All praise be to Allah. We praise Him, seek His help, forgiveness and turn to Him in repentance. We seek refuge with Allah from the harms of our souls and evil consequences of our deeds. Whomever Allah guides to the straight path, no one can lead such a person to go astray. And whomever Allah decides to astray, no one can guide such a person to the straight path. I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah. He is Alone and has no partner. I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave (servant) and Messenger. May Allah bestow His peace and blessings be upon him, his family members, his Companions and upon those who follow the Righteous Predecessors until the Day of Judgment. The knowledge of the Islamic creed and belief is one of the noble types of information, to be acquired with immense respect and significance. Believing in Allah is the most magnificent and scholarly branch of knowledge compared to all other information obtained in this worldly life. This forms the most fundamental of the six basic principles of the divine faith. Allah said, “It is not Al-Birr (piety, righteousness, and each and every act of obedience to Allah, etc.) that you turn your faces towards east and (or) west (in prayers); but Al-Birr is (the quality of) the one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, and the Prophets.” [Surah Al-Baqarah 2:177].


When the Archangel Jibreel (Gabriel) asked the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) about the divine faith, he replied saying,

“It is to believe in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, and the Last Day, and to believe in divine destiny, both the good and the evil thereof.”[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Believing in Allah is the key for every success and to achieve the ultimate happiness in this life and the Hereafter. Allah has revealed the divine scriptures to the Prophets and Messengers in order for them to convey His message and thus implanting and affirming the very conviction of Allah in the hearts of every human being. This booklet discusses with a main focus on the following points:

* Significance of believing in Allah.

* Implications of believing in Allah.

* The substantiation of the oneness and unity of Allah.

* Advantages and fruits of believing in Allah.

* The Contradiction to concept of believing in Allah.

* Significance of atheism.

* The reasons of atheism.

* How atheism entered the Muslim world.

* The consequences of atheism.

I am thankful to Allah for the truth, courage and inspiration to discuss on these important topics. Allah is true and all the truth comes from Him. However, I seek refuge from Allah to save me from the temptation of Satan, whose work is always to mislead the people from the path of righteousness. The concept of believing in Allah and the Islamic Monotheism has several definitions expressed in different wordings but with the same meaning. ‘Ahl As-Sunnah wa-al-Jama’ah”, a large section of the Muslims community unanimously agree upon the meaning though expressed in different wordings. The following are some of the important definitions of the above-mentioned concept:

(1) To distinguish Allah with all aspects He deserves.

(2) To recognize Allah from His rights and duties.

(3) The firm conviction in the acknowledgement of Allah’s existence. It is also imperative to believe in the Oneness of Allah and that He has no partner or rival, be it the past, or future. His status as being One never changes. He is the First and nothing has preceded Him. He is the Last, Forever and Everlasting that nothing would succeed Him. He is the Apparent and Superimposed and no one is above Him. He is Hidden and Unseen and no one is underneath Him. He is always Alive (Immortal) and the Self-Subsistent. He is Only One and the Master. Allah said, “He begets not, nor was He begotten; And there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him.”

[Surah Al-Ikhlas 112:3-4].

One has also to believe in the monotheism of Allah, as He is the Only Lord of the universe. He is the only worthy of worship and that He has exclusive meaningful Names and perfect Attributes.

(4) To firmly believe that Allah is the Only Lord of the entire universe and its sole Controller. He Alone is the Creator and Administer of the whole affairs of the universe. He alone has the right to be worshipped and has no partner with Him. Anything or anyone other than Allah supposedly worshipped is false. Therefore, worshipping such false deities is tantamount to a vain and futile practice and blatantly a falsehood. Allah said, “That is because Allah He is the Truth (the only True God of all that exists, Who has no partners or rivals with Him), and what they (the polytheists) invoke besides Him, it is falsehood And verily, Allah He is the Most High, the Most Great.”

[Surah Al-Hajj 22:62].

Allah is qualified with the perfect attributes and completely protected from any deficiencies or defects. The concept of Islamic monotheism includes three aspects as follows: (i) Monotheism of Allah being the Lord (Rabb) of the universe. (ii) Monotheism of Allah and unity in the worship. (iii) Monotheism of Allah in His Names and Attributes. FACTORS OF BELIEVING IN ALLAH: From above discussion, it is very obvious that the concept of believing in Allah consist of four issues such as mentioned here:

(1) To believe in the divine existence of Allah.

(2) To believe that Allah only is the Lord (Rabb) of the universe.

(3) To believe that Allah has the meaningful Names and perfect Attributes.

(4) To believe that Allah only has the right to be worshipped.

There are countless evidences in this universe, which substantiate the unity and Oneness of Allah. The significance of such evidences is adequately mentioned in the Qur an. Allah describing about His own identity states: “Allah bears witness that none has the right to be worshipped but He, and the angels, and those having knowledge (also give this witness); (He is always) maintaining His creation in Justice. None has the right to be worshipped but He, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.” [Surah Aal-‘Imran 3:18].

An eminent poet has elucidated his thoughts in a meaningful poem: In everything, there is a sign, Which proves to the unity of Allah Wondering then: How can people disobey God? Or how can a denier reject God? To Allah, in every move, And in every halt always a witness. The following aspects offer a wider perspectives and plain in proving the unity and Oneness of Allah:

(1) The natural phenomena

(2) Different aspects of divine laws.

(3) The rationale of life

(4) Logic or common sense.

(5) Reaching to conclusion from the Names and Attributes of Allah.

These aspects clearly prove the existence of Allah and exemplify the three basic concepts of Islamic Monotheism (Oneness of Allah), as mentioned earlier, which correlate with one another. Therefore, ascribing partner with Allah in any one of the three above-mentioned concepts, is tantamount to committing polytheism in all other concepts as well. For instance, If a person seeks Dua’a (supplication) from other than Allah is considered a kind of worship and clearly an act of Shirk or polytheism with Allah in His worship. In this context, invoking others (persons or things) than Allah is like seeking their intermediation and believing that they (intermediaries) can interfere and recommend to Allah on behalf of the supplicant and fulfill his/her requirements. This is completely an act of shirk or polytheism and tantamount to ascribing partner(s) with Allah, the Lord (Rabb) of the Universe. Moreover, a supplicant who assumes that others besides Allah also possessed the power of hearing and seeing and could answer his/her invocation (Du aa) is considered as an act of shirk (polytheism) as regards to Names and Attributes of Allah.

First, it is a gross violation of divine laws to supplicate others than Allah. In no way this act is acceptable in Islam. Moreover, it is an act of Shirk (polytheism) if a person believing that with whom he/she engaged in supplication other than Allah can listen to him/her no matter whether faraway or closer. It is, therefore, considered as a major act of Shirk (polytheism) with Allah in His worship as associating or correlating someone or something with Names and Attributes of Allah, Who is the Lord (Rabb) of the universe. The reason for above-mentioned evidence can more elaborately be explained here:.

(1) EVIDENCES FROM THE NATURE:

Fitrah in literary Arabic denote to the innate character of a particular person. According to an authentic scholarly view the meaning of this word specifically signifies the Islam. Among those scholars, who are of this opinion, include Sheikh Al-Islam Ibn Teemiyah and his student Ibn Al-Qayyim, etc. It is instinct of every human being at his/her birth, who is inclined to the true belief in his/her Lord. This inclination remains intact in all humans before he/she is happened to be nurtured in a typical environment and different reflections of life other than Islam. As the man grows under the influence of different tenets of a religion other than Islam his basic inclination towards the Oneness of Allah (Islamic Monotheism) tends to divert and as the time passes that ultimately vanishes from his heart. Allah’s ) said,?Messenger ( “Every child is born upon the Fitrah (i.e., the natural religion of Allah which He made for humanity), it is only his parents who turn him into a Jew, a Christian or a Zoroastrian.”

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Another Hadith on the same subject narrates: “Every child is born upon the (or this) Millat (i.e., Islamic Monotheism).” According to Hadith Qudsi as narrated by ‘Iyad bin Himar ) as saying:?quoting Allah’s Messenger ( “And I have created My all servants as Hunafaa’ (Naturally inclined towards pure Islamic Monotheism or Tawhid). But the Devils approach them and turn them away from the right religion.” (Muslim) Ibn Al-Qayyim said as reported from ‘Ikrimah, Mujahid, Al-Hasan, Ibrahim, Ad-Dahhak, and Qatada, quoting the statement of Allah, “Allah s Fitrah (i.e. Allah s Islâmic Monotheism), with which He has created mankind. No change let there be in Khalqillâh (i.e. the Religion of Allah Islâmic Monotheism).” [Surah Ar-Rum 30:30]. Their comments based on the phrase: ‘Fitaratallahi’ which signifies that it is the religion of Islam. The phrase “Khalqillah” means Allah’s religion. It is natural of a man, if afflicted or in any distress to always seek protection from his Lord. A person whether a believer, disbeliever or even an atheist who is happened to be in a difficult situation, or facing a danger in life turns to Supreme Power i.e. the Lord of the Universe (Allah). He does so by simply throwing away all sorts of false notions, misconceptions and superstitions. The ultimate thought in such a traumatic situation, which comes to the mind of any human being, knowingly or unknowingly and irrespective of faith is the natural inclination to turn to seek Divine Help. The moment this thought comes, it is spontaneous with a conviction and a strong urge in his/her heart the reference is made only to the Oneness of Allah and none else.

Thus, the spontaneity of that thought itself reflects that there is Only One and real Lord, Who will succor man in his difficult situation and redress him from afflictions. And at that moment of anxiety the man realizes that the true and firm belief lies only in the Monotheism and Oneness of Allah. He/she thinks of Allah Alone and no one else. It would be appropriate to mention some historic examples, which narrate this phenomenon as experienced to one of the American Presidents and Mr. Churchill, the Head of England at the time of a fierce battle during World War II. It so happened that both these leaders of international fame remained in the back of the battleship and started to glorify God Alone by engaging in deep and sincere invocations when Hitler tightened the noose and harried them using the allied forces. Both these leaders engaged in supplicating their God Alone with total dedication. They tried to forget everything that was involved in their day-to-day life including the infidelity and polytheism. To exemplify such a state of affair of a man of whatever stature he may be Allah stated. “And when they embark on a ship, they invoke Allah, making their Faith pure for Him only, but when He brings them safely to land, behold, they give a share of their worship to others (Shirk).

”[Al-‘Ankabut 29:65].

As mentioned earlier, every newborn baby, who arrives in this world possessed the natural inclination toward the Islamic Monotheism. This does not necessarily mean that all the newborn babies are scholars of Islamic teachings by birth. Allah said, “And Allah has brought you out from the wombs of your mothers while you know nothing.”

[Surah An-Nahl 16:78].

This also does not necessarily mean that every newborn baby will be naïve or innocent, ignorant of Islamic Monotheism (Tawheed) or Polytheism (Shirk). However, it means that every newborn baby is arriving in this world with a devotion to the natural inclination of Islamic Monotheism and the natural religion of Islam. He/she also then acknowledges to Allah being his/her Lord and admits to Him exclusively for the worthy of worship as well as being the Supreme Authority for the sole servitude. Meanwhile, if this attitude of a man (when still an infant) is not changed by any factors or contradictions to his/her natural mindset, the baby would have remained unperturbed and follow the Islamic Monotheism and the Oneness of Allah. This could be explained on the analogy of a newborn baby whose instinct is to eat and drink without being taught even by his/her mother right after the birth. Therefore, it should be noted here that the infant would have the desire for suckling the milk in a manner that is suitable to his/her physical composition of the body.

Allah said, “[Mûsa (Moses)] said: "Our Lord is He Who gave to each thing its form and nature, then guided it aright.”

[Surah Ta-Ha 20:50].

