Implementing Islam in its entirety

6-4-2002 | IslamWeb

Question:

Is it Fard to have Islam implemented in its entirety? How is this achieved and what should we as Muslims do about it?

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Answer:

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the World; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.

All people have to enter Islam as it was revealed to Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam).
Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {And We have not sent you (O Muhammad SAW) except as a giver of glad tidings and a warner to all mankind…} [34:28]. And He Says: {Say (O Muhammad SAW): "O mankind! Verily, I am sent to you all as the Messenger of Allâh -…} [7:158]. He also Says: {And We have sent down to you (O Muhammad SAW) the Book (this Qur'ân) in truth, confirming the Scripture that came before it and Mohayminan (trustworthy in highness and a witness) over it (old Scriptures). …} [5:48].
This last verse means that the Qur'an abrogates the previous Divine Books. In the same vein, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said, "By Allah in whose hands is my life, any Jew or Christian (or even any other one) from this Ummah learns about me (my mission) and does not believe in it, will be among the people of the Hell-Fire" . [Reported by Imam Muslim ]
So, whoever enters the religion of Islam must honor it totally and in accordance to his/her ability.
Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {O you who believe! Enter perfectly in Islâm (by obeying all the rules and regulations of the Islâmic religion)…} [2:208].
This verse means that every Muslim has to follow all teachings of Islam.
He also Says explaining the situation of those who believe in some portion of the Qur'an and disbelieve in another (interpretation of meaning): {…Then do you believe in a part of the Scripture and reject the rest? Then what is the recompense of those who do so among you, except disgrace in the life of this world, and on the Day of Resurrection they shall be consigned to the most grievous torment. And Allâh is not unaware of what you do.} [2:85].
Allah also Says (interpretation of meaning): {Verily, those who disbelieve in Allâh and His Messengers and wish to make distinction between Allâh and His Messengers (by believing in Allâh and disbelieving in His Messengers) saying, "We believe in some but reject others," and wish to adopt a way in between. They are in truth disbelievers. And We have prepared for the disbelievers a humiliating torment.} [4:150-151].
As an additional duty on those who live according to Islam is to spare no effort to invite the others to Islam with wisdom and in a polite manner. This does not mean that we are to force disbelievers to enter Islam. Then, a new Muslim will be equal with other Muslims, in duties and rights. But, if a disbeliever in an Islamic state refuses to enter Islam, he has the choice to pay al-Jizyah (poll tax or tribute) and to remain non-Muslim.
Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path.…} [2:256]. Allah also Says (interpretation of meaning): {And say: "The truth is from your Lord." Then whosoever wills, let him believe, and whosoever wills, let him disbelieve. …} [18:29].
In case of paying al-Jizyah, one is entitled to be protected by the Muslim state just as any Muslim citizen.
But, if a disbeliver refuses to be a Muslim or to pay al-Jizyah, then the Muslim state should fight him/them if the state can do that.
Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {Fight against those who (1) believe not in Allâh, (2) nor in the Last Day, (3) nor forbid that which has been forbidden by Allâh and His Messenger (4) and those who acknowledge not the religion of truth (i.e. Islâm) among the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), until they pay the Jizyah with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.} [9:29].
As for an apostate, he/she has no choice except to reenter Islam or be killed.
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: "Whoever changes his/her religion must be killed" [Reported by Imam Bukhari ].
Allah knows best.