The Rights of Allah Upon His Servants

📖Sahih al-Bukhari 7373
Narrated Muadh bin Jabal: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “O Muadh! Do you know what Allah’s Right upon His Servants is?” I said, “Allah and His Apostle know best.” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “To worship Him (Allah) Alone and to join none in worship with Him (Allah). Do you know what their right upon Him is?” I replied, “Allah and His Apostle know best.” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Not to punish them (if they do so).”

Explanation:

This Hadith outlines the Rights of Allah and His servants. The Prophet ﷺ explains that Allah’s right upon His creation is that they worship Him alone and do not associate any partners with Him (i.e., avoid shirk). This is the core belief of Islam, the Oneness of Allah (Tawhid), When Mu`adh asks about the right of His creation upon Allah, the Prophet ﷺ emphasizes that if a person worships Allah alone, then Allah will not punish them for their mistakes, provided they do not persist in disbelief or shirk. This reflects the immense mercy of Allah, who will forgive sins if a person believes in Him and repents.

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Context of Belief in One God and Following the Qur’anic Law:

Believing in One God (Tawhid) is the foundation of Islam, but it is not just about declaring the belief. It also includes following the commandments of Allah, which are revealed in the Qur’an and exemplified in the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ. This includes:

• Following the teachings of the Qur’an and the Sunnah (the way of the Prophet ﷺ).
• Avoiding major sins (such as lying, stealing, injustice, and disobedience to parents, etc.).
• Repenting for any wrongdoings and striving to lead a righteous life according to Islamic law.
• Observing the five pillars of Islam, which are obligatory acts of worship.

Belief in Allah alone does not automatically guarantee entry into Heaven. It is only part of the journey. To truly attain salvation, one must combine faith with righteous actions and obedience to Allah’s law, which is embodied in the Qur’an and the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ.

Following the Law of the Qur’an and Avoiding Major Sins:

A person’s belief in Allah and worship of Him alone must be accompanied by actions that align with Islamic teachings. The Qur’an emphasizes avoiding major sins and obeying Allah’s commandments:

• Major Sins are those that are explicitly prohibited in the Qur’an and Hadith, such as:

• Shirk (associating partners with Allah).
• Murder.
• Adultery and fornication.
• Consuming alcohol.
• Riba (usury).
• Dishonoring parents.

• Allah’s Mercy is vast, but those who persist in sin without repentance risk accountability in the Hereafter.

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Quranic Context:

Belief in Allah alone requires following His laws and avoiding major sins. Allah reminds us in the Qur’an of the importance of righteous deeds and obedience to His commands:

📖Quran 2:25
And give good tidings to those who believe and do righteous deeds, that they will have gardens in Paradise beneath which rivers flow. Whenever they are provided with a fruit therefrom, they will say, “This is what we were provided with before.” And they will be given something in likeness. And they will have therein purified spouses and will abide therein eternally.

Belief in Allah alone, accompanied by righteous deeds, leads to reward in the Hereafter.

📖Quran 4:31
If you avoid the major sins which you are forbidden, We will remove from you your lesser sins and admit you to a noble entrance.

Avoiding major sins (like shirk, oppression, etc.) is crucial. Repentance and obedience lead to forgiveness from Allah.

📖Quran 33:72
Indeed, We offered the Trust to the heavens and the earth and the mountains, but they declined to bear it and feared it; but man undertook it. Indeed, he was unjust and ignorant.

This refers to the responsibility that humans bear in following Allah’s laws. Belief must be accompanied by actions, and this Trust (the responsibility to obey Allah) is not to be taken lightly.

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Forgiveness, Punishment, and Divine Judgment

If someone commits major sins, there is a punishment for each. But if they ask for forgiveness before the punishment, it is possible that Allah will forgive them. However, they may still face punishment in this world for the crime they committed. If the one who suffered forgives them, then the punishment may not be required. In the end, it is up to Allah to judge such a person.

📖Quran 2:178
“O you who have believed, prescribed for you is legal retribution (qisās) for those murdered – the free for the free, the slave for the slave, and the female for the female. But if the killer is forgiven by the brother of the slain, then grant a suitable compensation and let him pay it with good conduct. This is a concession and a mercy from your Lord. But whoever transgresses after that will have a painful punishment.”

This verse makes it very clear:

• Qisas (equal punishment) is allowed, like execution for murder.
• But if the victim’s family forgives and chooses diyah (blood money) or even full pardon, the punishment is lifted.
• It’s considered an act of mercy and Allah praises the one who forgives.

Meaning:

If someone committed a major crime like murder:

• They may be punished by Islamic law (qisas).
• BUT if the family of the victim forgives them:

• • The punishment in this world is lifted.

  • The matter becomes between the person and Allah.

  • Allah may still forgive them in the Hereafter, especially if they repent sincerely.

This verse shows that forgiveness by the victim plays a huge role in lifting worldly punishment, and it is considered a mercy in Islam.