Islamic Creed (Aqidah):
Central Creed of Islam:
The Islamic Creed, known as Aqidah
in Arabic, refers to the fundamental beliefs and principles that every Muslim
holds dear and is essential to their faith. The core elements of Aqidah are
derived from the teachings of the Qur'an and the sayings of the Prophet
Muhammad (peace be upon him), and they form the foundation of Islamic
spirituality and practice.
The
Six Articles of Faith
- Belief in Allah (God):
The central belief in Islam is the oneness of Allah (Tawhid). Muslims
believe that Allah is the only true God, eternal, self-sufficient, and
incomparable. He has no partners, associates, or offspring. His attributes
are beyond human comprehension, and He is the Creator and Sustainer of all
that exists.
- Belief in Angels:
Muslims believe in the existence of angels, created by Allah from light. They
are considered messengers and servants of Allah, carrying out His
commands. Among the most important angels are Jibril (Gabriel), who
brought the divine revelations to the prophets, and Mikail (Michael), who
sustains creation with provisions.
- Belief in the Holy Books: Muslims believe in the scriptures revealed by Allah
to various prophets as guidance for humanity. These include the Qur'an
(the final and most complete revelation), the Torah (to Prophet
Musa), the Psalms (to Prophet Dawud), and the Gospel (to
Prophet Isa), though the Qur'an is the unaltered and final word of Allah.
- Belief in the Prophets and Messengers: Muslims believe in the prophets sent by Allah to
guide humanity. These include notable figures like Adam, Noah,
Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus, and Muhammad
(peace be upon them all). The final prophet is Muhammad, whose message is
considered the culmination of all previous teachings. Prophets are
considered to be sinless and exemplary role models.
- Belief in the Day of Judgment: Muslims believe that after death, all humans will be
resurrected and judged by Allah on the Day of Judgment. On this day,
everyone will be held accountable for their deeds. Those who have lived
righteous lives in accordance with Allah's commandments will be rewarded with
eternal paradise (Jannah), while those who have disbelieved or acted
wickedly will be punished in hell (Jahannam).
- Belief in Qadar (Divine Decree): Muslims believe in Qadar, the divine predestination,
which means that everything that happens in life is by Allah’s will and
according to His plan. This belief underscores Allah's omniscience and
omnipotence. While humans have free will, everything is ultimately within
Allah's knowledge and control.
The Islamic Creed is a framework
that unites Muslims around shared beliefs and practices. These core principles
shape their worldview, guiding their relationship with Allah, with fellow
humans, and with the universe. Understanding and affirming Aqidah is essential
for a Muslim’s faith and spiritual development.
Importance of Creed in Islam:
Characteristic of Islamic Creed:
The Islamic creed, also known as Aqidah
(Arabic: عقيدة), is the foundation of a Muslim’s faith and belief system. It
refers to the essential beliefs that every Muslim is required to affirm in
order to be considered a true follower of Islam. The Islamic creed centers on
belief in the oneness of God and the acceptance of the teachings of Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH) as the final prophet. The core tenets of the Islamic creed are
typically expressed through the Shahada (Testimony of Faith) and the Six
Articles of Faith.
1.
The Shahada: The Declaration of Faith
The Shahada is the central
statement of the Islamic creed. It is the testimony through which a person
formally converts to Islam. It consists of two parts:
- "La ilaha illallah" – There is no god but Allah.
- "Muhammadur rasulullah" – Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.
This declaration affirms belief in
the absolute oneness of Allah (God) and acknowledges Muhammad (PBUH) as His
final prophet.
2.
The Six Articles of Faith
The Six Articles of Faith
(Arabic: أركان الإيمان) form the core beliefs that every Muslim must uphold:
- Belief in Allah (God):
Muslims believe in the oneness of God, who is the sole creator, sustainer,
and ruler of the universe. Allah is beyond human comprehension and is
characterized by infinite power, wisdom, and mercy. He has no partners or
equals.
- Belief in Angels:
Muslims believe in the existence of angels, who are spiritual beings
created by Allah. They have no free will and are tasked with carrying out
Allah's commands. Some well-known angels include Jibril (Gabriel), who
conveyed Allah's messages to the prophets, and Israfil, who will blow the
trumpet to signal the Day of Judgment.
