“[All] praise is [due] to Allah, Lord of the worlds.”
The word praise is in the form of a noun and not a verb. This indicates permanence, which means that all praise is for Allah, the Exalted, for eternity, without beginning or end. In addition, using a noun removes the need for a doer of the action, which a verb needs. This indicates that even if none of the creation praised Allah, the Exalted, all praise would still belong to Him. Meaning, the praise and worship of the creation has no bearing on the infinite and divine status of Allah, the Exalted. This has been indicated in a Hadith found in Sahih Muslim, number 6572. Chapter 29 Al Ankabut, verse 6:
“And whoever strives only strives for [the benefit of] himself. Indeed, Allāh is Free from need of the worlds.”
All of this indicates the importance of avoiding pride when one praises and worships Allah, the Exalted. A muslim must understand the fact that their praise of Allah, the Exalted, only benefits themselves and Allah, the Exalted, has no need for it.
In addition, the main verse reminds a muslim that anything praiseworthy found within themself or within the rest of creation has been granted by none other than Allah, the Exalted, therefore all praise returns and solely belongs to Him. Recognizing this truth also prevents one from the deadly sin of pride, an atom’s worth of which is enough to take one to Hell. This has been warned in a Hadith found in Sahih Muslim, number 265.
Finally, pride is also avoided when one understands that the inspiration, knowledge, strength and opportunity to praise Allah, the Exalted, comes from Him.
All four reasons for praise are found within Allah, the Exalted, innately and anyone who possesses any of them only does so as Allah, the Exalted, granted it to them. Therefore, He alone is worthy of praise. The four reasons are: the praised one is full of perfection in respect to characteristics and attributes while being free from any shortcomings. The praised one has done a favour to another and the praise they receive is therefore gratitude. The who one praises hopes for a favour from the one they praise. Finally, the praised one possesses qualities which demand praise, such as might and power.
A person does a favour to others as they are always seeking some sort of return from them or from another, whether this return is divine reward, praise from people, repaying a favour or protecting themself from being labelled a miser. The one who seeks a return for the things they do is therefore not a benefactor and therefore does not really deserve praise, as their intention is not free of desiring a return for the favours they do. Whereas, Allah, the Exalted, does not grant the creation countless and continuous blessings for any of these reasons. The reason is indicated in the previous verse, namely, because He is the Most Compassionate and Most Merciful. Chapter 1 Al Fatihah, verse 1:
“In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.”
Allah, the Exalted, gains no benefit in granting blessings to the creation and is therefore the only One worthy of praise.
In addition, the main verse indicates the first step to adopting real belief in Allah, the Exalted, namely, showing gratitude to Allah, the Exalted, for the countless and continuous blessings He grants a person. Chapter 14 Ibrahim, verse 34:
“…And if you should count the favor [i.e., blessings] of Allāh, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, mankind is [generally] most unjust and ungrateful.”
The Holy Quran often uses belief in Allah, the Exalted, and showing gratitude to Him synonymously. Meaning, one cannot obtain true belief in Allah, the Exalted, until they practically show gratitude to Him. Chapter 2 Al Baqarah, verse 152:
“So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.”
True gratitude is when one always adopts a good intention to please Allah, the Exalted, in all their speech and actions. They do not desire nor demand gratitude from people. Gratitude involves speaking what is good or remaining silent. Finally, it involves using every blessing one has been granted in ways pleasing to Allah, the Exalted, according to the teachings of the Holy Quran and the traditions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. These are conditions required for one to gain more blessings from Allah, the Exalted, conditions which go beyond the few obligatory duties of Islam. Chapter 14 Ibrahim, verse 7:
“And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]…”
Chapter 1 Al Fatihah, verse 2:
“[All] praise is [due] to Allah, Lord of the worlds.”
When one accepts Allah, the Exalted, as their Lord it means they have accepted to both worship and obey Him. Worshipping includes the rituals and practices commanded by Allah, the Exalted, and obedience includes using the blessings one has been granted, such as one’s time, in ways pleasing to Allah, the Exalted. This will ensure they will live in a way pleasing to Allah, the Exalted, such as earning wealth in a lawful manner. Unfortunately, some muslims are good at worshipping Allah, the Exalted, such as the five obligatory daily prayers, but refuse to obey Allah, the Exalted, in their day to day activities. This attitude contradicts accepting Allah, the Exalted, as one’s Lord, as a Lord is both worshipped and obeyed.
