Salvation: Key Islamic Principles (Part 7)
“Al-Ajwibatus Sadeedah ‘ala al-As’ilatir Rasheedah” – (The Sound Answers to the Rightly Guided Questions) – (Part 7)
By: Allamah Zayd ibn Muhammad ibn Haadi al-Madkhali (may Allah have mercy on him)
Urdu Translation: Umm Muhammad Khushnuma Muslihuddin
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Question 11: What are the matters that, if a person adheres to them firmly, they will be saved from Allah’s punishment and blessed with His reward and recompense?
Answer: The matters by which a person remains safe from the punishment of Allah and is blessed with His reward and success are so numerous that it is not possible to encompass them in this short time. However, I (the author) will mention here a few fundamental principles under which all acts of righteousness and goodness fall:
(1) Steadfastness upon the Oneness of Allah (Tawhid):
This is the great foundation for which Allah the Almighty created mankind and jinn, so that they may worship Him alone, and invite towards His Oneness, as Allah Azza wa Jall has said:
{وَمَا خَلَقۡتُ الۡجِنَّ وَالۡاِنۡسَ اِلَّا لِيَعۡبُدُوۡنِ} – [الذاريات : ٥٦]
Translation: "And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me." [Adh-Dhariyat: 56]
Meaning, they should worship Me with sincerity, acknowledging Me as the one and peerless deity.
(2) Abstaining from Polytheism (Shirk):
Complete avoidance of all types of shirk, whether major or minor, ordinary or grave, and also dissociating from the polytheists. This is because shirk is the greatest sin through which the Creator is disobeyed, as Allah the Almighty has said:
{اِنَّ اللّٰهَ لَا يَغۡفِرُ اَنۡ يُّشۡرَكَ بِهٖ وَيَغۡفِرُ مَا دُوۡنَ ذٰ لِكَ لِمَنۡ يَّشَآءُ ۚ وَمَنۡ يُّشۡرِكۡ بِاللّٰهِ فَقَدِ افۡتَـرٰۤى اِثۡمًا عَظِيۡمًا} – [النساء : ٤٨]
Translation: "Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills. And he who associates others with Allah has certainly fabricated a tremendous sin." [An-Nisa: 48]
Furthermore, it is narrated from Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was asked: Which sin is the greatest? He (ﷺ) replied:
“أَنْ تَجْعَلَ لِلَّهِ نِدًّا، وَهُوَ خَلَقَكَ”.
“That you set up a rival unto Allah though He created you.” – [Sahih Muslim: 86]
(3) Establishing the Prayer:
Performing the prayer in the manner that Allah the Almighty has commanded and as the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) has clarified.
(4) Paying the Zakat:
Paying the Zakat for the obedience of Allah and to fulfill the rights of His servants.
(5) Fasting in Ramadan:
Fasting in the month of Ramadan according to the method mentioned in the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).
(6) Performing Hajj and Umrah:
Performing Hajj and Umrah if one has the ability to do so.
These are the pillars regarding which the excuse of ignorance is not acceptable for anyone, nor is any negligence in them permissible under any circumstances. This is because believing in them and acting upon them is the sign of being a Muslim, while denying or abandoning them leads to disbelief (leaving the fold of Islam).
(7) Belief in the Principles and Branches of the Religion:
It is mandatory to believe in all the fundamental beliefs and secondary rulings of the religion of Islam, both collectively and in detail.
(8) Fulfilling the Obligation of Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil:
This is the practice of all the Prophets and Messengers of Allah and of the scholars and righteous people who follow their path. However, this act should neither be based on the methodology of deviant sects like the Khawarij, nor on the manner of those with incorrect beliefs like the Murji’ah, nor on the methods of the modern-day suicide terrorist groups.
(9) Fulfilling the Duty of Calling to Allah (Da’wah ila Allah):
So that people may gain knowledge and insight into the commands of Allah and attain an understanding of the religion of Allah, because only this religion is acceptable to Allah. And this work should be done in adherence to the leader of all callers, Muhammad the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), and those who follow in his footsteps, revive his Sunnah, and follow his guidance.
