ISLAMIC CREED TRAINING COURSE VI
Sharh: 'Aqeedah Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah
Explanation
of The Creed of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah
Al-Imaam Abu Muhammad Abdullah ibn Abi
Zaid al-Qairawaanee
(310-386H)
Questionnaire Study
Guide
Lecture No. 1
Al-Muqaddimah: Introductory Comments,
Definitions
Brief Biography of the Mu’allif (Author)
The Text
Point
One:
Chapter:
That Which is Pronounced by al-Alsinah (the
Tongues) and Firmly Believed in al-Af''idah (the
Hearts), concerning the obligatory matters of Diyaanaat
(Religion).
Of
those things is al-Emaan bi-l-Qalb (the
conviction in the heart), and an-Nutq bi-l-Lisaan (the
pronouncement upon the tongue) that Allah is One God; there is nothing worthy
of worship besides Him; there is no shabeeh
(likeness, similar, resemblance) for Him, no nadheer (equal)
for Him, no walad (offspring) for Him, nor waalid
(parent) for Him; no saahibah (companion, wife) for
Him, nor shareek (partner) for Him.
Questions:
1.
Mention the title of the book
under study in this course and its subject.
2.
Mention the author's name,
date of birth/death, & something of his life/work.
3.
Define al-'Aqeedah,
linguistically and technically.
4.
Discuss who are
the 'Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah,' why
they are called by this name, and mention three (3) other names they are
referred to by.
5.
Mention the four (4) points
included in the conviction (of the heart) and confession (of the
tongue) that: Allahu Ilaahun Waahidun (Allah is One God).
6.
Mention some of those matters
which one must declare Allah to be free from (at-Tanzeeh).
7.
What is the correct meaning of: Laa Ilaaha
Ghairu-hu ('There
is no god other than Him')?
8.
Mention a Daleel
(proof) for the author's statement: 'He has no likeness or equal or offspring or
parents'.
9.
Discuss the Hukm
Shar'ee (legal ruling) concerning al-Ishraak
(Shirk).
10.
Is it sufficient to believe in
the 'Wahdaaniyah' (oneness, uniqueness) of Allah
in the heart, without confessing it by the tongue?
عـقـيـدة
أهـل
الـسـنـة
والـجـمـاعـة - الإمام
ابـن أبـي
زيـد
ISLAMIC CREED TRAINING COURSE VI
Sharh: 'Aqeedah Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah
Explanation
of The Creed of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah
Al-Imaam Abu Muhammad Abdullah ibn Abi
Zaid al-Qairawaanee
(310-386H)
Questionnaire Study
Guide
Lecture No. 2
Point Two:
There
is no beginning for His Awwaliyyah (i.e.
being al-Awwal: the First), nor is there an
ending to His Aakhiriyyah (i.e.
being al-Aakhir: the Last); nor can al-Waasifoona (those who attempt to describe Allah)
comprehend Kunhu (the reality of) Sifati-hi (His
characteristics, or the 'how' of it), nor can al-Mutafakkiroon
(those who engage in reflection) comprehend Amri-hi (the
reality of His Affair, i.e. His divine being, names, characteristics, actions,
or wisdom behind His rulings, etc.).
Al-Mufakkiroon (those who reflect) take
heed to Aayaati-hi (His
Signs), and do not reflect upon the reality of His Dhaat (Divine
Being); they can not encompass anything of His Knowledge [i.e. the knowledge of
His names, characteristics and wisdom, in particular, and the knowledge in
general], except what He Wills; His Kursee
(foot-stool) extends over the heavens and earth, and the preservation of them
both (i.e. heavens and earth) is not difficult for Him (i.e. tires Him not),
and He is al-'Alee (the
Most High), [i.e. established above His Throne, supreme ruler, enjoying an
exalted status above the whole of creation], al-'Adheem (the
Supreme) [i.e. the One who is singly described with all of the
characteristics of greatness and majesty].
Point
Three:
Al-'Aalim (the all-Knowing) al-Khabeer (the
all-Aware), al-Mudabbir (the Controller) al-Qadeer (the
all-Powerful), as-Samee' (the all-Hearing) al-Baseer (the
all-Seeing), al-'Alee (the
Most High) al-Kabeer (the Most Great).
