“And I have not created man and Jinns except to worship Me.” (Qur’an 54:51)
Our foundation as Muslims is built upon the belief in Allah (ta’ala). As this verse points out, the only reason why we are created is to worship Allah (ta’ala). Everything that a Muslim does should be for the pleasure of Allah (ta’ala).
Tawheed refers to the oneness of Allah (ta’ala). His position as our Creator and the only one that we should worship or call God. when we look at the lives of all His Prophets and Messengers, the most important theme is Tawheed – the oneness of Allah (ta’ala).
Their tribes, color or socioeconomic status may have been different, but one thing remained with all His Messengers and Prophets, and that is their unwavering belief in Allah (ta’ala).
We remind ourselves of three ways through which the Prophets and Messengers demonstrated Tawheed in their lives, and how this can help us too.
By Worshiping Only Him
Every Messenger had to contend with people who worshiped something other than Allah (ta’ala). Their primary duty was to invite people to Islamic monotheism, so they had to convince people to stop worshiping gods besides Allah (ta’ala).
We are not in the same ranks as Prophets and Messengers, but we all have the same purpose – to worship only Allah (ta’ala). An example that we can take from the lives of these men of God is the fact that they spent all their lives in the path of worship.
They were not distracted like us by whatever was the “in” thing during their time. They did not waste away their days with matters that will not bring them closer to Allah (ta’ala), and they were not known to indulge in their desires over what their Creator demanded of them.
Things are different in our time even when we claim to be on the path of pure Tawheed, we spend our days on things that do not bring us benefit. Worse still, we do things that shake our belief in the oneness of Allah (ta’ala).
Narrated Abu Bakra: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Shall I inform you of the biggest of the great sins?” They said, “Yes, O Allah’s Apostle!” He said, “To join partners in worship with Allah” (Bukhari)
From Prophet Ibraheem (AS) destroying the idols of his father’s people, or Prophet Muhammad (SAW) enduring assaults at the hands of the people of Makkah, the Prophets showed what it truly means to believe in Allah (ta’ala).
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Nowadays we have more distractions. But a Muslim does not give in to the noise that surrounds them. Every day, we have to remind ourselves that we have not been put on earth for any reason other than to worship Allah (ta’ala).
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “O Mu`adh! Do you know what Allah’s Right upon His slaves is?” I said, “Allah and His Apostle know best.” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “To worship Him (Allah) Alone and to join none in worship with Him (Allah). Do you know what their right upon Him is?” I replied, “Allah and His Apostle know best.” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Not to punish them (if they do so).” (Bukhari)
Before you do anything, ask yourself “how can this bring me closer to Allah (ta’ala)?” This single act of questioning our actions will help us to be more aware of our choices and how they align with our Creator’s will.
By Relying on Him
The Prophets and Messengers were famously known for trials. Trials that you and I may not even experience a fraction of in our lives. Prophet Ibraheem (AS) did not have a child for a very long time, Prophet Yusuf was wrongly accused and thrown into prison, and Prophet Yunus was swallowed by a whale.
Every single one of them had their own trials. But one thing that they all have in common was their reliance on Allah (ta’ala). Whenever these men were struck by any calamity, they cried out to Allah (ta’ala) first and sought His help.
This is another thing that we can inculcate in our lives. It may be relieving to complain to family or seek the help of someone, but don’t forget that the best way is to complain to your Creator.
The Prophets and Messengers knew that no one can aid them except Allah (ta’ala) and that no one can hurt them except by His permission. They understood that nothing befalls a believer except with the knowledge of Allah (ta’ala).
Remembering this can be empowering for the rest of us. And it can also bring solace and calmness to our hearts. When you commit your worries and fears to the One who can help, you have nothing more to worry about.
By Affirming with Our Limbs
All the Prophets and Messengers of Allah (ta’ala) never shied away from proclaiming their fate. Even in the face of fire, tyrant government, prisons, and persecution, these men boldly told everyone about the Oneness of Allah (ta’ala).
Our belief in Allah (ta’ala) is not complete without actions to show for it. Our worship should include affirming our belief with our tongue and showing it with our limbs. When we observe salah, pay our zakat and go on hajj, we are professing our belief in Allah (ta’ala).
The stories of the Prophets of Islam abound in the Qur’an and Sunnah. And, even though we derive lessons that help us in our daily lives from them, we should never forget the most important lesson of all – the importance of believing in the Oneness of Allah (ta’ala).
“So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth. [Adhere to] the fitrah of Allah upon which He has created [all] people. No change should there be in the creation of Allah . That is the correct religion, but most of the people do not know.” (Qur’an 30:30)
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