Correct Aqeedah in Islam:

The term Aqeedah refers to the "Aqeedah" core beliefs and tenets of Islam. It encompass what a Muslim must believe in their heart with certainty. Aqeedah deals with matters of faith, such as belief in Allah SWT, his angels his books ,his Messenger, the day of judgement and the divine decree.

5 Aqeedah of Islam:

The Hadith of Hazrat Jibrael includes the five pillars of Islam ( Tawhid, Salat, Sawn, Zakat, and Hajj) in answer to the question, " O messenger of God, what us Islam?" This Hadith is sometimes called the " truly first and most fundamental creed."

Why is having the correct Aqeedah important:

The concept of correct or sound Aqeedah is crucial in Islam, it forms the foundation of a Muslim's faith and practices. Correct Aqeedah is derived from the Quran Kareem and the authentic sunnah of Prophet Muhammad SAW, as understood and practiced by the earliest generations of Muslims.

Concept of Aqidah in Islam:

In Islam, Aqeedah is the core set of beliefs and tenets that a Muslim' holds with certainty in their heart. If firma the foundation of faith, encompassing belief in Allah SWT, his angels , his books , his Messenger, the day of judgement, and divine decree (also known as the six pillars of Iman). Unlike Islamic jurisprudence, which concerns practical rulings and actions, Aqeedah deals with matters of faith, conviction, and unseen realities that are based on the Quran Kareem and Sunnah.

Core components of Aqeedah:

• Belief in Allah SWT:

Recognizing Allah SWT as the one and only creator and the one worthy of worship.

• Belief in Angels:

Acknowledging the existence of angels as Allah's messengers.

• Belief in books:

Believing in the divine books revealed by Allah SWT, including the Quran Kareem.

• Belief in the day of judgement:

Accepting all prophets sent by Allah SWT, including Muhammad SAW as the final prophet.

• Belief in divine decree:

Understanding that Allah SWT has a plan and has decreased all things, both good and bad.

Importance of Aqeedah:

• Foundation of Islam:

Proper Aqeedah is considered the fundamental basis of the religion, without which other actions lack their proper context.

• Connection between faith and action:

While Aqeedah is a matter of the heart, it is also expected to manifest in a person's life through their actions.

• Basis of Tawheed:

A correct Aqeedah is built on ghr principle of Tawheed which is the oneness of God in his divinity, lordship, and attributes.

Correct Aqeedah:

The most fundamental aspect of correct Aqeedah is the belief in the absolute oneness of Allah SWT. This includes: Tawheed ar- Rububiyyah: Believing that Allah SWT alone is the creator, sustainer And controller of all that exists - Tawheed al- Uluhiyyah : Worshipping Allah SWT alone without any partners or intermediaries.

Main points of Islam:

The five principles of Islam, known as the five pillars are the core obligations for Muslims: the declaration of faith( shahada), prayer( Salah), charity ( Zakat), fasting during Ramadan ( sawm), and pilgrimage ( Hajj). These pillars form the foundation of Muslim life, binding the community with shared values and responsibilities.

• Shahada:

The sincere declaration that " there is no God but God ( Allah SWT) and Muhammad SAW is his Messenger.".

• Salah:

Performing ritual prayers five times a day, facing the Kaaba in Makkah.

• Zakat:

Giving a portion of one's wealth to the needy, typically around 2.5% of a person's net worth.

• Sawm:

Fasting from dawn until sunset during the holy month of Ramadan.

• Hajj:

Making the pilgrimage to Makkah at least once in a lifetime for those who are physically and financially able.

Example of Aqeedah in Islam:

Aqeedah includes practicing Tawheed, submitting to the five pillars of Islam and believing in the six pillars of eman. Having the Correct Aqeedah consists for a large part of practicing Tawheed. You can acquire knowledge of Aqeedah through lessons and books, but it is possible with the help of the internet.

They tend to say that Allah SWT us nowhere. Among them you will also find those who believe that Allah SWT is everywhere. The understanding of the Sunnis in this is that Allah SWT is above. And that he has described himself that way.

What does the Quran Kareem say about Aqeedah:

The Quran Kareem is extremely careful to emphasize this fact by reiterating the connection between faith and good conduct, in so many contexts. This insistence clearly points to the fact that " Aqeedah must be associated with good Conduct, for good Conduct is a proof of the presence of " Aqeedah in the heart ".

