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\u0628\u0650\u0633\u0652\u0645\u0650 \u0627\u0644\u0644\u0651\u0670\u0647\u0650 \u0627\u0644\u0631\u0651\u064e\u062d\u0652\u0645\u0670\u0646\u0650 \u0671\u0644\u0631\u0651\u064e\u062d\u0650\u064a\u0645\u0650<\/p>\n
\u0627\u064e\u0644\u0652\u062d\u064e\u0645\u0652\u062f\u064f \u0644\u0650\u0644\u0651\u0670\u0647\u0650 \u0631\u064e\u0628\u0651\u0650 \u0627\u0644\u0652\u0639\u0670\u0644\u064e\u0645\u0650\u064a\u0646\u064e\u00a0\u200e\ufd3f\u0661\ufd3e\u200f\u00a0\u0627\u0644\u0631\u0651\u064e\u062d\u0652\u0645\u0670\u0646\u0650 \u0627\u0644\u0631\u0651\u064e\u062d\u0650\u064a\u0645\u0650\u00a0\u200e\ufd3f\u0662\ufd3e\u200f\u00a0\u0645\u0670\u0644\u0650\u0643\u0650 \u064a\u064e\u0648\u0652\u0645\u0650 \u0627\u0644\u062f\u0651\u0650\u064a\u0646\u0650\u00a0\u200e\ufd3f\u0663\ufd3e\u200f\u00a0\u0627\u0650\u064a\u0651\u064e\u0627\u0643\u064e \u0646\u064e\u0639\u0652\u0628\u064f\u062f\u064f \u0648\u064e\u0627\u0650\u064a\u0651\u064e\u0627\u0643\u064e \u0646\u064e\u0633\u0652\u062a\u064e\u0639\u0650\u064a\u0646\u064f\u00a0\u200e\ufd3f\u0664\ufd3e\u200f\u00a0\u0627\u0647\u0652\u062f\u0650\u0646\u064e\u0627 \u0627\u0644\u0635\u0651\u0650\u0631\u064e\u0627\u0637\u064e \u0627\u0644\u0652\u0645\u064f\u0633\u0652\u062a\u064e\u0642\u0650\u064a\u0645\u064e\u00a0\u200e\ufd3f\u0665\ufd3e\u200f\u00a0\u0635\u0650\u0631\u064e\u0627\u0637\u064e \u0627\u0644\u0651\u064e\u0630\u0650\u064a\u0646\u064e \u0627\u064e\u0646\u0652\u0639\u064e\u0645\u0652\u062a\u064e \u0639\u064e\u0644\u064e\u064a\u0652\u0647\u0650\u0645\u0652 \ufd3f\u0666\ufd3e\u200f \u063a\u064e\u064a\u0652\u0631\u0650 \u0627\u0644\u0652\u0645\u064e\u063a\u0652\u0636\u064f\u0648\u0628\u0650 \u0639\u064e\u0644\u064e\u064a\u0652\u0647\u0650\u0645\u0652 \u0648\u064e\u0644\u064e\u0627 \u0627\u0644\u0636\u0651\u064e\u0627\u0653\u0644\u0651\u0650\u064a\u0646\u064e\u00a0\u200e\ufd3f\u0667\ufd3e\u200f<\/p>\n
All praise be to Allah, the Rabb of the worlds. The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgement. You alone do we worship, and from You alone do we seek help. Show us the straight path – the path of those whom You have favoured (with Your grace), not the path of those upon whom is Your wrath nor the path of those who have gone astray.<\/em><\/p>\n The First Surah<\/strong><\/p>\n Surah Faatihah is the first surah of the Holy Qur\u2019aan. It is not only the first surah in the present sequence of the surahs of the Qur\u2019aan, but is also the first surah to be revealed by Allah Ta\u2018ala. Prior to the revelation of Surah Faatihah, though the beginning verses of Surah Alaq and Surah Muddassir were revealed, however no complete Surah had been revealed before it.<\/p>\n The reason for Surah Faatihah being placed before every other Surah of the Qur\u2019aan Majeed is that Surah Faatihah is the essence of the Qur\u2019aan Majeed, and in its subject matter, it encapsulates the three main themes of the Qur\u2019aan Majeed. Therefore, it is as though the rest of the Qur\u2019aan Majeed which follows Surah Faatihah is like its commentary in expounding upon its three main themes.<\/p>\n The Three Main Themes of the Qur\u2019aan Majeed<\/strong><\/p>\n In essence, the knowledge contained in the entire Qur\u2019aan Majeed relates to either one of three main themes; (1) bringing imaan in the Oneness of Allah Ta\u2018ala and in His divine attributes, (2) carrying out a\u2019amaal-e-saalihah (righteous deeds), (3) the life of the Hereafter.<\/p>\n The basic principles of all these three main themes have been referred and indicated to in Surah Faatihah. It is for this reason that among the titles that Surah Faatihah has been granted, as mentioned in the Mubaarak Ahaadith, are the titles \u201cUmmul Qur\u2019aan\u201d (the Essence of the Qur\u2019aan), \u201cUmmul Kitaab\u201d (the Essence of the Book), and \u201cAl-Qur\u2019aan-ul-Azeem (the Glorious Qur\u2019aan)\u201d.<\/p>\n The Message of Surah Faatihah<\/strong><\/p>\n When one examines the subject matter of this surah, one realizes that it is a message from Allah Ta\u2018ala to man in regard to how he should supplicate to Allah Ta\u2018ala and seek guidance from Him. Hence, in this surah, one is begging Allah Ta\u2018ala to show him the path of those who have been favoured by Allah Ta\u2018ala and save him from the path of those who have earned His wrath and the path of those who have gone astray.<\/p>\n Allah Ta\u2018ala answers this supplication of man by providing him with the guidance that was revealed in the rest of the Qur\u2019aan Majeed. Hence, it is as though the rest of the Qur\u2019aan Majeed is an answer to this supplication of man in Surah Faatihah.<\/p>\n The Focus of the Message of Surah Faatihah<\/strong><\/p>\n The focus of the message of this surah is that in order for one to benefit from the Qur\u2019aan Majeed, one is required to bring imaan in the basic articles of faith e.g. (1) believing in the Oneness of Allah Ta\u2018ala (2) believing in all His divine and beautiful attributes (3) believing in the Hereafter (4) believing in the reckoning on the Day of Judgment (5) believing in the risaalah of Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam) (6) following the path of Allah Ta\u2018ala\u2019s chosen servants (the Ambiyaa[\u2018alaihimus salaam]) (7) refraining from the pathways of His enemies which lead to His disobedience.<\/p>\n Similarly, this surah directs man towards achieving his goal through turning completely to Allah Ta\u2018ala through worshipping Him, seeking guidance and assistance from Him.<\/p>\n If one recites this surah and studies it with an open mind and sincere heart, as a true seeker of the truth, he will certainly be blessed with true guidance from Allah Ta\u2018ala.<\/p>\n The Virtues of Surah Faatihah<\/strong><\/p>\n In regard to the virtues of Surah Faatihah, Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam) has said that this surah is a cure for all kinds of illnesses. According to another Hadith, this surah is also named \u201cAs-Shifaa\u201d (the Cure for all Illnesses).<\/p>\n It is also reported from Hazrat Anas (radhiyallahu \u2018anhu) that Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam) has called this surah the greatest surah among all the surahs of the Qur\u2019aan Majeed.<\/p>\n In yet another Hadith, Hazrat Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu \u2018anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam) said, \u201cI swear by Allah Ta\u2018ala, who is the Master of my life, that neither the Towrah, nor the Injeel nor the Zaboor nor any other portion of the Quraan can be compared with Surah Faatihah.\u201d<\/p>\n The Ulama explain that the heavenly scriptures number approximately 104, and the messages of all these scriptures are contained in the four famous books; the Zaboor, Towrah, Injeel and the Qur\u2019aan. The divine message of all these books is condensed into the Qur\u2019aan, and the fundamental message of the Qur\u2019aan is encapsulated in Surah Faatihah. Furthermore, the gist and essence of Surah Faatihah can be found in the words \u201cBismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem\u201d.