And that He is above His Majestic ‘Arsh
(Throne) bi-Dhaati-hi (by His Divine Being), and He
is bi-kulli makaan (in
every place) bi-‘Ilmi-hi (through His Knowledge). He created the human being and He knows what
his own-self whispers to him, and He is nearer to him than hablu-l-wareed (the
jugular vein) [i.e. angels of Allah are near to the human being; and Allah
is ‘near’ by His Knowledge].
عقيدة أهل
السنة
والجماعة - الإمام
ابن أبي زيد
ISLAMIC CREED TRAINING COURSE VI
Sharh: 'Aqeedah Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah
Explanation
of The Creed of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah
Al-Imaam Abu Muhammad Abdullah ibn Abi
Zaid al-Qairawaanee
(310-386H)
Questionnaire Study
Guide
Lecture No. 3
The Text
Point Three:
Al-‘Aalim (the
all-Knowing) al-Khabeer (the all-Aware), al-Mudabbir (the
Controller) al-Qadeer (the all-Powerful), as-Samee’ (the
all-Hearing) al-Baseer (the all-Seeing), al-‘Alee (the
Most High) al-Kabeer (the Most Great).
And that He is above His Majestic ‘Arsh
(Throne) bi-Dhaati-hi (by His Divine Being), and He
is bi-kulli makaan (in
every place) bi-‘Ilmi-hi (through His Knowledge). He created the human being and He knows what
his own-self whispers to him, and He is nearer to him than hablu-l-wareed (the
jugular vein) [i.e. angels of Allah are near to the human being; and Allah
is ‘near’ by His Knowledge].
Not a leaf (waraqah)
falls, but He knows it. There is
not a grain (habbah) in the darkness (depth)
of the earth, nor anything fresh (ratbin)
or dry (yaabisin), but it is written in
a clear record (kitaab mubeen). ‘ala-l-‘Arsh Istawaa (He as ascended
above the Throne), wa ‘ala-l-Mulk
Ihtawaa (and He possesses and controls
the kingdom, i.e. the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth) .
Questions:
1.
Explain the ‘Aqeedah of Ahlus-Sunnah concerning the question: Where is
Allah? Or is it correct to say that Allah
is everywhere?
2.
Mention a Daleel (proof)
for the above answer.
3.
Is there a contradiction between saying that Allah
is above His Throne, and that He is with you wherever you may be?
4.
Why did Imam Ibn Abi Zaid use the expression ‘Dhaat’?
5.
Explain the belief of the following groups: al-Hulooliyyah, al-Ittihaadiyyah, al-Juhoodiyyah.
6.
Which are the three (3) groups identified as al-Juhoodiyyah?
7.
Discuss the meaning of the verse: “Indeed, We have created
the human being and We know what his own-self whispers
to him, and We
are nearer to him than hablu-l-wareed (the
jugular vein).” [Qaaf 50:16]
8.
Explain the meaning of: ‘ala-l-‘Arsh
Istawaa…
9.
How can we refute the false
interpretation (Tahreef) of
those who say Istiwaa’ (rising
above) means Istawlaa (conquering).
عـقـيـدة
أهـل
الـسـنـة
والجـمـاعـة،
الإمـام ابـن
أبـي زيـد
ISLAMIC CREED TRAINING COURSE VI
Sharh: ‘Aqeedah Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah
Al-Imam Abu Muhammad Abdullah Ibn
Abi Zaid al-Qairawaanee (Rahimahu-llah)
(310 – 386AH)
Questionnaire Study
Guide
Lecture No. 4
The Text
Point Four:
[It is also required to have the
firm conviction, concerning Allah, that] To Him belong
al-Asmaa’ al-Husnaa (the
Most Beautiful Names) and as-Sifaat al-‘Ulaa (the
Lofty, Exalted Characteristics). He has always possessed all
of His Sifaat (characteristics,
qualities, descriptions) and Asmaa’
(names). He is Highly Exalted, i.e. declared free of the possibility of
His Sifaat (characteristics) being makh-looqah (something
created) and His Asmaa’ (names) being muh-dathah (something
which came into existence, after having not existed).
He (Allah) Kallama Moosaa
(spoke to Moses) bi-Kalaami-hi (with
His Speech) which
is a Sifah (characteristic) of His Dhaat (Divine
Being), and not a khalq (created thing) from among His
creatures.
