About The Book

In an age when fundamental beliefs are misunderstood and aberrant opinions are championed as tenets of faith, the only viable solution is to revive our connection with the principles that underpin our core beliefs as adherents of orthodox Islam.

This concise and lucid work of creed by the polymath and one of the foremost scholars of early Islam, Abu Ja’far Ahmad ibn Muhammad al-Tahawi (d. 321/933), is universally accepted amongst scholarly circles as a foundational text in Islamic belief. Numerous commentaries have been written on it throughout the ages, expositing its meanings and uncovering its subtleties. The present translation includes what is regarded as the most accessible commentary penned, authored by the brilliant scholar, judge and theologian Abu Hafs Siraj al-Din al-Ghaznawi (d. 773/1372).

The vast majority of the four schools [of Sunni jurisprudence] acknowledge the creed of Abu Ja'far al-Tahawi, which has been received by both former and subsequent scholars with acceptance.

—Imam Taj al-Din al-Subki (d. 771/1370)

Contents:

Transliteration Key
Translator's Introduction
Imam Abu Ja'far al-Tahawi
Imam Abu Hafs Siraj al-Din Ghaznawi
Author's Introduction

    1. Exposition of the Creed of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah
    2. Divine Unity
    3. Allah's Eternal and Everlasting Names and Attributes
    4. Allah's Preordination
    5. Muhammad (S) and His Description
    6. The Qur'an: the Eternal Word of Allah
    7. The Beatific Vision
    8. The Prophet's Night Journey (S) and Ascension
    9. The Prophet's Basin (S) and Intercession
    10. The Covenant Made with Adam (a.s) and His Progeny
    11. Divine Decree and Predetermination
    12. The Preserved Tablet and the Pen
    13. Allah's Attribute of Creating
    14. The Throne and the Footstool
    15. The Angels, the Prophets and the Revealed Books
    16. Declaring the People of the Qiblah to be Muslims
    17. Debating about Allah's Essence
    18. Arguing about the Qur'an
    19. The Impermissibility of Accusing a Muslim of Disbelief
    20. The Meaning of Faith
    21. Faith Neither Increases nor Decreases
    22. The Fate of Major Sinners
    23. The Status of a Muslim
    24. Rebelling Against Muslim Leaders
    25. Wiping Over Footwear
    26. Hajj and Jihad
    27. The Guardian Angels who were Scribes
    28. The Grave and its States
    29. Resurrection
    30. Paradise and Hellfire
    31. The Ability that Accompanies Acts
    32. Slaves' Actions
    33. Supplication and Alms on Behalf of the Deceased
    34. Allah's Wrath and Pleasure
    35. Loving the Companions of the Prophet (S)
    36. The Order of the Caliphate
    37. The Ten Given the Glad Tidings of Paradise
    38. Speaking Well of Scholars
    39. The Rank of Sainthood
    40. Portents of the Final Hour
    41. Diviners and Soothsayers
    42. Adhering to the Congregation

Conclusion
Index