1. “Welcome to Islam”
And the
Importance of Shahada
“ Verily, the religion with Allah is Islam…And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will
never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.” ( 3:19,85)
Majority of the people today claim that they belong to one of these three religions;
Judaism, Christianity, Islam., Buddhism and Hinduism and et citera. One is a Christian simply
because his father or mother is a Christian, and another is a Pagan or a Hindu. They acquired
this religion not because they admire nor accepted it, but rather imposed upon them by their
guardian or parents until they follow it mechanically. In an age where human knowledge has
achieved great progress, man should free himself of the bond of tradition, in out of
understanding and awareness, should choose the religion whose truth he can trust and whose
tenets he can verify through study and research. Belief is a natural disposition in man and such
it deserves proper and close study based on conviction under the guidance of a progressive and
investigative mind.
Names of Religions
It is very significant to put identification to the people and things by means of names. Would it
be in accordance or conformity with God to leave religion nameless? Hence, people, animals, angels and
other things have names, how much more with the institution established by God. It is therefore,
necessary to know the identity of God’s religion, for it will be a great benefit for a human being to know
the foundation to which it belongs. The religion of the world today has been named after of its
founder or after the community and nation in which that religion took it birth, i.e.,
CHRISTIANITY after the title of Jesus, that is Christ. Christianity claim to follow the
teaching of Jesus the Nazarene, whom they claim as the promised Messiah or the Christ
BUDDHISM after the named of Gautama Buddha, HINDUISM after the Hindu people or
inhabitants of India. CONFUCIANISM after the named of Confucius, and JUDAISM after
the named of the tribe of Judah (Israelites). Judaism is the religion of the Jewish people and
claiming to be the followers of Moses In contrary, ISLAM is distinct from the other and
having no such association with any particular person, tribe, race or country. Islam means
submission, obedience to the will of God and it convey our relationship with God, it does not
belong to any human made organization or after its founder. Islam is a religion of the Muslim
and claim that this religion started since the time of Abraham until to the last Prophet
Muhammad. It belongs to Allah the Almighty God. Islam is not a sect or an ethnic religion.
The truth is ONE, and therefore the religion is ONE. It is the same religion preached by all the
earlier messengers and Prophets of God.
Meaning
The Meaning of Islam and Muslim
ISLAM – an Arabic word which means obedience, submission to the will of God.
Islam is to commit our self totally to God, and in complete harmony with the will of God. The
religion of Islam is the complete acceptance of the teaching and guidance of God as revealed to
His Last Prophet Muhammad ρ. A MUSLIM is one who believes in God and strives for total
reorganization of his life according to God’s revealed guidance and the saying of the Prophet
ρ. The Qur’an says: “" It is HE Who has named you Muslims, both before and in this
(revelation). "[22:78]. Any people anywhere in the worlds, who submits himself or herself to
the will of the ONE TRUE GOD and follow the teaching of the Qur'an and the last Prophet of
God is a Muslim, i.e., one who practices Islam.
1

2. The Origin of Islamic Religion
The religion of Islam is not a new religion. It is, in essence, the same message and
guidance, which God revealed to all Prophets. It says in the Qur’an (42:13): He, Allah has
ordained for you the same religion of Islam which He ordained for Noah, and that which We have revealed
to you Muhammad, and that which We ordained for Abraham, Moses and Jesus saying you should establish
religion and make no divisions in it by establishing different sects and denominations. A Filipino historian
commented about Islam and he says: " To understand and appreciate the Muslim Filipinos, it is
:
necessary to know their religion and customs. Their religion is Islam, which means
"submission to the will of God. Their God is Allah, and Muhammad is His Prophet. It is wrong
to call the Islamic religion Mohammedanism because Muhammad never claimed to have
founded a new religion. " [Pp. 124,125 History of the Republic of the Philippines., by : G.F.
Zaide and Zonia Pritchard ]
One God, One Religion of Abraham
The Prophet says:" I was written with Allah as the Last and the Final of the Prophet, even
when Adam was still clay. I will tell of the first good news announcing my advent, the (result of the)
invocation to Allah made from my father Abraham, the good news Jesus conveyed, and the dream
that my mother saw. The mothers of all Prophets see similar dreams." (Ahmad 4:127). Biblically,
Abraham means father of multitude his name before is Abram. God bless him and made a
covenant (Genesis 12:2; 13:14; 15:1,5) before Ismael and Isaac was born. In Genesis 17 after
Ishmael was born, God renew his promised and covenant by changing his name to Abraham and
circumcision. God fulfilled his promised to Isaac through Israel, the sons of Jacob and the Arabs
to Ishmael (Genesis 25:12-16; Deuteronomy 33:2; Habakkuk 3:3 Isaiah 42:11,12). From the
Biblical and Qur’anic point of view, Abraham was the Father of the Semitic people i.e.
subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic people that includes Hebrew, Aramaic, Arabic, and Amharic.
Abraham was a Monotheist and chosen as the Father of many nations and from him all his
descendants were circumcise as a covenant with the One True God (Genesis 17:1-27). Two of
his sons Ishmael and Isaac inherited this pure belief from their Father Abraham acknowledged
and accepted by their descendants (Genesis 25:12-18; I Chronicle 1:28-31) until Jesus Christ
and to Muhammad, continue to preach this Monotheistic religion. Therefore, neither the
Hebrew, Jews nor the Christians influence the one God concept in the henotheistic system of
Makka. (Genesis 18:18-19). God said, about Ishmael “ As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I will
bless him and make him fruitful and multiply him exceedingly; he shall be the father of twelve princes, and I will
make him a great nation.” (Genesis 17:21). God blessed Israel and many prophets came out from
among them, and one of them is Jesus the Messiah, the sons of Mary (Acts 13:2627). However,
the Jews and Israelites received him not and rejected him (John 1:11; Luke 19:41-44; John 19: 12-
16;). Jesus said unto them: “ Have you never read in the scriptures: the very stone which the
builders rejected has become the head of the corner; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous
in our eyes’? Therefore, I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation
producing the fruits of it. “ (Matthew 21:42-44; compare Genesis 17:20 Ishmael isa s fruitful nation-
RSV). God blessed Ismael and fulfilled His promised. Have you heard about this prophecy?
