Essentials 1: Aaqeeda and Imaniyat

The "Essentials 1" program is an 11-week course primarily focused on Aqeedah (creed) and Imaniyat (faith). Its core objective is to provide a deep understanding of faith, as a strong foundation in Iman is considered essential for comprehending religious principles.

This animation examines the concept of Imaan (faith) in Islam, contrasting it with common misunderstandings that have emerged due to historical factors like the fall of the Ottoman Caliphate, colonial influence, and reinterpretations by non-Muslim scholars. The video argues that Imaan is not blind belief but a reasoned conviction, distinguishing between "non-Shaoori (un-conscious) Imaan, which is often inherited, and "Shaoori (Conscious) Imaan, which involves intellectual understanding and reflection on the world as evidence of truth. It addresses misconceptions, such as the idea that religious truths require empirical proof accessible by the five senses, asserting that many realities, like electromagnetic waves, exist and are understood through their effects, similar to the truths of faith. The source concludes by emphasizing that Shaoori (Conscious) Imaan, involving both heart and intellect, is more robust and necessary for fulfilling religious duties.

This lecture includes an extensive discussion on the identification of the true God and the authentication of prophetic claims within the context of Islamic theology. The speaker refutes several common arguments for divine identity, such as God's attributes or scientific references in scripture, deeming them intellectually unsound or prone to change. Instead, the central and strongest argument presented is the miraculous nature of the Quran, specifically its linguistic challenge, which no human or technology can replicate. This challenge, presented by God Himself, serves as an objective, ever-present proof of the Quran's divine origin and the truth of Islam, distinguishing it from other faiths lacking such undeniable, continuously verifiable evidence.

This animation discusses the concept of Imaan (faith) in Islam. It distinguishes Islamic Imaan from that of other religions, emphasizing it's not blind belief but rather an acceptance of six core truths: Allah, the afterlife, angels, prophets, scriptures, and destiny, based on the testimony of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The text highlights two primary proofs for the truthfulness of prophets: their trustworthy character and the miracles granted to them by Allah, citing examples like Prophet Moses's staff and Prophet Jesus's healing abilities. Finally, it presents the Holy Quran as a continuing miracle and an enduring challenge to humanity, serving as proof of Allah's oneness and the authenticity of Islam.

In this lecture we have discussed two more issues prevailing in our societies that make us indulge in major shirk: 1. Shirk in Sovereignty 2. Shirk in Knowledge 3. Shirk in Materialistic Means After that we discussed in detail the Shirk in Deed and its various forms prevailing in our societies .e. 1. Purity in worship 2. Obedience 3. Love 4. Fear 5. Dua In the end the caution that it all begins with minor shirk and leads up to the major shirk.

This animation explains various forms of Shirk fil Amal, or minor polytheism in actions, which occurs when one's actions, despite correct belief, become aligned with someone or something other than God. This type of shirk, also known as Shirk-e-Asghar or Shirk-e-Huquq, involves diverting rights primarily due to God towards others. The discussion covers five categories: Shirk fil Ibaada (worship for show), Shirk fil Ataat (obedience against God's will), Shirk fil Mohabbat (loving others more than God), Shirk fil Khawf (fearing others more than God), and Shirk fil Dua (calling upon others more than God). The text emphasizes that while Shirk-e-Asghar is initially minor, persistent engagement in these actions can lead to Shirk-e-Akbar, or major polytheism, by corrupting one's core beliefs.

