Understand the term ‘Aqeedah’

Question 1

Root letters of Aqeedah

Answer 1

عَ قِ دَ

Question 2

Linguistic definitions of عَ قِ دَ

Answer 2

1. Tying something e.g. a knot
2. Covenant (contract)
3. Consistent/continuation in something
4. Emphasis (not doubtful)

Question 3

Examples of ‘tying a knot’ in the Quran

Answer 3

وَ مِن شَرّ النَّفَّاثَاتِ فِي الْعُقَدِ(٤)
And from the evil of the blowers in knots
Surah Falaq [4]

Question 4

Example of ‘Covenant’ in the Quran

Answer 4

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ أَوْفُوا۟ بِٱلْعُقُودِ ۚ……(١)
O you who have believed, fulfill (all) contracts…..
Surah Ma’idah [1]

Question 5

Examples of consistent/continuation in something

Answer 5

وَلِكُلٍّۢ جَعَلْنَا مَوَٰلِىَ مِمَّا تَرَكَ ٱلْوَٰلِدَانِ وَٱلْأَقْرَبُونَ ۚ وَٱلَّذِينَ عَقَدَتْ أَيْمَـٰنُكُمْ فَـَٔاتُوهُمْ نَصِيبَهُمْ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍۢ شَهِيدًا (٣٣)
And for all, We have made heirs to what is left by parents and relatives. And to those whom your orbs have bound [to you] - give them their share. Indeed Allah is ever, over all things, a Witness

Surah Nisa [33]

Question 6

Example of ‘Emphasis, not doubtful’ in the Quran

Answer 6

لَا يُؤَاخِذُكُمُ ٱللَّهُ بِٱللَّغْوِ فِىٓ أَيْمَـٰنِكُمْ وَلَـٰكِن يُؤَاخِذُكُم بِمَا عَقَّدتُّمُ ٱلْأَيْمَـٰنَ ۖ….(٨٩)
Allah will not impose blame upon you for what is meaningless in your oaths, but He will impose blame upon you for (breaking) what you intended of oaths….
Surah Ma’idah [89]

Question 7

Subject matters in Aqeedah

Answer 7

1. 6 pillars of imaan
2. Concept of imaan
3. Beliefs about the companions of the Prophet (SAW)
4. Beliefs related to rulership

Question 8

Technical definition of Aqeedah

Answer 8

Belief of any group (generic)

Question 9

Linking linguistic + technical definitions of Aqeedah

Answer 9

1. Tying something= bound by a belief you have
2. Covenant = beliefs are a promise between you and Allah
3. Consistent = beliefs should be consistent and not deviated from
4. Emphasis, not doubtful= Aqeedah is serious and should not be taken lightly

Question 10

Why is the concept of imaan, beliefs about the companions and beliefs related to rulership; subject matters of Aqeedah?

Answer 10

All are subcategories of 6 pillars of imaan
Deviances exist within it

Question 11

Different ways the technical definition of Aqeedah is used?

Answer 11

• correct Aqeedah is Ahlul Sunnah Wal Jama’a
• we say the Aqeedah of the Christian’s and Buddhists are examples of corrupt Aqeedah
• Aqeedah of Sunni v that of the Shi’a