Slides for subject Islamic Aqidah at IIUM ( International Islamic University of Malaysia)

1. The Definition of ‘AqidahThe Definition of ‘Aqidah
According to HansWehr’sdictionary:According to HansWehr’sdictionary:
Articleof faith, Tenet, doctrine;Articleof faith, Tenet, doctrine;
Dogma;Dogma;
Creed, faith, belief;Creed, faith, belief;
Conviction (Wehr, 1986: 628).Conviction (Wehr, 1986: 628).
According to al-Fayyumi (p. 160) in hisAccording to al-Fayyumi (p. 160) in his Misbah al-Misbah al-
munirmunir::
mÉ yadÊnu al-insÉn bi-hmÉ yadÊnu al-insÉn bi-h ((‫به‬ ‫النسان‬ ‫يدين‬ ‫ما‬‫به‬ ‫النسان‬ ‫يدين‬ ‫ما‬))
““ A doctrine which one is firmly settled or determined and toA doctrine which one is firmly settled or determined and to
which oneholdsand adheres” (Lane, 1984:2107).which oneholdsand adheres” (Lane, 1984:2107).

2.  ‘‘Aqidah is a firm and unwavering belief which isAqidah is a firm and unwavering belief which is
not open to any doubt with its beholder.not open to any doubt with its beholder.
 ‘‘Aqidah linguistically is derived from the termAqidah linguistically is derived from the term
‘aqada-‘aqada-
--to tie the cord, or rope, to knit it;to tie the cord, or rope, to knit it;
-to complicate it so as to form a knot or knots;-to complicate it so as to form a knot or knots;
-to tie it in a knot or knots;-to tie it in a knot or knots;
-to tie it firmly, fast, or strongly.-to tie it firmly, fast, or strongly.
-The sayings:-The sayings: ‘aqada al-bay‘‘aqada al-bay‘ oror ‘aqada al-‘ahd‘aqada al-‘ahd or ‘or ‘aqadaaqada
al-yam nīal-yam nī mean “he concluded, settled, confirmedmean “he concluded, settled, confirmed
or ratified the sale, or bargain, and the contract,or ratified the sale, or bargain, and the contract,
compact, covenant, agreement or league”.compact, covenant, agreement or league”.

3. Root Word: ‘Root Word: ‘ aqada qalba-hu fīaqada qalba-hu fī
kadhɔkadhɔ
• Here means a firm determination of the heartHere means a firm determination of the heart
and mind upon something.and mind upon something.
 In a specific sense, ‘aqidah is a doctrine of faith.In a specific sense, ‘aqidah is a doctrine of faith.
Its plural is ‘aqaid which imply things that needIts plural is ‘aqaid which imply things that need
to be believed in within the scopes of Islamicto be believed in within the scopes of Islamic
principles.principles.
 ‘‘Aqidah Islamiyyah (Islamic ‘aqidah) refers to theAqidah Islamiyyah (Islamic ‘aqidah) refers to the
belief in the articles of faith.belief in the articles of faith.
 Islamic ‘aqidah is a very strong tieIslamic ‘aqidah is a very strong tie

4. • Two literal meanings of ‘aqidah:Two literal meanings of ‘aqidah:
• 1. External (1. External (hissihissi) : “a strong knot, contract and) : “a strong knot, contract and
the like (a compact, a covenant, an agreement, athe like (a compact, a covenant, an agreement, a
league, a treaty or an engagement).”league, a treaty or an engagement).”
• 2. Internal (2. Internal (m a‘nawim a‘nawi):):
• ((1) A firm contract, covenant and first principle1) A firm contract, covenant and first principle
that will never change;that will never change;
• (2) Principle, value and emotional tie, which(2) Principle, value and emotional tie, which
become a mover for a personal feeling towardsbecome a mover for a personal feeling towards
others, tying and binding them together;others, tying and binding them together;
• (3) Natural disposition, sound nature, method(3) Natural disposition, sound nature, method
and a strong bond which unite the hearts; andand a strong bond which unite the hearts; and
• (4) Firm ties and commitment made on the basis(4) Firm ties and commitment made on the basis
of reason and heart (Darwish, 1992:7-8).of reason and heart (Darwish, 1992:7-8).

5. TECHNICAL MEANINGS OF ‘AQIDAHTECHNICAL MEANINGS OF ‘AQIDAH
 Shaykh Abd al-Rahman HabannÉkah (1983:33):Shaykh Abd al-Rahman HabannÉkah (1983:33):
““ The arrival of consciousness at the thing to the extentThe arrival of consciousness at the thing to the extent
that it moves our sentiments, and controls ourthat it moves our sentiments, and controls our
attitudes.”attitudes.”
 Sa‘id Ramadan al-Buti (1402H:70-71):Sa‘id Ramadan al-Buti (1402H:70-71):
““ A perfect conviction and recognition of [the article of]A perfect conviction and recognition of [the article of]
faith without any change and omission as well as afaith without any change and omission as well as a
completesubmission to all pillarsof Islam.”completesubmission to all pillarsof Islam.”