Denial of the Deniers Clear Denial: [۱] أَإِذَا مِتْنَا وَكُنَّا تُرَابًا ۖ ذَٰلِكَ رَجْعٌ بَعِيدٌ ﴿٣﴾[ق] What! when we are dead and have become dust? That is afar (from probable) return. Conjecture: [۲] وَإِذَا قِيلَ إِنَّ وَعْدَ اللَّـهِ حَقٌّ وَالسَّاعَةُ لَا رَيْبَ فِيهَا قُلْتُم مَّا نَدْرِي مَا السَّاعَةُ إِن نَّظُنُّ إِلَّا ظَنًّا وَمَا نَحْنُ بِمُسْتَيْقِنِينَ ﴿٣٢﴾[جاثیہ] And when it was said, Surely the promise of Allah is true and as for the hour, there is no doubt about it, you said: We do not know what the hour is; we do not think (that it will come to pass) save a passing thought, and we are not at all sure. Denial of the Mushrikeen Wrong concept of Intercession: [۳] وَيَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ اللَّـهِ مَا لَا يَضُرُّهُمْ وَلَا يَنفَعُهُمْ وَيَقُولُونَ هَـٰؤُلَاءِ شُفَعَاؤُنَا عِندَ اللَّـهِ ۚ قُلْ أَتُنَبِّئُونَ اللَّـهَ بِمَا لَا يَعْلَمُ فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَلَا فِي الْأَرْضِ ۚ سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ ﴿١٨﴾[یونس] And they serve beside Allah what can neither harm them nor profit them, and they say: These are our intercessors with Allah. Say: Do you (presume to) inform Allah of what He knows not in the heavens and the earth? Glory be to Him, and supremely exalted is He above what they set up (with Him). Denial of the Muwahhideen Religious or Racial Superioirity: [۵] وَقَالَتِ الْيَهُودُ وَالنَّصَارَىٰ نَحْنُ أَبْنَاءُ اللَّـهِ وَأَحِبَّاؤُهُ ۚ قُلْ فَلِمَ يُعَذِّبُكُم بِذُنُوبِكُم ۖ بَلْ أَنتُم بَشَرٌ مِّمَّنْ خَلَقَ ۚ يَغْفِرُ لِمَن يَشَاءُ وَيُعَذِّبُ مَن يَشَاءُ ۚ وَلِلَّـهِ مُلْكُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا ۖ وَإِلَيْهِ الْمَصِيرُ ﴿١٨﴾[مائدہ] And the Jews and the Christians say: We are the sons of Allah and His beloved ones. Say: Why does He then chastise you for your faults? Nay, you are mortals from among those whom He has created, He forgives whom He pleases and chastises whom He pleases; and Allah's is the kingdom of the heavens and the earth and what is between them, and to Him is the eventual coming. [۶] ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ قَالُوا لَن تَمَسَّنَا النَّارُ إِلَّا أَيَّامًا مَّعْدُودَاتٍ ۖ وَغَرَّهُمْ فِي دِينِهِم مَّا كَانُوا يَفْتَرُونَ ﴿٢٤﴾[ال عمران] This is because they say: The fire shall not touch us but for a few days; and what they have forged deceives them in the matter of their religion. [۷] وَقَالُوا لَن يَدْخُلَ الْجَنَّةَ إِلَّا مَن كَانَ هُودًا أَوْ نَصَارَىٰ ۗ تِلْكَ أَمَانِيُّهُمْ ۗ قُلْ هَاتُوا بُرْهَانَكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ صَادِقِينَ ﴿١١١﴾[بقرۃ] nd the Jews say: The Christians do not follow anything (good) and the Christians say: The Jews do not follow anything (good) while they recite the (same) Book. Even thus say those who have no knowledge, like to what they say; so Allah shall judge between them on the day of resurrection in what they differ. Wrong Concept of Allah’s Mercy: Who Qualifies for Allah’s Mercy? [۸] أُولَـٰئِكَ الَّذِينَ اشْتَرَوُا الضَّلَالَةَ بِالْهُدَىٰ وَالْعَذَابَ بِالْمَغْفِرَةِ ۚ فَمَا أَصْبَرَهُمْ عَلَى النَّارِ ﴿١٧٥﴾[بقرۃ] Surely those who conceal any part of the Book that Allah has revealed and take for it a small price, they eat nothing but fire into their bellies, and Allah will not speak to them on the day of resurrection, nor will He purify them, and they shall have a painful chastisement. These are they who buy error for the right direction and chastisement for forgiveness; how bold they are to encounter fire. [۹]إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَالَّذِينَ هَاجَرُوا وَجَاهَدُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّـهِ أُولَـٰئِكَ يَرْجُونَ رَحْمَتَ اللَّـهِ ۚ وَاللَّـهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ ﴿٢١٨﴾[بقرۃ] Surely those who believed and those who fled (their home) and strove hard in the way of Allah these hope for the mercy of Allah and Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. [۱۰] قُلْ إِن كُنتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ اللَّـهَ فَاتَّبِعُونِي يُحْبِبْكُمُ اللَّـهُ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ ۗ وَاللَّـهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ ﴿٣١﴾[ال عمرا ن] Say: If you love Allah, then follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you your faults, and Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. Wrong Concept of Taufeeq(توفیق):  [۱۲]سَيَقُولُ الَّذِينَ أَشْرَكُوا لَوْ شَاءَ اللَّـهُ مَا أَشْرَكْنَا وَلَا آبَاؤُنَا وَلَا حَرَّمْنَا مِن شَيْءٍ ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ كَذَّبَ الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ حَتَّىٰ ذَاقُوا بَأْسَنَا ۗ قُلْ هَلْ عِندَكُم مِّنْ عِلْمٍ فَتُخْرِجُوهُ لَنَا ۖ إِن تَتَّبِعُونَ إِلَّا الظَّنَّ وَإِنْ أَنتُمْ إِلَّا تَخْرُصُونَ ﴿١٤٨﴾[انعام] Those who are polytheists will say: If Allah had pleased we would not have associated (aught with Him) nor our fathers, nor would we have forbidden (to ourselves) anything; even so did those before them reject until they tasted Our punishment. Say: Have you any knowledge with you so you should bring it forth to us? You only follow a conjecture and you only tell lies. [۱۳] أَوْ تَقُولَ لَوْ أَنَّ اللَّـهَ هَدَانِي لَكُنتُ مِنَ الْمُتَّقِينَ ﴿٥٧﴾[زمر] Or it should say: Had Allah guided me, I would certainly have been of those who guard (against evil);

