al-Itiqad al-Qadiri - Majallat Jamiat Umm al-Qura
- Author died
- 360 AH
- Editions
- Majallat Jami'at Umm al-Qura li-Ulum al-Shari'ah wa-al-Lughah al-Arabiyyah wa-Adabiha
al-I‘tiqad al-Qadiri (Majallat Jami‘at Umm al-Qura edition) is an academic study and critical edition of the historic Sunni creed known as the Qadiri Creed, prepared by Abd al-Aziz ibn Muhammad ibn Ali Al Abd al-Latif and published in issue 39 of the Journal of Umm al-Qura University .
Authorship and Historical Context
The creed was historically promulgated by the Abbasid caliph al-Qadir bi-Allah (d. 422 AH / 1031 CE), who had it publicly read at the caliphal palace in Baghdad . Most classical historians—including al-Khatib al-Baghdadi, Ibn al-Jawzi, and Ibn Kathir—attribute its authorship directly to the caliph . However, Ibn Taymiyyah noted that the text was originally compiled and formulated by the fourth-century scholar Abu Ahmad al-Karji al-Qassab (d. c. 360 AH / 970 CE) and then transcribed and endorsed by al-Qadir bi-Allah, a conclusion corroborated by the research presented in the journal .
The historical reading of the creed formed part of al-Qadir bi-Allah's broader political and religious measures to restore traditional Sunni theology, enforce public orthodoxy, demand the repentance of theological dissenters, and counter Batini and Fatimid influence . The creed was subsequently reissued in the 430s AH during the reign of his son, al-Qa'im bi-Amr Allah, where scholars and ascetics affixed their written endorsements to it .
Structure and Content of the Study
The published research is structured into an introduction, two primary chapters, and a conclusion :
- Introduction and Chapter One: Examines historical precedents of Abbasid caliphs championing Sunni orthodoxy and provides a biography of al-Qadir bi-Allah, detailing his enforcement of the Pact of Umar (al-Shurut al-Umariyyah), suppression of innovations, and efforts against Batini movements .
- Chapter Two: Investigates the authorship and historical occasion of the text, followed by the verified edition of the creed itself with scholarly annotations, analysis of its doctrinal points, and its historical reception .
The text itself spans only a few pages . Reports by historians such as Ibn al-Jawzi and al-Dhahabi describing it as a lengthy work refer to the extensive supplementary material read during the official assemblies of 420 AH—including historical narratives on the death of the Prophet ﷺ, accounts of the virtues of the Companions, and transcripts of theological debates on the uncreated nature of the Quran .
Doctrinal Themes
The creed articulates foundational points of Sunni doctrine according to the method of the Traditionalists (Ashab al-Hadith) :
- Tawhid and Divine Attributes: Affirms the oneness and uniqueness of God in refutation of Batini dualistic concepts, and upholds the divine attributes as transmitted in revelation without negation, in opposition to Mu'tazilite and Ash'arite views .
- The Quran: Explicitly affirms that the Quran is the uncreated speech of God, condemning those who profess its createdness .
- Faith and the Companions: Outlines positions on faith (iman) against the Kharijites, Murji'ah, and Wa'idiyyah, and mandates reverence for the Prophet's Companions and their ordered virtues in contrast to Rafidite doctrines .
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