1. `Aqīdah - what is it and what does it mean?
— Aqeedah Series — 8 min read
بِسْمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحْمٰنِ ٱلرَّحٖيْمِ ٱلكَرِيْم رَبُّ ٱلعَرْشِ ٱلعَظٖيمِ، وٱلصَّلَاةُ وٱلسَّلَامُ علَى رَسُوْلِ اللّٰهِ وآلِهِ وصَحْبِهِ وأمِّةِ
ٱلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ
Table of Contents
Introduction
The three dimensions of Islām
What does `Aqīdah have to do with Islām?
What does `Aqīdah mean?
Matters of `Aqīdah
Is `Aqīdah only for Muslims?
What to expect from this series
Introduction
Narrated Anas: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Whoever said 'None has the right to be worshipped but Allah' and has in his heart good (faith) equal to the weight of a barley grain will be taken out of Hell..."
Sahih al-Bukhari 44, Similar wording Jami' at-Tirmidhi
I feel that matters of the Deen are somewhat unclear among the Muslims today. We might jump into debates whenever someone attacks the Deen of Allāh, which is honorable, however it may be more harmful than good when done from a place other than a place of knowledge. It's especially harmful to one's own self. We might back ourselves into a corner and adopt corrupted ideologies that work in the moment. Or worse yet, we might even leave Islām because of our lack of understanding and our opponent's eloquent ignorance.
Similarly, there are times the people we turn to with questions - such as our parents, siblings, relatives, and friends - are unable to answer adequetly, or they spread misinformation. In some cases, they might even turn us away from asking questions rather than just admitting they do not know. This could be out of arrogance, another topic we'll look at in the future, 'in-shā-allāh.
Allāh says in Sūrah az-Zumar āyah 9 [Interpretation of the meaning by Dr. Mustafa Khattab]
˹Are they better˺ or those who worship ˹their Lord˺ devoutly in the hours of the night, prostrating and standing, fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the mercy of their Lord? Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “Are those who know equal to those who do not know?” None will be mindful ˹of this˺ except people of reason.
In this, the `Aqīdah series posts, I will go through the 8 volume set “Islamic Creed Series” by Dr. ‘Umar S. Al-Ashqar, and write out my notes based on his work (including excerpts), as well as make connections to other pieces of information where ever I am able, 'in-shā-allāh.
So, بِسْمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحْمٰنِ ٱلرَّحٖيْمِ, let’s dive in.
The three dimensions of Islām
There are three dimensions of Islām which are given in the hadīth of Jibrīl `alayhis-salām:
Islām - The first is the outer dimension having to do with shari`ah, which are the practical duties enjoined upon Muslims.
... "O Muhammad! Inform me about Islam." The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) replied: "Islam is that you should testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger (ﷺ), that you should perform salah (ritual prayer), pay the zakah, fast during Ramadan, and perform Hajj (pilgrimage) to the House (the Ka`bah at Makkah), if you can find a way to it (or find the means for making the journey to it)." ...
Imān - The second has to do with the inner dimensions, faith.
... "Inform me about Iman (faith)." He (the Prophet) answered, "It is that you believe in Allah and His angels and His Books and His Messengers and in the Last Day, and in fate (qadar), both in its good and in its evil aspects." ...
Ihsān - The third, which will be discussed in future posts ‘in-shā-allāh, has to do with perfection/excellence in worship.
... "Inform me about Ihsan." He (the Prophet) answered, "It is that you should serve Allah as though you could see Him, for though you cannot see Him yet He sees you." ...
In this series we will cover various aspects of `Aqīdah which will in turn help understand, as well as strengthen our, Imān, ‘in-shā-allāh.
What does `Aqīdah have to do with Islām?
`Aqīdah forms the foundation and basis upon which Imān is built. We are in need of a sound `Aqīdah so that our Imān may become strong and our hearts confident in Allāh’s way.
Consequently, we will rely completely on Allāh allowing us to carry out our duties while facing whatever adversities come our way.
Allāh says in Sūrah Ibrahīm āyāt 11-12, [Dr. Mustafa Khattab]:
Their messengers said to them, “We are ˹indeed˺ only humans like you, but Allah favours whoever He chooses of His servants. It is not for us to bring you any proof without Allah’s permission. And in Allah let the believers put their trust.
Why should we not put our trust in Allah, when He has truly guided us to ˹the very best of˺ ways? Indeed, we will patiently endure whatever harm you may cause us. And in Allah let the faithful put their trust.”
From Belief in Allāh, by `Umar S. Al-Ashqar:
The Muslim scholars of earlier and recent times have discussed the issues of this branch of knowledge under the heading of Al-`Aqaa’id, although the word `aqeedah is not mentioned in the Book of Allāh or in the Sunnah of His Messenger, ṣallallāhu `alayhi wa sallam.