This is why the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “It is only his parents who turn him (newborn baby) into a Jew, a Christian or a Zoroastrian.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. However, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) did not say, "they (parents) turn him (newborn baby) into a Muslim", because such a baby remained naturally inclined towards the Islamic Monotheist. Therefore, it is quite obvious for a newborn baby to embrace a religion other Islam as he/she was nurtured under the influence of different tenets and doctrine It is incumbent on the parents to investigate and search for a right religion (Islam), which is as natural as the birth of natural inclination of a human being and raise their children accordingly. Turning away the newborn baby from his/her natural inclination (i.e. from the Islamic Monotheism) tantamount to shunning the reality just under the influence of fictitious factors.

(2) EVIDENCES OF THE DIVINE LAWS:

The evidences of the Divine Laws, as brought by the Prophets and Messengers from time to time from Allah, have all proved to His Oneness alone. Such proofs are available in great numbers and obviously known to everyone. The divine messages in the form of scriptures and books have offered as evidences to the human being all declaring in a bold and frank manner that Allah is One.

The revelation in the entire set of heavenly books is self-explanatory to the Oneness of Allah and He is the Lord of this Universe. In all the time the Divine Message, as revealed to the Prophets and Messengers, has contained several verdicts and rules intended for the well beings of the people in this world and the Hereafter. For instance, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) has brought divine message such as the Salat (prayer), Zakat (alms) and Hajj (pilgrimage) among other tenets. This is not all. The divine message also speaks a lot about different aspects of the universe giving information related to its metaphysical and other features imperceptible to man. All this information is proving the truthfulness and reality to the Oneness of Allah. Furthermore, the divine messages which were revealed to the mankind asserted that Allah, Who is All-Knowing and All-Wise is the only Lord of this universe and He Allah Alone truly worthy of worship and no one else. Allah has no partner or rival and He is the real Lord of the universe.

(3) EVIDENCES OF THE SOUND MIND

Under this topic, we will discuss about the sound mind that Allah has bestowed to man. This aspect offers another evidence through reasoning that every creature must have been created and not self-existent, which ultimately leads us to believe to the Oneness of Allah and sole Creator of the universe. We can’t just believe that the existence of this world was a coincidence without being the need for a Creator. It is also proven simply through the theoretical assumptions, which again offer evidences that no substance in this vast universe could be capable of self-creating. Therefore, even with a simple reasoning of the sound mind, we reach to the conclusion that nothing was existed coincidentally: everything however minute it might be has the Creator.

This is also because every occurrence needs some power for it to happen. Is not mind boggling that all that exist in this universe is running in the most systematic manner without any interruption and in perfect coordination with one another? If we give a few moments from our busy and preoccupied life, we would be compelled to realize that there is a divine force controlling every movement of this universe. We also find to our astonishment as how perfectly every aspect of the universe is inter-linked the day after each night and one season after another. The perfect timing with which everything is moving in the nature offers us a good reason to believe that this could not be coincidence. In addition to the above-mentioned evidences, it is obvious that the entire creatures’ are dependent and on the mercy of the Creator. Every creature is indeed deficient in one or the other thing. This clearly indicates to the fact that every living thing is dependent on its Creator. This Creator is the Lord of the universe, i.e. Allah, Who does is independent and free from any needs such as that of the creatures. The Qur’an (the word of Allah) reveals the evidences of the sound mind proving the Oneness of Allah: “Were they created by nothing, or were they themselves the creators?”

[Surah At-Tur 52:35].

This clearly explains that Allah has created everything and nothing was created on its own. It is concluded beyond doubt that everyone’s Creator is Allah - Blessed and Glorified be He. In this context, a story of Jubayr Bin Mut’em would be relevant here. Mut’em was an extremist polytheist during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Mut’em heard the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) while he was reciting the above-mentioned verse from the Qur’an (Ayah 52:35) and commented saying: ‘It seems to me that my heart flies away, and this incident was my first encounter, which facilitated me to accept the divine faith.” [Related story in Al-Bukhari, the Book of (Qur anic) Commentary, 6/49-50].

This is the reason that Allah has reiterated in the noble Qur’an encouraging people to ponder about the signs of Allah. Many verses in the Qur’an have explained focusing on this point. It is because, more the man used to ponder thinking about the signs of Allah the more he comes close to the truth. Furthermore, he would be more fearful of Allah to have Taqwah and tended adhere His commandments. The thinkers and intellectuals, who sought the path of the truth, therefore, reached unwaveringly to embrace Islam without fail. History has recorded many such events in the Pre-Islamic Ignorance era. The renowned intellectuals and poets of that period vehemently admitted and wholeheartedly declared that Allah is One though the society they lived in at that time was fully surrounded with polytheists and infidels. The most notorious intellectuals and prominent poets from among the ancient Arabs included Quss bin Saa’edat al-Eyadi and Zayd bin ‘Amr bin Nufail, who was the father of Sa’ied bin Zayd and the uncle of ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab. Quss bin Saa’edat in his famous address which he delivered in the Souq ‘Okaz( ), said: “O people! Listen and be conscious! Whoever lives would die, and whoever dies would be lost. Whoever be the newcomer would definitely show up.

The night is dark and the day is calm and quiet. The heaven is holding the big stars, the stars are shining, and the seas are swelling up and surging. The mountains are toughening with the earth, which is flattened. The rivers are flowing along. In the heaven, there is definitely a message and on the earth, there is a lesson that which has to be taken into consideration." "What about the people who passed, why don’t they comeback? Did they satisfied with where they stood and stayed therein? Or did they abandon so there they slept?" He continued. He swore by the name of Allah, which is the legal swearing that Allah s religion (Islam) is the most satisfactory and most virtuous than your religion. You people are committing evil practices," he told the people then begun reciting poem: Among the earlier people who passed away- In the centuries, we have thoughtful lessons. When I have seen resources- For the nation, that has no origins. I have seen my people towards that- Walking both old and young The past will neither return to me- Nor of the rest bygone. I have ascertained by all means That I shall be wherewith the people have gone in the past.

Zayd bin ‘Amr in his famous poem said: I have submitted my face to whom surrendered- Him the earth, which carries the heavy rocks He spread the earth, when He strengthened its tightening perfectly- Complete and He fixed the mountains on it firmly. I have submitted my face to whom surrendered- The rain clouds which carries sweet fresh- pure cold water. Thereupon, it was brought to a country- Which subservient to Him and poured on it with contest. Another ancient Arabian poet, (probably Umayyat bin Abi As-Salt), said: Only one Lord or thousand lords- Whom I should incriminate when the matters are distributed I have deserted Al-Lat and Al-‘Uzza (idols of Quraish pagans) completely- Likewise, the tolerant with endurance would follow. Moreover, a great number of thinkers and western intellectuals have led to the divine truth. They ultimately embraced Islam after their relentless search and contemplation for the true guidance.

There is a research book titled “Allah Is More Manifest In Scientific Time", written by a group of 30 eminent scholars of astrophysics. Also there is another reference book entitled “Men Cannot Stand Alone” written by Chrisi Moreson, the chief of Science Academy in New York. This book was translated into Arabic under the title: “Science urges To the Divine Faith”. These books have commented saying that the true scholar should be a true believer. A commoner should also be a true believer. The mediocre type of scholars, who are less learned, should be an atheist and an unbeliever. In other words, such a scholar would be from among the little learned person. Therefore, he lost the natural inclination of true belief in the Islamic Monotheism while he never tries to reach to the knowledge that brings him to the true divine faith.

Such mediocre type scholars should endeavor to search the knowledge for the true belief in order to achieve ultimate happiness in this life and the Hereafter. However, from all the above-mentioned evidences any rationale and sound mind reaches to a point that enables him/her to natural inclination for the acceptance of Oneness of Allah. Meantime, if anyone denies the above evidences, this means he/she still has to overcome weaknesses of his/her mind. It is because of the poor understanding he/she fails to comprehend the natural truth. What one poet has said is true in this regard! If your mind urges you to deny Him (i.e. Allah’s unity)- Then reject your mind and its claim. This makes it obvious to a claim that the universe was created by coincidence or that the nature itself was a Creator, stands false. Raising such kind of claims and doubts only prove the arrogance and inflexibility of a mind which go counter to the soundness of brain and tends to deny the authenticity of the divine evidences.

If anyone argues based on his/her assumption that the creation of this universe was just a coincidence then such a person should be asked: If the running of affairs of such a vast universe and its systematic sustenance is also coincidence? In this context, Wahiduddin Khan, an Indian Islamic scholar in his writings on the subject has quoted a statement of an American scholar Mr. Chrisi Morison, who challenged the creation of universe as being the coincidence. To substantiate his statement Morison narrated in detail the example of coins (Dirhams). He said take 10 Dirhams and mark them with numbers from one to 10. After marking, mix the coins by putting them into the pocket or a box. The next step he said is to pick the coins, one at a time, from the pocket or a box. Each coin so picked, he said should be in the numerical sequence, from one to 10. This means, in the first attempt the coin marked with number one should be picked followed by two, three and up to 10. He clarified saying that the numerical sequence is possible only when in the first attempt itself the coin marked with number one is picked and the rest in the similar order in different attempts.

However, he challenged saying it is not possible to pick coins consecutively forming the sequence even after hundreds and thousands of attempts. The chances of success to pick the coins in numerical sequence are simply impossible, he noted saying even if attempts are made one after another and that is continued, might be for billions of times. On the analogy of this example, he said that how many attempts did it take, therefore, to create this universe even if it’s assumed that the creation of the universe is a coincidence? It is impossible to even imagine the computing of number of attempts each time a coin is picked to achieve the numerical order leave alone conceptualizing the idea. It would be a totally unrealistic counting, he noted.

The scholar concludes saying that the countless substances, which remained within this universe are self-explanatory about the Creator, Who is All-Wise, and All-Knowing. Unfortunately, the men are unjust to themselves and extremely ignorant of the outcome, he said. Allah said, “Be cursed (the disbelieving) man! How ungrateful he is! From what thing did He create him? From Nutfah (male and female semen drops) He created him, and then set him in due proportion; Then He makes the Path easy for him.”

[Surah ‘Abasa 80:17-20].

In the meantime, the claim that the Nature is the creator of universe is a mere fabrication. There is no evidence to prove such a claim. The claim is contradictory and needs no repudiation. Nevertheless, repudiation of such a claim through slight imagination is adequate. Among one of such claims is the notion of Darwin, who postulated his theory of evolution. Darwin and his ilk justified the origin of human being was through the animal, which originated in water. In his theory, Darwin has proposed that the environment has played a role in the evolution of an organism subjecting it to undergo a physical and biochemical change. Through a process of modifications and evolution, several new living things came into existence. However, the genetic codes containing the specific characteristics were transmitted successively into the future generations. The minute organisms, which came into existence by way of environmental adaptations through millions of years also gave rise to the formation of larger creatures. Thus the process of evolution of life form continued during millions of years until it reached to the formation of a perfect creature – the human being, Darwin said through his research work popularly known in the science as ‘Darwin’s theory’. However, it is not flawless. Darwin’s theory has already proven to be imperfect even by those who advocate it. Even if it is theoretically accepted there arises some questions: Who is the creator of those organism, which first came into existence in water, as claimed by Darwin? Who has provided sustenance to this life form during its evolution into large-sized creatures and ultimately into a perfect human being?

