Tawhid: Epsiode 4 | Sheikh Mohammed Mehdi

Summary

The video script discusses how people often seek exotic or complex knowledge when the simplest truths are most beneficial. Using examples from religion and nature, it emphasizes that people sometimes complicate their understanding of fundamental concepts, like faith, in order to feel unique. The speaker argues that understanding God should be based on what is readily accessible and natural, warning against the pursuit of unnecessary complexity. The message focuses on the importance of genuine submission and understanding God as He desires, rather than following superstitions or misconstrued practices.

Takeaways

• 🍉 People often seek out exotic things (like eating out-of-season fruits), even though what’s best for them is what's readily available and natural, such as seasonal produce.
• 🙏 In religion, people tend to search for mysterious or esoteric knowledge, when the most basic, natural understanding of God is what gives true happiness and peace.
• 🧐 Some people want to feel special by seeking unique or hidden knowledge, rather than accepting the simple and common sense truths.
• 💡 The speaker argues that the basics of religion, like recognizing God in His true form, are more important than delving into complicated or obscure concepts.
• 🕌 The first and most basic principle of religion is the recognition of God as unique, with no equal or resemblance.
• 🛑 Seeking out hidden or strange knowledge without a solid understanding of the basics can lead to confusion and being misled.
• 😇 Genuine submission to God involves understanding Him as He wants to be understood, rather than imposing one’s own ideas or interpretations.
• 🛤️ Misunderstanding or distorting God's nature can lead to a deviated path, straying from true worship.
• 📿 Superstition and ritualism are seen as distractions from true devotion and submission to God.
• 📜 Understanding and following the correct path as laid out by prophets, such as Muhammad, is essential for staying on the righteous path.

Q & A

What is the speaker's viewpoint on seeking out strange or exotic knowledge?

The speaker believes that people often seek out strange or exotic knowledge when the most beneficial knowledge is what is readily available. They emphasize that seeking such knowledge can lead to misinformation and disinformation, and that understanding basic truths, such as the creation of the universe by God, is more important.

How does the speaker relate seasonal fruits to the pursuit of knowledge?

The speaker compares eating seasonal fruits to pursuing knowledge, suggesting that just as it is best to eat fruits in season, it is also best to focus on the knowledge that is most accessible and beneficial rather than seeking exotic or unusual information.

What analogy does the speaker use to explain the importance of understanding basic knowledge before seeking deeper insights?

The speaker uses the analogy of learning to swim before jumping into the deep end or learning to stand before running. This analogy highlights the importance of mastering basic knowledge before attempting to understand deeper or more complex ideas.

What does the speaker say about people who seek special or hidden knowledge?

The speaker criticizes people who seek special or hidden knowledge in order to feel unique or superior to others. They argue that such pursuits are pointless if one does not understand the basics first, and it can lead people away from true understanding.

According to the speaker, what is the most basic part of religion?

The most basic part of religion, according to the speaker, is the recognition of God as He should be recognized. This understanding forms the foundation of faith and should precede any deeper explorations of religious knowledge.

What is the speaker's view on understanding God?

The speaker emphasizes that understanding God is not a mystery. It is something natural that brings substance and inner peace to a person. They stress the importance of knowing God as He wants to be known, not according to one's own ideas.

What does the speaker say about the concept of God's uniqueness?

The speaker explains that God is unique, having no equal, resemblance, or equivalent. This understanding of God’s uniqueness is essential to the proper recognition of Him and is a fundamental principle of faith.

How does the speaker interpret the story of Satan's refusal to prostrate to Adam?

The speaker explains that Satan refused to prostrate to Adam because of pride, not because of devotion to God. Satan’s refusal is viewed as a rejection of God's authority, illustrating the danger of following one’s own desires rather than submitting to God's will.

What does the speaker say about superstition and ritualism in worship?

The speaker warns against superstitious and ritualistic practices that are disconnected from genuine devotion. They argue that such practices can lead people away from truly understanding and worshiping God as He wants to be worshiped.

What is the speaker’s advice on avoiding deviation in worship?

The speaker advises that to avoid deviation in worship, one must understand and follow God’s teachings as He wants them to be understood. Deviating from this leads people further away from the true path of worship and towards misunderstanding or false practices.

Outlines

00:00

🍉 Embrace the Basics, Avoid the Exotic

This paragraph reflects on people's tendency to seek exotic or outlandish things, even when the best options are readily available. It uses the metaphor of eating seasonal fruits, like citrus in winter, to highlight how people complicate simple matters, including their approach to religion. The speaker criticizes the pursuit of esoteric knowledge when the simplest and most accessible answers, like the belief in creation, are often ignored. The focus should be on what is natural and straightforward rather than delving into unnecessary complexities that can lead to confusion and misinformation.