The Qur'an places a strong emphasis on ‘Aqeedah (العقيدة) — meaning belief or creed — as it forms the foundation of a Muslim’s faith and practice. The word ‘Aqeedah itself comes from the Arabic root ‘aqada, meaning to tie firmly, to bind, which reflects the strong, unshakable nature of core beliefs in Islam.

Here are the main elements of ‘Aqeedah as taught in the Qur’an, with references.

1. Belief in Allah (Tawheed - Oneness of God)

Tawheed is the most fundamental part of ‘Aqeedah — the belief that Allah is One, Unique, and without partners.

“Say: He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.”

— Surah Al-Ikhlas (112:1–4)

2. Belief in the Angels (Mala’ika)

Muslims believe in angels, who are created from light and obey Allah without fail.

“[They] do not disobey Allah in what He commands them but do what they are commanded.”

— Surah At-Tahrim (66:6)

3. Belief in the Revealed Books

Including the Qur’an, Torah (Tawrah), Gospel (Injeel), Psalms (Zabur), and others.

“Indeed, We sent down the Torah, in which was guidance and light...”

— Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:44)

 “It is He who sent down to you the Book [the Qur’an] in truth, confirming what was before it.”

— Surah Aal-Imran (3:3)

4. Belief in the Prophets (Rasul/Nabi)

Muslims believe in all the prophets sent by Allah, including Nuh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), Isa (Jesus), and Muhammad ﷺ, the final prophet.

 “Indeed, We have sent you [O Muhammad] with the truth as a bringer of good tidings and a warner. And there was never a nation but that there had passed within it a warner.”

— Surah Fatir (35:24)

5. Belief in the Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Qiyamah)

Every soul will be judged based on its deeds.

 “And fear a Day when you will be returned to Allah. Then every soul will be compensated for what it earned, and they will not be wronged.”

— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:281)

6. Belief in Qadar (Divine Decree / Predestination)

Everything happens by the will and knowledge of Allah.

 “Indeed, all things We created with predestination.”

— Surah Al-Qamar (54:49)

“No disaster strikes upon the earth or among yourselves except that it is in a register before We bring it into being. Indeed that, for Allah, is easy.”

— Surah Al-Hadid (57:22)

The Qur’an repeatedly emphasizes these six pillars of Aqeedah, and a Muslim's iman (faith) is not complete without believing in all of them. These beliefs are not merely intellectual but deeply spiritual and practical — guiding a Muslim’s worldview, actions, and relationship with the Creator.

Sources of Aqeedah:

The source of Aqeedah is the book of Allah SWT, the sunnah of Allah's Messenger and the Ijmaa of the salaf( pious prodecessor).

What does Aqeedah means:

Aqeedah is an Islamic tradition of sacrificing an animal to celebrate a child's birth, typically involving the slaughter of. goat or sheep on the seventh, fourteen or twenty- first day after birth. The meat is then shared with family, friends, and those in need as an act of gratitude to Allah SWT. It is a highly recommended act of worship ( Sunnah) thought not obligatory.

Key aspect of aqidah:

• Timing: while the seventh day is most common ,it cannot be performed on the 14th or 21st day, or even at any time before the child reaches puberty if those days are not possible.
• Animal sacrifice:one sheep or goat is sacrificed for a girl, two sheep or goats are sacrificed for a boy, if one cannot afford the required number, it is acceptable to sacrifice fewer animals.
• Meat distributions: the meat is typically divided into three parts: one for the family, one for friends and relatives, Na one for the poor and needy.
• Other ritual: the baby's head is shaves in the same day, and the weight of the hair in gold or silver is given as Charity, The baby is also traditionally named on this day.
• Purpose: it is an expression of gratitude to Allah SWT for the blessing of a child, a way to bring the child closer to God, and a remainder that the child has rights over them in Islam. It is also said to protect the child from evil and ward off illness.

Aqeedah refers to those matters which are believed in, with certainty and conviction, in one's heart And soul. They are not tainted with any doubt or uncertainty.

The Arabic word Aqeedah stems from the root aqada which conveys meanings of certainty, affirmation, confirmation. In the Quran Kareem, Allah SWT says:

"Allah paak will not punish you for what is unintentional in your oaths, but he will punish you for your deliberate oaths."

