The True Reality of Islam – Shaykh ʿAbdullāh adh-Dhufayrī

This lecture explores the true essence of Islam as embodied by all of Allah’s Messengers, who exemplified complete submission to their Lord in both outward conduct and inner spiritual state. This submission is encapsulated in the testimony of faith (shahādah): that there is no deity worthy of worship in truth except Allah , and that Muḥammad is the Messenger of Allah.

This testimony affirms pure monotheism (tawḥīd). The first part establishes that none deserves worship within Allah’s dominion except Him alone, and that everything and everyone worshipped besides Him is false. Allah says:

“That is because Allah is the Truth, and what they invoke besides Him is falsehood.” (Qurʾān 22:62) ۞

The second part of the testimony affirms, through both words and actions, that Muḥammad ibn ʿAbdullāh , of the clan of Hāshim from the tribe of Quraysh, is truly the final Messenger of Allah . He was sent with the truth to all of mankind as a bearer of glad tidings and a warner.

This affirmation entails obedience to him in all that he commanded, refraining from all that he forbade, and worshipping Allah solely in accordance with his legislation, free from personal desires, subjective interpretations, and religious innovations.