Pleasing the Almighty: A Path Illuminated by Faith and Virtue
To earn the pleasure of Allah, it is of paramount importance to adhere to His divine commandments. The guidance enshrined in the Qur’an and Sunnah offers a clear path—by following it with sincerity and steadfastness, one may hope to attain the approval of the Lord of all worlds.
This path not only demands devotion to the fundamental acts of worship—prayer, fasting, almsgiving (Zakat), and pilgrimage (Hajj)—but also calls for embodying virtues such as truthfulness, justice, and integrity in every walk of life. One must dedicate themselves to the service of creation, especially to the care and support of the poor, the destitute, the orphans, and those without shelter or support.
Gratitude must be offered for the blessings bestowed by Allah, and arrogance must be shunned. It is incumbent upon the believer to avoid all that is forbidden—lies, gossip, envy, bribery, deceit, and oppression.
In the light of the Qur’an and Hadith, the Oneness of Allah—Tawheed—is the cornerstone of Islam. Without it, no deed holds value in the Divine court. Again and again, the Qur’an underscores the absolute unity of Allah, while declaring shirk (associating partners with Him) the gravest of transgressions. It is the solemn duty of every believer to affirm the Lord’s Oneness in His Lordship (Rububiyyah), His right to be worshipped (Uluhiyyah), and His Names and Attributes (Asma wa Sifat).
The foundation of pleasing Allah rests upon two eternal pillars: worship and moral excellence. The five pillars of Islam, as prescribed in Islamic teachings, serve as a compass guiding us toward our ultimate purpose. Foremost among them is the Shahadah—the testimony affirming the Oneness of Allah.
Tawheed is not merely a theological principle; it is the soul of faith itself. Without belief in the exclusive Oneness of Allah, faith remains incomplete. To believe in Tawheed is to affirm that Allah is One, without partner or peer, and that all power and authority rest solely with Him.
As Allah proclaims in the Qur’an, the testimony to His Oneness is clear and unequivocal:
اللَّهُ لَا إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ
Allah – there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence.
قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ(اخلاص:1-4)
Say, “He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, Nor is there to Him any equivalent.”
شَهِدَ اللَّهُ أَنَّهُ لَا إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ وَالْمَلَائِكَةُ وَأُولُو الْعِلْمِ قَائِمًا بِالْقِسْطِ ا إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ(العمران: 18)
Allah witnesses that there is no deity except Him, and [so do] the angels and those of knowledge – [that He is] maintaining [creation] in justice. There is no deity except Him, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.
وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا مِن قَبْلِكَ مِن رَّسُولٍ إِلَّا نُوحِي إِلَيْهِ أَنَّهُ لَا إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا أَنَا فَاعْبُدُونِ(الانبیاء: 25)
And We sent not before you any messenger except that We revealed to him that, “There is no deity except Me, so worship Me.”
The Essence of Faith: Divine Oneness and the Path to Salvation
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ declared:
“Whoever bears witness with a sincere heart that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad ﷺ is His Messenger, Allah shall forbid the Fire of Hell upon him.”
(Sahih Muslim: 263)
He ﷺ further proclaimed:
“The most excellent statement that I and the Prophets before me have ever uttered is:
لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
‘La ilaha illallah, wahdahu la sharika lah, lahu’l-mulk wa lahu’l-hamd, wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer’ — There is no god but Allah, alone without partner. His is the Kingdom and to Him belongs all praise, and He has power over all things.” (Jami’ al-Tirmidhi: 3585)
In yet another narration, the Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever dies bearing witness that there is no god but Allah shall enter Paradise.”
(Sahih Muslim: 63)
Such utterances are not mere words — they are the keys to eternal salvation, the essence of divine covenant, and the very breath of faith. To affirm the Oneness of Allah with conviction is to walk the path of truth, lit by the light of prophetic wisdom.
