Oneness of Allah Khaleelpudur04:36 0 comments

                  

Inviting People to Tawhîd (Oneness of Allah) with Certain Knowledge

The success of our da'wah also depends on what message to convey and its sources. What is the message or knowledge that we ought to share to others, especially to the non-Muslims? What kind of knowledge and what are its sources? Both the Qur'an and the Sunnah guide us Du’ât to invite people based on true and firm knowledge of Islam. Islam teaches us the divine message of Tawhîd, which is the absolute Oneness of Allah. It directs us to adhere to the Qur'an and the Sunnah as the complete sources of guidance in conveying Tawhîd to others. It serves as the best way to the Right Path and success by forbidding us the path to bid'ah or innovation in our da'wah. All these are explained in this chapter with proofs from the Qur'an and authentic ahadith as follows:

1. Inviting People to Tawhîd (Oneness of Allah) with Certain Knowledge

It is mandatory for us Du’ât to learn Islam based on knowledge of the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah (and Ahâdîth) so that we can successfully convey the very Message of Islam, which is Tawhîd or the absolute Oneness of Allah the Almighty:

Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “The luckiest person who will have my intercession will be the one who said sincerely from the bottom of his heart, “None has the right to be worshipped but Allah...” (Bukhari 1/98 and 8/574)

Muadh narrated: I was a companion rider of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) on a donkey called ‘Ufair. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) asked, “O Mu’adh! Do you know what Allah's right on His slaves is, and what the right of His slaves on Him is?” I replied, “Allah and His Messenger know better.” He said, “Allah's right on His slaves is that they should worship Him (Alone) and should not worship any besides Him. And slave’s right on Allah is that He should not punish him who worships none besides Him.” I said, “O Allah's Messenger! Should I not inform the people of this good news?” He said, “Do not inform them of it, lest they should depend on it (absolutely).” (Bukhari 4/108)

There are three categories of Tawhîd (the Oneness of God) that we must explain very clearly to the non-Muslims. First is Tawhîd Ar-Ruboobeeyah (Oneness of Allah's Divinity or Allah (S.W.T.) as the Only God and Creator). Allah (S.W.T.) is the Only Rabb, the Creator, the Sovereign, the Sustainer, the Provider, and Manager of the whole mankind in all affairs. Second is Tawhîd Al-Ulooheeyah or Tawhîd Al-Ibaadah (Allah is the Only One worthy of our worship). No one deserves true worship but Allah. Allah (S.W.T.) created the whole mankind and the jinn to worship Him Alone (51:56). Worship in Islam is a comprehensive term. Everything we do in accordance with Allah's Law is an act of worship. Such worship must be done sincerely for the pleasure of Allah (S.W.T.) alone. Third is Tawhîd Al-Asmaa wa As-Sifaat (Allah Alone deserves the most Magnificent Names and Attributes). All praises belong to Allah the Almighty. No one shares in any of His beautiful Names and Attributes, which are found in the Qur’an and Ahâdîth.

The belief in Tawhîd in Islam is the most logical concept of God that every rational individual could ever think of. Simply because, should there be two, three or more “gods” then, the entire universe would have been in chaos as a result of the competition of and struggle for power among “gods.” Allah (S.W.T.) says:

“If there were, in the heavens and the earth, other gods besides Allah, there would have been ruin in both! But glory to Allah, the Rabb of the Throne: (High is He) above what they attribute to Him.” (21: 22)

“No son did Allah beget nor is there any god along with Him: (if there were many gods) behold each god would have taken away what he had created and some would have overcome others! Glory to Allah (he is free) from the (sort of) things they attribute to Him!” (23:91)

Of the three categories of Tawhîd, we must give emphasis on the Tawhîd Al-Ulooheeyah or Tawhîd Al-Ibaadah. That is to invite or call people to worship Allah (S.W.T.) alone. This is to guide them to the Truth so that they will fulfill their very purpose of existence/creation in this world -- i.e., to worship Allah (S.W.T.) throughout their lives and therefore avoid committing the most sinful of all sins, which is Shirk (associating partners with Allah I). Allah the Most High tells us:

“I have created not the jinn and men except that they should worship Me (Alone). I seek not any provision from them nor do I ask that they should feed Me. Verily, Allah is the All-Provider, Owner of Power, the Most Strong.” (51:56-58)

“So glorify the praises of your Rabb and be of those who prostrate themselves (to Him). And worship your Rabb until there comes unto you the Hour that is certain (i.e., death).” (15:98-99)

“Allah forgives not that partners should be set up with Him; but He forgives anything else, to whom He pleases; to set up partners with Allah is to devise a sin most heinous indeed.” (4:48)

To guide mankind to Tawhîd Al-Ulooheeyah, Allah the Most Gracious, Most Merciful sent prophets and messengers to every nation. We read in the Qur’an:

“And verily, We have sent among every nation a messenger (proclaiming): ‘Worship Allah (alone) and avoid false deities.’…” (16:36)

“And We did not send any messenger before you (O Muhammad) except that We inspired him (to proclaim) that none has the right to be worshipped except Me (Allah), so worship Me (Alone).” (21:25)