(4) THE EVIDENCES OF WISDOM:

This signifies to the intelligence of man, who recognizes the very existence of Allah and His Unity -- Blessed and Glorified be He. To speak about the Wisdom of man, a number of obvious evidences could be mentioned as support to the explanation: (i) ANSWERING THE SUPPLICATION: Who does answer one’s supplication(s)? People invoke Allah while in anguish or in dire need of something. Allah Alone answers their invocations, bestows upon them His mercy fulfilling their desires, and enables them to achieve in their purposes. As far as examples for such invocations are concerned, there are limitless evidences, which a man cannot compute whether that took place in the lives of the Prophets or the ordinary people. Just to mention one such example, which took place in the life of the Prophet Nuh (Noah, peace be upon him) is stated in the Qur’an: “Then he [(Nuh – (Noah)] invoked his Lord (saying): "I have been overcome, so help (me)!" So We opened the gates of heaven with water pouring forth. And We caused the earth to gush forth with springs. So the waters (of the heaven and the earth) met for a matter predestined.”

[Surah Al-Qamar 54:10-12].
Another example is of the supplication of Prophet Yunus (Jonah, peace be upon him) and Allah answered his call and rescued him from the stomach of the giant whale, as mentioned in the Qur’an. “But he cried through the darkness (saying): None has the right to be worshipped but You (O Allah), Glorified (and Exalted) are You [above all that (evil) they associate with You]. Truly, I have been of the wrong-doers. So We answered his call, and delivered him from the distress.”

[Surah Al-Anbiyaa’ 21:87-88].

One more story mentioned in the Glorious Qur’an is as regards to the invocation of the Prophet Ayyub (Job, peace be upon him). Allah said, “And remember Our slave Ayûb (Job), when he invoked his Lord (saying): "Verily! Shaytân (Satan) has touched me with distress (by losing my health) and torment (by losing my wealth)! (Allâh said to him): "Strike the ground with your foot: This is a spring of water to wash in, cool and a (refreshing) drink." And We gave him (back) his family, and along with them the like thereof, as a Mercy from Us, and a Reminder for those who understand.”

[Surah Al-Anbiyaa’ 38:41-43].

Similarly, there are several other evidences available in the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), which indicated to the answering of supplications he invoked to Allah. In a Hadith recorded by Al-Bukhari, Anas bin Malik narrated: Once in the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), the people were afflicted with drought (famine). While the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was delivering the Khutbah (religious sermon) on a Friday, a Bedouin stood up and said, "O, Allah s Apostle! Our possessions are being destroyed and the children are hungry; please invoke Allah on our behalf (for rain)". After listening to the request, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) raised his hands in supplication to Allah. There were no clouds in the sky when the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) raised his hands in prayer to Allah. (The narrator of the Hadith added:) By Him in Whose Hands my soul is! and soon as he (peace and blessings be upon him) lowered his hands, clouds like the size of mountains started to build up and even before he got down from the pulpit, I have witnessed the drops of water falling from the beard of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). It rained the whole day and that continued for the two consecutive days and until the next Friday. The same Bedouin or probably another man stood up and said: "O Allah s Apostle! The buildings (houses) have collapsed, and the possessions have been drowned (following the heavy rains); so please invoke Allah on our behalf". So, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) raised his hands and said, "O Allah! Round about us and not on us". So, in whatever direction he pointed his hands, the clouds dispersed and finally disappeared, and Al-Madinah s (sky) became (clear as) a hole (or a cavity) (in between the clouds). However, the valley of Qanat had remained a flooded channel, for one month, none came from outside but talked about the heavy rain (or downpour).” [Al-Bukhari]. The above-mentioned were the few events pertaining to the supplications by Prophets and the same answered by Allah. However, even today there are similar incidents manifested by the ordinary people. People invoke Allah and He is answering their supplications. Nevertheless, there are certain preconditions that the people have to fulfill for their supplications to be answered by Allah. On many occasions, we heard of the immediate answering of supplications, especially when people invoke Allah for rain seeking prayer. Soon after the prayer is offered, it started raining, sometimes even before the worshippers are dispersed from the place worship. Therefore, the answering of invocations is yet another clear evidence of the Oneness of Allah.

(ii) CREDIBILITY AND TRUSTWORTHINESS OF MESSENGERS:

The intelligence of a man with which he/she recognizes Allah is another evidence to the very existence and Oneness of Allah.

The Messengers and Prophets – peace be upon them all - are the perfect humans, who conveyed the divine messages from Allah to their respective nations in different times. Allah has chosen the Prophets and Messengers from among His best servants and supported by bestowing upon them certain powers to perform miracles. Allah has helped them and made them eventual victors over their foes (the infidels). Therefore, the Prophets are different men from that of ordinary people. An ordinary man could not have control unless he ceases to be a true believer. It is because the claiming of Prophethood is ever the greatest assertion, which would not be professed except either by the most trustworthy and a truthful person or the great liar from among the people. Therefore, the Prophets and Messengers are absolutely the most trustworthy and truthful people from chosen by Allah among all the human beings.

There are many evidences to prove their credibility and truthfulness. These proofs include the miracles as performed by them with the great support and Will of Allah. Some of the evidences of the truthfulness of Prophets and Messengers include their noble character and the ability to make friends and at the same bring disgrace to those who oppose them. Through these evidences, we can undoubtedly judge that the Prophets and Messengers were assigned by Allah, since Allah is the Truth and worshipping Him Alone is the Truth.

(iii) THE EVIDENCES OF THE SOULS:


Allah has created the human being and bestowed him with a suitably good-looking physique and sound mentality as compared with similar features in other creatures. Allah said, “And He shaped you and made good your shapes.”

[Surah At-Taghabun 64:3].


If a man with a sound mentality ponders a little about his own soul and body and try to examine the wonderful gift(s) Allah has bestowed upon him, he would certainly find himself standing out distinctly from the rest of the creatures (animals). He can then comprehend and realize that the marvelous features, which he possessed are bestowed upon him is by none other than Allah, the Creator and Lord of the Universe. Allah is All-Knowing and All-Wise. A man would also understand that Allah is the only Creator of the entire universe and He Alone has the complete control over all the affairs of the human beings and Allah is the Administrator of all things in the universe. Allah said in the Qur’an: “And by Nafs (Adam or a person or a soul, etc.), and Him Who perfected him in proportion.”

[Surah Ash-Shams 91:7].

Commenting on the above verse Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Sa’di, a renowned Islamic scholar said that every soul signifies an evidence of a great definite sign from among the myriad of different signs of Allah, which deserves to be mentioned by taking oath. If a man examines his own soul he would find that it is most gentle, light, and moving. It has tremendous effect in changing the mood with aspects such as determination and will, emotion, desire and love among many other things. Supposing that if Allah has not bestowed man with soul then his body would have been stood like a statue which indeed offers no benefit to the human life.

Therefore, for a man, his body and soul together offer a greatest sign of Allah which enable him to perform all duties of life in a most systematic manner to draw benefit in this world and the Hereafter. The human soul is one of the great evidences to recognize the existence of Allah and His Oneness as well as He is the only true deity deserved to be worshipped.

(iv) SHOWING THE WAY TO THE CREATURES:


From time to time Allah sent guidance to men through His Prophets and Messengers. It is the intelligence and guidance of man who is able to recognize the Oneness of Allah. Allah has definitely shown the way and direction to every animal. As we know that animals and cattle communicate with their own sounds, birds chirp. It is the understanding that Allah has given to the tamable animals, which allow man (Arab or non-Arab) to ride on them. All creatures with a limited varying degree of intelligence are aware of their well being and the resources of food.

Qur’an speaks about this particular message in Surah Ta-Ha, as Allah stated, “[Musa (Moses)] said: "Our Lord is He Who gave to each thing its form and nature, then guided it aright.” [Surah Ta-Ha 20:50]. Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him) used to refute Fir’aun (Pharaoh) by showing him many divine signs, which included the miracles and other incredible things. No one could compute their greatness and enormity except Allah. A man has also to ponder on the following points in order to recognize the Unity of Allah. These include the instinct that Allah has bestowed on a newborn baby of man or animal that finds his/her way and direction to suckle the breast of respective mothers? Consider the age of a newborn and the way he/she is tended to suckle the breast of the respective mothers, which requires systematic action involving the continuous contraction and relaxation of muscles of mouth, tongue and neck. The suckling baby also needs to continuously moving of lower jawbone while intermittently stops for breathing. All these actions need certain guidance, way and direction, which Allah only has bestowed upon the young ones. Of course, a newborn baby has no previous knowledge or experience for such a practice. Who has then inspired and guided the baby to act in such a manner?

It is Allah as He stated in the Qur an: "Our Lord is He Who gave to each thing its form and nature, then guided it aright.”

[Surah Ta-Ha 20:50].

After reaching to certain age, each thing will engage in endeavors to search for their well being and travelling on the earth with a definite purpose. All these things are possible only because of the perfect guidance and direction that Allah, our Lord has bestowed on every creature. As for the direction and showing the way to the birds, beasts, riding animals, Allah has inspired and guided them to the extent that they perform certain amazing actions, which cannot be practiced by human being. Ibn Al-Qayyim, an eminent author had described in his book titled: “Cure of the Sick” narrating many amazing things in this category. The author discussed in detail about the inspiration and direction to the bee, which through its untiring efforts gathers nectar, picking from the petals of various designated flowers a beehive later man uses it as a sweet and nourishing honey.

A slight contemplation will cause a man to enhance his divine faith and belief in Allah, the only Lord of the universe. This example also offers clear evidence to the disbelievers to turn away from their false deities and other earthly lords to believe in Allah, His Unity and the Oneness. It is amazing to note what Ibn Al-Qayyim has discussed in his book as how the male bee (drone) which acts as a prince assigns and organizes the formation of delivery bees by dispatches and allocating them in the special and separate teams for the work of collecting nectar from flowers. Some bees accompany and will never depart him as kind gesture, while others engaged in preparing the wax and stock it in the beehive. Still others take the responsibility of cleansing and sweeping the dirt and leftover.

If the male bee sees any female bee not performing its duties and sitting in idleness, it will get cut off and later killed. This is an exemplary action serve as a warning to others from becoming corrupt and idle. Another amazing aspect that Ibn Qayyim narrated is the construction of beehive, which he said, looks like rail terminals forming their ‘house’ in hexagonal-sided equal lanes. He said it appears as if the building of the beehive is based on a perfect engineering plan and the bees learnt it from a book of planning and designing.

Who has inspired the bee, a tiny creature to build their own house (beehive) so strong, firm and with enough space to live in? Beehive built in hexagonal structure with merging cells adjacent to each other forming heap in a circular shape. The design of the structure is so wonderful it forms no gaps or fissures and more surprisingly bees make honey – their food. Blessed and Glorified be

He Who inspired the bee to build this kind of sophisticated home. Furthermore, while discussing the hard work of bees Imam Ibn Qayyim said each one of this tiny creatures goes out into the garden and returns back to its dwelling for storage of the day’s collection (the nectar). He continued saying that among the bees there are hard workers and the idle. Some are even villains and with their lazy attitude tend to become burden on others. However, to maintain a strict discipline the lazy ones are eliminated by throwing them out of the beehive.

Finally, praising Allah, Who Alone inspired and directed the bees to make a special substance (honey), which is a cure for disease, Ibn Qayyim said, Allah has mentioned about the efficiency and benefit of this tiny creature in the Holy Qur’an. Ibn Qayyim noted that Allah has given this special feature exclusively to the bees among all His creatures.

