Ibn Abil-'Izz (died 792 AH) -
may God be pleased with him
- said:
"Knowledge of
Usool-ud-Deen
(the fundamentals of the religion) is the most noble branch of
knowledge, since
the excellence of a certain type of knowledge depends upon what it is
concerned with
, and this is the greater
Fiqh
(understanding) , which is why lmaam Abu Haneefah
(died 150AH) - may God be pleased with him - called that which he compiled concerning
Usool-
ud-Deen
:
"al-Fiqhul- Akbar"
(The Greatest
Fiqh
). The need of the servants for this knowledge is
greater than every other need; and it is the most necessary of all things for them, since there is no
life for the hearts, nor any delight, nor any tranquillity, except through knowing their Lord, the
One to be worshipped, their Creator - with His Names, His Attributes and His Actions, and that He
- along with all that - is more beloved to the person than anything else. So man's striving is with
regards to everything that will draw him nearer to God, to the exclusion of the creation.
However, it is impossible for the minds to come to know and understand all that in detail, so the
Most Merciful, the Most Majestic - from His mercy, sent Messengers to teach that and call to it;
and to give good news to those who accept their Call and to warn those who reject it. The key to
their Call and the essence of their message was the servant's drawing closer to Almighty God - the
Most Perfect - through His Names, Attributes and Actions, since all that the Messengers were
ordered with is built upon this. This then is followed by two great principles:
Firstly:
Knowing the
path that leads to Him and that is the
Sharee'ah
(Islamic Law and Way) which is comprised of His
orders and prohibitions.
Secondly
: That those following the path know what lies in store for them,
which is endless bliss. So the people who know God best are the ones who best follow the way to
Him; and know best what lies at the end of the way."
1
Firmness Upon the
Deen
(The Religion of Islam)
So, firmness upon the
Deen
of Almighty God, excellence in this world and salvation in the
Hereafter is built upon two great matters: "
Firstly:
Knowledge of God and the beautiful Names and
lofty Attributes that befit Him and His Actions - and this necessitates appreciation of His Majesty,
honouring Him, fearing Him, being in awe of Him, loving Him, placing one's hopes in Him, placing
reliance upon Him, being pleased with His decree and having patience with what He sends down
as regards to hardships.
Secondly:
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- Spring '11
- Mark
- Almighty God, Tawheed
-
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