<\/p>\n The Essence of Bismillah<\/strong><\/p>\n \u0628\u0650\u0633\u0652\u0645\u0650 \u0627\u0644\u0644\u0651\u0670\u0647\u0650 \u0627\u0644\u0631\u0651\u064e\u062d\u0652\u0645\u0670\u0646\u0650 \u0671\u0644\u0631\u0651\u064e\u062d\u0650\u064a\u0645\u0650<\/p>\n In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful<\/em><\/p>\n It was the habit and way of the people in the pre-Islamic era that when they commenced any work or embarked on any project, they would take the names of their idols in order to acquire blessings. Allah Ta\u2018ala abolished these wrong practices of the pagans and instructed them that instead of taking the names of their false gods and deities, they should take the name of Allah Ta\u2018ala when commencing any work or embarking on any project.<\/p>\n In reality, the life of a believer is governed by the belief and conviction that it is only with the divine grace and divine assistance of Allah Ta\u2018ala that all works are accomplished. Hence, a believer is taught to recite Bismillah when opening or closing the door, when covering any utensil, when commencing eating or drinking, when embarking on a journey, when mounting or dismounting the conveyance, etc.<\/p>\n When we say \u201cBismillah\u201d \u2013 in the name of Allah, we are in actual fact saying that we are commencing our work or task with the name of Allah Ta\u2018ala and with His divine assistance and blessings. In other words, we acknowledge that without Allah Ta\u2018ala, we cannot do any work nor complete any task, no matter how small the task may be.<\/p>\n In essence, every aspect of a believer\u2019s life should commence with taking the name of Allah Ta\u2018ala. Hence, in the same way, before commencing the recitation of the Qur\u2019aan Majeed, we are commanded to recite Bismillah. The reason for reciting Bismillah is in order to seek Allah Ta\u2018ala\u2019s divine assistance and blessings to recite the Qur\u2019aan Majeed correctly as well as to be able to comprehend the message of the Qur\u2019aan Majeed and acquire special guidance through it.<\/p>\n Praising Allah Ta\u2018ala <\/strong><\/p>\n \u0627\u064e\u0644\u0652\u062d\u064e\u0645\u0652\u062f\u064f \u0644\u0650\u0644\u0651\u0670\u0647\u0650<\/p>\n All praise be to Allah <\/em><\/p>\n This surah commences with the words \u201c\u0627\u0644\u062d\u0645\u062f \u0644\u0644\u0647\u201d (All praise be to Allah), signifying that all praise essentially belongs to Allah Ta\u2018ala alone. The person who praises any created entity anywhere in the world is ultimately praising the creator of all things – Allah Ta\u2018ala, as admiration of any object is, in actual fact, admiration of its producer.<\/p>\n Therefore, when Allah Ta\u2018ala is the One who has created everything, then praising that thing is in actual fact praising its Creator, as He is the One who bestowed it with beauty and splendour.<\/p>\n When one examines the world and the created entities of the world, then each thing draws man\u2019s attention towards its beauty and splendour, but when one looks beyond the veil in order to see who is controlling everything in the universe and allowing it to function in harmony, one will certainly realize that it is none other than Allah Ta\u2018ala alone.<\/p>\n In essence, each and every creation, in its splendour and beauty, is a manifestation of the grandeur and majesty of Almighty Allah Ta\u2018ala alone.<\/p>\n Once man has realized that there is only one Being in the whole universe who is worthy of all praise, then he ought to understand that this great Being alone should be worthy of worship. Thus, we see that although the phrase \u201c\u0627\u0644\u062d\u0645\u062f \u0644\u0644\u0647\u201d (All praise be to Allah) has been used to signify praise, yet, by implication, it cuts the very root of shirk (polytheism) and the worship of all created entities, and at the same time, it establishes the belief of tawheed (bringing faith in the Oneness of Allah Ta\u2018ala).<\/p>\n Hence, we understand that the very first verse of the Holy Qur\u2019aan establishes the foundational principle of Islam (i.e. Tawheed \u2013 the Oneness of Allah Ta\u2018ala).<\/p>\n The Rabb of the Worlds<\/strong><\/p>\n \u0631\u064e\u0628\u0651\u0650 \u0627\u0644\u0652\u0639\u0670\u0644\u064e\u0645\u0650\u064a\u0646\u064e<\/p>\n The Rabb of the worlds<\/em><\/p>\n The word \u201cRabb\u201d refers to the Being who brings every creation into existence, and then nourishes and nurtures it and takes it gradually through the different levels of development, until it attains perfection. Hence, we understand that this attribute of Rabb is exclusive to the sacred being of Allah Ta\u2018ala and nobody else shares in it.<\/p>\n \u201c\u0639\u0670\u0644\u0645\u064a\u0646\u201d (the worlds) refers to the different worlds or the different planets that Allah Ta\u2018ala has created. One world is the world that we are presently living in. This world is visible to man. However, there are many other worlds or planets that are created by Allah Ta\u2018ala which are not visible to man.<\/p>\n The word \u201c\u0639\u0670\u0644\u0645\u064a\u0646\u201d can also refer to the different species of creation such as the human kingdom, the animal kingdom, the kingdom of the jinnaat and the kingdom of the Malaa\u2019ikah, etc. These creations are at times referred to as the different worlds (the world of man, the world of jinn, the animal world, etc).<\/p>\n Hence, when Allah Ta\u2019ala says \u201c\u0627\u0644\u062d\u0645\u062f \u0644\u0644\u0647 \u0631\u0628 \u0627\u0644\u0639\u0670\u0644\u0645\u064a\u0646\u201d (All Praise be to Allah, the Rabb of the worlds), it means that all praise is due to that Being who has given existence to every creation, nourishes and nurtures them and takes care of them from the beginning until the end in the world they live in.<\/p>\n The Most Gracious and the Most Merciful<\/strong><\/p>\n \u0627\u0644\u0631\u0651\u064e\u062d\u0652\u0645\u0670\u0646\u0650 \u0627\u0644\u0631\u0651\u064e\u062d\u0650\u064a\u0645\u0650\u00a0\u200e\ufd3f\u0662\ufd3e<\/p>\n The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cAr-Rahmaan\u201d and \u201cAr-Raheem\u201d are both attributes of Allah Ta\u2018ala, denoting His extreme mercy. However, the difference between the two attributes is that \u201cAr-Rahmaan\u201d indicates the extensive nature of His mercy, while \u201cAr-Raheem\u201d refers to the intensive nature of His mercy.