6.  Dr. ‘AbdullDr. ‘AbdullÉÉh ‘Azzh ‘AzzÉÉm (n.d:20):m (n.d:20):
““A firm agreement and strong handhold which areA firm agreement and strong handhold which are
established in the heart, and deeply rooted in theestablished in the heart, and deeply rooted in the
bottoms [of the heart].”bottoms [of the heart].”
 Dr. SulaymDr. SulaymÉÉn al-Ashqar (1995:11):n al-Ashqar (1995:11):
““Matters in which individual believed and acceptedMatters in which individual believed and accepted
as truth, and the heart also repose in them. Itsas truth, and the heart also repose in them. Its
beholders are fully certain with them without anybeholders are fully certain with them without any
mixture of doubt and suspicion.”mixture of doubt and suspicion.”

7.  Dr. Mahmud al-Khalidī (1985:18):Dr. Mahmud al-Khalidī (1985:18):
““ AqAq īīdahdah as “conviction” (as “conviction” (al-al-īīmÉnmÉn). For him,). For him,
IslamicIslamic ‘ aq‘ aq īīdahdah is synonymous withis synonymous with al-al-īīmÉnmÉn,,
and he defines it as “a firm conviction which isand he defines it as “a firm conviction which is
in agreement with the reality arising out ofin agreement with the reality arising out of
evidence.”evidence.”
-Evidence is derived from two sources, namely-Evidence is derived from two sources, namely
traditional (traditional (naqlnaqlīī) and rational () and rational (‘ aql‘ aqlīī))

8. • Many definitionsof IslamicMany definitionsof Islamic ‘ aq dahī‘ aq dahī , but the, but the
intended meaning isalwaysthesame: intended meaning isalwaysthesame:
• (1) Doctrine which Allah has made it as the(1) Doctrine which Allah has made it as the
foundation of religion, and Allah also has madefoundation of religion, and Allah also has made
it obligatory for hisservant to believein it. If notit obligatory for hisservant to believein it. If not
they becomeunbeliever.they becomeunbeliever.
• (2) A conviction ((2) A conviction (al-Êm nāal-Êm nā ): “ a firm,): “ a firm,
unwavering belief which is not open to anyunwavering belief which is not open to any
doubt with its beholders”. “It is absolutely freedoubt with its beholders”. “It is absolutely free
of doubt of probability, of guessing andof doubt of probability, of guessing and
uncertainty.” (Faruqi, 1992: 40).uncertainty.” (Faruqi, 1992: 40).

9. The Difference between ‘Aqidah andThe Difference between ‘Aqidah and
Shari’ahShari’ah
• ‘‘Aqidah is equivalentAqidah is equivalent
to iman (belief).to iman (belief).
• ‘‘aqidah will neveraqidah will never
change.change.
• Shari’ah is equivalentShari’ah is equivalent
to ‘ibadah (deeds).to ‘ibadah (deeds).
• Shari’ah differs inShari’ah differs in
teaching of eachteaching of each
prophet.prophet.

10. ‘‘Aqidah comprises of three major importantAqidah comprises of three major important
elements:elements:
 Metaphysical teachings in IslamMetaphysical teachings in Islam
 Doctrinal teaching in IslamDoctrinal teaching in Islam
 Philosophical teachings in Islam.Philosophical teachings in Islam.
All these elements become part and parcel ofAll these elements become part and parcel of
Islamic ‘aqidahIslamic ‘aqidah

11. Other Terms for IslamicOther Terms for Islamic ‘aqidah‘aqidah
• al-Imanal-Iman
• al-Urwat al-wuthqaal-Urwat al-wuthqa
• al-Tawhidal-Tawhid
• Usul al-dinUsul al-din
• Ilm al-kalamIlm al-kalam
• al-Tasawwur al-al-Tasawwur al-
IslamiIslami or Islamicor Islamic
worldviewworldview

12. al-im anal-im an (Belief or Conviction)(Belief or Conviction)
• The termThe term imaniman refers to the hadith of Jibrilrefers to the hadith of Jibril
whereby Jibril comes to the Prophetwhereby Jibril comes to the Prophet
(SAW), and asks him about(SAW), and asks him about IslamIslam,, imaniman
andand ihsanihsan..
• The Prophet answered thatThe Prophet answered that imaniman is “thatis “that
you believe in Allah and His angels andyou believe in Allah and His angels and
His Books and His messengers and in theHis Books and His messengers and in the
Last Day, and in predestination (Last Day, and in predestination (qadrqadr),),
both in its good and in its evil.” (Nawawi,both in its good and in its evil.” (Nawawi,
1996:4).1996:4).

13. al-Urwat al-wuthq aal-Urwat al-wuthq a (The strong and(The strong and
Trustworthy Handhold):Trustworthy Handhold):
• It is the testimony (It is the testimony (shahadahshahadah) there is no god but) there is no god but
Allah (Yasin, n.d: 232).Allah (Yasin, n.d: 232).
• Referred to asReferred to as al-urwat al-wuthqaal-urwat al-wuthqa to show theto show the
value of firmness and surety the word hasvalue of firmness and surety the word has
substantiated.substantiated.
• ““There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the RightThere is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right
Path has become distinct from the wrong path. WhoeverPath has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever
disbelieves in taghut and believes in Allah then he hasdisbelieves in taghut and believes in Allah then he has
grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will nevergrasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never
breakbreak” (Q 2:256).” (Q 2:256).

