In the Name of Allāh.
It’s rather amusing when a Muslim, while attempting to defend those deeply entrenched in misguidance, presents the misguided notion that we should only focus on the Shahādah (i.e., the declaration of faith) and disregard the actions of individuals. This reflects a disgraceful level of ignorance! One must wonder if this person is aware that there are nullifiers of Islām (i.e., actions that expel one from the fold of Islām when done). Furthermore, this individual fails to grasp that being a Muslim is not solely about professing the faith; it involves actively embodying it, living and breathing the Teachings of Allāh, and remaining steadfast as a pillar of faith in a world rife with darkness, even amidst trials and temptations.
The journey toward faith is a fragile one, a precarious path that can lead to the depths of disbelief or the convoluted traps of hypocrisy if one is not vigilant. Have you seen those who destroy themselves? They either prefer to be Kāfirūn (disbelievers) or Munāfiqūn (hypocrites). Within their hearts is a disease of either Kufr (disbelief) or Nifāq (hypocrisy). Dying in any of the two states makes Hell indeed their dwelling place. What an awful final abode! Nevertheless, they alone bear the responsibility for their fate. Allāh is never unjust to His servants.
Human beings are fundamentally categorized into three groups in this world: Believers, Disbelievers, and Hypocrites. The believers are those who genuinely believe, while the disbelievers truly reject faith. Conversely, the Hypocrites maintain a dual façade; they profess belief while harboring disbelief within. There is no recompense for disbelief other than Hell. Allāh states: “But those who disbelieve and belie Our Āyāt (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), such are the dwellers of the Fire; they shall abide therein forever.” [Sūrah Al-Baqarah (2): 39]
It’s crucial to understand that while we claim to be believers, we must remain vigilant against the aforementioned ailments, as we are never immune to the whisperings of Shayṭān, the seduction of disbelief, or the allure of hypocrisy. However, through the guidance of the Qur’ān, the wisdom of the Prophet (ﷺ), and the steadfastness of our faith, we can traverse this perilous landscape, emerging victorious, with our hearts pure and our souls untainted by worldly corruption.
Dear brethren, let’s remember the words of the Prophet (ﷺ): “I have left you with two matters which will never lead you astray, as long as you hold to them: the Book of Allāh and the Sunnah of his Prophet.” [al-Muwaṭṭa’ 1661] It’s in this guidance, this illumination, that we discover the remedy for disbelief and hypocrisy, a pathway that leads not to the darkness of Hellfire, but to the radiance of Jannah, the blissful abode of the believers in the Hereafter; the ultimate reward for those who remain steadfast in their faith.
I beseech Allāh to richly bless us and grant you the strength and wisdom to remain steadfast on the path of righteousness. Aameen.
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