The Prophet (s.a.w.s.), just like other prophets and messengers of Allah (S.W.T.) before him [e.g., Noah (7:59 and 23:23); Abraham (2: 257 and 6: 80); Jesus Christ, the son of Mary (5: 72)] invited people to the worship of Allah the Almighty Allah the Exalted tells us:

“Say (O Muhammad): ‘I am but a man like yourselves, (but) the Inspiration has come to me, that your God is One God: whoever expects to meet His Rabb, let him work righteousness, and in the worship of his Rabb, admit no one as partner.” (18:110)

In conveying the message of Tawhîd, we have to follow the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) who successfully conveyed it with certain knowledge. This is a divine commandment from Allah the Almighty, which we must follow:

“Say (O Muhammad): ‘This is my Way; I do invite unto Allah with a certain knowledge. And whoever follows me (must also invite others to Allah, Oneness of Allah with sure knowledge). Glory to Allah! And I am not of the polytheists.’” (12: 108)

The Qur’an provides us the most truthful and logical Source to convey Tawhîd to non-Muslims. It is absolutely free from any sort of contradiction or error. Any sensible non-Muslim who is being invited to Islam through the words of Allah in the Qur’an will, Insha Allah, testify to the Oneness of Allah the Almighty The Qur’an is the certain knowledge that Prophet Messenger (s.a.w.s.) used to invite non-believers to Islam. It is imperative that we Du’ât must invite non-Muslims to Tawhîd as it is the Sunnah of Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.s.). In fact, the first thing he enjoined one of his Companions, which we must also follow, was to invite people to worship Allah (S.W.T.):

Bin Abbas narrated that when Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.s.) sent Muadh to Yemen, he said (to him), “You are going to people of the Book. First of all invite them to worship Allah (Alone) and when they come to know Allah, inform them that Allah has enjoined on them, five prayers in every day and night; and if they start offering these prayers, inform them that Allah has enjoined on them, the Zakat. And it is to be taken from the rich amongst them and given to the poor amongst them; and if they obey you in that, take Zakat from them and avoid (don’t take) the best property of the people as Zakat.” (Bukhari 2/537)

Islamic History tells us that for ten years, the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) invited the non-believers in Makkah to Tawhîd (to worship no other God but Allah I). While in Makkah, he was raised to Heaven where he was given the divine commandment to institutionalize the five obligatory daily prayers (Salaat). He (s.a.w.s.) performed the prayers in Makkah for three years. Then, he was commanded to migrate to Madinah to build the first Islamic State -- to implement Islam in its complete and purest way. This shows how the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) stressed the need to give priority to Tawhîd, which we must also follow in our Da’wah. This means to explain to non-Muslims the concept and rationality of the absolute oneness of Allah and why we need to worship Him, before explaining other pillars of Islam as well as the articles and other teachings of the True and Right Religion. In our explanation of Tawhîd and other basic teachings of Islam, we must try to give proofs from the Qur’an and the Sunnah. The non-Muslims should know that the Qur’an teaches mankind the sincere belief and adherence in Tawhîd (absolute Oneness of Allah) -- a very sublime message for all. It tells us that there is no God but Allah the Almighty he is the Living, the Self-Subsisting, the Supporter of all (3:2), and the One Who gives life and death (3:156; 6:95; 15:23).

The Qur’an tells us that belief in Allah requires that we refrain from assigning partners to Him (6:22, 13:36 and 60:12) as well as saying things about Allah (S.W.T.) of which we have no knowledge (7:33). No vision can grasp Him, but His grasp is over all vision; he is Subtle Well Aware (6:102, 103). he is Allah, the One. he is not one in a Trinity (5:72), nor one of two (16:51). He has no begotten son (2:116, 6:100, 10:68 and 19:35) nor is He begotten (112:3). Nor does He have neither consort nor daughters (6:100-101, 16:57 and 37:149-157). Verily, Allah (S.W.T.) has no partner (6:163). There is nothing whatever like unto Him (42:12). Allah is the One, the Eternal, Absolute; He begets not, nor is He begotten; and there is none like unto Him (112:1-4). The Qur’an teaches us to worship Allah alone. Allah (S.W.T.) says:

“… (This Qur’an is) a Book, with verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning) -- further explained in detail from One Who is Wise and Well-Acquainted (with all things). (It teaches) that you should worship none but Allah.” (11:1-2)

We should therefore invite Christians to worship Allah instead of Jesus Christ. For their guidance they must read the Qur’an as it guides them to the truth about Jesus Christ. Jesus was no more than a servant of Allah (S.W.T.) for the Children of Israel (43:59). He was a sign to them (23:50). He was the son of Mary (3:45) and not the son of Allah (9:30). He was in company and ranks of the righteous Prophets (3:46; 6:85). He was (no more than) a Messenger of Allah (4:171). Under Allah's will, he performed miracles (3:49). Christ’s creation was like that of Adam. Allah (S.W.T.) created Adam from dust, then said to him: ‘Be’ and he was (3:59). Christ taught no false worship (5:116-117). He taught his disciples the worship of Allah (S.W.T.) as a Way that is straight (3:51). In blasphemy indeed are those that say that Allah is Christ the son of Mary (5:17). Therefore, they (the Christians) must not over glorify him to be God for he is not Allah (5:17).