05:01

🧠 Learn the Basics Before Seeking Depth

The second paragraph discusses how people often desire intricate or deep knowledge without first understanding the basics. Using an analogy of cricket, the speaker compares how one might attempt to discuss finer points of the game without first grasping the essentials. This is then related to religion, where individuals may seek advanced understanding without knowing the fundamental principles. The speaker recounts a story where a man asks the Prophet about deeper religious knowledge, but the Prophet advises that one must first comprehend the basics, starting with the recognition of Allah.

10:03

🔍 Recognizing Allah: The Core of Knowledge

Here, the speaker explores the concept of truly understanding Allah. The Prophet explains to the man that the most basic yet important part of religion is recognizing Allah in the way He wants to be recognized, which involves understanding His uniqueness. This paragraph emphasizes that knowing God is not about performing outward gestures like slogans or symbolic actions, but about understanding God's will and essence. The speaker references Satan's refusal to bow to Adam as an example of how pride and self-will can lead to disobedience, warning against elevating one's own interpretation over God's command.

🌍 God’s Uniqueness and the Dangers of Misinterpretation

This paragraph delves deeper into recognizing Allah’s attributes—His uniqueness, lack of resemblance to anything else, and the fact that He has no equal. It emphasizes that God is both the first and the last, the outer and the inner, known and hidden. The speaker warns against distorting the understanding of God by constraining Him into a limited form or elevating others to His level. Doing so leads to a misguided perception of God's nature and abilities. The paragraph concludes with a reflection on how true worship requires genuine submission, without allowing superstitions or man-made rituals to interfere.

🙏 Genuine Submission and Avoiding Deviations

In this final paragraph, the speaker addresses the concept of genuine submission to God. The idea is that worship should not be mechanical or based on habitual actions, but should come from a deep understanding of God's will. Superstition and ritualism, which often stem from misunderstood or invented practices, can lead believers astray. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding prayer and religious practices in their true essence, rather than performing them for superficial reasons. The closing thought is a plea for guidance to stay on the righteous path, avoiding deviations that could lead to false worship.

Keywords

💡Common Sense

Common sense refers to practical, basic reasoning that guides everyday decisions. In the video, the speaker uses this term to criticize those who overlook simple, self-evident truths in favor of seeking more complex or exotic explanations, such as the idea of evolution versus creation. The speaker suggests that common sense points toward creation as the obvious answer.

💡Strange Knowledge

Strange knowledge is described as the pursuit of esoteric or obscure information, often at the expense of fundamental understanding. The video discusses how some people seek specialized knowledge to feel unique or superior, neglecting basic truths or principles, particularly in religion. This pursuit is portrayed as unnecessary and even dangerous, leading people away from true understanding.

💡Seasonal Fruits

The speaker uses seasonal fruits as a metaphor to illustrate the idea of aligning with what is naturally available and beneficial. In the context of the video, this analogy is applied to both food and religious practices, suggesting that people should stick to what is 'natural' or appropriate for them rather than seeking out exotic, unnecessary alternatives like eating out-of-season fruits.

💡Recognition of God

The recognition of God is identified as the most basic and essential part of religious knowledge. The video emphasizes that understanding and knowing God in the way He wishes to be understood is the foundation of faith. It criticizes those who complicate this relationship by seeking out finer points of knowledge before grasping the fundamental concept of God's uniqueness and authority.

💡Superstition and Ritualism

Superstition and ritualism refer to practices that are based on irrational beliefs and the mechanical repetition of religious actions without true understanding or genuine faith. The video warns against allowing these practices to replace meaningful worship. The speaker highlights how following rituals without understanding their significance can lead to a false sense of devotion.

💡Unique

In the context of the video, 'unique' refers to the fundamental belief that God is incomparable, with no equal or likeness. This uniqueness is central to the speaker’s explanation of how believers should recognize and worship God. The speaker reiterates that God is the 'first and the last,' transcending all things, and this understanding is key to proper religious knowledge.

💡Deviation

Deviation refers to straying from the correct path of belief or understanding. The speaker discusses how people can become misled by focusing on intricate or outlandish ideas before understanding the basics of faith. This misdirection leads them further away from true worship and toward false beliefs or practices.

💡Prostration

Prostration is the act of bowing or lying down in submission, often as part of religious worship. The video uses the example of Satan's refusal to prostrate before Adam, despite God's command, as a lesson in arrogance and rejection of divine authority. The speaker argues that true submission to God means following His instructions, even when they challenge personal pride or belief.