Allah, the Most Merciful, demands from His creation love, justice, and righteousness. Just as an artist cherishes the respect shown to his masterpiece, so too does the Creator expect honour for His creation. The Lord of the worlds commands that human dignity be upheld, rights fulfilled, and justice established. Oppression is to be abhorred, and one must strive actively in works of social good, extending compassion and aid to those in need.
The concept of Tawheed — the Oneness of Allah — stands as the cornerstone of Islam. This noble doctrine, so clearly enshrined in the Qur’an and the Sunnah, forms the foundation upon which all faith is built. It comprises three vital aspects:
Tawheed al-Rububiyyah (Oneness in Lordship)
This is the belief that Allah alone is the Creator, the Sustainer, and the sole Sovereign of all that exists. As we open the Qur’an and recite the very first verse of Surah al-Fatihah, we declare with reverence:
“All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.” الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ
It is this recognition — that all creation belongs to Allah, that all power lies with Him, and that He alone is worthy of worship — which elevates a soul and anchors it in the truth.
The Essence of Faith: Divine Oneness and the Path to Salvation
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ declared:
“Whoever bears witness with a sincere heart that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad ﷺ is His Messenger, Allah shall forbid the Fire of Hell upon him.”(Sahih Muslim: 263)
He ﷺ further proclaimed:
“The most excellent statement that I and the Prophets before me have ever uttered is:
لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
There is no god but Allah, alone without partner. His is the Kingdom and to Him belongs all praise, and He has power over all things.” (Jami’ al-Tirmidhi: 3585)
In yet another narration, the Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever dies bearing witness that there is no god, but Allah shall enter Paradise.” (Sahih Muslim: 63)
Such utterances are not mere words — they are the keys to eternal salvation, the essence of divine covenant, and the very breath of faith. To affirm the Oneness of Allah with conviction is to walk the path of truth, lit by the light of prophetic wisdom.
Allah, the Most Merciful, demands from His creation love, justice, and righteousness. Just as an artist cherishes the respect shown to his masterpiece, so too does the Creator expect honour for His creation. The Lord of the worlds commands that human dignity be upheld, rights fulfilled, and justice established. Oppression is to be abhorred, and one must strive actively in works of social good, extending compassion and aid to those in need.
The concept of Tawheed — the Oneness of Allah — stands as the cornerstone of Islam. This noble doctrine, so clearly enshrined in the Qur’an and the Sunnah, forms the foundation upon which all faith is built. It comprises three vital aspects:
Tawheed al-Rububiyyah (Oneness in Lordship)
Tawheed al-Rububiyyah: The Acknowledgement of Divine Lordship
Tawheed, in its aspect of Rububiyyah—the affirmation of Allah’s Lordship—is the unwavering belief that the Noble Lord alone is the Creator, the Sustainer, and the Sole Sovereign of the entire universe. He is the One who brought all things into being, governs them with perfect wisdom, and maintains them in exquisite harmony.
As soon as one opens the Glorious Qur’an, the very first chapter—Surah al-Fatihah—ushers the reader into this truth with a profound declaration:
“All praise belongs to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds.” الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ
اللَّهُ خَالِقُ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ وَكِيلٌ(الزمر:62:39)
Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is, over all things, Disposer of affairs.
يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اعْبُدُوا رَبَّكُمُ الَّذِي خَلَقَكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ(البقرہ:21:2)
O mankind, worship your Lord, who created you and those before you,
This verse is not merely a statement; it is a covenant of recognition. In it lies the echo of every believing heart that acknowledges the majesty, mercy, and absolute authority of its Maker. It reminds the soul that beneath the grandeur of stars and the stillness of seas, there reigns but One—ever-living, self-sufficient, and unparalleled in His Lordship.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“The son of Adam has caused Me harm by what he has done, though I alone am his Lord.”
This saying encapsulates a profound divine lament—an expression not of vulnerability, but of a sacred reproach that underscores humanity’s estrangement from its Creator despite His sustaining mercy and unmatched sovereignty.