Allah (S.W.T.) guides the Jews and the Christians to the truth about Jesus Christ. Jesus, just like Prophet Messenger (s.a.w.s.), was a Prophet and a Messenger of Allah. The only difference is that Jesus was only sent as a servant of Allah (S.W.T.) for the Children of Israel, whereas, Messenger (s.a.w.s.) was sent as the Universal Messenger of Allah to the whole mankind. Allah, the Most High, says:

“He (Jesus) was no more than a servant: We granted Our favor to him and We made him an example to the Children of Israel.” (53:59)

“Whatever good (O man!) happens to you is from Allah; but whatever evil happens to you is from your (own) soul. And We have sent you (O Muhammad) as a Messenger to (instruct) mankind: and enough is Allah for a witness.” (4:179)

One very important attribute of Allah that we must tell non-Muslims, especially the Christians, is that he is above His creation. We must correct the Idea in Christianity that “God is everywhere”. This misconception about God means that He can be present inside His creation. The Qur’an tells us very clearly that Allah is above His creation as shown in the following Ayât:

“he is the Irresistible above His worshippers, and he is the All-Wise, Well-Acquainted with all things.” (6:18)

“And to Allah prostrate all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth, of the live moving creatures and the angels, and they are not proud. They fear their Rabb Who is above them.” (16:50)

It must be noted that when Allah the Almighty tells us that he is nearer to every human being (56:85) even than his jugular vein (50:16) this means that He knows very well the Innermost state of every human’s feelings and consciousness. Allah is Ever Near (34:50) to everyone by the Infinite wisdom and knowledge because he is All Knowing, All Wise (4:11, 9:28 and 27:6). Allah is with us by His hearing, His seeing and His Knowledge. The Almighty says:

“Fear not for I am with you I hear and see (everything).” (20:46)

After enlightening the Christians on the unique and absolute qualities of Allah as defined in the Qur’an, it is a must that we reiterate our invitation for them to worship Him Alone. Verily, Allah is the Only True God of the whole mankind. If they reject our invitation, then we do not have to compel them to accept the Truth. What is important is that we have performed our duty as Muslims. Allah the Exalted says:

“Say: ‘O People of the Book! Come to what is common between us and you: that we worship none but Allah, that we associate nothing with Him, and that none of us shall take others as rabbs besides Allah.’ If they reject our invitation, then tell them plainly, ‘Bear witness that we are Muslims.’” (3:64)

Verily, the truth is that there is no god except Allah (S.W.T.) (3:62 and 4:87): the Only Creator and Sustainer (30:40 and 40:62) of all. To Him belong all things in the heavens and on earth. he is free of all wants, worthy of all praise (4:131). he is the Sovereign, the Holy, (the Source of) Peace, the Secure, the Preserver, the Powerful, the Irresistible, the Grandiose: Glory be to Allah (S.W.T.) ahead of anything they may associate (with Him)! (59:22-24).

We should make it clear to the non-Muslims that Allah (S.W.T.) will never guide them if they do not believe in the absolute Oneness of Allah the Almighty All their good deeds will be in vain if they continue associating partners with Allah (S.W.T.) and join others in worship with Him. Allah (S.W.T.) says:

“This is the Guidance of Allah. He gives that guidance to whom He pleases, of His servants if they were to join other gods with Him, all that they did would be vain for them.” (6:88)

“And indeed it has been revealed to you (O Muhammad), as it was to those (Allah's Messengers) before you: If you join others in worship with Allah, (then) surely (all) your deeds will be in vain, and you will certainly be among the losers.” (39:65)

It is for their own salvation that they should accept the Invitation to Islam and turn to Allah (S.W.T.) for repentance. They should refrain from associating partners in worship with Allah the Almighty Allah, the Most Forgiving, forgives all sins except the association of partners with Him. He (S.W.T.) says:

“Allah forgives not that partners should be set up with Him; but He forgives anything else, to whom He pleases; to set up partners with Allah is to devise a sin most heinous indeed.” (4:48)

‘Abdullah narrated that Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “Anyone who dies worshipping others along with Allah will definitely enter the Fire.” I said, “Anyone who dies worshipping none along with Allah will definitely enter Paradise.” (Bukhari 2/330, 6/24 and Muslim168)

The Qur’an enlightens us to testify that there is no God (worthy of true worship) but Allah (47:19). (See Appendix 4, “Allah: The Unique God” for the examples of the many Âyât (Qur’anic Verses) that prove Allah as the Only True God, worthy of our worship.)

Likewise, we read Ahâdîth regarding Tawhîd. Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.s.) emphasized the Importance of Tawhîd. Indeed, the Qur’an and the Sunnah provide us the certain knowledge of inviting people to Tawhîd; therefore, there is no need for us to refer to any source such as the Bible. The two authentic revealed Sources in Islam are sufficient for us. They can enlighten and awaken the minds and hearts of sensible non-Muslims who really seek for Truth.

