al-Iman Haqiqatuhu, Khawarimuhu, Nawaqiduhu inda Ahl al-Sunna wa al-Jamaa
- Author died
- -
- Editions
- Madar al-Watan lil-Nashr
al-Iman: Haqiqatuhu, Khawarimuhu, Nawaqiduhu inda Ahl al-Sunna wa al-Jamaa (Faith: Its Reality, Impairments, and Nullifiers according to Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah) is a theological treatise by the contemporary author Abd Allah ibn Abd al-Hamid al-Athari, presenting the orthodox Sunni doctrine concerning the definition, pillars, conditions, impairments, and nullifications of faith (iman) .
Composition and Purpose
The author completed the book on 16 Dhu al-Hijjah 1422 AH (March 2002 CE) in Istanbul . It was written as a concise handbook modeled after his earlier summaries, such as al-Wajiz fi Aqidat al-Salaf al-Salih and Ahkam wa Anwa' al-Tawassul al-Mashru' wa al-Mamnu' .
Al-Athari intended the work to serve general readers, newly guided Muslims, and beginning students of knowledge by presenting essential creedal concepts in clear, contemporary language supported directly by the Quran, the Sunnah, and consensus positions of early authorities (al-salaf). To maintain clarity and prevent confusion among non-specialists, he intentionally avoided prolonged scholastic debates, dialectical details, and the detailed disputations of opposing theological factions .
Contents and Methodology
The work systematically covers the doctrine of faith across several foundational themes:
- Definition and Structure of Faith: The book explores the linguistic roots of iman—noting classical definitions such as affirmation (tasdiq) and security (amn), alongside the preference of Ibn Taymiyyah and Muhammad ibn Salih al-Uthaymeen for defining it as acknowledgment (iqrar) . In legal terminology (al-istilah al-shar'i), faith is defined according to Sunni consensus as heart belief (i'tiqad al-qalb), verbal confession (iqrar al-lisan), and physical deeds (amal al-jawarikh), increasing through acts of obedience and decreasing through sin .
- Faith and Islam: The text details the relationship between the terms iman and islam, delineating when they overlap in meaning and when they carry distinct connotations, as well as the ranks and fruits of faith .
- Pillars of Faith: It outlines belief in the six classical pillars: Allah, the angels, the divine scriptures, the messengers, the Last Day, and divine predestination (al-qadr) .
- Impairments (Khawarim): The book examines how sins affect faith. It highlights that committing sins and persisting in minor infractions diminishes faith without expelling a Muslim from the fold of Islam, provided one does not deem the forbidden lawful (istihlal) or show disdain for divine law .
- Nullifiers (Nawaqid): The treatise surveys doctrinal and practical nullifications of Islam, including major disbelief (kufr), major polytheism (shirk), hypocrisy (nifaq), mocking religious tenets, reviling the Companions or the Prophet's household, and claiming divine revelations .
Reception and Editions
The treatise was reviewed and prefaced by Dr. Abd al-Rahman ibn Salih al-Mahmud, professor of creed at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, who praised its accessible composition and highlighted its suitability for translation for non-Arabic speakers . The author also recorded feedback received from Dr. Abd al-Aziz ibn Muhammad al-Abd al-Latif .
A notable first edition was published in Riyadh by Madar al-Watan in 1424 AH (2003 CE) .
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