Usul al-Sunnah – By Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (رحمه الله)
Narrated by ‘Abdus ibn Malik al-‘Attar (رحمه الله), these are the concise yet comprehensive principles of Sunnah (core beliefs) outlined by Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (رحمه الله) which Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama‘ah must adhere to. Presented here under clear headings with references.
1) Holding Firm to the Way of the Companions (RA)
Adhere to what the Companions of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ were upon and follow their example.
[Usul I‘tiqad Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama‘ah, al-Lalika’i, 1/156]
2) Avoiding Innovations (Bid‘ah)
All innovations are misguidance. Avoid them, their people, and refrain from disputes, debates, and unnecessary polemics.
3) Following the Athar of the Messenger ﷺ
The Sunnah consists of the Athar of the Prophet ﷺ, which explain the Qur’an. They are followed without analogy, speculation, or personal reasoning.
4) Not Denying Any Sunnah Belief
Rejecting any characteristic from the principles of Sunnah removes a person from Ahl al-Sunnah.
5) Belief in Good and Bad Qadar
Affirming all narrations on Qadar without delving into how or why.
6) Avoiding Debate on Qadar, Ru’yah, and Similar Matters
Accept them as narrated; avoid debate and excessive discussion.
7) Qur’an is the Speech of Allah, Not Created
Anyone who says it is created or suspends judgment is an innovator.
8) Belief in Seeing Allah on the Day of Judgment
Affirmed for the believers as established in authentic Ahadith.
9) Prophet’s ﷺ Vision of Allah in Mi‘raj
Accepted as authentically narrated, without delving into its modality.
10) Belief in the Scale and Reckoning
Affirming weighing of deeds and people on the Day of Judgment.
11) Belief in al-Hawd (The Prophet’s ﷺ Basin)
Affirmed by multiple authentic narrations.
12) Belief in the Punishment of the Grave and Munkar & Nakir
Affirming the questioning in the grave.
13) Belief in the Prophet’s ﷺ Intercession
Including the salvation of some from Hellfire as authentically narrated.
14) Belief in Dajjal’s Appearance and ‘Isa’s (AS) Descent
Affirmed by sound Ahadith.
15) Faith is Statement and Action
It increases and decreases; best believers are those with best character.
16) Abandoning Salah is Kufr
Unique among deeds in this ruling; the one who abandons it deliberately is a disbeliever.
17) Superiority of the Companions
Order: Abu Bakr, ‘Umar, ‘Uthman, then the remaining of the Ashab al-Shura, then the people of Badr.
18) Obedience to the Imam (Leader)
Even if he took power by force, as long as the majority accepts him.
19) Jihad and Jumu‘ah with the Leaders
Continues until the Day of Judgment, with both righteous and sinful leaders.
20) Jumu‘ah Prayer with Any Imam
Two Rak‘ahs complete; repeating the prayer afterward is Bid‘ah.
21) Prohibition of Rebellion Against Leaders
Rebellion is forbidden; dying without allegiance is dying a death of Jahiliyyah.
22) Fighting Thieves and Khawarij
Permissible in self-defense when they attack life and property.
23) On Sinners and Repentance
We do not declare anyone from the people of Qiblah as destined for Paradise or Hell; their matter is with Allah.
24) Stoning (Rajm) for Married Fornicators
Applied as per the Sunnah when proven by confession or testimony.
25) Respect for the Companions
Anyone who abuses or harbors hatred towards a Companion is an innovator until he repents and cleanses his heart.
26) Major and Minor Hypocrisy
Major: Disbelief while pretending Islam; Minor: Traits mentioned in Ahadith, accepted as narrated.
27) Taking Ahadith at Their Apparent Meaning
Without unwarranted interpretation or disputation.
28) Belief in the Existence of Paradise and Hell Now
Both are already created; denial is rejecting Qur’an and Sunnah.
29) Funeral Prayer for All People of Qiblah
Anyone dying upon Tawhid is prayed over, regardless of major or minor sins.
Closing Words
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (رحمه الله) concluded by praising Allah alone and sending peace and blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ and his family. These principles remain the foundational creed and methodology of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama‘ah.
References:
— Usul I‘tiqad Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama‘ah, al-Lalika’i
— Tabaqat al-Hanabilah, Ibn Abi Ya‘la
— Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Musnad Ahmad, and other major works
