[7-11] Thalaathat Al-Usul

What do the four matters comprise, and what knowledge is intended in the first matter?

The four matters comprise the whole religion and deserve great attention because of their tremendous benefit

The knowledge in the first matter is:
1) Knowledge of Allah
2) His Prophet ﷺ
3) The religion of Islam with the proofs

What is knowledge and awareness of Allah—maʿrifatullāh? List 3 effects of it.

Knowledge of Allah within the heart that causes a person to:

1) Accept what Allah has prescribed
2) Submit to what He has prescribed
3) Judge by the Shariah brought by His Messenger ﷺ

How does a servant increase in knowledge and awareness of Allah? List 2 ways.

By reflecting on:
1) The religious signs in the Qur’an and Sunnah
2) Allah’s signs within creation.

What is meant by knowledge of Allah’s Messenger Muhammad ﷺ? List 6 effects of it.

Knowledge that causes a person to:

1) Accept his guidance
2) Believe his reports
3) Obey his commands
4) Avoid his prohibitions
5) Judge by his Shariah
6) Be pleased with his judgment

According to the Quran, how must a believer respond to the Messenger ﷺ? List 6 ways.

1) Make him the judge in disputes
2) Feel no inward resistance to his judgment
3) Accept his judgement with full submission
4) To say we Hear and Obey
5) Refer disagreements back to Allah and His Messenger ﷺ
6) Beware of opposing his command

What is Islam in its general and particular meanings?

General: Worshipping Allah according to what He prescribed through each messenger

Particular: After Muhammad ﷺ was sent, Islam is the religion and revelation that he brought

How did the sending of Muhammad ﷺ affect the previous revealed religions? List 3 reasons.

1) His message abrogated the previous revealed laws

2) The true followers of earlier prophets were Muslims in their times, but after Muhammad ﷺ was sent, Islam requires following him

3) No other religion is accepted by Allah

What is a proof—dalīl—and what are its two categories?

A dalīl is that which leads to what is sought.

Its two categories are:
1) Textual proof from the Qur’an and Sunnah
2) Intellectual proof established through observation and reflection

What are the textual and intellectual proofs for the prophethood of Muhammad ﷺ? List 1 textual, and 3 intellectual proofs.

Textual: Allah explicitly declares Muhammad ﷺ to be His Messenger

Intellectual:
1) The truth and justice of the Qur’an
2) His miracles
3) Unseen events he foretold through revelation that occurred as stated