Believe in Allah and Disbelieve in Taaghoot
Sheikh Abu Muhammad 'Isaam al-Maqdisi
May Allah Preserve him and Hasten his Release
Part 1
One should know that Allah is the Head and Origin of everything and every being. The firmest thing that Allah ordained for Adam’s son to learn and to do, before praying, paying Zakat, or any other act of worship, is to believe in the oneness of Allah and to avoid and disbelieve in any other deity (Taaghoot).
It was for this reason Allah created the creatures, sent the prophets, revealed the Books, and ordained the Jihaad and martyrdom. Because of this, there is enmity between Al-Rahman’s followers and those of Shaytaan, and because of this the Islamic nation and the right caliphate will be established.
Allah said (which means):
“And I (Allah) created not the jinns and humans except they should worship Me (Alone).” Surah adh-Dhaariyaat: 51:56]
That means to worship Allah alone.
He also said:
“And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): 'Worship Allah (Alone) and avoid (or keep away from) the Taaghoot (all false deities).”
Surah an-Nahl: 16:36]
This Belief that there is no god but Allah (lit, none worthy of worship except Allah -ed.), is basic to Islam. No Call, no Jihad, no Prayer, no Fasting, no Zakat, no Pilgrimage will be accepted without it.