Explanation of the Three Fundamental Principles of Islam By Muhammad bin Saalih Uthay
” Three Fundamental ” Islam is founded on a solid rock of belief, worship, and practice, which are all anchored in the main teachings of the Quran and Sunnah. Among the key texts that assist Muslims in comprehending the root nature of their religion is The Three Fundamental Principles of Islam by Muhammad bin Saalih Uthaymeen. This short but deep book explains the fundamental concepts that all Muslims need to know in order to deepen their relationship with Allah and live a life as per Islamic guidance. The book deals with three fundamental principles that are the foundation of Islamic beliefs and practices.
The First Principle: Knowing Allah
Knowingly Allah is the first fundamental principle of Islam, says Uthaymeen. This fundamental idea is crucial to all Muslims, as it governs one’s worship and existence. To know Allah is to accept His presence, comprehend His qualities, and appreciate His majesty. Uthaymeen describes that Allah is the Creator, Maintainer, and Ruler of all things in the universe. A Muslim can develop a greater sense of Allah’s greatness and mercy by studying His names and attributes. The doctrine of knowing Allah is important because it serves as the foundation for true worship. Through an understanding of who Allah is, His followers can worship Him more sincerely, devotedly, and humbly.
At the heart of Islam is the belief in the Oneness of Allah (Tawhid). This involves the acknowledgment that Allah has an exclusive right to be worshipped and also that He is free from any partners or competitors. By this knowledge, Muslims make every effort to refrain from shirk (making partnership with Allah) in any shape or form, as this is in direct conflict with the fundamental aspect of Islam. To know Allah is more than a cognitive recognition but an emotional, life-changing knowledge that results in devotion to Him and Him alone.
The Second Principle: Knowing the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
The second basic principle is the knowledge of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the last messenger of Allah. Uthaymeen stresses that it is essential to know who Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was, about his life, and his mission as part of one’s knowledge of Islam. The Prophet (PBUH) is the example for all Muslims, and it is through him and what he taught and did that the Quran was practiced and made living.
To truly know the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), one must study his biography, the Sira, and learn about his character, actions, and the challenges he faced. This understanding allows Muslims to emulate his way of life and follow his example in their daily actions. Uthaymeen emphasizes that knowing the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is not merely a matter of acknowledging his name; it means loving him, emulating his guidance, and making an effort to emulate his lifestyle. Loving the Prophet (PBUH) brings one closer to Allah because emulating the Prophet’s Sunnah (traditions) is a means of pleasing Allah.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had taught Muslims the ways of righteous living, worship of Allah in every way, and how to relate with others. Therefore, his leadership, education, and guidance are crucial for Muslims to know and emulate in their individual and communal lives. To really know the Prophet (PBUH) is to live by his instructions, which are Allah’s own through him. To know him is to follow him, and to follow him is to get close to Allah.
The Third Principle: Acquaintance with the Religion of Islam
The third basic principle is acquaintance with the religion of Islam. In Uthaymeen’s view, acquainting oneself with Islam involves familiarizing oneself with the system of beliefs and practices that constitute the religion. Islam is not just a religion of rituals but an all-encompassing way of life encompassing all areas of human life from the inner disposition of the heart to outward conduct. The Quran and Sunnah give unambiguous instructions on how to be righteous, how to treat people, and how to perform one’s obligations towards Allah.
Being knowledgeable in the religion of Islam entails being familiar with the major pillars of faith, including the belief in the Oneness of Allah, the belief in the angels, the belief in the books sent by Allah, the belief in the Prophets, the belief in the Day of Judgment, and the belief in predestination. It also entails familiarity with the Five Pillars of Islam: the Shahada (declaration of faith), Salah (prayer), Sawm (fasting), Zakat (charity), and Hajj (pilgrimage). All these pillars are basic to the practice of Islam, and they constitute the practical manifestation of religion in the life of a Muslim.
Additionally, knowing about Islam means being aware of the moral and ethical principles given by the three fundamental Quran and the Sunnah. These are laws of justice, compassion, honesty, and respect towards others. Uthaymeen emphatically points out that one must learn Islam not merely through reading and studying but also through contemplation and practice. A Muslim can only live a life acceptable to Allah and useful to humankind by knowing about Islam as a whole.
The Interconnection Between the Three Fundamental Principles
The three fundamental principles of knowing Allah, knowing the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and knowing the religion of Islam are deeply interconnected. Each principle reinforces the others. To know Allah, one must follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as he is the messenger who conveyed Allah’s guidance. Likewise, to really understand Islam, a Muslim has to comprehend its key beliefs and practices, all of which are based on the Oneness of Allah and the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) example.
These principles are not theoretical but should be practiced in all areas of life. Muslims, through the knowledge of Allah, the Prophet (PBUH), and the religion Islam, establish a solid foundation of faith, worship, and moral conduct. It directs their conduct, makes them closer to Allah, and aids in the accomplishment of their life’s purpose.
The Importance of Acquiring Knowledge
Uthaymeen underscores that it is every Muslim’s responsibility to gain knowledge of these three essential principles. Knowledge in Islam is not academic; it is a way to achieve nearness to Allah and to live a righteous life. The seeking of knowledge, especially in three fundamentals, is blessed and regarded as worship.
Through learning and internalizing these three fundamental principles, a Muslim’s faith is made more firm and grounded in the reality of Islam’s teachings. Such knowledge also prepares Muslims to deal with problems in life wisely, making decisions that are in conformity with Allah’s guidance and His Messenger.
Conclusion: A Foundation for a Righteous Life
The Three Fundamental Principles of Islam by Muhammad bin Saalih Uthaymeen offers a direct and to-the-point guide to the most important aspects of Islamic practice and belief. Uthaymeen focuses on the knowing of Allah, the knowing of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and the knowing of the religion of Islam as the basis of the most important teachings required for all Muslims. These principles are not only the foundation of a Muslim’s faith but also the keys to living a life pleasing to Allah and useful to society. Knowledge of these principles guarantees that one’s actions are led by good knowledge, pure worship, and acceptance of the teachings of Islam.
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