Introduction to Aqeedah

Matn of Imam al-Tahawi (al-Tahawiyyah)

 Session Plan
• Introductions:
1. ‘ilm al-’Aqeedah

2. al-Tahawiyyah

3. Imam al-Tahawi
 ‘ilm al-’Aqeedah
Names
1. ‘ilm al-Iman (belief) – Hadith Um al-Sunnah

2. ‘ilm al-Tawheed (Oness)

3. ‘ilm al-’Aqeedah
The essential knowledge Allah and his attributes, His prophets, His revelation and the
unseen truths both in this life and in the hereafter.

The innate existential questions of from where, why, how and to where.
(epistemological and psychological comfort…. in ḥaq)
 ‘ilm al-’Aqeedah
The Ten Keys
1. Definition
2. Subject
3. Benefit/Final Cause
4. Merit
5. Position amongst other knowledge
6. Originator
7. Name
8. Source
9. Al-Ḥukm al-Shar’i for learning it
10. Chapters
 Difference between Aqeedah and Kalam

Creed Argumentative Theology

• Essential knowledge – all • Derivative knowledge
• Universal across time and place • Partially reactionary and contextual
• Necessary knowledge (qat’i and ḍaruri) - • Speculative or probable knowledge (naẓar
all or ẓan)
• Universally accessible • Requiers training
• Collective Obligation
• Individualistic obligation
• Argumentation intended for reinstalling
• It is Iman-tasleem intended for ‘amal Iman
• Consensual • Some disagreement
• Sufficient • Overly-detailed
The Book
• Bayan (not Ijaaz)
• Creed (not kalam)
• Ahl al-Sunna (inclusive of the three creedal schools of ahl al-Sunna)
• Shuruh (Ghaznawi, Fouda)
• Abuse of the book (Ibn Abi al-’Izz al-Hanafi; D. 9th Hijri Century /
modern Karramiyya)
The Author
• Why is it important to know the author?

This matter is religion, know from whom you are getting your religion.

The transmission of knowledge is a prophetic mission. It must follow

the prophetic guidance of sound narration and sound understanding.