In Islamic tradition, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ foretold the division of his Ummah into seventy-three sects, stating that only one would be saved: “The one upon what I and my companions are upon.” This prophetic declaration underscores the critical importance of identifying and adhering to the authentic creed of Ahlussunnah Waljamaah (the People of the Sunnah and the Community).
Today, three distinct creeds claim to represent Ahlussunnah Waljamaah: the Salafi creed, the Ash’ari creed, and the Maturidi creed. This article examines the authenticity of these creeds, explores their differences, seeks reconciliation (if possible), and investigates the historical roots of the authentic creed from the time of the Companions to the present day.
The Three Creeds: Salafi, Ash’ari, and Maturidi
1. The Salafi Creed
The Salafi creed traces its roots to the early generations of Islam, emphasizing adherence to the Quran and Sunnah as understood by the Salaf (the pious predecessors: the Prophet’s Companions, their Followers, and the Followers of the Followers). It stresses the literal affirmation of Allah’s attributes (sifat), avoiding metaphorical interpretations (ta’wil), and rejects theological innovations (bid’ah).
2. The Ash’ari Creed
The Ash’ari creed was founded by Imam Abu al-Hasan al-Ash’ari (873–936 CE), initially a Mu’tazilite who later rejected their rationalist theology. Ash’aris emphasize a middle ground between literalism and rationalism, allowing allegorical interpretation (ta’wil) of certain divine attributes. They prioritize reason and logic, integrating aspects of Greek philosophy to defend Islamic beliefs against heretical ideologies.
3. The Maturidi Creed
The Maturidi creed, established by Imam Abu Mansur al-Maturidi (853–944 CE), aligns closely with the Ash’ari creed but with subtle differences, particularly in areas of divine will (qada’ wa qadr) and human free will. The Maturidis represent the theological framework followed by most Hanafi jurists, particularly in Central and South Asia.
Which Creed is Authentic?
The Creed of the Prophet ﷺ and His Companions
The authentic creed must align with the beliefs of the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions. The Companions’ creed was characterized by:
- Simplicity and Submission: They affirmed Allah’s names and attributes as stated in the Quran and Sunnah without delving into speculative theology.
- Rejection of Innovation: They adhered strictly to the Quran and Sunnah, avoiding philosophical or rationalistic interpretations.
- Unity of Belief and Practice: Their creed was inseparable from their actions, rooted in faith and submission to Allah’s will.
This creed is synonymous with what the Salaf upheld, representing a pure and unadulterated form of Islamic theology.
The Creed of the Four Imams
Imams Abu Hanifah, Malik, Ash-Shafi’i, and Ahmad ibn Hanbal inherited their beliefs from the Companions, adhering to a creed that emphasized:
- Acceptance of Allah’s names and attributes without delving into their modality (bi-la kayf).
- Strict opposition to theological innovations.
- A focus on textual evidence over speculative reasoning.
Notably, Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, often regarded as the Imam of the Sunnah, stood firmly against the Mu’tazilite rationalist creed during the mihna (inquisition), reinforcing the importance of sticking to the Salaf’s creed.
The Creed of Imam Al-Ash’ari
Imam Abu al-Hasan al-Ash’ari initially embraced Mu’tazilism but later renounced it and returned to the creed of the Salaf. Toward the end of his life, his works such as Al-Ibanah and Maqalat al-Islamiyyin reveal a clear adherence to the Salafi methodology, affirming Allah’s attributes as understood by the early generations.
Thus, while Ash’arism evolved after his death, the creed Imam Al-Ash’ari himself died upon aligns more closely with the Salafi creed.
Reconciliation of the Three Creeds
While the Ash’ari and Maturidi creeds share commonalities with the Salafi creed, particularly in opposing outright heretical beliefs, their reliance on speculative theology and allegorical interpretation represents a deviation from the pure methodology of the Salaf. Reconciliation is challenging, as the differences lie in fundamental principles of interpreting divine attributes and theological priorities.
Sheikh Abdul Qadir Al-Jilani and the Authentic Creed
Sheikh Abdul Qadir Al-Jilani (1077–1166 CE), a towering figure in Islamic spirituality and jurisprudence, explicitly emphasized the importance of adhering to the creed of the Salaf. He famously stated:
“There has never been a wali (saint) without the authentic creed (of the Salaf), and there will never be.”
In his works, Al-Jilani refuted speculative theology and upheld the unadulterated beliefs of the early generations. His commitment to the Salafi creed underscores its primacy over other theological frameworks.
Authentic Creed Precedes Jurisprudence and Sufism
In Islamic tradition, theology (aqidah) is the foundation upon which other disciplines, such as jurisprudence (fiqh) and spirituality (tasawwuf), are built. Sheikh Al-Jilani’s assertion that no saint exists without the authentic creed underscores this hierarchy. A sound creed ensures that one’s worship, ethics, and spiritual practices align with the Quran and Sunnah.
Tasawwuf, when practiced correctly, is an extension of the authentic creed, emphasizing the purification of the soul (tazkiyah) and deepening one’s relationship with Allah. However, deviations in creed can corrupt both jurisprudence and spirituality, leading to innovation and misguidance.
Conclusion: The Path to Salvation
The saved sect in Islam is the one that adheres to the Quran and Sunnah as understood by the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions. This methodology, preserved by the Salaf, forms the foundation of the authentic creed of Ahlussunnah Waljamaah.
The Salafi creed, by adhering strictly to this methodology, represents the most authentic form of Islamic theology. While the Ash’ari and Maturidi creeds share certain aspects of orthodoxy, their reliance on speculative theology introduces elements that depart from the simplicity and purity of the Salaf’s creed.
Imam Al-Ash’ari himself returned to the Salafi creed before his death, affirming its primacy. The four Imams and Sheikh Abdul Qadir Al-Jilani upheld this creed, emphasizing its precedence over jurisprudence and spirituality.
For Muslims seeking the path of salvation, the authentic creed of the Salaf offers a timeless guide, ensuring fidelity to the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ and the Companions. It is through this creed that true unity and adherence to the straight path can be achieved.
Research:
The Creed of the 4 Imams
The Wasiti Creed & Ibn Taimiyyah
Opposition of Ibn Taimiyyah to the Ash’ariyah
The Creed of 'Abd Al-Qadir Al-Jilani
Aqidah Tahawiyya
Abu Al-Hasan Al-Ash'ari
The Ash'ari theology
ASH`ARI, AL- (AH 260-324/874-935 CE) Muslim theologian
Maturidi
Athari
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