The Third Article The Element of Doctrine

The Third Article

THE ELEMENT OF DOCTRINE

The Third Article

بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

I testify that there is no god but God

and I testify that Muhammad is God's Messenger

Just as these lofty words are the very fundament of Islam, so, flying over the universe, are they its most luminous and lofty banner. With the pre-eternal covenant, belief, our oath and pledge, was written on this sacred proclamation. Yes, Islam, the water of life, flows forth from the life-giving spring of these words. This proclamation is a pre-eternal decree given to the hands of humankind, which, destined for eternity, is awarded the good news of everlasting happiness. It is a lucent chart proclaiming the Pre-Eternal Monarch with its luminous image taken by the camera of the dominical subtle faculty called the heart, which is seated in its window facing the unseen worlds. It is the heart's eloquent interpreter. Yes, it is the eloquent orator deputed to declaim before the universe the conscience's mysterious, expressive address. It is an eternal banner in the hands of the tongue, the lucid herald of belief, which proclaims the Pre-Eternal Sovereign to the universe.

Indication

Indication

The two phrases of the profession of faith attest truly to each other and illuminate each other. Yes, Divinity (ulûhiyet) is a proof of prophethood from cause to effect (bürhan-ı limmî), while with his self and his tongue, Muhammad (Upon whom be blessings and peace) is a proof of the All-Glorious Maker from effect to cause (bürhan-ı innî).