Richard Wolff says: " According to Scripture the Arabs descended from Abraham through
:
Ishmael. God granted a special blessing to Ishmael because of Abraham."1
ISLAM is the Abrahamic Mystery of Ishmael
Thousands of years, the Muslims have been known for steadfast adherence of the law
of God (Matthew 5:17-20), in spite of black propaganda and or deliberate distortion,
misrepresentation, invention of falsehood about Islam, still it is known as the fastest growing
1
Israel Act III , Richard Wolff p. 81
2

3. religion in the world today. Its followers continually uphold the law of God and the bearers of
the truth. Islam is the final and completion of the religion of God revealed to all His prophets
The Qur’an confirms this undeniable truth about Abraham, who is the leader of all
mankind. The Qur’an says: “ And who can be better in religion than one who submits himself
to Allah; and he is a righteous man, and follows the religion of Abraham in worshipping none
but Allah alone. And Allah did take Abraham as an intimate friend.” (4:125). In addition, in
the Bible he was chosen by God as a father of many nations, the Qur’an clarify this covenant
and promise. Allah says: “ Verily, I am going to make you ABRAHAM AN IMAM that is a
leader for mankind. And Abraham said, ‘ and of my offspring. Allah said to Abraham,
“ COVENANT OF PROPHETHOOD includes not the polytheists and wrong doers… And this
religion of Islam was enjoined by Abraham upon his sons and by Jacob, saying” O my sons!
Allah has chosen for you the religion, then die not except in the Faith of Islam…and indeed,
We sent NOAH AND ABRAHAM, AND PLACED IN THEIR OFFSPRING PROPHETHOOD AND
SCRIPTURE. Moreover, among them, there are some who guided; but many of them are
rebellious or disobedient to Allah. ” (2:125, 132; 57:26). This revelation was confirmed by
Giulio Basetti-Sani, a Roman Catholic priest says: " Islam is a mystery linked with the
blessing obtained by Abraham from God for his son Ishmael and Ishmael's
progeny. This line of though, derived from the Bible, is the one to take in
order to grasp the significance of Islam… Islam might well be the Abrahamic
mystery of Ishmael. "2
All Prophets are Muslims
And their Religion is Islam
Prophet Noah says: " I have been commanded to be of those who submit to Allah. " [Qur’an
10:73], and to Abraham [Qur’an 2:130-131], and Joseph [Qur’an 12:101],and Moses [ Qur’an
10:84], and Jesus (Christ)[Qur’an 3:52] and to the last Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).
" The SAME RELIGION HAS HE ESTABLISHED FOR YOU ( Muhammad) as that He enjoined
upon Noah that which WE revealed to thee that WE enjoined upon Abraham, Moses, and
Jesus, that ye should remain steadfast in religion and make no division therein." [2:136]
“ Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was a strict MUSLIM” [3:67]
“ Jews and Christians, why do you argue about Abraham when the Torah and the Gospel were not sent
down until after him? Do you not use your reason? … ABRAHAM WAS NEITHER A JEW NOR A
CHRISTIAN, BUT HE WAS A SEEKER (after truth), A MUSLIM; he was no associator ( of others
with God. THE CLOSEST PEOPLE TO ABRAHAM ARE THOSE WHO FOLLOW HIM, as well as this Prophet
and those who believe. Allah is the Protector of the believers.” (3:65,67,68)
The last Messenger ρ said, in an authentic Hadith: “ We, the Prophets are brothers with (the same
father but) different mothers. Our religion is the same.” (Fath Al- Bari 6:550)
The Meaning or Phrases in the Bible
In The Law of Moses (Deuteronomy 10:12-13)
“ And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to WALK IN
ALL HIS WAYS, to love him, TO SERVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND
WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND TO KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS AND STATUTES OF THE LORD,
which I command you this day for your good.”
2
The Koran In The Light of Christ p. 25; Nihil Obstat by Mark Hegener OFM and Imprimatur of Msgr Richard
A. Rosemayer
3

4. In Joshua, the successor of Moses (Joshua 24:24)
“ And the people said to Joshua, “ THE LORD OUR GOD WE WILL SERVE, AND HIS VOICE
WE WILL OBEY.”
In Samuel 12:14, one of the King of Israel
“ If you will fear the LORD AND SERVE HIM AND HEARKEN TO HIS VOICE AND NOT
REBEL AGAINST THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD and if both of you and the king who
reigns over you will follow the LORD your God, it will be well.”
In the New Testament
“ Not every one who says to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, BUT HE WHO
DOES THE WILL OF MY FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN.” (Matthew 7:21)
“ FOR WHOEVER DOES THE WILL OF MY FATHER IN HEAVEN are my brother, and sister,
and mother.”
