> 'Aqeedah of Ahle Sunnah wal Jama'ah

[salman]

:

Some useful articles from scholars and notes on the 'aqeedah (creed) of Ahle Sunnah wal Jama'ah. Following the correct Islamic 'aqeedah is the only way of salvation. It is also important for us to learn about the differences between sunni 'aqeedah and heretics and deviants' 'aqeedah; so that we might not be trapped by their sweet talks. I'm sure everyone has heard or read the hadith of the Messenger of Allah (sal-allahu 'alayhi wa sallam) in which he said that the successful jama'ah (group of people) is the one who is upon my and my companions' madhab; therefore, a person's Islam is not complete untill he/she adheres to the correct 'aqeedah and that is the sunni 'aqeedah. Sometime other synonym terms used for sunni 'aqeedah are salafi 'aqeedah or hanbali 'aqeedah. We'll talk about these terms in details in other threads, insha'Allah.

I found this excerpt from one of Shaykh 'Uthaymeen's (rahimahullah - May Allah have mercy on him) books very useful as it very short and clear on explaining and introducing the sunni 'aqeedah. Shaykh 'Uthaymeen (rahimahullah) says in his book 'Aqeedah Ahlas-Sunnah wal Jama'ah:

Our 'Aqeedah

Our Aqeedah is to believe in Allah, His Angles, His Books, His Messengers, the Last Day and we believe in Qadr (Pre Decree), the good and the bad of it, and that it is from Allah. We believe in the Ruboobiyyah of Allah, and that is to believe that Allah is the sustainer, the creator and the owner of all things and He is the one who runs the affairs. We believe in His Uloohiyyah, and that is that He is the only One worthy of all worship and all that which is worshipped other than him is falsehood. We also believe in his Asmaa was Sifaat (Names and Attributes), and that is to believe that His beautiful names and perfect attributes are specific only to Him. We also believe in the Tawheed of all these aspects, and that is to believe that He has no partner in any of them.

Allah the most High says: "Lord of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them, so worship Him (Alone) and be constant and patient in His worship. Do you know of any who is similar to Him? (of course none is similar or coequal or comparable to Him, and He has none as partner with Him). [There is nothing like unto Him and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer]". [Surah Maryam 19:65 - interpretation of the meaning]

Beautiful Names of Allah

We believe that:

"Allah! None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber, nor sleep overtake Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission? He knows what happens to them (His creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter . And they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great." [Surah Al-Baqarah 2:255 - interpretation of the meaning]

And we believe that:

"He is Allah the one that none has the right to be worshipped but He, the King, the Holy, the One Free from all defects, the Giver of security, the Watcher over His creatures, the All-Mighty, the Compeller, the Supreme. Glory be to Allah! (High is He) above all that they associate as partners with Him. He is Allah, the Creator, the Inventor of all things, the Bestower of forms. To Him belong the Best Names. All that is in the heavens and the earth glorify Him. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise." [Surah Al-Hashr 59:24-24 - interpretation of the meaning]

And webelieve that the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth belong only to Allah, and the proof is contained in the following verses:

"To Allah belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth. He creates what He wills. He bestows female (offspring) upon whom He wills, and bestows male (offspring) upon whom He wills. Or He bestows both males and females, and He renders barren whom He wills. Verily, He is the All-Knower and is Able to do all things." [Surah as-Shura 42:49-50 - interpretation of the meaning]

And we believe that following are His, the Most High's, attributes.

"The Creator of the heavens and the earth. He has made for you mates from yourselves, and for the cattle (also) mates. By this means He creates you (in the wombs). There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer. To Him belong the keys of the heavens and the earth, He enlarges provision for whom He wills, and straitens (it for whom He wills). Verily! He is the All-Knower of everything." [Surah ash-Shura 42:11-12 - interpretation of the meaning]

And we believe that,

"And no (moving) living creature is there on earth but its provision is due from Allah. And He knows its dwelling place and its deposit (in the uterous, grave, etc.). all is in a Clear Book (Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz - the Book of Decrees with Allah)." [Surah Hud 11:6 - interpretation of the meaning]

We believe that,

"And with Him are the keys of the Ghaib (all that is hidden), none knows them but He. And He knows whatever there is in (or on) the earth and in the sea; not a leaf falls, but he knows it. There is not a grain in the darkness of the earth nor anything fresh or dry, but is written in a Clear Record." [Surah al-An'am 6:59 - interpretation of the meaning]

We believe that,

"Verily, Allah! With Him (Alone) is the knowledge of the Hour, He sends down the rain, and knows that which is in the wombs. No person knows what he will earn tomorrow, and no person knows in what land he will die. Verily, Allah is AllKnower, AllAware (of things)." [Surah Luqman 31:34 - interpretation of the meaning]

The belief in the attributes of Speech and knowledge of Allah

We believe that Allah speaks whenever, whatever and however it pleases Him. As He says:

"And Messengers We have mentioned to you before, and Messengers We have not mentioned to you, - and to Musa (Moses) Allah spoke directly." [Surah an-Nisa 4:164 - interpretation of the meaning]

"And when Musa (Moses) came at the time and place appointed by Us, and his Lord spoke to him, he said: 'O my Lord! Show me (Yourself), that I may look upon You.' Allah said: 'You cannot see Me, but look upon the mountain if it stands still in its place then you shall see Me.' So when his Lord appeared to the mountain, He made it collapse to dust, and Musa (Moses) fell down unconscious. Then when he recovered his senses he said: 'Glory be to You, I turn to You in repentance and I am the first of the believers.'" [Surah al-A'raf 7:143 - interpretation of the meaning]