2. Adherence to the Qur’an and the Sunnah (Authentic Ahâdîth) as the Sources of Truth

As Du’ât, we have to take all the opportunities to seek knowledge of the Truth. We have to read the Book of Allah (S.W.T.) and the Sunnah (or authentic Ahâdîth) of His Messenger (s.a.w.s.). They serve as the best and genuine tools to convey the Truth to the non-Muslims. Our belief and deeds must be based on these two authentic sources of knowledge and guidance (See Appendix 5 “Get Your Belief from the Qur’an and the Authentic Prophet Tradition: Questions and Answers on Islam” by: Prof. Muhammad Bin Jumail Zaynu).

We have to convey the need to search for knowledge of the Truth to the non-practicing Muslims as well as the non-Muslims. We have to emphasize that what we are going to explain to them is based on the Qur’an and the Sunnah. We have to explain why the Qur’an is the Divine Revelation from Allah the Almighty (See Appendix 6“The Qur’an: The Divine Revelation”). They have to know that the Qur’an is complete:

“For We had certainly sent unto them a Book (Qur’an) based on knowledge, which We explained in detail, a guide and a Mercy to all who believe.” (7:52)

“…We have sent down to you the Book (Qur’an) explaining all things, a guide, a Mercy, and glad tidings to Muslims.” (16:89)

Furthermore, we have to explain to them clearly why we have to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.). They have to know that to follow the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) is a divine commandment from Allah, the Rabb of the worlds:

“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)

“But no, by your Rabb, they can have no Faith, until they make you (O Muhammad) judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission.” (4:65)

It is imperative, therefore, that we must strictly adhere to the Qur’an and the Sunnah. It is a divine commandment that guides us to the Straight Path. Both the Qur’an and the Sunnah constitute the best guidance for the whole mankind. We have to believe and follow the following teachings from the Qur’an and the authentic Ahâdîth:

“And if you have a dispute concerning any matter, refer it to Allah and His Messenger.’” (3:31)

“And verily, This is my Straight Path so follow it, and follow not (other paths, for they will separate you away from His Path. This He has ordained for you that you may become pious.” (6:153)

Jabir Bin ‘Abdullah (r.a.) narrated that Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “The best speech is that embodied in the Book of Allah, and the best guidance is the guidance given by Muhammad. The most evil affairs are their innovations; and every innovation is an error.” (Muslim1885 and Ibn Majah 1/45)

Jabir Bin ‘Abdullah (r.a.) narrated that Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.s.) used to say in his prayer after tashahhud, “The most excellent words are the words of Allah and the most excellent guidance is the guidance given by Muhammad.” (Tirmidhi 956 and Nasa’i)

Hudhaifah narrated that Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said to us, “Honesty descended from the Heavens and settled in the roots of the hearts of men (faithful believers), and then the Qur’an was revealed and the people read the Qur’an, (and learned from it) and also learned it from the Sunnah. Both Qur’an and the Sunnah strengthened their (the faithful believers’) honesty.” (Bukhari 9/381)

All of us have to read Islamic books that are based on the Qur’an and authentic Ahâdîth written by Muslim scholars. We have to explain further to the non-Muslims that true knowledge of Islam consists of the Qur’an, the Sunnah and the prescriptions rightly deduced from the two:

‘Abdullah Bin ‘Amr narrated that Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said: “Knowledge consists of three things: the decisive verses (Qur’an), authentic Hâdîth and prescriptions rightly deduced from the two. What is beside them is superfluous.” (Ibn Majah 1/54 and Abu Dawud 2879)

Mu’adh Bin Jabal (r.a.) narrated that some of his companions said, “When Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.s.) intended to send him (Mu’adh Bin Jabal) to Yemen, he asked: “How will you judge when the occasion of deciding a case arises?” He replied, I shall judge in accordance with Allah's Book. He was asked: “(What will you do) if you do not find any guidance in Allah's Book?” He replied, “(I shall act) in accordance with the Sunnah of Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.s.).” He (s.a.w.s.) asked, “(What will you do) if you do not find any guidance in the Sunnah of Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.s.) and in Allah's Book?” He replied, “I shall do my best to form an opinion and I shall spare no effort.” Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.s.) then patted him on the breast and said: “Praise be to Allah Who has helped Allah's Messenger to find something which pleases Allah's Messenger.” (Abu Dawud 3585)

We have to encourage the non-Muslims to read the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah as well as books based on these Divine Sources of Truth. We have to remember that the first Surah (Chapter) that Allah (S.W.T.) revealed to His Messenger (s.a.w.s.) for our guidance pertains to reading. Allah the Exalted commands:

“Read! In the name of your Rabb and Cherisher, Who created — created man, out of a leech-like clot. Read! And your Rabb is Most Bountiful. He Who taught (the use of) the Pen, taught man that which he knew not...” (96:1-4)

When we follow the divine commandment to read, we find that of all books, the Qur’an is the only Book wherein Allah instructs mankind to: read (73:20), understand (21:10; 47: 24; 54:17, 22, 32, 40), study (2:121), recite (29:45 and 73:4), listen (7:204), remember (80:11-14) and follow it for guidance (6:155 and 39:18). The Qur’an, is the Truth from Allah (Qur’an, 32:2-3). It is the Book Full of Wisdom (36:2); and the Truth of assured certainty (69:51). Why? Because, it is the Truth from our Rabb (22:54) -- the One full of knowledge and wisdom (22:52). Allah (S.W.T.) says:

“We sent down (the Qur’an) in Truth, and in Truth has it descended...” (17:105)

