The best remembrance is “There is no god but Allah”
Selections from the Book The Story of The Beginning of Creation and The Creation of Adam, peace be upon him …
Written by Dr. Ali Muhammad al-Sallabi...
Episode (3)
The remembrance of Allah is among the best acts of worship that bring one closer to Allah the Exalted, and it is among the most virtuous and rewarding acts, while also being easy and accessible to those whom Allah makes it easy for. Among the best types of remembrance, after the great Qur'an, is the saying of "There is no god but Allah". It is the word of monotheism, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "the most excellent words of remembrance are: 'There is no god but Allah'".
This exalted phrase is an obligation for every Muslim to learn, understand its content and meaning, and know its conditions and pillars, as well as everything related to it. It is the phrase by which a person becomes a Muslim; it is the decisive factor between disbelief and Islam. Allah Almighty commanded His most honored creation and the Seal of His Messengers, peace and blessings be upon him, to know everything related to it and to believe in it, as He says: {"So know, [O Muhammad], that there is no deity except Allah} [Muhammad: 19].
Allah Almighty reproached those who were arrogant towards it, turned away from it, and abandoned acting upon it, as He says: {Indeed they, when it was said to them, "There is no deity but Allah," were arrogant (35) And were saying, "Are we to leave our gods for a mad poet?" (36)} [As-Saffat: 35-36]. Allah described Himself with what this phrase entails in various places in the Holy Qur'an, saying: {Allah - there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Self-Sustaining.} [Al-Baqarah: 255]. He also says: {He is the Ever-Living;1 there is no deity except Him,} [Ghafir: 65]. Abraham (peace be upon him) affirmed it as Allah mentioned, saying: {And [mention, O Muhammad], when Abraham said to his father and his people, "Indeed, I am disassociated from that which you worship (26) Except for He who created me; and indeed, He will guide me." (27) And he made it a word remaining among his descendants that they might return [to it]. (28)} [Az-Zukhruf: 26-28].
Episode references:
- Ali Muhammad al-Sallabi, The Story of The Beginning of Creation and The Creation of Adam, peace be upon him, pp. 49-50.
- Al-Tirmidhi Jami’, Book of the Supplications of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, Chapter: What was reported that the supplication of a Muslim is answered, No.: (3383).
For further information and review of the sources for the article, see:
The Book of The Story of The Beginning of Creation and The Creation of Adam, peace be upon him on the official website of Sheikh Dr. Ali Muhammad al-Sallabi:
