Sharh al-Iqtisad fi al-Itiqad - al-Rajihi

Sharh al-Iqtisad fi al-Itiqad (Commentary on the Middle Path in Creed) is a theological work by the contemporary Saudi scholar Abd al-Aziz ibn Abd Allah al-Rajihi, commenting on the Hanbali traditionist Taqi al-Din Abd al-Ghani al-Maqdisi's (541/544–600 AH) creedal treatise al-Iqtisad fi al-I'tiqad Sharh al-Iqtisad fi al-It…+1.

Background and Purpose

The base text, also transmitted under the title Aqidat al-Hafiz Abd al-Ghani, was authored by Abd al-Ghani al-Maqdisi to outline the orthodox Sunni creed according to the traditionists and early generations (al-salaf) Sharh al-Iqtisad fi al-It…+1. In introducing the treatise, al-Rajihi explains that al-iqtisad denotes taking a moderate, middle path (al-tawassut), emphasizing that the doctrine of the Sunni community represents a balanced middle ground between the opposing extremes of religious exaggeration (ifrat or ghuluww) and laxity or negligence (tafrit or jafa') Sharh al-Iqtisad fi al-It….

Method and Contents

Al-Rajihi explicates the text by analyzing its theological assertions alongside scriptural proofs drawn from the Quran and the prophetic Sunnah, adhering to the traditional method of textual affirmation without figurative reinterpretation (ta'wil) or anthropomorphic assimilation (tashbih or takyif) Sharh al-Iqtisad fi al-It…+1. The work systematically addresses the primary topics of Islamic theology treated in the original text, including:

• The Divine Names and Attributes: Establishing the affirmed attributes of God as reported in revelation, including God's ascendance over the Throne (al-istiwa') and divine descent (al-nuzul), while refuting the interpretations and denials of rival theological groups such as the Jahmiyya and Mu'tazila Sharh al-Iqtisad fi al-It…+1.
• The Speech of God and the Quran: Affirming that the Quran is the literal, uncreated speech of God Sharh al-Iqtisad fi al-It…+1.
• Eschatology and the Beatific Vision: Clarifying the reality of the believers seeing their Lord (ru'yat Allah) in the Hereafter Sharh al-Iqtisad fi al-It…+1.
• Faith and the Companions: Defending the definition of faith (iman) as comprising belief, speech, and deeds, and articulating the canonical status and respect due to the Companions of the Prophet ﷺ Sharh al-Iqtisad fi al-It…+1.