The second aspect touches upon Tawheed al-Uluhiyyah—the affirmation of Divine Oneness in worship. This tenet declares, with unwavering clarity, that all acts of devotion—be it prayer, supplication, sacrifice, or obedience—are due to none but Allah alone. To Him belongs exclusive right over the heart’s submission and the soul’s reverence, for no other bears the majesty nor mercy to warrant such worship.
وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا مِن قَبْلِكَ مِن رَّسُولٍ إِلَّا نُوحِي إِلَيْهِ أَنَّهُ لَا إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا أَنَا فَاعْبُدُونِ(الانبیاء:25-21)
And We sent not before you any messenger except that We revealed to him that, “There is no deity except Me, so worship Me.”
فَمَن كَانَ يَرْجُو لِقَاءَ رَبِّهِ فَلْيَعْمَلْ عَمَلًا صَالِحًا وَلَا يُشْرِكْ بِعِبَادَةِ رَبِّهِ أَحَدًا(الکہف:110-18)
So, whoever would hope for the meeting with his Lord – let him do righteous work and not associate in the worship of his Lord anyone.”
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“The most excellent supplication is: لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ ‘Lā ilāha illā Allāh’ — There is no deity but Allah.”
In this sublime utterance lies the essence of faith: a declaration pure and unadulterated, freeing the soul from every chain save that of divine servitude. It is a supplication, yet more than that — it is the very key to salvation, the anthem of Tawheed whispered by prophets and martyrs, saints and seekers.
And in a sacred narration (Hadith Qudsi), the Prophet ﷺ relates that Allah, the Majestic, has said:
“I alone am worthy of worship. Whoever associates another with Me, I shall cast him and his act of association into the Fire.” (Sahih Bukhari: 7537)
Herein lies a solemn warning wrapped in divine justice: that worship is not merely ritual, but a covenant of exclusive love and loyalty. To dilute it with partnership is to breach that covenant and incur the consequence of turning away from the One who fashioned the soul in His mercy.
Now, we come to the third dimension of this exalted creed: Tawheed al-Asma wa al-Sifat — the affirmation of Divine Names and Attributes.
It is to believe, without distortion or likeness, in the Names and Qualities of Allah as revealed in the Qur’an and spoken by the Prophet ﷺ — embracing them as they are, without attempting to mould the Infinite to the limits of the finite mind.
For His mercy is not like human mercy, nor His knowledge like worldly comprehension. His Hearing is not by ear, nor His Seeing by eye — but in a manner befitting His Majesty, known to Him alone. To believe thus is to stand at the edge of sacred mystery with reverence, not curiosity; with submission, not speculation.
لَيْسَ كَمِثْلِهِ شَيْءٌ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْبَصِيرُ( الشوریٰ:42-11)
There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the Hearing, the Seeing.
يُسَبِّحُ لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ(الحشر:24:59)
Whatever is in the heavens and earth is exalting Him. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise
A Hadith Qudsi relates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“Allah has ninety-nine names; whoever preserves them — by remembrance, reflection, and understanding — shall enter Paradise.” (Sahih Bukhari: 2736)
Each of these Divine Names is a window into the ineffable Majesty and Mercy of the Creator — a mirror through which the heart glimpses His Beauty, His Justice, His Compassion. To know them is not merely to recite, but to live by them, to embody their meanings in reverence and awe.
In another Hadith Qudsi, the Prophet ﷺ narrates that Allah Most High has said: “I am as My
servant thinks of Me. And when he remembers Me, I am with him.” (Sahih Bukhari: 7405)
How subtle, how intimate is this nearness — not of place, but of presence; not measured in distance, but in love. When the tongue utters His Name and the heart inclines toward Him in trust and hope, the Divine responds — not with indifference, but with closeness, with Grace.
