Explaining the Importance of Realizing Tawhid

The Shaykh : Tawhid, in its three types—tawhid al-rububiyyah (oneness of lordship), tawhid al-'ibadah or al-uluhiyyah (oneness of worship), and tawhid al-asma' wa al-sifat (oneness of the names and attributes)—if we understand this, we must know that if we want to be saved on the Day of Resurrection from eternal abode in the Fire, for this eternal abode is only deserved by the disbelievers who associate partners with Allah, as our Lord (Blessed and Exalted is He) said: ; therefore, if we understand this explanation, which is ... extensive, we will understand the importance of the phrase "La ilaha illa Allah" and the secret that Allah (Mighty and Majestic) has forbidden the Fire for anyone who says "La ilaha illa Allah." So the prohibition of the Fire for one who says "La ilaha illa Allah" is not merely by the word ... on his tongue, without its true meaning entering his heart, and then not worshipping Allah in accordance with it. No, this is not truly a light word on the tongue; it is heavy in the scale and beloved to the Most Merciful (Blessed and Exalted is He). Therefore, the first thing obligatory upon the Muslim in this worldly life is to realize the meaning of "La ilaha illa Allah," because if he does that, what follows will be easier for him; and if he does not realize it, nothing he presents of righteous deeds in this worldly life will benefit him, as our Lord (Blessed and Exalted is He) said: , . This reality, O our brothers, we must strive to follow its guidance and follow some of what is hidden from you of it, and you should call people to it. By doing so, you will realize the meaning of this testimony that we repeat in our prayers, in our tashahhud, and in our dhikr.