Islam 102

By Unaiza Hussain

Lesson 2: Fundamental Teachings Of Quran

The basic teachings of Quran are classified into the five pillars or tenets of the Islamic faith. These pillars strengthen the strong hold of Islam. A person is not entitled to be a Muslim unless he adheres to all the following tenets:

1. The belief in the unity of God (Allah)
2. Salat (Prayer)
3. Zakat (Poor tax)
4. Saum (Fasting)
5. Hajj (Pilgrimage)

All five pillars are obligatory religious duties that a Muslim owes to God (Allah). Yet, Islam does not impose a burden on its followers. There may be circumstances which will excuse a Muslim from some of the mentioned obligations such as fasting, zakat and pilgrimage but the belief in one God (Allah), and His last messenger Mohammad (p.b.u.h), and the performance of salat are very important and compulsory because the practice of these tenets of Islam will identify a Muslim from an unbeliever.

Unity of God (Tauheed)

The fundamental belief of Quran is the unity of God (Allah). According to Quran :

1. Allah is the One and the Only
2. There is no God except Allah
3. No one is worthy of worship except Allah. All praise, worship and obedience are exclusively for Allah alone.
4. Allah has no partner. He is alone.
5. Allah is unique and the most sovereign
6. Allah is the “creator, cherisher, sustainer, protector, administrator and the lawgiver for mankind."
7. Allah is absolute, ultimate and eternal

Quran says:

“Say: He is Allah, The One and Only; Allah the Eternal, Absolute, He Begetteth not, nor is He begotten; and there is none like unto Him.” (112: 1 – 4)

Declaration of Unity of Allah in Islam

In order to pronounce the unity of Allah, a believer must have a firm belief in the two Kalimas (proclamations). The first Kalima (Kalima- e-Tauheed) states:

“There is no God save Allah and Mohammad (peace be upon him ) is his messenger.”

It is the basic foundation upon which Islam is based. By confessing (or affirming) and reciting this Kalima wholeheartedly, a person enters Islam. When we accept Allah‘s unity and Mohammad (p .b.u.h) as Allah’s messenger, the faith of divine unity is revitalized and the believer obeys Allah’s message conveyed by His Prophet.

The second Kalima (Kalima-e- Shahadat) states:

“I bear witness that there is no God save Allah–the only; and I bear witness that Muhammad (P.B.U.H) IS His servant and Prophet.”

The proclamation of this Kalima is the acceptance of the unity of God (Allah). It also affirms that the prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) is the devoted servant and messenger of Allah; additionally it infers that Islam is the acceptable religion for mankind. Without witnessing to these facts, one cannot legitimately claim to be a Muslim.

Quranic doctrine of unity in Islam

According to Quran, the ultimate truth is Allah.

”Serve Allah and join not any partner with him.” (4:36)

Quran also speaks about unity in (2:255) Ayat al Kursi:

“There is no god accept He, the Ever Living , the Self Subsisting and by Whom all subsist. Neither slumber overtake Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever exists in the Heavens and Earth, and the preservation of both tires Him not. And He is the most High, the Great."

Effect of unity in man’s life

• Self respect
  When man believes that Allah is the only sovereign power in the Universe, he abstains himself from bowing to any other but only Allah
• Humility and modesty
  A believer of unity is likely to be humble and modest because he is aware of Allah’s Powers and strong position, that all which he possesses is granted to him by the Almighty which can be taken away by Him at any moment.
• Optimism and inner happiness
  A believer of unity will never face disappointment or hopelessness in his life because he believes that Allah is omnipotent. He is always aware of man’s feelings. His mercy is limitless.

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