Nubdha fi al-Aqida al-Islamiyya

Nubdha fi al-Aqida al-Islamiyya (A Brief Treatise on the Islamic Creed) is a theological treatise authored by Muhammad ibn Salih al-Uthaymin (1347–1421 AH / 1929–2001 CE), expounding the foundational principles of Islamic faith and the six pillars of iman Majallat al-Bayan+1.

Background and Purpose

The treatise was authored in 1402 AH (1981–1982 CE) for students in the third year of secondary education across the Islamic scientific institutes in Saudi Arabia to serve as a textbook in theology (tawhid) Majallat al-Bayan+1. In it, al-Uthaymin aimed to provide a systematic and accessible presentation of orthodox Islamic beliefs, suitable both as an introductory curriculum text and as an overview for general readers inquiring into Islam Majallat al-Bayan.

Content and Structure

The book opens with an introduction asserting the primacy and noble status of the science of tawhid, characterizing it as the key to knowing God, His names, His attributes, and His rights over creation Majmu Fatawa wa Rasail al…. It then defines the religion of Islam and its outer pillars before turning to an exposition of the six pillars of faith:

1. Belief in Allah: Affirming God's existence, divine lordship (rububiyya), sole right to worship (uluhiyya), and transcendent names and attributes Majallat al-Bayan+1.
2. Belief in the Angels: Covering their unseen nature, creation, and assigned tasks Majallat al-Bayan+1.
3. Belief in the Divinely Revealed Books: Affirming God's scriptures revealed to His messengers Majallat al-Bayan+1.
4. Belief in the Messengers: Detailing their role, message, and prophetic status Majallat al-Bayan+1.
5. Belief in the Last Day: Encompassing death, the grave, resurrection, reckoning, and the final abode in paradise or hellfire Majallat al-Bayan+1.
6. Belief in Divine Decree (al-Qadar): Affirming divine foreknowledge, writing, will, and creation of all occurrences, both good and evil Majallat al-Bayan+1.

For each pillar, al-Uthaymin substantiates the discussion with both textual (naql) and rational (aql) proofs, points out notable theological errors or groups that deviated concerning each matter, and concludes with the distinct personal and spiritual fruits of believing in that specific pillar Majallat al-Bayan.

The work concludes by articulating seven general objectives (ahdaf) of the Islamic creed, including dedicating intention and worship solely to Allah, freeing the human intellect from disorientation and superstitions, attaining psychological tranquility, maintaining upright conduct in worship and interpersonal dealings, fostering resolve and diligence, building a strong community, and securing happiness in this world and the hereafter Nubdha fi al-Aqida al-Isl…+1.

Publication and Reception

The treatise was praised by students and scholars of theology for its lucidity, structured arrangement, and succinct coverage of creedal fundamentals Majallat al-Bayan. It has been published separately—such as by Dar al-Thiqa in Mecca (1412 AH / 1991–1992 CE)—as well as within broader collections of al-Uthaymin's works, including by Maktabat al-Ma'arif in Riyadh and in his multi-volume compendium Majmu' Fatawa wa Rasa'il al-Uthaymin Athar Aamal al-Qulub ala …+1. It is also referenced under the title Sharh Usul al-Iman al-Jami li Ulum al-Imam A….