AQEEDAH 01-07: Understanding the Aqeedah of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama‘ah: Following the Qur’an, Authentic Sunnah, and the Path of the Sahabah | ZAD Academy Audio | Blogpost by Zayd Haji

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,

I am Zayd Haji, a student at ZAD Academy. This blog post summarizes an important lesson from ZAD Academy discussing the Aqeedah (Islamic creed) of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama‘ah, which emphasizes adherence to the Qur’an, the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and the understanding of the righteous predecessors.

Islamic belief is built upon divine revelation. Muslims are required to follow the guidance revealed by Allah in the Qur’an and explained through the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ. This foundational principle forms the core of the creed of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama‘ah.

One of the central themes in the lecture is that Islam is a complete and perfected religion. Allah declares in the Qur’an:

“Today I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.”

(Qur’an 5:3 – Quran.com)

This verse was revealed during the Farewell Pilgrimage of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ on the Day of ‘Arafah. It confirms that the religion of Islam is complete and does not require additions or innovations.

Allah also states:

“And We have revealed to you the Book as clarification for all things and as guidance and mercy and good tidings for the Muslims.”

(Qur’an 16:89 – Quran.com)

The Qur’an therefore serves as the primary source of guidance for humanity.

The creed of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama‘ah requires complete submission to the texts of revelation. Muslims must rely on the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah for understanding Islam.

Allah says:

“O you who have believed, enter into Islam completely.”

(Qur’an 2:208 – Quran.com)

The Qur’an also warns believers not to speak about religious matters without knowledge:

“And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart – about all those one will be questioned.”

(Qur’an 17:36 – Quran.com)

The Sunnah complements the Qur’an and explains its meanings.

Narrated Aisha: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "If somebody innovates something which is not in harmony with the principles of our religion, that thing is rejected."

Sahih al-Bukhari 2697

https://sunnah.com/bukhari:2697

This hadith emphasizes the importance of avoiding innovations in religious practice.

Allah says:

“And whoever opposes the Messenger after guidance has become clear to him and follows other than the way of the believers – We will give him what he has taken and drive him into Hell.”

(Qur’an 4:115 – Quran.com)

The companions were the closest generation to the Prophet ﷺ and best understood the Qur’an and Sunnah.

Narrated `Abdullah: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The best people are those living in my generation, and then those who will follow them, and then those who will follow the latter. Then there will come some people who will bear witness before taking oaths, and take oaths before bearing witness." (Ibrahim, a sub-narrator said, "They used to beat us for witnesses and covenants when we were still children.")

Sahih al-Bukhari 3651

https://sunnah.com/bukhari:3651

1. The correct Islamic creed is based on the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah.
2. Islam is a complete religion that does not require innovation.
3. Muslims must avoid speaking about religion without knowledge.
4. The understanding of the Sahabah and early scholars is essential in interpreting Islamic texts.
5. Innovations (bid‘ah) in religion are rejected in Islam.

The Aqeedah of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama‘ah calls Muslims to adhere strictly to the Qur’an, the authentic Sunnah, and the understanding of the companions of the Prophet ﷺ. This methodology preserves the purity of Islamic belief and ensures that Muslims remain connected to the original teachings of Islam.