By Mahfooz Ahmed
(International Islamic University Malaysia)
E-mail: almahfooz4real@gmail.com
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
﴿ يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ ٱعۡبُدُواْ رَبَّكُمُ ٱلَّذِي خَلَقَكُمۡ وَٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِكُمۡ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تَتَّقُونَ﴾
All praise is due to Allah (SWT), the Lord of the entire universe, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful, and the Sovereign of the Day of Recompense. It is He alone whom we worship, and it is He alone from whom we seek help. May His peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW), his family, and his companions. In His infinite power, Allah (SWT) created the entire universe and everything within it, both in the present and the past, assigning a unique purpose to each creation. As stated in the Glorious Qur’an: “O mankind, worship your Lord, who created you and those before you, that you may become righteous” (Qur’an 2:21). According to the Tafseer of ibn Kathir, this verse begins to elucidate the oneness of Allah’s divinity, highlighting that He is the sole benefactor who brings His servants from nonexistence into being, bestowing upon them both His apparent and hidden blessings.
In Islam, the concept of “worship” (ʿibādah) is a fundamental term (mafāhim) that holds significant authority and meaning in both the Qur’an and the Sunnah. It serves as a guiding principle that corrects deviations in understanding and refocuses believers on the core purpose of their existence. Worship in Islam is not limited to ritualistic acts such as prayer, fasting, or pilgrimage; rather, it encompasses every action performed with the intention of pleasing Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) stated in the Qur’an, “And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me” (Qur’an 51:56), highlighting the centrality of worship in human existence. This comprehensive understanding ensures that a believer’s entire life is oriented toward fulfilling the divine purpose. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) emphasized that even mundane actions, when done with the right intention, can be an act of worship, as he said, “All actions are but by intentions” (Hadith 33, 40 Hadith Shah Waliullah). Scholars like Ibn Taymiyyah also further explained that worship in the life of a Muslim includes everything that Allah loves and is pleased with, whether it be actions of the heart, tongue, or limbs. By emphasizing the concept of worship, the Qur’an and Sunnah direct Muslims to recognize Allah’s sovereignty and cultivate a life of obedience, gratitude, and devotion, ensuring that their actions are aligned with the ultimate goal of achieving righteousness and closeness to the Creator.
The objectives (maqāṣid) of worship in Islam, as derived from the Qur’an and Sunnah, are deeply rooted in the purposes and intents that Allah (SWT) has set for human existence. These objectives are not merely theoretical but are meant to be illustrated and realized in the lived reality of every believer. One of the primary objectives of worship is to cultivate a deep sense of taqwa (consciousness of Allah), as highlighted in the earlier Qur’anic verse: “O mankind, worship your Lord, who created you and those before you, that you may become righteous” (Qur’an 2:21). This consciousness fosters a life of obedience, moral integrity, and spiritual awareness. Another objective is to establish a direct and personal connection with Allah (SWT), as worship serves as a means of communication and closeness to the Creator. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) emphasized the transformative power of worship in many of his sayings, Uthman (RA) once said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah (SAW) say: ‘There is no man who performs Wudu’ and does it well, then prays, but when he prays it, he will be forgiven whatever (sins he commits) between that and the next prayer.” (Sunan an-Nasa’i: The Book of Purification 146). In another narration, Abu Huraira (RA) also reported: The Prophet (SAW) said, “The five daily (prescribed) Salat, and Friday (prayer) to the next Friday (prayer), and the fasting of Ramadan to the next Ramadan, is expiation of the sins committed in between them, so long as major sins are avoided.” (Riyad as-Salihin: The Book of Virtues 1149). Ultimately, the objectives of worshipping can be seen as harmonizing human life with the divine purpose, ensuring that every action reflects the values and principles of Islam, thereby contributing to personal development and societal well-being.
In Islam, the values (qiyam) attached to worship, as derived from the Qur’an and Sunnah, serve as essential standards that guide the believer’s thoughts, actions, and interactions with all created matter. These values denote the importance that humans must place on their relationship with Allah (SWT) and provide a yardstick for prioritizing actions in their daily lives. Positive values associated with worship include sincerity (ikhlāṣ), humility, and gratitude. The Qur’an emphasizes sincerity in worship, stating, “And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion” (Qur’an 98:5). This sincerity ensures that worship is performed solely for Allah’s pleasure, fostering a genuine connection with the Creator. Humility in worship reminds believers of their dependence on Allah, while gratitude encourages them to acknowledge His countless blessings. Conversely, negative values such as hypocrisy (nifāq) and arrogance are warned against, as they undermine the essence of true worship. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) cautioned against performing acts of worship for show, highlighting the importance of intention. He (SAW) said, in Hadith narrated by Abu Huraira (RA) “Whoever establishes the prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards (not to show off) then all his past sins will be forgiven” (Sahih al-Bukhari: Book of Belief 37). These indicate adhering to these values, Muslims should prioritize actions that align with divine guidance, ensuring a balanced and meaningful life that reflects the principles of Islam.