Another miracle about bees is its making and storing of a substance (honey), which has the effect to cure the disease. This is the way and natural law of Allah for His creatures. Allah is the All-Wise, Most Cherished. Changing his focus from a bee to ant, another marvelous creature of Allah, Ibn Qayyim said this tiny living thing in the enormously vast universe come out of its dwelling

(hole on the ground or in the walls) in search of food. Sometimes it covers far off distances to find food. Upon finding the food this tiny creature, which measures only in millimeter, it carries back food to its dwelling after travelling either the mountainous area or the rough terrain. Of course, the entire journey for food collection is not without dangers, sometimes this weightless creature is carried away by the strong winds or get trampled by the larger animals or even the human beings. Nevertheless, like any other creature Allah has bestowed the ant with a degree of determination with which it stocks the food in considerable quantities for future use. It would be wonderful for man to observe the intelligence that Allah has provided to this tiny creature that in the way it chops the food, which comprised of grain or similar items, into further small pieces just to stop its growth. Not only this the ant keep an eye on the food particles and chop them further into many pieces if it grows despite being sliced. In case, the food is wet and it sensed that the particles would get spoilt or decayed in storage, the ant tries to get it dried for one more day under the sunlight. To have the job done the ant sorts out the particles by getting wet and dry food separated. The wet particles are kept under the sun until they are dried. After the food is fully dried up, the ant takes the particles back into the store. Ants are also inspired and shown direction by Allah. For instance, an ant would not use the food from the store of another ant. This practice is an adequate example to show how ants adhered to the inspiration and direction they received from Allah. Allah has stated a story in the Qur’an as regards to a conversation of a she-ant with its companions.

The Prophet Sulayman (Solomon, peace be upon him) has heard that conversation as stated in the Qur’an: “And there were gathered before Sulaimân (Solomon) his hosts of jinns and men, and birds, and they all were set in battle order (marching forwards). Till, when they came to the valley of the ants, one of the ants said: "O ants! Enter your dwellings, lest Sulaimân (Solomon) and his hosts crush you, while they perceive not." So he [Sulaimân (Solomon)] smiled, amused at her speech and said: "My Lord! Inspire and bestow upon me the power and ability that I may be grateful for Your Favours which You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may do righteous good deeds that will please You, and admit me by Your Mercy among Your righteous slaves.”

[Surah An-Naml 27:17-19].

The she-ant began to call her companion ants in a voice that was recognized by other ants. While addressing to all ants, the she-ant first used the vogue name followed by the generic name. Then she ordered them (other ants) to enter their dwellings so that they could protect themselves. Thereafter, she tried to convince them the reason why they should stay inside. She warned against getting inflicted by any harm from the military movement. After all, the Prophet Sulayman (Solomon, peace be upon him) and his hosts trampled them. Upon realizing Sulayman – Solomon, as the Prophet of Allah, the she-ant apologized for having commented Sulayman (peace be upon him) and his hosts would not perceive ants. The ants are from one of the most desirous creatures. Writers have coined many proverbs, which are widely in use reflecting this strongest desires and eager of ants Ant possessed the great ability to smell. It has strong determination with ambition. It has the courage and confidence to carry and transport weight double than its own size. Contrary to bees the ants do not have any leader among them, which would command them for performing different jobs. However, an ant tries to be a pioneer in search of food. If it finds food it will immediately rushes back to inform its other companions. Forming a long line one after another, they try to reach the spot where food has been found. Ant sets an example in every that it endeavors for the common interest and well being of the group. There is no selfish motive for its personal gain. Let us focus on the case of hoopoe, a kind of bird. It is one of the creatures, which keeps calm and quiet. Allah has bestowed upon hoopoe an ability, which no creature could do, to find out a spot of water under the earth. As regards to the inspiration and direction that received by hoopoe from Allah, its story has related in the Qur’an. Upon not finding the hoopoe among his audience, the Prophet Sulayman (Solomon, peace be upon him) inquired about it while issuing a stern warning for its absence. It’s worth mentioning here that Allah had granted power to the Prophet Sulayman – (Solomon, peace be upon him) to recognize the speeches of the birds. However, the hoopoe came to the Prophet Sulayman (Solomon, peace be upon him), and registered its apology to him. The hoopoe urged the Prophet Sulayman (Solomon, peace be upon him) to consider its appeal before imposing a grievous penalty against it. It begged the Prophet for its apology to be accepted and urged him to draw attention to what it going to disclose him some information. While narrating a story in the Qur an, Allah said: “He (Sulayman) inspected the birds, and said: "What is the matter that I see not the hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees? "I will surely punish him with a severe torment, or slaughter him, unless he brings me a clear reason." But the hoopoe stayed not long, he (came up and) said:

"I have grasped (the knowledge of a thing) which you have not grasped and I have come to you from Saba (Sheba) with true news. "I found a woman ruling over them, and she has been given all things that could be possessed by any ruler of the earth, and she has a great throne.” "I found her and her people worshipping the sun instead of Allâh, and Shaitân (Satan) has made their deeds fair-seeming to them, and has barred them from (Allâh s) Way, so they have no guidance," [As Shaitân (Satan) has barred them from Allâh s Way] so that they do not worship (prostrate before) Allâh, Who brings to light what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and knows what you conceal and what you reveal. None has the right to be worshipped but He (i.e., Allah), the Lord of the Supreme Throne! (Surah An-Naml 27:22-30). There is another proof of the inspiration and direction that guided to the creature,

the example of which is the case of pigeon (dove). This is also one of the amazing creatures to which Allah has inspired the direction. Speaking about pigeon, Imam Ash-Shafie’ said: "This is the most intelligent bird." The pigeon is one of the birds used in ancient times as a means for postal services to deliver the letters and messages. Perhaps for this reason, the pigeon has carried a higher price tag than the slave s at that time, as the speedy work that the pigeon could do to deliver letters and other messages would not have achieved through the slave or other animals. The pigeon is recognized as an intimate friend to man for its service and faithfulness. It is fond of the place it lives and remains steadfastly with its master (owner), even if he causes harm to it. It returns to its master’s house even if it goes far off places. In case if someone else traps it in a remote area, it would return back the moment it gets a chance showing loyalty to its master. The degree of control over the pigeon is based on the amount of training given to it.

People love to keep it in large group as a pet. The facts about pigeon’s behavior as regards to the copulation, compilation of nests, caring for eggs and little ones are undoubtedly some of its incredible and amazing actions. Highlighting some of these pigeon’s behavior Imam Ibn Qayyim in his book titled "Shifaa al- Aleel" said, these are some of the possibilities of resemblance between the man and pigeon. We can also contemplate about the behavior of rooster (adult male chicken), another creature to which Allah has given the cleverness, inspiration and direction. One of its amazing habits during the young age (chick) is its nature.

Whenever a man throws grain to feed, it never eats without differentiation and smacking at it and scattering. However, this habit wanes, as it grows very old because of the lack of energy and vigor. Al-Madaeni said that ‘Iyas bin Mu’awiya had walked close to a rooster while it was cracking the grain into pieces without scattering and he thought that the animal became old. Because, the young rooster would crack the grain while scattering and dispersion. The purpose of scattering the grain is to facilitate other chicken to gather around and eat. Due to the old age, the rooster loses its energy and vigor to carry on smacking and scattering of grain to help other chickens. However, the rooster remains high spirited even during its old age. As we have already discussed about how Allah has bestowed upon every creature certain degree of intelligence, inspiration, and direction with which they live and derive their sustenance. There is a amazing story about creatures such as fox and wolf. Both are wild animals and both look like a dog.

Fox is a clever animal and known for its fur. While the wolves live in groups. It kills and eats other animals. The amazing story that narrates the cleverness of fox goes like this. The wolf, which also had several offspring once killed and ate all the young ones of fox. Upon seeing this furious and dejected fox planned to take revenge by killing the young ones of wolf. A clever animal fox was it played a trick to teach wolf a lesson. There was a mound near a pond of water. The fox had created a secret pathway from under that pond of water. With an action plan in mind, the fox had first killed the offspring of wolf. After this massacre the fox stayed there waiting for wolf to arrive. Upon seeing the fox near the dead offspring, the wolf had realized that the killings were the job of fox. By then, he escaped from the scene. The furious wolf chased fox with an intention to finish it, too. Clever fox intentionally threw itself in the pond water and came out safe from the secret pathway, which it already created. The ignorant wolf too jumped into the pond and to its surprise it could not find the fox there. So the wolf got trapped and was killed by the people of that area. Eventually, fox was succeeded in taking the revenge. Allah has not only bestowed man with intelligence but He also given a degree of mental power and direction to the animals.

There is another amazing story related with fox. A fox has seen a man carrying two chickens with him. Clever fox, so it was hide itself at a place and as the man approached it had snatched the chicken and ran away. Encouraged with this first success, the fox planned to snatch away the second chicken, too. The fox made an appearance before the man’s sight from a far off distance as if it was holding something like a bird in its mouth. Fox s plan was to deceive the man by leaving the bird on the ground attracting him to pick its snatched chicken. By diverting man’s attention the fox snatched the second chicken, too and succeeded in getting hold of the remaining bird. With this clever trick, the fox had robbed the man of both chickens. This clearly demonstrates that it is how you use your intelligence, which leads you to the success in your mission.

Allah has made man superior to all His creatures. However, man can be deceived if he does not use his/her intelligence and the Divine Guidance he/she received from Allah. Nevertheless, Allah, Who is the Lord of Universe, has given certain degree of intelligence, inspiration and direction to each and every of His creatures. Donkey is considered by man to be the most stupid animal. It is a community animal and man uses it to transport goods or to ride on it. The peculiarity of donkey is that it could work very hard taking people on its back and travelling long distance. It can even see in the darkness of night, identify the houses, and return exactly to the same place Like a horse, the donkey too has the ability to recognize the voice of its owner and listens to his commands by stopping or to proceed throughout the journey hours.

Mouse, the little crawling animal to which Allah has provided understanding, which amazes the human being. The mouse brings water in its mouth and fills the jar of oil if it fails to reach to the bottom to drink it. Some oils are not solvent and float on the water level and mouse, by the Will of Allah has this knowledge. In fact, man being the superior to all of Allah’s creatures has learnt many things from animals that benefit him in his life. Man has obtained knowledge by studying the behavior of different animals in many aspects of life such as livelihood, industrial production, war, determination and patience.

The wisdom and knowledge as provided to the living thing is higher than that of the many human beings. Allah said, “Or do you think that most of them hear or understand? They are only like cattle; nay, they are even farther astray from the Path

(i.e. even worst than cattle).” [Surah Al-Furqan 25:44].

Commenting on the above verse Abu Ja’far Al-Baqir said: “Allah has not sufficed by making resemblance of the people with the cattle, rather He referred to them even worst than cattle.” A person was asked: “Who has taught you to go out early morning in search of your livelihood? He replied saying that he learnt it from a bird. He said he followed the birds, which would fly out at early morning in search of the food. They do so with an empty stomach and would return to their nests either after having their fill or with the food for their young ones. Moreover, they would not be afraid of anything, which confront them in the air or on earth. Another man when asked as to who has taught him to stay patience and calm in order to achieve in his purpose, he replied saying that he learnt after seeing how a tomcat leaps on its prey after standing motionless monitoring the burrow of a mouse.

He narrated that a tomcat stays for hours motionless and without a sign of emotion watching and monitoring, holding its breath, the movements of a mouse. As the mouse comes out of its burrow it jumps over it like a lion does to catch its prey. Who has taught you the best qualities of altruism – selflessness, generosity, and magnanimity? This question was asked to yet another person. He replied saying that he learnt these qualities after observing the behavior of a rooster (adult male chicken). A rooster would jump onto the grain while it direly needs it, too. But motive was never for its own benefit. Rather the purpose of jumping was merely to attract other chickens toward the food. In the meantime, the rooster would entice female chicken for copulation but again with fondness and deep passion. If anyone throws the grains to the rooster, it would first scatter it though there might not be any chicken around it. It is because of the fact that it possessed this quality of generosity by nature, a characteristic as Allah has bestowed upon it.

The rooster is a generous, selfless and magnanimous creature by virtue of the bounties of Allah. Allah is He Who bestows to whoever He wills. The rooster thinks itself at fault or guilty if it takes the food alone without sharing it with other chicken.

