Islamic Belief [in Allah] In the Light of the Qur’an and the Sunnah بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

 ‘Aqeedah – Definition & Explanation  Linguistic meaning  Root meanings: belief, ideology, firmly grounded, tied, binding contract.  Islamic meaning  Beliefs and knowledge held in the heart without any doubt.  Relationship between ‘aqeedah and ‘amal

 Belief in matter of al-ghaib  ‘Aqeedah can be correct or false  Divine Communication (sometimes called “revelation”) is its sole possible source.  Only found today in the last and protected divine message.  Correct ‘Aqeedah is an absolute necessity for balance and success in both realms.

 ‘Aqeedah not mentioned in Qur’an or Hadith  Allah praised Iman and its people.  ‘Aqeedah is the foundation in the heart of iman which also includes deeds.  Abu Hanifa’s opinion a semantic, not an actual difference.  “That which is established in the heart and the actions confirm/validate it.” (hadith)  NOT mere “knowledge” (gnosis)  Iblis and Pharaoh both had complete knowledge of Allah, but no correct ‘aqeedah or iman.

 Iman includes deeds and that is the realm of the Shari’a.  A deficiency in either is a deficiency in Iman.  As such, both the “root” (‘aqeedah) and the “branches” (deeds) must be maintained.

 No exemption for ability in the area of ‘aqeedah.  Whoever rejects the ‘Aqeedah of Islam wholly or partially is a disbeliever.  ‘Aqeedah is interconnected and it is not possible to believe in one part but not in another.  Kufr can be by rejection, words, deeds or omissions.  Rejection of disbelievers for their disbelief is a must.  Who will be kafir before Allah?

 Sins detract and indicate a lack in Iman.  But, they cannot remove one from Iman to Kufr.  Shirk is what cannot be forgiven.  Shirk is what removes one from Islam.  Sins can result in punishment, but not eternal.

 Accused Muslims of kufr for any major sin.  Discussion of their “evidence”.  Refutation.  Meaning of disowning and kufr in certain hadith.  The difference between failing to judge by the Shari’a in an instance vs. enforcing kaafir laws and making war against the Shari’a.