Sharh al-‘Aqeedah al-Wasitiyyah is a traditional commentary on one of the most fundamental books on Islamic creed, which was written by the great scholar Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah. This Arabic version only offers a comprehensive commentary that remains faithful to the original yet provides clarity and support to the fundamental tenets of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jamā’ah.
Meant for Arabic students of knowledge and serious seekers of theology (‘aqeedah), this sharh (explanation) is a must-read reference in getting to know the proper belief in Allah’s Names and Attributes, the true nature of iman, and the middle way methodology of the earliest generations. It is read extensively in traditional madāris, university courses, and standalone Islamic centers of learning in the Muslim world.
The Background Behind al-‘Aqeedah al-Wasitiyyah
Ibn Taymiyyah originally composed the al-‘Aqeedah al-Wasitiyyah in response to a call from a judge in Wasit (Iraq) when deviance and confusion in creed were rampant. The work was composed so that the Islamic creed could be outlined correctly in as concise and solid an evidence-basis as possible from the Qur’an and Sunnah. Ibn Taymiyyah strongly based it on explicit verses and Hadith, which makes it distinct among theological compositions.
It confronts problems that were hotly contested during his day many of which persist in our own time and these include the Names and Attributes of Allah, the nature of the Companions, the definition of iman, and how one should react to innovation in belief and practice.
The Sharh edition makes it possible for readers to push past the text’s surface and explore in depth explanations, linguistic explications, and scholar-level analysis all in traditional Arabic.
Key Themes of the Sharh
The sharh begins with solid foundations in Tawheed al-Asma’ wa al-Sifat belief in the Names and Attributes of Allah without denial, distortion, or anthropomorphism. The sharh clarifies how affirming what Allah affirms for Himself differs from the innovations perpetuated by other sects that reinterpreted or denied divine qualities.
Other key subjects are:
The definition of iman not just belief in the heart, but also words and deeds. The sharh explains how iman grows and wanes, according to the opinion of the early scholars. The position of the Sahabah (Companions) and the proper approach to their disagreements. This is necessary in answering the opinions of those who criticise or doubt the purity of the early Muslim generation.
The reconciliation of qadar (divine decree) and human free will, and the sound understanding of intercession, the nature of the grave, and Hereafter events. This extensive coverage of creed makes the book a firm guide to anyone wishing to see how early Muslim scholars kept the integrity of Islamic beliefs safe from philosophical or sectarian taint.
A Text Rooted in Qur’an and Sunnah
What makes this book different from a lot of other theological books is that it strictly uses the Qur’an and sound Hadith. Ibn Taymiyyah and the commentators on his work stay away from speculative theology and philosophical reasoning. The objective is not to establish belief on abstract rationality, but on revelation.
The sharh accompanies every point with explicit ayat and Hadith narration of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, in addition to the commentary of the early scholars like Imam Ahmad, al-Awza’i, Sufyan al-Thawri, and others. Thus, it is a source trusted in teaching, preaching, and individual study by those who adhere to the methodology of Ahl al-Hadith and the Salaf.
Who This Book Is For
Sharh al-‘Aqeedah al-Wasitiyyah (Arabic Only) is most appropriate for upper-level students, Arabic speakers, and those who have had some previous exposure to Islamic theology. Due to the fact that the language is classical and replete with technical terminology, it is not suitable for novices. That being said, it is commonly applied in intermediate and advanced course tracks at seminaries and Islamic universities.
It is particularly useful for:
Arabic-speaking students learning usool al-deen. Creed teachers desiring a solid, fact-checked reference. Self-students interested in solidifying their understanding of Sunni theology. Da’wah employees and khatibs requiring the need to express solid creed in contemporary settings.
The Arabic-only presentation maintains the richness and beauty of the original discussion and facilitates direct interaction with the source text free from the constraint of translation bias.
The Worth of Learning This Sharh Now
In an era where there is such widespread confusion regarding creed, and where so many Muslims are uncertain regarding religious terms or positions, this volume offers clarity. It alerts the reader to the fact that proper belief is not innovation it has been saved and safeguarded by the early scholars and may even today be adhered to in its entirety without compromise or innovation.
The book also assists Muslims in finding their way between extremes between those who misunderstand divine attributes in the guise of modernism, and those who become literalists without any contextual understanding. The sharh offers a balanced middle ground that respects the tradition of the Salaf while determining contemporary issues with earthy solutions.
Reading this book is not merely a matter of knowledge it is a matter of protecting one’s iman. Understanding what we believe, why we believe it, and how it relates to Allah and His Messenger ﷺ is a defense in times of doubt and schism.
Final Thoughts
Sharh al-‘Aqeedah al-Wasitiyyah (Arabic Only) is a foundation of classic Sunni theology. This work provides an exhaustive, systematically organized, and evidence-based explication of one of the most seminal works in Islamic creed. For those dedicated to upholding the true faith of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jamā’ah, this volume is not merely a study aid it is a protection against misguidance and confusion.
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