(10) Adopting Truthfulness:
Adhering to truthfulness by embracing both of its aspects:
1- Truthfulness with Allah the Almighty:
The requirements of truthfulness with Allah are that the servant performs righteous deeds and avoids sins, because Allah the Almighty has purchased the souls of the believers from them and in return has granted them a Paradise whose expanse is like the heavens and the earth.
So whoever fulfills this promise, for him is a complete and excellent reward from Allah. But whoever breaks the promise, he in reality only harms himself, and Allah will not be harmed by it in any way.
2- Truthfulness with the Servants of Allah:
This is such that a servant completely fulfills the rights of people, whether those rights are physical or moral.
Also, to treat people well in every matter and in every situation, and not to cause them any kind of harm by tongue or by action.
(11) Abundant Remembrance of Allah:
Always being engaged in the remembrance of Allah, considering it as spiritual and mental nourishment, especially reciting the Holy Qur’an, about which the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“اقْرَءُوا الْقُرْآنَ، فَإِنَّهُ يَأْتِي يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ شَفِيعًا لِأَصْحَابِهِ، اقْرَءُوا الزَّهْرَاوَيْنِ الْبَقَرَةَ وَسُورَةَ آلِ عِمْرَانَ فَإِنَّهُمَا تَأْتِيَانِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ، كَأَنَّهُمَا غَمَامَتَانِ، أَوْ كَأَنَّهُمَا غَيَايَتَانِ، أَوْ كَأَنَّهُمَا فِرْقَانِ مِنْ طَيْرٍ صَوَافَّ تُحَاجَّانِ عَنْ أَصْحَابِهِمَا، اقْرَءُوا سُورَةَ الْبَقَرَةِ فَإِنَّ أَخْذَهَا بَرَكَةٌ، وَتَرْكَهَا حَسْرَةٌ، وَلَا تَسْتَطِيعُهَا الْبَطَلَةُ”.
"Recite the Qur'an, for it will come on the Day of Resurrection as an intercessor for its companions. Recite the two bright ones, Al-Baqarah and Surah Aal-Imran, for they will come on the Day of Resurrection as if they were two clouds, or two shades, or two flocks of birds in ranks, pleading for their companions. Recite Surah Al-Baqarah, for taking recourse to it is a blessing and abandoning it is a cause of grief, and the magicians cannot confront it." - [Sahih Muslim: 804]
Many other hadiths have been reported with this meaning.
(12) Good Character:
Adopting the best of morals by following the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), because he possessed the highest character, as Allah the Almighty said:
{وَاِنَّكَ لَعَلٰى خُلُقٍ عَظِيۡمٍ} – [القلم : ٤]
Translation: "And indeed, you are of a great moral character." [Al-Qalam: 4]
Furthermore, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“الْبِرُّ حُسْنُ الْخُلُقِ”.
“Righteousness is good character.” – [Sahih Muslim: 2553]
(13) Good Conduct with Parents:
Treating parents with good conduct in both situations, during their life and after their death, in obedience to the command of Allah in which He said:
{وَاخۡفِضۡ لَهُمَا جَنَاحَ الذُّلِّ مِنَ الرَّحۡمَةِ وَقُلْ رَّبِّ ارۡحَمۡهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيٰنِىۡ صَغِيۡرًا} – [الإسراء : ٢٤]
Translation: "And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, 'My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small'." [Al-Isra: 24]
Good conduct with parents after their death is to pray for them and seek forgiveness for them, to execute their will, to give charity on their behalf, and to treat their friends well; all of this is a continuation of good conduct with them.