(Matthew 12:50)
“ Jesus said to them, ‘ My food is to DO THE WILL OF HIM WHO SENT ME, and to accomplish
his work…I can do nothing on my own authority; as I hear, I judge; and my judgment is just, because I
SEEK NOT MY OWN WILL BUT THE WILL OF HIM WHO SENT.” (John 4:34; 5:30)
“ SUBMIT YOURSELVES THEREFORE TO GOD. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
(James 4:17)
The Basic Message of Islamic Religion
(Islam, Faith, Perfection and the signs of the Hour)
Omar τ narrated, one day while we were sitting with Allah’s Messenger a ρ a man
suddenly appeared before us, wearing a very white dress and having very black hair, without
any signs of journey upon him, and none of us knew him. He approaches us and he sat before
the Prophet ρ with his knees touching the Prophet’s knees and he placed his hands on his
thighs and said, “ O Muhammad ρ inform me about Islam.” Allah’s Messenger ρ said, “
ISLAM IS TO BEAR WITNESS THAT NONE HAS THE RIGHT TO BE
WORSHIPPED BUT ALLAH, AND THAT MUHAMMAD IS THE MESSENGER OF
ALLAH ρ , to offer the Salat, pay Zakat, fast during the month of Ramadan and to make
Hajj ( pilgrimage to Makkah) if you are able and have the means to make the journey.” The
man said, “ You spoke the truth.” We were surprised at his asking and confirming at the same
time. He said, “ Inform me about Iman” The Prophet ρ said, “IMAN IS TO BELIEVE IN
ALLAH, HIS ANGELS, HIS BOOKS AND MESSENGERS, THE LAST DAY AND TO
BELIEVE IN THE DIVINE DESTINY OF ALL THAT IS GOOD AND EVIL.” He again
said, you spoke the truth.” He said, “ Inform me about Ihsan.” He ρ said, “ IHSAN (perfection)
IS TO WORSHIP ALLAH AS IF YOU SEE HIM; IF YOU CAN’T SEE HIM, SURELY HE SEES YOU.
“ He said, “ Inform me about the Hour (judgment Day).” He ρ said, “ The one asked has
no more knowledge of it than the questioner.” He said, inform me about its signs.” He said, “
the slave –girl will give birth to her mistress and you will see the barefooted, naked,
impoverished, sheepherders competing with each other in tall building.” Then the stranger left.
The Prophet ρ remained seated for quite a while, and then he asked me, “ O Omar, do you
know who the questioner was?” I said, “ Allah and His Messenger know best.” He said, “ That
was Jibrel, he came to teach you your religion.” (Sahih Muslim)
ISLAM IS CONVENIENT AND PRACTICAL
4

5. In addition, The Prophet says: “ In the hadith the Prophet ρ says, “ Verily, THIS (Islam)
RELIGION IS EASY” AND ITS LAW IS ALL EASY, LENIENT AND PERFECT. It is
for those whom Allah the Exalted makes it easy. “ (Fath Al- Bari 1:116)
WHY DO WE NEED TO EMBRACE ISLAM?
Because…
1. MAN IS LOSS: “ Verily man is in loss” (Holy Qur'an 103:2)
2. MEN ARE SINNERS: “ But never will prosper those who sin.” (Holy Qur'an 10:17)
3. FOLLOW THE FALSE RELIGION: “ That which you worship besides Him are only
names and your forefathers have invented .He has commanded that you only worship
Him, that is the right religion, but most of mankind do not understand."(Holy Qur'an
12:40)
4. REJECTED THE TRUTH: “ Did We not destroy the men of old? (For their evil)? Ah,
Woe, that day, to the rejecters of truth!” (Holy Qur'an 77:16,19)
"They have hearts (minds) wherewith they understand not, they have eyes wherewith
they see not, and they have ears wherewith they hear not (the truth). They are like cattle,
nay even more astray; those they are the heedless ones." (Holy Qur'an 7:179)
5. DEPRAVED OF SALVATION: "But verily thou calls them to the straight Way; and
Verily those who believe not in the Hereafter are deviating from the Way Until WE open
on them a gate leading to a severe punishment: then Lo! They will be plunged in despair
therein.” (Holy Qur'an 23:73,74,77)
6. RECKONING IS APPARENT Abu Musa τ said that the Messenger of Allah ρ said,
“The people will be exhibited three times on the Day of Judgment. The first two-presentation
will be (their) arguing and offering excuses. During the third presentation, the pages (records)
will fly into their hands. Some of them will receive the records in their right hands and some
will receive them in their left hands.” (Ahmad 4:414, Ibn Majah 2:1430 Tuhfat Al- Ahwadhi
7:111)
The Qur’an says: “ Verily, Allah, with Him (alone) is the knowledge of the Hour, he
sends down the rain, and knows that which is in the wombs. No person knows what he
will earn tomorrow, and no person knows in what land he will die. Verily, Allah is All-
Knower, Well- Acquainted (with things). “ (31:34)
7. ONLY ISLAM IS ACCEPTABLE TO ALLAH. " The religion (way of life) in the sight
of Allah is Islam. If anyone desires a religion other than Islam, never it will be accepted
of Him: and the hereafter he shall be among the losers” (3:19; 3:85)
Being
Nature of Human Being
Man is naturally good and pure state or free from sin (Fitrah). Narrated Abu Hurayrah τ, that
the Prophet ρ said, “ Every child is born on AL-FITRAH, that is BEING A MUSLIM WHO
WORSHIP NONE BUT ALLAH Ι ALONE, or MONOTHEISM, but his parents convert
him to Judaism or (baptize him to become) a Christian, or Pagan, as an animal gives birth to a perfect
baby animal. Do you find it mutilated? ” (Sahih Al-Bukhari 2:467)
Good and Evil
The human being was created with an in-built moral sense which allows him recognize
what is true and good from what is false and evil. GOOD IS DEFINED AS WHATEVER IS PLEASING
TO GOD AND THEREFORE BENEFICIAL TO MAN. EVIL IS DEFINED AS WHATEVER INCURS THE
ANGER OF GOD AND IS THEREFORE HARMFUL TO MAN. God created mankind in a naturally
good state. He also created him with the capacity or power to do both good and evil. He gave him
5

6. the freedom to choose between doing good and doing evil. The existence of good and evil
therefore is closely connected with man's freedom of choice and responsibility for his actions.
EVIL COME THE INTENTIONS AND ACTIONS OF MAN. EVIL DOES NOT
COMES FROM GOD AND GOD IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR EVIL. (Qur’an 18:29).