And He says:

"And We called him from the right side of the Mount, and made him draw near to Us for a talk with him [Musa (Moses)]" [Surah Maryam 19:52 - interpretation of the meaning]

And we also believe that Allah is such that,

"Say (O Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) to mankind). 'If the sea were ink for (writing) the Words of my Lord, surely, the sea would be exhausted before the Words of my Lord would be finished, even if we brought (another sea) like it for its aid.'" [Surah al-Kahf 18:109 - interpretation of the meaning]

And He also says:

"And if all the trees on the earth were pens and the sea (were ink wherewith to write), with seven seas behind it to add to its (supply), yet the Words of Allah would not be exhausted. Verily, Allah is AllMighty, AllWise." [Surah Luqman 31:27 - interpretation of the meaning]

And our Aqeedah also includes that the truthfulness of matters, the justice in all rulings and the superiority of the manner of speech can only be found in the speech of Allah. As Allah says:

"And the Word of your Lord has been fulfilled in truth and in justice. None can change His Words. And He is the AllHearer, the AllKnower." [Surah al-An'am 6:115 - interpretation of the meaning]

And,

"And who is truer in statement than Allah?" [Surah an-Nisa 4:87 - interpretation of the meaning]

And we believe that the noble Qur'an without a doubt is the speech of Allah, and indeed He gave it to Jibreel and then he took it and descended to the Messenger(sallallahu alaihi wasallam) . And Allah says:

"Say (O Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wasallam)) Ruh-ul-Qudus [Jibreel] has brought it (the Qur'an) down from your Lord with truth." [Surah an-Nahl 16:102 - interpretation of the meaning]

And He said:

"And truly, this (the Qur'an) is a revelation from the Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists), Which the trustworthy Ruh [Jibreel] has brought down; Upon your heart (O Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wasallam)) that you may be (one) of the warners, In the plain Arabic language." [Surah ash-Shu'ara 26:192-195 - interpretation of the meaning]

continuing on next post

[salman]

continuing from Shaykh's (rahimahullah) book:

The belief in the attributes of highness and ascension of Allah

We believe that Allah in His majesty is high above his slaves. And the proof for this is the following saying of Allah: "And He is the Most High, the Most Great." [Surah al Baqarah 2:255 - interpretation of the meaning]

And He says: "And He is the Irresistible, above His slaves, and He is the All Wise, Well Acquainted with all things." [Surah al-An'am 6:18 - interpretation of the meaning]

And we also believe that: "Surely, your Lord is Allah Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days and then Istawaa (rose over) the Throne (really in a manner that suits His Majesty), disposing the affair of all things." [Surah Yunus 10:3 - interpretation of the meaning]

And what is meant by that istawaa (to rise above) the throne is that He himself rose over the throne in a manner that befits His majesty, and no one other than Him knows how His istawaa (ascension).

And we also believe that while He is above the throne He is well acquainted with all the affairs of His slaves, He hears their speech, He sees their actions and He runs their affairs. He provides the needy, He helps who has lost all, He gives kingship to whom He wills and He takes it away from whom He wills. Whomsoever He desires, He gives honor and whomsoever He desires, He humiliates. In His hands are all the things of goodness and He has authority over all.

Verily the One who has these attributes, He truly with His knowledge and authority is with His creation every moment, even though He actually is high above His throne.

Allah says: "There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer." [Surah ash-Shura 42:11 - interpretation of the meaning]

The kufr in the belief that Allah resides in the world

We do not believe as the Jahmiyyah and other such deviant sects that Allah resides on this earth along with his creation, and we consider such a person, who holds such belief, a kafir or a deviant. This is because that they have attributed to Allah such deficiencies and faults that do not befit Him, High above is He from all this.

The belief in descending of Allah to lowest Heaven

We also believe in that which we were informed by the messenger of Allah (saw), and that is that Allah descends to the lowest heaven in the last third of every night and says "who is there calling Me so that I may answer him, who is there asking Me so that I may grant him, who is there asking forgiveness from Me so that I may forgive him."

We also believe that on the day of Judgement Allah will come to judge between His slaves, as He says: "Nay! When the earth is ground to powder, And your Lord comes with the angels in rows, And Hell will be brought near that Day. On that Day will man remember, but how will that remembrance (then) avail him?" [Surah al-Fajr 89:21-23 - interpretation of the meaning]

Our belief is that Allah "He does what He intends (or wills)." [Surah al-Buruj 85:16 - interpretation of the meaning]

The categories of the will (intention) of Allah

We also believe that the will of Allah is divided into two categories:

a) Iraadah Qawneeyah: That which it is necessary to happen but Allah may not be pleased with it. And it is in accordance with the will of Allah and the proof is His saying: "If Allah had willed, succeeding generations would not have fought against each other, after clear Verses of Allah had come to them, but they differed - some of them believed and others disbelieved. If Allah had willed, they would not have fought against one another, but Allah does what He likes." [Surat al-Baqarah 2:253 - interpretation of the meaning]

