(Slideshare) lesson#5)tauhid-course-(24-oct-2012)

#6
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH
MOST COMPASIONATE TAUHEED AL-ULUHIYYAH LESSON
MOST MERCIFUL

“INTRODUCTION TO THE
EW
ULE
MOD SE
R
A N H-COU 2]
STUDY OF TAUHEED”
C
BAT EPT 20
1 Intermediate Level Islamic course in English for Adults
[S conducted by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail

IT CAN ALSO BE A
18 weekly class started : 5th SEPTEMBER 2012 REFRESHER COURSE
Every Wadnesday night @ 8pm – 10pm FOR MUSLIM
Wisma Indah, 450 Changi Road, PARENTS, EDUCATORS,
IN CONTEMPORARY
#02-00 next to Masjid Kassim
SINGAPORE.
OPEN TO ALL
For further information and registration contact
E -mail : ad.fardhayn.sg@gmail.com
or +65 81234669 / +65 96838279

Using curriculum he has developed especially for English-speaking
Muslim converts and young English-speaking Adult Muslims.

“To seek knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim (male & female)”
(REVISED @ 24 OCTOBER 2012)
All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2012)

PREVIOUS TOPIC

TO CONTINUE

TO CONTINUE


From “TAUHEED AL-KHALIQQIYYAH” – (Oneness of God, Allah, as the
Creator of all creations) ; the Existence of Allah is established.

Yet “TAUHEED AL-KHALIQQIYYAH” is still insufficient attestation of the
Oneness of God (Allah) because the idolaters also are aware of this fact
that the God the Creator is One. In spite of this, they only view God
(Allah) only as the Initiator, and they imagine also that this whole
created universe to be free of Allah’s control after it was created and
thus they erroneously ascribe others in creation as deities, gods, demi-
gods etc. – SHIRK – whereas these are themselves creations of the
Creator.

“If thou ask them, Who Created them, they will certainly say
Allah: how then are they deluded away (from the Truth)?“
(Qur’an: Zukhruf: 43: 9)


And if you asked them, "Who (KHALOQA) created the heavens and
earth?" they would surely say, "Allah." Say, "[All] praise is [due] to
Allah "; but most of them do not know."
(Qur’an: Luqman: 31: 25)

“Say: "Are the blind equal with those who see? Or the
depths of darkness equal with Light?" Or do they assign
to Allah partners who have created (anything) as He has
created, so that the creation seemed to them similar?
Say: "Allah is the Creator of all things: He is the One, the
Supreme and Irresistible."
(Qur’an: Ra’ad: 13: 16)


“Say: "Who is the (ROBB) Lord and Sustainer of
the heavens and the earth?"
Say: "(It is) Allah."
Say: "Do ye then take (for worship) protectors
other than Him, such as have no power either for
good or for harm to themselves?“
(Qur’an: Ra’ad: 13: 16)


Some may acknowledge the One Creator (AL-KHALIQ), but failed to
think of Who is the Lord, Sustainer (AR-ROBB) of this whole universe.

Most of them, their ignorance of this, “ TAUHEED AR-RUBUBIYYAH”,
and their absurd “reasoning”, led them to believe that this Universe
is sustained also by pantheons of deities (malevolent forces regarded
as gods i.e. having divine powers, or vested with divine powers etc.)

This is further aggravated by their tendencies to resort to
imaginations (TAKHAYYUL) and innovations (BID-’AH), based on
conjectures, guesswork and blind adherence to traditional thinking.


Over time, anthropomorphic notions were ascribed unto their concept
of god - i.e. they imagine god to behave like human or man-like super
being.

Thus it is that they subscribe to notion regarding multiplicity of gods,
whom they also likened like human kings - having wives, consorts and
family; with ministers and courtiers; having feuds and rebellion in the
heavenly kingdom etc.

They somewhat imagine and ‘believe’, that all this also affect man’s life
and destiny on earth.
earth


Myth and superstitions were regarded as ‘Truth’; conjectures and
age-old belief accepted without question. Absurd notions e.g. God
Incarnating as man, indwelling, and other pantheistic creed etc. are
accepted blindly, even though self-evidently, they are contradictory
or antithetical to reason - for the supreme being cannot at the same
time be weak.

Thus, with so much uncertainty about ‘Reality,’ but fearful of the
imagined malignant effect from these ‘forces’ (real or imagined), man
is forever to appease to the myriads of ‘deities’ and seek their
respective protections.


Trees, stones, mountains, rivers, animals, man, spirits, grave and
totems, even amulets and idols fashioned by their own hands are
regarded as having divine ‘powers’ and somehow they imagined to
possessing God-like qualities.

This situation is described in the Holy Qur’an as being in “ ZULUMAT”
( “Darkness or Ignorance, and Injustice” ).


Their ignorance of Who God is (i.e. the concept of the Divinity –
(ULUHIYYAH ), and compounded with their materialistic tendencies,
led them towards SHIRK – which can be defined as:

“falsely setting up or ascribing partners to God from amongst the
tangible objects or imaginary things in creation or concieved in the
mind, which they regard to be also ‘Divine’ and directing to it, as object
of their worship (MA’BUD).”


They mistakenly assumed that the Supreme God (Allah) to be distant
from man and totally removed from this terrestrial existence, or that
His Power is somehow lacking in this terrestrial world.

Thus, they are attributing falsehood to Allah by denying many of His
Absolute power over all of creations and the entire universe.

Human arrogance and self-conceit occasionally surfaced to usurp the
place of the Divine, by blasphemy in denying God’s Infinite
Omnipotence.


“And the Jews say: ‘Allah's hand is shackled! ‘
It is their own hands that are shackled; and rejected (by Allah
and be they cursed) because of their assertion (blasphemy)
they utter. He (Allah) dispenses (bounty) as He wills. “
(Qur’an: Maa-idah: 5: 64)


Thus according to their thinking, man must be subjected to other
‘deities’ here, whom they erroneously believe, to have powers
independent of Allah, or as though sharing in the divinity of Allah.

Even the so called ‘atheists’, are in fact making themselves and their
desires, to be the ‘God’ – the entity that they are in fact ‘ serving’ as
religiously as any worshippers of God.

For ‘IBAADAH (worship) is derived from ‘ABD (slave / servant). Is it not
evident that their lives is in fact to serve their ‘desires’?


“Have you ever considered (the kind of man) who makes his
own desires as his deities (ILAAH) ? Could you then (O Prophet)
be held responsible for them?”

(Qur’an: Furqan: 25: 43)


Some others may sense, that by directing their servitude or worship
to other ‘deities’, this may in fact contradict monotheism.

Yet they try to ‘rationalise’ away this contradiction by claiming that
they believe that these ‘deities’ are only as mediators or intercessors
to the Supreme God (Allah) whom thet consider too pure or too
transcendent for human.

Where as these sort of smaller ‘gods’, idols, spirits etc. are accessible
intermediaries which they regarded to be as also ‘Divine’.


“Is it not to Allah that sincere devotion is due? But those who take
for protectors other than Allah (say): "We only serve (worship) them
(NA’BUDUHUM) in order that they may bring us nearer to Allah.”

(Qur’an: Zumar: 39: 3)


Although they acknowledge the existence of a True God, the One
Supreme Being (Allah), but God to them is only as the Creator,
Initiator, the First Cause (but Whom they imagine to being totally
distant from them) and detached from this world.

Actually Allah (God) cannot be regarded to only be transcendent, but
must also be immanent - for our notion of space and time, near and
far, cannot be applied to Allah (God) Who is the Creator of space and
time – and cannot be bound by it.


Allah’s existence (WUJUD), cannot be likened as in the sense of
existence of this creation – for He is Eternal and Absolute, Infinite,
Who has power over all things, the Irresistible, the Unfathomable yet
All-Aware. Yet, most non-Muslims do not know or reject this Islamic
concept regarding God’s existence. SUB-HAANALLAH!

Due to such ignorance, their object of worship is diverted towards
other than the One true God (Allah), which they conceive as having
Divine powers too, (sharing in managing the world) independently of
Allah.


It is because their knowledge about Allah’s Existence and Divine
Attributes is seriously flawed which led them to the deviation of
SHIRK (ascribing partners, associate or rivalry to Allah.)

Although Allah’s existence cannot be grasp by any vision, yet this can
be correctly conceived through knowledge (MA’RIFAT). And reason
dictates that there can only be one Who Alone, is Infinite, the Divine.

Also, man’s materialistic tendencies and misguided inclinations
further accentuated the misconception of Allah being absent or
totally remote.

But because they sensed the presence of other unseen power and
order i.e. regarding how this Universe is being sustained, nurtured
and controlled - thus they blindly subscribe to mythical and
imaginings of frightened and ignorant humans, and believe in the
many ‘other gods’ (lesser or equal to Allah).

Or, they may innovate with the absurd notion of ‘ incarnation’ – i.e.
God being reborn into the world as a person or persons; or
‘indwelling’ – i.e. God residing in earthly beings, objects or forms; or
of man attaining divinity through union with God; etc.


Even some of the idolaters may accept that there is only One
Creator : “TAUHEED AL-KHALIQQIYYAH”.

Yet, this is incomplete attestation to Oneness of Allah, because
Allah is also the Only One Who is Lord, Sustainer of the worlds –
“ROB-BAL-’AA-LA-MEEN”.


Thus we Muslims are to attest to Oneness of Allah, also in His being
the only Lord, Sustainer and Cherisher (RUBUBIYYAH).

Allah is not merely the Creator (Initiator) only, as the ‘ First Cause’
asserted by the Greek philosopher (and Mu’tazilite), who believed
that Allah’s knowledge and power over what He has created, is limited
(general, not detail etc.)


“TAUHEED AR-RUBUBIYYAH”, is thus the realisation that Allah is the
Absolute One Who is Lord, the Sustainer and Nourisher of all the
Worlds. And we are to accept that Allah (God) transcends all others
which are but His creations - because everything else in this Universe is
dependent and ever-subservient to His Will.

Yet Allah is the Sustainer over all creation. Nothing can move nor has
any ability without Allah, who Alone is the Irresistible, the Lord
Supreme. Over all things Allah has Power, Whose knowledge
encompasses all things.


And Allah being “ROBB” (Lord, Sustainer), surely is never ‘absent’ yet
no vision can encompass Him.

Although we know of the existence of ‘cause and effect ’ within
creation, yet these are merely relative potentials in creations accorded
by Allah – not absolute nor are they independent of Allah s.w.t.

Even those in the spiritual realms e.g. Angels, are but mere creations,
having no divine power.

Allah is “the Absolute One – the only Divine Being”. Unique without
partner nor rival.

BELIEVE IN THE ONE GOD – This is not unique to Muslims.
WHO ALONE IS THE Even pagan worshippers and
CREATOR DIVINE.
idolaters acknowledge this.
( AL-KHALIQ-QIYYAH )

This is where Muslims differ with
pagan worshippers, idolaters and
BELIEVE IN THE ONE GOD –
unbelievers, because they
WHO ALONE IS THE
SUSTAINER DIVINE. erroneously ascribe to others
( AR-RUBUBIYYAH ) besides Allah, similar ‘Divine’
roles in the Sustainment of this
universe.


IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION

It can be seen that the realization concerning the existence of God,
the Creator and Sustainer alone cannot guarantee that man will not
be led astray into ascribing partners to Him.



It is often discovered that the concept of, or what is the “ god” (i.e. the
divine being)” we are referring to, actually may be different amongst
people, culture or religious doctrine. Especially when people ‘blindly’
accept whatever doctrines held by others without verification. Some
even try to ‘cover’ obvious absurdity (antithesis; rational impossibility),
by sweeping it under the term ‘mystery’.