- Belief in the Divine Books: Muslims believe that Allah sent down sacred
scriptures to guide humanity. The most significant of these are:
- The Qur'an:
The final and complete revelation to humanity, given to Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH).
- The Torah (Tawrat): Given to Prophet Musa (Moses).
- The Psalms (Zabur): Given to Prophet Dawud (David).
- The Gospel (Injil): Given to Prophet Isa (Jesus).
- The Scrolls (Suhuf): Given to earlier prophets, including Ibrahim
(Abraham).
These scriptures contain divine
guidance, but the Qur'an is believed to be the unaltered and final word of God.
- Belief in the Prophets and Messengers: Muslims believe that Allah sent prophets to all
nations to guide humanity to the worship of the one true God. These
prophets, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and Jesus, all
conveyed the same essential message: to worship Allah alone. Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH) is regarded as the final prophet, and his teachings and actions,
as recorded in the Hadith (sayings and traditions), serve as a model for
all Muslims.
- Belief in the Day of Judgment: Muslims believe that there will be a Day of Judgment
when all individuals will be resurrected and held accountable for their
deeds. Those who believed in Allah and followed His guidance will be
rewarded with eternal paradise (Jannah), while those who rejected the
faith will face punishment in hell (Jahannam). The belief in the afterlife
is a key motivator for Muslims to live righteous lives.
- Belief in Predestination (Qadar): Muslims believe in divine predestination, meaning
that Allah has knowledge of everything that will happen and has written
everything in a divine record. However, this does not negate human free
will. While humans are given the freedom to choose their actions, Allah's
knowledge encompasses all possibilities, and everything happens according
to His will.
3.
Core Concepts in Islamic Creed
- Tawhid (Oneness of God): The central concept in Islam is Tawhid, which
asserts the absolute oneness of Allah. This means that Allah is unique and
incomparable to anything in the creation. He is the sole creator and
sustainer of the universe, and no other being is worthy of worship.
- Risal (Prophethood):
Prophethood is an essential belief, as Muslims hold that Allah has sent
messengers throughout history to guide people to worship Him alone and
live righteous lives. The final and most revered prophet in Islam is
Muhammad (PBUH), whose mission was to deliver the message of the Qur'an to
all of humanity.
- Akhirah (The Afterlife): Belief in the afterlife is fundamental in Islam. The
ultimate purpose of life on Earth is to prepare for the eternal life after
death. The choices individuals make during their lives will determine
their fate in the afterlife.
- The Role of the Qur'an and Sunnah: The Qur'an, as the literal word of Allah, is the
ultimate source of guidance for Muslims. Along with the Hadith (recorded
sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad), the Sunnah (the practices and
traditions of the Prophet) provides further clarification of the teachings
in the Qur'an and is a key guide for daily life.
4.
Importance of Aqidah in Islam
Islamic creed is not just a set of
abstract beliefs; it is meant to shape a Muslim’s actions and worldview. It
lays the foundation for a life based on justice, compassion, and devotion to
Allah. Understanding and following Aqidah is central to the identity of
a Muslim. Deviations or misunderstandings of these core beliefs can lead to
incorrect practices or beliefs, which is why scholars of Islam emphasize the
importance of maintaining a correct understanding of Aqidah.
In conclusion, the Islamic creed is the blueprint for a Muslim's faith. It defines the relationship between the believer and Allah, the purpose of life, and the path to eternal success in the Hereafter. The core tenets of Aqidah—belief in Allah, His angels, His books, His prophets, the Day of Judgment, and His divine will—form the foundation of the Islamic faith and provide the framework for how Muslims
understand and interact with the world.
Sources of the Islamic Creed:
1. The Holy Quran: It is the boook of Alah, from which the Aqidah derived its foundations and origins.
2. The Sunnah of the Prophet: It is the revelation that was revealed to the master of education, and who showed it to his nation.
Arkaan Islamic Creed:
Islamic Creed requires its owner to believe and assert what is started in the Islamic religions, by believing in the following:
- That Allah is his Lord.