The following Âyât (verses) should awaken all of us to learn more of Allah's Book:

“Is then one who does know that, that which has been Revealed unto you from your Rabb is the Truth, like the one who is blind? It is those who are endowed with understanding that receive admonition...!” (13:19-24)

The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) also inspires us to learn and teach Allah's Book. He stresses that if we hold on to the Qur’an we will never go astray:

Uthman Bin Affan narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “The most superior among you (Muslims) are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.” (Bukhari 6/546)

Jabir Bin ‘Abdullah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “…I have left among you the Book of Allah, and if you hold fast to it, you would never go astray…” (Muslim2803.1)

It is for our guidance that we must believe the whole of the Qur’an. We are not considered to be true believers if we doubt some parts of the Revelation. If we reject any part of it, we will suffer grievous punishment in the Hereafter. Allah (S.W.T.) warns:

...Then is it only a part of the Book that you believe in. And do you reject the rest? But what is the reward for those among you who behave like this but disgrace in this life? And on the Day of Judgment they shall be consigned to the most grievous chastisement for Allah is not unmindful of what you do. These are the people who buy the life of this world at the price of the Hereafter: their chastisement shall not be lightened nor shall they be helped. (2:85-86)

In our Da’wah, we have to explain to the non-Muslims that the Qur’an is the only comprehensive book available to mankind for guidance. Allah (S.W.T.) says that nothing has been omitted from it (6:38). It is further explained in detail (11:1 and 6:114). It guides us to believe and obey Messenger (s.a.w.s.) (3:31-32; 4:170 and 47:33). For our complete guidance, it is necessary for us to follow the Sunnah (Traditions of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)) because he is Allah's universal Messenger to the whole mankind (34:28). he is the Seal of the Prophets (33:40) whom our Creator sent with Guidance and the Religion of Truth, to make it prevail over all religions (61:9).
3. Avoiding Bid’ah (Innovation or Fabrication) in Religion

Islam is not only complete but also applies to all generations, at all times, under any circumstance. In other words, it is the perfect religion for the whole mankind. Allah the Exalted says:

“...This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” (5:3)

Islam as the perfect religion is one of the Important concepts that we should know and at the same time convey to all. We do not, therefore, need to make bid’ah (innovation or fabrication) in our religion. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) stresses the Importance of knowing and holding on to the Qur’an and the Sunnah and at the same time warns us to avoid bid’ah. To reiterate:

Jabir Bin ‘Abdullah (r.a.) narrated that Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “The best speech is that embodied in the Book of Allah, and the best guidance is the guidance given by Muhammad. The most evil affairs are their innovations; and every innovation is an error.” (Muslim 1885 and Ibn Majah 1/45)

‘Aishah (r.a.) narrated that Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “Whoso introduces any thing new to this affairs of ours (i.e., religion) which does not form a part of it, it is invalid.” (Bukhari 3/861 and Ibn Majah 1/14)

Hasan Bin Attiyah narrated that Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “No one ever made an innovation in their religion but Allah withdrew the equal portion from their Sunnah and He would not restore it to them till the Day of Resurrection.” (Tirmidhi 188)

Yahya Bin Abu Muta said, “I heard Irbad Bin Sariya as saying, “One day Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.s.) got up among us and delivered a profoundly effective sermon to us: the hearts softened and eyes welled up with tears thereby.” It was said: “Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.s.), you have delivered to us a farewell sermon. So enjoin upon us some duty.” He remarked, “God-consciousness (fear of Allah), listening to (the commands of those at the head of affairs) and the compliance (thereof) are obligatory duties for you, even if he (the ruler) be an Abyssinian slave. Very soon, you would see tremendous controversy after me. At that juncture, it is incumbent upon you to adhere strictly to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided caliphs. Hold fast that with teeth and pursue not the affairs of innovation for every innovation is straying from the Right Path.” (Ibn Majah 1/42, Abu Dawud 4950, and Tirmidhi)

Ghudhayf Bin al Harith al Thumali narrated that Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “Never did a people make an innovation (in religion) there was withdrawn from them the equal measure of Sunnah. Adhering to Sunnah is better than making innovations.” (Tirmidhi 187 and Ahmad)

Prophet Messenger (s.a.w.s.) rebuked one of his closest companions for trying to refer to the Torah. We Du’ât must take lesson from the following Hâdîth:

Jabir Bin ‘Abdullah (r.a.) narrated that Umar Bin al-Khattab (r.a.) brought to Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.s.) a copy of the Torah and said: “Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.s.), this is a copy of the Torah.” He (Allah's Messenger r) kept quiet and he (Umar (r.a.) ) began to read it. The (color) of the face of Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.s.) underwent a change. Abu Bakr (r.a.) said, “Would that your mother mourns you, don’t you see the face of Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.s.)?” Umar (r.a.) saw the face of Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.s.) and said, “I seek refuge with Allah from the wrath of Allah and the wrath of His Messenger (s.a.w.s.). We are well pleased with Allah as Rabb, with Islam as religion, and with Messenger (s.a.w.s.) as Prophet.” Whereupon Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said: “By Him in Whose hand is the life of Muhammad, even if Moses were to appear before you and you were to follow him, leaving me aside, you would certainly stray into error. If (Moses) were alive (now), and he found my prophethood, he would have definitely followed me.” (Tirmidhi 194; Darimi and Mishkat, 1/20)

