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM

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43. “ O ye who believe! take not the Jews and the Christians for your AULIYA’ (friends, helpers, protectors, etc.): they are but friends and protectors to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them (for friendship, patronage) is of them . Verily Allah guides not a people unjust.” ( Qur’an: Ma-idah: 5: 51 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail. 2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM

44. AA-MAN-TU – BIL-LAA-HIL- ‘A-ZEEM, WA-KAFAR-TU -BIL-JIB-TI – WAT- TAA-GHUUT, WAS-TAM-SAK-TU – BIL – UR-WA-TIL – WUTH-QA, LAN-FI-SWAA-MA – LA-HAA, WAL-LAA-HUS-SA-MEE-’UN- ‘A-LEEM “ I believe in Allah Most Esteemed, and I reject JIBT (idolatry) and TAGHUT (evil), and I holdfast to the firmest handhold that will never be shaken, for Allah Hears and Knows all things.” ( Extracted From ‘Wird-ul Latiff’ of Imam ‘Abdullah Al-Haddad ) ‘ WIRD’ TAUGHT BY OUR PROPHET MUHAMMAD صلّى الله عليه وآله وسلّم : All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail. 2010

45. ” Glory to thy Lord the Lord, of Honour and Power! (He is free) from what they ascribe (to Him)! And Peace on the Messengers! And praise to Allah, the Lord and Cherisher of the Worlds.” ( Qur’an : Saffat: 37 : 18 All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail. 2010

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