And He says: "if Allah's Will is to keep you astray. He is your Lord! and to Him you shall return." [Surah Hud 11:34 - interpretation of the meaning]

b) Iraadah Shar'iyaah: The second type of the will of Allah is Iraadah Shar'iyaah , which need not necessarily happen but it is pleasing to Allah. The example of this kind is the saying of Allah: "Allah wishes to accept your repentance .." [Surah an-Nisa 4:27 - interpretation of the meaning]

Allah's will ( both types ) is established upon hikmah (wisdom)

We also believe that the will of Allah, be it Qawnee or Shar'iee, follows the wisdom of Allah. So that if Allah wills to create something or He requires a form of worship from his creation there is always some wisdom in it, and in accordance to His wisdom it comes into existence. Even if our aql (intelligence) may not understand the wisdom behind it. As Allah says:

"Is not Allah the Best of judges?" [Surah at-Tin 95:8 - interpretation of the meaning]

"And who is better in judgement than Allah for a people who have firm Faith." [Surah al-Ma'idah 5:50 - interpretation of the meaning]

Allah's attributes of Love, Pleasure, Dissatisfaction and Anger

We belive that Allah's loves His awliyaa (friends) and they love Him and believe in Him. Allah says: "Say (O Muhammad SAW to mankind): 'If you (really) love Allah then follow me, Allah will love you'" [Surah al-'Imran 3:31 - interpretation of the meaning]

And He said: "Allah will bring a people whom He will love and they will love Him;" [Surah al-Ma'idah 5:54 - interpretation of the meaning]

And: "And Allah loves As-Saabirin (the patient ones)" [Surah al-'Imran 3:146 - interpretation of the meaning]

And He says: "... and be equitable. Verily! Allah loves those who are equitable." [Surah al-Hujurat 49:9 - interpretation of the meaning]

and He says: "..and do good. Truly, Allah loves Al-Muhsineen (the good-doers)." [Surah al-Baqarah 2:195 - interpretation of the meaning]

and He says: "If you disbelieve, then verily, Allah is not in need of you, He likes not disbelief for His slaves. And if you are grateful (by being believers), He is pleased therewith for you." [Surah az-Zumar 39:7 - interpretation of the meaning]

And He says: "but Allah was averse to their being sent forth, so He made them lag behind, and it was said (to them), 'Sit you among those who sit (at home).'" [Surah at-Tawbah 9:46 - interpretation of the meaning]

And we also believe that Allah is happy and pleased with those who believe in Him and do righteous actions. He says: Pleased with them, and they with Him. That is for him who fears his Lord." [Surah al-Baiyinah 98:8 - interpretation of the meaning]

And we belive that Allah is severely angry with the kuffaar and those who are deserving of this anger. He says: "And that He may punish the Munaafiqun (hypocrites), men and women, and also the Mushrikun(those who associate with Allah in worship) men and women, who think evil thoughts about Allah, for them is a disgraceful torment, and the anger of Allah is upon them" [Surah al-Fath 48:6 - interpretation of the meaning]

And He says: "..but such as open their breasts to disbelief, on them is wrath from Allah, and theirs will be a great torment." [Surah an-Nahl 16:106 - interpretation of the meaning]

Some attribute of Allah's dhaat (self)

And we also believe that Allah has a face, that befits His Highness and Majesty: "And the Face of your Lord full of Majesty and Honour will abide forever." [Surah ar-Rahman 55:27 - interpretation of the meaning]

And we also believe that Allah has hands that are generous and which befit His Greatness. As He says: "Nay, both His Hands are widely outstretched. He spends (of His Bounty) as He wills." Suratul-Ma'idah 5:64

and He says: "They made not a just estimate of Allah such as is due to Him. And on the Day of Resurrection the whole of the earth will be grasped by His Hand and the heavens will be rolled up in His Right Hand. Glorified is He, and High is He above all that they associate as partners with Him!" [Surah az-Zumar 39:67 - interpretation of the meaning]

And we believe that Allah has real eyes and the proof is this saying of Allah: "And construct the ship under Our Eyes and with Our Inspiration .." [Surah Hud 11:37 - interpretation of the meaning]

And the messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: "His veil is noor(light), and if he removes it , the rays from His face will burn and be destroyed everything in the creation that His sight reaches." [Muslim, kitaab ul Imaan hadeeth 293]

Ahlus Sunnah are united upon the fact that Allah has two eyes, which is based on the statement of the prohet of Allah(saw) in which he said concerning the Dajjal, "verily he (the dajjal) is one eyed and your Lord is not one eyed." [Saheeh al Bukhari , kitaabal Fitan, hadeeth 7127]

And we believe that His greatness is such as He says: "No vision can grasp Him, but His Grasp is over all vision. He is the Most Subtle and Courteous, WellAcquainted with all things." [Surah al-An'am 6:103 - interpretation of the meaning]

continuing on next post

[salman]

continuing from Shaykh's (rahimahullah) book:

The believers will see their Lord

We believe that the believers will see their Lord with their eyes: "Some faces that Day shall be Naadirah (shining and radiant). Looking at their Lord (Allah);" [Surah al-Qiyamah 75: 22-23 - interpretation of the meaning]

It is impossible for anything to be like Allah

We believe that because of Allah's great and complete attributes nothing in the creation can be like Him, as He says: "There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer." [Surah ash-Shura 42:11 - interpretation of the meaning]

Allah is free from sleep, drowsiness, incapability and tiredness

We believe that Allah because of eternal life and endless existence is such that: "Neither slumber, nor sleep overtake Him." [Surah Al-Baqarah 2:255 - interpretation of the meaning]

And we believe that Allah does not wrong anyone because of His complete justice and fairness. And because of His complete vision He has all knowledge of actions and conditions of His slaves. And we believe that because Allah has all knowledge and is capable of all things, nothing in the heavens and the earth can compel Him.

