The Conditions of La Ilaha Illallah

  • Meaning – This term has been mentioned in the Quran more than 30 times. Literal meaning is: None has the right to be worshipped except Allah.
  • Two pillars:
    • La ilaha – no one to be worshipped eg has the right to be worshipped; and 
      • 1st pillar involves a negation that does away with all types of Shirk and that necessitates disbelief in all that is worshipped other than Allah, the Almighty.
    • Illallah – except Allah
      • 2nd pillar involves an affirmation by Illallah – wherein we affirm that only Allah is deserves to be worshipped.
      • We are also limited in our worship of Allah to only that which is legistrated by Allah through Prophet s.a.w.
      • Therefore, the second necessiatates another statement which is Muhammadur Rasulullah:
        • To believe in and accept his message; and
        • To believe that he is a slave of Allah.
  • Conditions:
    • Knowledge – we have to have the knowledge that the one we are worshipping is none other than Allah and that no one has the right to be worshipped than Him.
    • Certainty – it is not enough to merely state it but one must also believe with certainty and conviction in his heart that what he is saying is the truth. Otherwise, this testimony isn’t accepted. Eg. Agnostics.
    • Sincerity that negates Shirk – one must perform all deeds and actions, sincerely and purely for the sake of Allah, seeking only His pleasure. 
    • Truth which negates denial – one must be truthful with Allah in his faith, truthful in his belief, truthful in his sayings, and truthful in his faith.

One of the evidences of this can be found in Surat Tawbah, ayah 119. “O you who believe! Be afraid of Allah and be with those are true (in words and deeds).”

  • Love which negates hate – One must love this phrase, its implications, and its adherents who act according to its meanings. Also one must love Allah and His messenger s.a.w.

Evidence – Surah Baqarah, ayah 165: “And of mankind are some who take others besides Allah as rivals (to Allah). They love them as they love Allah. But those who believe, love Allah more.”

  • Submission which negates Shirk – One must submit himself to all that this magnificent phrase requires of him.
    • Acceptance which negates rejection – One must accept all of the implications of this phrase, both with his heart and tongue.