What is Aqeedah? Exploring the Core Beliefs of Islam

What is Aqeedah? The core of the Islamic religion. Aqeedah is the fundamental thing that binds  Muslims to their Creator. Originating from the Arabic word ʿAqada, which means “to bind firmly,” Aqeedah stands for the profoundly held beliefs that shape a Muslim’s perception of Allah, the cosmos, and their life’s purpose.

Aqeedah influences all acts of worship, affects moral conduct, and offers guidance in overcoming obstacles in life. Understanding Aqeedah leads to a deep and meaningful relationship with Allah and His almighty wisdom, regardless matter whether you have been a believer for your entire life or are just beginning to learn about Islam.

What is Aqeedah in Islam? A Clear Definition

What is Aqeedah? It is the fundamental convictions or creed that a Muslim harbors about faith and religion. Using the root word ʿAqada (عَقَدَ), which means “to bind firmly” or “to tie a knot,” the term “aqeedah” refers to the deeply held and unalterable ideas that are the basis of a Muslim’s faith. The framework of Islamic theology governs Muslims’ views of Allah, the Prophets, the Hereafter, and everything else that is not visible.

Allah almighty said in the Quran: “Allah will not punish you for what is unintentional in your oaths, but He will punish you for your deliberate oaths (bima ‘aqqadtum al-ayman)…” [al-Maidah 5:89]

Why Aqeedah is Fundamental to Islamic Faith

Because it constitutes the fundamental belief system that molds a Muslim’s perception of Allah, the cosmos, and their life’s purpose, aqeedah, the cornerstone of the Islamic faith, is vital. It gives direction and clarity, guaranteeing that all facets of worship and faith are in line with Islamic principles.

1. Defines the Purpose of Life

When we learn what is aqeedah we understand that humans were made to worship Allah alone, according to Aqeedah (Tawheed). Existential concerns concerning the origin, meaning, and ultimate destination of existence are addressed.

“And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” (Quran 51:56)

2. Foundation of Worship

Proper Aqeedah ensures that worship is directed solely to Allah, free from shirk (associating partners with Allah). Without a sound Aqeedah, acts of worship lose their meaning and may deviate from Islamic teachings.

3. Establishes Relationship with Allah

Aqeedah emphasizes Allah’s attributes, mercy, justice, and wisdom, fostering a strong connection between the believer and their Creator. This relationship is based on love, fear, and hope, which are essential for spiritual growth.

4. Prepares for the Hereafter

What is aqeedah meaning in Islam? it refers to the Belief in the Day of Judgment, responsibility, and eternal reward or punishment are all part of understanding what is aqeedah. Muslims are inspired by this conviction to live moral lives, seeking Allah’s pleasure and abstaining from sin.

5. Guides Moral and Ethical Conduct

Aqeedah influences a Muslim’s actions and choices directly; it is not merely a theoretical concept. Muslim adherence to justice, integrity, and compassion in all facets of life is guaranteed by their belief in divine accountability.

6. Protects from Misguidance

What is aqeedah and how does it protect us? A good Aqeedah protects against innovations (bid’ah), erroneous ideologies, and deviations from the truth that can mislead. It guarantees the purity of faith by offering a precise framework derived from the Quran and Sunnah.

7. What is aqeedah and how it unites the Muslim Ummah

Despite cultural and ethnic variations, Muslims are united by their shared belief in the fundamentals of Aqeedah. The Muslim community’s strength and cohesiveness depend on this solidarity.

8. Teaches Resilience and Patience

Muslims, who believe in Qadar, or divine decree, are better able to endure life’s hardships because they understand that everything occurs according to Allah’s knowledge and will. Understanding what is aqeedah and how it plays a main part in the Islamic faith is essential. It instills trust in Allah’s plan, providing comfort during trials. It instills trust in Allah’s plan, providing comfort during trials.

9. What is aqeedah: Basis of Salvation

Aqeedah is the criterion for salvation in the Hereafter. A person’s eternal success depends on their adherence to the correct Aqeedah.

“Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds will have gardens beneath which rivers flow. That is the great attainment.” (Quran 85:11)

Core Principles of Aqeedah Every Muslim Should Know

We can understand the principles of Aqeedah from the following verse:

“The Messenger believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and (so do) the believers. Each one believes in Allah, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers. They say, ‘We make no distinction between one and another of His Messengers’ – and they say, ‘We hear, and we obey. (We seek) Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the return (of all).’” [al-Baqarah 2:285]

Our beloved prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

“Iman (faith) is to believe in Allah, His angels, His Books, the meeting with Him on the Last Day, His Messengers, and the Day of Resurrection.”

Now that we understand what is aqeedah let’s discover the primary elements of Aqeedah which are called the Six Pillars of Iman:

1. Belief in Allah: Tawheed (Oneness of Allah), His names, attributes, and lordship.
2. Belief in Angels: Understanding their role as servants of Allah and intermediaries in executing divine commands.
3. Belief in Divine Books: Faith in the revealed scriptures, including the Quran, Torah, Gospel, and Psalms.
4. Belief in Prophets: Acceptance of all Prophets sent by Allah, with Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the final Prophet.
5. Belief in the Day of Judgment: Acknowledging accountability for deeds and the existence of Paradise and Hell. you could read our article on Akhirah Meaning in Islam to learn more about the day of judgment and afterlife. 
6. Belief in Qadar (Divine Decree): Acceptance that all events occur by Allah’s will and knowledge, whether good or bad.

Furthermore, you can learn Quran recitation online to fully understand the Aqeedah.

Understanding the Role of Aqeedah in Islamic Theology

In Islamic theology, understanding what is aqeedah plays the role of the cornerstone of faith, outlining the fundamental ideas that support every facet of Islam. To ensure that worship, deeds, and moral behavior are following divine guidance, it offers the theoretical framework for comprehending Allah’s qualities, the meaning of life, and the invisible reality.

Aqeedah unifies the Muslim Ummah under shared principles, safeguards against misconceptions and innovations, and offers clarity on matters of belief, forming the basis for spiritual growth and eternal success.

How Does Aqeedah Shape Beliefs?

By offering a precise, methodical framework for comprehending the core ideas of what is aqeedah and faith such as the unity of Allah (Tawheed), the reason for creation, and the invisible realities of angels, divine decree, and the Hereafter, aqeedah helps to shape beliefs. It guarantees that a Muslim’s convictions are based on the Quran and Sunnah, strengthening their relationship with Allah and directing their worship and day-to-day behavior. Muslims can live a life that is in line with Islamic teachings and centered on obtaining eternal success because aqeedah provides clarity, dispels doubts, and shields against perverse beliefs.

Learn more about the Islamic Faith and Aqeedah by joining our Hadith Jibril program with the best-specialized Shaikh from Al-Azhar University.

Conclusion

Understanding what is aqeedah is essential in Islam. The core of Islam is aqeedah, which includes faith in Allah, His prophets, divine texts, angels, the Day of Judgment, and divine will. It is the cornerstone of Muslim religion, morals, and social and spiritual lives.

In addition to guaranteeing correct comprehension of Islam, a sound Aqeedah also synchronizes a believer’s heart, thoughts, and deeds with the ultimate goal of life, which is to worship and submit to Allah. Without Aqeedah, the Islamic faith would lack direction, purpose, and cohesion.

Don’t hesitate to contact the qualified professionals at Ulum Al-Azhar for assistance in learning more about Tashahhud and its correct recitation. Book a free Consultation session and start learning! 

FAQs

What is an example of Aqidah?

An example of Aqeedah is Tawheed. Which refers to worshipping only one god and believing in the Oneness of Allah.

Is there any difference between aqidah and Iman?

Aqeedah is the term used by scholars to express Iman. The term Iman is the term used in Quran and Sunnah.  

What is the difference between aqeedah and Tawheed?

Tawheed is the foundation stone of Aqeedah. It refers to believing in the Oneness of Allah.