And He says: "Verily, His Command, when He intends a thing, is only that He says to it, "Be!" and it is!" [Surah Ya-Sin 36:82 - interpretation of the meaning]

And because of the completeness of His power, He does not get tired nor does He become incapable or frustrated: "And indeed We created the heavens and the earth and all between them in six Days and nothing of fatigue touched Us." [Surah Qaf 50:38 - interpretation of the meaning]

The establishment of Allah's attributes without Kayf (Howness) and Tamtheel (comparison).

We believe in all of these beautiful names and glorious attributes of Allah that He himself or His messenger (saw) have established for Him, but we do not fall into the two errors of takyeef and tamtheel.

Tamtheel: It is that, one says by his tongue or in his heart that the attribute of Allah is like an attribute of His creation.

Takyeef: It is that, one says by his by his tongue or in his heart that the attribute of Allah is like such and such.⁽¹⁾ And we negate all those things that Allah Himself or His messenger has negated for Him. And we believe that this negation affirms the completeness of the opposite for Allah.

To remain silent on that which Allah and His Messenger (saw) remained silent upon.

We choose silence on everything which Allah and His Messenger (saw) have chosen to remain silent upon.

It is mandatory to take this path because

We believe that it is an obligation and it is mandatory to take this path because Allah has made clear these attributes, which He Himself has established or negated for Himself, and He is the most knowledgeable about Himself and He has the best of speech. And His slaves cannot comprehend Him.

And that which the Messenger of Allah (saw) has affirmed or negated for Allah, is such that he (saw) himself has informed us of it and he was most knowledgeable about his Lord. And he was the best advisor to the creation, the most truthful and most eloquent in speech.

The beauty of the clarification of Allah and His messenger (sallallahu alaihi wasallam)

Allah and His messenger's (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) knowledge and truthfulness and clarification are the most complete and best. Hence there should be no excuse to reject it and there should be no hesitation to accept it.

Names and Attributes of Allah with the Pious Predecessors

Whatever we mentioned about the attributes of Allah, the Most High, abridged or detailed, affirmative or in negation, we presented it in the light of the Book and the Sunnah, and we followed the pious predecessors of this ummah, and those who came after them on truth and guidance.

The importance of the apparent meanings of the injunctions of the Book and the Sunnah

We consider it obligatory to take the apparent meanings of the injunctions from the Book and the sunnah and the Names and Attributes of Allah, in a manner that that befit Him.

People of Tahreef (distortion) and Ta'teel (deny) and acquittal from those who exaggerate in the commands of the Book and Sunnah.

We declare ourselves free (acquitted) from the methodology of the Muhrrafeen(those who tamper(change) the correct meaning (regarding the names and attributes and commands of Allah)), which they have accepted against the wish and intention of Allah and His Messenger (saw). Similarly, we reject this view of the Mu'atileen (those who deny the meaning), which they have adopted against the wish of Allah and His Messenger (saw). And also we reject the opinion and the way of those who ghulu (exaggerate), those who describe the "howness" (i.e. they try to describe How a matter is (to be)) of the attributes of Allah, or they attempt to bear a resemblance of those attributes with something of the creation.

The Book and the Sunnah is the truth

We have definite belief that whatever has been revealed in the Book of Allah or the Sunnah of the Prophet(saw) is the truth. And there is no kind of inconsistency or incompatibility in them. And the proof is the saying of Allah: "Do they not then consider the Qur'an carefully? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much contradictions." [Surah An-Nisa 4:82 - interpretation of the meaning]

Even though, in reports or narrations (from other than Allah and His Messenger) it is a necessary matter that on occasions one part will contradict with another part , but those narrations which have come from Allah and His Messenger(saw) it is impossible for such to occur.

The one who supports incompatibility in Islam is misguided

The person who claims incompatibility or inconsistency in the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Prophet (saw), then his reality is nothing except that this claim is based on an evil intention and a crooked heart. And hence, he should turn to Allah in repentance and give up this deviant idea .

And if a person has doubts or suspicions about inconsistencies or incompatibilities in the Book of Allah and the sunnah of His Messenger(saw), then its reason is only his lack of understanding, lack of knowledge or deficiency in intelligence. Accordingly he should strive in acquiring and gaining knowledge so that truth may become apparent to him. If the truth still does not become clear to him, then he should leave his affair to the one who has knowledge, and he should abandon his misgivings about this matter and should say like one who has knowledge that: "We believe in it; the whole of it is from our Lord." [Surah al-'Imran 3:7 - interpretation of the meaning]

And he should have firm belief in the fact that there is no discrepancy or incompatibility in the Book and the Sunnah neither is there any contradiction.

This passage of the book was translated by brother Abu Ahmad & Kashif bin Hazoor and I took it from therighteouspath.com

Footnotes:

1 - Imaam Malik (rahimahullah) said concerning the attribute of istiwaa: "Al-Istiwaa is known, and how is unknown, and to have imaan (faith) in it is obligatory, and to question it is an innovation". Related by al-Bayhaqee in al-Asmaa was-Sifaat(p.516) with the wording: "Al-Istiwaa is not unknown and how is unknown, to have imaan in it is obligatory and to question it is an innovation".