The verb paraphrased here as "deliberate oaths " is aqada/ taqeed, which refers to when one has determination in the heart. It may be said in Arabic, aqada'l- habl , it was pulled tight together. The word itiqas (belief) is also derived from this root, and has the meaning of tying up and making strong. The phrase ataqadatu kadhaa means: I am convinced of it in my heart; this is a rational conviction. In Islam, Aqeedah is the matter of knowledge. The Muslim must believe in his heart and gave faith and conviction, with no doubts or misgivings, because Allah SWT has told him about Aqeedah in his book and via his revelations to his Messenger.

Principles of Aqeedah:

The principles of Aqeedah are those which Allah SWT has commanded us to believe in, as mentioned in the ayah:.

    " The messenger believes in what has been sent down to him from his lord, and ( so do) the believers. Each one believes in Allah SWT, 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. Your forgiveness, our lord and to you is the return".

And as defined by the Prophet Muhammad SAW in the famous Hadith which describes how Jibrael came to him and asked him about Islam etc..... Iman( faith) is to believe in Allah SWT, his angels , his books, the meeting with him on the last day, his Messenger, and the day of resurrection.". 

So in Islam, Aqeedah refers to the matters which are known from the Quran Kareem and sound ahadith, and which the Muslim must believe in his heart, in acknowledgement of the truth of Allah SWT and his Messenger.

Aqidah goes beyond concise statements of faith and may not be a part of an ordinary Muslim' s religious instruction. It has been distinguished from Imam in taking the aspects of Iman ana extending it to a detail level often using " human interpretation of sources . Also, in contrast with iman, the word aqidah is not explicitly mentioned, in the Quran Kareem. 

Many schools of Islamic theology expressing different Aqidah, exist. However, this term has taken significant technical usage in the Islamic studies describing the beliefs of Islam. 

Importance of Aqeedah:

Any person who adheres to Islam wants to be on the correct Aqeedah. Unfortunately, this is not the reality, especially at a fine when the sects are many.

The aim is to refer back to how the pious prodecessors  in Islam understood it. How did they understand the subject of Emaan? 

Allah SWT warns in the Quran Kareem of division in religion. It is a bad thing to adhere to any other creed than what us correct.

      And hols fast to the rope of Allah SWT all of you, and let there be no division Among you."

 The Prophet Muhammad SAW said:

       " Banu Israel split into 72 sects,  and my Ummah will split into 73 sects. They are all in the fire except one ". He( Abdullah bin Amr) asked: " And who is that o messenger of Allah?" He said: " Whoever follows me and my companions."

There are many groups that ascribe to the correct understanding of Aqeedah. Groups like the Ashaira, Murji'ah, Khawrij, and more . The objective of a Muslim is to move away from all those groups, and to stick to the understanding of the Prophet Muhammad SAW and his companions. That understanding has been related through books and statements is the Pious prodecessors.

Correct Aqeedah:

Now it is important to know what is the correct Aqeedah in Islam. Because there are so many different sects, it can be difficult to know which one is correct.

The Muslims are commanded with regard to Aqeedah and fiqh to follow the Prophet Muhammad SAW and hua companions. They are the sources when it comes to understanding Islam.

Aqeedah includes practicing Tawheed, submitting to the five pillars of Islam and believing in the six pillars of eman. Having the correct Aqeedah throughout lessons and books, but it is also possible with the help of the internet.

1. Correct practice of Tawheed:

The oneness of Allah SWT is the foundation within Aqeedah. It is therefore essential to first understand and implement this properly.

Allah paak created the fitrah in everyone so that we may recognize the oneness of Allah SWT. It is therefore not knowledge that you need to acquire, because the natural predisposition already consists it. It only has to bt put into practice.

Tawheed categories:

In order to maintain the correct Aqeedah, a person must surrender to the oneness of Allah SWT. He is one in his lordship and no one has the power over the creation but him. He is one in the right to be worshipped. And he has names and attributes that is unique to him alone.

Shirk dangers:

From our natural predispositions we know that to worship another besides Allah SWT is idolatry. This is basic knowledge given to everyone.

Associating partners with Allah SWT is major shirk. No one can be ignorant of it, because everyone has been given that knowledge by Allah SWT.

Takfir obligation:

A person cannot be a Muslim without making takfir. Distinction between Muslim and Katie must be made. Takfir is a big part in practicing the correct Aqeedah.

2. Belief in the six pillars of Eman:

      " Eman means that you believe in Allah SWT, in his angels , in his books, in his Messengers, in the day of judgement and in the good and evil."

Faith in these matters is essential in Islam. Is is considered disbelief to leave out any one the pillars of Eman. Belief in Allah SWT is tied to his ones ness.

