Chapter 2:
The Significance of "la ilaha illa Allah"
The declaration of faith, [la ilaha illa Allah] is the most important phrase in a person’s life.
This declaration is an expression of Tawheed.
But what is the true meaning of [la ilaha illa Allah]?
Some claim that it means: "There is no Creator except Allah."
Although this statement holds truth, it does not capture the correct meaning.
Had this been the intended meaning, the idolaters of Quraish would have embraced it, given their belief in Allah as the sole creator. Yet they rejected it because they understood the true meaning of it.
Others suggest that it means: "There is none worshipped except Allah."
But since it is well known that there are other deities worshipped besides Allah.
even if they are worshipped in falsehood,
It leaves us to the conclusion that both the statement and the meaning is completely incorrect.
Thus, the correct meaning of [la ilaha illa Allah] is "There is none worshipped in truth except Allah."
The declaration of faith has two pillars that describe this meaning.
The first pillar is connected to [la ilaha] and refers to negation. It negates the worship of anything in truth except Allah.
The second pillar is connected to [illa Allah] and refers to affirmation. It affirms that only Allah is worshiped in truth.
Summary
To actualize Tawheed and live up to [la ilaha illa Allah], it is important to understand the opposite of Tawheed.
The opposite is called shirk, which is something one should constantly guard against.
In the upcoming chapter, we will talk about shirk, which is the gravest sin in islam