[salman]

As-Salamu 'Alaykum again

What I have posted above, to some it may seem pretty straight forward and you might ask, "so what's difference between sunni 'aqeedah and others' 'aqeedah, who claim to be sunni". Let me mention the names few of the groups, who have deviated/heretical 'aqeedah: Ash'aris, Mu'tazilis, Murji'is and Maatireedis.

Now that I mentioned the names of few of the groups, let's briefly go over the terms "salafi 'aqeedah" and "hanbali 'aqeedah".

Salafi 'Aqeedah - Salafi 'Aqeedah is the same as the sunni 'aqeedah; sometime the word "salafi" is used to differenitate the 'aqeedah from the heretical and deviated groups because they also call themselves sunni. The other reason is that our 'aqeedah regarding the attributes of Allah Ta'ala etc is according to the understanding of the salaf of what Allah Ta'ala said about Himself and the Messenger of Allah (sala-allahu 'alayhi wa salam) described it.

Hanbali 'Aqeedah - Again, it is same as sunni 'aqeedah but the term is used due to the fact that Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal (rahimahullah) stood firm against Mu'tazilis despite the suffering and humilation he had to go through. I say it is thank to Allah Ta'ala and the determination of Imam Ahmad (rahimahullah) that the true 'aqeedah and complete Islam reached us in its true form. You'll hear/read people saying that I'm hanafi but I'm upon hanbali 'aqeedah. Simply put, a person can be hanafi, maliki, shafi', or hanbali in fiqh but salafi/sunni in 'aqeedah. On of the other reason for use of this term is that apart from few most of the hanbali scholars have been salafi/sunni. Unforunatley, the other three madhab were hijacked by the heretics.

Here is list of matters where they disagree with us. They heavily relay on philosophy--as no textual evidence supports their views--and their lack of understanding Arabic language and presenting distorted translations or da'eef (week) or mawdo' (fabricated) narrations.

1 - We say Allah's Attributes are pre-eternal but His attributes of actions can be temporal and they are not created.

For example, Allah Ta'ala was always able to speak to people but when He spoke to Musa ('alayhi as-salam), He did so during that moment; He was not speaking to Musa ('alayhi as-salam) from eternity. In this example, ability to speak is the pre-Eternal Attribute of Allah Ta'ala but His action of speaking to Musa ('alayhi as-salam) on the mountain of Tur was temporal; however, it doesn't mean it is created.

2 - We say the Qur'an is kalam (speech) of Allah Ta'ala and it is not created as speech is one of the pre-eternal Attributes of Allah Ta'ala. The Ash'aris say that the Qur'an is not Allah's Speech, so while Allah's Speech is uncreated, the Qur'an remains created. Whereas the Mu'tazilis say the Qur'an is Allah's Speech and Allah's Speech is created.

3 - We say Allah Ta'ala is above the heavens over His throne. They say we're bounding Allah Ta'ala by assigning him a place and direction etc. However, the overwhleming Islamic text completely debunks their illogical philosophical arguments.

4 - We say Allah Ta'ala has been the Creator from eternity and He creates whatever and whenever He wills. His will is not pre-eternal. He says "be and it is". He didn't pre-eternally willed for everything and then waited for years before it happened as the asha'ris believe.

5 - We affirm the dhair (literal) meaning of other Attributes of Allah Ta'ala i.e. Hand, Eyes, Face etc. Allah Ta'ala has all these attributes that befits His Majesty. We understand them as He described Himself in the Qur'an, His Messenger (sal-allahu 'alayhi wa salam) explained it and the sahabas (May Allah be pleased with them) undrstood it. We don't know the "howness" but we affirm what it is in the text.

6 - We say iman consists of both actions and speech (verbal affirmation) and it increases and decreases.

wallahu a'lam (and Allah knows best)

I hope this helps everyone, insha'Allah! May Allah Ta'ala make us adhere to the correct 'aqeedah, ameen.

[salman]

Here is another good article by Dr. Tariq Abdulhaleem:

Praise be to Allah

O Allah, we seek refuge in You from disbelief or association in any shape or form, big and small, and from any innovation in anyway, big or small, and we ask for your forgiveness and repent to you from any sins major and minor. We clear ourselves in order to be saved from your punishment and be protected in your shade on the day where there's no shade except yours.

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

"If people where granted their wishes, then the blood and wealth of people would be lost." [reported in Bukharee and Muslim].

However, the burden of proof is on the accuser as it is in Usool of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah. So this is our creed and what we claim so that it may be known in writing and we don't contradict it in any sayings or actions.

We, by Allah's help, declare our creed to all, without disguising nor hiding our faith. Rather, we declare it clearly that we adhere to Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah, the saved sect. We do not leave it to anyone to claim otherwise. So whoever's looking to judge us can go back to what we outline in this section because it is what we shall enter our graves believing in and shall not be changed to any other faith or worldly gain. Thus, we say that we believe in:

1. Allah (Exalted is He) is only but One, Eternal and Absolute, that has no spouse or child, nor does He have a partner, helper in creation, or supporter in sustaining His kingdom.

2. Allah (Exalted is He) has created humans on the natural disposition (Fitrah) of Islam, like the similitude of an unmarked Animal, Allah created it with no mutation in its features. Then He gave humans their minds to seek the true path in its light, and guidance in darkness.