3. Submitting to the five pillars of Islam:

 The Prophet Muhammad SAW said:

  

       " Islam is founded on five pillars: witnessing that there is no good but Allah SWT, and that Muhammad SAW is his slaves and messenger the establishment of five obligatory prayers (salat) , payment of Zakat, pilgrimage to the house ( Hajj) and the fast or Ramadan ( Sawm)".

4. Knowledge of the sects and their excommunication:

Knowledge on this subject from Aqeedah is additional. It is not compulsory knowledge to be a Muslim. It does, however play as extra knowledge that the Muslim can use to strengthen his religion. 

There are different sects that ascribes to Islam. Examples of these ara the sects: Murji'ah, Khawrij, Jahmiyyah, Qadariyyah, etc. The aim is to return to how to predecessors dealt with those sects.

In this matter of Aqeedah you learn the groups and their characteristics. The pious  predecessors have further explained this in their books.

Books of Aqeedah:

Currently there are several books on Aqeedah. These books are mainly in Arabic. So if is a good option for the Arabic speakers to read these books.

Example a of books by the Salaf Saliheen:

• Kitaab Al - Emaan of Abu Ubayd al- Qasim ibn Salaam.
• Kitaab Al - Emaan of  ibn Shaybah.
• Usool Sunnah of Amhad ibn Hambal.
• Khalq Afal Al ibaad of Bukhari.
• As- Sunnah of Abu Bakar al- Athram.
• As- Sunnah of Abdullah ibn Ahmed.
• As- Sunnah of Abu Bakar Al- Khallal.

Yet it is difficult to reason these books without understanding Arabic. Fortunately, it is therefore also possible to obtain translations in the internet.

 

Significance about correct Aqeedah in Islam:

The correct ʿAqeedah (العقيدة)—meaning creed or belief system—is fundamental in Islam. It refers to the core tenets of faith that a Muslim must hold with conviction. The term comes from the root word ‘aqada, which means to tie or bind firmly, reflecting the firm belief a Muslim must have in the pillars of faith.

Here’s a summary of the significance of correct ʿAqeedah in Islam:

 1. Foundation of the Religion

Correct ʿAqeedah is the foundation upon which Islam is built. Without sound belief, actions—even if outwardly good—may not be accepted by Allah. The Prophet ﷺ said:

 “Verily, Allah does not look at your bodies nor your appearance, but He looks at your hearts and your deeds.”

(Muslim)

A correct heart starts with correct belief.

 2. Essential for Salvation

Believing in the correct ʿAqeedah is essential for a person to be considered a Muslim and to attain eternal salvation. The Qur'an repeatedly emphasizes belief in:

Tawheed (Oneness of Allah)

The Prophets (especially the final Prophet, Muhammad ﷺ)

The revealed books

Angels

The Day of Judgment

Divine Decree (Qadr)

 "Whoever disbelieves in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day has certainly gone far astray."

(Qur’an 4:136)

 3. Differentiates Truth from Falsehood

Correct ʿAqeedah helps Muslims distinguish orthodox Islam from innovation (bid’ah), deviation, or outright falsehood. It protects the religion from distortion.

The Prophet ﷺ warned:

 “The Jews split into seventy-one sects, and the Christians split into seventy-two sects. My Ummah will split into seventy-three sects, all of which will be in the Fire except one.”

The companions asked, “Who are they, O Messenger of Allah?”

He said, “Those who are upon what I and my companions are upon today.”

(Tirmidhi, Hasan)

 4. Protects from Shirk (Polytheism) and Kufr (Disbelief)

Correct ʿAqeedah strengthens Tawheed (belief in the oneness of Allah) and protects from shirk, which is the gravest sin in Islam:

 “Indeed, Allah does not forgive associating partners with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills.”

(Qur'an 4:48)

 5. Shapes Character and Behavior

What a person believes affects how they act. A person with correct ʿAqeedah is more likely to have sincerity (ikhlāṣ), humility, patience, and trust in Allah. Belief in the Hereafter, for example, encourages accountability and ethical behavior.

📚 6. Connects One to the Early Generations (Salaf)

Studying and adhering to the correct ʿAqeedah connects a person to the way of the Prophet ﷺ and his companions (Sahabah), and the early generations (Salaf al-Salih), who best understood and practiced.