In addition, as Allah, the Exalted, alone is the Creator, Sustainer and Ruler of the creation it does not make sense to disobey Him while aiming to please oneself or others. As Allah, the Exalted, has complete control over the creation, including one’s heart, the station of peace, He alone decides who obtains peace and well being in both worlds. It does not take a scholar to determine that one will not obtain peace and success in both worlds through His disobedience. Chapter 20 Taha, verse 124:
“And whoever turns away from My remembrance – indeed, he will have a depressed [i.e., difficult] life, and We will gather [i.e., raise] him on the Day of Resurrection blind.”
Whereas, the one who strives to obey Allah, the Exalted, by using the blessings they have been granted in ways pleasing to Him, will obtain peace and success in both worlds. Chapter 16 An Nahl, verse 97:
“Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer – We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do.”
If someone is not pleased with His Lordship, even though they gain nothing but benefit from it, then they should try to find a land not ruled by Him.
When one observes nature within the Heavens and the Earth they will notice peace and balance. For example, the water cycle is perfectly balanced to ensure the creation are provided with water according to their needs. One will see a balance between the rising and setting of the Sun, which allows people to tell time, schedule their activities easily and rest during the night. All this balance and peace is rooted in the fact that everything sincerely praises and obeys Allah, the Exalted, the Lord of them all. Chapter 17 Al Isra, verse 44:
“The seven heavens and the earth and whatever is in them exalt Him. And there is not a thing except that it exalts [Allāh] by His praise, but you do not understand their [way of] exalting…”
This indicates that when a person joins in with the rest of creation in praising Allah, the Exalted, then they too will obtain a balance state of mind and body. This balance leads to peace of mind and body for an individual and general peace and wellbeing for the whole society. Praising Allah, the Exalted, involves obeying Him, through one’s intention, speech and actions, by using the blessings they have been granted in ways pleasing to Him.
Chapter 1 Al Fatihah, verse 2:
“[All] praise is [due] to Allah, Lord of the worlds.”
This verse removes the validity of worshipping the creation. This is because someone only worships something from the creation because of the beauty and quality found within it. But this beauty or quality is not innately found within the created entity, it has instead been granted it by none other than Allah, the Exalted. Therefore, the created object which possesses praiseworthy qualities is not worthy of worship. Only the One who created the entity and granted these qualities to it namely, Allah, the Exalted, is.
Even though all praise and gratitude belongs solely to Allah, the Exalted, it does not mean one should not show gratitude to someone else. In fact, the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, has advised in a Hadith found in Jami At Tirmidhi, number 1954, that the one who does not show gratitude to people cannot be grateful to Allah, the Exalted. This is because Allah, the Exalted, uses the creation as a means to deliver blessings to people, such as one’s parents. Therefore, showing gratitude to these means is showing gratitude to the source of the goodness namely, Allah, the Exalted. One must therefore show gratitude to people, according to their means, for any help or aid they offer them, even if it is only a supplication on their behalf. This has been advised in a Hadith found in Imam Bukhari’s, Adab Al Mufrad, number 216. So showing gratitude to the creation is an aspect of showing gratitude to Allah, the Exalted, which in turn leads to an increase in blessings. Chapter 14 Ibrahim, verse 7:
“And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]…”
As Allah, the Exalted, is the Lord of the worlds, He must always be obeyed and never disobeyed. A Muslim must therefore only show obedience to others if it is rooted in the obedience of Allah, the Exalted, such as obeying the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. Chapter 4 An Nisa, verse 80:
“He who obeys the Messenger has obeyed Allah…”
Acknowledging the Lordship of Allah, the Exalted, includes accepting one’s servanthood to Him. This in itself is a clear indication that a Muslim must not decide their own way of life but they must simply adhere to the direction and guidance granted to them by their Lord, Allah, the Exalted. It is hypocritical to verbally declare one’s servanthood to Allah, the Exalted, and then ignore this practically, by failing to adhere to the code of conduct given to them by their Lord and Master.
