By the Noble Scholar, Shaykh Sulaymân as-Sulaymî  [1]

True Freedom

Without doubt, we all hate the slavery and subjugation we see upon the earth today.  That being the subjugation of men over men, where some subjugate others, humiliating them and trampling over them.  This is indeed hated.  However, what we will talk about today is different to this.  It is as Rabî’ Ibn ’Âmir radiallâhu ’anhu said, “Allâh has sent us to deliver whomsoever chooses, from the worship of men, to the ’ubûdiyyah (worship and servitude) of Allâh.  And from the narrowness of this world, to the vastness of this world and the Hereafter.  And from the oppression of the (false) religions, to the justice of Islâm.” [2]

  By the Shaykh Ahmad Fareed [1]

Ikhlaas (purity and sincerity of intentions): It is the stripping (i.e. the purifying) of one's intentions in order to draw closer to Allaah - the Mighty and Majestic - in all matters. It is also said that ikhlaas is intending to single out Allaah alone with acts of obedience. It has also been said that ikhlaas is to forget about the creation by constantly looking towards the Creator.

The Meaning of Worship

The saying of Allaah – the Most High -:

“I did not create the jinn nor mankind except to worship Me.”

[Soorah adh-Dhaariyaat 51:56]

Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (d.728H) said: “Al-‘ibaadah (worship) is obedience to Allaah by following that which He ordered upon the tongues of His Messengers.”  He also said: “Al-‘ibaadah is a comprehensive term covering everything that Allaah loves and is pleased with – whether sayings or actions, outward or inward.” [2]