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What exactly is an act of Ibaadah?

There is more to acts of worship than the five pillars of Islam. Ibaadah is not limited to ritual acts alone.

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Every fasting Muslims have been praying to Allah to accept their ritual worships as acts of Ibaadah.

We tend to use this word loosely. Many of us believe since the word revolves around the worship of Allah,  it is all about observing the five pillars of Islam: professing the shahadah, observing salat, fasting in Ramadan, giving zakat and performing Hajj.

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Of course, these are the foundations upon which Islam is built. These pillars are some of the means through which we worship Allah. But then this is not what the word Ibaadah is all about.

There is more to acts of worship than the five pillars. Ibaadah is not limited to ritual acts alone, it covers any action of the hearts or limbs which Allah likes us to do and is pleased with. For instance calling someone to the path of Allah, commanding good as well as condemning evil are great acts of worship.

Allah says: “I did not create the Jinn, nor mankind, except to worship Me.” [Sooratudh-Dhaariyaat 51:56]

To worship is the whole essence of the creation of mankind and of course, it is not all about the ritual acts of worship,

In his explanation of the verse above, Ibn Kathir said

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"Ibaadah is obedience to Allah by acting upon what He commands, and abandoning what He forbids, and this is the reality and essence of Islaam."

Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (d.728H) – rahimahullaah – while explaining the concept of worship (Al-Ibaadah) said:

“Worship is a comprehensive term covering everything that Allaah loves and is pleased with – whether saying, or actions, outward and inward.”

So, it is clear that we are not created only to observe the five times daily prayer, fast in Ramadan or pay Zakat regularly. Worship in the sight of Allah transcends these rituals, it covers everything that pleases him. Therefore, seeking forgiveness is also part of worship for no one forgives except Him.

Now, that we are in the latter part of Ramadan, it is expected that whoever desires the mercy of Allah should watch his deeds including what he says.

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This includes watching what you say to others because saying good words is encouraged in Islam and if there is nothing good to say, keeping silent is the best you can do at that moment.

Goodness to your parents and neighbour, the orphan, the poor, the wayfarer, the aged and other beings whether human or animal; du’aa (supplication); dhikr (remembrance of Allah); qiraa’ah (recitation of the Qur'an) all constitute acts of worship.

Also removing stones, sharp objects or other things that may harm or injure people from pathways is a fantastic act of worship too.

Worships come in different forms and shades. We can do everything we believe Allah is pleased with and it'll be considered an act of worship.

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Like Ibn Kathir said, this is the reality of worship in Islam and we are encouraged to extend our acts of worship to kindness and all deeds we never knew could please Allah.

So, as we increase the ritual acts of worship, let us watch our interactions with the environment too and make sure we seize the opportunity to worship Allah in every situation we find ourselves. May Allah accept our efforts as acts of Ibaadah. Ameen.

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