- That Muhammad is his prophet.
- Belief in prophets and apostles.
- Heavenly books.
- Angels.
- Destiny is good and evil
The Islamic creed, also known as the
Shahada, is the central declaration of faith in Islam. It is a succinct
statement that defines a Muslim's belief and is fundamental to their identity
as a believer in the Islamic faith. The core aspects of the Islamic creed
include the following:
1.
Monotheism (Tawhid)
- Definition:
The belief in the oneness of God (Allah) is the foundation of the Islamic
creed. Muslims believe that there is no god but Allah, who is unique and
has no partners.
- Implication:
This belief emphasizes the indivisible and absolute nature of God. All
acts of worship, obedience, and reliance are directed solely to Allah.
2.
Prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH)
- Definition:
The second part of the Shahada affirms that Muhammad (PBUH) is the final
prophet and messenger of God.
- Implication:
Muslims believe that Muhammad is the seal of the prophets, meaning no new
prophets will come after him. His teachings, as revealed in the Quran, are
considered a complete and final guide for humanity.
3.
Angels
- Definition:
Belief in the existence of angels is a key component of the Islamic creed.
Angels are seen as spiritual beings created by Allah to carry out specific
tasks, such as delivering messages or recording deeds.
- Implication:
Muslims believe that angels are obedient servants of Allah, and they play
essential roles in the life of a believer, such as guiding and protecting
them.
4.
The Revealed Scriptures
- Definition:
Muslims believe in the holy scriptures revealed to various prophets,
including the Torah (to Moses), the Psalms (to David), and the Gospel (to
Jesus). The Quran is considered the final and most complete revelation.
- Implication:
The Quran, as the final and unaltered scripture, is viewed as the ultimate
source of guidance, and it affirms the messages of previous revelations
while correcting misunderstandings.
5.
Belief in the Day of Judgment
- Definition:
Muslims believe in a Day of Judgment, when all individuals will be
resurrected and held accountable for their deeds.
- Implication:
This belief underlines the importance of morality and personal
responsibility. Each person’s actions will be judged by Allah, leading to
either reward in Paradise or punishment in Hell.
6.
Predestination (Qadar)
- Definition:
Muslims believe in the concept of divine preordainment, meaning that Allah
has knowledge and control over everything that happens. While human beings
have free will, their lives are part of Allah’s divine plan.
- Implication:
This belief encourages trust in Allah’s wisdom and sovereignty, even
during difficult times, as everything happens according to His will.
7.
The Role of Faith and Action
- Definition:
In Islam, faith is not just an internal belief but requires external
actions to manifest. The belief in Allah and Muhammad must be accompanied
by the performance of duties such as prayer (Salah), fasting (Sawm),
charity (Zakat), and pilgrimage (Hajj).
- Implication:
This integration of faith and action ensures that a Muslim’s belief is
expressed through their daily life and interactions with others.
8.
Unity of the Muslim Ummah
- Definition:
The concept of the "Ummah" refers to the global community of
Muslims, united by their shared faith in Islam.
- Implication:
This sense of solidarity emphasizes the importance of brotherhood,
cooperation, and mutual support among Muslims, regardless of cultural or
geographical differences.
9.
Respect for Other Religions
- Definition:
While Islam holds that it is the final and complete religion, Muslims are
taught to show respect for other Abrahamic faiths (Judaism and
Christianity) and the people of the Book.
- Implication:
The Quran emphasizes peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and respect for
other beliefs, while also advocating for the propagation of Islam.
10.
The Role of Worship
- Definition:
Worship in Islam is not limited to rituals but extends to all aspects of
life, including honesty, kindness, justice, and sincerity in everyday
actions.
- Implication:
Every action, when done with the intention of pleasing Allah, is seen as
an act of worship. This includes fulfilling social, familial, and
professional responsibilities.
Conclusion:
The Islamic creed encapsulates the
core beliefs and practices that every Muslim is expected to uphold. It
emphasizes the worship of one God, the importance of following the teachings of
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the need to prepare for the afterlife, and the
responsibilities of a believer in this life.
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