💡Genuine Submission

Genuine submission refers to true devotion and surrender to God's will, based on understanding and sincere belief, rather than performing empty rituals. The speaker emphasizes that this kind of submission is essential for a meaningful relationship with God. The video critiques people who worship superficially, without understanding the purpose of their actions.

💡Esoteric Society

An esoteric society is mentioned in the video as a metaphor for groups or individuals who seek hidden, exclusive knowledge. The speaker criticizes the desire to belong to such groups, which often leads to confusion and false beliefs. This concept is presented as a distraction from focusing on simple, fundamental truths about faith and life.

Highlights

People often seek out strange or unique knowledge when the most beneficial things are already available.

The best approach is to align with what is natural and seasonal, both in diet and spiritual practices.

Seeking exotic knowledge can lead to misinformation and a misunderstanding of what is essential.

The natural pursuit of God is simple and provides inner peace when approached correctly.

People sometimes complicate religion by searching for intricate knowledge when they haven’t mastered the basics.

The most basic understanding of religion starts with the recognition of God as unique, without equal or resemblance.

Knowing God in the way He wants to be known is essential to finding peace and true spiritual understanding.

Superficial or misdirected worship, based on superstitions or rituals, detracts from true devotion.

It's important not to distort the understanding of God by limiting His attributes or capabilities.

Misdirected worship can lead people away from genuine submission to God.

True prayer and worship should be based on understanding its value, not just fulfilling a habitual act.

Understanding God in a limited or personal way, rather than as He wants to be understood, leads to spiritual deviation.

People must beware of starting with a deviated understanding of God, as it will only lead them further off the correct path.

The speaker emphasizes genuine submission to God, following His commands rather than personal desires.

Praying and acting without understanding the true essence leads to superficial practice rather than deep spiritual fulfillment.

Transcripts

[Music]

what is it with people and their quest

to find out something that is strange or

unique when what is best for them is

what is readily

available you know when someone wants

something really exotic you know people

that eat watermelons in

Winter or mangoes in winter when the

best fruit for them is the Citrus or the

apples or what's present in in in the

seasonal the seasonal fruits and from

the land supposed to eat from the land

because of what it requires likewise

when it comes to religion people want to

go into some outlandish idea you know

whenever I watch any nature video and

then I look at the comments for it but

people start talking about things

evolved in this and they don't just take

the most basic and Common Sense answer

that it was created and brought into

existence instead they want to delve

into something to make them part of some

esoteric Society where they understand

something special or we have a hidden

special knowledge don't go around

seeking strange knowledge otherwise

you'll be of those that get lost in the

wilderness of not only not only

misinformation but also

disinformation see seeking God is not

some mystery it's not M there's no

mystery in it whatsoever it's what's

natural what it's what comes naturally

to you it's the only thing gives you

substance in life and to understand him

in the way he ought to be understood is

what gives you this happiness this inner

peace

Andi we

sayi the difference when I sayi

Andi does not mean someone from the

Middle East per se this is the race of

Arab Arab is a Believer the actual word

Arab is someone that is a Believer it's

special meaning in a general sense it's

someone from the Arabian region so Arabi

is generally related to someone that's

uh a better one and if you call an Arab

and Arabi it's like you're telling them

you're a a simpleton and dwell but the

word Arabi is is someone that moves with

the seasons not someone that's stable in

any way so this person came up to the

prophet

s and then he says to

[Music]

