Al-‘Ubudiyyah: Being a True Slave of Allah

The will and decree of Allah: Is this a matter which is directly relevant to the day-to-day life of the Muslim, or is it an obscure topic best left to the debates of philosophers and theologians? Does it imply that Muslims are ‘fatalists’ who see themselves as helpless in the hands of an indifferent fate? Attitudes towards divine will and predestination have always influenced Muslims’ daily activities. In this final volume of his eight-volume Islamic Creed Series, Dr. ‘Umar al-Ashqar explores this topic in depth, explaining it in clear terms for the ordinary Muslim. Drawing always on the Qur’an and the Sunnah, and on the words of the greatest scholars of Islam such as Ibn Taymiyah, he covers some of the historical debates that took place within the Ummah on this matter. The true Islamic concept of divine will and predestination is an empowering notion. While all that happens takes place within the framework of the divine will, people have freedom of choice within those parameters. This is a matter which is of interest and concern for all Muslims, one which will bring many benefits, both in this world and in the hereafter. This Islamic Creed Series of books has been translated into English by Nasiruddin al-Khattab.

In this book, all the relevant Verses have been discussed reasonably, rationally and sincerely; and the essence of the Qur’an and Sunnah is placed in a very simple and appealing manner. This is the reason that the upright persons, beyond group ism and prejudices, have been adopting the correct Islamic path – the path of the Qur’an and Sunnah – under the influence of the basic facts and proofs produced herein. Kitab At- Tauhid is one of the best books on the subject of Tauhid (Monotheism) and ranks high in authenticity. Till date it has been published many times. It has been a means of guidance for millions of people throughout the world, by taking them out of the darkness of polytheism, heresy and error. If Allah wills, this book would also undoubtedly prove beneficial in all the times to come.

Sheikh-ul-Islam’s book Al-Aqeedah-il-Wasitiyah deals with the perfect and undefiled Islamic Faith and Creed of the As-Salaf-As-Salih (the pious predecessors) particularly in regards to Allah’s names and attributes, with solid arguments in brief words and terminology. The book is highly appreciated by the scholars for its brevity as well as comprehensiveness; and for its contents produced perfectly in line with the Qur’an and Sunnah in an appealing and manifest manner.

The eminent scholar of Islam, Sheikh-ul-Islam Imam Ibn Taimiyah, discusses the real & original faith of Islam according to the Qur’an & Sunnah. The real faith in Allah and his religion Islam is to follow the Qur’an and Sunnah strictly. Any scholar who adds or attributes or alters any basic fundamental of Islam is wrong & deviates from the teachings of Islam. Every Muslim must read this book to get the real light of Faith.

a small excerpt from the book:

“And those who disbelieve say: “Why is not the Quran revealed to him all at once?” Thus (it is sent down in parts), that We may strengthen your heart thereby. And We have revealed it to you gradually, in stages.”[1]”[2]

Al-Zarnooji -rahimahullah- said, “Imam Sharf ul-Din al-Uqayli – rahimahullah- used to say, “My opinion regarding learning knowledge is in agreement with what our teachers taught us. They used to teach beginners level one books because they are understandable, easy to memorize, enjoyable, and common. A beginner should not write down something he does not understand because it numbs the intelligence and is a waste of time. Instead, a beginner should focus on the task of understanding his teacher through deep thinking and repetition. Significantly, the smaller the portion in one class with repetition the more progress in understanding. A famous saying states: Memorizing two letters is better than hearing two loads, and understanding two letters is better than memorizing two loads.”[3]