He (Allah) Tajallaa (appeared)
before the mountain, causing it to crumble to dust (i.e. leveled to the ground)
from His Jalaal (Majesty and Glory).
Point Five:
[It is also required to believe
that] the Qur’an is Kalaamu-llah (the
Speech of Allah), and that it is not makh-looq (a
created thing) such that it will be destroyed or removed; nor is it a sifah
li-makh-looq (a
characteristic of a created thing) such that it will end, become extinct, or
cease to exist.
Questions:
1.
Explain the Qaa’idah (rule) related to confirming the Asmaa and Sifaat of Allah.
2.
How can we explain the Ishtiraak (sharing) of the same name – between al-Khaaliq (the Creator) and al-Makhlooq
(the creatures)?
3.
What is meant by confirming the Sifaat of Allah, without Tahreef, Tashbeeh?
4.
Discuss the statement: ‘The Sifaat (characteristics) of Allah were always
with Him just like His Dhaat
(Divine Being), since “as-Sifaat far’un ‘an adh-Dhaat” [i.e. the Sifaat are
branches/derivatives of the Dhaat].
5.
What do we say about the Sifaat of Allah being Makh-looqah (created)?
6.
Discuss the difference between as-Sifaat
adh-Dhaatiyyah and as-Sifaat al-Fi’liyyah.
7.
Is ‘al-Kalaam’ (i.e. the Speech of Allah) from as-Sifaat
adh-Dhaatiyyah or as-Sifaat
al-Fi’liyyah? [Explain]
8.
Discuss the verse: Wa Kallama –llahu
Moosaa Tak-leemaa (Allah
spoke to Moses directly). [al-Qur’an 4:164]
9.
What is the Hukm Shar’ee (legal
ruling) concerning one who says that “the Speech of Allah is created”?
10. What is the correct ‘Aqeedah concerning the question: ‘Can Allah be seen’?
عـقـيـدة
أهـل
الـسـنـة
والجـمـاعـة،
الإمـام ابـن
أبـي زيد
ISLAMIC CREED TRAINING COURSE VI
Sharh: 'Aqeedah Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah
Explanation
of The Creed of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah
Al-Imaam Abu Muhammad Abdullah ibn Abi
Zaid al-Qairawaanee
(310-386H)
Questionnaire Study
Guide
Lecture No. 5
The Text
Point Six:
[It
is also required to have] al-Emaan (Faith) in al-Qadar (the
Divine Decree) khairi-hi wa sharri-hi (its
good and its evil), hulwi-hi wa murri-hi (its
sweet and its bitter); and that all of this was pre-decreed by Allah, our Lord,
and that Maqaadeer al-Umoor (the
measures of all matters) are in His Hand, and its source is from His Qadaa’ (His
execution of what He decrees).
He
(Allah) knew everything before its existence; then it came to
pass [i.e. came into existence and lived out its life-span] in accordance with
His Decree. There is not a Qawl (word
which is spoken) nor an ‘Amal (act
which is done) by His servants except that He has caused it to happen (Qadaa-hu), and
His Knowledge of it has preceded it. “Does He who created not know? And He is al-Lateef
(the Most Kind), al-Khabeer (All-Aware)
(of everything).” [al-Qur’aan
67:14]
Point Seven:
He
(Allah) Yudillu (leads
astray) whomever He wills, and thus Yakh-dhulu-hu
(abandons him) [i.e. He does not grant them guidance, success and right
actions] bi-‘Adli-hi (due to His Justice). Likewise, He (Allah) Yahdee (guides)
whomever He wills, and thus Yuwaffiqu-hu (grants
him success, i.e. right guidance) bi-Fadli-hi (by His
Favor, Bounty, Grace ).
Consequently,
everyone is facilitated – by His facility – to [fulfill] what has preceded in
His Knowledge and His pre-decree, whether he be shaqee
(wretched) [i.e. the people of the fire] or sa’eed (happy)
[i.e. the people of paradise].
Allah
is Highly exalted and far removed from [the
possibility of] there being in His kingdom ma laa yureed (that which He does not want); or an yakoona
li-ahadin ‘an-hu ghinaa (that anyone can be free of need of Him),
while He is the Khaaliq (Creator)
of everything. Is He not the Lord of al-‘Ibaad (the
creatures) and the Lord of their a’maal
(actions/deeds), and the One who decrees/measures their harakaat
(movements) and aajaal (life-spans).