According to the Qur'anic or Islamic worldview, GOD CREATES THE HUMAN BEING- MAN AND
WOMAN IN NATURALLY GOOD AND PURE IN STATE, FREE FROM SIN. This is called the state
of Fitrah. A Babe at birth is totally innocent. He does not bear the sin or guilt of his parents or
his ancestors. There are Biblical references showing that the belief in original sin is not
acceptable and attributing injustice to God’s characteristic.
No Original Sin
Biblical Evidence
“ But every one shall die for his own iniquity” (Jeremiah 31:30)
“ The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither
shall the father bears the iniquity of the son." (Ezekiel 18:20)
“ Jesus said: Go and learn what this means, I desire mercy and not sacrifice. In addition, when
ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your father also which is in heaven
may forgive your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your father, which is in
heaven forgiven your trespasses. " (Mark 11:25,26; Luke 6:36,38)
“ The testimony of Paul: Do be deceived; God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows that
he will also reap.” (Gal. 6:7)
The Collapse and Wickedness of Man
The true God gave a special place in His Creation. He made man to be His
heirs or vicegerent and to worship Him. Worship here does not mean the daily
prayers. However, it means in the widest sense the striving for the pleasure of Allah
i.e., serve. Worship means humility, self-debasement and submission, which is
exhibited and proclaimed before the One and Only True God. Why people today cannot
experience the prosperity of life? BECAUSE, MAN CHOOSE THE CROOKED WAY, SORROW,
EVIL, PAIN, SELFISHNESS, IGNORANCE, HATRED, DESPAIR AND UNBELIEF. The Qur’an says:
" If only they had stood fast by the law (Torah), the Gospel (Injil), and all the revelation that
was sent to them from their Lord, they would have enjoyed happiness from every side. There is
from among them follow a course that is evil… Whatever misfortune befalls you, it is of what
your hands have earned. " (Holy Qur'an 5:66; 42:30) ALL EVIL, ALL SORROW, ALL PAIN AND
AFFLICTIONS, ARE THINGS NOT NORMAL, THINGS TWISTED FROM THE PURE AND HOLY
NATURE AS CREATED BY ALLAH'S HANDS. AS FAR AS MAN IS CONCERNED, HIS
MISFORTUNE IS BUT THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE THINGS HE HAS DONE. [Yosuf Ali
Commentary No. 4570). In another hand, History shows that man's search for God had led to
many ways. The result has been the great variety of religious exposition found all over the
world.
Man-Made Religion
The Qur’an says: “ And verily, this your religion is ONE RELIGION, and I am your
Lord, so fear. But they have BROKEN THEIR RELIGION AMONG THEM INTO SECTS,
each group rejoicing in what is with it. So, leave them in their error for a time. “ (23:52-54)
6

7. Man Need the True Religion
The Bible, in James 1:27 talks about RELIGION that is pure and undefiled before
God. The same writer concluded and admonishes the believers to; “ Submit yourselves
therefore to God,” in order to attained the core of being religious. The word religion in the
Dictionary is “ an awareness or conviction of the existence of a Supreme Being, arousing
reverence, love gratitude, WILL TO OBEY AND SERVE.” The meaning given by the
dictionary and James in essence is the identical. Etymologically, the word Religion is from the
Latin word RELIGARE, which is from RE= again and LIGIO=to bind fast or to tie, hence it
means TO BIND FAST OR TO TIE AGAIN. Therefore, man need religion, because he is totally
ruined of sins, separated from God and need of salvation. Religion is binding us or tying us
back to God. Some people say that religion cannot save us but relationship with God.
However drawn from the meaning and definition of the compound word religion, we can
conclude, that “True religion is a true relations with God.” We cannot have a true relationship
with God if we are not in a True Religion.
Distinctiveness of Islam with other Religions
Islam is more than a religion. Islam is a religion of monotheism. Belief in the existence
of One Creator is the foundation of Islamic Monotheism. Islam unifies all the previous
religions, and does not separate them. The teachings of Islam are simply explicit and easy to
understand. It is against superstitious, disbeliefs and complex philosophies. Islam does not
separate completely the materialistic and the spiritual aspects of life. Islam stresses the spirit of
equity and brotherhood between Muslims. Islam is a complete way of life Islam organizes
human life in all aspects: economic, political, cultural and social. Islam tries to organize our
life by emphasizing the importance of time. Islam calls for learning and thinking and
encourages scientific advance. Islam calls for earning Halal (lawful) money without
exploitation, cheating or corruption.
Islam is the Solutions of Man’s Depravity
Islam is the greatest blessing
Islam is a Straight Path
Allah says: “ And this is the Path (Qur’an and Islam) of your Lord leading Straight. We have detailed
Our Revelations for a people who take heed.” (Al Qur’an 6:126)
Islam is a Healing for Mankind
Allah says: “ O Mankind! There has come to you a good advice from your Lord, and a healing for that
which is in your breasts, - a guidance and a mercy for the believers.” (Al- Qur’an 10:57)
ISLAM IS SALVATION
Belief in the Oneness of Allah
The Qur’an says: “ Verily, Allah forgives not that partners should be set up with Him (in
worship), but He forgives except that (anything else) to whom He wills; and whoever sets up
partners with Allah, he has indeed invented a tremendous sin. “ (4:48)
7

8. The Messenger of Allah ρ said, “ Encourage your dying people to testify to La ilaha illallah, for
whoever says it at the time of their death, they will definitely enter Paradise.” The people said, ‘ O
Messenger of Allah ρ, what about he who says it while in good health?” He replied, “ This will
necessitate his entrance into Paradise even more.” Then he said, “ I swear by He Whom my soul is
in His Hand, if the heavens and the earths, and all that is in them, between them and under them,
were brought and placed in a balance of a scale, and the testimony of LA ILAHA
ILLALLAH (there is no other deity worthy of worship except Allah) was placed on the
other side of the scale, the testimony would outweigh all of it.” ( At-Tabari 18:258)
“ Whoever says la ilaha illa –Allah, it will be his SALVATION someday, no matter what befalls
him before that.” (Reported by Bayhaqi, see Ahadith Sahih # 1932)
The Prophet ρ said: “ Whose last words in this world are: ‘ There is no God (or god) except Allah.’ HE
SHALL ENTER PARADISE.” (Al- Hakim)
Other religions, says that they believe in “ ONE GOD” and they worship Him alone.
