Advanced Islamic Studies (Level 1) - Aqaaid

Flashcards covering the foundational principles of ʿAqīdah (Islamic creed), including the attributes of Allah and His Prophets, rational judgements, the afterlife, and divine scriptures based on the teachings of Imām al-Sanūsī.

What is the linguistic origin and meaning of the term ʿAqīdah?

It comes from the Arabic root ʿaqada, meaning “to tie firmly,” indicating beliefs based on firm conviction rather than guesswork.

Why did early scholars place the study of creed before other sciences?

Because it forms the foundation of a Muslim’s faith; worship, character, and religious practice rely on having sound belief, just as a building requires a strong base.

Who are the two prominent theologians of Ahl al-Sunnah mentioned who organized ʿAqīdah into key areas?

Imām Abū Manṣūr al-Māturīdī and Imām Abū al-Ḥasan al-Ashʿarī.

What is the main purpose of Imām al-Sanūsī's famous work, Umm al-Barāhīn?

To make the essential beliefs of Islam clear, simple, and easy for ordinary Muslims to understand and protect their faith from doubts.

Identify the three types of rational judgements Imām al-Sanūsī begins his book with.

Necessary (Wājib), Impossible (Mustaḥīl), and Possible (Jāʾiz).

Define a "Necessary (Wājib)" judgement in the context of ʿAqīdah.

Something that must exist or be true and cannot be any other way, such as the existence of Allah.

Define an "Impossible (Mustaḥīl)" judgement according to the text.

Something that cannot ever exist or be true, such as Allah having a body or being weak.

Define a "Possible (Jāʾiz)" judgement for Allah.

Something that Allah may do or choose not to do according to His Will, such as creating or giving life.

How many Necessary Attributes of Allah does Imām al-Sanūsī list?

$20$ attributes.

What is the term for the concept that Allah's existence is absolutely necessary and He is uncreated and independent?

Wujūb al-Wujūd.

List the four attributes that are necessary (Wājib) for all Prophets.

Truthfulness (al-Ṣidq), Trustworthiness (al-Amānah), Conveying the Message (al-Tablīgh), and Intelligence (al-Faṭānah).

What is the term for the divine protection of Prophets from major and minor sins?

ʿIṣmah.

What are the seven real and eternal attributes belonging to the Divine Being known as Ṣifāt al-Maʿānī?

Power (Qudrah), Will (Irādah), Knowledge (ʿIlm), Life (Ḥayāh), Hearing (Samʿ), Seeing (Baṣar), and Speech (Kalām).

What are Ṣifāt al-Maʿnawiyyah?

Derived attributes or states that follow from the seven powers, such as "His being Powerful" (Kawnuhu Qādiran) resulting from the attribute of Power.

Who is the Angel responsible for taking the soul at the time of death?

Malak al-Mawt (The Angel of Death).

What is Barzakh?

The intermediate life or barrier between death and the Day of Resurrection.

Which two angels are responsible for questioning the deceased in the grave?

Munkar and Nakir.

What are the three questions asked in the grave by the angels?

$1$) Who is your Lord? $2$) What is your religion? $3$) Who is this man sent among you?

What is the Sunni response to the claim that consciousness is purely a product of the brain?

Islam teaches that the brain is a tool of the soul (rūḥ), and while the body dies, the soul continues to exist as the source of consciousness.

How many levels are there in Jahannam according to the transcript?

$7$ levels.

How many divine scriptures were revealed in total, and how many are considered main scriptures?

Around $104$ total scriptures were sent, with $4$ being the main ones.

Identify the four main divine scriptures and the Prophets to whom they were revealed.

Tawrah (Musa), Zabur (Dawūd), Injil (Isa), and the Holy Qur’ān (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم).

What is the stance of Ahl al-Sunnah regarding earlier scriptures that contradict the Qur’an?

They are rejected because the contradiction indicates the text was tampered with by adding or removing parts.