Questions:
1.
Explain what is meant by ‘al-Emaan in al-Qadar, (khairi-hi wa
sharri-hi)’.
2.
Discuss the difference between al-Qadar and al-Qadaa’.
3.
Define
[and discuss the difference between] al-Iraadah al-Kawniyyah (the Universal Will) and al-Iraadah
ash-Shar’iyyah (the Legal/Legislative Will) of
Allah, the Most High.
4.
Mention & explain the four
(4) levels/degrees of al-Emaan bi-l-Qadar (Faith in Divine Decree).
5.
What is the Hukm Shar’ee (legal
ruling) concerning one who denies only one of the levels of al-Emaan bi-l-Qadar.
6.
Mention the two deviations
(or deviant groups) related to al-Emaan bi-l-Qadar.
7.
How can we explain the
statement: He (Allah) Yudillu (leads
astray) whomever He wills, and abandons him, bi-‘Adli-hi (due to
His Justice).
8.
If everyone is facilitated by
Allah to fulfill what He has pre-decreed, as to whether he will be shaqee
(wretched) or sa’eed (happy) – why
should anyone strive in doing good deeds?
9.
Does anything happen in this
world contrary to Allah’s Will (Iraadah/Mashee’ah)? Explain!
10.
Explain the statement: ‘Allah is the Creator of the creatures and
whatever they do (actions)’
عـقـيـدة
أهـل
الـسـنـة
والـجـمـاعـة - الإمام
ابـن أبـي
زيـد
ISLAMIC CREED TRAINING COURSE VI
Sharh: 'Aqeedah Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah
Explanation
of The Creed of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah
Al-Imaam Abu Muhammad Abdullah ibn Abi
Zaid al-Qairawaanee
(310-386H)
Questionnaire Study
Guide
Lecture No. 6
The Text
Point Eight:
[It
is also required to believe that Allah is] al-Baa’ithu ar-Rusula (the One
who missions/sends forth the
Messengers) to them (i.e. various nations), li-Iqaamati-l-Hujjah alayhim
(for the purpose of establishing the proof against them).
Afterwards,
He sealed ar-Risaalah (the
sending of messengers), an-Nidhaarah (the
sending of warners) and an-Naboowah (the
sending of prophets) with [the missioning of] his Prophet Muhammad. He made him the last of the Messengers –
[sending him as] as a Basheer (announcer of good news
for those who obey Allah), Nadheer (warner of the punishment for those who disobey Allah) and a
Daa’ee
(caller) to Allah by His permission, as well as a Siraaj Muneer
(lighted lamp) [lighting up the road].
He
also revealed to him Kitaaba-hu al-Hakeem (His
Wise Book, i.e. al-Qur’an, the Book which puts all things in proper
perspective), legislated through him Deena-hu al-Qaweem
(His upright, true religion, i.e. al-Islam) and guided [the people]
through him to as-Siraat al-Mustaqeem (the
Straight Path).
Point Nine:
[It
is also required to believe] that as-Saa’ah (the Hour of Judgment) is coming,
there is no doubt about it; and that Allah will resurrect whoever dies. Just as He brought them (into being) in the
beginning, so shall
they be brought into being [on the Day of Resurrection].
Point Ten:
[It
is also required to believe] that Allah, the One Free from all
Imperfections, multiplies al-Hasanaat (the reward for good deeds) for
His believing servants, Safaha (pardons
and overlooks) Kibaar as-Sayyi’aat (the
major sins) by means of at-Tawbah and Ghafara
(forgives them) as-Saghaa’ir (the
minor sins) by (their) avoiding al-Kabaa’ir
(the major sins). He has made
whoever does not repent from major sins subject to His Mashee’ah (Will)
[i.e. He punishes whomever He wills, justly; and forgives whomever He wills,
out of His mercy]. ‘Verily! Allah does not forgive one who commits Shirk (associating
partners) with Him, but He forgives whatever is less than that, for whomever He
wills.’
Questions:
1.
What is the purpose for which
Allah has missioned ar-Rusul (the
Messengers)?
2.
What is the Hukm Shar’ee
(legal ruling) concerning one who claims an-Nuboowah
(prophethood) for himself or for someone else after the
missioning of the Prophet Muhammad?
3.
Explain the basis of (or
reasoning behind) this ruling.
4.
Mention some of the Sifaat
(descriptions) of the Prophet mentioned in this section.
5.
To whom was the Prophet
Muhammad sent to announce the good news or give glad tidings?
6.
Explain the importance of belief
in the coming of as-Saa’ah (the
Hour of Judgment)?
7.
What is the Hukm Shar’ee
concerning one who disbelieves in the coming of the Hour ?
8.
Mention some of the essential
aspects of faith in al-Yawm al-Aakhir
(the Last Day).
9.
How can one erase al-Kabaa’ir (the
major sins)?
10.
Mention some of the means by
which as-Saghaa’ir (minor sins) may be removed.
11.
Discuss the condition of those
who do not repent from their major sins before death.
عـقـيـدة
أهـل
الـسـنـة
والـجـمـاعـة - الإمام
ابـن أبـي
زيـد
ISLAMIC CREED TRAINING COURSE VI
Sharh: 'Aqeedah Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah
Explanation
of The Creed of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah
Al-Imaam Abu Muhammad Abdullah ibn Abi
Zaid al-Qairawaanee
(310-386H)
Questionnaire Study
Guide
Lecture No. 7
The Text
Point Eleven:
[It
is also required to believe that] whoever Allah punishes [for his sins] with
His Naar (Fire) - [of the People of Tawheed] - He will also remove him from the Fire
due to his Emaan (Faith) and admit him
into His Jannah (
Point Twelve:
[It
is also required to believe that] Allah, the One Free from all Imperfections,
has (already) created al-Jannah (
He
(Allah) has (already) created an-Naar (the
Fire), and prepared it as an abode of permanence for whoever Kafara bi-hi (disbelieved
in Him) and alhada (deviated from the truth)
concerning Aayaati-hi (His Signs,
Verses of Qur’an) and Kutubi-hi (His
Books, revelations) and Rusuli-hi (His
Messengers). He has screened/veiled them
from Ru’yati-hi (seeing Him).
Questions:
1.
Explain the ‘Aqeedah of Ahus-Sunnah
concerning the final destination of Ahl al-Kabaa’ir
(those who have committed major sins), if they have died on Tawheed.
2.
Discuss the ‘Aqeedah
of both al-Khawaarij and al-Mu’tazilah
concerning Ahl al-Kabaa’ir.
3.
Mention two (2) reasons
for which the sinful Muslims will come out of the Naar (Fire).
4.
Mention the various types of Ash-Shafaa’ah
(Intercession) proven by Qur’an or Sunnah.
5.
Mention the Shuroot
(conditions) for Ash-Shafaa’ah (Intercession).
6.
Who - besides the Prophet
Muhammad - will be allowed to intercede for others Yawm
al-Qiyaamah?
7.
Discuss the issue of whether the
Jannah already exists or to be
created?
8.
Explain: And those who are
blessed will be in
9.
Explain: ‘For those who have
done good is al-Husna (the
best) and az-Ziyaadah (an
extra reward) [that Allah will honor His servants with in the next
life].’ Yunus 10:26
10.
Explain the meaning of Ilhaad in
reference to the Aayaat (verses) of the Book
of Allah.
11.
“Nay! Surely they (evil doers) will be veiled from
seeing their Lord that Day.” How is this ayah (verse 83:15) a Daleel
(proof) of the fact that Allah will be seen on the Day of Judgment?
12.
Describe how the Ru’yah
(seeing) of Allah, on the Day of Resurrection, will be.
عـقـيـدة
أهـل
الـسـنـة
والـجـمـاعـة - الإمام
ابـن أبـي
زيـد
ISLAMIC CREED TRAINING COURSE VI
Sharh: 'Aqeedah Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah
Explanation
of The Creed of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah
Al-Imaam Abu Muhammad Abdullah ibn Abi
Zaid al-Qairawaanee
(310-386H)
Questionnaire Study
Guide
Lecture No. 8
The Text
Point Thirteen:
[It
is also required to believe] that Allah, the Blessed and the Most High, Yaji’u (will
come) on the Day of Resurrection - ‘and the angels in ranks’ – for ‘Ard
(the display/exposition) of the nations, and
their Hisaab (accounts)[their punishments,
and their rewards].
