Why Learning the Knowledge of ʿAqīdah and Tawḥīd Is Obligatory on Every Muslim

Source: Fatāwā Arkān-e-Islām

Question​

What about the person who avoids studying matters of creed, especially the issue of qadar (divine decree), out of fear that he might slip into error?

Answer​

الحمد لله، والصلاة والسلام علىٰ رسول الله، أما بعد!


This issue is one of the most important matters of religion, which a person needs to know for both his worldly and religious well-being. It requires deep reflection, along with seeking Allah’s help for clarity of the truth.

• One should not remain in doubt about such essential matters.
• As for topics whose ignorance does not harm one’s religion, and whose detailed discussion might lead to confusion, it is better to avoid them and focus on what is essential.

The Importance of the Issue of Qadar​

• Understanding qadar is necessary for every Muslim so that he can attain certainty of faith.
• The reality is that this is not a complicated matter, but some misunderstand it because they give priority to the question “How?” over “Why?”.

Two Key Questions on the Day of Judgment​

On the Day of Resurrection, a person will be asked regarding his deeds:

1. “Why did you do this?” — This relates to sincerity (ikhlāṣ).
2. “How did you do this?” — This relates to following the Messenger ﷺ (ittibāʿ).

Today, many focus on “how” and neglect “why”. They delve into technical details of practice but overlook the foundation of tawḥīd, creed, and sincerity.

Worldly Obsession​

• Some people are so absorbed in worldly matters — buying and selling, transport, housing, clothing — that they forget to remember Allah.
• Some are so attached to the world that they have no awareness of committing shirk with Allah.

Negligence Among Students of Knowledge​

• Sadly, the neglect of creed is not limited to the general public; some students of knowledge also fall short in this field.
• Creed is as important as action in Islam.
• The Sharīʿah places creed in the position of protection; thus, it is wrong to emphasize creed alone while neglecting action, and likewise wrong to emphasize action while neglecting creed.

Misguidance Spread by Media​

• Some media claim that “religion is only about creed.”
• This is dangerous because it may lead people to justify prohibited acts by saying: “Our creed is correct.”
• Both aspects — “why” and “how” — must be considered together for correct understanding of religion.

Summary of the Answer​

Learning the knowledge of tawḥīd and ʿaqīdah is obligatory on every Muslim because:

1. It gives insight into the true Lord, the Only One worthy of worship.
2. It enables understanding of Allah’s Names, Attributes, Actions, and His cosmic and legal decrees, along with their wisdom and secrets.
3. It protects one from going astray and from leading others astray.

This knowledge is the most noble of sciences because it relates directly to Allah ﷻ.

The Term “al-Fiqh al-Akbar”​

• The scholars call this knowledge al-fiqh al-akbar (the greater understanding).
• The Prophet ﷺ said:
  «مَنْ يُّرِدِ اللّٰهُ بِهِ خَيْرًا يُفَقِّهْهُ فِی الدِّينِ»
  (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 71; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1037)
  “When Allah intends good for a person, He gives him understanding in the religion.”

The Correct Method of Learning ʿAqīdah​

1. Begin with knowledge free from doubts and confusion.
2. Learn the doubts and innovations that can affect it, in order to refute them.
3. Take your creed from authentic sources:
   
   • The Book of Allah
   • The Sunnah of the Messenger ﷺ
   • The sayings of the Companions, the Tābiʿīn, and the Tabiʿ al-Tābiʿīn
4. Rely on trustworthy scholars known for their knowledge and integrity, such as:
   
   • Shaykh al-Islām Ibn Taymiyyah رحمه الله
   • His student Ibn al-Qayyim رحمه الله

May Allah’s mercy and pleasure be upon them and upon all the scholars of the Muslim Ummah.


وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَابِ