Ibn Abil-'Izz (died 792 AH) - may God be pleased with him - said:
Ibn Abil-'Izz (died 792 AH) - may
God be pleased with him - said:
"Knowledge of Usool-ud-Deen (the fundamentals of the religion) is the most
noble branch of knowledge, since the excellence of a certain type of knowledge depends
upon what it is concerned with, and this is the greater Fiqh (understanding) ,
which is why lmaam Abu Haneefah (died 150AH) - may God be pleased with him - called that
which he compiled concerning Usool-ud-Deen: "al-Fiqhul- Akbar"
(The Greatest Fiqh). The need of the servants for this knowledge is greater than
every other need; and it is the most necessary of all things for them, since there is no
life for the hearts, nor any delight, nor any tranquillity, except through knowing their
Lord, the One to be worshipped, their Creator - with His Names, His Attributes and His
Actions, and that He - along with all that - is more beloved to the person than anything
else. So man's striving is with regards to everything that will draw him nearer to God, to
the exclusion of the creation.
However, it is impossible for the minds to come to know and understand all that in detail,
so the Most Merciful, the Most Majestic - from His mercy, sent Messengers to teach that
and call to it; and to give good news to those who accept their Call and to warn those who
reject it. The key to their Call and the essence of their message was the servant's
drawing closer to Almighty God - the Most Perfect - through His Names, Attributes and
Actions, since all that the Messengers were ordered with is built upon this. This then is
followed by two great principles: Firstly: Knowing the path that leads to
Him and that is the Sharee'ah (Islamic Law and Way) which is comprised of His
orders and prohibitions. Secondly: That those following the path know what
lies in store for them, which is endless bliss. So the people who know God best are the
ones who best follow the way to Him; and know best what lies at the end of the way."1
Firmness Upon the Deen (The Religion of Islam)
So, firmness upon the Deen of Almighty God, excellence in this world and salvation
in the Hereafter is built upon two great matters: "Firstly: Knowledge of God
and the beautiful Names and lofty Attributes that befit Him and His Actions - and this
necessitates appreciation of His Majesty, honouring Him, fearing Him, being in awe of Him,
loving Him, placing one's hopes in Him, placing reliance upon Him, being pleased with His
decree and having patience with what He sends down as regards to hardships. Secondly:
Knowledge of what He loves and is pleased with, and what He hates and angers Him - whether
beliefs, sayings, outward or inward actions. So the one who has knowledge of this has to
rush to fulfill that which Almighty God loves and is pleased with, and to avoid that which
He hates and which angers Him.2
Sufyaan ibn 'Uyaynah (died 197H) - may God be pleased with him - said:
"There are three types of Scholars: one who knows God and knows God's commands; and
one who knows God, but does not know His commands; and one who knows God's commands, but
does not know God. And the most complete of them is the first - and that is the one who
fears God and knows His rulings."3
The Essence of Islam
Explaining the essence of Islam and its main pillar, the Prophet - the peace and blessings
of God be upon him - said: "Islam is built upon five (pillars): Testifying that
none has the right to be worshipped except Almighty God and that Muhammad is the Messenger
of God; establishing the Salaah (formal prayer), paying the Zakaah (charity tax), making
Hajj (pilgrimage) to the House and fasting in Ramadaan. "4 In
another narration: "Islam is built upon five (pillars): To worship God and to
reject anything along with Him . . . "5 Also in another
narration: "lslam is built upon five: The Tawheed of Almighty God .
. . "6
Thus: "Testifying that none has the right to be worshipped except Almighty
God", has the same meaning as: "To worship Almighty God and to reject
anything along with Him", which has the same meaning as: "The Tawheed of
Almighty God." So, it will be clear to the honourable reader that Tawheed
is the essence of Islam, and it is the starting and ending point for all goodness and
excellence.
source: http://www.spubs.com/sps/
source: http://www.spubs.com/sps/