<\/p>\n Master of the Day of Judgement<\/strong><\/p>\n \u0645\u0670\u0644\u0650\u0643\u0650 \u064a\u064e\u0648\u0652\u0645\u0650 \u0627\u0644\u062f\u0651\u0650\u064a\u0646\u0650\u00a0\u200e\ufd3f\u0663\ufd3e<\/p>\n Master of the Day of Judgement<\/em><\/p>\n Despite Allah Ta\u2018ala being the Master and Owner of every creation and everything that is contained in the universe at all times, Allah Ta\u2018ala has described Himself in this verse as being the Master and Owner of the Day of Judgement in specific.<\/p>\n The Ulama explain that the reason for this is that in this world, Allah Ta\u2018ala had given man ownership of certain things in the world, and Allah Ta\u2018ala had granted certain people the authority and control to rule over people and certain parts of the land. However, on the Day of Judgement, every person\u2019s ownership and authority will cease and there will be no creation who will have any control or authority over any person or anything. It will only be the judgement of Allah Ta\u2018ala that will prevail over one and all on that day. Hence, Allah Ta\u2018ala described Himself as the Master of the Day of Judgement.<\/p>\n The Nature of This World Compared to the Hereafter<\/strong><\/p>\n Allah Ta\u2018ala has created the world as an abode for carrying out actions, and the Hereafter as an abode to be recompensed for one\u2019s actions.<\/p>\n If one brings imaan and carries out righteous actions in this world, he will be rewarded with Jannah for the good actions he had done in this world. Accordingly, if one does not bring imaan and leads a life of kufr and shirk in this world, then he will be punished with Jahannum in the Hereafter for not believing in Allah Ta\u2018ala and the Deen of Islam.<\/p>\n When one examines the nature of this world, one finds that full justice cannot take place, as wealth, power and influence lies in the hands of both good people and evil people. Hence, at times, justice is meted out to the guilty, and at times, the guilty, due to his influence, is able to escape the laws of justice. The outcome is that the innocent are treated as criminals, and criminals are treated as innocent. Therefore, Allah Ta\u2018ala created the Hereafter as the abode where complete justice will be meted out to one and all.<\/p>\n Such will be the justice of Allah Ta\u2018ala on the Day of Judgement that if a horned animal had oppressed a hornless animal in the world by butting it with its horns, then Allah Ta\u2018ala will resurrect both animals and allow retribution to take place between them.<\/p>\n In essence, Allah Ta\u2018ala created the Hereafter as the abode where complete justice will be meted out to all His creation and all the creation will be recompensed for their actions. It is for this reason that Allah Ta\u2018ala referred to Himself as the Master of the Day of Judgement, as it will only be His decision and judgement that will prevail upon all.<\/p>\n Turning to Allah Ta\u2018ala Alone for Help<\/strong><\/p>\n \u0627\u0650\u064a\u0651\u064e\u0627\u0643\u064e \u0646\u064e\u0639\u0652\u0628\u064f\u062f\u064f \u0648\u064e\u0627\u0650\u064a\u0651\u064e\u0627\u0643\u064e \u0646\u064e\u0633\u0652\u062a\u064e\u0639\u0650\u064a\u0646\u064f<\/p>\n You alone do we worship, and from You alone do we seek help.<\/em><\/p>\n In the Arabic language, the word ibaadah (worship) connotes showing the utmost humility and submission out of an intense love and respect for someone. Such an attitude of showing wholehearted submission, with intense love and respect, cannot justly be adopted for anyone except Allah Ta’ala.<\/p>\n Hence, when we say, \u201cYou alone do we worship,\u201d then in actual fact, we are declaring that we have submitted ourselves entirely to His obedience and worship, with a deep sense of love and respect, on account of the fact that He is our Creator and Sustainer.<\/p>\n When we say, \u201cFrom You alone do we seek help,\u201d we acknowledge that it is only through Allah\u2019s decision and decree that any affair or matter can come into existence, and hence He alone is in complete control over all our affairs. Thus, if we adopt the worldly means, then it is on account of His command that we are doing so, and we will not regard the means to be effective in achieving our goal, rather we will understand that it is only through Allah\u2019s permission that the means can prove effective.<\/p>\n Hence, any means that Allah Ta\u2018ala had prohibited one from adopting, one will refrain from adopting this means, as this will amount to opposing Allah Ta\u2018ala and placing one\u2019s reliance on the haraam means e.g. taking interest-bearing loans from the bank to increase one\u2019s livelihood or taking out insurance schemes to protect one\u2019s wealth.<\/p>\n Essence of the First Three Verses<\/strong><\/p>\n In the preceding three verses, man acknowledges his dependence on Allah Ta\u2018ala in the past, present and future.<\/p>\n In the first verse, Allah Ta\u2018ala explains that Allah is the Rabb of the worlds. Allah Ta\u2018ala says, \u201cAll praise be to Allah, the Rabb of the worlds<\/em>\u201d. From this verse, we come to know that Allah Ta’ala alone is the One who had given man his existence and Allah Ta’ala alone is the One who sustains him, nourishes him and takes care of him at every stage of life. Hence, man should acknowledge his dependence on Allah Ta\u2018ala in the past.<\/p>\n In the second verse, Allah Ta\u2018ala explains His divine quality of showing kindness and compassion to all of His creation. Allah Ta\u2018ala says, \u201cThe Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.\u201d <\/em>From this verse, we come to know that at every moment in man\u2019s life in this world, man is entirely dependent upon Allah Ta\u2018ala for his continuity and survival. Hence, man should acknowledge his dependence on Allah Ta\u2018ala in the present as well.<\/p>\n In the third verse, Allah Ta\u2018ala explains that He is the Master of the Day of Judgement. Allah Ta\u2018ala says, \u201cMaster of the Day of Judgement.\u201d<\/em> From this verse, we come to know that in the Hereafter, man will be entirely dependent upon Allah Ta\u2018ala for his salvation. Hence, man should acknowledge his dependence on Allah Ta\u2018ala in the future.<\/p>\n After man understands and acknowledges that he was dependent upon Allah Ta\u2018ala in the past, he continues to be dependent upon Allah Ta\u2018ala at present, and he will be dependent upon Allah Ta\u2018ala in the future, then the natural result and outcome of this dependence is that man should worship Him alone and seek help and assistance from Him alone as no one else can assist him, benefit him or avail him in any way besides Allah Ta\u2018ala.<\/p>\n This verse also teaches us that since man should worship Allah Ta\u2018ala alone and seek assistance from Him alone, then sajdah, tawaaf or making dua to anyone besides Allah Ta\u2018ala is not permissible. Rather, one\u2019s love, fear and hope in Allah Ta\u2018ala should be greater than one\u2019s love, fear and hope for any other being or entity. Nothing should be more important to man than his loyalty and relationship with Allah Ta\u2018ala.