3. Allah (Exalted is He) has taken the eternal pledge on Humans to admit His Lordship and Governorship, and by which He annulled the excuses of ignorance and imitation.

4. Since Allah (Exalted is He) did not wish to make people accountable for their deeds based on the original pledge or the given Fitrah and mind, He (Exalted is He) blessed humans with His bounty of sending them messengers with glad tidings and warnings, as opposed to what the sect of Mu'tazilah claims. He (Exalted is He) sent prophets and messengers to each and every nation (Ummah) to worship no one but Him and to avoid Al-Taghoot (any thing that claims the stature of Allah (Exalted is He) or replace Him in any capacity).

5. The messengers of Allah (Exalted is He), starting with Adam, through Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad (may Allah have peace on all of them) had one same message to humankind: to worship no one but Allah, and take no partners with Him.

6. We believe that the essence of Tawheed of Allah (Exalted is He) is admitting His Lordship (Ruboobiyah) and Governorship (Uloohiyah), and His Names and Attributes (Al-Asma wa As-Sifat), and worship Him, seek protection only in Him, in private and public actions and intentions.

7. The Attributes of Allah (Exalted is He) are firm and true as He described Himself with in His divine words. Allah (Exalted is He) said:

"There is nothing like Him, and He is the One that hears and sees" [Surah Ash-Shura:11 - interpretation of the meaning]

Allah negated any similarities with his creation, then affirmed His attributes of Hearing and Seeing. It is the pre-existence of similitudes in the mind of People of Innovation (Ahlul Bidaa) that makes them not able to accept the words of Allah as He revealed them without any deviation (Taweel). Such deviation is only necessary to remove these similarities from such corrupted minds as Mu'tazila (and those in the minds of Ashariyyah). Allah (Exalted is He) settled on His Throne, without asking "How" as Imaam Maalik said when he was asked about the meaning of the verse. Allah (Exalted is He) is separate from His creatures and above them as He said. So as in all His divine attributes, we accept these attributes the way the companions accepted them without arguments that do not apply to such attributes.

8. Allah (Exalted is He) has the ultimate knowledge of the past, present and the future to the smallest minute detail as He said:

"Nor is hidden from the Lord (so much as) the weight of an atom on the earth or in heaven. And not the least and not the greatest of these things but are recorded in a clear Record" [Surah Yunus:61 - interpretation of the meaning].

Allah (Exalted is He) also knows the alternative choices of Man; if they took place, how would they be. This is only the necessity of Him being of ultimate knowledge that is beyond our comprehension. This knowledge does not necessitate coerce Man in making any choices (pre-destination). Allah (Exalted is He) knows and knew the events as described and they all happen exactly the way He knew and recorded them. It is impossible that any event happen any other way, otherwise His knowledge is wrong or incomplete. Events were:

a. Known to Allah

b. Recorded by Allah (Exalted is He)

c. Descended to the Lower Heavens to be ready for Angels to carry them out, and

d. Carried out by humans which is known as the Qadaa.

9. We believe in Angels, Divine books of Allah, Messengers and Prophets, Qadaa and Qadar (both good and bad), the Pass (Al-Sirat), the Scale (Al-Meezaan), Intercession of the Prophet, the Dajjal, permanence of the Heavens and Hellfire, and all and every Aqeeda issue that was proven in the correct Sunnah.

10. The worship of Allah (Exalted is He) is based on on His Lordship. Worship of Allah (Exalted is He) means to obey Him in every single act of the Muslim's life:

a. Islam is the only and lone source of Law in Muslims' lives, both individuals and societies, as Allah (Exalted is He) is the Creator and the Ruler,

"He created the sun, the moon, and the stars, (all) governed by laws under His Command. Is it not His to create and to govern? Blessed be Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds!" [Surah Al-A'araf:54 - interpretation of the meaning].

Allah (Exalted is He) also said:

"And those who do not rule with what Allah Has revealed are the disbelievers" [Surah Al-Mai'dah:44 - interpretation of the meaning].

So enforcing secular Laws to rule the lives of Muslims, establishing parallel laws and secular constitutions to follow, and killing those who call for following Divine Laws (Share'aah) is a true and clear renunciation of Islam. However, ruling with an individual's desires, against Sharee'ah rulings, in a specific case is a sign of weakness of Imaan and is a sin. This is different from establishing a parallel Sharee'ah and following a secular constitution that is driven from sources other than Islam.

b. Allah (Exalted is He) is the Only Sustainer (Walee) of the believers. The allegiance, loyalty, love and support (Wala'a) of Muslims in any aspect of life has to be directed toward Allah (Exalted is He), and hence His true servants - the believers. The matter of Wala'a is a matter of Tawheed. Those who associate with the unbelievers (especially in matters of laws), join their legislative bodies, and uphold legislations contrary to Islamic laws are mocking Sharee'ah. They are as Allah said in Al-Nisa'a:140) like them (unbelievers). Moreover, such sins can negate Imaan without one recognizing it. Such people are after money, fame or position (worldy gains).

In addition, we must point out that respecting other members of other faiths, such as Christians and Jews, is obligatory in Islam. It is part of our faith to be kind to all people, help the community and the neighbourhood of your residence. Being a good example is a way of Da'wah that the Prophet has guided us to follow.

c. All rituals and acts of worship such as sacrifice and Dua'a are solely devoted to Allah (Exalted is He). We believe that making "Tawasul" is through the good deeds of the person, or the Dua'a of a living righteous person. This is what was proven in the correct Sunnah, in spite of the misguided Sufis who, like all Ahlul Bidaa, insist on referring to weak or fabricated Hadeeths and overlook the correct Sunnah.

