The Three Fundamental Principles – Chapter 2: Knowing the Religion of Islam
A study of Chapter 2 from The Three Fundamental Principles by Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahab, focusing on the knowledge of the religion of Islam.
The Three Fundamental Principles – Chapter 2: Knowing the Religion of Islam
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Introduction
Continuing our journey through The Three Fundamental Principles, this post covers Chapter 2: Knowing the Religion of Islam.
Chapter 2: Knowing the Religion of Islam
The Second Principle: Knowledge of the Religion
The second fundamental principle is knowing the religion of Islam - understanding what Islam is and its three levels.
The Question in the Grave
The second question every soul will be asked in the grave is: What is your religion?
Arabic Text: مَا دِينُكَ؟
Transliteration: Maa deenuk?
English Translation: What is your religion?
The Answer
Arabic Text: دِينِيَ الْإِسْلَامُ الَّذِي أَرْسَلَ اللَّهُ بِهِ مُحَمَّدًا صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ
Transliteration: Deeniy al-Islaam alladhee arsala Allaahu bihi Muhammadan sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam
English Translation: My religion is Islam, which Allah sent Muhammad (ﷺ) with.
Quranic Evidence
“Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam.” (Quran 3:19)
“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.” (Quran 5:3)
Hadith Evidence
- The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Islam is built upon five pillars: testifying that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger, establishing prayer, giving charity, fasting in Ramadan, and performing Hajj.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
The Three Levels of the Religion
The author explains that the religion has three levels:
1. Islam (Submission)
- Definition: Submitting to Allah with Tawhid (monotheism)
- Evidence: “Whoever submits his face to Allah while being a doer of good will have his reward with his Lord.” (Quran 2:112)
- Pillars: The five pillars of Islam (Shahada, Salah, Zakat, Sawm, Hajj)
2. Iman (Faith)
- Definition: Believing in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and divine decree
- Evidence: “The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All of them have believed in Allah and His angels and His books and His messengers.” (Quran 2:285)
- Pillars: The six pillars of faith
3. Ihsan (Excellence)
- Definition: Worshipping Allah as if you see Him, and if you don’t see Him, He sees you
- Evidence: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Ihsan is to worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you don’t see Him, He sees you.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
The Relationship Between the Three Levels
- Islam is the outward submission and actions
- Iman is the inward belief and conviction
- Ihsan is the perfection and excellence in worship
Key Lessons
- The religion of Islam is comprehensive and has different levels
- Each level builds upon the previous one
- True faith requires both outward actions and inward belief
- The goal is to reach the level of Ihsan in our worship
Previous: Chapter 1 – Who is Your Lord? Next: Chapter 3 – Knowing the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)