87: The beginning of Islam is the testification of Faith

Know that the beginning of Islam is the testification that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah and that Muhammad (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) is His slave and Messenger [1].

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NOTES

[1] This is the first obligation upon a person. The declaration of Faith comprises a negation of worship of anything or anyone besides Allah, that one will worship Allah alone and that one will only worship Allah according to the manner prescribed by the Messenger Muhammad (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam). The conditions for this declaration are seven:

• Knowledge of its meaning, what it denies and what it affirms;
• Certainty of it;
• Full acceptance of its meaning;
• Submission to it and what it demands;
• Tuthfulness, such that whatever it necessitates, loving the people who adhere to it, hating whatever contradicts it;
• Purity of intention and
• Loving it and whatever it necessitates, loving the people who adhere to it and hating whatever contradicts it.

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