Usul Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jamaah
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- Usul Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jamaah
Usul Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jamaah (Arabic: أصول أهل السنة والجماعة, romanized: Uṣūl Ahl al-Sunnah wa-al-Jamāʿah, lit. 'The Principles of the People of the Sunnah and the Community') is a modern doctrinal work comprising transcribed audio lectures by the Egyptian Salafi scholar and hadith specialist Abu al-Ashbal Hasan al-Zuhayri, transcribed and published online by the Islamweb portal (al-Shabakah al-Islamiyyah).
Content and Structure
The work is an exposition of Sunni theological foundations (aqidah), explaining the core principles and methodological distinctions of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jamaah in contrast to sectarian doctrines.
Prophethood and Infallibility
The lectures examine the doctrine of prophethood, affirming the absolute superiority of the Prophet Muhammad over creation and addressing the prophetic infallibility (ismah). Al-Zuhayri outlines three dimensions of prophetic protection:
- Infallibility regarding revelation (al-wahy), both in its reception and its transmission without addition or omission.
- Protection from committing major sins (al-kaba'ir), especially after being commissioned with prophethood.
- Minor slips (al-sagha'ir or al-lamam), noting that any minor lapse does not compromise prophetic status and is met with swift repentance and seeking forgiveness.
To establish consensus on these matters, al-Zuhayri cites passages from classical authorities, including Ibn Taymiyyah's Majmu' al-Fatawa.
The Companions and Divergent Sects
The text addresses the Sunni stance regarding the Companions of the Prophet (al-Sahabah), their virtues, and their legal standing. It also contrasts orthodox Sunni beliefs with those of opposing theological sects, detailing and refuting positions such as the doctrines held by the Kharijites concerning the Prophet's Companions.
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