Chapter 1 Al Fatihah, verse 2:
“[All] praise is [due] to Allah, Lord of the worlds.”
As Allah, the Exalted, is the Lord of the worlds, it means that He created and owns the creation. When a Muslim understands that they and every blessing they have been granted is the property of Allah, the Exalted, it becomes easier to use the blessings they have been granted in ways pleasing to their Lord and Owner. People often misuse the blessings they have been granted, as they falsely believe these blessings were earned by them and therefore belong to them. But the main verse corrects this false belief so that one understands that they must use the blessings they have been granted in ways pleasing to their true Owner. This is similar to how a person only uses the item they borrow from someone else in ways pleasing to the owner. When one behaves in this manner they will enjoy the worldly blessings they have been granted and find peace of mind and body through them in both worlds, as they have truly remembered the Owner of all blessings, Allah, the Exalted. Chapter 13 Ar Ra’d, verse 28:
“…Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah do hearts find peace.”
In addition, when one reflects over the Heavens and the Earth they will clearly observe the Oneness and Lordship of Allah, the Exalted. For example, if one reflects over the day and night and how perfectly in sync they are, they will understand that this is not a random event meaning, there is a force which ensures this perfect synchronisation. The Earth is at a perfect distance from the Sun. If the Earth was further or closer to the Sun it would not be inhabitable. Similarly, the water cycle, which involves the condensation of evaporated water from the sea and oceans in order to produce acid rain, which in turn is neutralized by the mountains and rocks, is a perfectly balanced cycle. Meaning, it cannot happen by chance. The Earth was created in such a balanced way so that a weak seed can grow and penetrate through it in order to provide plants, crops and vegetation yet the same Earth is strong enough to support the construction of heavy buildings. The ocean has the perfect density to allow ships to sail on top of them while allowing sea life to exist within them. All these and many other phenomenon within the Heavens and the Earth cannot be random. In addition, if one reflects over the perfect timing and synchronisation of the day and night, they will clearly understand that it indicates that there is only one God namely, Allah, the Exalted. If there were more than one God, each god would command the night and day to occur according to their own will. This would lead to utter destruction, as one God may will the Sun to rise whereas another other God may will the night to continue. The uninterrupted and perfect system found within the Heavens and the Earth proves there is only one God namely, Allah, the Exalted. Chapter 21 Al Anbiya, verse 22:
“Had there been within them [i.e., the heavens and earth] gods besides Allah, they both would have been ruined…”
Just like a land cannot have two kings, as they would undoubtedly fight for ultimate control and power, neither can more than one God exist. Besides, the very definition of a God is that they are the supreme, ultimate and unrivaled deity. If there was more than one, neither of them would be a God, as the true definition of God can only apply to one. Chapter 17 Al Isra, verse 42:
“Say, “If there had been with Him [other] gods, as they say, then they [each] would have sought to the Owner of the Throne a way.””
And chapter 23 Al Mu’minun, verse 91:
“Allāh has not taken any son, nor has there ever been with Him any deity. [If there had been], then each deity would have taken what it created, and some of them would have [sought to] overcome others. Exalted is Allāh above what they describe [concerning Him].”
Chapter 1 Al Fatihah, verse 2:
“[All] praise is [due] to Allah, Lord of the worlds.”
In addition, this verse also reminds a muslim to always seek refuge with Allah, the Exalted, from all difficulties and tests, as He is the only One who can grant them relief as He alone manages the affairs of the creation. Chapter 65 At Talaq, verse 2:
“…And whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out.”
Gaining this refuge involves sincerely obeying Him, by using the blessings He has granted one in ways pleasing to Him, as outlined in the Holy Quran and the traditions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him.
Furthermore, as Allah, the Exalted, the Lord of the worlds, alone manages the affairs of the creation, one must never be overly concerned about the actions of people, as nothing in creation occurs without the will of Allah, the Exalted. Chapter 9 At Tawbah, verse 51:
“Say, “Never will we be struck except by what Allah has decreed for us…””
So no matter what one faces, as it has been decreed by Allah, the Exalted, they should remain sincerely obedient to Him, knowing He always decrees what is best for everyone involved, even if this is not obvious to them. Chapter 2 Al Baqarah, verse 216:
“…But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not.”