This defect in a person’s belief stems from heedlessness and ignorance
(JAHIL) regarding the true knowledge of the “Divine” ( ILAAHIYAT ).



Even though when they do acknowledge Allah (God) as the Lord,
Sustainer of the worlds, because they regard others also to be
“divine”, this negates the concept of TAUHEED - which is termed as
“SHIRK” (ascribing partners to Allah).



Those who wrongly advocate that (MUSHRIKEEN) pagans of Makkah,
the ignorant (JAHILIYYAH ), ‘insisting’ that they too adhered to our
concept of “TAUHEED AR-RUBUBIYYAH” while also committing
“SHIRK ”, obviously they are confusing the terms:

“TAUHEED” is contrary to “SHIRK ”. Combining these is antithetical, an
absurdity.



The verses often quoted by these advocates may have been hastily
assumed – misinterpreted as though the MUSHRIKEEN accepted the
same concept as that of our Prophet Muhammad’s s.a.a.w. teaching.
Whereas these verses are actually “the line of arguments” which
Allah commanded the Prophet s.a.a.w. to put forth to them BECAUSE
they had committed SHIRK.

In other words – to correct them in their misunderstanding of Allah’s
RUBUBIYYAH (Lordship) , which if this Qur’anic argument is followed,
it will ultimately lead them to TAUHEED.

An example:

Say, [O Muhammad], "To whom belongs the earth and
whoever is in it, if you should know?“ They will say, "To Allah."
Say, "Then will you not remember?“
(Qur’an: Mu’-minun: 23: 84-85)



This verse invites the MUSHRIKEEN to consider who the Ownership
of creation belongs to. This is to lead them on to the obvious correct
conclusion that it must belong to Allah.

The phrase “they will say: to Allah” – obviously indicate that their
position is SHIRK, which through this reasoning (regarding ownership
which must belong to only One All Powerful and Absolute Owner)
they can eventually be persuaded to reconsider because t here
cannot be two or more Absolute Owner – this is antithetical.


Another example:

Say, "Who is Lord (ROBB) of the seven heavens and Lord of
the Great Throne?“ They will say, "[They belong] to Allah."
Say, "Then will you not fear Him?"


Another example:

Say, "In whose hand is the realm of all things - and He protects while
none can protect against Him - if you should know?“
They will say, "[All belongs] to Allah." Say, "Then how are you
deluded?"



Again these verses are not affirmation that the MUSHRIKEEN
acknowledge TAUHEED AR-RUBUBIYYAH as some have mistakenly
assumed or is assuming. It actually invites the MUSHRIKEEN to now
consider regarding who is Sustaining and Maintaining all of creation
(RUBUBIYYAH).

This would obviously lead them to the correct conclusion that there
can only be One Robb, Allah – Lord, Sustainer, Cherisher of all the
worlds.



Surely, there cannot be two or more Absolute Sustainer – because
if it were to be so, there would be chaos and disorder.



Surely, there cannot be two or more Absolute Sustainer – because
if it were to be so, there would be chaos and disorder.

“ If there were therein Gods beside Allah, then verily both
(the heavens and the earth would) had been disordered.
Glorified be Allah, the Lord of the Throne, from all that they
ascribe (unto Him).”

(Qur’an: Anbiya: 21:22)



Again, the phrase “they will say: to Allah (belongs the Lordship)” –
indicate their being obviously in SHIRK, which through this line of
reasoning (regarding Who is the Lord and Sustainer) they can be
made to see their error and thus persuaded to reconsider
TAUHEED.



Again we reiterate - These verses do not in any way affirm that
these Makkan idol worshippers in the times of the Prophet
s.a.a.w. held the same belief of TAUHEED AR-RUBUBIYYAH. It
only showed that because their knowledge of “ RUBUBIYYAH “ is
flawed or skewed, it had led them to SHIRK.

Therefore it only sought to clarify their error in reasoning and
misunderstanding – a method of Da’wah and Mau-’izah.