They too give the title of “Lord” to another being. In Islam, it is not enough that the faithful
believe that “ GOD IS ONE,” but must actualize this belief by proper conduct. The Islamic
concept of God based on Divine Revelation; there must be NO AMBIGUITY IN DIVINITY.
THE GOD IS THE GOD AND MAN IS MAN, NOT MAN-GOD OR GOD-MAN. The
Almighty God is the sole Creator and continually sustains the Universe. He created everything
from nothing (ex-nihilo) The Qur’an says: “ Indeed His command, when He desires a
thing, is only to say to it ‘Be’ and ‘It is’. (36:82). He is transcendent above His creation-
the CREATOR AND THE CREATION NEVER MERGE. Islam teaches that God has a
unique nature and that He is free from gender, human weaknesses and beyond anything that
human beings can imagine.
. Other religion tend to GIVE GOD HUMAN QUALITIES AND TEACH THAT HE IS
PRESENT IN HIS CREATION, BY BEING INCARNATE IN SOMEONE, SOMETHING OR EVEN
EVERYTHING, however the Qur’an emphasized strongly that “ Allah –there is nothing like unto
Him. “ (See Qur’an 112: 1-4)
The concept of God in Islam is summed up in the Qur'an 112:1-4 which teaches that
there is no deity worthy of worshipped except Allah, that nothing else possesses the perfect
attributes of the Eternal Absolute, Creator, that He does not beget nor was begotten, and there
is nothing comparable to Him. He is unimaginable and we have NO MENTAL PICTURE OF
HIM. He cannot do ungodly things, like dying, regretting and so on (Qur'an 2:225). That is the
reason why the Muslim believes that God has power all things. (Qur'an 2:20; 30:50)
Embrace Islam
Narrated Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri τ, Allah’s Messenger ρ said, “ If a person EMBRACE
ISLAM sincerely, then ALLAH Ι SHALL FORGIVE ALL HIS PAST SINS, and after that
starts the settlement of account: the reward of his good deeds will be ten times to seven hundred
times for each good deeds, and an evil deeds will be recorded as it is unless Allah Ι forgives it.”
(Sahih Al-Bukhari 1:40a)
By Accepting Islam, there is A DOUBLE REWARD
The Messenger of Allah ρ wrote a letter to Heracleius, the Emperor of Rome, beginning with, “
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, and Most Merciful. from Muhammad, the Messenger
of Allah ρ, to Heraclius the Emperor of Rome. Peace Be upon Him who follows the guidance.
Thus, to proceed: Verily, I INVITE YOU WITH THE INVITATION OF ISLAM. So
ACCEPT ISLAM and you will be safe, and ALLAH WILL GIVE YOU A DOUBLE
REWARD.” (Fath al- Bari 1:42)
8

9. How to Perform the Shahada
Declaration of Faith
Belief or Faith in Oneness of God
Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Prophet ρ said, “ FAITH (Iman) has seventy odd
branches, THE BEST OF WHICH IS THE DECLARATION THAT THERE IS NO OTHER GOD
WORTHY OF WORSHIP BUT ALLAH Ι, and the simplest of which is removing harmful objects
from the road. And modesty is a branch of faith.” (Sahih Al- Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sunan Ibn
Majah and Sunan Abu Dawud)
In Islamic faith, the declaration is called Ash-shahadatan (or Confession of Faith) in Arabic,
the first principles in the belief in the Oneness of Allah (Tawheedullah). A Muslim declares his Faith
by reciting sincerely and conviction, " LA ILAHA ILLA ALLAH, MUHAMMADAR (ρ)
RASULULLAH." This saying means, " There is no worthy of worship and other deity except
Allah (swt) and Muhammad (ρ) is the last Messenger of Allah.” To believe in Allah as the Only
True God must worship Him alone; the believers must reject or negate all types of worship to anyone or
anything. The phrase there is no deity; reject all false deity, while the phrase "except Allah" confirms
that Only Allah is the true God. The Holy Qur'an says: " There is no ilah (god or deity) except Allah. “ La
ilha illa Allah” it denotes denying everyone and everything other than Allah. The
ANGELS, the PROPHETS and the rest of MANKIND, IDOLS (39:44; 21:283),
IDEOLOGY, INTERCESSION OF SAINTS, ANCESTORS, (44:8), PERSONAL
PASSIONS (27:43), NATURE (7:54), are not god nor do they deserve neither to be worship
nor to adore.