The commands (awāmir) found in the Qur’an and Sunnah serve as divine directives that govern human behaviour, clearly delineating what is beneficial and what is reprehensible. These commands encompass both positive and negative orders, guiding believers towards actions that please Allah (SWT) and away from those that incur His displeasure. Positive commands related to worship include the establishment of regular prayers, fasting during Ramadan, and giving zakat (charitable alms), as these acts are fundamental pillars of Islam that nurture spiritual growth and community welfare. Allah (SWT) says in the Qur’an, “And establish prayer and give zakāh [An annual expenditure for the benefit of the Islāmic community required of those Muslims who have excess wealth] and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience]” (Qur’an 2:43), highlighting the importance of these acts. On the other hand, negative commands warn against actions that corrupt worship, such as associating partners with Allah (shirk) or engaging in ostentatious displays of piety. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also emphasized and encouraged sincerity in worship, warning us against hypocrisy and actions performed for show as mentioned earlier. By adhering to these commands, Muslims are guided towards a life of righteousness, ensuring that their actions contribute to personal development and the betterment of society at large.
The universal laws (Sunan), as reflected in the Qur’an and Sunnah, embody the consistent and unchanging principles that govern both the natural and social order of creation. These laws highlight the harmony and balance inherent in the universe, guiding human actions and promoting vigilance in thought and behaviour. In the context of worship, these universal laws emphasize the innate human disposition (fiṭrah) towards recognizing and submitting to the Creator. Allah (SWT) stated in the Qur’an, “So set your face toward the religion, inclining to truth. [Adhere to] the fitrah of Allah upon which He has created [all] people” (Qur’an 30:30). This natural inclination towards worship is a universal law that transcends time and culture, reminding humanity of their purpose and connection to Allah (SWT). Furthermore, the Sunan highlights the consequences of aligning with or deviating from these divine principles, as illustrated by historical accounts of past nations that thrived or perished based on their adherence to or rejection of worship and righteousness. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) taught that understanding and observing these universal laws lead to a balanced and fulfilling life, as they encourage individuals to act in accordance with divine wisdom. This is reflected in the Hadith of ‘Iyad b. Himar (RA), where the Prophet (SAW) said, “…Allah (SWT) created His servants as one having a natural inclination to His worship, but it is Satan who turns them away from the right religion and he makes unlawful what has been declared lawful for them and he commands them to ascribe partnership with Him, although he has no justification for that…” (Sahih Muslim: The Book of Paradise, its Description, its Bounties and its Inhabitants 2865a). By recognizing and adhering to these Sunan, Muslims are reminded of the interconnectedness of all creation and the importance of living in harmony with the divine order.
In the Qur’an and Sunnah, various groups (fi’āt) are identified, encompassing both human and non-human entities, each with distinct characteristics and roles. These groups are detailed to increase awareness and understanding of the diverse categories within creation, highlighting both positive and negative attributes. Among humans, the Qur’an frequently distinguishes between the believers (mu’minūn) and the disbelievers (kāfirūn), as well as the hypocrites (munāfiqūn). Believers are characterized by their faith, righteousness, and adherence to Allah’s commands, as exemplified in the verse: “The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts become fearful, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith” (Qur’an 8:2). In contrast, disbelievers and hypocrites are often described as those who reject or feign belief, leading lives contrary to divine guidance. The Sunnah further elaborates on these groups, providing insights into their behaviours and consequences. Additionally, non-human groups, such as angels and jinn, are also mentioned, each with specific roles in the divine order. By identifying these groups, the Qur’an and Sunnah aim to guide individuals towards positive characteristics and warn against negative traits, fostering a community that is conscious of its actions and aligned with the principles of Islam.
In the Qur’an and Sunnah, various groups (fi’āt) are identified, encompassing both human and non-human entities, each with distinct characteristics and roles. These groups are detailed to increase awareness and understanding of the diverse categories within creation, highlighting both positive and negative attributes. Among humans, the Qur’an frequently distinguishes between the believers (mu’minūn) and the disbelievers (kāfirūn), as well as the hypocrites (munāfiqūn). Believers are characterized by their faith, righteousness, and adherence to Allah’s commands, as exemplified in the verse: “The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts become fearful, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith” (Qur’an 8:2). In contrast, disbelievers and hypocrites are often described as those who reject or feign belief, leading lives contrary to divine guidance. The Sunnah further elaborates on these groups, providing insights into their behaviours and consequences. Additionally, non-human groups, such as angels and jinn, are also mentioned, each with specific roles in the divine order. By identifying these groups, the Qur’an and Sunnah aim to guide individuals towards positive characteristics and warn against negative traits, fostering a community that is conscious of its actions and aligned with the principles of Islam.
In conclusion, the comprehensive framework of worship in Islam, as highlighted through the concepts, objectives, values, commands, universal laws, groups, and proofs found in the Qur’an and Sunnah, offers a profound and holistic approach to understanding our purpose and relationship with Allah (SWT). Each element serves to guide believers toward a life of righteousness, balance, and fulfillment, ensuring that every action is aligned with divine wisdom. The concepts provide clarity and focus, the objectives direct our intentions, the values shape our character, and the commands delineate the path of obedience. Meanwhile, the universal laws remind us of the natural order, the groups highlight the diversity of creation, and the proofs reinforce our faith with compelling evidence. Together, these components form a cohesive system that nurtures both the individual and the community, fostering a deep connection with the Creator and a harmonious existence. As we strive to embody these teachings in our daily lives, we are reminded of the ultimate knowledge and wisdom of Allah, who knows best. Allahu A’alam (Allah knows best).