It must be noted that according to the narration Umar Bin al-Khattab (r.a.) merely “began to read the Torah”. He did not get any guidance from it or quote any verse from it the way some Du’ât and even scholars in today’s generation give emphasis to some Biblical verses in trying to convey Islam. Umar (r.a.) invited the people through the Qur’an and not with the Torah. Even after the Messenger’s death, Umar (r.a.) admonished the Muslims to stick to the Qur’an so they would be guided to the Right Path:

Anas Bin Malik narrated that he heard ‘Umar (r.a.) speaking while standing on the pulpit of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) in the morning (following the death of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)), when the people had sworn allegiance to Abu Bakr (r.a.) . He said the Tashah-hud before Abu Bakr, and said, “Amma Ba’ad (then after) Allah has chosen for his Messenger (s.a.w.s.) what is with Him (Paradise) rather than what is with you (the world). This is that Book (Qur’an) with which Allah guided your Messenger r, so stick to it, for then you will be guided on the right path as Allah guided His Messenger (s.a.w.s.) with it.” (Bukhari 9/374)

Caliph Umar (r.a.) was indeed pleased with Allah as Rabb, with Islam as religion, and with Messenger (s.a.w.s.) as Prophet. If we feel the same way as the Caliph , which we must do as Du’ât, we must be contented with the Qur’an and the Sunnah. We do not, therefore, need to refer to any other scripture such as the Torah or any part of the Bible as the Qur’an is sufficient for us. It is the only Divine Book from Allah (S.W.T.) that has been preserved. It is a must that we study it and share it to people especially the non-Muslims. Unfortunately some Du’ât waste their time and effort in learning and memorizing verses in the Bible instead of devoting their time memorizing some Qur’anic Surahs or Ayât. It must be noted that the Bible contains so many verses that lead one to commit shirk and blasphemy. An example of this is the word “Father”, which is associated to “God” according to Christians. If Du’ât try to quote Biblical verses containing the word “Father” in their attempt to prove that Jesus is not God or that God is greater than him, they somehow agree with the Christians who believe that the two words mean the same thing. If they continue to make use of the Bible, indirectly they are encouraging people to study and even memorize the Bible. This is never the Sunnah of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.). If those Du’ât continue to make use of the Bible in their Da’wah, they disobey Allah (S.W.T.) and His Messenger (s.a.w.s.) by ignoring the following commandments:

“Say (O Muhammad): ‘This is my Way; I do invite unto Allah with a certain knowledge. And whoever follows me (must also invite others to Allah, Oneness of Allah with sure knowledge). Glory to Allah! And I am not of the polytheists.’” (12: 108)

Abdullah Bin ‘Amr narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “Convey (my teachings) to the people even if it were a single Âyah (verse)...” (Bukhari 4/667)

We know very well that certain knowledge refers to the Qur’an and the Sunnah/Ahâdîth. The Bible with all its contradictions, errors and sheer lies is never the certain knowledge being referred to in the said Qur’anic verse (12:108). Likewise, the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) was referring to the Âyah (verse) of the Qur’an and not to the Bible or any other source outside Islam when he commanded us to convey his teaching.

Instead of inviting non-Muslims (the Christians) to Tawhîd using the Book of Allah, the Du’ât who make use of the Bible appear to be insulting the Christians by telling them the numerous errors and contradictions in the Bible, which is never the Sunnah of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) and his Companions. By talking about the errors in the Bible, instead of conveying Tawhîd and by insulting the Christians, they disregard the following Qur’anic injunctions:

“Say: ‘O People of the Book! Come to what is common between us and you that we worship none but Allah, that we associate nothing with Him, and that none of us shall take others as rabbs besides Allah.’ If they reject our invitation, then tell them plainly, ‘Bear witness that we are Muslims.’” (3:64)

“Invite (all) to the Way of your Rabb with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for your Rabb knows best, who have strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance.” (16:125)

“Say to My servants that they should (only) say those things that are best: for Satan does sow dissension among them: for Satan is to man an avowed enemy.” (17:53)

In general, sensitive Christians find some Muslims’ insults really hurting that they tend to be offensive. Some of them go to the extent of lying or fabricating lies to destroy Islam. Consequently, too many reading materials have been written to falsify Islam.

Another danger of using the Bible is for Du’ât to fall into the error of too much argumentation and debates. When this happens, they disobey Allah and His Messenger (s.a.w.s.) who command us not to argue with the People of the Book, except those who do wrong:

“And do not argue with the People of the Book (Jews and the Christians) unless it be in a way that is better, save with such of them as do wrong. But say, ‘We believe in the Revelation which has come down to us and in that which came down to you. Our God and your God is One; and it is to Him we submit (in Islam).’” (29:46)

Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that the people of the Scripture used to read the Torah in Hebrew and explain it to the Muslims in Arabic. Then Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, "Do not believe the people of the Scripture, and do not disbelieve them, but say, ‘We believe in Allah and whatever has been revealed to us...’” (Qur’an 3:84 also see 2:136) (Bukhari 9/632 and 6/12)