So then why should we care to learn about it?
Imān (faith) is a Muslim's belief which is verbally declared and is verified through their actions, all according to the principles of `aqīdah which have firmly taken root in their heart.
The general view of the salaf, including the three Imāms Aḥmad, Mālik, and Ash-Shāfi`ī is that Imān means belief in the heart, words on the tongue (declaration), and striving to implement its pillars.
Imām Abu Ḥanīfah said that Imān was belief and words (declaration), and that actions were one of the requirements of it but not included in it.
There are those who know the truth, yet they do not live according to it or abide by it, such as Shaytān ar-rajīm. He knows Allāh, he knows the Angels, the Messengers, and the Books.
Yet, he devoted what was left of his whole life to leading the Muslims off of sīrat al-mustaqīm (the straight path) as Allāh tells us in Sūrah al-A`raf āyah 17 [Yusuf Ali], Shaytān ar-rajīm said:
"Then will I assault them from before them and behind them, from their right and their left: Nor wilt thou find, in most of them, gratitude (for thy mercies)."
For that reason, Shaytān has been cursed and will spend eternity in the Fire.
What does `Aqīdah mean?
`Aqīdah is a matter of knowledge which the Muslim is obliged to believe in his heart. Certain belief with no room for doubt, and can not be merely speculation.
To understand it better, we will look at multiple (relevant) words sharing the same root ع-ق-د:
- `Aqā’id, which is the plural of `aqīdah, are things which people’s hearts affirm and believe in. The things they accept (as true). These are matters which are held as certain beliefs, with no taint of doubt. [Risaalat al-`Aqaa’id by Shaykh Ḥasan al-Banna.]
- `Aqd al-ḥabl (tying the rope) means tying one part to another part, as opposed to untying it.
- `Aqd has to do with adherence, certainty, and affirmation.
- `Aqqadtum, as used in Sūrah al-Ma’idah āyah 89, is translated as “deliberate oaths”. Ones in which there is resolve and determination in the heart. Thoughtless oaths, on the other hand, are those which are made without any thought given to them or any intention behind them.
The saying عَقَدَ قَلْبَهُ عَلَى الشَّىْءِ is translated as:
He settled, or determined, his heart, or mind, firmly upon the thing; he held, adhered, or clave, to the thing [with his heart, or mind]. Lane’s Lexicon
`Aqīdah is defined as “a belief in which one who holds that belief will not entertain any doubt whatsoever” [Al-Mu`jam al-Waseeṭ]
From the Qur'ān:
Sūrat al-Hujurat, āyah 15, [Yusuf Ali]
Only those are Believers who have believed in Allah and His Messenger, and have never since doubted …
Sūrat al-Baqarah āyah 2, [Dr. Mustafa Khattab]
This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear Allah;
Sūrat al-Imrān, āyah 9, [Yusuf Ali]
"Our Lord! Thou art He that will gather mankind Together against a day about which there is no doubt …"
Allāh also condemned the mushrikīn whose hearts wavered in their doubt, Sūrah at-Tawbah āyah 45.
Matters of `Aqīdah
Each of the matters of Imān given to us in the Hadīth of Jibrīl `alayhis-salām are matters of the unseen (al-ghayb).
Allāh says in Sūrah al-Baqarah āyah 3, [Dr. Mustafa Khattab]:
who believe in the unseen ...
Al-ghayb literally means "a thing not seen", however the word includes vast meanings:
- Belief in Allāh,
- the Angels,
- the Holy Books,
- Allāh's Messengers,
- the Day of Ressurection,
- al-Qadar (fate, Divine Preordainments, predestination)
As well as what Allāh and His Messenger, ṣallallāhu `alayhi wa sallam informed us about the knowledge of the matters of past, present, and future, e.g., news about the creation of the heavens and earth, botanical and zoological life, the news about the nations of the past, and about Paradise and Hell. [Interpretation of the Meanings of The Noble Qur’ān In the English Language, Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan, and Dr. Muhammad Taqi-ud-Din Al-Hilali]
Regarding the Books and the Messengers, to believe in the unseen is to believe that they came from Allāh.
Is `Aqīdah only for Muslims?
The concept of `aqīdah is found in every religion, or school of thought regardless of whether they believe in a religion or not. It applies to both individuals as well as socieites.
There are two categories for `aqīdah:
Correct `aqīdah is composed of the set of beliefs brought by the noble Messengers. It was sent by Allāh Al-`Alīm Al-Khabīr. This has always been the same since the dawn of time and can not be changed.
Sūrah al-Baqarah āyah 97, [Dr. Mustafa Khattab]:
Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “Whoever is an enemy of Gabriel should know that he revealed this ˹Quran˺ to your heart by Allah’s Will, confirming what came before it—a guide and good news for the believers.”