Yet in the same breath of Mercy, the Qur’an also resounds with a warning —
A warning against shirks, the act of associating partners with Allah, which is deemed in His Book as the gravest of sins. For in denying Tawheed — the Oneness of the Divine — one tears the very fabric of faith.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَغْفِرُ أَن يُشْرَكَ بِهِ وَيَغْفِرُ مَا دُونَ ذَٰلِكَ لِمَن يَشَاءُ وَمَن يُشْرِكْ بِاللَّهِ فَقَدِ افْتَرَىٰ إِثْمًا عَظِيمًا(النساء:48-4)
Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills. And he who associates others with Allah has certainly fabricated a tremendous sin۔
قُلْ إِنَّ صَلَاتِي وَنُسُكِي وَمَحْيَايَ وَمَمَاتِي لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ(الانعام:162:6)۔
Say, “Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.
The Spiritual Effects of Tawheed:
Inner Peace and Contentment:
Believing in the Oneness of Allah brings peace to the heart, for one realizes that the Creator of all is in control of everything. The believer, knowing that Allah alone governs the universe, submits to His will with tranquillity. This submission eliminates the anxiety of seeking approval from anyone other than Allah, bringing a sense of contentment and security. The Qur’an beautifully expresses this:
الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِأَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ(الرعد:28)
Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.”
Purification of the Soul:
Tawheed is a purifying force for the soul. It directs all acts of worship towards the Creator and eradicates the spiritual diseases of arrogance, envy, and idolatry. It elevates the believer’s consciousness, enabling them to live a life of sincerity and devotion. The focus on one’s relationship with Allah helps the believer cleanse their heart of attachments to anything that is transient, like wealth, status, or material gain.
The Strengthening of One’s Faith:
When we realize the extent of Allah’s sovereignty over all things, our faith in His power and mercy becomes unshakable. The believer finds strength in their connection with Allah, for they know that their Lord has complete control over their lives, and they trust in His plans. Tawheed empowers the soul to rise above life’s trials, as the believer knows they are never alone — Allah is always with them.
Unity and Brotherhood Among Believers:
The belief in Tawheed unites Muslims from all walks of life, as it transcends race, ethnicity, and social status. This unity is not merely in ritual, but in the collective recognition of Allah’s Oneness and the shared goal of worshiping Him alone. The brotherhood formed through this shared belief strengthens the fabric of the Muslim community, making it resilient in the face of adversity.
Ultimate Salvation:
Ultimately, Tawheed is the path to eternal salvation. As the Prophet ﷺ said, “Whoever dies without associating any partners with Allah will enter Paradise.” (Sahih Muslim).
This foundational principle of Islam ensures that those who uphold the Oneness of Allah and strive to live by His will be granted eternal bliss in the Hereafter.
Then in support of this, my Master (peace be upon him) said:
The example of monotheism is like a strong rope, one end of which is in the sky and the other in the earth. (Sahih Bukhari: 7373)
وَمَن يُطِعِ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ فَقَدْ فَازَ فَوْزًا عَظِيمًا (احزاب:71)
And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger has certainly attained a great attainment.
وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ لَنُدْخِلَنَّهُمْ فِي الصَّالِحِينَ(العنکبوت:9)
And those who believe and do righteous deeds – We will surely admit them among the righteous [into Paradise].
The Importance of the Five Pillars of Islam
Immediately following the martyrdom, the observance of a covenant and commitment was established, with the daily performance of the five obligatory prayers being declared compulsory. These prayers, alongside Zakat (the giving of a portion of one’s wealth to the poor), Sawm (fasting during the month of Ramadan), and Hajj (performing pilgrimage at least once in a lifetime if financially able), form the foundation of Islamic devotion and worship.
In fulfilling these pillars, humanity is taught the highest ethical standards. For example, the Divine seeks singular devotion in His worship, desiring a pure and undivided focus from His creation. The command for regular prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage serves not only as acts of ritual but also as profound moral guidance, encouraging individuals to live with sincerity, empathy, and discipline.