Abu Namlah al Ansari (r.a.) narrated that Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “Whatever the People of the Book tell you, do not verify them, nor falsify them, but say: ‘We believe in Allah and His Messenger. If it is false, do not confirm it, and if it is right, do not falsify it.’” (Abu Dawud 3637)

One may ask: “How can we avoid argumentation and debate with the Christians?” The answer is plain and simple: by avoiding quotations from the Bible. Before we start our Da’wah, we should inform the Christians that we are going to explain to them Islam based on authentic sources (the Qur’an and the Sunnah). It is for their additional knowledge that they should listen to us. They can ask any relevant questions pertaining to Islam. To facilitate learning and to make the discussion more meaningful, we can tell them that it is for their own benefit that they keep their knowledge of the Bible for themselves. If after the Da’wah session is over and they do not right away accept the Truth, then we can tell them to ponder over the veracity and incomparable supreme words of Allah in the Qur’an. We can invite them to sincerely believe in the absolute Oneness of Allah (Tawhîd). This we can do by inspiring them of the Paradise that awaits them in the eternal world and warning them of the severe punishments in the Hell-Fire for those who deny Him as the Only True God who Alone deserves to be worshipped. Verily, the Qur’an (and certainly not the Bible) gives enlightenment to the whole mankind on the rewards of believing in Tawhîd and the subsequent punishments for disbelieving the divine Message.

Time has come, therefore, that we adhere to the Qur’an and the Sunnah in conveying Tawhîd. Let us study the revealed authentic sources of knowledge and refrain wasting our time memorizing and quoting Biblical verses in order to invite non-Muslims to the worship of Allah, the Only True God. Let us not be deluded with those who claim that through the use of the Bible (i.e., citing its many errors and contradictions and the like) many Christians embraced Islam. Let us remember that it is Allah the Most Merciful Who guides people to Islam (28:56). He gives guidance (Islam) to whom He pleases (6:88). Let us further remember that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.), just like the previous prophets, and the rightly guided Caliphs and his Companions never made use of any part of the Bible in conveying Islam to others. In fact one of the Prophet’s Companions, Bin Abbas (r.a.), admonished the Muslims not to ask the People of the Book regarding their Scriptures (the Torah and the Bible) as they were distorted:

Ubaidullah Bin ‘Abdullah Bin Utbah (r.a.) narrated that Bin Abbas (r.a.) said, “O Muslims? How do you ask the people of the Scriptures, though your Book (i.e. the Qur’an), which was revealed to His Prophet (s.a.w.s.), is the most recent information from Allah and you recite it, the Book that has not been distorted? Allah has revealed to you that the People of the Scriptures have changed with their own hands what was revealed to them and they have said (as regards their changed Scriptures): ‘This is from Allah, in order to get some worldly benefit thereby.’” Bin Abbas (r.a.) added: “Isn’t the knowledge revealed to you sufficient to prevent you from asking them? By Allah (S.W.T.) have never seen any one of them asking (Muslims) about what has been revealed to you.” (Bukhari 3/850)

As narrated in other Hâdîth, the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) stressed that we should always stick to the Qur’an and the Sunnah and the Sunnah of the four righteously guided Caliphs. We should, therefore, avoid any innovation pertaining to our perfect religion. The authentic Ahâdîth quoted above showed that it was never been the Sunnah of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) or any of his Companions to invite Christians through the Bible.

There is no single Hâdîth, which shows that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) quoted the Gospel according to John, Luke, Mark and Matthew or any verse from the Bible in the same way as some Du’at and Muslim scholars are quoting in their speeches, lectures and/or writings. Those who claim that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) did make use of the Bible must remember that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) referred to the Torah (the Old Testament, not the whole Bible) not as a way to invite the Jews to Islam. But he mentioned the word Torah in order to guide the Jews to implement a law that is in line with the Qur’an as shown in the following Ahâdîth:

Abdullah bin Umar (r.a.) narrated that the Jews came to Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.s.) and told him that a man and a woman from amongst them had committed illegal sexual intercourse. Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said to them, "What do you find in the Torah (old Testament) about the legal punishment of Ar-Rajm (stoning)?" They replied, (But) we announce their crime and lash them." Abdullah bin Salam said, "You are telling a lie; Torah contains the order of Rajm.” They brought and opened the Torah and one of them solaced his hand on the Verse of Rajm and read the verses preceding and following it. Abdullah bin Salam said to him, "Lift your hand.” When he lifted his hand, the Verse of Rajm was written there. They said, "Muhammad has told the truth; the Torah has the Verse of Rajm. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) then gave the order that both of them should be stoned to death. (‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar (r.a.) said, "I saw the man leaning over the woman to shelter her from the stones.” (Bukhari 4/829, 6/679 and 8/809)