(14) Maintaining Ties of Kinship:
Establishing relations with relatives and being kind to them, whether they are men or women. Indeed, joining the ties of kinship is one of the great qualities of the believers, as Allah the Almighty said:
{وَالَّذِيۡنَ يَصِلُوۡنَ مَاۤ اَمَرَ اللّٰهُ بِهٖۤ اَنۡ يُّوۡصَلَ وَيَخۡشَوۡنَ رَبَّهُمۡ وَ يَخَافُوۡنَ سُوۡۤءَ الۡحِسَابِؕ} – [الرعد : ٢١ ]
Translation: "And those who join that which Allah has ordered to be joined and fear their Lord and are afraid of the evil of [their] account." [Ar-Ra'd: 21]
Joining the ties of kinship is one of the causes of blessing in one’s lifespan and expansion in one’s provision, as it is established from the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) that he said:
“مَنْ أَحَبَّ أَنْ يُبْسَطَ لَهُ فِي رِزْقِهِ، وَيُنْسَأَ لَهُ فِي أَثَرِهِ، فَلْيَصِلْ رَحِمَهُ”.
“He who loves that his provision be expanded and his term of life be prolonged should maintain ties of kinship.” – [Sahih Muslim: 2557]
Also, it should be known that when relatives are in need and the one who is to join the ties has the means, then kinship is also maintained through wealth. And it can also be maintained by visiting them, taking care of their affairs, advising them, enjoining good and forbidding evil, calling them to Allah, and especially giving them an understanding of the religion if they are from among the common (simple) people. And Allah is the one who grants success.
(15) Respecting the Religion of Islam:
The religion which Allah the Almighty has chosen for all of humanity. This respect is demonstrated by considering as lawful what Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) have made lawful, and considering as unlawful what Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) have made unlawful. Also, by fully implementing all the rulings of this religion in worship, dealings, morals, and conduct. Furthermore, by inviting towards this religion, explaining its merits, and clarifying its virtues and objectives. And by stopping the ignorant who are engaged in insulting this religion, mocking it, and ridiculing its followers and those associated with it, and by implementing the (Shari’ah) punishment upon them, so that they either repent and return to their senses and turn back to their Lord, and if they do not desist, then they should be declared apostates and killed, because they have turned back on their heels (from the religion), those who have purchased misguidance for guidance and punishment for forgiveness! So how patient are they for the Fire!
(16) Adopting Beautiful Patience (Sabr Jameel):
This is the highest of the best qualities. Through it, high objectives are achieved and unsolvable difficulties are eased. All the Prophets and Messengers achieved success in calling their people only through patience. Similarly, the martyrs were patient in standing firm before their opponents on the battlefield, so they attained the great rank and status of martyrdom. The scholars collected and deeply understood the sciences only by being patient in staying up at night to study and enduring hardship. Those with high aspirations and pure intentions only reached their great objectives and desired goals when they were patient with every difficulty encountered on this path, and in this state, they felt the companionship of Allah at every moment, as Allah said:
{اِنَّ اللّٰهَ مَعَ الصّٰبِرِيۡنَ} – [البقرة : ١٥٣]
Translation: "Indeed, Allah is with the patient." [Al-Baqarah: 153]
(17) Fulfilling the Trust (Amanah):
That which Allah the Almighty has commanded to be delivered to its rightful owners, whether it is the right of Allah or the right of the servants of Allah, as Allah said:
{اِنَّ اللّٰهَ يَاۡمُرُكُمۡ اَنۡ تُؤَدُّوا الۡاَمٰنٰتِ اِلٰٓى اَهْلِهَا ۙ وَاِذَا حَكَمۡتُمۡ بَيۡنَ النَّاسِ اَنۡ تَحۡكُمُوۡا بِالۡعَدۡlِ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ نِعِمَّا يَعِظُكُمۡ بِهٖ} – [النساء : ٥٨]
Translation: "Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due. And when you judge between people, to judge with justice. Excellent is that which Allah instructs you." [An-Nisa: 58]
In addition to commanding the fulfillment of trusts, Allah the Almighty warned people against treachery, saying:
{يٰۤـاَيُّهَا الَّذِيۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡا لَا تَخُوۡنُوا اللّٰهَ وَالرَّسُوۡلَ وَتَخُوۡنُوۡۤا اَمٰنٰتِكُمۡ وَاَنۡـتُمۡ تَعۡلَمُوۡنَ} – [الأنفال : ٢٧]
Translation: "O you who have believed, do not betray Allah and the Messenger or betray your trusts while you know [the consequence]." [Al-Anfal: 27]
(18) Behaving with Humility and Gentleness:
Because these two qualities are a cause of elevation in honor and wealth. Whoever humbles himself for Allah, Allah raises him. And whoever is arrogant before Allah, Allah the Almighty debases and humiliates him.