<\/p>\n By asking Allah Ta\u2018ala for His divine help, we are begging Him for His divine assistance, whether relating to any matter of this world or the Hereafter.<\/p>\n The Secret of Surah Faatihah<\/strong><\/p>\n The Ulama of Tafseer explain that the essence of the entire Qur\u2019aan is found in Surah Faatihah, and the essence of Surah Faatihah is found in this verse \u201c\u0625\u064a\u0627\u0643 \u0646\u0639\u0628\u062f \u0648\u0625\u064a\u0627\u0643 \u0646\u0633\u062a\u0639\u064a\u0646<\/span>\u201d (You alone do we worship and from You alone do we seek help).<\/p>\n When we examine this verse, we find that it comprises of two parts. The first part is, \u201cYou alone do we worship\u201d, and the second part is, \u201cand from You alone do we seek help\u201d.<\/p>\n The first part of this verse is a declaration of one\u2019s being free from shirk and from associating anyone with Allah Ta\u2018ala.<\/p>\n The second part is a declaration of one placing one\u2019s trust and reliance upon Allah Ta\u2018ala alone, and not placing one\u2019s trust and reliance upon any of the creation to fulfil one\u2019s needs and wishes.<\/p>\n The Explanation of the First Part (You alone do we worship)<\/strong><\/p>\n As explained previously, the word ibaadah (worship) refers to showing utmost humility and submission to someone out of intense love and respect for him. Obviously, this level of submission cannot be adopted for anyone besides Allah Ta\u2018ala.<\/p>\n Accordingly, if one affords any person this type of unrestricted submission and obeys him him against the command of Allah Ta\u2018ala, then this will be regarded as shirk.<\/p>\n From this, we understand that shirk (associating partners with Allah Ta\u2018ala) is not restricted to acts of worship and does not only take place by worshipping stone and metal as the idolaters do, but also takes place through obeying, venerating or loving someone to the degree reserved for Allah Ta\u2018ala.<\/p>\n In the Qur\u2019aan Majeed, Allah Ta\u2018ala speaks about the Jews and Christians, and the acts of shirk they were involved in by obeying and venerating their rabbis and priests against the commands of Allah Ta\u2018ala. Allah Ta\u2018ala says:<\/p>\n \u0627\u062a\u0651\u064e\u062e\u064e\u0630\u064f\u0648\u0653\u0627\u06df \u0627\u064e\u062d\u0652\u0628\u064e\u0627\u0631\u064e\u0647\u064f\u0645\u0652 \u0648\u064e\u0631\u064f\u0647\u0652\u0628\u064e\u0627\u0646\u064e\u0647\u064f\u0645\u0652 \u0623\u064e\u0631\u0652\u0628\u064e\u0627\u0628\u064b\u0627 \u0645\u0651\u0650\u0646 \u062f\u064f\u0648\u0646\u0650 \u0627\u0644\u0644\u0651\u064e\u0647\u0650<\/p>\n They have taken their religious scholars and monks as lords apart from Allah Ta\u2018ala\u2026 (Surah Taubah v. 31)<\/em><\/p>\n Hazrat Adiyy bin Haatim (radhiyallahu \u2018anhu) was a Sahaabi of Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam) who was a Christian before embracing Islam. Once, he had come to Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam) and enquired, \u201cO Rasul of Allah! Why is it that the Holy Qur\u2019aan condemns the Christians for having taken their religious scholars as lords, whereas they were never guilty of committing shirk by worshipping them?\u201d<\/p>\n Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam) in turn asked him, \u201cIs it true that when their religious scholars declared certain things as haraam, although Allah Ta\u2018ala had declared them as halaal, and declared many things as halaal whereas Allah Ta\u2018ala had declared them as haraam, then they obeyed their scholars against the command of Allah Ta\u2018ala?\u201d<\/p>\n Hazrat Adiyy bin Haatim (radhiyallahu \u2018anhu) admitted that this was true. Thereupon, Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam) remarked, \u201cThis was exactly how they worshipped their scholars.\u201d<\/p>\n This goes to prove that Allah Ta\u2018ala alone has the right to establish what is halaal and haraam. Hence, if one believes that some person also has the right to declare halaal and haraam, then such a person has committed shirk, as he has ascribed someone else as the partner of Allah Ta\u2018ala in the right of declaring halaal and haraam, and thus it is as though he is worshipping that person.<\/p>\n Referring to Islamic Scholars for Guidance<\/strong><\/p>\n This should not be misconstrued, in any way, to mean that it is not permissible for one to refer to religious scholars in matters of deen. The reason is that in the Qur\u2019aan Majeed, Allah Ta\u2018ala has commanded those who lack knowledge to refer to those who possess knowledge to acquire deeni guidance. Allah Ta\u2018ala says:<\/p>\n \u0641\u064e\u0633\u0652\u0640\u0654\u064e\u0644\u064f\u0648\u0653\u0627\u06df \u0627\u064e\u0647\u0652\u0644\u064e \u0671\u0644\u0630\u0651\u0650\u0643\u0652\u0631\u0650 \u0627\u0650\u0646 \u0643\u064f\u0646\u062a\u064f\u0645\u0652 \u0644\u064e\u0627 \u062a\u064e\u0639\u0652\u0644\u064e\u0645\u064f\u0648\u0646\u064e<\/p>\n Ask the men of knowledge if you do not know\u2026 (Surah Nahl v. 43)<\/em><\/p>\n Nevertheless, the men of knowledge should guide people according to the commands of Allah Ta\u2018ala, and they should not mislead them by distorting deen and inviting them to their own obedience.<\/p>\n Other Examples of Shirk<\/strong><\/p>\n Another example which enters under the category of shirk (associating partners with Allah Ta\u2018ala) is:<\/p>\n (1) to make offerings to someone other than Allah Ta\u2018ala e.g. to slaughter an animal in the name of a pious person<\/p>\n (2) to pray to someone other than Allah Ta\u2018ala at the time of need or distress<\/p>\n (3)\u00a0to bow or prostrate oneself to anyone besides Allah Ta\u2018ala<\/p>\n (4) to make tawaaf around a person or thing besides the House of Allah Ta\u2018ala – Ka\u2019bah Shareef<\/p>\n The Explanation of the Second Part (From You alone do we seek help)<\/strong><\/p>\n The second part of this verse is a declaration of one placing one\u2019s trust and reliance upon Allah Ta\u2018ala alone, and not placing one\u2019s trust and reliance upon any of the creation to fulfil one\u2019s needs and wishes.<\/p>\n It should be understood that this world is a world of cause and effect. Being a world of cause and effect, the shari\u2019ah teaches one to adopt the halaal means to fulfil one\u2019s needs. Hence, at the time of need, one adopts the services of a doctor, lawyer, carpenter, builder, etc. to fulfil one\u2019s need.<\/p>\n Therefore, when we are asked to make the dua \u201cfrom You alone do we seek help\u201d, then does this verse prohibit us from benefiting from the services of people?