More example:


More example:

“Say: "Who is the (ROBB) Lord and Sustainer of
the heavens and the earth?"
Say (i.e. tell them): "(It is) Allah."
Say: "Do ye then take (for worship) protectors
other than Him, such as have no power either for
good or for harm to themselves?“
(Qur’an: Ra’ad: 13: 16)


It can be discern that people’s idea or knowledge that God
exist, generally firstly pertains to Him being the Creator.

But, when we further consider God’s role in the universe and
man’s life, differences occur.

Those who deny Him as the only Absolute Sustainer,
Cherisher of the universe, they would inadvertently, be
committing SHIRK - ascribing to others this divine role.

BELIEVE IN THE ONE GOD –
WHO ALONE IS THE DIVINE.
( AL-ULUHIYYAH )


Therefore, because some people’s knowledge of God may still be
ambiguous, they need to have clear understanding of what we mean
by “Divinity and the concept of the Divine” termed – ULUHIYYAH.

That in regard to God being “Divine” (ILAAH) – there is only One, Who
alone is the Divine, without associates or partners.

This is termed – TAUHEED AL-ULUHIYYAH.


Knowledge concerning the “Divine” (ILAAHIYAT)

In Islam, this ‘knowledge about God’ termed as
“MA’RIFATULLAAH”, is the beginning of religion.

In Islam, the Truth about God must come from Allah Himself
through Revelations, especially to His Final Prophet, Muhammad
s.a.a.w..



In one of the shortest Surah (Chapter 112) named “Surah Al-Ikhlas”
(Chapter on Purity of Faith) in the Qur’an, the concept as to Who God,
the Divine is, has been concisely explained (yet it is amazingly
profound):



“Say : He is Allah, the Absolute One.
Allah is the Eternal, the Most Besought of all *,
He begets not, and neither is He begotten;
and there is nothing that could be compared to Him.”
(Qur’an: al-Ikhlas: 112: 1-4)


Criterion which clarify our concept of God

[1] The name, proper noun for God is “ALLAH” -

He, most Exalted, is the Absolute One: indivisible, unique, the
only Divine, without any other, before or after.

If one entertains the possibility of another like “ ALLAH ”, then his
understanding of what constitute the “Divinity” is seriously
flawed.



“Allah” : Arabic proper noun; name for God, it
refers to the One and Only, the Unique Creator,
Lord Sustainer of the Universe, Who Alone is
God – there is none besides Allah.

No equivalent translation in non-Semitic
language.



[2] “Allah” is referred to as “As-Somad” (in Arabic) which has a
profound meaning.
There is no equivalent word for it in English, and requires
explanations.

*the original Arabic word “As-Somad” means “the Eternal, the
Uncaused Cause of all being”


“As-Somad” is therefore applied to God
Alone. It comprises the concept of the Primary Cause and Eternal,
independent Being; and also the idea that everything existing or
conceivable goes back to Him as its source; and is therefore
dependent on Him for its beginning as well as for its continued
existence.


[3] “Allah” – is the only “Divine”.

Islam categorically refute any false notion which people ascribe to the
“Divine”, especially that of God procreating (begetting another God).

A “Divine” exists without need for any other, whereas “ son” requires a
father. These two terms together are antithetical (contradictory and
absurd).


[4] Since “Allah” – is Unique and the only “Divine”, there is nothing
that can be compared to Him, absolutely there can be no equivalent.
Whatever we can visualize or imagine, fall short of Allah’s Exaltedness,
and must negated - Glory be to Allah ( SUB-HAANALLAAH ).


Only Allah is the God (AL- ILAAH ), there is no other that is God except
“ALLAH ”.

“LAA – ILAA-HA – IL-LALLAAH”


IMPORTANT TO NOTE
Conceptually regarding this aspect therefore:

“ to only regard Allah as the only Absolute One in His Divinity
(ULUHIYYAH), and to regard Allah as the only Absolute
Sustainer (RUBUBIYYAH) marks the True Criterion in the
belief in the Oneness of Allah (TAUHEED). “


TAUHEED (Attesting to the Oneness of God), is not merely knowledge
but must be a ‘conviction’ which one becomes totally committed to.

