The Effects of ‘Laa Ilahah Illallaah’

The kalimah (word), ‘Laa ilahah illallaah’ (that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah), if it said with truthfulness and sincerity from the heart, and acted upon in that which it necessitates – outwardly and inwardly – then its effect will indeed be praiseworthy upon both the individual and the society.

From the most important of its effects are:

1. Uniting the word of the Muslims:

This will result in strengthening the Muslims and assisting them in defeating their enemies – as long as they continue to follow and practice the same single religion, and as long as they adhere to the same single ‘aqeedah (belief). Allah – the Most High – said:

“And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves;…” [Surah Ali ‘Imran 3:103]

“…He it is That hath strengthened thee with His aid and with (the company of) the Believers; And (moreover) He hath put affection between their hearts: not if thou hadst spent all that is in the earth, couldst thou have produced that affection, but Allah hath done it: for He is Exalted in might, Wise.” [Surah Al Anfal 8:62-63]

And differing in matters of ‘aqeedah (beliefs) is the cause for splitting, disunity and hostility, as Allah – the Most High – said:

“As for those who divide their religion and break up into sects, thou hast no part in them in the least: their affair is with Allah:…” [Surah Al An’am 6:159]

“But people have cut off their affair (of unity), between them, into sects: each party rejoices in that which is with itself.” [Surah Al Mu’minun 23:53]

So people cannot truly be united except upon the correct concept of imaan (faith) and the correct ‘aqeedah of Tawheed, which are both direct implications of Laa ilahah illallaah. One need only consider the condition of the Arabs before and after Islam.

2. Prevalence of safety and peace in a unified society, which believes in and abides by Laa ilahah illallaah. Since the individuals in such a society will take care in doing only that which Allah has made halaal (lawful) and abandoning that which Allah has made haraam (unlawful) – acting in accordance with what the ‘aqeedah necessitates upon them. So this will prevent people from enmity, oppression and injustice, whilst directing them towards co-operation, love and deep brotherhood for the sake of Allah, acting upon His – the Most High’s – saying:

“The Believers are but a single Brotherhood:…” [Surah Al Hujurat 49:10]

This is clearly reflected in the life of the Arabs before and after believing in Laa ilahah illallaah. Before Islam, they lived in hostility and insecurity, constantly fighting and killing each other. However, when they embraced Islam this all changed, and the same people lived with each other in peace and an atmosphere of love and brotherhood prevailed, as Allah – the Most High – said:

“Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; and those who are with him are strong against Unbelievers, (but) compassionate amongst each other…” [Surah Al Fath 48:29]

“…and remember with gratitude Allah’s favour on you; for ye were enemies and He joined your hearts in love, so that by His Grace, ye became brethren;…” [Surah Ali ‘Imran 3:103]

3. Achievement of happiness, attainment of the khilaafah (succession of power and authority) in the earth, maintaining purity of the religion and being steadfastness against the onslaught of false beliefs and foreign ideologies. Allah said:

“Allah has promised, to those among you who believe and work righteous deeds, that He will, of a surety, grant them in the land, inheritance (of power), as He granted it to those before them; that He will establish in authority their religion – the one which He has chosen for them; and that He will change (their state), after the fear in which they (lived), to one of security and peace: ‘They will worship Me (alone) and not associate aught with Me. ‘If any do reject Faith after this, they are rebellious and wicked.” [Surah Al Nur 24:55]

So Allah – the Most Perfect – has made achievement of these lofty goals conditional upon worshipping and obeying Him and not associating any partners with Him. And this is the true meaning of Laa ilahah illallaah.

– By Shaykh Saalih ibn Fawzaan al-Fawzaan

Al-Istiqaamah, Issue No. 1

Source: http://iloveallaah.blogspot.com/2009/11/effects-of-laa-ilahah-ilallaah.html