LESSON 8: THE CONCEPT OF WORSHIP AND ITS CATEGORIES

You have learnt from the earlier lessons that ALLAH, the Almighty, revealed the Quran to His last Apostle, Muhammed (peace be upon him) for the benefit and guidance of the entire humanity. Muhammed (peace be upon him) imparted the same basic teachings through the Quran, as were given by the earlier prophets: namely, worship only one ALLAH, the Almighty, and do not take any one as His partner. This is known as “Tauheed” (one-ness of ALLAH). You have also learnt that ALLAH, the Almighty, created man to worship Him.

Apart from it you have learnt that Islam is a universal religion. Its teachings are the same for all humanity. For all time, at all places and for all nations. The call of Islam is apt to convert the entire world into a sweet orchard of peace and security. To get these blessings of Islam it is necessary that man should not forget the purpose of his creation, and should worship ALLAH (S.W.T) according to the method taught by the Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him).

In this lesson you will learn, Insha-Allah, some facts about the concept of worship and its categories.

1. Worship means the man should model his concept and actions according to the methods taught by ALLAH, the Almighty, and His Apostle (P.B.U.H). Hence worship can be understood by dividing it into two basic categories, “BELIEF and ACTION”. Therefore worship of that person will be acceptable to ALLAH, the Almighty, whose belief and action, both, are according to the teachings, taught by ALLAH, the Almighty, and His Apostle (P.B.U.H). Such a person will be benefited by it, both in this world and the here-after. However if any of the two, namely “BELIEF” or “ACTION” contradicts the right teachings of Islam, such a person would be a loser.

ALLAH, the Almighty, says :



"It is not your wealth nor your sons, that will bring you nearer to Us in degree: but only those who believe and work righteousness. These are the ones for whom there is a multiplied reward for their deeds, while secure they (reside) in the dwellings on high! Those who strive against Our Signs, to frustrate them, will be given over into Punishment.” {34:37-38}


2. Belief does not only mean that ALLAH, the Almighty, be accepted as the actual creator, but it is necessary along with it to believe in the angels, all the heavenly books, all the apostles and the Dooms-Day.

ALLAH, the Almighty, says :




The Apostle beliveth in what hath been revealed to him from his Lord as do the men of faith. Each one of them believeth in the God {ALLAH}, His angels, His Books and His Apostles. “We make no distinction between one and another of His apostles”. And they say “We hear and we obey: (we seek) Thy forgiveness, our Lord, and to Thee is the end of all journeys.” (2:285)

3. Another form of belief is that man must not be afraid of any one except ALLAH (S.W.T). The same way it is also a worship to believe that no one else solves our problems except ALLAH, the Almighty. And none except Him can reward or harm any body.

ALLAH, the Almighty, says :



And as for us, since we have listened to the Guidance, we have accepted it: and any who believes in his Lord has no fear, either of a short (account) or of any injustice. (72:13)


And said :




If the God (ALLAH) do touch thee with hurt, there is none who can remove it but He: If He does design some benefit for thee, there is none, who can keep stop His Favour: He causeth it to reach, whomsoever of His servants He pleaseth. And He is the Oft-Forgiving. Most Merciful. (10:107)


4. There are two basic categories of practical worship, i.e. bodily and financial. There are some forms of worship which are both bodily and financial. The bodily worship includes Salat (prayers). Fasting, moving round Kaba (Tawaf of Kaba) and Remembrance of ALLAH (S.W.T), etc. Wheras, financial worship includes Fitra, Sadaqa (Alms), Zakat, Sacrifice of animals, etc. The combined bodily and financial worship includes the pilgrimage to Makkah, journeys to learn Islam and to exert oneself in the way of ALLAH, the Almighty, by spending money and efforts, (Jihad) etc. You will learn the details of these categories of worship, later, Insha-Allah.

ALLAH, the Almighty, says :




“Therefore to thy Lord, turn in Prayer and Sacrifice”. (108:2)


And again said :




“Only those are Believers who believe in the God (ALLAH), and His Apostle, and have never since doubted, but have striven with their belongings and their persons in the cause of the God (ALLAH). Such are the sincere ones.” (49:15)


5. We have learned from this lesson a number of useful things, some of which are, as follows :

« Worship means that man should live his entire life according to the methods teachings by ALLAH (S.W.T) and His Apostle.

« Believing in all the prophets, angels, and heavenly books. Islam is not a new religion, it existed always. One who believes in some one besides the prophets, apostles and books named by ALLAH (S.W.T), his worship is not pure specific for ALLAH. A person whose worship is not purely for ALLAH (S.W.T) his other deeds actions are also lost.

« Since ALLAH (S.W.T) is also the creator of man, and He feeds him, the life of man and his wealth all belong to ALLAH. Therefore if one spends his money and effort in violation of the methods taught by ALLAH, he also commits infidelity and disobedience. Be careful!



 

Questions

After learning “THE CONCEPT OF WORSHIP AND ITS CATEGORIES”, answer the following questions according to instructions :

1. If one has modelled his thinking and action according to the methods taught by ALLAH and His Apostle, he has :

(a) fulfilled, nicely, the purpose of his life. ( )

(b) forgotten the purpose of his life. ( )

Mark [Ö] before the correct answer given above.

2. To believe in all that has been ordained by ALLAH, along with the belief in Him is a part of faith. Therefore belief is also a kind of worship. Indicate, if in case, one believes in a variety of things according to his whim :

(i) Would his worship be purely for ALLAH. [Yes] [No]

(ii) Would the other deeds of one whose worship is not purely for the God (Allah) be acceptable? [Yes] [No]

3. (a) Point No. 4 brings out two forms of practical worships. Read [2 / Al-Kawsar] once again and fill up the blanks :

…………………………….. is an example of physical worship.

…………………………….. is an example of physical worship.

(b) Read verse [15 / Al-Hujraat] and fill up the blank :

The type of worship JIHAD belong to : ……………………….

4. There are two basic elements of worship. Faith and Action. Tell us, if ones faith is not according to the methods taught by ALLAH, the Almighty, and His Apostle, would his worship be acceptable to ALLAH? And why ?

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5. This lesson has taught you many useful and important things about worship. Mention any one of them.

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Answers

1 (a)
2 (1)

3 (a) Prayer (SALAT) …… Sacrifice …… (b) …… combined bodily & financial

4 No - Becomes it is against the teachings of ALLAH & His apostle.

5 We should follow Islamic - teachings in our day to day life.