The Four Rules

Imam al-Mujaddid Muhammad bin Abdil-Wahhab | Abu Iyaad Amjad Rafiq

The four rules in this brief treatise are derived from the texts of the Qur’an and the Sunnah and from knowledge regarding the state of the Arabs in the era of the author. They comprise mighty principles and protect the one who memorises them and learns their meanings. Collectively, they clarify the principle regarding Tawhid and the principle regarding shirk such that they can be clearly distinguished. Tawhid is the foundation of religion, and worship without Tawhid is futile.

A person who prays without purification is praying in vain, and a person who prays, fasts, gives charity and does good to others, his deeds are in vain when he invokes others, whether for intercession, or for aid, relief and rescue. Such a person has not understood the reality of the Tawhid of the Messengers due to ignorance or being misled by others through doubts which Shaytan brought to them. This indicates the tremendous importance of thoroughly grasping these affairs which are explained in this brief treatise through the four rules.