Lion is another beast known for its bravery as being the king of the jungle. Allah Alone has bestowed this honor to lion, which could serve as an example of command and control over all other creatures in the forest. Can anyone ponders as who taught the lion that while it walks if it sensed that someone is following it and its simply rubbing out its footprint (pug mark) by its long, slender and brush-tipped tail-ends.

Take for example of the she-elephant, how Allah has bestowed it with a sense to deliver its calf in the pond of water. Upon feeling the labor pain the she-elephant goes to the pond of water and delivers the baby-elephant. She-elephant is the only creature in the animal kingdom, which delivers the baby-elephant in the standing position. It is because the different type of its joints than other animals, probably due to its large size. It goes to deliver the baby in the water because it is afraid of hurting the newly born if delivered on the ground and causing fracture. Therefore, with the gifted intelligence and inspiration that Allah granted, it goes to a pool of and submerges its half of the body so that the water acts as a soft bed for the newly born.

Just imagine, who has inspired a fly (housefly) to protect one side of its wing if it get drowned in a cup of milk or any other similar liquid food. It is scientifically proven that one wing contains certain ailment-causing germs while the other one has the cure for it.

It is a matter of contemplation for us to set aside a few moments from our busy lives and think as who has given the sense to this tiny creature for its self-protection? It is Allah, and no one else. Do you know that the wolf can sleep with one eye while keeping alert with the other eye? Yes, Allah has given this animal the ability to do both the things simultaneously. When it snoozes it alternates taking sleep by one eye and while the other eye is wakeful and the vice versa. The eye with which it is sleeping opens immediately even before the wakeful eye feels drowsy. Similarly, we can discuss much other evidence in an elaborate manner taking examples from among the living beings to whom Allah has bestowed with one wonderful sense than to other.

All such marvels remarkably differ from one creature to another. However, the human being is the only creature of Allah, who can manifest all such gifts of Allah bestowed upon them differently and to believe in His Oneness and Unity. Here we suffice our discussion by mentioning one of the verses of the Qur’an, as Allah stated:

“There is not a moving (living) creature on earth, nor a bird that flies with its two wings, but are communities like you. We have neglected nothing in the Book, then unto their Lord they (all) shall be gathered.”

[Surah Al-An’aam 6:38].

Some prominent commentators of Qur’an interpreted the meaning of the phrase ‘communities like you’ in the above verse variously. Mujahid, a prominent commentator said the phrase signifies to the different species with each creature having distinctness in names and behavior. On the same phrase, Az-Zujaj commented: ‘communities like you’ means gathering of the creature unto their Lord. Ibn Qutaiba commented: ‘communities like you signifies to the searching of livelihood through the righteous means only and consuming only permissible food thus keeping away from things, which are self-destructive. Sufyan bin ‘Uyaina commented:

‘communities like you’ means various men possessed one or the other characteristic or a tendency, which resemble or exist in one of the creatures in the animal kingdom on earth. For example, a category of people whose characteristic or a tendency is to strangulate and kill, a practice, which resembles to the behavior of lion. Some men are fond of jogging, which is a behavior of wolf. Other men, when speak in anger resemble to the barking of dog. However, there are categories of men such as those who are gentle and adoring like the peacock. There is a category of people, who unfortunately behave like a pig, the animal whose flesh is forbidden to be consumed in Islam. The characteristic of pig is that it eats on the excreta of other creatures. In fact, pig detests if the pure and delicious food is offered to it.

The examples mentioned above offer us very clear evidences of the truth and a need for a Creator, Who is Allah, Blessed be He and Glory be to Him. These are some of the solid and valid evidences supporting Allah’s perfect act of creation of the entire universe and all the creatures, which reflect His wonderful planning and the perfect wisdom. Allah has reserved mysteries and incredible information still not in the knowledge of man.

For instance, we read reports in the media that man is still discovering new planets in the outer space and also new species in the animal kingdom on the earth. If one ponders to comprehend the existence of these amazing creations, one must compelled to glorify the supremacy and dominance of Allah, while every heart beat of a righteous thinking man tends to testify the wondrous omnipotence and omniscience of Allah. Every men of understanding can contemplate to the fact that these creations are never created for doing nothing but with certain bold task. In every creature, there is a plain wisdom and bold evidence, which obviously lead to the conclusion that the true Creator of it is the Supreme Lord and Sovereign to everything. He is attributed with perfect Qualities and never had any single trace of imperfection or deficiency, contrary to His entire creatures. He is Allah, Omnipotent and Omniscient. He is the Lord of the Universe with perfect knowledge of everything.

(v) EVIDENCES IN THE HORIZONES:


The evidences, which obviously everyone sees on the horizons, are plain proofs over the Unity and Oneness of the Creator.

Every learned man or the ignorant, believer of unbeliever can find these evidences. If a person contemplates seriously over these evidences, he/she can perceive the grandeur and supremacy of the Creator over them. Accordingly, these evidences would instill and lead the human being to worship Allah; the Only Creator of the universe without ascribing any associates or partners with Him. Allah said: “We (i.e., Allah) will show them Our Signs in the universe, and in their ownselves.”

[Surah Fissilat 41:53].

Sheikh Abdur-Rahman bin Sa’di commented on the above Ayah: “Indeed, Allah did so. He showed to His slaves several signs, which clearly prove that He is the Truth. However, He is Allah, Who grants the true faith to whomever He wills, while He humiliates whomever He Wills.” He continued on another occasion: “Whenever an intelligent person reflects about these creations, and deeply contemplates about the marvelous creatures, he can undoubtedly find that these are created for a certain truth by the truth. They are definitely scrolls of signs and scriptures of proofs. Moreover, these are the evidences that whatever He has disclosed concerning His identity and uniqueness is the truth.” Similarly, these evidences confirm to whatever His Messengers and Prophets informed about the Day of Judgment. Meanwhile, these evidences in the horizons are self-subservient and are arranged to do the Commands of their Lord. There is nothing against the Creator and Controller of these evidences in the horizons. Therefore, the upper universe and the lower cosmos, all are badly in need of Allah and depend on Him Alone. He is Allah, Who is Rich by Himself and free from depending for any need on His creatures.

There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and that there is no lord except Him Alone.” Sheikh Abdur-Rahman bin Sa’di continued. On another occasion he said: “These are the information that Allah has prophesied about the future things that He will show to his slaves certain signs and proofs in the horizons and the souls. Such evidences plainly prove that the Qur’an is the Truth, the Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is the Truth, whatever he revealed to the nation from Allah is the Truth,” he asserted. In every age, Allah would use to show to His slaves about His mighty and sublime things in this vast universe.

In the recent and later years, numerous scientific findings and innovative discoveries have been already notified. Several scientists and research scholars are engaged in their efforts day by day to discover certain new findings. They are engaged in discovering the new mysteries of this giant universe. Despite their untiring research works to unfold the mysteries of these tremendous phenomena, they sometimes hold their breath in bewilderment contemplating over the fact that they are still incapable in solving the mysteries of the universe. Nevertheless, they also admit the possibilities of the existence of more small universes in the cosmos. It is with this knowledge, they are engaged in their efforts to discover these universes. To sum up the discussion, whatever exist in the horizons clearly indicate as the bold evidences to the existence and Oneness of Allah, the Controller and Administrator of the entire affairs therein. He is All-Powerful and All-Knowing. He is the only deity worthy of worship and no one else. The following couplet is worth mentioning here says that: If there is no correct eye to a man No wonder to suspect, while the morning is travelling a lot.

(vi) SERVITUDE OF THE CREATURES:

Allah is the true Creator of all creatures. He is Allah Who created the humans, jinns, angels, animals, plants, inanimate things and all other types of creatures. Allah has created them with a purpose to obey His commandments. They have to maintain the natural inclination of His Oneness and always follow the Monotheism of Allah. He created them with a purpose to worshipping Him Alone.

Allah has created the living beings imposing duty upon to acknowledge the fact that He Alone is the Lord of the universe.

Allah’s purpose of their creation is also to let them admit that they all are dependent on Him Alone. They have to be submissive and address for all their requirements to Him Alone. The entire creation of this universe has to be engaged in obeying and adoring Allah, the Glorious and Exalted. In the meantime, it is observed that the humans are the only creatures from all the living things, who dare to violate the divine laws of Allah and tend to ignore His mission. Not only this sometimes they arrogantly confront with His commandments. Is it not foolhardy on the part of human beings to violate the divine laws or ignore Allah’s mission when the entire universe is persistently subservient and engaged in servitude to Allah? It is worth mentioning here that enormity and the type of servitude entirely differ from one creature to another according to its nature. The most significant servitude to the Lord of the universe is the type of servitude of the human beings. This is one of the most virtuous and the best types of servitude.

The worship offered to Allah by the Messengers and Prophets was of highest caliber. They were engaged in the mission of Da wa (Islamic propagation) and Jihad (Islamic struggle and holy war) only for the sake of Allah. Similar servitude was thereafter succeeded among the successors and to their followers afterward. Angels and the jinns according to their natures offer another type of servitude. It is not amazing to know about their engaging in the servitude to their Lord. Nevertheless, the most incredible type of servitude is by the inanimate things and by all in the animal kingdom to their Lord! Because most of the people believe that the inanimate things and animals do not understand or have no power to comprehend the divinity, since these things have nothing to do with the servitude to Allah. Verily, this vast universe with myriad of creatures in totality – not even exempting a single tiniest of things – are subservient and submissive to their Creator and Controller.

He is Allah, Blessed be He and Glory be to Him Who is free from any defect imperfection. All creatures in the universe fulfil the obligation of servitude and glorification to the Lord continuously.

There are many evidences narrated in the Book of Allah (i.e. Qur’an) and Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad

(peace and blessings be upon him), which confirm the very fact that all things in the universe engaged in the servitude of Allah, according to the respective nature. They obey to Allah in various ways by performing the Sujud (prostration), glorification, prayer, seeking forgiveness, self-submission, and fearful to Allah. Pertaining the performance of the Sujud (prostration) by the certain creatures in the universe, Allah stated in the Qur’an:

“See you not that to Allah prostrates whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth, and the sun, and the moon, and the stars, and the mountains, and the trees, and Ad-Dawâb (moving living creatures, beasts, etc.), and many of mankind? But there are many (men) on whom the punishment is justified.”

[Surah Al-Hajj 22:18].

The method of Sujud (prostration) to Allah by all the creatures is not necessarily be the same as that of the human being. Muslims are devoted exclusively prostrating to Allah Alone with an intention while observing Salat (prayers) in the most particular manner.

It is therefore understandable that every creature, according to their nature, has its own style and method of performing Sujud (prostration) to Allah, the Creator of the universe. Regarding the glorification of the creatures to Allah, the Qur’an stated:

“The seven heavens and the earth and all that is therein, glorify Him and there is not a thing but glorifies His Praise. But you understand not their glorification. Truly, He is Ever Forbearing, Oft-Forgiving.”

[Surah Al-Israa’ 17:44].

All creatures glorify to Allah, the Creator of the universe, in a way that we, human beings cannot understand. The lack of understanding on the part of humans does not necessarily means to the denial of the glorification to Allah by all creatures. Since Allah has specifically chosen from some of His creations to discover the creatures, who are engaged in a worship that only glorifies Him. These are the creatures upon whom Allah has bestowed special powers to understand this type of worship performed by others.

For example, Allah has given such divine power to the Prophet Dawud (David, peace be upon him) in order to recognize the method of adoration by some of the creatures of Allah. As regards to the style of the prayer performed by the creatures in this vast universe, Allah said in the Qur’an:

“See you not (O Muhammad) that Allah, He it is Whom glorify whosoever is in the heavens and the earth, and the birds with wings out-spread (in their flight). Of each one He (Allah) knows indeed his prayer and his glorification, [or everyone knows his prayer and his glorification], and Allah is All-Aware of what they do.”