Belief in Messengers
Narrated Ubadahτ, The Prophet ρ said, " If anyone TESTIFIES that none has the right
to be worshipped but Allah Alone (la ilaha illallah), Who has no partners, and that MUHAMMAD
IS HIS SLAVE AND HIS MESSENGER ρ, AND THAT JESUS υ IS ALLAH’S SLAVE
AND HIS MESSENGER and His Word which He bestowed on Mary and a spirit (ruh) created
by Him, and that Paradise is the truth, and Hell is the truth- Allah will admit him into Paradise
with the deeds which he had done even if those deeds were few. " Ubadah added: " such a person
can enter Paradise through any of its eight gates he likes " ( Sahih Al-Bukhari 4:644)
The second meaning Muhammad Rasulullah ρ is affirming faith in ALL THE
MESSENGERS AND PROPHETS OF ALLAH INCLUDING JESUS CHRIST, THE
LAST OF THEM IS MUHAMMAD ρ Accepting the true guidance in this world and
salvation in the hereafter through obedience of what Allah revealed and inspired utterance of
Prophet Muhammad ρ; Willingness to follow the way shown by the Prophet ρ The Prophet
said: “Narrated by Abu Hurayrah τ, Allah’s Messenger ρ said: “ By Him in Whose Hand
Muhammad's ρ soul is, there is none from amongst the JEWS AND THE CHRISTIANS WHO
HEARS ABOUT ME and then dies without BELIEVING IN THE MESSAGE with which I
have been sent, but he will be from the dwellers of the Fire” (Sahih Muslim, Book of Faith 1:240)
The Substance of Shahadah
Shahadah is the important standard by which a man is judged as a Muslim or a Kafir
(unbeliever). The Shahadah is the ground foundation upon which Islam is based. The Qur’an
says: “ We did not send the Messenger before you without revealing to him: ‘ There is no other
deity worthy of being worshipped except I, therefore worship Me.” The truth about Shahada is
not a one-time event made before an Islamic court of law or declaring it with other reliable
witnesses. Shahada is not a ritual utterance as an entrance to Islam. However, it is a statement of
9

10. belief to be contemplated and remembered repeatedly through all the days of his life on this world. IT IS
A COVENANT OF OUR PROMISE TO THE ALMIGHTY GOD. On the other hand, a commitment to a
total self-surrender to God’s will. Anyone who declares this (Shahada) is a new person and expected to
change his thoughts and deeds if contrary to the Islamic way of life or standards and principles.
Shahada is a means to Paradise
even if we are already condemn
Narrated Anas τ, The Prophet ρ said, " When a human being is made to sit in his grave
and his companions return and he even hears their footsteps, two angels come to him and make
him sit and ask him: 'What did you use to say about this man, Muhammad ρ? He will say: " I
testify that he is Allah's slave and His Messenger ρ." Then it will be said to him, '
Look at your place in the Hell-Fire. Allah Ι has changed for you a place in
Paradise instead of it." The Prophet ρ added, the dead person would see both his places.
However, a disbeliever or a hypocrite will say to the angels, ' I do not know, but I used to
say what the people used to say! It will be said to him, ' Neither did you know nor
did you take guidance (Qur’an).' Then he will be hit with an iron hammer between his two
ears, and he will cry and that cry will be heard by whatsoever is near to him except human being
and jinn. " (Sahih Al-Bukhari 2:422)
Shahada in the Previous Scriptures
Oneness of God
“And Jesus Answered him, the first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; THE LORD
OUR GOD IS ONE LORD. “ (Mark 12:29)
“ I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee of the land of Egypt, out of the house of
bondage. Thou shalt HAVE NO OTHER GODS before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any
GRAVEN IMAGE, or ANY LIKENESS OF ANYTHING THAT IS IN HEAVEN ABOVE, or that is in
THE EARTH BENEATH, OR THAT IS IN THE WATER UNDER THE EARTH; Thou shalt not bow
down thyself to them, nor serve them; for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the
iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate
me; And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.”
(Exodus 20:2-6)
Moreover, it forbidden to call on other names taking into consideration as a God,
representative or someone as proxy of the true God, in Joshua 23:7 and Exodus 23:13 says:
“ You may not … MAKE MENTION OF THE NAMES OF THEIR GODS, or
swear by them… Take heed to all that I have said to you; and MAKE NO
MENTION OF THE NAMES OF OTHER GODS, NOR LET SUCH BE HEARD
OUT OF YOUR MOUTH.”
Acknowledgment and Acceptance of all the Prophets
“ Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall
ye be established; believe his PROPHETS, so shall ye prosper.” ( 2 Chronicle 20:20)
“ And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet
came near, and said, LORD God of ABRAHAM, ISAAC, and ISRAEL, let it be known this
day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things
at thy word.” ( 1 Kings 18: 36)
10

11. “ And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the ONLY TRUE GOD, and JESUS
CHRIST whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)
Shahada is announcing the Faith
Ibn Abbas τ said, " The Messenger of Allah ρ sent a military expedition under the
authority of Al-Miqdad Bin Al-Aswad and when they reached the designated area, they found the
people had dispersed. However, a man with a lot of wealth did not leave and said, " I BEAR
WITNESS THAT THERE IS NO DEITY WORTHY OF WORSHIP EXCEPT ALLAH.
" Yet, Al- Miqdad killed him, and a man said to him, ' you killed a man after HE
PROCLAIMED: " There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah. By Allah, I will mention
what you did to the Prophet. ' When they went back to the Messenger of Allah ρ, said, " O
Messenger of Allah ρ Al- Miqdad killed a man who testified that there is no deity worthy of
worship except Allah.. … He said to Al- Miqdad, " He was a believing man who hid his faith
among disbelieving people, and he ANNOUNCED HIS FAITH to you, but you killed him,
although you used to hide your faith before, in Makkah. " (Majma Az- Zawa'id 7:9)
Ubadah Bin As-Samit τ said that the Prophet ρ said: “ If anyone TESTIFIES that none has the
right to be worshipped but Allah Alone, Who has no partners, and that Muhammad is His servant
and Messenger, ρ and that Jesus is Allah's servant and Messenger and His Word which He
bestowed on Maryam and a spirit created by Him, and that Paradise is true and Hell is true, then
Allah will admit him into Paradise with the deeds which he performed.” (Fath Al- Bari 6:547)
Principles curved in from the Ahadith
1. The Shahada is declaring the words of faith that is “ I bear witness that there is no deity worthy
of worship except Allah, and that Jesus and Muhammad are the Messengers of Allah shall enter
Paradise. Insha Allah.
2. That anyone from among the people, wish to declare or declaring the words of faith should
announced it as soon as possible.
3. That nobody should doubt anyone who want to declare his faith, embrace or enter Islam,
because only Allah knows the heart of a person.
4. We should accept and welcome anyone who embrace or enter Islam, whatever intentions in
their heart are
Promised of Allah
The Promise of Allah:
"Except those who REPENT
And BELIEVE and WORK
RIGHTEOUSNESS: for these
Will enter Paradise
And will not be wronged in the least
Paradise of Eternity, those
Which (Allah) Most Gracious
Has promised to His servants
In the unseen: for His promise
Must (necessarily) come to pass.
