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

Explanation of the Creed of 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 Prophe