<\/p>\n The answer to this question is that this verse is not prohibiting us from benefiting from the services of people, but rather, the meaning of this verse is that one should not believe that any of the creation, even if it is a prophet or saint, whether living or dead, has the power to administrate worldly affairs and fulfil one\u2019s needs e.g. to believe that a certain pious person can bless one with children, or he is in charge of sustenance, etc. To subscribe to such a belief is haraam as it is ascribing partners to Allah Ta\u2018ala in His attributes of giving life and death, granting sustenance, etc.<\/p>\n The crux of the matter is that when we take assistance from people or employ their services, then we do not believe that they have the ability to fulfil our needs, but rather we believe that it is only Allah Ta\u2018ala who will make the means effective and cause our need to be fulfilled.<\/p>\n Seeking Guidance from Allah Ta\u2018ala <\/strong><\/p>\n \u0627\u0650\u06c1\u06e1\u062f\u0650 \u0646\u064e\u0627 \u0627\u0644\u0635\u0651\u0650\u0631\u064e\u0627\u0637\u064e \u0627\u0644\u06e1\u0645\u064f\u0633\u06e1\u062a\u064e\u0642\u0650\u06cc\u06e1\u0645\u064e \u06d9\ufd3f\u06f5\ufd3e<\/p>\n Guide us to the straight path<\/em><\/p>\n In this verse, the word \u201c\u0627\u0647\u062f\u0646\u0627\u201d is mentioned which stems from the word \u201c\u0647\u062f\u0627\u064a\u0629\u201d referring to guidance. In other words, we are begging Allah Ta\u2018ala to bless us with divine guidance and show us the straight path.<\/p>\n Hidaayah (guidance) refers to guiding somebody to their destination with kindness. The reason for us making dua to Allah Ta\u2018ala to bless us with guidance to the straight path is that success in both worlds cannot be achieved without divine guidance.<\/p>\n The Three Levels of Guidance <\/strong><\/p>\n The Ulama explain that there are three levels of guidance. The first level of guidance is general and incudes all creations that exist in the universe. This level of guidance is granted by Allah Ta\u2018ala to each creation, through which they are able to exist, continue and fulfil their function.<\/p>\n This level of guidance is mentioned in the following verse of the Qur\u2019aan Majeed:<\/p>\n \u0642\u064e\u0627\u0644\u064e \u0631\u064e\u0628\u0651\u064f\u0646\u064e\u0627 \u0627\u0644\u0651\u064e\u0630\u0650\u06cc\u06e1\u06e4 \u0627\u064e\u0639\u06e1\u0637\u0670\u06cc \u06a9\u064f\u0644\u0651\u064e \u0634\u064e\u06cc\u06e1\u0621\u064d \u062e\u064e\u0644\u06e1\u0642\u064e\u06c1\u0657\u00a0 \u062b\u064f\u0645\u0651\u064e\u00a0 \u06c1\u064e\u062f\u0670\u06cc \ufd3f\u06f5\u06f0\ufd3e<\/p>\n He (Nabi Musa [\u2018alaihis salaam]) said (to Fir\u2019aun), \u201cOur Rabb is the One who gave everything its form and then guided it.\u201d (Surah Taha v. 50)<\/em><\/p>\n Similarly, in the Qur\u2019aan Majeed, Allah Ta\u2018ala makes mention of the honey bee being guided by Allah Ta\u2018ala to acquire nectar from plants and build its hive on rooftops and mountains. Another example is the birds which are guided by Allah Ta\u2018ala to build nests to protect their young from the cold, and to migrate to warmer climates in the winter months.<\/p>\n Many people regard this as instinctive behaviour in the animal, but in reality, it is Allah Ta\u2018ala that guides each creation to fulfil its function.<\/p>\n The Second Level of Guidance<\/strong><\/p>\n The second level of guidance is not general, but is specific to that creation which is considered to be blessed with reason and intelligence. This creation refers to man and jinn.<\/p>\n This second type of guidance is sent to man and jinn by Allah Ta\u2018ala via the Ambiyaa (\u2018alaihimus salaam) and the divinely revealed kitaabs and scriptures. Hence, man and jinn are obligated to believe in the Ambiyaa (\u2018alaihimus salaam) and follow the shari\u2019ah which they brought to their nations. Allah Ta\u2018ala says:<\/p>\n \u0648\u064e \u0645\u064e\u0627 \u062e\u064e\u0644\u064e\u0642\u06e1\u062a\u064f \u0627\u0644\u06e1\u062c\u0650\u0646\u0651\u064e \u0648\u064e \u0627\u0644\u06e1\u0627\u0650\u0646\u06e1\u0633\u064e\u00a0 \u0627\u0650\u0644\u0651\u064e\u0627 \u0644\u0650\u06cc\u064e\u0639\u06e1\u0628\u064f\u062f\u064f\u0648\u06e1\u0646\u0650 \ufd3f\u06f5\u06f6\ufd3e<\/p>\n I have not created jinn and man except to worship Me. (Surah Zaariyaat v. 56)<\/em><\/p>\n As for animals, then though they possess a degree of understanding, however since the level of their understanding is deficient compared to man, Allah Ta\u2018ala did not make them obligated to follow the shari\u2019ah.<\/p>\n The Third Level of Guidance<\/strong><\/p>\n The third level of guidance is more specific compared to the second level. This level of guidance is blessed to the true believers who fear Allah Ta\u2018ala and lead a life of taqwa.<\/p>\n Just as the first level of guidance comes directly from Allah Ta\u2018ala to the various creations, similarly this third level of guidance also descends directly from Allah Ta\u2018ala to certain individuals, inspiring and motivating them to tread on the straight path, unlike the second level of guidance which is dependent on man to make an effort to follow it.<\/p>\n In essence, the difference between the second and third levels of guidance is that the second level of guidance can be resembled to verbally or physically directing one to the path of guidance, after which it is dependent upon the person to follow the guidance and tread on that path. As far as the third level of guidance is concerned, then it can be compared to taking a person by the hand and physically taking him onto the path of guidance.<\/p>\n Hence, in this verse, when we beg Allah Ta\u2018ala for guidance by saying \u201c\u0627\u0647\u062f\u0646\u0627 \u0627\u0644\u0635\u0631\u0627\u0637 \u0627\u0644\u0645\u0633\u062a\u0642\u064a\u0645<\/span>\u201d (Guide us to the straight path), then it is this level of guidance that we are begging Allah Ta\u2018ala for.<\/p>\n In the Qur\u2019aan Majeed, when Allah Ta\u2018ala attributes guidance to Himself and no one else, it is this third level of guidance that is referred to. When the uncle of Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam), Abu Taalib, passed away on kufr, Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam) grieved over his condition.