Aqaaid

Being happy with the decree of Allah Ta'ala

Q: Please forgive me for asking this question. Time and again this question comes to my mind so I want to find solace in your answer.

Islam is a religion of peace the only way of life to obtain the satisfaction of Allah. Allah sent so many prophets for the same until our last prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wasallam). If Islam came to our lives to bring peace, why is that so many Sahaabahs who were devoted followers of Islam, died in a brutal way? Umar (radhiyallahu anhu) was killed by a Jew, Usman (radhiyallahu anhu) was killed by so called Muslims, Ali (radhiyallahu anhu), Hasan(radhiyallahu anhu), Hussain(radhiyallahu anhu) all so devoted Sahaabahs died brutally? And if surrendering oneself brings peace than in what form and how it comes? Islam is perfect so it should make our lives peaceful, but I see the anxiety of heaven and hell, the problems of the world remains and the death of so pious Muslims die in struggle?

What is the definition of the peace? Is it spiritual peace inside and not of the physical bodily peace? I keep asking these questions to myself. We are in the right path still why we struggle more than the others who worship animals and idols? What is it that brings peace and what is the exact peace Allah is promising us? 

Meaning of shahaadah

Q:

1. Some say that actually saying the shahaadah is not required to be considered a Muslim and rather just to actually believe in your heart while others say that you have to actually say the shahaadah, which is correct?

2. Why does the Hanafi madhab believe that despite not praying, as long as they believe in the shahaadah's message, people can still be considered Muslim and eventually enter paradise. If it is said that the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam)'s uncle believed that his nephew was not lying and telling the truth yet will enter hell? Is it because he refused to say the shahaadah, regardless of whats in his heart?

Celebrating birthdays

Q: If someone follows the opinion that celebrating birthdays is halaal as long as they are not extravagant and as long as they don't include something haraam, then if that person says happy birthday to non-Muslims who are celebrating it, are they still Muslim?

Because I've heard from people that if a Muslim participates in a kaafirs events then they have committed kufr (atleats that is what I understood) but what if that person thinks its ok to celebrate birthdays?

Following Islam out of fear for Allah Ta'ala

Q: I follow Islam out of fear of hell and of Allah's wrath, not out of love for Him or a desire for paradise and I don't like Allah. For me he is something cruel entity but powerful because he is a creator or God. I always think he will be going to harm me and not going to benefit me and He never benefited me, as I said I follow Islam because of fear. I don't want His hell or paradise both, can I make dua for Allah to save me from his hell as well as his heaven?