Concept 1: The Importance of Belief in the Hereafter and the Faith of the Companions (RA) in the Hereafter Concept 2: Rational Arguments for Belief in the Hereafter Concept 3: Clear Denial of the Hereafter or Doubt About It Concept 4: Denial Along with Acknowledgment: Misconception of Intercession Concept 5: Denial Along with Acknowledgment: Misunderstanding of Divine Mercy Concept 6: Denial Along with Acknowledgment: Racial or Religious Superiority Concept 7: Denial Along with Acknowledgment: Misunderstanding of Guidance or Divine Will (Tawfiq) Concept 8: The Greatest Cause of Denial of the Hereafter and a Major Question for Us

This is an in-depth lecture exploring the concept of "Imaan bil Kitab," or faith in divine books, with a primary focus on the Quran. Ustaz Mudassir Rashid emphasizes that the Quran is not merely a creation but an attribute of Allah's knowledge and speech, setting it apart from all other creations. This distinction elevates the Quran's status to an inconceivable level of sanctity and importance, explaining why it demands profound respect and adherence. The lecture then addresses the purpose of the Quran as guidance for humanity and underscores the immense privilege Muslims have in being able to directly connect with Allah through its verses. Finally, it outlines the practical requirements of faith in the Quran, including its proper recitation, understanding, contemplation, implementation in daily life, and propagation to others, highlighting how these actions demonstrate true reverence for this divine text.

The animation discusses the concept of "Imaan bil Kitaab" (faith in the Holy Book), specifically focusing on the Quran. It emphasizes that the Quran is a miracle and a direct challenge from Allah, asserting its divine origin. The text highlights the Quran's profound majesty, stating that its revelation would cause mountains to crumble, illustrating its unparalleled significance as Allah's uncreated word. Furthermore, it explains that the Quran's primary purpose is to guide humanity, offering clear teachings to distinguish right from wrong. Finally, the text outlines five key requirements for true faith in the Quran: believing in it, reciting it correctly, understanding its meaning, implementing its teachings, and disseminating its message to others.

This lecture explores the Islamic concept of Imaan bil Qadr, or belief in divine preordainment and destiny. Ustaz Mudassir Rashid, discusses common misconceptions about this belief, identifying two extreme viewpoints: Qadariyya, who emphasize human free will and responsibility, and Jabriyya, who believe humans are entirely compelled by fate. He analyzes the scriptural arguments each group uses to support their claims. The lecture ultimately proposes a middle path and a proper approach to understanding Qadr, highlighting that while divine will is absolute, humans are still accountable for their actions according to Islamic law, or Sharia. It further suggests that believers possess the power of prayer to influence destiny and urges active engagement rather than passive acceptance.

This animation explores the Islamic concept of Imaan bil Qadar, which translates to faith in divine decree or predestination. It clarifies that God's knowledge encompasses all events before they occur and that humanity's limited intellect cannot fully grasp the intricate details of predestination. The text discusses two historical viewpoints, Jabria and Qadaria, which represent extremes regarding human free will versus divine power, ultimately concluding that both are erroneous from an Islamic perspective. It emphasizes that while God has a comprehensive plan, humans possess a degree of free will to follow religious commands, even if it means striving against what appears to be preordained. The source concludes by presenting Allama Iqbal's profound idea that a true believer, through their elevated character, can align their will so perfectly with God's that their intentions become part of the divine decree.

This session explores the Islamic concept of belief in angels (Imaan bil Malaika), emphasizing its foundational importance for Muslims. He outlines the angels' various roles, such as conveying divine messages, protecting individuals, and overseeing natural phenomena. Crucially, the lecture highlights humanity's unique role as Allah's vicegerent on Earth, to whom angels are subservient, and stresses the responsibility that accompanies this elevated status. The speaker encourages listeners to embrace this "bigger vision" and fulfill their divine purpose, asserting that true leadership stems from understanding this relationship and acting upon it.