Writer : Sheikh Ahmed Hakmy
Translation : Gamal El-Tawansy
(1) What is the most basic thing an Abd 'worshipper' should do?Translation : Gamal El-Tawansy
The first thing is that they should know why Allah created them. They need to know why He sent Rasul ‘Messengers’ to them. They need to know why He created the Garden and the Fire. They need to know why He will judge and set the Balance for them. They need to know why, on the Day of Judgment, some of them will be most happy while others utterly miserable.
(2) Why did Allah create mankind ?
Allah said: “We created not the heavens, the earth, and all between them, Merely in (idle) sport: We created them not except for just ends: but most of them do not know.” 44:38-39
And He said: “Not without purpose did We create heaven and earth and all between! That were the thought of Unbelievers! But woe to the Unbelievers because of the Fire (of Hell)!” 38:27
And He said: “Allah created the heavens and the earth for just ends, and in order that each soul may find the recompense of what it has earned, and none of them shall be wronged.” 45:22
And He said: “I have only created Jinns and men, that they may serve Me.” 51:56
(3) What does "Abd" p. "Ibad" mean?
Abd has two meanings:
(a) A slave, who is under the power of his master. In this sense all created things, animals and people are slaves to their Creator because each and everyone of them is under His power.
(b) A worshipper, a person who worships his Creator in love and humility. In this sense it refers only to the true believers who are the most highly esteemed Ibad, and the nearest to Him. Those for whom there is no fear and who have no cause whatsoever for sadness.
(4) What is Ibadah?
It is a collective de******ion for everything that Allah loves and accepts, be it an act or word whether seen or unseen. It also means denial of anything that contradicts the above.(5) When can an act be deemed Ibadah?
If it fulfills two conditions: complete love and complete humility.
Allah said: “But those of Faith are overflowing in their love for Allah.” 2:165
And He Said: “Verily those who live in awe for fear of their Lord” 23:57
Both components are combined in the next Ayah ‘verse’:
Allah said: “These (three) were ever quick in doing in good works: they used to call on Us in yearning and awe. And humble themselves before Us.” 21:90
(6) How can the Abd know that he loves Allah?
The Abd can know this when he loves what Allah loves and hates what He hates, when he obeys His commands and avoids His prohibitions, when he befriends his allies and fights His foes. Therefore the strongest bond among a people has been love as well as hate for the sake of Allah.
(7) How can the Ibad know what pleases Allah and is acceptable to Him?
They know this through the Rusul ‘Messengers’ Allah sent to them, through the books he sent down to them commanding what pleases Him and is acceptable to Him and prohibiting what displeases him and is unacceptable to Him. Thus mankind may put forward no excuse of ignorance on the Day of Judgment.
Allah said: “Messengers who give good news as well as warnings, that mankind, after (the coming) of the messengers , should have no plea against Allah.” 4:165
And He said: “Say: If you do love Allah, follow me: Allah will love you and forgive you your sins: for Allah is Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful.” 3:31
(8) How can Ibadah ‘worship’ be acceptable?
It has to have three things:
First, it has to come out of true willingness from the Abd.
Second, it should be done with real devotion.
Third, it should conform to the Shariah that Allah commanded should be the only way to follow.
(9) What is the meaning of true willingness?
It is leaving laziness and exerting effort to have one’s words conforming to one’s deeds.
Allah said: “Oh ye who believe! Why do ye say that which ye do not do. Grievously hateful is it in the sight of Allah that ye say that which ye do not do.” 61:2-3
(10) What is the meaning of real devotion?
It means that what the Abd wants with his intentions, words and deeds whether seen or unseen should be directed for the sake of Allah
Allah said: “And they have been commanded no more than this: to worship Allah, offering Him sincere devotion, being True (in faith)” 98:5
And He said: “And have in their minds no favor for anyone for which a reward is expected in return. But only the desire to seek the Countenance of their Lord Most High.” 92:19-20
And He said: “(Saying), “We feed you for the sake of Allah alone: No reward do we desire from you, nor thanks.” 76:9
And He said: “To any that desires the harvest of the Hereafter, We give increase in his tilth; and to any that desires the tilth of this world, We grant somewhat thereof, But he has no share or lot in the Hereafter.” 42:20
