al-Asila wal-Ajwiba fi al-Aqida
- Author died
- 1428 AH
- Editions
- Dār al-Waṭan
al-Asila wal-Ajwiba fi al-Aqida (Questions and Answers on Creed) is a treatise on Islamic theology by the Saudi scholar Salih bin Abd al-Rahman al-Atram (d. 1428 AH / 2007 CE) .
Purpose and Scope
The author compiled the work to provide concise answers to essential questions of creed (aqida) that are indispensable for every Muslim . In the introduction, al-Atram expresses his hope that the text will benefit its readers and invites scholars and students to alert him to any shortcomings or misapprehensions in his answers .
Structure and Method
The work is organized in a pedagogical question-and-answer format, addressing foundational doctrinal principles with textual evidence from the Quran and the Sunnah :
- Definition of Creed and Belief: It begins by defining aqida and mu'taqad, explaining that books addressing God's oneness are called books of creed because they demand firm, resolute conviction, referencing statements by Abu Ja'far al-Tahawi and Ibn Taymiyya .
- True Belief and Deviations: The book defines true belief as affirming God's unity in His actions, in the actions of His servants, and in His names and attributes . It contrasts this with invalid doctrines, such as atheism (dahriyya), polytheism (shirk), and innovative views on divine attributes—including anthropomorphism (tashbih), negation (ta'til), distortion (tahrif), or delving into the modality of attributes (takyif)—and critiques the reliance on speculative reason (aql) and figurative interpretation (ta'wil) by groups such as the Jahmites, Mu'tazilites, and Ash'arites .
- Divisions of Tawhid: It outlines monotheism (tawhid) and its three categories: Tawhid al-Uluhiyya (God's sole right to worship), Tawhid al-Rububiyya (God's exclusive lordship over creation, sovereignty, and governance), and Tawhid al-Asma wal-Sifat (affirming His unique names and attributes) .
- First Obligation upon the Accountable Person: It affirms the consensus of early scholars (al-salaf) that the first duty required of an accountable individual (al-mukallaf) is the two testimonies of faith (al-shahadatayn), refuting theological views (kalam) that prioritize speculative reflection (al-nazar), the intent to reflect, or doubt (al-shakk) .
- The Meaning of the Testimonies and Worship: It explains the meaning and conditions of the shahadah, the reasons pre-Islamic Arabs were characterized as polytheists despite acknowledging God's lordship, and the comprehensive definition of worship (ibada) as submission and sincerity to God alone .
- Applied Theological Issues: The text also addresses specific practical matters linked to creed, such as astrology (al-tanjim); it differentiates between permissible observational astronomy used for orientation, timing, and agricultural seasons (ilm al-tasyir), and impermissible or polytheistic beliefs regarding celestial bodies influencing earthly events .
Publication History
The first edition of the book was published in Riyadh by Dar al-Watan in 1413 AH (1992–1993 CE) . Later printings include a fourth edition published by Dar Kunuz Ishbilya in Riyadh in 1434 AH (2012–2013 CE) .
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