Al-Mawaazeen (the balances) will be set up
for the weighing of A’maal al-‘Ibaad (the
deeds of the people): ‘So, whoever’s scales are heavy (with good deeds), these
are those who are successful’ [Qur’an 23:102]. They will be given their Sahaa’if
(records) containing [or in accordance with] their deeds. Hence, whoever is given his book
(record) in his right hand, then he will be given Hisaab Yaseer
(an easy reckoning); and whoever is given his book (record) behind his
back, then these will enter Sa’eer (a
Fire).
[Note:
Aa’isha reported that the Prophet would supplicate in
some of his prayers: ‘Allahumma Haasib-nee Hisaaban
Yaseeran (O
Allah! Make Your
accounting of me an ‘easy reckoning’).
Aa’isha said: What is al-Hisaab
al-Yaseer (easy
reckoning)? He said: ‘That He (Allah)
looks at his (the person’s) record and then passes over it (without calling him
to account)’. Reported
by Ahmad, 6/48 and Ibn Abi Aasim in Kitaab as-Sunnah, no. 885. Al-Albaanee
declared it to be Saheeh (authentic)].
Point Fourteen:
[It
is also required to believe] that as-Siraat (the
bridge, crossing over the Hell-Fire) is true; the people will cross over it in
accordance with their deeds. Then, there
will be Naajoon (those who are saved), Mutafaawitoon (some
surpassing others) in the speed of their successful crossing over the bridge,
and being saved from the fire of Jahannam
(Hell). And another people whose A’maal (deeds)
will cause them to be destroyed in it (i.e. the Hell-Fire).
Point Fifteen:
[It
is also required to have] Emaan (faith) in the Hawd
(Fountain, Pond) of the Messenger of Allah that his Ummah
(Nation) will come and drink from.
Whoever drinks from it will never thirst (again), and whoever baddala (exchanged)
and ghayyara (changed) [the True Deen of Islam] will be far removed (from the Hawd) and prevented from reaching it.
Questions:
1.
Discuss al-Maj’ee’u (the
Coming) as a Sifah (characteristic) of Allah, the
Most High.
2.
Discuss the meaning and purpose
of al-Meezaan (the Balance).
3.
Discuss how the people
will receive their Hisaab (records)
on the Day of Resurrection.
4.
What is the meaning of ‘Hisaab Yaseer’?
5.
Discuss as-Siraat : its
definition and description.
6.
Describe how the various
people will cross the Siraat.
7.
What will happen to al-Kafarah
(disbelievers) & al-Fajarah (sinners) when crossing as-Siraat?
8.
Discuss the Hawd of the
Messenger of Allah [its description, etc].
9.
Who are those who will be prevented
from drinking from the Hawd of the
Prophet and why?
10.
Discuss the importance of having
Emaan (Faith) in the events of
Resurrection Day.
عـقـيـدة
أهـل
الـسـنـة
والـجـمـاعـة - الإمام
ابـن أبـي
زيـد
ISLAMIC CREED TRAINING COURSE VI
Sharh: 'Aqeedah Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah
Explanation
of The Creed of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah
Al-Imaam Abu Muhammad Abdullah ibn Abi
Zaid al-Qairawaanee
(310-386H)
Questionnaire Study
Guide
Lecture No. 9
The Text
Point Sixteen:
[It
is also required to believe] that al-Emaan (Faith)
consists of Qawl bi-l-Lisaan (Speech
upon the Tongue), Ikhlaas bi-l-Qalb
(Sincerity of the Heart) and ‘Amal bi-l-Jawaarih (Actions of the Limbs); it Yazeedu
(increases) with the increase of (good) deeds [or Taa’ah
(obedience)], and Yanqusu (decreases) with its
decrease (i.e. decrease in good deeds) [or by Ma’siyah
(disobedience)]. Hence, the decrease is in it (i.e. the deeds),
and likewise, the increase is in it (i.e. the good deeds).
