Aboo Uthmaan

By Shaykh-ul-Islam ibn Taymiyyah (d.728H)
Translated by Dr. Saleh as-Saleh (d.1429H)
Transcribed by Aboo Uthmaan [1]

Acts of worship are based upon legislation and following and are not based upon lowly desires and innovations; this is because Islam is based upon two foundations:

1) That we worship Allaah alone, setting up no partners with Him in worship
2) That we worship Him as He prescribed on the tongue of His Messenger (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)

Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala) says:

“Then We have put you (O Muhammad SAW) on a plain way of (Our) commandment [like the one which We commanded Our Messengers before you (i.e. legal ways and laws of the Islamic Monotheism)]. So follow you that (Islamic Monotheism and its laws), and follow not the desires of those who know not.” (Al-Jathiyah 45:1

And:

“Or have they partners with Allaah (false gods), who have instituted for them a religion which Allaah has not allowed. And had it not been for a decisive Word (gone forth already), the matter would have been judged between them. And verily, for the Zaalimoon (polytheists and wrong-doers), there is a painful torment.” (Ash-Shura 42:21)

Therefore, it is not for anyone to worship Allaah except by that which Allaah has instituted in His legislations on the tongue of His Messenger (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), from what is considered to be obligatory and recommended. We do not worship Him (subhaanahu wa ta’aala) by innovated ways and methods as affirmed in the hadeeth in which the Prophet (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

“And beware of newly invented matters, for every newly invented thing is an innovation, and every innovation is a misguidance.” (At-Tirmidhee, Hasan Saheeh)

(Majmoo’ al-Fataawaa, Vol. 1, P. 80)

Footnote:

[1] I (Aboo Uthmaan) transcribed (albeit not a verbatim transcription) this text from a lecture series entitled “Pearls of Grace” by Dr. Saleh as-Saleh. Any mistakes in this transcription are from me, and the Shaykh is free from them.