11. Imaan comprises both action and sayings. It increases by good deeds and decreases by sins.

12. Sins are major and minor, and insistence on sinning does not constitute negation of Islam, in despite of the claim of Khawarij. We also believe that good deeds clear the bad deeds, accept the major ones. The intercession of martyrs, righteous people, the Prophet and all other intercessions proven in the correct Sunnah are all ways to help Muslims overcome the difficulty in the Day of Judgment.

13. The words of Qur'an are understood on the obvious meaning, with no hidden or internal (Batin) meaning, in spite of Shiites and Sufis. Such astray interpretations are ways to change the solid and firm beliefs of Ahlul Sunnah.

14. The correct Sunnah is the second source of Islamic jurisprudence. The Sunnah of the Prophet prohibited and permitted matters over and above what's in Qur'an. Sunnah also explains the Qur'an. It specifies the general, clarifies the ambivalent, and restricts the absolute.

15. Great scholars of Ahlul Sunnah have clarified and scrutinized the AHadeeth of the Prophet . They established the science of Hadeeth terminology, filtered out all fabricated and denounced Hadeeths, and flagged the weak Hadeeths and the sources of the weakness. They thoroughly criticized both the Chain of men (Sanad) and the Text of Hadeeth (Matn). Those who claim that the Matn was not scrutinized by the Muhadditheen are the followers of the innovations of Mu'tazilah of the past, the Orientalists and their strayed students of the present. Such claims only prove their ignorance and ill intentions which cannot be aired without denouncing the Sunnah altogether, as the Shiites did.

16. Actions are proofs of the intentions (external is a proof of the internal). Those who split the actions from intentions are of Ahlul Bidaa, whether it's the innovations of Murji'ah, Sufism or Shiites. These sects have all used this split to cast their own corrupt understanding on the firm meanings of Qur'an and Sunnah.

17. Qur'an text and correct Hadeeths do not contradict correct logic or sound human intellect that goes with clear Fitrah, despite the claims of Mu'tazilah and Shiites.

18. All the companions of the Prophet , from Abu Bakr As-Sideeq to Mu'Awiyah Ibn Abi Sufyan (may Allah be pleased with them all) are honourable and trustworthy. We do not interject in whatever conflict that took place between them in the past. We believe that they all have an honour that can not be achieved by any other person of any other generation; that is the companionship of the Prophet . He was protected from making mistakes (Ma'asoum) and died content with all of his companions, in spite of the astray Shiites.

19. The Prophet died without appointing any successor (Khalifa) despite the claims of Shiites. He has chosen Abu Bakr to lead the prayers while he was sick for few days, knowing that Ali (may Allah be please with him) is present and close by. We denounce the delusional lies of Shiites who accuse all the companions of becoming Kuffar (unbelievers) after the death of the Prophet . We cannot emphasize enough the fact that this claim simply tarnishes the Prophet , it is as if the Prophet was totally fooled in his own close circle of friends (far be it). No wonder Orientalists and unbelievers of other religions use the Shiites false proofs to destroy Islam; May Allah (Exalted is He) expose and destroy all the unrepentant Ahlul Bidaa and the unbelievers who are trying to hurt His Deen.

20. We denounce the innovations of Sufism and all its falsehood and superstitious claims and actions, which had the worst effect on the Ummah. Similarly, we denounce the Grave Worshipers and and those who seek support from the dead corpse of good or evil people and add to the Deen whatever Allah (Exalted is He) had never allowed or revealed.

21. We denounce the Khawarij of this Ummah who falsely accuse sinners of being Kuffar (unbelievers), which is against Qur'an and correct Sunnah. Their twisted interpretation of Qur'an and Hadeeth is devilish and only leads to innovation. Declaring a Muslim to be a Kafir (unbeliever) has to be based on a clear proof from Qur'an and Sunnah and can only be done by knowledgeable persons, as in the correct Hadeeth of the Prophet .

22. We denounce the Mu'rjiah sect, who claims that Imaan is only the pronunciation of the testimony of faith, that Actions are not part of it, and that sins do not hurt the Muslim as long as he has a good heart and intention. Good actions and intentions are defined very clearly in Sunnah and they are connected together as in the methodology of Ahlul Sunnah. We also pray to Allah (Exalted is He) to guide those Muslim individuals and groups who have fallen for some ideas of Mu'rjiah and adopted some of their methodology of interpretation. They are unknowingly weakening the Ummah and shall bare the burden of their actions.

23. We also have reservation on some slogans and quotes of some present scholars and leaders of Islamic groups who claim: "We cooperate in whatever we agree on, and we excuse each other in whatever we differ about". Although such claims might be attractive to those who have "good" intentions and little knowledge, this type of generalization does not suit the present nor serve the purpose of Sharee'ah (i.e. to rally around the correct Aqeedah and follow the straight path of Islam). We believe that we have to seek the way of Ahlul Sunnah, away from the innovations of Sufism, Khawarij, Mu'rjiyah, Mu'tazilah and all other bidaas (innovations) of the past and the present. We call upon them to join us on the straight path, and we strive to make them understand. However, we also believe that those who do not repent from their bidaa should be denounced, exposed and contradicted openly to make other Muslims aware of their innovation. This is the stand of our great Salaf such as Ahmad Ibn Hanbal and Ibn Taymiyah and all the scholars of Ahlul Sunnah. Unity between Muslims is a branch of them seeking and following the right Path not visa versa. We do not seek unity through the wrong paths just for the sake of unity as if it is a goal of Sharee'ah on its own.