(19) Sincere Well-Wishing (Naseehah):
Sincere well-wishing towards Allah the Almighty means acting upon His commands and staying away from His prohibitions.
Sincere well-wishing towards the Book of Allah (the Qur’an) is to recite it, understand its meanings, and revive its Shari’ah rulings which Allah the Almighty sent through His Messenger.
Sincere well-wishing towards the Muslim rulers is to pray for them, to remind them when they forget something, to alert them when they are negligent, and to obey them in all situations, provided they do not command disobedience to Allah. So if they command a sin, there is no listening and no obeying, as it is in the hadith:
“إِنَّمَا الطَّاعَةُ فِي الْمَعْرُوفِ”.
“Obedience is only in that which is good.” (1) – [Sahih al-Bukhari: 7257]
And sincere well-wishing towards the general Muslims is to enjoin good upon them, to forbid evil, to invite them to matters of goodness and reform, and to fulfill their rights in order to be free from (Shari’ah) responsibility, to fulfill the Shari’ah duty, and to be a well-wisher to the Ummah.
(20) Frequently Remembering the Destroyer of Pleasures, i.e., Death:
Because death is a matter that, if remembered at a time of prosperity, that happiness diminishes, and if remembered in hardship, that hardship begins to feel lighter. This is acting upon the advice of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), in which he said:
“أكثِروا ذِكرَ هاذِمِ اللَّذّاتِ: الموتِ؛ فإنَّه لم يذكُرْه أحَدٌ في ضَيِّقٍ من العَيشِ إلّا وسَّعه عليه، ولا ذَكَره في سَعةٍ إلّا ضَيَّقَها عليه”.
“Frequently remember the cutter of pleasures, i.e., death, for no one remembers it in hardship but that it is made easy for him, nor does one remember it in ease but that (the worldly ease) is constricted for him.” [Sahih at-Targhib (3333), Hasan]
(21) Sincerity (Ikhlas) in All Deeds:
To have sincerity for Allah alone in all one’s statements, actions, and beliefs, such that the intention in them is only the pleasure and approval of Allah, along with performing those deeds in the correct manner.
Besides these principles, there are many other things that fall under them. Whoever wishes to know their details should refer to the Book of Allah (which Allah the Almighty has made a clear explanation of all things) and the Sunnah of the noble Prophet (ﷺ), which (i.e., the Sunnah) Allah the Almighty has mentioned along with the Qur’an in the context of His favor upon this Ummah, as He says:
{وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ الۡكِتٰبَ وَالۡحِكۡمَةَ وَاِنۡ كَانُوۡا مِنۡ قَبۡلُ لَفِىۡ ضَلٰلٍ مُّبِيۡنٍ} – [آل عمران : ١٦٤]
Translation: "...and teaches them the Book and wisdom, although they were before in manifest error." [Aal-Imran: 164]
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(1) The background of this hadith is that the Prophet (ﷺ) once dispatched an army and appointed an Ansari as their commander. When they set out, the Ansari became angry over something on the way and told them to gather firewood. After that, he called for fire, set the wood ablaze, and said, “I command you to enter this fire.” The people were just thinking of jumping in when a young man said, “It is from the fire that you fled to seek refuge with the Prophet (ﷺ). Do not be hasty in this. First, meet the Prophet (ﷺ) and ask. If he commands you to jump in, then certainly do so.” So the people stopped and upon returning, told the Prophet (ﷺ) the whole incident. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“لَوْ دَخَلْتُمُوهَا مَا خَرَجْتُمْ مِنْهَا أَبَدًا، إِنَّمَا الطَّاعَةُ فِي الْمَعْرُوفِ”.
“If you had entered it, you would never have come out of it. Verily, obedience is only in that which is good.” [Musnad Ahmad: 622, Sahih]