Immediately after the testimony of faith in Allah, five daily prayers have been made obligatory in order to obey this covenant and measure. These include prayer, zakat (giving a portion of one’s wealth to the poor), fasting (fasting during the month of Ramadan), and hajj (performing the pilgrimage once in one’s lifetime if one is able). In performing these pillars, man has been given the best lesson in morality: For example, the Almighty God desires uniformity in His worship from His creatures:
وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ(الذاریات:56)
And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.
Allah Almighty says in the Quran to unite humanity:
إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْمُرُ بِالْعَدْلِ وَالْإِحْسَانِ وَإِيتَاءِ ذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ(النحل:90)۔
Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives۔
The Teachings of Compassion and Responsibility
My benevolent Lord commands the protection of the rights of the weak, the preservation of nature, and the safeguarding of the environment. He enjoins us to plant trees, conserve water, and avoid polluting the earth. These are not mere acts, but divine instructions to uphold the balance of the world He has created.
The blessed Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, in His wisdom, imparted a beautiful lesson about love for all living beings—humans, animals, and nature alike. He said, “All of creation is Allah’s family, and the most beloved to Allah is the one who treats His family with kindness.”
(Baihaqi, Ibn Majah)
This is why, in His infinite compassion, Allah directs us to help the poor with our pure and wholesome wealth, to distribute Zakat, charity, and interest-free loans to the impoverished among our kin and the community. In doing so, we ensure that these marginalized members of society are shielded from its inequities. Allah, the Most Merciful, promises that “Those who show mercy will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Have mercy on those on the earth, and the One above the heavens will have mercy on you.” (Tirmidhi: 1924)
Remember, when Allah is pleased with a servant, He grants them an abundance of sustenance, for His blessings overflow in ways beyond our comprehension.
وَإِذْ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمْ لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ(ابراہیم:7)
‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favour];
When a servant asks his Lord for help in fulfilling the covenants and promises made in prayer, my Lord promises in response:
الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ(الرعد: 28)۔
And whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah.
There is a clear command regarding prayer:
حَافِظُوا عَلَى الصَّلَوَاتِ وَالصَّلَاةِ الْوُسْطَىٰ وَقُومُوا لِلَّهِ قَانِتِينَ(البقرہ:238)۔
Maintain with care the [obligatory] prayers and [in particular] the middle prayer and stand before Allah, devoutly obedient.
إِنَّ الصَّلَاةَ تَنْهَىٰ عَنِ الْفَحْشَاءِ وَالْمُنكَرِ(العنکبوت:45)
Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing.
As our master Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, prayer is a sign of faith, forgiveness of sins, and the key to Paradise. (Musnad Ahmad: 22417). Therefore, offering prayer on time, praying with humility and submissiveness, and making it a part of life is the first responsibility of every Muslim. Then the greatest worldly reward and benefit is that blessings are bestowed in power and peace, as the greatness of Muslim civilizations (such as Andalusia) in history is an example of this.
It was said about fasting:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ۔(البقرہ:2:183)
O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous
Regarding Zakat, it was said that Zakat is only for the poor, the needy, and the needy.
إِنَّمَا الصَّدَقَاتُ لِلْفُقَرَاءِ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَالْعَامِلِينَ عَلَيْهَا وَالْمُؤَلَّفَةِ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَفِي الرِّقَابِ وَالْغَارِمِينَ وَفِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ،فَرِيضَةً مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَاللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ (توبه: 9-60)
Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakah] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveller – an obligation [imposed] by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise.
Similarly, it was said about Hajj:
وَلِلَّهِ عَلَى النَّاسِ حِجُّ الْبَيْتِ مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلًا(العمران:3-97)
And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find thereto a way.
And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find thereto a way.
