ISLAMIC THELOGY-PART 3

Islamic Theology is abundantly explained in the Hadith of Ihsan. It is in Hadith reported by Bukhari, Muslim and others. It is a long Hadith, therefore only the translation of a part is provided here.

It is narrated by Abu Huraira (RU) that one day the Messenger of Allah (SWT) was sitting with his companions and a stranger, in spotless white dress, came to him and sat in front of him like a pupil, and asked him, O’ Prophet (SAWS), tell me what is Iman? The Prophet (SAWS) replied that ‘it is the affirmation of your faith in Allah (SWT), His angels, His books, His meeting (on the Day of Judgment), His messengers, and that you affirm your faith in Resurrection’. The stranger testified it, and asked again, O’ Prophet (SAWS) what is Islam? The Prophet (SAWS) replied that ‘Islam signifies that you worship Allah (SWT) and do not associate anything with Him and you establish Obligatory Salah, and you pay the obligatory Zakah and you observe the fast of Ramadhan’. The stranger testified it, and asked again, O’ Prophet (SAWS) what is Ihsan? The Prophet (SAWS) replied that ‘ you worship Allah (SWT) seeing Him, and in case you fail to see Him, do your prayer knowing fully well that He is seeing you. The stranger testified and asked about the signs of Resurrection to which the Prophet (SAWS) replied in detail and later the stranger left quietly. The Prophet (SAWS) asked his companions to go and look for the stranger and bring him back. When the companions did not find him, the Prophet (SAWS) asked his companions who he was? The companions showed ignorance about his identity. Then, the Prophet (SAWS) himself replied saying “he was Jibreel (AS) who had come to teach you your religion”.

From this Hadith, following three important states of Muslims are described, (i) Iman – Islamic faith, (ii) Islam – Islamic deeds, and (iii) Ihsan – Visualization of Allah (SWT).

The aspects of Iman and Ihsan are studied under Islamic Theology. The aspect of Islam is studied under Islamic Jurisprudence. This shows the importance of Islamic theology over Islamic Jurisprudence.

What is cleansing and purification of hearts ( tazkia nafs )?

It is turning people’s attention away from the darkness of materialism to the light of Islam. What is light of Islam? It is people’s training in (i) sincerity of heart (Ikhlas), (ii) wisdom (Hikmah) of actions, and (iii) Islamic vision. What is Islamic vision? As per the Hadith of Ihsan, (Bukhari wo Muslim) people are commanded to see Allah (SWT) while doing Obligatory Salah. Can anyone visualize Allah’s (SWT) presence when his heart is covered with materialistic darkness? No, you need Islamic light. Prophet Mohammad (SAWS) trained his companions to see in Islamic light. Once you get Islamic vision you become stead fast in faith and you perform good deeds visualizing Allah’s (SWT) presence.

A person who does not have truthful beliefs in Islamic Faith (Iman) will not be treated as Muslim on the Day of Judgment. This is the reason, Prophet Mohammad (SAWS) said that out of 73 sects of Muslims, only one will be on the right path (Tirmizi). It is an irony that all these sects/sub groups claim they are on the right path. How could this be true? Muslims belonging to all sects should take note of it. They need to wake up fast from their deep slumber. The factual situation is horrendous. If we divide Muslim population in the world today, by 73, we come to know that out of 1000 people who claim themselves Muslims, only 4 could be on the right path. Who are these 4 people. As we have explained above, they are real Sufi Shaikhs of Ihsan. The rest 996 face the imminent danger of being thrown into hell fire on the Day of Judgment.

If you have rightful Islamic belief, you stand a chance to get salvation though you may be required to pay for your bad deeds.

If you have rightful belief plus good deeds, you will get rewards in Hereafter.

If your faith is not correct and your Islamic deeds are good, you will be thrown into hell fire because good deeds without Correct Islamic Faith will not help you in your salvation.

If your Iman is good and you are doing good deeds seeing Allah (SWT) (as per the Hadith of Ihsan), you become Allah’s (SWT) favorites who are referred to as ‘Awliya Allah’ in Quran and Sufis in the world.