[Surah An-Nur 24:41].

All the creatures pray for the well-being of the scholars, who teach people the beneficial knowledge about Islam (i.e. the Qur’an and the Sunnah). The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said in a Hadith as narrated by Abu Umamah: “Allah, His angels, the dwellers of the heavens and the earth, and even the ant in its hole and the fish (in water) invoke blessings on teachers who educate good knowledge to the people.” [An authentic and sound Hadith recorded by At-Timidhi]. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said in a Hadith as narrated by Abu Ad-Dardaa’:

“The inhabitants of the heavens and the earth and even the fish in the depth of the oceans seek forgiveness for the learned man

(in the Islamic knowledge).” [An authentic and sound Hadith recorded by Abu Dawud, At-Timidhi, and Ibn Majah]. Regarding the self-submission of the creatures, Allah stated in the Qur’an: “Do they seek other than the religion of Allah

(the true Islâmic Monotheism worshipping none but Allah Alone), while to Him submitted all creatures in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly. And to Him shall they all be returned.”

[Surah Aal-‘Imran 3:83].

There are several other types of servitude of the creatures offered to their Lord, which we cannot discuss here in detail. There is a book published recently under the title: “Servitude of the creatures to the Lord of the Universe” whose author discusses stories in-depth concerning the different types of servitude of the various creatures. To sum up the discussion in this book of a story about the Sujud (prostration) by the living things and creatures that move including their fear about the occurrence of the Day of Judgment. It could be astonishing to know but it is a fact that these creatures feel comfortable and happy when a lewd person with immoral characters dies. Certain type of communication by the living stationary or moving creatures is considered being the servitude to their Lord such as cow, camel, fish, rooster, wolf, horse, ant and hoopoe among others. He also discusses about the servitude of different trees, which include Sujud (prostration). They (plants and trees) listen of the Adhan (prayer call) every time a Muadh-dhin

(prayer caller) delivers loudly for Salah (prayer) from a mosque. These living things though stationary also react during the annual pilgrimage time (the Hajj) or ‘Umrah when the pilgrims prepare to go to Makkah with this purpose. He explains the loyalty and allegiance shown by a tree and how it stood and maintained a posture in respect of the Prophet Muhammad

(peace and blessings be upon him), in greeting him. The tree obeyed and yearned for him (peace and blessings be upon him). It also declared the testimony of faith before him (peace and blessings be upon him) of the Islamic Monotheism.

The author of the book also explained as regards to the trees’ position with the Muslims. This book talked about the servitude of the mountains and their Sujud (prostration) and glorification to Allah. It said how do the stones respond after they listen to Adhan. The book narrates the fearfulness and awe of the stones and the mountains, and how they safeguard the Amanah (trust), their rejoice and happiness for those who step and walk on them in praise and remembrance of Allah.

This book also cited stories about those few Prophets of Allah who stood on certain mountains. It explained about the servitude of the angels, humans and the jinns, supported with the textual proofs from the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). From this ongoing discussion, it is very obvious that all the creatures depend on and self-submissive to Allah, Blessed be He and Glory be to Him. The description of the creatures regarding their need and dependence on Allah is definitely a personal attribution to their existence. Meantime, the description of Allah since He is the Rich and free from any need of His creatures, is also a bold Attribution as regards to the identity of the Creator and the Lord of the universe. Therefore, the steadfastness of all creatures and their dependence to Allah is courageously indicating to the Oneness and Unity of Allah.

(vii) DIVERSITY OF FLORA: TASTE, COLOR AND ODOR

This is a perceptible and sensible proof over the Unity and Oneness of Allah. For example, the from the colorless, tasteless and odorless rainwater that falls on the barren land causes to produce, by the Will of Allah, variety of plants having different colors bearing fruits of different tastes and flavor. Some of them are sweet and others sour, (acidic), be they green, yellow, or black in color. There are some fruits with different marvelous colors such as grapes, a produce of climber plant grown in a garden usually on trellis. Some variety of grapes is sweet while other a sour. Even there is a type of grape, which is a combination of sweet and sour.

There are green, red, and black grapes in different sizes produced on a twig in bunch. The shape could be long, rounded, or oval. Some are seeded and others seedless. Dates produced on palm trees in desert are like grapes. The raw dates are sweeter than the ripe ones. Like grapes, they exist in different colors and shapes. The color could be black and yellow and long or circular in shape.

If we give a serious thought to the existence of these agricultural produces we wonder how Allah has created them in diversity of color, taste and shape though they were irrigated from the same colorless, tasteless and odorless water, be it from rainfall or the river. Now a question arises as to who has created some of the foods with delicious taste than others? Who has given features such as different tastes and colors to these fruits? Definitely, the answer is Allah and none else. Allah stated in the Qur an: “And Who has measured (preordainments for each and everything even to be blessed or wretched); then guided

(i.e. showed mankind the right as well as wrong paths, and guided the animals to pasture); And Who brings out the pasturage, And then makes it dark stubble.”

[Surah Al-A la 87:3-5].

(viii) DIFFERENT MEANS OF COMMUNICATIONS (LANGUAGES):

We can see the diversity in languages and dialects even within one community or differing from one to another. The style of speech differs from one person to other person. Who has taught the humans to communicate, convey messages or even to express their feeling in different manners? Who has taught the entire humankind with different languages? Who has clearly recorded what the communications of the different speakers in various languages without intermixing them? Again, the answer is Allah, the only One True God, Omniscient and Omnipotent! The diversity of languages is one of the important signs that proves the divinity and unity of Allah, Blessed be He and Glory be to Him!

(5) EVIDENCES IN THE NAMES AND ATTRIBUTES OF ALLAH:

This is another specific way of explanation to prove the Oneness of Allah as derived by His perfect Names and beautiful Attributes. A question then rises in the mind that how can we prove the Oneness of Allah through His Names and Attributes, since this is something unusual to explain? The answer is that Allah has inspired the human being with the natural inclination of Islamic Monotheism through the universality of this religion. The divine message through Islam is clear, simple and pure. Since it is flawless neither it can be denied or proved disabled nor will it change by way of resemblance to other religion(s) or representations. Because of this uniqueness, Allah is proven to be the perfect and supreme as mentioned in His Names and Attributes. He has been attributed with most perfect qualities, as described by Allah and His Messengers and Prophets. Nevertheless, most of His perfect qualities are hidden from His creatures, as they know very little about them. One of His sacred perfection is the divine witness and knowledge of Allah over everything. It is not possible to conceal from Him even a single atom

(the smallest particle) in the heavens or on the earth openly or secretly. If this is the plain truth about the Creator of the universe, how is it appropriate for creatures to ascribe partners with Allah, to worship other deities besides Him or to associate rivals with Him?

How is it appropriate to His Divine Perfection to admit those who accuse Him with invented great lies. Allah discloses the plain truths about Him and refutes the fabricated lies against Him. This is why Allah helps those who stresses on what Allah has revealed to them and He supports them in their day-to-day affairs. He also responds to their invocation and destroys their enemies. He also reveals miracles and unusual things through His selected servants, while no human force can produce such evidences by any way. These are the plain truth, although, the human beings reject and deny the Oneness and Unity of Allah?!

The above discussion was focused on the evidences of the Names and Attributes of Allah as well as the trustworthiness of the Messengers and Prophets in order to prove the Oneness and Unity of Allah, being as a Witness. As for the evidences of the Oneness of Allah, believing in the Names of Allah being as the Witness requires Him to permanently watch and to have control all over the universe. How is it then appropriate for the human being to disobey Allah s commandments since He always watches everything of what the men are doing in whatever be the circumstances? This observation leads one to the highest ranks in the religion, which counted as the ranking of the Ihsan (or attaining utmost perfection in the worshipping).

As for acknowledging and testifying the Messengers and Prophets, it is also considered as believing in the Names of Allah being as the Witness. It analyzes that the perfection and supremacy is encompassed with everything without any exception. This perfection of Allah necessitates one to refute everyone who accuses Allah of any imperfection and other invented lies.

Nevertheless, rather Allah supports and helps His Messengers as well as destroys His and their enemies too. Therefore, it is not appropriate for the Messengers and Prophets to fabricate tales and admit the controversy against Allah. Had the Messengers and Prophets been the liars supposedly, Allah would not have been hesitated to punish them, as He did with His enemies in the past.

Allah has already punished those quacks and imposters of the past and in the present day such as the Musaylimah and Qadiyani, etc. From this fact, it is obvious to accept the trustworthiness of the Messengers and Prophets in what they had conveyed to their respective nations from Allah. This can be more distinct through believing in the Attribute of Allah being the Witness. Therefore, some scholars are strong in their opinion that denying the divine mission and what the Messengers and Prophets have conveyed, is tantamount to denying the Lord of the universe in totality.

This is one of the lessons, which prove the Oneness and Unity of Allah. In the Book of Allah, the Qur an, there are several evidences to prove the Oneness of Allah by His exclusive Names and Attributes. For example, Allah has stated in the Qur an:M

“He is Allah than Whom there is none has the right to be worshipped but He, the King, the Holy, the One Free from all defects, the Giver of security, the Watcher over His creatures, the All-Mighty, the Compeller, the Supreme. Glory be to Allah! (High is He) above all that they associate as partners with Him.”

[Surah Al-Hashr 59:23].

Many fruits and advantages would be achieved by believing in Allah. Its benefits are numerous and virtues aplenty. The following are some of such things:


(1) SENSE OF COMPLETE SECURITY AND PERFECT PEACE OF MIND:

According to the degree of the belief in Allah, one will achieve the peace and security, calm and tranquility in this worldly life, interim life of the grave as well as in the Hereafter. Allah stated in the Qur an: “It is those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah and worship none but Him Alone) and confuse not their belief with wrong (i.e. by worshipping others besides Allah), for them (only) there is security and they are the guided.”

[Surah Al-An am 6:82].

(2) BELIEVING IN ALLAH IS OBEDIENCE TO HIM:


Allah has commanded us to believe in Him, as obedience to Him is an obligatory duty of every man, which is the basic principle of every virtuous thing. Allah stated in the Qur an: “Say (O Muslims), "We believe in Allah and that which has been sent down to us and that which has been sent down to Ibrahim (Abraham), Ismâ il (Ishmael), Ishâque (Isaac), Ya qûb (Jacob), and to Al-Asbât [the twelve sons of Ya qûb (Jacob)].”

[Surah Al-Baqarah 2:136].

(3) SUCCESSION IN THE EARTH AND AUTHORITY TO PRACTICE RELIGION:

Allah stated in the Qur an: “Allah has promised those among you who believe, and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present rulers) on the earth, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practice their religion, that which He has chosen for them (i.e. Islam). And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear.”

[Surah Al-Baqarah 24:55].

(4) ADMISSION TO THE PRADISE AND SALVATION FROM THE HELL-FIRE:

Allah stated in the Qur an: “Certainly! Allah will admit those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah Islâmic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, to Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise).”

[Surah Muhammad 47:12].

(5) HAPPINESS IN THE LIFE:

The happy and peace in life, full of what is pure and good, is resulted as one of the fruits of believing in Allah. Allah stated in the Qur an: “Whoever works righteousness, whether male or female, while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islâmic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision).” [Surah An-Nahl 16:97]. Ibn Kathir commented on the above Qur anic Ayah: "This is a promise from Allah, which He would grant to anyone who does righteous deeds and strictly follow the teachings of the Book of Allah (Qur an) and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad

(peace and blessings be upon him)." The achiever of such good deeds may be male or female from the offspring of Adam while his/her heart should affirm by believing in Allah and His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him).