<\/p>\n On that occasion, Allah Ta\u2018ala addressed Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam) saying :<\/p>\n \u0627\u0650\u0646\u0651\u064e\u06a9\u064e \u0644\u064e\u0627 \u062a\u064e\u06c1\u06e1\u062f\u0650\u06cc\u06e1 \u0645\u064e\u0646\u06e1\u00a0 \u0627\u064e\u062d\u06e1\u0628\u064e\u0628\u06e1\u062a\u064e \u0648\u064e \u0644\u0670\u06a9\u0650\u0646\u0651\u064e \u0627\u0644\u0644\u0651\u0670\u06c1\u064e \u06cc\u064e\u06c1\u06e1\u062f\u0650\u06cc\u06e1 \u0645\u064e\u0646\u06e1 \u06cc\u0651\u064e\u0634\u064e\u0627\u0653\u0621\u064f<\/p>\n Indeed, (O Muhammed [sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam],) you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills (to the straight path). (Surah Qasas v. 56)<\/em><\/p>\n However, in certain verses of the Qur\u2019aan Majeed, when Allah Ta\u2018ala attributes hidaayah and guidance to the Ambiyaa (\u2018alaihimus salaam) or the pious servants, then it is the second level of guidance that is referred to. For example, Allah Ta\u2018ala praises the Ulama of the Banu Israa\u2019eel saying:<\/p>\n \u0648\u064e \u062c\u064e\u0639\u064e\u0644\u06e1\u0646\u064e\u0627 \u0645\u0650\u0646\u06e1\u06c1\u064f\u0645\u06e1\u00a0 \u0627\u064e\u0626\u0650\u0645\u0651\u064e\u06c3\u064b\u00a0 \u06cc\u0651\u064e\u06c1\u06e1\u062f\u064f\u0648\u06e1\u0646\u064e\u00a0 \u0628\u0650\u0627\u064e\u0645\u06e1\u0631\u0650\u0646\u064e\u0627 \u0644\u064e\u0645\u0651\u064e\u0627 \u0635\u064e\u0628\u064e\u0631\u064f\u0648\u06e1\u0627 \u06df\u0615\u00a0 \u0648\u064e \u06a9\u064e\u0627\u0646\u064f\u0648\u06e1\u0627 \u0628\u0650\u0627\u0670\u06cc\u0670\u062a\u0650\u0646\u064e\u0627 \u06cc\u064f\u0648\u06e1\u0642\u0650\u0646\u064f\u0648\u06e1\u0646\u064e \ufd3f\u06f2\u06f4\ufd3e<\/p>\n And We made them leaders guiding their people (towards the straight path) with our command when they learnt endurance (and steadfastness upon their deen), and they had full conviction in our verses. (Surah Sajdah v. 24)<\/em><\/p>\n The Special Group who Have been Favoured by Allah Ta\u2018ala <\/strong><\/p>\n \u0635\u0650\u0631\u064e\u0627\u0637\u064e \u0627\u0644\u0651\u064e\u0630\u0650\u06cc\u06e1\u0646\u064e \u0627\u064e\u0646\u06e1\u0639\u064e\u0645\u06e1\u062a\u064e \u0639\u064e\u0644\u064e\u06cc\u06e1\u06c1\u0650\u0645\u06e1 \u06d9\u06ec<\/p>\n The path of those whom You have favoured (with Your special grace)<\/em><\/p>\n In the previous verse, we are commanded to make dua for Allah Ta\u2018ala to guide us to the straight path. In this verse, Allah Ta\u2018ala explains to us which path is the straight path of deen. Allah Ta\u2018ala says, \u201cThe path of those whom You have favoured (with Your special grace).\u201d In other words, the straight path of deen is the path which was followed by those who have been favoured and chosen by Allah Ta\u2018ala.<\/p>\n In another verse of the Qur\u2019aan Majeed, Allah Ta\u2018ala enumerates four categories of servants as being those whom He has favoured with His special grace. Allah Ta\u2018ala says:<\/p>\n \u0648\u064e \u0645\u064e\u0646\u06e1 \u06cc\u0651\u064f\u0637\u0650\u0639\u0650 \u0627\u0644\u0644\u0651\u0670\u06c1\u064e \u0648\u064e \u0627\u0644\u0631\u0651\u064e\u0633\u064f\u0648\u06e1\u0644\u064e \u0641\u064e\u0627\u064f\u0648\u0644\u0670\u0653\u0626\u0650\u06a9\u064e \u0645\u064e\u0639\u064e \u0627\u0644\u0651\u064e\u0630\u0650\u06cc\u06e1\u0646\u064e \u0627\u064e\u0646\u06e1\u0639\u064e\u0645\u064e \u0627\u0644\u0644\u0651\u0670\u06c1\u064f \u0639\u064e\u0644\u064e\u06cc\u06e1\u06c1\u0650\u0645\u06e1 \u0645\u0651\u0650\u0646\u064e \u0627\u0644\u0646\u0651\u064e\u0628\u0650\u06cc\u0651\u0656\u0646\u064e \u0648\u064e \u0627\u0644\u0635\u0651\u0650\u062f\u0651\u0650\u06cc\u06e1\u0642\u0650\u06cc\u06e1\u0646\u064e \u0648\u064e \u0627\u0644\u0634\u0651\u064f\u06c1\u064e\u062f\u064e\u0627\u0653\u0621\u0650 \u0648\u064e \u0627\u0644\u0635\u0651\u0670\u0644\u0650\u062d\u0650\u06cc\u06e1\u0646\u064e \u06da \u0648\u064e \u062d\u064e\u0633\u064f\u0646\u064e \u0627\u064f\u0648\u0644\u0670\u0653\u0626\u0650\u06a9\u064e \u0631\u064e\u0641\u0650\u06cc\u06e1\u0642\u064b\u0627 \ufd3f\u0615\u06f6\u06f9\ufd3e<\/p>\n Whoever obeys Allah and the Rasul, then (in the Hereafter,) they will be in the company of those whom Allah has favoured (with His special grace) viz. the Messengers, the siddeeqeen, the martyrs and the righteous servants. How excellent are these companions! (Surah Nisaa v.69)<\/em><\/p>\n From all these four categories of chosen servants, the Messengers are the greatest in rank, followed by the siddeeqeen. The siddeeqeen are those who have acquired spiritual perfection in deen and the internal and external condition of their lives remain upon constant truth and loyalty to Allah Ta\u2018ala. The third in rank are the martyrs \u2013 those who sacrificed their lives for the cause of deen, and fourth in rank are the righteous servants of Allah Ta\u2018ala.<\/p>\n The Divine System of Almighty Allah Ta\u2018ala <\/strong><\/p>\n In this verse, Allah Ta\u2018ala has commanded us to follow His pious servants, as they are the ones who have understood the straight path. The reason is that these pious servants have learnt the knowledge of deen and the book of Allah Ta\u2018ala from their seniors, who in turn, acquired it from their seniors, until this series of acquiring deen reached the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu \u2018anhum) who acquired it from Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam).<\/p>\n Hence, we understand that in deen, we are in need of the Kitaabullah (the divine heavenly Books) as well as the Rijaalullah (the favoured servants of Allah Ta\u2018ala). If one has to study history, one will find that since time immemorial, it has always been the divine system of Almighty Allah Ta\u2018ala that He sent down Kitaabullah (the divine heavenly Books) together with Rijaalullah (the Ambiyaa (\u2018alaihimus salaam) and their pious followers). There has never been a period witnessed in the history of humanity wherein Allah Ta\u2018ala revealed a kitaab to a nation without sending a Nabi to them.<\/p>\n The mission of the Ambiyaa (\u2018alaihimus salaam) was to explain the correct application of the kitaab of Allah Ta\u2018ala to the people and show them how to live their lives in accordance to its dictates.<\/p>\n The Responsibility of this Ummah<\/strong><\/p>\n Since there is no Rasul or Nabi to come with a new Shari\u2019ah after the advent of Islam (as Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam) is the last and final messenger of Allah Ta\u2018ala and the seal of all prophets), Allah Ta\u2018ala has conferred a special honour upon this Ummah by making each Ummati a trustee of this Deen.<\/p>\n On the day of Qiyaamah, each Ummati will be questioned regarding whether or not he had protected and safeguarded this great, divine trust of Deen according to his capacity and capability. In addition to this honour, Allah Ta\u2018ala has favoured the Ulama of this Ummah by making them the true heirs and vicegerents of Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam) in preserving his Deen and his Mubaarak Sunnah.<\/p>\n Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam) is reported to have said:<\/p>\n \u0627\u0644\u0639\u0644\u0645\u0627\u0621 \u0648\u0631\u062b\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u0623\u0646\u0628\u064a\u0627\u0621<\/p>\n The Ulama are the heirs of the Ambiyaa. (Saheeh Ibnu Hibbaan #88)<\/em><\/p>\n Hence, in this day and age, if the Ulama of the Ummah uphold the Deen of Allah Ta\u2018ala and preserve the Mubaarak Sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam) in the true sense of the word, they will be truly worthy and deserving of the title \u201ctrue heirs and vicegerents of Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam).\u201d<\/p>\n The Difference between the Ambiyaa (\u2018alaihimus salaam) and the Ulama <\/strong><\/p>\n As far as the Ambiyaa (\u2018alaihimus salaam) are concerned, they are an exclusive class of Allah Ta\u2018ala\u2019s servants who are sinless. They received divine revelation and never disobeyed Allah Ta\u2018ala for even a moment in their entire lives. They fulfilled every command of Allah Ta\u2018ala in the manner they were commanded. There was always total conformity witnessed between the Book of Allah Ta\u2018ala and the actions of the Ambiyaa (\u2018alaihimus salaam). In essence, the Ambiyaa (\u2018alaihimus salaam) were the fountainheads of guidance (hidaayat) in the world.<\/p>\n As far as the Ulama are concerned, they neither receive divine revelation nor are they sinless. Therefore, they cannot be equated to the Ambiyaa (\u2018alaihimus salaam). Rather, they will only be followed as long as their actions conform to the Shar\u2019iah (the Book of Allah Ta\u2018ala and the Sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam)). In the case where there is a contradiction between their actions and the Shari\u2019ah, they will not be followed. Instead, the Shari\u2019ah will be given preference over them.<\/p>\n Hence, we understand that the Ulama of the Ummah are not regarded as independent sources of guidance (hidaayat), as is the position of the Ambiyaa (\u2018alaihimus salaam). Rather, they will only be considered as guides so long as they continue to follow the Book of Allah Ta\u2018ala and the Mubaarak Sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam).<\/p>\n On the converse, if they give the Ummah commands and instructions that are against the Book of Allah Ta\u2018ala and the Sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam), they will not be obeyed.<\/p>\n The Chosen Servants of Allah Ta\u2018ala <\/strong><\/p>\n It is the divine system of Almighty Allah Ta\u2018ala that Deen will have to be learnt and acquired from those who have been blessed with Deen. For this purpose, one will have to search for the chosen servants of Allah Ta\u2018ala whom Allah Ta\u2018ala has divinely selected and appointed as the true bearers of His Deen.<\/p>\n In the process of acquiring Deen from the chosen servants of Allah Ta\u2018ala, it is insufficient for one to suffice on merely studying the words of the Qur\u2019aan Majeed and Mubaarak Hadith. Rather, one will also have to learn the practical application from them in the spirit of the Sunnah. Since this is not possible without remaining in the company of the pious, chosen servants of Allah Ta\u2018ala for some while, Allah Ta\u2018ala has commanded us in the Qur\u2019aan Majeed to constantly remain with the pious. Allah Ta\u2018ala says:<\/p>\n \u06cc\u0670\u06e4\u0627\u064e\u06cc\u0651\u064f\u06c1\u064e\u0627 \u0627\u0644\u0651\u064e\u0630\u0650\u06cc\u06e1\u0646\u064e \u0627\u0670\u0645\u064e\u0646\u064f\u0648\u0627 \u0627\u062a\u0651\u064e\u0642\u064f\u0648\u0627 \u0627\u0644\u0644\u0651\u0670\u06c1\u064e \u0648\u064e \u06a9\u064f\u0648\u06e1\u0646\u064f\u0648\u06e1\u0627 \u0645\u064e\u0639\u064e\u00a0 \u0627\u0644\u0635\u0651\u0670\u062f\u0650\u0642\u0650\u06cc\u06e1\u0646\u064e<\/p>\n O you who believe! Fear Allah and remain with the truthful servants (i.e. the pious servants, those who are truthful in word and deed). (Surah Tawbah verse 119)<\/em><\/p>\n Similarly, we see that the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu \u2018anhum), through remaining in the mubaarak company of Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam) and acquiring Deen from his mubaarak heart, earned the esteemed title of \u2018Sahaabah\u2019 (the illustrious companions of Rasulullah [sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam]).<\/p>\n By closely studying and examining the chain through which Deen has reached us, one will realize that just as Deen was conveyed through words and actions, it was also conveyed in spirit from heart to heart. The Sahaabah (radhiyallahu \u2018anhum) acquired Deen from the mubaarak heart of Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam), and the Taabi\u2019een (rahimahumullah) from the mubaarak hearts of the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu \u2018anhum), and this continued from generation to generation until Deen has finally reached us today.<\/p>\n Why Did Allah Ta\u2018ala Not Command Us to Follow the Path of the Qur\u2019aan and Hadith?<\/strong><\/p>\n The crucial question that arises at this juncture is, \u201cWhy did Allah Ta\u2018ala not command us to adopt the path of the Qur\u2019aan Majeed or the path of the Hadith, whereas these two are the primary sources of guidance in deen?\u201d<\/p>\n The answer to this critical question is that if each person was to refer directly to the Qur\u2019aan Majeed and the Mubaarak Ahaadith and try to reach his own conclusions based on his own intellect, Deen would no longer be preserved in the way Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam) had conveyed it to us.<\/p>\n Rather, it would become a mixture of acts of worship diluted with man\u2019s whims and fancies, thus leading to the destruction and ruin of Deen. Hence, for the protection and preservation of Deen till the day of Qiyaamah, Allah Ta\u2018ala has commanded that the path of His chosen and rightly guided servants be adopted, as they are the ones who have truly understood the Qur\u2019aan Majeed and the Sunnah.<\/p>\n The Path of the Jews and Christians<\/strong><\/p>\n \u063a\u064e\u06cc\u06e1\u0631\u0650 \u0627\u0644\u06e1\u0645\u064e\u063a\u06e1\u0636\u064f\u0648\u06e1\u0628\u0650 \u0639\u064e\u0644\u064e\u06cc\u06e1\u06c1\u0650\u0645\u06e1 \u0648\u064e \u0644\u064e\u0627 \u0627\u0644\u0636\u0651\u064e\u0627\u0653\u0644\u0651\u0650\u06cc\u06e1\u0646\u064e \u066a\ufd3f\u06f7\ufd3e<\/p>\n not the path of those upon whom is Your wrath nor the path of those who have gone astray.<\/em><\/p>\n In this verse, Allah Ta\u2018ala further elucidates the straight path as not being the path followed by those who earned the anger of Allah Ta\u2018ala, and nor the path of those who went astray.<\/p>\n In certain Ahaadith, it is recorded that Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam) mentioned that these two classes of people refer to the Jews and Christians. (Sunan Tirmizi #2954)<\/em><\/p>\n The Ulama explain that though Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam) mentioned that these two classes refer to the Jews and Christians, this verse is not confined to them in its purport, but rather all disbelievers who emulate the jews and Christians in treading on the path of disbelief will also be included in this verse.