1st Condition – Knowledge
Posted by islamicbasics on July 30, 2007
1. Knowledge (Al-’ilm) – which is in opposition to ignorance
The person uttering the shahaadah should know what the shahaadah means and what it entails. The knowledge of it should be present both in the heart and when uttered on the tongue. If a person merely states it and does not know what it means they have not fulfilled this condition.
Knowledge of Allaah and knowledge about the nature, concepts and methodology of worship are essential to the practice as well as the understanding of Islam. The beneficial knowledge is the one that leads to complete disassociation from false deities and to the devotion of intentions to Allaah alone.
The proof that knowledge is a requirement for the one professing Islaam is the saying of Allaah, The Most High, in souratu Muhammad verse 19:
فَاعْلَمْ أَنَّهُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ
“And know that Laa ilaaha illallaah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allaah) [47:19].
In an authentic hadeeth collected in saheeh Muslim the Prophet Muhammad (salallaahu ‘alayhi was-salam) said:
“He who died knowing (fully well) that there is no true God worthy of being worshipped except Allaah entered al-Jannah (Paradise).”
I often give the example of when I was in grade 2 and I asked my classmate (who was non-muslim) to repeat the shahaadah after me, which she did. I was excited to have ‘converted’ someone, however she had no clue as to what she was saying, and hence did not really become a Muslim. When I tell others this, some admit they have done the same.
InshaAllaah, The next Condition we will cover is Certainty
To read more on all the conditions Click Here
8th Condition - Disbelief in Taaghoot « Islamic Basics for the Common Folk said
[...] 1. Knowledge [...]
Bubbles said
Assalamu ‘alaikum.
It’s very interesting to note that knowledge is the first condition of the Shahadah. And knowing Allah is the sole Diety worthy of worship negates others. We often think of these dieties in concrete terms – like stone and wooden statues. But in fact it could very well be the human ego. A lot of people claim to have been Muslims but in my opinion they never were. Perhaps they were born into it or culturally it was required of them to ‘act’ Muslim. However deep down they never knew WHY they were Muslims neither did the tenets of their faith really seep into their being. Allahu ‘alim.
I was born a Muslim but a lot of things escape me. I wasn’t really enjoying the sweetness of Iman our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) spoke about. I thought there was something wrong with me. I even considered opting out of Islam thinking maybe it was not the right religion for me. But I hung in there knowing if I truly sought the truth Allah will lead me to it. And He did. The answer was staring right into my eye balls: I didn’t KNOW about my religion.
I felt like a student that could speak English fluently but had to go back to school to learn the basics of sentence structure grammar etc. That’s why I’m finding your site very helpful in explaining the basics of Islam… not that I didn’t learn it in school. But like most things I studied back then I memorised for the sake of passing the exams hehe… Insha Allah the lessons offered here will go a long way in making me a better Muslim.
Keep up the good work. I’m always pleased to be associated to people who do things fisabilillah – for no other reason but Allah.
May he reward you abundantly. (Amin).
islamicbasics said
Wa’alaykumus salaam
Jazakillaahu khaira for you kind words. It was a great motivation and I am glad that someone is benefiting. I, like yourself, was born into a muslim home. I did not learn that the shahaadah had conditions until I began learning Islam. There are many basic things that I have learnt after practising, which made me realise that I did not really know my deen. I know many people who are like this, so this blog was an attempt to provide for them a place to come and learn important things that are summarised for them. Inshallaah after I finish with the shaahadah I will cover some important things regarding prayer and purification, then I may continue with tawheed and emaan.
Regarding doubts and being firm in your emaan, the best tool you have is dua. Supplicate to Allaah that He keeps you steadfast and upon the straight path. The du’a which the prophet used to make most was “yaa muqallibal quloob, thabit qalbee ‘ala deenik” – Oh turner of the hearts, keep my heart firm upon your deen.