In Explanation of the Three Fundamental Principles of Islam, Sheikh Muhammad bin Saalih Uthaymeen explores foundational teachings every Muslim must be knowledgeable about. This work is a profound commentary on The Three Fundamental Principles, originally authored by Sheikh Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahhab. It serves as a guide to understanding the essentials of faith, knowledge, and practice in Islam.
This blog examines the core principles, their importance, and their practice to clearly understand what it really means to give up oneself to Allah.
Importance of Learning the Three Fundamental Principles
All Muslims are liable to learn and to be guided by the basic principles of faith. These principles answer three crucial questions:
Who is your Lord?
What is your religion?
Who is your Prophet?
According to Sheikh Uthaymeen, one needs to grasp these questions in order to be successful in this life as well as the hereafter.
This first principle states that one needs to understand Allah as his Creator and Sustainer and also as One who deserves all worship.
Allah is the Creator
The existence of everything is proof of the creative ability of Allah. Sheikh Uthaymeen mentions that the organization of the universe speaks for His oneness.
Worship Belongs to Allah Alone
True sub servitude entails worshiping only Allah, directing acts of worship such as prayer, fasting, and charity to Him. All shirk, associating partners with Allah, works against this principle.
Signs of Allah in Creation
The Qur’an frequently directs believers to contemplation of the natural world, giving faith through observation of his signs.
The Second Fundamental Principle: Islam as the Perfect Way of Life
The second principle is that Islam is the all-rounded faith revealed by Allah.
What is Islam?
According to Sheikh Uthaymeen, Islam is the submission to Allah through obedience, believing, and the compliance of the Qur’an and Sunnah.
Five Pillars of Islam
The five pillars—shahada (declaration of faith), salah (prayer), zakah (charity), sawm (fasting), and hajj (pilgrimage)—must be practiced in order to live as a Muslim.
The Concept of Taqwa
Taqwa- Consciousness of Allah. Taqwa is the consciousness of Allah that helps a believer stand firm in the performance of their duties.
The Third Fundamental Principle: Awareness and Following the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
This principle stresses the importance of the prophet being the last messenger.
Life and Legacy of the Prophet
Sheikh Uthaymeen describes Prophet Muhammad’s life as the best illustration of servitude to Allah, marked by wisdom, kindness, and justice.
Guidance in Life
The Sunnah is a guide for Muslims to act according to the Prophet’s teachings and practices; that is, applying Islamic principles in life.
Love for the Prophet
Love and respect for the Prophet is an important aspect of real faith. Such love is expressed by acting in accordance with his teachings.
Knowledge and Faith Connected
Knowledge plays a central role in knowing and applying these principles. Sheikh Uthaymeen emphasizes that the proper knowledge fortifies iman.
Seeking knowledge in Islam is a duty to the believers. It will help one differentiate between truth and falsehood.
Application of Knowledge
Knowledge must be translated to practice. Applying what one reads is necessary in spiritual development and obtaining the pleasure of Allah
Practical Lessons from the Three Fundamental Principles
Sheikh Uthaymeen provides readers with practical ways to internalize and implement the three principles:
Strengthen Your Relationship with Allah
Engage in regular acts of worship and remembrance (dhikr) to deepen your connection with Allah.
Commit to Learning Islam
Study the Qur’an and authentic hadiths to build a solid foundation in your faith.
Emulate the Prophet’s Example
Follow the Sunnah in your daily life, ensuring your actions align with the Prophet’s teachings.
Why these principles are important to every Muslim
The three principles are not abstract notions but the cornerstone of a Muslim’s identity. They provide an answer to fundamental questions of existence and thus give life a purpose.
A path to success after death
Believers would face examination on these principles in their graves. Mastery of these principles will guarantee success in the greatest exam.
Unity in the religion
These principles do unite Muslims as one and as brothers in their quest for goodness.
Direction in a Changing World
These principles keep the believer away from the confusing noise of the world since they bring individuals closer to their religion.
Living and Understanding These Principles
Mushkilat- Sheikh Uthaymeen shares solutions to some common misunderstandings that might occur when living and understanding these principles.
False Conceptions About Islam
Consult proper scholars and authentic sources to clear up wrong perceptions.
Doubting Faith
Nurture your iman through habitual prayers, self-reflection, and seeking Allah’s will.
Cultural Influences
Establish clear lines between cultural traditions and authentic teachings of Islam to uphold the principles.
Apply the Principles in Modern Life
These principles are as relevant today as they are during the Prophet. By integrating these principles into modern contexts, Muslims can effectively face all the ills of modern society.
Keeping Oneself Islamic Amidst Secularism
Maintain Islamic values while relating positively with society.
Building Stronger Communities
Apply the principles to promote harmony, tolerance, and love in various Muslim communities.
Educating the Next Generation
Endow the principles to the children, so they grow up with a proper comprehension of faith.
Conclusion: Living by Fundamentals to Enjoy Life Fully
Of the Three Fundamental Principles of Islam, Muhammad bin Saalih Uthaymeen’s explanation reminds believers of all time of the very essence of belief. Understanding Who Allah Is, adhering to Islam as a way of life, and following the Prophet Muhammad(PBUH), believers can lead lives that mean something and are well in keeping with their ultimate purpose.
These principles are not merely concepts to memorize—they are guides for action, reflection, and growth. Embracing them ensures success in this world and eternal bliss in the hereafter.
Read more: Builders of a Nation by Haifaa Younis