him that basically he wants to know of

the Strang

of knowledge when we say strangeness he

wants to know the finer points of

knowledge he wants to like I said when

people seek they want to seek some

special knowledge so they can be unique

to

others like for example I I I'll sit

there go um oh you know the difference

between um the stitches on a juk cricket

ball and a cabara cricket ball you most

people don't even know what a cricket

ball is to begin with some people so

when I'm trying trying to give some

understanding to something that is fine

when I say of the finer points is

something where I'm talking to someone

that understands Cricket fully for me to

start talking about this but if I'm

talking to a an average person doesn't

understand Cricket at all we sell them

there's a batsman and there's a bowler

and their fielders that's how you start

off with so this person's a better one

that's moving around and he wants to

know the final points of the

religion and that's how people are they

want to know what's you know sometimes

you want to give them a basic lesson you

sit down and you want to teach them how

to do

oh you're teaching us how to do we know

how to do they just something more

intricate we want something deep where

we need to understand so we can feel

elevated that's that's pointless cuz

you're going to learn something that you

don't even know the basics for so this

man asked for this type of knowledge so

the messenger of God

s

says he says what do you know about the

top of the knowledge and the basics of

the knowledge he says to ask about its

peculiarities so if you do not know the

most basic the most shallowest part of

the knowledge why are you going into the

depths

you need to understand firstly I need to

learn how to swim before I jump in the

deep end I need to know learn how to

stand before I can run so he's asking

him what do you know about the basics so

the man

says uh okay what are the basic points

of religion what is the top origion what

is the most basic part of it so the man

concedes there because he doesn't know

he's asking about the depths already but

he doesn't know the basic part so there

he says all right what are the basic

points and this is where our lesson

begins he says the messenger of God he

says to rec the recognition of Allah as

he should be recognized this is the most

basic part of religion why do you think

we always talk abouted the whole problem

is

and and understand what I'm saying the

problem

with is not the problem about you

holding up your finger and cutting

someone's head off or holding a flag and

and screaming out slogans about God

being one no no this

isn't is about knowing god the way he

wants to be known the way God wants not

the way I want because if it's the way I

want the best that was ever on the Earth

was the

Shan Satan is the

best in this case why because when God

said

to he said to all the Angels do to

Adam said no I won't I won't do why cuz

he's a he says I will only prostrate to

you so what did God say did God say

congratulations

you are the best you passed the test

what did he

say God says in

Quan he

refused why he was

proud Allah doesn't

say he

says was a

rejector why he

rejected the author authority of Adam

God told him to prostrate to Adam could

you imagine you said this now to one of

these extremist groups that have this

made up ideology that you have to go

prostrate imagine IM he comes and he

says that you have to prostrate to me

let's say for example they said this is

sh what happened to the prostration of

Adam let's say that this is this is what

is being

said is understanding God the way he

wants to be

understood what is

this the only way to really understand

God what is it so the Arabi now wants to

know these basic points he

says

and and he says to know number one that

he is unique

this is remember we're reiterating what

we mentioned before cuz this is very

important in another way to recognize

him with no like that God is

unique that's the first way to know him

number two he

says so he said he's unique he has no

like he has no

resemblance and then he

says what does n mean he has no equal

when we talk about aned

and the people that take an aned with

Allah that take equals with

Allah anyone that loves anyone like they

love God to have that position and that

equality with God to elevate them to

that status that they are like God this

is what we are talking about this is the

sh that

mentioned he says the is like this

unique that he is the one the only the

outer the inner the first and the last

what does that mean that Allah is the

first

the first what that means and the last

so no one's before God no one's after

God Allah is what is known he's he's the

outer he's the inner he's what is hidden

and he's he's one and he is the only one

no that Allah has no equivalent and no

match and then he says for

that is the right way to know him that

he is unique there's no like to him

there's no resemblance to him there's no

equal that he's the one and only he's

what is known and what is hidden he's

the first he's the last he has no

equivalent no match and this is the only

way to know him in this

manner sums it up in one word he's

unique it's what he wants you to know

many

people distort this understanding of God

they try and give some kind of

description although there is no

imagination as we mentioned last lesson

that can in the slightest capture the

essence of God others try to limit the

capacity of God

how they imagine and describe him this

limits God to a specific form thereby

they constrain him to that form they

believe him there this can lead to a

deviated understanding of his attributes

and also his capabilities others have

some form of misdirected

worship they will uh bring any thought

that is foreign to God it will divert if

I bring for when I said misdirected

worship if I bring any U anything that

is foreign to

God in any way it will divert my focus

on the true path of devotion

it di I won't be worshiping God as I

should I'll be worshiping God in my own

way I will have different methods when

it comes to worship God which brings us

to the next point which is superstition

and

ritualism and when I have these

concocted theories that people conjure

up

um what they do is they encourage

superstitious and ritualistic um

practices and just make people into

habitual people of doing actions rather

than have genuine

submission so it's it a bit like when

you see

someone enter a practice to have no

knowledge of even someone that gets up

to pray not understanding what prayer is

you know when someone tells you oh you

should pray because um you know it's

good for you to pray uh uh it's not

going to take much of your time

we we say that to people maybe to bring

them towards God but if they do not

understand what prayer is and the value

of prayers and what its position is they

don't have that General genuine

submission that I'm not saying when I

don't commit a sin rather than say oh

Allah I'm doing this for you no I'm

doing it for me God has made the laws

for me so I can understand my my

situation with God this is what we mean

when we say a a genuine submission so I

need to

beware of trying to understand God other

than the way he wants me to understand

him because then

everything I will do cuz if I start off

with a

deviated

beginning all I'm going to do is keep

veering away from the path and IV until

I'm absolutely deviated and worshiping

something else alog together unlike the

actual path I'm supposed to be upon we

ask Allah to keep us upon the righteous

path the path of

[Music]

Muhammad for

[Music]