14. al-Tawhidal-Tawhid
• Oneness or the Conviction and Witnessing that isOneness or the Conviction and Witnessing that is
no god but Allah.no god but Allah.
• It is the main part and the key to the study ofIt is the main part and the key to the study of
IslamicIslamic ‘aqidah‘aqidah..
• ““Say: He is Allah, (the) One. Allah – the Self-Say: He is Allah, (the) One. Allah – the Self-
Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need, (He neitherSufficient Master, Whom all creatures need, (He neither
eats nor drinks). He begets not nor was He begotten. Andeats nor drinks). He begets not nor was He begotten. And
there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him.”there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him.” (Q 114:(Q 114:
1-4).1-4).
• Al-Taw^idAl-Taw^id is the basis for believing in angels,is the basis for believing in angels,
books, prophets, the Last Day andbooks, prophets, the Last Day and
predestination.predestination.

15. Usulal-dinUsulal-din
• Roots or foundation of ReligionRoots or foundation of Religion
• The term describes that IslamicThe term describes that Islamic ‘aqidah‘aqidah is theis the
basis and foundation of the religion of Islam.basis and foundation of the religion of Islam.
• Three main roots: Divinity, prophethood andThree main roots: Divinity, prophethood and
unseen matters.unseen matters.
• To be a Muslim, he must believe and acceptTo be a Muslim, he must believe and accept
IslamicIslamic ‘aqidah‘aqidah

16. ‘‘Ilm al-kalamIlm al-kalam (Speculative theology):(Speculative theology):
• It is a rational elaboration of IslamicIt is a rational elaboration of Islamic ‘aqidah‘aqidah
and a mechanism of defending it from theand a mechanism of defending it from the
doubters.doubters.
al-Tasawwur al-Islamial-Tasawwur al-Islami (Islamic worldview)(Islamic worldview)
• It signifies the vision of reality and truthIt signifies the vision of reality and truth
based on Islam that reveals what existencebased on Islam that reveals what existence
((wujudwujud) is all about.) is all about.
• This includes the nature of God, creation,This includes the nature of God, creation,
life, and man.life, and man.

17. The Objectives of Islamic ‘AqidahThe Objectives of Islamic ‘Aqidah
• To guide man to the truth.To guide man to the truth.
– It appears that throughout history man hasIt appears that throughout history man has
recognized wrongly some deities and hasrecognized wrongly some deities and has
worshipped them. Islamicworshipped them. Islamic ‘aqidah‘aqidah thenthen
explained the comprehensive teachings ofexplained the comprehensive teachings of
Islam based on tawhid.Islam based on tawhid.

18. • To provide a single coherent value system.To provide a single coherent value system.
-this system embraces our emotional-this system embraces our emotional
attachment to the truth and moral ideals.attachment to the truth and moral ideals. ByBy
implication, its believer will standimplication, its believer will stand for itsfor its
implementation and fight for itsimplementation and fight for its realization in hisrealization in his
life as well as the lifelife as well as the life of societyof society..
• To guide human action to the highest moralTo guide human action to the highest moral
ground.ground.
-It becomes the basis for action. The-It becomes the basis for action. The wellwell
being of man, therefore, dependsbeing of man, therefore, depends uponupon ‘aqidah‘aqidah
that is accompanied bythat is accompanied by good action. It is notgood action. It is not
just a dogmaticjust a dogmatic assertion of salvationalassertion of salvational
justification ofjustification of Christianity.Christianity.

19. • To lead man to life of obedience and submissionTo lead man to life of obedience and submission
to the will of Allah. One who lives this life ofto the will of Allah. One who lives this life of
submission is called Muslim.submission is called Muslim.
• To make man understand the central position thatTo make man understand the central position that
man occupies in the universe and the ultimateman occupies in the universe and the ultimate
purpose of his existence. This knowledge in turnpurpose of his existence. This knowledge in turn
defines the role of man in the universe and thedefines the role of man in the universe and the
parameters of his activities and his relation to hisparameters of his activities and his relation to his
Creator.Creator.
• To define the Muslim’s way of life and the kind ofTo define the Muslim’s way of life and the kind of
system established by this way of life, that is tosystem established by this way of life, that is to
say Islam as the way of life.say Islam as the way of life.
• To initiate a special kind ofTo initiate a special kind of ummahummah (community)(community)
that came to lead mankind, to establish the way ofthat came to lead mankind, to establish the way of
Allah on earth, and to save people from the miseryAllah on earth, and to save people from the misery
brought by misguided leadership, erroneous ways,brought by misguided leadership, erroneous ways,
and false concepts.and false concepts.

20. Sources of Islamic ‘AqidahSources of Islamic ‘Aqidah
 Qur’an and SunnahQur’an and Sunnah
 Ijma’ al ‘ulama’Ijma’ al ‘ulama’
 Human nature (fitrah)Human nature (fitrah)
 Reason (‘aql)Reason (‘aql)