Moreover, they will have therein
Their sustenance, morning and evening
Such is the inheritance which
11

12. To those of our servants
(It is) the promise of Allah
Who guard against evil? "
(Holy Qur'an 19:60-63]
After Shahada then … what next?
What shall we do?
For this reason, Islam Forgive All Sins
Repentance is to let off and forgets Sinning
The Messenger of Allah ρ said, “ Islam erases what occurred before it, and repentance erases
what occurs before it.” (Sahih Muslim # 5121; Ahmad 4:205)
Join the Group of Believers
The Prophet ρ has told the story of a murderer who wanted to repent for his crimes. He inquired
of the address of the greatest learned man of the land. His name was given to him, whom he saw
and said: “ I have committed hundred murders. Is there any CHANCE OF REPENTANCE
for me?” He was told: “ What thing can come between you and repentance. Go to a
PARTICULAR PLACE, where some good slaves of Allah reside and are ALWAYS FOUND
WORSHIPPING HIM. You also JOIN THEM in worshipping, and do not return to your
village, because it is A BAD PLACE.” (Sahih Al Bukhari)
Join the Islamic Gathering
The Prophet ρ said: “ No people SIT TOGETHER remembering Allah, Ι but the angels
surround them, mercy envelops them, tranquility descends upon them, and Allah Ι mentions
them to those who are in His presence.” (Sahih Muslim # 2700)
Sahl Ibn Al-Handhaliyyah τ said that the Messenger of Allah ρ said: “ No people GATHER
TOGETHER TO REMEMBER ALLAH Ι and then disperse, but it will be said to them; Get
up, you are forgiven.” (Sahih Al- Jami 5507)
Essences from these Ahadith
1. True repentance needs a person to seek the truth and it is necessary to search for it, even the
place is too far him, he should reach it.: Narrated Abu Musa τ: The Prophetρ said,: " The example
of guidance and knowledge with which Allah Ι has sent me, IS LIKE ABUNDANT RAIN
FALLING ON THE EARTH, SOME OF WHICH WAS FERTILE SOIL THAT
ABSORBED RAIN WATER AND BROUGHT FORTH VEGETATION AND GRASS
IN ABUNDANCE. (And) another portion of it was hard and held the rainwater and Allah Ι
benefited the people with it and they utilized it for drinking, making their animals drink from it
and irrigating the land for cultivation. (And) a portion of it was barren which could neither hold
the water nor bring forth vegetation (then that land gave no benefits). THE FIRST EXAMPLE
OF THE PERSON WHO COMPREHEND ALLAH'S RELIGION (ISLAM) AND
GETS BENEFIT (FROM THE KNOWLEDGE) WHICH ALLAH Ι HAS REVEALED
THROUGH ME AND LEARNS AND THEN TEACHES IT TO OTHERS. The last
12

13. example is that of a person who does not care for it and does not take Allah's Guidance revealed
through me: (He is like a barren land)." (Sahih Al-Bukhari 1:79 )
Safwan Ibn Assal al- Muradi τ came to the Prophet ρ in the mosque and said,” O Messenger of
Allah, I have come seeking knowledge.” The Prophet ρ told him: “ WELCOME, O SEEKER
OF KNOWLEDGE! TRULY THE ANGELS SURROUND THE SEEKER OF
KNOWLEDGE WITH THEIR WINGS, GATHERING AROUND HIM IN RANKS
ONE ABOVE THE OTHER, until they reach the first heaven, out of love for that which he
seeks.” (Ahmad, At-Tirmidhi and Al- Hakim)
Qays Bin Kathir τ said … I (Abu Ad-Darda) heard the Messenger of Allah ρ say: "
WHOEVER FOLLOWS A PATH TO SEEK KNOWLEDGE, ALLAH WILL SHOW
HIM THE WAY TO PARADISE. The angels lower their wings being pleased with the one
who seeks knowledge. Whoever is in the heavens and on earth, even the fish in the sea, ask for
forgiveness for the scholar.” (Ahmad; Abu Dawud 4:157, Ibn Majah 1:81)
2. THE SEEKER OF TRUTH should look for a group that are rightfully worshipping Allah and
should stick to them and not coming back from the previous place that indulge in sins and
misguidance. The Messenger of Allah ρ said, " Whoever commits an act that does not conform with our
matter (religion) , then it will be rejected of him. " (Fath Al- Bari 5:355)
3. THOSE WHO GATHER, SIT TOGETHER and remembering Allah, worshipping together. Allah
shall forgive their sins, receive mercy and tranquility.
Continue and Grow in Faith
There are people that God has given a chance to find the right path, forgiveness, faith and
truth, however the opportunity had just passed by and return back to the old ways of ignorance.
Ibn Abbas τ said that the Messenger of Allah ρ said, " The most hated person to Allah Ι is the
Muslim WHO SEEKS THE WAYS OF THE DAYS OF IGNORANCE and he who seeks to shed
the blood of a person without justification. " (At- Tabari 10:374). In another Hadith Abu Sa’id τ says
that the Messenger of Allah ρ said, " The hearts are four (types): POLISHED AS SHINY AS
THE RADIATING LAMP, a sealed heart with a knot tied around its seal, a heart that is
turned upside down and a wrapped heart. As for the polished heart, it is the heart of the
believer and the lamp is the light of faith. The sealed heart is the heart of the disbeliever. The heart
that is turned upside down is the heart of the pure hypocrite, because he had knowledge but
denied it. As for the wrapped heart, a heart contains belief and hypocrisy. THE EXAMPLE OF
FAITH IN THIS HEART IS THE EXAMPLE OF THE HERB THAT IS SUSTAINED
BY PURE WATER. The example of hypocrisy in it, is the example of an ulcer that thrives on
puss and blood. Whichever of the two substances has the upper hand, it will have the upper hand
on that heart." (Ahmad 3:17)
τ
Narrated Abu Hurayrah , Allah’s Messenger ρ said," If anyone of you IMPROVES HIS
ISLAMIC RELIGION, then his good deeds will be rewarded ten times to seven hundred times
for each good deeds and a bad deeds will be recorded as it is." (Al Bukhari 1:40b)
Empathy Instituted in these Hadith
1. In order to continue and grow in faith, seeking or joining the ways of unbelievers is one of
the most hated to Allah.