Qawl al-Emaan (the Speech
which is a part of Faith) is not completed/perfected except by ‘Amal
(deeds). Nor is the Qawl
(Speech) and ‘Amal (Deeds) [of Emaan]
completed/perfected except by Niyyah
(sincere intentions). Nor is the Qawl
(Speech) and ‘Amal (Deeds) and Niyyah
(sincere intentions) [of Emaan]
completed/perfected except by Muwaafaqah as-Sunnah
(Agreement or /Concordance with the Way of the Prophet).
Point Seventeen:
[It
is also required to believe] that no one of Ahlu-l-Qiblah (those
who face the Ka’bah in their prayers, i.e.
the Muslims) becomes a Kaafir
(disbeliever) due to (commission of a) sin [whether major or minor].
Questions:
1.
What is the linguistic
meaning of al-Emaan?
2.
Mention the three (3) components of al-Emaan (Faith) according
to Imaam Ibn Abi Zaid.
3.
Explain
the correct ‘Aqeedah concerning whether Emaan increases
and decreases.
4.
Mention
the two (2) basic conditions necessary for the correctness of
deeds.
5.
Does al-Ma’siyah (sin) –
in general - negate one’s Emaan in totality?
6.
Is there
anything which does negate one’s Emaan in
totality?
7.
Discuss
the ‘Aqeedah of the deviant group al-Murji’ah concerning
al-Emaan?
8.
Mention
a Daleel (proof) which indicates that actions
are part of Emaan.
9.
Which deviant group claimed that
a Muslim goes
out of Islam due to Ma’siyah (sin)?
10.
What is the Hukm
(Ruling) concerning those who commit al-Kabaa’ir (major
sins)?
11.
What is the Hukm
(Ruling) concerning those who consider their sinful acts as Halaal
(lawful)?
عـقـيـدة
أهـل
الـسـنـة
والـجـمـاعـة - الإمام
ابـن أبـي
زيـد
ISLAMIC CREED TRAINING COURSE VI
Sharh: 'Aqeedah Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah
Explanation
of The Creed of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah
Al-Imaam Abu Muhammad Abdullah ibn Abi
Zaid al-Qairawaanee
(310-386H)
Questionnaire Study
Guide
Lecture No. 10
The Text
Point Eighteen:
[It
is also required to believe] that ash-Shuhadaa’ (the
Martyrs) are alive [in Barzakh i.e.
the life between this world and the Hereafter, while in the grave], being sustained,
in the presence of their Lord.
The
souls of Ahlus-Sa’aadah (the fortunate ones, i.e. the
People of Paradise) are continuously enjoying the bounty/favor (of Allah) until
they Day they are raised up (for Judgment). [While] the souls of Ahlu-sh-Shaqaawah (the wretched, unfortunate
ones, i.e. the People of Hell-Fire) are being punished until the Day of
Requital. [And ‘Adhaab
al-Qabr (the punishment in the grave)
is True].
[It
is also required to believe] that al-Mu’minoon (the
Believers) [as well as al-Kaafiroon
(Disbelievers) and al-Munaafiqoon
(Hypocrites)] Yuftanoona will be
tested (al-Fitnah) in their graves and
questioned. However, ‘Allah will Yuthibbitu (make
firm) those who believe with al-Qawl ath-Thaabit (the Firm Word, i.e. Laa
ilaaha illa-llah) in al-Hayaat
ad-Dunyaa (the life of this world, i.e. right
guidance in the face of doubtful matters, and firm resolution in the
face of temptations) and in al-Aakhirah (the
next life, i.e. to remain firm in Islam at the time of Death, and to
answer correctly when questioned in the grave)’ [Ibraheem 14:27].
Point Nineteen:
[It
is also required to believe] that over the people are Hafadha
(Angels) who record their deeds [whether good or evil, both speech and
actions], and that nothing of their deeds is absent from the Knowledge of their
Lord [i.e. Allah’s Knowledge is not dependent upon the writing of the
angels]. And that Malaku-l-Mawt (the
Angel of Death) takes al-Arwaah (the souls of the people) by the permission
of his Lord [whenever He (Allah) Wills].
Questions:
1.
What is
the special condition of the souls of ash-Shuhadaa’
(Martyrs) after their death?
2.
What is
the general condition of the souls of al-Mu’minoon
(Believers) after death?
3.
Mention
the three (3) occasions when Ahlu-sh-Shaqaawah (the
wretched) will be punished.