<\/p>\n Generally, there are two causes for one not following the path of guidance. The first cause is where one possesses the knowledge of the truth, yet one opposes it, and the second cause is where one fails to search for the truth due to which one wilfully treads on the path of misguidance.<\/p>\n As far as the Jews were concerned, then they possessed knowledge, yet they defiantly opposed and rejected the truth and wilfully treaded on the path of misguidance. Hence, Allah Ta\u2018ala refers to them in this verse as being \u201cthose upon whom is Your wrath\u201d.<\/p>\n As for the Christians, then they did not possess knowledge of the truth like the Jews, nor were they interested in finding out the truth. Hence, they wilfully treaded on the path of ignorance and followed their desires. Therefore, Allah Ta\u2018ala refers to them as \u201cthose who have gone astray\u201d.<\/p>\n From this verse, we understand that for one to be rightly guided, just as it is necessary for one to carry out righteous deeds and fulfil the commands of shari\u2019ah, similarly it is equally important for one to refrain from disobeying Allah Ta\u2018ala by committing sins, thereby emulating the enemies of Allah Ta\u2018ala<\/p>\n Hadith-e-Qudsi Regarding Surah Faatihah<\/strong><\/p>\n The Hadith-e-Qudsi mentions that the first three verses of Surah Faatihah are in praise of Allah Ta\u2018ala, while the last three verses of Surah Faatihah are duas for the benefit of the servants. As for the middle verse of Surah Faatihah (the fourth verse), then this verse contains both the praise of Allah Ta\u2018ala as well as dua.<\/p>\n Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam) mentioned that Allah Ta\u2018ala says:<\/p>\n I have divided Surah Faatihah into two halves between Me and My servant, and for My servant will be that which he asks for. When the servant (recites the first verse and) says, \u201cAll praise be to Allah Ta\u2018ala, the Rabb of the worlds,\u201d then Allah Ta\u2018ala says, \u201cMy servant has praised Me.\u201d<\/p>\n When the servant (recites the second verse and) says, \u201cthe Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,\u201d then Allah Ta\u2018ala says, \u201cMy servant has extolled My virtue.\u201d<\/p>\n When the servant (recites the third verse and) says, \u201cMaster of the Day of Judgment,\u201d then Allah Ta\u2018ala says, \u201cMy servant has glorified Me.\u201d<\/p>\n When the servant (recites the fourth verse and) says, \u201cYou alone do we worship, and from You alone do we seek help,\u201d then Allah Ta\u2018ala says, \u201cThis is between Me and My servant (i.e. in this is My praise as well as a supplication from his side to Me), and for My servant will be that which he asks for.\u201d<\/p>\n When the servant (recites the last three verses and) says, \u201cGuide us to the straight path – the path of those whom You have favoured (with Your special grace), not the path of those upon whom is Your wrath nor the path of those who have gone astray,\u201d then Allah Ta\u2018ala says, \u201cThis is for My servant, and for My servant will be that which he asks for (i.e. I will grant him guidance to the straight path and save him from treading on the path of whose who incurred My wrath and the path of those who went astray).\u201d (Saheeh Muslim #395)<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \u0628\u0650\u0633\u0652\u0645\u0650 \u0627\u0644\u0644\u0651\u0670\u0647\u0650 \u0627\u0644\u0631\u0651\u064e\u062d\u0652\u0645\u0670\u0646\u0650 \u0671\u0644\u0631\u0651\u064e\u062d\u0650\u064a\u0645\u0650 \u0627\u064e\u0644\u0652\u062d\u064e\u0645\u0652\u062f\u064f \u0644\u0650\u0644\u0651\u0670\u0647\u0650 \u0631\u064e\u0628\u0651\u0650 \u0627\u0644\u0652\u0639\u0670\u0644\u064e\u0645\u0650\u064a\u0646\u064e\u00a0\u200e\ufd3f\u0661\ufd3e\u200f\u00a0\u0627\u0644\u0631\u0651\u064e\u062d\u0652\u0645\u0670\u0646\u0650 \u0627\u0644\u0631\u0651\u064e\u062d\u0650\u064a\u0645\u0650\u00a0\u200e\ufd3f\u0662\ufd3e\u200f\u00a0\u0645\u0670\u0644\u0650\u0643\u0650 \u064a\u064e\u0648\u0652\u0645\u0650 \u0627\u0644\u062f\u0651\u0650\u064a\u0646\u0650\u00a0\u200e\ufd3f\u0663\ufd3e\u200f\u00a0\u0627\u0650\u064a\u0651\u064e\u0627\u0643\u064e \u0646\u064e\u0639\u0652\u0628\u064f\u062f\u064f \u0648\u064e\u0627\u0650\u064a\u0651\u064e\u0627\u0643\u064e \u0646\u064e\u0633\u0652\u062a\u064e\u0639\u0650\u064a\u0646\u064f\u00a0\u200e\ufd3f\u0664\ufd3e\u200f\u00a0\u0627\u0647\u0652\u062f\u0650\u0646\u064e\u0627 \u0627\u0644\u0635\u0651\u0650\u0631\u064e\u0627\u0637\u064e \u0627\u0644\u0652\u0645\u064f\u0633\u0652\u062a\u064e\u0642\u0650\u064a\u0645\u064e\u00a0\u200e\ufd3f\u0665\ufd3e\u200f\u00a0\u0635\u0650\u0631\u064e\u0627\u0637\u064e \u0627\u0644\u0651\u064e\u0630\u0650\u064a\u0646\u064e \u0627\u064e\u0646\u0652\u0639\u064e\u0645\u0652\u062a\u064e \u0639\u064e\u0644\u064e\u064a\u0652\u0647\u0650\u0645\u0652 \ufd3f\u0666\ufd3e\u200f \u063a\u064e\u064a\u0652\u0631\u0650 \u0627\u0644\u0652\u0645\u064e\u063a\u0652\u0636\u064f\u0648\u0628\u0650 \u0639\u064e\u0644\u064e\u064a\u0652\u0647\u0650\u0645\u0652 \u0648\u064e\u0644\u064e\u0627 \u0627\u0644\u0636\u0651\u064e\u0627\u0653\u0644\u0651\u0650\u064a\u0646\u064e\u00a0\u200e\ufd3f\u0667\ufd3e\u200f All praise be to Allah, the Rabb of the worlds. The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgement. You alone do we worship, and from You …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":17051,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[128,783],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21390","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","","category-articles","category-tafseer-articles"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ihyaauddeen.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21390","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ihyaauddeen.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ihyaauddeen.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ihyaauddeen.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ihyaauddeen.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=21390"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/ihyaauddeen.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21390\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21584,"href":"https:\/\/ihyaauddeen.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21390\/revisions\/21584"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ihyaauddeen.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/17051"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ihyaauddeen.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=21390"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ihyaauddeen.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=21390"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ihyaauddeen.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=21390"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}