Aqeedah is an Arabic term that refers to the Islamic concept of faith or belief. It is an essential component of the Islamic faith and represents the core set of beliefs that Muslims hold. Aqeedah encompasses a wide range of beliefs, including beliefs about God, the prophets, the angels, the Day of Judgment, and other fundamental aspects of Islam.
In Islam, Aqeedah is considered one of the most important aspects of faith, and it serves as the foundation for the entire Islamic belief system. The beliefs and principles of Aqeedah are derived from the Quran and the Sunnah (the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him), and they form the basis of Islamic theology.
Definition of Aqeedah in Islam
Aqeedah is a central aspect of the Islamic faith, and it encompasses the core beliefs and principles that Muslims hold. It is derived from the Quran and the Sunnah, and it serves as the foundation for the entire Islamic belief system. Belief in one God, the prophets, the angels, the Day of Judgment
Some of the key beliefs that are central to Aqeedah in Islam include the following:
- Belief in One God: The most fundamental belief in Islam is the belief in the oneness of God. Muslims believe in one God, who is eternal, omnipotent, and omniscient. God is the creator of the universe and all that is in it.
- Belief in the Prophets: Muslims believe that God sent prophets to guide humanity throughout history. These prophets include Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad, peace be upon them all.
- Belief in the Angels: Muslims believe in the existence of angels, who are created by God and carry out His commands.
- Belief in the Day of Judgment: Muslims believe in the Day of Judgment when all souls will be judged by God based on their deeds.
- Belief in Divine Predestination: Muslims believe in the concept of Divine Predestination, which means that everything in the universe is under God’s control, and everything that happens is according to His will.
The Importance of Aqeedah in Islam
Aqeedah is a crucial aspect of Islam as it forms the foundation of the religion. It represents the core beliefs and principles that Muslims hold, and it guides their actions and behavior in life. Aqeedah plays an essential role in the lives of Muslims, and its importance cannot be overstated. Here is the importance of it:
- Following the example of the messengers in teaching people the Aqeedah before work. As Allah Almighty said: وَلَقَدْ بَعَثْنَا فِي كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ رَسُولًا أَنِ اعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ وَاجْتَنِبُوا الطَّاغُوت
- Purifying our faith from the impurities of heresy and polytheism, and the safety of the servant from disbelief and polytheism is the basis of salvation from Hellfire.
- But complete salvation is through jurisprudence that corrects words and deeds according to the will of Allah – the Almighty – and the will of His Messenger – may Allah bless him and grant him peace – and deliver worship from innovation.
- Protection from falling into trap and innovation.
- Knowledge of Allah that inherits fear of Him, and not falling into disobedience to Him.
- deliverance from temptation; There is no escape from ideological temptation except by learning the correct belief.
- Fighting false ideological ideas and doctrines.
- Lifting ignorance from ourselves.
Sources of Aqeedah
Here are the different sources of Aqeedah and their significance in Islamic theology.
- The Quran is the primary source of Aqeedah for Muslims, containing fundamental beliefs of Islam.
- The Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad, including his sayings, actions, and approvals, is also an important source of Aqeedah.
- The consensus of the scholars is an important source of Aqeedah, indicating agreement on particular beliefs.
- Ijma, or the consensus of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad, is also an important source of Aqeedah.
- Reason and personal reflection are encouraged in forming Aqeedah but subject to guidance from the Quran, Sunnah, consensus of scholars, and ijma of the companions.
The Pillars of Iman in Islam
The Pillars of Iman are the fundamental beliefs that form the core of the Islamic faith. They represent the six essential beliefs that every Muslim must hold in order to have a valid faith. These Pillars of Iman are as follows:
- Belief in One God (Allah): This is the most fundamental belief in Islam. Muslims believe in the oneness of God, who is the creator of the universe and everything in it. Muslims believe that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is His messenger.
- Belief in the Angels: Muslims believe in the existence of angels, who are created by God to worship Him and carry out His commands. Muslims believe that angels play an important role in the lives of humans and that they record all of our actions and deeds.
- Belief in the Holy Books: Muslims believe in the divine revelation of the Holy Books, including the Quran, the Torah, the Gospel, and the Psalms. Muslims believe that these books were revealed by God to His prophets as guidance for humanity.
- Belief in the Prophets: Muslims believe in the prophets of God, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad. Muslims believe that these prophets were sent by God to guide humanity and to show them the path of righteousness.
- Belief in the Day of Judgment: Muslims believe in the Day of Judgment when all humans will be brought before God and held accountable for their actions in this life. Muslims believe that there will be a reckoning on that day and that everyone will be judged according to their deeds.
- Belief in Divine Decree: Muslims believe in the divine decree, which refers to the concept of destiny and predestination. Muslims believe that everything that happens in the universe is according to the will of God and that nothing happens without His knowledge and permission.
Difference Between Aqeedah And Tawheed
Aqeedah and Tawheed are two important concepts in Islam that are often confused with each other. Although they are related, they are not the same thing. Aqeedah refers to the set of beliefs that a Muslim holds, while Tawheed refers to the concept of the oneness of God.
Aqeedah is a broader concept that encompasses many beliefs, including Tawheed. Aqeedah refers to the set of beliefs that a Muslim holds about God, the prophets, the holy books, the Day of Judgment, and divine decree. These beliefs are based on the Quran, the Sunnah (traditions of the Prophet Muhammad), and the consensus of scholars.
Tawheed, on the other hand, is a specific concept that refers to the oneness of God. Tawheed is the most important belief in Islam, and it forms the basis of the Islamic faith. Tawheed is the belief that there is only one God, who is the creator and sustainer of the universe. Tawheed also encompasses the belief that God has no partners, no equals, and no rivals.
In other words, Aqeedah is the umbrella term for all the beliefs that a Muslim holds, while Tawheed is the most fundamental belief within Aqeedah. Tawheed is the belief in the oneness of God, while Aqeedah includes other important beliefs such as the belief in the prophets, the holy books, the Day of Judgment, and divine decree.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Aqeedah is a fundamental aspect of Islam, and its importance cannot be overstated. It forms the foundation of the religion, establishes the core beliefs of Muslims, strengthens their faith, and unites them as a community. Aqeedah provides Muslims with a sense of purpose and meaning in life, and it helps them to develop a close relationship with God.