Actualizing this reality prevents one from fearing and hoping from the creation, which often leads to the disobedience of Allah, the Exalted. One will instead maintain their sincere obedience to Allah, the Exalted, by using the blessings they have been granted in ways pleasing to Him, even if the creation turns against them, as they know nothing occurs to them or others without the will of Allah, the Exalted. Chapter 35 Fatir, verse 2:
“Whatever Allah grants to people of mercy – none can withhold it; and whatever He withholds – none can release it thereafter…”
But it is important to note, one must place hope in Allah, the Exalted, and avoid wishful thinking. Wishful thinking is when one persists on the disobedience of Allah, the Exalted, and then expects His help and mercy. As wishful thinking is always tied to the disobedience of Allah, the Exalted, it has no value in Islam. Whereas, hope in Allah, the Exalted, is always tied to His sincere obedience. Meaning, the one who strives to learn and act on the Holy Quran and the traditions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, which leads to using the blessings one has been granted in ways pleasing to Allah, the Exalted, and repents from the sins they happen to commit, is the one who fulfills the conditions of hoping for the mercy and aid of Allah, the Exalted. The difference between these two attitudes have been discussed in a Hadith found in Jami At Tirmidhi, number 2459.
Chapter 1 Al Fatihah, verse 2:
“[All] praise is [due] to Allah, Lord of the worlds.”
As the term Lord involves sustaining and maintaining, one must understand that Allah, the Exalted, has not created the world and then abandoned it. Just like a wise and just king would not allow his subjects to disobey him and break his laws without holding them accountable, neither will Allah, the Exalted, the Lord of the worlds. Just because one does not see the immediate consequences of disobeying Allah, the Exalted, it does not mean they are no consequences. In most cases, the consequences do occur during one’s lifetime but because of ignorance or the fact that they are often subtle, one does not realize and recognize them. Whereas, the consequences of one’s actions will be made clear on the Day of Judgement. Therefore, one should take the respite Allah, the Exalted, grants people in order to sincerely repent from their wrongdoing before they are punished in this world and in the next. Chapter 16 An Nahl, verse 61:
“And if Allāh were to impose blame on the people for their wrongdoing, He would not have left upon it [i.e., the earth] any creature, but He defers them for a specified term. And when their term has come, they will not remain behind an hour, nor will they precede [it].”
Finally, the Holy Quran begins praising Allah, the Exalted, and the chapter of life connected to this world will end with His praise also. Chapter 10 Yunus, verse 10:
“…And the last of their call will be, “Praise to Allah, Lord of the worlds!””
As the beginning and end is connected to praising Allah, the Exalted, it indicates everything in between should also be connected to His praise and thanks. Meaning, the purpose of life in this world is to praise Allah, the Exalted. This is achieved when one uses the blessings they have been granted in ways pleasing to Him, as outlined in the Holy Quran and the traditions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. This will ensure one fulfills the rights of Allah, the Exalted, and people correctly. This will lead to a praiseworthy and blessed life in both worlds. Chapter 16 An Nahl, verse 97:
“Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer – We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do.”
Whereas, the one who fails to fulfil this purpose is similar to the employee who gets fired after they fail to fulfil their duties at work. The one who gets fired from their work only loses their job but the one who gets dismissed by Allah, the Exalted, will lose peace of mind and success in both worlds, irrespective of how much worldly blessings they manage to accumulate and enjoy, as their worldly success will become a source of their stress and anxiety in both worlds. Chapter 9 At Tawbah, verse 82:
“So let them laugh a little and [then] weep much as recompense for what they used to earn.”
And chapter 20 Taha, verses 124-126:
“And whoever turns away from My remembrance – indeed, he will have a depressed [i.e., difficult] life, and We will gather [i.e., raise] him on the Day of Resurrection blind. He will say, “My Lord, why have you raised me blind while I was [once] seeing?” [Allāh] will say, “Thus did Our signs come to you, and you forgot [i.e., disregarded] them; and thus will you this Day be forgotten.””
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