Aqidah

Aqidah is an Arabic term that translates to "creed." In Islamic studies, it refers to the formal study of Islamic theology. The word originates from the Semitic root ʿ-q-d, which means "to tie" or "to knot."

This root creates the verb iʿtaqada, meaning to firmly believe. It also produces the noun iʿtiqād, which signifies conviction or doctrine. For many, aqidah represents a firm, tied connection to a belief system. It covers all Muslim belief systems, including sectarian differences and points of contention. While the word itself is not explicitly mentioned in the Quran, it has become a vital technical term in theology.

In Islamic theology, a distinction is made between aqidah and iman. Iman refers to a believer's faith in the metaphysical aspects of Islam. It is often described as the belief in the six articles of faith, or arkan al-iman. Aqidah goes beyond these simple statements of faith. It often involves human interpretation or specific sources to reach a deeper level of detail. Some scholars describe aqidah as the systematic study of these beliefs. This process allows for a more complex understanding of religious doctrine through various theological lenses.

All Muslims accept the six articles of faith derived from the Quran and Sunnah. These articles are known as arkan al-iman. The first is Tawhid, the doctrine of Oneness. Tawhid holds that Allah is one, unique, and the only being worthy of worship. The second article is belief in the angels. The third is belief in the Islamic holy books. The fourth is belief in the prophets and messengers. The fifth is belief in the Last Judgment and Resurrection. The sixth is belief in predestination.

While different schools may disagree on specific attributes of God, these six pillars remain undisputed.

Systematic statements of belief became necessary early in Islamic history. According to scholar Cyril Glasse, these creeds were written to refute heresies. They also helped distinguish different points of view as theological schools increased. One of the earliest written creeds is known as Fiqh Akbar. This text is ascribed to the scholar Abu Hanifa. Other significant creeds include Fiqh Akbar II, representing the Ash'ari school, and Fiqh Akbar III, representing the Shafi'i school. The scholar Al-Ghazali also developed his own aqidah. Some detailed creeds produced by scholars contain 100 or more individual belief statements.

There are several major schools of theology within Sunni Islam. One prominent group is the Ash'ari school, founded by Abu al-Hasan al-Ash'ari. He previously studied under the Mu'tazilis before forming his own school. Ash'arism accepts reason as a witness to the evidence found in scripture. They believe that what God commands is just by definition. Another school is Maturidism, founded by Abu Mansur al-Maturidi. In contrast, the Mu'tazilis emphasize human free will over predestination.

Because of these differences in reasoning, the Mu'tazilis are considered heretics by all traditional Sunni theological schools.

Scholars often use the method of Kalam to study these principles. Kalam is a form of Islamic scholastic theology that uses dialectic, or logical discussion. In Arabic, the word literally means "speech" or "words." A person who practices this method is called a mutakallim. Some scholars also use the term usul al-din, which means "the principles of religion." This term can refer to the articles of faith themselves. It can also describe the scientific study of these truths at Islamic universities. For example, al-Azhar University has included usul al-din as a specific faculty since 1950.

Another important area of study is eschatology. This term refers to the study of the "last things" or ultimate things. In Muslim theology, eschatology focuses on the end of the world and the hereafter. It covers the death of human beings and the state of their souls. It also includes the total destruction of the world and the resurrection of humans.

According to this belief, God will conduct a Last Judgment of all human deeds. This judgment results in rewards or punishments. The places for believers in the hereafter are known as Paradise, while non-believers are associated with Hell.

Beyond these core doctrines, some Muslims include Jihad and Dawah in their aqidah. Jihad literally means to struggle or to endeavor. In a religious context, it can refer to the struggle against disbelief to spread the faith. Dawah means "invitation" or the preaching of Islam. A person who practices dawah is called a dā‘ī. They invite others to understand Islam through dialogue. These concepts connect the internal beliefs of aqidah to the active life of the community and the spread of religious principles.