The shahādah and the first step
The declaration of faith — and what it actually means to say it.
About 30 minutes of listening
Start here. Nothing else makes sense without this foundation.
Book 2: The Book of Belief
Imam al-Ghazali · Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din
The second book of the Ihya covers the foundations of Islamic belief, exploring the pillars of faith, the attributes of Allah, and the essentials of theological understanding for the sincere seeker.
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From The Book of Belief.
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""Go forth and remove from it those with in their hearts a weight of an atom or mustard seed of faith," according to Bukhari. Bukhari also mentioned, "Whoever says there is no god but Allah and has in his heart an atom's weight [better] than faith." They differed on the ruling regarding faith and actions. Abu Talib al-Makki argued that actions performed by the body are part of faith and that faith is incomplete without them, claiming consensus on this matter."
— Imam al-Ghazali, Book 2: The Book of Belief
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"This is also found in true belief; actions influence the growth and increase of this determination, like watering influences the growth of trees. Hence, Allah says, "it increased them in faith" and "so that they may increase in faith along with their faith. The Prophet, peace be upon him, is reported to have said: "Faith increases and decreases," due to the effect of obedience on the heart."
— Imam al-Ghazali, Book 2: The Book of Belief
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"This abstention could be likened to abstaining from prayer, and such a person could be considered a believer not eternally residing in hell. Faith is pure belief, and the tongue translates this faith. Thus, faith must be fully present before the tongue articulates it. The Prophet also said: "Anyone with an atom's weight of faith would eventually leave the fire."
— Imam al-Ghazali, Book 2: The Book of Belief