4.
What is
meant by al-Barzakh?
5.
Explain:
al-Mu’minoon Yuftanoona (the
believers will be tested i.e. al-Fitnah) in
their graves and questioned.
6.
Mention
the three (3) questions that the people will be asked in the Qabr (grave).
7.
Mention
the names of al-Malakain (the two Angels) who will question the dead in the grave.
8.
Discuss
the verse: ‘Allah will Yuthibbitu (make
firm) those who believe with al-Qawl ath-Thaabit (the Firm
Word) in al-Hayaat ad-Dunyaa and in al-Aakhirah
’ [Ibraheem
9.
What is
meant by al-Hafadha, and what is the work of al-Hafadha?
10.
What is
meant by Malaku-l-Mawt? And discuss
whether it is Allah, the Most High, or
the Malaku-l-Mawt which actually takes al-Arwaah (the souls of the
people) at the time of their death.
عـقـيـدة
أهـل
الـسـنـة
والـجـمـاعـة - الإمام
ابـن أبـي
زيـد
ISLAMIC CREED TRAINING COURSE VI
Sharh: 'Aqeedah Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah
Explanation
of The Creed of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah
Al-Imaam Abu Muhammad Abdullah ibn Abi
Zaid al-Qairawaanee
(310-386H)
Questionnaire Study
Guide
Lecture No. 11
The Text
Point Twenty:
[It
is also required to believe] that the best of all generations are those who Ra’aw (saw)
the Messenger of Allah and Aamanoo bi-hi (believed
in him), then [the next best generation] are those who followed them. The best of the Sahaabah
(Companions of the Prophet) are al-Khulafaa’u ar-Raashidoon al-Mahdiyyoon (the
Rightly Guided Khaleefahs): Abu Bakr, then ‘Umar, then
‘Uthmaan and then 'Alee – may Allah be
pleased with all of them.
[Know
also] that no one of the Companions of the Messenger of Allah should be mentioned
except bi-Ahsana Dhikr (the
best of what may be said about them), while refraining from the mention of the
differences that occurred between them.
[Know
also] that of all the people, they have the most right that a way out
(i.e. an
excuse) should be found for them, and that one thinks the best of them (i.e.
one must have a good opinion of them).
Point Twenty-One:
[Also
required of the Muslims is] (a) At-Taa’ah (obedience)
to the Imaams (leaders) of the Muslims –
whether they be Wulaat Umoori-him (those
who are responsible for the affairs of the Muslims, i.e. the Governors) or Ulamaa’i-him (the
Islamic Scholars); (b) al-Ittibaa’ (strict
following) of as-Salaf as-Saalih (the
Righteous Predecessors, i.e. as-Sahaabah, at-Taabi’oon, etc.) and adhering to Aathaari-him (the
knowledge and guidance which they left behind); and (c) Al-Istighfaar la-hum
(seeking forgiveness for them).
[Also
required of the Muslims is] Abandoning al-Miraa’ wal-Jidaal
(Arguing and Disputing) in the religion, as well as abandoning everything which
has been innovated by al-Muhdithoon
(those who innovate into the Deen that which
has no basis in the Qur’an and Sunnah).
Questions:
1.
Who are the best of humanity (after the Prophets), and why?
2.
Give the
correct definition of
“as-Sahaabah”.
3.
Who are
the best of as-Sahaabah – in the order of their excellence?
4.
What
distinction has the Prophet given to al-Khulafaa’ ar-Raashidoon al-Mahdiyyoon?
5.
Mention
a distinction of both ‘Uthmaan and ‘Alee.
6.
Explain
the correct position concerning the differences which took place among as-Sahaabah.
7.
Mention the Hukm
(legal ruling) concerning Sabb as-Sahaabah
(abusing the Companions).
8.
Who are the Imaams who are
entitled to at-Taa’ah (obedience), and with what condition?
9.
Who is it that is meant by as-Salaf
as-Saalih, and what is our relationship
to them?
10.
Why are we ordered to abandon al-Miraa’
wal-Jidaal (Arguing and Disputing) in the Deen?
11.
What should be our position
towards al-Bid’ah (Innovation) and its people?
عـقـيـدة
أهـل
الـسـنـة
والـجـمـاعـة - الإمام
ابـن أبـي
زيـد