| The starting point of Islam is the testimony. There is no god but Allah (La Illaha Ill-Allah). This wondrous phrase indicates the pinnacle of human intellect and Will power, because Islam is not the paying of mere lip service out of fear or superstition, but a firm conviction in the Omnipotence of the Creator. It means that man is responsible to the Creator alone for his acts and deeds, and how he passes the transitionary lifespan. It means that everything in this universe is subordinate to the power of the Creator, who fashioned the universe out of nought and made the human race as the finest form of life. It also means that the human kind and human mind is far superior to all man-mande objects or other creatures, and even the powers of nature, whom retarded minds had worshipped as deities. Thus the Almighty is One, Single, Unique, Eternal, Omniscient and Self-Subsistent. He has no likeness or form, nor resemblance to any of His Creatures. His Power encompasses everything, and He is All-Knowing, All-Wise, Merciful and Just. It is Allah alone, Who creates, sustains, gives life, brings death, resurrects the dead, and to Him all the creatures will return. He has no partner, and He alone is worthy of worship, submission and obedience. But to be a Muslim, the first testimony is not complete, unless immediately followed by the second one, that is Muhammad: is the Messenger of Allah (Muhammadan Rasul-Allah). If the first indicates the Greatness and Majesty for the Creator, the second proves His Justice and Mercy for mankind. Because, since He is the Perfect, it would be injustice to leave the creatures without a perfect practical example. A model, who expounds the truth, leads them on the right path and warns them of the pitfalls of the mortal world. The Messenger in charge of the divine mission should not only promulgate the laws, but practically enact them. He should not be a hermit or a recluse, taking to the caves or jungles, engrossed in his human nature itself, for the Creator fashioned man in a defferent mould. Man is a social animal and a society has its familial, economic, political and various other needs. Hence the messenger should offer the perfect example in every sphere of social life. And as facts testify, except for Prophet Muhammad, there was no other messengers who lived a full and perfect life. Thus, this testimony is a coordination of will and intellect and proves that Muhammad (s.a.w) is the last Messenger of Allah. "And We have not sent you but as a mercy to the worlds." Holy Qur'an (21:107) The Meaning of Islam AL-BALAGH FOUNDATION |
| In the Name of Allah, The Compassionate, The Merciful ISLAMIC PRINCIPLES |