24. We denounce the Mu'tazilah and their followers who made the human intellect and logic as the ultimate reference on judging the appropriate and correct text of Qur'an and Sunnah. Such self-acclaimed scholars are disgrace to Sharee'ah and only add to the army of evil that attacks Islam on all fronts. We believe that the correct text is always in agreement with sound logic and intellect. It only depends on who's logic and intellect is used to judge it.

25. We declare secularism as one of the most dangerous methods of Kufr (disbelief) that was introduced to Muslims in the recent decades to divide Islam, in accordance with the European model of the Middle Ages in separating church (religion) from state. There is no such thing as a Secular Muslim, it is contradiction in terms. A person can only be a secular or a Muslim. Those so called Muslims who join the unbelievers legislative councils and promote their secular approaches amongst Muslims belong to Kufr without second thought.

26. Scholars of Ahlul Sunnah of different branches of knowledge complement each other and do not conflict. Every scholar can be wrong in a specific ruling or opinion, as no one is preserved from wrong except the Prophet . However, the correct ruling is always found within the circle of Ahlul Sunnah scholars, as this Ummah does not consent to the wrong. We denounce the blind following of any scholar no matter who he is or where his stand of knowledge might be, as we are originally followers of the Prophet not of any other human being. We equally respect all scholars of Ahlul Sunnah even those who we differ with in particular cases. We, however, follow the Haq (truth) wherever it is, with no bias or prejudice to any Madhhab or scholar. We call upon Muslims to follow the correct proofs of Sharee'ah, rather than specific persons. If a person chooses to follow a specific Madhhab, he must be aware of:

a. To preserve the right to apply a ruling other than what is in that Madhhab if proven to be the right ruling,

b. Not to bash other Muslims who follow other Madhhabs and

c. To have it in his heart that he follows the Prophet and his sayings and actions no matter which of the Scholars present it. We denounce those who claim they are followers of the "Salaf" yet they harass and accuse other Muslims of being deviant if they do not agree with them, or the scholar of their choice, on any issue.

27. Restoration of Islam as the constitution in Muslims' lives is an essential part of our Aqeedah. All Muslims wherever they reside carry the burden to establish Islam as the governing constitution in their lives as it was before.

28. The right to the defend one's land is a fixed principle in all religions and in any human law that is based on justice and fairness. We believe that there's no compulsion in religion and that the rights of People of the Book must be preserved in Muslims lands, as long as they do not show enmity to Islam and abide by the laws of society. On the other hand, People of other religions have no right to invade and occupy Muslims in their own lands in the name of liberation.

29. Women are partners of men and equal half of society. They have equal rights and responsibilities of Men in Islam, within the frame of duties that is established to suit their own nature. Islam recognizes the psychological, physical and emotional differences between the two genders and has legislated appropriate laws to accommodate such differences. Neither gender is primarily better than the other. Allah (Exalted is He) has given men a step above women within the specific format of the relationship between the two genders in Islam. This step above forms a duty on the part man rather than a merit. It is a burden of taking care of women, not to boss them around or abuse them in any way. All calls to exploit women and make them a walking toy of men for the enjoyment purposes of men by exposing more of their bodies are not acceptable in Islam.

This is our creed in few lines, we believe in it and live by it. As for those who are still not clear on who we are:

1. We are not from Khawarij, may Allah guide you, then we do not call anyone a disbeliever by a sin or disobedience that one commits .

2. We are not from Mu'tazila, that affirms the mind and disregards the texts.

3. We are not from Murji'ah that affirms Imaan in the heart without any action.

4. We are not from Shiites whom Allah and His messenger disavow because of their fabrication against the companions and wives of the Prophet.

5. We are not from those with corrupt minds who proclaim that Allah has attributes like those of human-beings.

6. We are not from Sufis, those demented people who dance and jump in the of Dhikr.

7. We are not Qutbis, but we hold great respect and love for the martyr Sayid Qutb, may Allah reward him for what offered to the Islam, and we recognize by that no one is free of error in all issues, Sayid , may Allah have mercy on him, is no exception. We do not follow his Taweel of Allah's attributes or any issue where he generally disagreed with the Sunnah.

8. We are not a Surooriya, although we recognize that the man who this group is attributed to (Muhammad Suroor) preached in the way of Allah. He offered to the Islam good scientific material, and he directed many of young men to the right path as much as he could. Although he has his share of flaws that relate to some legitimate opinions or personal behaviours, which we are not free to indulge in. May Allah guide him, and all those who call to the way of Allah and proper Sunnah.

9. Finally, fatwaa in Islam is not a matter of giving an opinion as many think. It is a duty on those who obtained the sciences and principles of Sharee'ah, practiced it, understood reality and studied its dimensions. Thus, the mufti has to meet both sides of fatwa: knowledge of the juristic rules and the knowledge of reality and the particular situation. As for those ignorant people who blindly give fatwas with no prior knowledge, fear Allah (Exalted is He) and consider the consequences of your irresponsible actions.

We therefore are pure people of Sunnah whose creed is not marred with a blemish. We live by this creed and hope to meet the Lord with our hearts firm on it.