The most essential right that man must fulfill, first, is the right of his Creator, Cherisher and Care Taker, Allaah, the Almighty, who has the most important rights of all. Allaah, the Almighty, is the King of all kings, the Omnipotent, the Just, the Only One, Who has neither a wife nor a son, the One Who creates from nothing, and returns His creations again to the Earth to become like soil dirt once again. He is the One Who grants all the graces since man was a fetus in his mother’s womb where no one was capable of providing efficient food and nourishment, except Him.

In the womb, Allaah, the Almighty, provided three layers of darkness for comfort, protection and proper insolation. Later, He was the One to provide your mother with warm milk from her breast to give you suitable type of food at all times, and in accordance with your age. Yet, Allaah, the Almighty, was the one who directed you to use the sucking function provided for you, enabling you to suckle the milk from your mother.

Moreover, He is the One who placed love, tender care, compassion, love and the sense of attachment in your parents’ hearts to employ all the early stage of your life when you needed the care, the shelter, the comfort and other things. Furthermore, He is the One who provided you with natural intelligence, mental faculties, senses, energy, strength and so forth to care for yourself and for others, professing the Creator’s abilities and graces unto you. Allaah, the Almighty, stated in the Glorious Quran (what means):

“It is He Who brought you forth from the wombs of your mothers when you knew nothing; and He gave you hearing and sight and intelligence and affections: That you may give thanks (to God)” (Quran 16: 78)

If any man provided you with a fraction of what Allaah, the Almighty, has provided, you would give him proper respect, consideration to whatever he demands of you, as long as such requests are within reason, of course. Is it not awful to confront one’s Lord, Creator, Cherisher and Caretaker with plain denial of His commands, rules, teachings and instructions which are for the benefit, welfare and well-being of man himself, not for the benefit of the Lord himself? In fact, all good that comes to man is definitely from His Lord, Allaah, the Almighty and all evil or bad things dismissed from man is also due to the Mercy of Allaah, the Almighty. As Allaah, the Almighty stated in the Glorious Quran (what means):

“And you have no good things but is from God: And moreover, when ye are touched by distress, unto Him you cry with groans.” (Quran 6: 53)

In reality, this right that Allaah, the Almighty, requires for himself from man is very easy to observe, simple to respect, clear to understand and practical to apply for those whom Allaah, the Almighty, made it so for them. The crux of the matter is that Allaah, the Almighty, did not make this right a difficult task to achieve, impossible to live by, hard to apply, or even tough to understand. Allaah, the Almighty stated in the Glorious Quran (what means):

“And strive in His cause as you ought to strive, (With sincerity and under discipline). He has chosen you, and has imposed no difficulties on you in religion; it is the cult of your father Abraham. It is He Who has named you Muslims, both before and in this (Revelation); that the Apostle may be a witness for you, and you be witnesses for mankind! So establish regular Prayer, give regular Charity, and hold fast to God! He is your Protector, the Best to protect and the Best to help!” (Quran 22: 78)

This right of Allaah, the Almighty, is an ideal belief, truthful faith and belief in justice and fairness. This right results in fruitful and excellent quality, good deeds and actions. In fact, the five daily prayers of Muslims is but a simple result of the application of this right of Allaah, the Almighty. However, such daily prayers are for the benefit of man himself. They will abolish the minor sins committed during that day, increase the rewards of man for his good actions, improve morals, practices and deviations of the heart of man while improving various situations of man, such as patience and perseverance, concentration, dedication, steadfastness, devotion, commitment to time, production and excellence and so forth. Although this is required from all, it is in accordance with every individual’s abilities as Allaah, the Almighty, stated in the Glorious Quran (what means): “So fear God as much as you can.” (Quran 64: 16)

The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) told a man called ‘Imraan Ibn Al-Husayn may Allaah be pleased with him who was ill at that time: “Offer your “obligatory” prayer while standing, but if you cannot do that, then offer it while sitting, and if you cannot do that, then offer it while laying down on your side.”

Consequently, man as a result of his belief in Allaah, the Almighty, and His religion of Islam, is to pay Zakaah (charity). This is a small percentage of the entire wealth that is given to man, but yet, it benefits the poor and needy individuals in the society. It does not benefit Allaah, the Almighty. Zakaah benefits the poor, but by the same token, it does not harm or burden the rich person who gives of his wealth.

As a believing obedient Muslim, one must observe Sawm (fasting) during the month of Ramadhaan, the ninth month in the lunar calendar, every year, in fulfillment of the right of Allaah, the Almighty. However, if one is unable to fulfill this duty for any legitimate reason or excuse, then one may make it up some other time of the year, or pay necessary fines (in charity) for missing it, as Allaah, the Almighty, stated in the Glorious Qur’an (what means): “But if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (should be made up) by days later.” (Quran 2: 185)

Also, as a result of the application, observation and adherence to this immense right of Allaah, the Almighty, a believing Muslim must perform Hajj (pilgrimage) to the Holy Shrine of Ka’abah, at Makkah, one time in one’s life as a requirement for those who can physically and financially can afford it.

All other acts, duties and requirements that Islam requires from the believers are only required when there is a need for them, such as Jihad (fight and struggle, holy war) for the Cause of Allaah, the Almighty supporting the cause of injustice to men when it occurs and needs support.

Dear fellow man! Examine this right of Allaah, the almighty. It is easy to fulfill, maintain and observe. It is so insignificant in terms of required applications; yet, it is so great in value and reward for those who observe it and perform whatever it entails. Observers of such right will live happily in this life, the hereafter, salvaged from the Hell-fire and will be rewarded with permanent abode in Paradise as Allaah, the Almighty, stated in the Glorious Quran (what means): “Only he who is saved far from the Fire and admitted to the Garden will have attained the object (of Life): For the life of this world is but goods and chattels of deception.” (Quran 3: 185)