The Conditions of Laa Ilaaha Illallaah

The statement Laa ilaaha illallaah has seven conditions:

1. Knowledge that negates ignorance:

One should know what it negates and what it confirms, as well as avoid worshipping anyone or anything besides Allah. Whoever does not know its meaning will not be able to act in accordance with its obligations. Furthermore, it will not benefit the one who worships someone or something besides Allah.

2. Certainty that negates doubt:

The person who utters this statement should believe with certainty in all the matters related to it, such as Paradise and Hell and all matters of the Unseen World. Whoever doubts the existence of such matters will certainly be deprived of its benefits.

3. Sincerity that negates hypocrisy:

Whoever utters this statement without sincerely believing in it for the sake of Allah Only, might get worldly benefits only. His blood and property may be protected, but he will definitely be in the depths of Hell-fire with the hypocrites who only give lip service to this statement. Such people in fact show hatred towards the religion of Islam and its staunch followers.

4. Love for this statement and all that it calls to:

As well as love for those who act upon its commands. One must also show hatred towards those who reject it and contradict its obligations.

5. Acceptance as opposed to rejection:

The Muslim youth must accept any command or prohibition which emanates from this statement. A Muslim must do his best to act upon all commands and avoid all prohibitions, no matter how small they might seem to him or her.

6. Obedience as opposed to rebellion:

A Muslim youth must act upon all the commands of Islam. If, in a moment of carelessness, he has been tempted by Satan not to abide by a certain rule, he must turn to his Lord in repentance without hesitation or delay.

7. Truthfulness, which opposes lying:

A Muslim must be truthful regarding his belief in this statement. The person who says this statement but does not truly believe in it, and he only lies in saying it for the sake of some worldly gains will not be considered Muslim and none of his work will be accepted.

The most important of all these conditions is to reject At-Taaghoot, which is all that is worshipped besides Allah. The Qur'an says:

"Whoever disbelieves in At-Taaghoot (false deities and all that is worshipped besides Allah) and believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:256)

The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said:

"Whoever says Laa ilaaha illallaah and disbelieves in whatever is worshipped besides Allah, will have his blood and property protected, and his judgement will be with Allah, the Mighty and Majestic."

These texts clearly show that what is meant by saying 'Laa ilaaha illallaah' is to demonstrate one's dedication to worshipping none but Allah. Those who only pay lip service to it will not get any benefit whatsoever from doing so.