2. We must purify our heart, that it may become shiny as the radiating lamp. Clear our
intentions, and be not liked to a sealed heart (heart of the disbelievers), turned and upside down
heart (hypocrite’s heart) and wrapped heart (a heart that contain belief and hypocrisy).
13

14. 3. Continuing and growing faith is like an herb that is sustained by pure water. In addition, the
Prophet said: The Prophet ρ said: “ The most in faith of the believers are those who are best in their
attitude towards others.” (At-Tirmidhi)
4. There is a huge reward, if a believer improves his religion, that ten to seven hundred times.
JOIN THE BROTHERHOOD
BECAUSE IT IS LIKE ONE BODY
The Prophet ρ said, “ The example of THE BELIEVERS in the compassion and mercy
they have for each other, IS THE EXAMPLE OF ONE BODY: if a part of it falls ill, the rest
of the body suffers with fever and sleeplessness.” (Fath Al- Bari 10; 452)
Islam teaches that a person who embraced Islam should depart from the old ways of
ignorance and joins the Islamic gathering in order for them to grow in faith. With weak faith, a
person shall fall down into sins, and punishments. The Prophet said: " THE MUSLIM IS THE
BROTHER OF A MUSLIM, he is not unjust with him nor does he forsake him." (Fath Al-Bari
5:116)
" Allah Ι helps the servant as long as the servant HELPS HIS BROTHER." (Sahih Muslim
4:2074)
" If the Muslim invokes Allah Ι for the BENEFIT OF HIS ABSENT BROTHER, the angel
says afterwards, ' Amin, and for you the same." (Sahih Muslim 4:2094)
HOW TO CONTINUE AND GROW IN FAITH?
The Intentions that All Deeds Only For Allah
The Messenger of Allah ρ said: “ Whoever loves for the sake of Allah, hates for the sake of
Allah, gives for the sake of Allah and withholds for the SAKE OF ALLAH HAS
COMPLETED HIS FAITH.” (Abu Dawud)
Always Asked Allah to Renew the Faith
The Prophet ρ said: “ Faith wear out in the heart of any one of you just as clothes wear out, so
ask Allah TO RENEW THE FAITH IN YOUR HEARTS.” (Al Hakim in Al- Mustadrak; At
Tabarani in Al- Mu’jam Al- Kaber)
Giving Up the Meaningless Deeds
The Hadith says: “ It is the excellence of a man’s faith that he GIVES UP MEANINGLESS
WORK. “ (At-Tirmidhi)
Friday Worship Services
" Whoever performs Ghusl on FRIDAY and applies perfume, if he has any, wears his best
clothes, then goes to the Masjid and performs voluntarily prayer, if he wishes, does not bother
anyone, listen when the Imam appears until he start the prayer. Then all of this will get rid of for
whatever occurs between that FRIDAY AND THE NEXT FRIDAY." (Ahmad)
Salah is a Covenant
The Prophet said, “ Between a person and al-kufr and shirk is his LEAVING THE SALAH”
and not “ leaving a salah.” ( Ash-Sharh al-Mumti ala Zaad al-Mustaqni,’ p. 26 op. cit. page 30,
A Commentary on General Issues of Faith compiled by Abu Amenah Bilal Philips)
14

15. The Prophet says: “ The covenant which is between us and them is the Salah, so hoever leaves
it has disbelieved ( kafar).” Ibn Majah, Vol. 2 p. 144 # 1079)
Remorse of our Sins
Ibn Ma’qal τ said: “ I came with my father to ‘Abdullah and heard him say: m’ I heard Allah’s
Messenger ρ say: ‘REMORSE IS REPENTANCE.’ My father asked him,’ did you actually hear
the Prophet ρ say: ‘ Remorse is repentance?’ He replied, ‘Yes!’ (Ibn Majah)
TRUE REPENTANCE
Hadith, the Prophetρ said, “ The one who repents from sin is like he who has no sin.” (Ibn
Majah 2:1420)
The Prophet has told the story of a murderer who wanted to repent for his crimes. He inquired of
the address of the greatest learned man of the land. His name was given to him, whom he saw and
said: “ I have committed hundred murders. Is there any chance of repentance for me?” He was
told: “ What thing can come between you and repentance. Go to a particular place, where some
good slaves of Allah Ι reside and are always found worshipping Him. You also join them in
worshipping, and do not return to your village, because it is a bad place. “ (Bukhari)
In another version, narrated that he went to a learned man and related his whole story and placed
his difficulty before him. The learned man told him: “ You have committed a big mistake. How
am I concerned with this? However, THERE ARE TWO VILLAGES. One of them is named
NASRAH that is supporter of Allah Ι and the other one is KUFRAH that is rejecters of God.
The people of Nasrah perform the deeds of the people of Paradise. Any
person who follows other methods cannot stay there. The citizens of Kufrah
perform the deeds of the people of the hell. There is no room for the people
following other policies to stay there. Therefore, YOU GO TO THE PEOPLE OF NASRAH.
If you stayed there and worked like those people, then there would be no doubt about the
acceptance of your repentance. “ (Tabarani )
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You can have an assurance of Peace and Salvation right now by Faith through Prayer
and Personal testimony (Shahada). Remember … that prayer is talking to God. He knows what
is in your heart and He is not interested with your words
15