Correct ʿAqeedah is not just theoretical knowledge—it's the heart of the religion. Without it, worship is hollow, guidance is lost, and salvation is at risk. It provides clarity, stability, and connection to the truth of Islam as revealed by Allah and lived by the Prophet ﷺ.

Importance of correct Aqeedah in Islam:

In Islam, Aqeedah (also spelled ‘Aqidah) refers to the creed or set of core beliefs that every Muslim must hold. It represents the foundation of faith, defining a Muslim’s relationship with Allah, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the unseen (ghayb), and other essential tenets of the religion.

Here’s why correct Aqeedah is crucial in Islam:

1. Foundation of Faith (Iman)

Aqeedah defines the six pillars of Iman:

Belief in Allah

His Angels

His Books

His Messengers

The Last Day

Qadr (Divine Decree), both good and bad

Without correct belief in these, one’s Islam is incomplete or invalid.

 2. Correct Aqeedah is a Condition for Salvation

Allah says in the Qur’an:

 "Whoever disbelieves in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, and the Last Day has certainly gone far astray."

— Surah An-Nisa (4:136)

A Muslim must believe correctly in what Allah and His Messenger ﷺ have taught. Belief based on misguidance, innovation, or distortion may lead a person astray, even if they outwardly perform Islamic practices.

 3. Determines Acceptance of Worship

Acts of worship—prayer, fasting, zakat, etc.—are only valid if done with correct belief. For example:

Praying while believing Allah is in everything (pantheism) is a form of shirk.

Believing that other beings share Allah’s knowledge of the unseen nullifies Tawheed.

 4. Protection from Shirk and Bid’ah

Correct Aqeedah safeguards a Muslim from:

Shirk (associating partners with Allah)

Bid’ah (religious innovations)

Kufr (disbelief)

These are major sins that can invalidate a person’s Islam.

 5. Unity of the Ummah

Differences in Aqeedah have historically led to division and sectarianism. Sticking to the Aqeedah taught by the Prophet ﷺ and the Sahabah preserves unity and prevents confusion.6. Shapes a Muslim’s Worldview

A person’s Aqeedah influences how they see:

Life and death

Purpose and morality

Trials and blessings

The Hereafter

It gives meaning, direction, and contentment in a confusing world.

7. Tawheed: The Core of Aqeedah

The most central part of Aqeedah is Tawheed — the belief in the Oneness of Allah in:

His Lordship (Rububiyyah)

His Names and Attributes (Asma wa Sifaat)

His Right to be Worshipped Alone (Uluhiyyah)

Without Tawheed, none of the actions of a person matter in the Hereafter.

 The Prophet ﷺ on Correct Belief:

 “Whoever says: La ilaha illallah, and rejects all that is worshipped besides Allah, his property and blood become inviolable…”

— (Sahih Muslim)

Saying the shahada is not enough—it must be based on correct understanding and rejection of false beliefs.

 Importance of Correct Aqeedah

Reason Why it Matters

1. Foundation of Faith Defines what it means to be Muslim

2. Requirement for Salvation Incorrect belief may lead to misguidance

3. Validity of Worship Worship must be grounded in right belief

4. Protection from Deviation Guards against shirk and innovation

5. Unity of the Ummah Prevents sectarianism

6. Meaning of Life Provides a sound worldview

7. Core is Tawheed The heart of Islam

Conclusion:

The correct Aqeedah (creed or belief) in Islam is the foundation upon which a Muslim’s faith and actions are built. It is the set of core beliefs that define a Muslim’s relationship with Allah and distinguish true Islam from deviant paths.At its essence, the correct Aqeedah includes:Belief in Tawheed (the oneness of Allah) — that Allah is one in His Lordship, Names and Attributes, and right to be worshipped.

1. Belief in Allah

2. Belief in the angels

3. Belief in the revealed books

4. Belief in the messengers

5. Belief in the Day of Judgment

6. Belief in Qadar (divine decree), both good and bad

The correct Aqeedah is based on the Qur’an, the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and the understanding of the Salaf as-Salih (righteous predecessors — the companions and early generations of Muslims). Deviating from this methodology opens the door to innovation (bid'ah) and misguidance. A sound Aqeedah is essential for a Muslim's salvation and must be preserved, learned, and practiced sincerely. It protects the heart from doubt, strengthens faith, and ensures that worship is directed solely to Allah in the correct manner. Thus, every Muslim is encouraged to seek knowledge, stay close to scholars upon the truth, and constantly verify their beliefs through the lens of authentic Islamic sources.