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Chapter 8: Worship in Islam
Introduction
Worship is an essential and inseparable part of the religion of
Islam. In Islamic terminology, Ibaadah (worship) is a
comprehensive term that encompasses everything that Allah
loves and is pleased with, of both statements and actions – both
apparent and hidden. It embodies (represents) utmost love of
Allah through the utmost degree of submission. Hence, Salaat,
Zakaat, Saum, Hajj, being truthful in speech, fulfilling one’s trust,
kindness towards parents, maintaining relations with kin;
fulfilling pledges; commanding the good; forbidding the evil;
Jihad against the disbelievers and the hypocrites, being beneficent
towards the neighbor, the orphan, the poor person, the traveler
and the owned human or animal, supplication, remembrance (of
Allah), recitation (of the Qur’aan) and the like of all such, are
types of worship. 358
The importance of worship in Islam can be realized from the fact
that, Allah, the Most Merciful, says in the Qur’aan, “I did not
create Jinn and mankind except for my worship (Alone).” 359
Worship being the sole purpose of creation is binding upon every
human being. Allah says, “O mankind worship your Lord, Who
created you and those who were before you, so that you may
become pious,” followed by a strict warning and prohibition of
joining partners with Him: “…do not set up rivals unto Allah
while you know (that there is nothing similar to Him).” 360
Narrated Mu’adh bin Jabal , ‘The Messenger of Allah said:
“O Mu’adh! Do you know what is the right of Allah on His
slaves?” I (Mu’adh bin Jabal) said: “Allah and His Messenger
know best.” The Prophet said: “(the Right of Allah on His
slaves is) to worship Him (Allah) Alone and join none (as
partners) in worship with Him.” Then he asked: “Do you
358 See Introduction of, ‘Ibn Taymiyyah’s Essay on Servitude.’
359 Soorah ad-Dhariyaat (51): 56.
360 Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 21-22.
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