A similar message is given in Sūrah al-Mā'ida āyah 48.
- False `aqīdah are based in human thought and intellect. These thoughts are influenced by the customs, traditions, and thoughts that surround them.
Allāh says, in Sūrah al-An`ām āyah 116, [Dr. Mustafa Khattab]:
˹O Prophet!˺ If you were to obey most of those on earth, they would lead you away from Allah’s Way. They follow nothing but assumptions and do nothing but lie.
Here Allāh is stating that most of the people of on Earth are misguided. They are misguided, yet they have doubts about their way, and they rely on wishful thinking and delusions. [Tafsīr Ibn Kathīr]
The majority of the people on the Earth do not know the truth, and go based off of their own opinions based on what limited knowledge they possess. Rather than seek knowledge and speak from a position of certainty, they make claims based on their own wishes and desires. Such people even exist among the Muslims, ones who take matters of knowledge too lightly.
It was said about Imām Malik, raḥmatullāh alaih, that once, upon being asked a question, he replied “I do not know”. The questioner told him to relax and that the question was a light and simple question to which the Imām, raḥmatullāh alaih, replied “A light, simple question?! There is nothing light in knowledge! Have you not heard the words of Allah, {‘We will cast a weighty word on you..} (73:5) All knowledge is weighty and especially what we will be asked about on the Day of Rising.”
Know that the correct `aqīdah can not be found outside of Islām. This is a Deen which is protected by Allāh, and He has guaranteed its protection when He said in Sūrah al-Hijr āyah 9, [Yusuf Ali]:
We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption).
Although the Jews and the Christians are Ahlul-Kitāb (people of the book), information from their scriptures (Israīliāt) can not be trusted. Allāh said about the Jews in Sūrah al-Baqarah āyāt 77-79, [Dr. Mustafa Khattab]:
Do they not know that Allah is aware of what they conceal and what they reveal?
And among them are the illiterate who know nothing about the Scripture except lies, and ˹so˺ they ˹wishfully˺ speculate.
So woe to those who distort the Scripture with their own hands then say, “This is from Allah”—seeking a fleeting gain! So woe to them for what their hands have written, and woe to them for what they have earned.
Mujahid commented, "Allah described the Ummiyyin as not understanding any of the Book that Allah sent down to Musa, yet they create lies and falsehood." [Tafsīr Ibn Kathīr]
The word 'ummiyyūn is the one which is translated as "illiterate", or, in other places, as "unlettered".
The illiterate ones mentioned in āyah 78 are the ones the Jews took as their Rabbis, and others they considered to be educated and knowledgeable among them. They changed the description of the Prophet, ṣallallāhu `alayhi wa sallam, given to them in their scriptures and altered his traits so that the Jews would not follow him. [Circumstance of Revelation (Al Wahidi)]
The scriptures in Islām, the Qur’ān and Sunnah, are the only pure and clean sources of information left in the entire World. Do not be fooled by Qur’ānists who say there was no promise to protect the Hadīth, as they are part of the group Allāh warns us about in 6:116 mentioned earlier.
Allāh said in Sūrah al-Ahzab āyah 21,[Dr. Mustafa Khattab]:
Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example for whoever has hope in Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah often.
What to expect from this series
`Aqīdah is essential for Muslims as it answers questions such as:
- Where did I come from?
- Why am I here?
- Who is the Creator?
- What are His attributes and names?
- Why was the universe created?
- What is our role in it?
- Are there other worlds beyond the world that we can see?
- Is their intelligent life other than man?
- What happens after death?
- What is life after this one like?
Etc.
From here on we will go through the various aspects of `Aqīdah based on what is given to us from the solid foundations of knowledge, the Qur’ān and Sunnah.
In this way we can strengthen our Imān and gain a deeper understanding of the matters of the unseen, allowing us to live in truth. It is also our hope that through gaining knowledge, Allāh will allow us to be among those who can differentiate between truth and falsehood and so be from among the rightly guided ones.
Allāh says in Sūrah al-Mulk āyah 22, [Dr. Mustafa Khattab]:
Who is ˹rightly˺ guided: the one who crawls facedown or the one who walks upright on the Straight Path?
It is my hope that Allāh subḥanahu wa ta’ala increases my understanding of His Deen, and the information provided above helps my Muslim brothers and sisters to maximize their rewards in the next life, and that this work be accepted by Allāh (سبحانه وتعالىٰ) as `ibādah, such that I seek the reward from Him and Him alone.
Anything good that I have said is from Allāh (سبحانه وتعالىٰ), and any mistakes that I have made are from me and I hope that Allāh will forgive me for them.
This is part of a series, see the other posts here