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Islam is based on five things: testifying to the Oneness of Allah, establishing prayer, paying zakat, fasting Ramadan, and performing Hajj.”(Sahih Bukhari: 8)
Also remember that failure to follow these commands and disobedience will lead to financial hardship:
وَمَا أَصَابَكُم مِّن مُّصِيبَةٍ فَبِمَا كَسَبَتْ أَيْدِيكُمْ (الشوریٰ:30-42)
And whatever strikes you of disaster – it is for what your hands have earned;
As the Lord Almighty said in the Quran:
ظَهَرَ الْفَسَادُ فِي الْبَرِّ وَالْبَحْرِ بِمَا كَسَبَتْ أَيْدِي النَّاسِ لِيُذِيقَهُم(روم:41)
Corruption has appeared throughout the land and sea by [reason of] what the hands of people have earned.
Modern examples of which can be seen in Muslim countries such as Syria, Yemen, Somalia and other countries.
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: When injustice becomes widespread, Allah sends down punishment. (Sahih Muslim: 2578)
And with this, society moves towards moral decline, due to which violence, corruption and ruthlessness become widespread in society. On the contrary, the secret of the success of societies that uphold human rights is also clearly visible in those countries of this world, including Norway, Finland and other European countries where the responsibility for health, education and employment is the responsibility of the state. If we talk about environmental protection, then in Sweden and Canada, there are strict restrictions on cutting down trees, while on the other hand, there is increasing concern in all Western countries about the deforestation of the Amazon and global warming, and they are providing regular funds to address it.
وَالْأَرْضَ وَضَعَهَا لِلْأَنَامِ(الرحمٰن:10-55)
And the earth He laid [out] for the creatures.
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: If the Hour comes and you have a sapling in your hand, plant it. (Musnad Ahmad: 12902)
In addition, on the other hand, in India, Pakistan and most of the third world countries, the class system has increased the gap and distance between the rich and the poor to a dangerous extent, especially in India, since the inhumane policies that are being implemented by force under the leadership of the Modi government and the life of the minorities there under the leadership of the ruling party BJP have been ruined. The US and the West’s turn a blind eye to this is also equally guilty.
But on the contrary, Allah has suggested a very good recipe for achieving His pleasure, for example, ordinary people have been incited to help the poor.
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَنفِقُوا مِن طَيِّبَاتِ مَا كَسَبْتُمْ(البقرہ:267-2)
O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned۔
وَلَا يَغْتَب بَّعْضُكُم بَعْضًا ۚ أَيُحِبُّ أَحَدُكُمْ أَن يَأْكُلَ لَحْمَ أَخِيهِ مَيْتًا(الحجرات:12:49)
And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead?
لَن تَنَالُوا الْبِرَّ حَتَّىٰ تُنفِقُوا مِمَّا تُحِبُّونَ وَمَا تُنفِقُوا مِن شَيْءٍ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ بِهِ عَلِيمٌ(العمران:92)
Never will you attain the good [reward] until you spend [in the way of Allah] from that which you love. And whatever you spend – indeed, Allah is Knowing of it.
Whoever feeds a hungry person, Allah will feed him with the fruits of Paradise. (Tirmidhi: 1956)
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: He is not a believer who eats his fill while his neighbour is hungry. (Sahih Muslim: 49)
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: Whoever helps an oppressed person, Allah will remove seventy-two of his losses on the Day of Resurrection. (Sunan Tirmidhi: 1930)
While commanding moral purity, it is commanded to avoid lying, backbiting, and oppression. For this, by recitingسُبْحَانَ اللہِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ Subhan Allahi wa bihamdihi 100 times a day, Allah will facilitate success.
Similarly, an invaluable method of instruction for rulers has been given that they should first implement laws in accordance with the Quran and Hadith to provide justice for the reform of society and then work with complete sincerity on the responsibility of implementing them and ensure that every individual in the society, regardless of colour, race, or religion, can get justice at the doorstep of their homes, for which purpose an independent judiciary should be established and competent individuals should be appointed to run this system.
إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْمُرُكُمْ أَن تُؤَدُّوا الْأَمَانَاتِ إِلَىٰ أَهْلِهَا وَإِذَا حَكَمْتُم بَيْنَ النَّاسِ أَن تَحْكُمُوا بِالْعَدْلِ(النساء:58:4)
Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice.
Justice and fairness are the secret to the progress of nations.(Al Nisa’a:58)
وَمَن يَقْتُلْ مُؤْمِنًا مُّتَعَمِّدًا فَجَزَاؤُهُ جَهَنَّمُ خَالِدًا فِيهَا وَغَضِبَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَلَعَنَهُ وَأَعَدَّ لَهُ عَذَابًا عَظِيمًا(النساء:93)
But whoever kills a believer intentionally – his recompense is Hell.
The most beloved and closest to Allah on the Day of Judgment will be the ruler who is just. (Tirmidhi: 1329)
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Every one of you is a guardian, and each one will be questioned about his subjects.” (Sahih Bukhari: 2554)
In addition, it is the responsibility of the rulers to make arrangements for the poor and the white-clad members of society where they are cared for and their self-respect is taken into account, as Western countries have done for their citizens. Considering the details of the social security systems in the UK and other European countries themselves and their historical foundations, it is clear that various factors have been involved in the formation of these systems.
It should be remembered that the current social security system in the UK is based on the Beveridge Report published in 1942. This report proposed to solve five major social problems: poverty, disease, ignorance, dirt, and unemployment. This led to the establishment of the welfare state in 1945, which includes institutions such as National Insurance and the National Health Service. This system provides financial support to all citizens in the event of illness, unemployment, and old age.
Social security systems in other European countries are based on different models. Similarly,
In the 1880s, German Chancellor Bismarck introduced the world’s first modern pension system. This system is based on a ‘pay-as-you-go’ system, where contributions from current workers provide financial support to current pensioners.
The French social security system was created in 1945, covering areas such as health, pensions, family, and work accidents. The system is based on the principle of providing equal benefits to all citizens.
In Islamic history, during the caliphate of Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA), a systematic Bait-ul-Mal system was established that provided financial support to the poor, orphans, widows, and the needy. This system was based on the state’s responsibility to take care of the basic needs of its citizens. This is why some European leaders have admitted that they have been influenced by Islamic principles, especially the Bait-ul-Mal system of Hazrat Umar (RA), in the formation of their social welfare systems. For example, German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck drew on Islamic history when introducing Germany’s social insurance system in the 19th century.
Similarly, policymakers in other European countries have also taken the principles of Islamic social justice into account. The social security systems of Britain and other European countries are the result of different historical and cultural factors. However, it is worth noting that Islamic history, especially the Bait-ul-Mal system of Hazrat Umar (RA), has influenced the formation of modern welfare systems. This is evidence that the principles of social justice and welfare are universally recognized and that different civilizations have learned from each other. However, these days, in terms of education and health, modern public health hospitals in Turkey, apart from some wealthy Gulf countries, are serving their people, but in Pakistan too, many institutions are rendering immense services in public service, in which the role of “service” has been prominent for the past several years. In addition, a lot of effort needs to be made to improve environmental policies, while solar energy projects in the United Arab Emirates are playing an important role in this regard.
The path to pleasing Allah is through following these clear commands of the Quran and Hadith. The formula for pleasing Allah is simple but profound. Serving the creation is worship of the Creator. The path to satisfaction is linked to serving humanity and protecting nature. This is the recipe that makes the individual prosperous and the nations rise. Be it an individual or a ruler, whoever helps the helpless servants of Allah, Allah opens the doors of the earth and the sky for him.
The path to achieving Allah’s pleasure is in serving His servants, justice and fairness, honesty and worship. Individuals and societies that follow the principles of Allah’s pleasure achieve progress, prosperity, and stability. If we prioritize Allah’s pleasure in our lives, success in this world and the hereafter will become our destiny.