This subject matter is what Allah enjoined and commanded promising that Allah would grant them a happy life in this world and a best reward would be granted in the Hereafter for their best deeds that performed in this worldly life. The good and happy life includes various ways that provide the ease and comfort through any source." (Tafsir Ibn Kathir 2/566).

(6) REPLACING OF BOUNTIES AND DESCENDING OF BLESSINGS FROM THE HEAVEANS AND THE EARTH:

Allah stated in the Qur an: “And if the people of the towns had believed and had the Taqwâ (piety), certainly, We should have opened for them blessings from the heaven and the earth."

[Surah Al-A raf 7:96].

(7) GUIDANCE TO EVERY VIRTUOUS THINGS:

Allah stated in the Qur an: “And whosoever believes in Allah, He guides his heart [to the true Faith with certainty, i.e. what has befallen him was already written for him by Allah from the Qadar (Divine Preordainment)]." [Surah At-Taghabun 64:11]. Allah stated in the Qur an: “Verily, those who believe [in the Oneness of Allah along with the six articles of Faith, i.e. to believe in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, Day of Resurrection, and Al-Qadar (Divine Preordainment) - Islâmic Monotheism], and do deeds of righteousness, their Lord will guide them through their Faith."

[Surah Yunus 10:9].

(8) ENHANCEMENT OF FAITH AND REMAIN STEADFAST TO IT:

The true believers are transferring from one blessing to another. The most significant blessing they consider through their belief in Allah is their remaining steady in the truth by the grace of Allah and increment of their faith. Remaining steadfast in the belief and faith is one of the reasons to increase their faith. Allah stated in the Qur an: “And whosoever believes in Allah, He guides his heart [to the true Faith with certainty, i.e. what has befallen him was already written for him by Allah from the Qadar (Divine Preordainment)]."

[Surah At-Taghabun 64:11].

(9) HAVE FAITH IN ALLAH AND WIN HIS PROTECTION AND SUPPORT:

Allah honors those who have faith in Him. Allah grants His support and protection those who believe in Him. Allah stated in the Qur an: “That is because Allah is the Maula (Lord, Master, Helper, Protector, etc.) of those who believe, and the disbelievers have no Maula (lord, master, helper, protector, etc.)."

[Surah Muhammad 47:11].

(10) SAVE YOURSELF FROM THE LOSS:

Allah stated in the Qur an: “By Al- Asr (the time). Verily! Man is in loss, Except those who believe (in Islâmic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds."

[Surah Al- Asr 103:1-3].

(11) ALLAH DEFENDS BELIEVERS:

Believing in Allah is one of the reasons for gaining His defense and protection. Allah stated in the Qur an: “Truly, Allah defends those who believe."

[Surah Al-Hajj 22:38].

(12) ALLAH OFT FORGIVING:

Allah stated in the Qur an: “But those who believe and do righteous good deeds, and believe in that which is sent down to Muhammad for it is the truth from their Lord, He will expiate from them their sins, and will make good their state."

[Surah Muhammad 47:2].

(13) HIGH RANK AND PROMOTION FOR THE BELIEVERS:

Allah stated in the Qur an: “Allah will exalt in degree those of you who believe, and those who have been granted knowledge."

[Surah Al-Mujadalah 58:11].

(14) SINCERITY OF DEEDS: It is never possible for a person to be really sincere to Allah and His slaves (servants) while transaction with them if he/she does not believe in Allah.

(15) STRONG TRUST AND RELAINCE ON ALLAH:

Believing in Allah necessitates a person to have total and strong trust and reliance on Allah. Allah stated in the Qur an: “And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him."

[Surah At-Talaq 65:3].

(16) BELIEVERS ARE BRAVE PEOPLE:

Believing in Allah necessitates a person to be brave and courageous, because the heart of a believer is filled with fear, esteem, and veneration to Allah. If the fear of Allah is departed from the heart of a believer, he/she loses courage and valor in life. Moreover, the heart of such a person becomes the home of all doubts. This condition leads him/her to be fearful of every worldly thing. A blank heart of a believer also becomes weak, which could easily be terrorized by other creatures. Such a person loses the esteem of life. It should be remembered that the recompense for a good deed is always equally good and the vice versa. Therefore, whoever fears Allah would enjoy peace and courage in life. In other words, the fear of Allah would only earn the eternal peace of mind.

(17) GOOD MORALITY AND CHARACTER:

The faithful persons are a category of righteous people who always possessed good conduct and refined character. They are high in morality. If a person becomes weak in faith he/she loses the sense of justice. This will lead him/her to deviation from the right path. Moreover, a weak faith definitely influences person commit sinful acts thus losing good character.

(18) BELIEVERS ARE TRAINED TO FACE HARDSHIP:

Allah extends a great help to the believers in times of hardship. In fact, the believers in Allah are the trained people to face any eventuality in life. The followers of Islamic teachings become the disciplined people and they can easily learn to manage the upheavals in life without deviating from the right path and going astray

(19) MENTIONING THE BEST:

Believing in Allah necessitates a person to be trustworthy with other people in dealing and in all matters of life.

(20) SELF-RESPCET:

Believing in Allah necessitates a person to be maintaining chastity, self-respect, and pride and avoid committing things, which bring humiliation.

(21) BE SELF-RIGHTEOUS AND PROPAGATE THE TRUTH ONLY:

Acceptance of Islamic faith serves a person as an exclusive reason for maintaining a righteous path. Not only this, the zenith of the Islamic teachings is to fight and struggle in the cause of Allah through one’s physical strength, wealth in His Way. If a person adheres to the Islamic teachings some of which mentioned above he/she would certainly achieve the fruits and ultimate happiness of being a believer. In short, the believers in Allah would perform good deeds and stay virtuous in life. This is considered as a branch of the faith, which bear only the good consequences in this world and the Hereafter. The restlessness and the destruction occur only because of the weakness of lack of faith. This lead to the shunning of good and virtues deeds, which in turn result in losing of hope and ultimately the peace of mind. The major and clear contradiction is to disbelief in Allah or in any aspect(s) of the Islamic Monotheism. Similarly, one’s faith becomes invalidated if he/she contradicts with any of the Islamic doctrines. This discussion focuses on the clear and most serious contradiction as well as grievous conflict with the concept of believing in Allah.

This is the phenomenon of atheism and disbelief, which already became an archaic concept to the people of the earth. What does the atheism mean? What are the reasons of atheism? How did it intrude into the Muslim countries? What are the ill-effects and bad consequences of atheism?

MEANING OF THE ATHEISM:

Ilhad (Atheism) in different Arabic dialects is an inclination toward the deviation from divine faith. In the Islamic Law, it is a deviation and distortion from the obligatory matters, which are necessary to the belief in Allah and performance of the righteous deeds. It is worth mentioning here that atheism refers to the disbelief in Allah and deviation from the Straight Path of the people of Divine Faith and Guidance. Besides, it refers to the denial of the concept of resurrection and the admission to Paradise or Hell-Fire.

Atheism also refers to the total concentration and dedication to the worldly life as well as to reject the consecration of the Messengers and Prophets. Atheism also refers to denial and belying the very existence of Allah, the Almighty and Exalted.

SPREAD OF ATHEISM: Because of the growing material life today the atheism has become the international phenomenon.

The Western world, particularly America and Europe, have inherited it openly. The Christian doctrines, which preaches the concept of resurrection and admission to Paradise and Hell-Fire, however have already abandoned such a belief and acquired the common belief related to the worldly life only now-a-days. The Christian churches are playing the role like the insignificant heritage and traditional centers. The atheism has become the official religion, constituting the state law in the executive and judiciary in America and other European countries.

Sometimes, it is known as profane or described as secularism. In the East, the largest country, which adopted the atheism is Russia (formerly Soviet Union or USSR). The country’s constitution or the state law based on communism. Communism is based on the rejection of the concept of invisible, unseen, and metaphysical world because this ideology encompasses only the materialistic viewpoint.

REASONS OF ATHEISM:

Atheism has already been spread to almost all countries of the world. For the past 200 years, atheism was not the issue in terms of intensity of its presence. However, since the last two decades, several factors existed and all attributes of atheism as reflected in the behavior of the human beings. These factors of atheism and disbelief are as a consequence of today’s growing materialism in the society. Some are directly related with the distortion made by the people themselves who try to establish certain innovation based on their own whimsical ideologies in the form ‘ism’. Consequently, the atheism was considered as only the disbelief in the divinity of the religion. Some of the reasons, which lead to the atheism are briefly mentioned here. Such as:

(1) The reaction of the subjects to the tyrants (or rulers) and or dictatorial leadership of the church. The Christian churches, quite sometime ago, have fought against the rationale of science and its logic and in doing so supported the tyrannical rulers and dictators of the time. They (churches) also had not taken any measures to stop the superstitions and myths from growing among the people’s minds. Moreover, they imposed upon the people taxes and different other tariffs and made them to pay compulsorily. These were some of the laws adopted in constitutions of certain European countries.

(2) As a result of the reaction people to the communist movements and capitalism. The acts of injustices as related with the capitalism and communist movements led the people to present their grievances. The prolonged delays in delivering justice have finally led to the atheism.

(3) The composite nature of social, financial and cultural problems and their intense growth among the members of the European community resulted in the loss of balance in their collective economies, especially between the 17th and 18th centuries.

(4) The absence of spirituality and incorrect methods in following true way of life, particularly the lack Islamic teachings in those places, led the atheism to originate. In this regard, Muslim propagators are to be blamed who have categorically failed in conveying the Islamic message there. It is a known fact that no Prophet or the Messenger will arrive in the world since the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was the last and seal to all prophets brought the Divine Message (Islam) some 1400 years ago. It becomes imperative on the Muslims to convey the message of Islam whenever and wherever they noticed the increase in corrupt practices among different human societies in order to save them from decay and immorality of character, because Islam is the only universal religion which encompasses the complete code of life.

(5) The presence of several ideologies, fundamentals and views in the European society, which only confuse and lead the people into various directions.

(6) Spiritual vacuum has been seen in the Europe, since the churches and synagogues never presented to the people any basic formula or way of life required for the sanctifying of soul. They never introduced anything related to the spiritual teachings, which could bring happiness and comfort among the individuals and societies. Thus the people started leading a wayward and delicate life just like hanging over the thread of a spider’s web, or clinging to something so tiny like a grain of millet in order to derive spirituality. Even though, it has not brought them any peace of mind and consequently they were entrapped in the bewilderment, anxiety and disorder.

(7) The colonialism and left over caused the destruction and ruination of the societies in different parts of the world. When the states were emancipated from the colonial rule, it however left bad effects on the societies and communities, which obviously declined in their status and stature under the colonialism resulting in the spread of atheism. The speedy establishment of atheism has been achieved through the media especially publishing and distributing many inflammatory and provocative books. Also, the authorities have denied the freedom of expression and rights. These things, of course, facilitated to atheism.

(8) The deceitful attitude of the Jews toward the entire world and their conspiracy to corrupt the minds with an aim to control and have domination over the rest of the world and its people. With this purpose, the Jews have created circumstances in certain countries merely to exploit them for their own selfish goals.

(9) The so-called Industrial Revolution as initiated by the communists under garb of ‘serious scientific research’. They have presented to the world many deceitful evidences, with a supposedly intention to prove that religion is merely a superstition.