How, or what then is required of those who claim to believe?

Alas, some people may claim to study ‘ TAUHEED’, but they are not
necessarily a “MUWAAHEED” (one who attest to the Oneness of Allah).


The opposite co-relation when we use the term “ ROBB” (Lord,
Sustainer, Nourisher etc.) is connected to the term ’ABIID - plural from
singular – ‘ABD ( meaning “ Slave, servant, devotee or worshipper”.)

One may acknowledge Allah as “ROBB”, but if he does not regard
himself as Allah’s “slave”, then such ‘acknowledgement’ is false and
meaningless. Nay, it may be regarded as a ‘mockery’.


Thus the implication of the awareness of “ TAUHEED AL- ULUHIYYAH”
and “TAUHEED AR-RUBUBIYYAH” must lead us to consider the true
purpose of our existence, as only to become the “ ’ABIID ” (slaves,
devotees, servants or worshippers) of Allah SWT.


WHY HAVE WE BEEN CREATED ?
Allah SWT reveals:


WHY HAVE WE BEEN CREATED ?
Allah SWT reveals:

“I have only created jinns and men, that they may serve
(worship) Me. No sustenance do I require of them nor do
I require that they should feed Me. For Allah is He Who
gives (all) Sustenance― Lord of Power, Steadfast (forever).”
(Qur’an: Adzaariyat: 51: 56-58)


In matters of our (‘IBAADAH or ‘UBUDIYYAH) – Worship and servitude,
it is only to Allah, Who Alone is for us “ AL-MA’-BUUD ” (“the One, unto
Whom we direct our worship or prayer to” ), which we assert to be
different from objects worshipped by others, because it is Allah, the
Only One Who rightfully deserves to be Worshipped.


Note the distinction between the “Divine Being” (ILAAH) and “that
which is worshipped” (MA’-BUD).

Although it is correct to state:

There is no “ILAAH” (god i.e. One Who is Divine)

except Allah.

But we cannot, or it is in fact wrong, to say:

There is no “MA’-BUUD” (that which is worshipped)

except Allah.


To use the term “MA’-BUUD ”, we have to qualify with

the term ( BI-HAQQI ) :

There is no “MA’-BUUD” (BI-HAQQI - )

that is rightfully ( to be worshipped )

except Allah.


Thus it is that we reject notion of transcendental unity of religion, that
certain people advocate, because even those claiming to be
‘monotheists’ may not even adhere to the same notion or criteria of
“TAUHEED” advocated by all the Prophets of Allah (peace and blessings
be upon them all). What more those already referred to as
MUSHRIKEEN or with similar paganistic belief.

Allah SWT commands us to say to the KAAFIRUN (unbelievers, or those
who reject faith) :


Say: “O ye that reject Faith! I worship not that which
ye worship. Nor will ye worship that which I worship.
And I will not worship that which ye have been wont to
worship. Nor will ye worship that which I worship. To
you be your Way, and to me mine.”
Qur’an: al-Kaafirun: 109: 1-6)


Thus to assert that only Allah alone is the God (AL-ILAAH), the only
rightful “MA’-BUUD ” – and thus we must first reject any other (false
deities which people may ascribe) to be God.

“LAA – ILAA-HA – IL - LALLAAH”


NOTE:
In this statement it contains 2 aspects:

[1] NAFI – Negation

[2] ITSBAT - Affirmation

TO BE CONTINUED

All welcome to visit my web-blog:

http://an-naseehah.blogspot.com/
http://introductiontotauhid.blogspot.com/
http://oyoubelievers.blogspot.com/
http://al-amthaal.blogspot.com/
http://zhulkeflee-archive.blogspot.com/
http://criteriaforaholybook-quran.blogspot.com/
http://with-the-truthful.blogspot.com/
http ://muqaddam-nurul.blogspot.com/

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(Slideshare) lesson#5)tauhid-course-(24-oct-2012)

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