Al-Bara’ ibn Azib (r.a.) narrated that there happened to pass by Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.s.) a Jew blackened and lashed. Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.s.) called them (the Jews) and said: “Is this the punishment that you find in your Book (Torah) as a prescribed punishment for adultery?” They said: “Yes.” He (the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.)) called one of the scholars amongst them and said: “I ask you in the name of Allah Who sent down the Torah to Moses if that is the prescribed punishment for adultery, which you find in your Book.” He said: “No. Had you not asked me in the name of Allah, I should not have given you the Information. We find stoning to death (as the punishment prescribed in the Torah). However, this (crime) became quite common amongst our aristocratic class. So when we caught hold of any rich person (indulging in this offence) we spared him, but when we caught hold of a helpless person we imposed the prescribed punishment upon him. We then said: ‘Let us agree (on a punishment), which we can inflict upon both the rich and the poor. So we decided to blacken the face with coal and flog as a substitute punishment for stoning.’” Thereupon Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said: “O Allah, I am the first to revive Your command when they had cancelled it. He then gave the order and he (the offender) was stoned to death. Allah, the Majestic and Glorious, sent down (this verse): "O Messenger, (the behavior of) those who vie with one another in denying the truth should not grieve you...” up to "is vouchsafed unto you, accept it” (Verse 41). It was said (by the Jews): “Go to Muhammad; if he commands you to blacken the face and award flogging (as punishment for adultery), then accept it, but if he gives the verdict of stoning, then avoid it.” It was (then) that Allah, the Majestic and Great, sent down (these verses: "... And they who do not judge in accordance with what Allah has revealed, are indeed deniers of the truth” (v.44). "And they who do not judge in accordance with what Allah has revealed -- they, they indeed are the wrongdoers” (v.45). "And they who do not judge in accordance with what God has revealed--they are the Iniquitous” (v.47). (All these verses) were revealed in connection with the nonbelievers.” (Muslim 4214)

(This is Ma’mar’s version which is more accurate.) Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that a man and a woman of the Jews committed fornication. Some of them said to the others: “Let us go to this Prophet, for he has been sent with an easy law. If he gives a Judgment lighter than stoning, we shall accept it, and argue about it with Allah, saying: ‘It is a Judgment of one of your prophets.’” So they came to the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) who was sitting in the mosque among his companions. They said: “Abul Qasim, what do you think about a man and a woman who committed fornication?” He (s.a.w.s.) did not speak to them a word till he went to their school. He stood at the gate and said: “I adjure you by Allah Who revealed the Torah to Moses, what (punishment) do you find in the Torah for a person who commits fornication, if he is married?” They said: “He shall be blackened with charcoal, taken round a donkey among the people, and flogged.” A young man among them kept silent. When the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) emphatically adjured him, he said: “By Allah, since you have adjured us (we inform you that) we find stoning in the Torah (is the punishment for fornication).” The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “So when did you lessen the severity of Allah's command?” He said: “A relative of one of our kings had committed fornication, but his stoning was suspended. Then a man of a family of common people committed fornication. He was to have been stoned, but his people intervened and said: ‘Our man shall not be stoned until you bring your man and stone him.’ So they made a compromise on this punishment between them.” The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “So I decide in accordance with what the Torah says.” He (s.a.w.s.) then commanded regarding them and they were stoned to death. Az-Zuhri said: “We have been informed that this verse was revealed about them: ‘It was We Who revealed the Law (to Moses): therein was guidance and light. By its standard have been judged the Jews, by the Prophet who bowed (as in Islam) to Allah's will. (Abu Dawud 4435)

Note, that the above Ahâdîth do not illustrate to us how the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) performed Da’wah or invited the Jews to Islam. They simply explain how the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) guided the Jews to the Law of Allah, which is found in the Torah. Since the particular verse in the Torah is authentic as it does not contradict Allah's law in the Qur’an, he advised them to abide with the Torah. In those instances the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) demonstrated to us the Qur’anic injunction that we Muslims ought to believe in the books revealed to other Messengers, including that of Prophet Moses. Unfortunately, only the Qur’an has been preserved in its purest form. Others were tampered by human beings. We must only believe those teachings that concur with the Qur’an as the Qur’an is the ultimate criterion for Truth and guidance (2:185, 3:3 and 25:1). Allah has made the Qur’an complete and perfect for the guidance of the whole humanity.

The Bible, especially the New Testament, has many erroneous teachings that run contrary to the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Reading, studying and quoting them in our Da’wah do not at all benefit us. If we continue using them for our Da’wah, we will be encouraging people and the next generations to study it. If they do so, they will be wasting their precious time, which must be spent in reading and learning the Qur’an and the Sunnah or the time to be spent for doing other forms of worship – all for the pleasure of Allah the Almighty. It is for our guidance that we refrain using the Bible in our Da’wah. Our attitude as true believers must be to follow and obey what we hear (learn) from the Qur’an and the Sunnah in order to attain ultimate success:

“The only saying of the faithful believers, when they are called to Allah and His Messenger to judge between them is they say: ‘We hear and we obey.’ And such are the successful. And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger, such are the successful.” (24:51-52)

“…O you who believe! Fear Allah and (always) say a word directed to the Right: that He may make your conduct whole and sound and forgive you your sins. He that obeys Allah and His Messenger has already attained the highest Achievement.” (33:69-71)

When Allah the Almighty commands us to say a word directed to the Right it means nothing but the Right Religion, Islam (based on the Qur’an and the Sunnah). For those among us who have made use of the Bible in our Da’wah, may Allah the Most Forgiving forgive us. May He protect us from committing any sort of bid’ah in practicing and conveying Islam.