(10) The abundance of wealth and too much indulgence in the luxurious and delightful life by the people in different civilizations or cultures, only contributed in forgetfulness about the Creator i.e. Allah, the Lord of the Universe. The latest scientific discoveries were other factors that contributed only in the growth of materialistic life. The modern inventions coupled with opulence have opened many doors, which paved the way for the people to adopt a luxurious life. The emergence of luxurious means of transportation available in large numbers in different forms that could be used on land, sea and air such as cars, trains, vessels, and planes. Similarly, exist the varieties of attractive and expensive clothes, restaurants and other comfortable amenities, which all lead to the deviation from the spirituality and too much indulgence of souls in the materialistic world. Thus, this sort of lifestyle has only paved the way for the promotion of various dubious and false ideologies, which only lead to spiritual discontentment and finally to atheism.

(11) In addition to the above-mentioned factors of the atheism, the people who founded such ideologies, which only contained the distortion, deviation, and several anomalies and their discreet preaching had adversely affected on the minds of the people without their conscience realizing between the right and wrong. For example, Carl Marx, a Jewish scholar whose personal life was a failure. He was of a nature inclined to the demolition and corruption of the society. Despite his natural disposition and corrupt behavioral life, he was very much disturbed by the suicidal death of his two daughters. He had to bear the consequences of his own criminal attitude and corrupted soul, which only produced a rotten and stinking outcome. At least this would serve as a warning to the right thinking person about the lives of the founders and leaders of communism including Lenin, Stalin and recently Mikhail Gorbachev among others. In a nutshell, atheism is a kind of divine punishment for those atheists who lead their lives by adopting a false ideologies, which only encompass sins and wrongdoing. Their (atheists) continuation to live sans the spiritual feeling with corruption and dishonesty. It is a fact that the circumstances were conducive for atheism to make its home by intruding into several Muslim countries. The following are some of explanation of circumstances and causes that prevail in those countries:-

(1) Deviation of several Muslims from the right Islamic teachings and their (Muslims) shunning away of a good part of the Divine Message sent to them. The perseverance, tolerance and fear of Allah and the consciousness about His eternal presence are some of the factors that would guarantee to the denial of falsehood Allah state in the Qur an: “But if you remain patient and become the pious, not the least harm will their cunning do to you." [Surah Aal Imran 3:120].

(2) Defeat and surrender of the Islamic world to the European cultural onslaught and their propaganda about the material life. The US and Europe are holding the power over materialistic life with a supremacy of machines, building and the factories. Thereafter, they (West) have turned the Third World countries as a platform for marketing and promoting their industrial products. What a pity it is that they acquired the unprocessed raw material from the Third World, as required for their industrial machines

[and we (the Muslim world) receive the finished products against the payment of exorbitantly high prices]. In fact, countries in the Muslim world have become the dumping ground for their products and we have been accustomed to use the luxurious machines, be they vehicles, home appliances or airplanes produced in the Western countries, thus boosting their revenues and economies. Besides, these countries acquire what they wanted from us against the payment of meager price, you term it as their greediness or the arrogance. They also make us target of their military might. It would be a bitter pill but the Muslim world has to swallow since the Muslim countries cannot stand firm on their foot because of their weakness in the military power and political inactivity. Accordingly, our weakness in many fields including military has been effecting and influencing the thinking as regards to the concept of belief, which stood shaken. This fact could be seen being reflected in the behavior of our youths who blindly imitating the Western culture and mostly tend to behave in the similar manner as the Western do. This is indeed a decline in the character and moving from the morale values as shown to us in the Islamic teachings. These ignorant Muslims, under the influence of fast spreading Western culture, are being deviated from the true Islamic teachings. How could they preserve their own culture when they are engaged blindly to follow the Europeans and West? They false realized that that the Europe has made tremendous progress and development only after turning themselves into atheism by rejecting their own religious values.

(3) Western hegemony is fast spreading in several Muslim countries. Many Muslims have already faced troubles in the hands of colonialist and imperialist while the West is involved in sucking Muslims’ blood and siphoning away their God-given bounties, properties and land as well.

(4) Concentration and prevalence of Westerners are corrupting the educational and media systems among the Muslim countries. They also engaged in corrupting the Muslim women as well as deforming and tarnishing the true image of Muslim scholars. They are also enthusiastic in spreading the free sex under the garb of liberalism. The pornography as well as nudity is freely spoken without any shame of scrupulous behavior. Several Muslim youths have become the target of this sordid behavior and the situation is proving as a quagmire for those who are still in the midway of right and wrong. The atheism will not germinate or sprout overnight except a similar atmosphere prolongs for a certain period.

(5) The decline is being noticed in the establishment of allegiance of creed with that of the ruler. Otherwise, the system would fail as majority of Muslims adopt to the innovative practices.

(6) The increase and spread of other perspectives thus ignoring the teachings of Islam.

(7) The spread of the factions who are involved in destructive and devastative practices and those of strayed and misguided sects. Others categories included the humiliated path of the Sufis (Ascetics) as organized by quack based on superstitions, grave-worshippers, extremists engaged in spreading news about the unusual and incredible happenings by the so-called saints. These factors and methods would indeed facilitate those who possessed superficial knowledge about Islam and lead them to become atheists while the disbelievers would exploit the situation as an opportunity to commit blasphemy against the religion.

(8) Some Muslims going abroad to non-Muslim countries on deputation return back with corrupt and malicious mentality. They (Muslims) being unaware of the effect of the alien culture and practices slowly start to behave by imitating the non-Muslims thus losing their piety and fear of Allah Non-Islamic practices attract Muslims forcing them to adopt their false ideologies, knowingly or unknowingly they become influenced and return to their country after acquiring a prestigious doctorate degree but with a weaken faith in Allah. Even worse that, in some cases these people with doctorate degrees show laxity to the importance of even the divine testimonies of faith that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah.

(9) Constant failure or frequently imperfect preaching of the Islamic teachings leading to the incorrect practices and ultimately deviation from the Way of Allah.

(10) Other factor is the breakdown of the Islamic caliphate system.


(11) Muslims ignorance from an obligatory duty in Islam to wage Jihad against the growing infidelity for the sake of Allah is another factor. Instead of this, the Muslims sought to lead a luxurious life, entertaining in the comforts and ease of their worldly life.

CONSEQUENCES OF ATHEISM:

Both individuals and the societies suffered a set serious set back because of atheism and disbelief. The nations in the non-Islamic countries are living a pathetic situation leading a difficult life. They (disbelievers) seldom find a bold solution for their problems and consequently live in constant fear and disharmony. Not only in this worldly life, they face the torment of mind, grievous punishments also await them on the Day of Judgment by Allah. They would stand losers at the both ends and their final abode would be the Hell-Fire, if they died as disbelievers. The following are some of the evil consequences of atheism.

(1) The state of mind of such people would be the psychological anxiety, worry, concern, mental disorder, and or losing of mental peace altogether. Allah stated in the Qur an: “But whosoever turns away from My Reminder (i.e. neither believes in this Qur ân nor acts on its orders, etc.,) verily, for him is a life of hardship, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection.

" [Surah Ta-Ha 20:124].

If this is the warning from Allah, just imagine: How could a person expect that atheism not inflict his mind with worry, anxiety, grief, sorrow, and disturbance or unrest? How would a person even think that atheism not put his inside with full of questions of bewilderment? Who has created the life? What is the end of life? What is the beginning of life? What are the mysteries of the spirit, which after departing from a person body leave him/her motionless like an inanimate? Where would you find answers to these questions? Is there any ideology, which could provide answers to these questions?

Do you think the Communists and atheists have the solution to these questions?! How could it be possible? Under the burden of busiest life a person hardly have time to find answers to these question though for a while he/she tries to evade such feelings.

Nevertheless, for how long, the mind lingers in the same mood would start to find the solution again. In search of solutions a person unceasingly becomes restive and tries to seek solace of life. Moreover, with this state of mind and upon not finding the right answer he/she seeks calm their soul by taking drugs and narcotics. After sometime they become addicted to such a practice. This is obviously an evidence of such a consequence. However, the anxiety of a person does not disappear even after becoming an addict. Therefore, the worst happens that he/she would ultimately decide to take his/her own life by committing the suicide. This is the reason why we are seeing the growing number of suicide cases today.

(2) People become self-centered by focusing on their own selves. The false image about one’s own importance grows leading to a factor called individualism, which in turn directs to selfishness. The fact of their lives is that every such person engages in his own affairs. Therefore, they start to lose feelings such as mercifulness, leniency, affection and the noble qualities of showing tenderness to others. However, Islam encompasses all these kinds of mercies and affections. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “None among you will attain the Faith until he loves for his (believing) brother what he loves for himself (of good).” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

(3) A person feels thrilled and excited to commit crimes. This needs no proof to explain, since the reality of the life in the West is self-explanatory, which shows the ratio of robbery, theft, kidnapping, and several other criminal and similar whole gamut of activities.

(4) The tendency of a person for the demolition of family system: Clear proofs are available that the unbelieving societies that the families are leading a disintegrated, estranged, alienated, and or scattered lives.

(5) The corruption of the society: This is because the entire community becomes corrupted with the corrupt practices that exist in each family.

(6) The ultimate desire is to end one’s own life. This results in suicidal tendency just to escape from the realities of life. The body and mind become weak as a result of persistently prevailing faithlessness. However, the strangest part of this reality that most of such people are of the wealthy background, which does not even suggest that the persons have committed the crime of suicide because of poverty. Rather most of the people, who commit suicide are from the rich and professionals living a luxurious life. It is so surprising to note that these people include doctors. Even worst to know that they are not only the general practitioners, but also include the psychiatrists, whom people trusted guessing that these are the professionals who advise their patients with psychological disorders as how achieve the ultimate happiness in life.

(7) The tendency, which leads to a strong will to take revenge and a desire to eliminate everyone.

(8) The spread the hatred, rage, and hate.

(9) Loss of trust and sincerity among such people. The person becomes afraid of his even near and dear ones. The strong evidence in this regard was seen in the East Germany during the time when the communist ideology collapsed. People with their lost trust have visited the different police stations and detective departments to check what has been recorded about them during the spying and espionage operations in the country. Thereupon many people have found that the one who registered a criminal case against him was his/her own mother, or sister, wife, or a close friend.

(10) Spread of illusion or delusion and frightening things.

(11) Increase in the political delinquency or criminal behavior. This is the most dangerous part of atheism. It is because of the fact that atheistic and materialistic lifestyle influence the heart of people with severity and hardness. With this tendency he/she defends such policy and tries to implement such things into action. This is why, we have seen that the so-called superpowers of the world react to their colonized countries with humiliation, outrage, killing and displacement. What a most subtle evidence in this regard is the cruelties of communist Stalin, during his rule from 1930 to 1952, over 30 million people were murdered during that period.

The above-mentioned facts and figures are some of the brief traits of atheism which contribute only to the devastation of the society. From the above discussion, we reached to a conclusion that the extent of a person’s (he/she) wayward lifestyle such as going astray from the straight path as shown in the divine mission decides his/her state of mind and thus losing spirituality.

If there is a little deviation from the right path and he/she was able to mend his/her ways immediately, would help such a person a great deal in leading a decent and peaceful life. In addition, we can conclude that people are in the dire need of true way of life and divine guidance so that they can lead their lives into definite happiness and ultimate bliss, which could be acquired only from the Islamic teachings.

However, this can be achieved through the tireless endeavor and hard struggle by preaching and practicing the correct Way of Allah. This could be done by explaining the beauties and virtues of Islam, which confront head on with the suspicions that exist in atheism and its confusing ways. Every care should be taken to rise the people based on the true concept of divine faith and belief as well as to train them to face the challenges of life with the upright behavior and noble characters.

This is the basis as illuminated in divine revelations. Allah will surely lead those who seek His help with true guidance. With His will, Allah has already shown guidance to the people who have already proceeded on the path performing righteous deeds with piety and faithfulness. Allah’s peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family members, and Companions, as well as upon those who follow them until the Day of Judgment. Amen!