an affirmer of Allah’s oneness and someone who is not? These are three well-known views in the school of Ahmad and among other jurists.

For this reason, several of those who discussed the first religious obligation, including Shaykh ‘Abd al-Qādir and others, said: “The first obligation upon someone entering our religion is to make the two testimonies of faith.”

Muslims agree that a Muslim child who reaches puberty is not obliged to renew the two testimonies of faith immediately upon reaching puberty.

The Noble Quran does not state that inquiry is the first obligation, nor does it require everyone to undertake it. Rather, it commands some people to do so. This accords with the view that inquiry is obligatory for someone who cannot attain faith without it. Indeed, it is obligatory for anyone who cannot fulfil an obligation without it. This is the soundest view.

Thus Allah, exalted is He, says:

“Have they not reflected within themselves? Allah did not create the heavens and the earth and all that is between them except in truth and for an appointed term. Yet many people disbelieve in the meeting with their Lord.”

This follows His words:

“But most people do not know. They know only the outward aspects of worldly life, while they are heedless of the Hereafter.”