Al-Madkhal: An Introduction to the Islamic Religion

Abu Abdurrahman Omar Ibn Alhagi Abdoulie Ceesay Al-Saloumi

Translated byترجمة: Mr. Basidia M Drammeh, Al-Hikma Translation Centre, Brikama, The Gambia
Editionالطبعة: Second Edition, 2025 CE / 1447 AH
Copyrightحقوق النشر: Copyright reserved

Introduction

All praise is due to Allah, by whose grace good deeds are accomplished and hearts are illuminated with the light of guidance and faith. Peace and blessings be upon Prophet Muhammad, the Seal of the Prophets and Messengers, whom Allah sent with guidance and the true religion. He delivered his Lord's message and left his nation on a clear path, its night like its day, from which none deviates except those who are lost.

Among the greatest distinctions of this religion is that it is founded upon two great principles, encompassed by two magnificent statements: "There is no deity but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah." The first is a declaration of pure monotheism, affirming that Allah alone is worshipped. The second is an affirmation of sincere adherence to His noble Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, who brought complete laws and perfect blessings. These two testimonies are the key to entering Islam and the foundation of salvation in this world and the Hereafter. Upon them rests the structure of belief, worship, and conduct.

This book provides a clear explanation of the meaning of the two testimonies of faith, their importance in the life of a Muslim, and the major principles that form the spirit and essence of Islam. Care was taken to ensure it is easily understood by the general public and beneficial to students of knowledge, combining authentic meaning with simple presentation, so that it reaches the heart of everyone who wants to know the truth about Islam, free from ambiguity and confusion.

In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him, seek His help, and ask for His forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from the evil within ourselves and from the evil of our deeds. Whomever Allah guides, none can lead astray, and whomever He leads astray, none can guide. I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah alone, without partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.

And after: The reason for writing this book is to clarify the meaning of "There is no deity but Allah," the gateway to entering Islam. Every Muslim needs to understand this phrase with true knowledge, so they may adhere to the religion as the early generations of the preferred centuries did. My Muslim brother, as you know, there is no other way to enter Islam except through this door. If a person does not know this door, how can they approach it? Therefore, I have made a modest effort to explain this door, so that people may know how to approach it, how to pass through it with dignity, and how to enter it legitimately, so that they may find their purpose, which is to find their way to Paradise. I began by clarifying the meanings of this word, the only door to entering the Islamic faith, so that we may be Muslims in the truest sense, not just in name, and be Muslims in reality, not merely by birth.

I know its meaning is an unfathomable sea, whose depths are unfathomable, a sea that human minds are incapable of comprehending or encompassing. But as the saying goes, "What cannot be grasped entirely should not be abandoned entirely." I myself cannot dive into this sea, but that does not prevent me from trying my best. I desire nothing but reform to the best of my ability, and my success is only through Allah.

Whatever is right in it is from Allah Almighty and His guidance, and whatever is wrong in it - and there is no doubt that it exists - is from me and from Satan. I ask Allah for forgiveness for all my sins, both apparent and hidden. He is the Forgiving, the Merciful, and He is the One who grants success. And that is not difficult for Allah. O Allah, bless and grant peace to our Prophet and beloved Muhammad and to his family and companions and those who follow in their footsteps until the Day of Judgment.

Introduction to the Islamic religion

Definition of “Introduction” (Al-Madkhal)

▪ Linguistically: An entrance or place of entry.

Definition of Religion (Ad-Dīn)

▪ Linguistically, religion means reward and reckoning.

▪ In Islamic terminology, it refers to all acts of worship, both in word and deed.

Definition of Islam

▪ Linguistically: Submission and surrender.

▪ In Islamic terminology, it means uttering the two testimonies of faith and acting according to Islamic law.

The two testimonies of faith: (I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, is the Messenger of Allah).

Definition of Part One

The First Part in Islam

Islam is uttering the two testimonies of faith (shahada). The Utterance: is the act of speaking. The testimony of faith is divided into two parts:

The First Part

Of the two testimonies of faith: (I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah), the testimony of faith is the declaration of knowledge.

This testimony consists of:

▪ Negation: Denying worship of anything besides Allah.

▪ Affirmation: Affirming worship exclusively for Allah alone.

It includes knowledge, certainty, acceptance, submission, truthfulness, sincerity, and love.

This means that nothing is worthy of worship except the Almighty Allah.

No one deserves to be worshipped except Allah.

No one deserves to have their commands and prohibitions obeyed absolutely except Allah.

No one has the right to legislate except Allah.

No one has the right to establish law except Allah.

No one has the right to judge except Allah.

Judgment is only permissible to Allah and His Messenger.

Allah Almighty said: “The decision rests only with Allah. He has commanded that you worship none but Him.”