Introduction
Few scholars in Islamic history have had as profound and lasting an impact on Islamic theology (‘aqeedah) as Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (1263–1328 CE). A leading jurist, theologian, and reformer of the late medieval period, Ibn Taymiyyah was known for his sharp intellect, deep knowledge of the Qur’an and Sunnah, and his unrelenting defense of what he considered the pure creed of early Islam—untainted by innovation (bid‘ah), philosophy, or speculative theology.
While he wrote extensively on jurisprudence (fiqh), politics, and ethics, his most significant and enduring legacy lies in his works on Islamic creed. These writings not only clarified the core beliefs of Islam as he understood them, but also became foundational texts for later theological movements, including the Salafi school.
This article explores key books authored by Ibn Taymiyyah on ‘aqeedah, their themes, and their significance within Islamic thought.
1. Al-‘Aqeedah al-Waasitiyyah (العقيدة الواسطية)
Overview:
This is perhaps Ibn Taymiyyah’s most famous and widely studied creed. It was written in response to a request from a judge in the city of Waasit (hence the name), who asked Ibn Taymiyyah to summarize the Islamic creed in a concise yet comprehensive way.
Themes:
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Tawheed (Oneness of Allah): Emphasizes Tawheed al-Ruboobiyyah (Lordship), Tawheed al-Uloohiyyah (Worship), and Tawheed al-Asmaa wa’l-Sifaat (Names and Attributes).
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Affirmation of Allah’s Names and Attributes without ta’teel (negation), tashbeeh (likening to creation), tamtheel (anthropomorphism), or ta’weel (allegorical interpretation).
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Opposition to Philosophical Theology (kalaam) and the interpretations of groups like the Mu’tazilah and Ash’ariyyah.
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Belief in the Qur’an as the literal word of Allah.
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Belief in the Day of Judgment, intercession (shafaa‘ah), punishment in the grave, and signs of the Hour.
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Respect for the Sahabah (Companions) and the prohibition of speaking ill of them.
Significance:
Al-‘Aqeedah al-Waasitiyyah is considered a primary reference for Sunni theology, especially among Hanbali and Salafi scholars. It is widely taught in Islamic universities and traditional madrasas across the Muslim world.
2. Al-‘Aqeedah al-Hamawiyyah al-Kubraa (العقيدة الحموية الكبرى)
Overview:
Written in response to a request from scholars in Hama, Syria, this is a more detailed exposition of Islamic creed, particularly focusing on the Names and Attributes of Allah. It is significantly longer and more in-depth than Al-Waasitiyyah.
Themes:
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Extensive refutation of ta’weel (allegorical interpretation) used by some theologians to explain divine attributes.
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A systematic dismantling of the Ash‘ari and Mu‘tazili approaches to theology.
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Affirmation of Allah’s Istiwaa (rising above the Throne), Hand, Face, Love, Anger, and other attributes—without tashbeeh or ta’weel.
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Discusses the limitations of human reason in understanding the unseen (ghayb) and divine realities.
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Stresses the importance of adhering strictly to the texts of the Qur’an and authentic Hadith.
Significance:
Hamawiyyah represents Ibn Taymiyyah’s deep engagement with classical theological debates. It serves as an intellectual defense of the Athari (textualist) creed, emphasizing literal affirmation of Allah’s attributes in the way of the early generations (Salaf).
3. Al-‘Aqeedah al-Tadmuriyyah (العقيدة التدمرية)
Overview:
Written at the request of people from Tadmur (Palmyra), this treatise addresses the principles of affirming Allah’s attributes while avoiding anthropomorphism and denial.
Themes:
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A central concern of Tadmuriyyah is how to balance affirmation of Allah’s attributes with complete dissimilarity to creation.
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Discusses the concepts of “Tamtheel” (likening Allah to creation) and “Ta‘teel” (denial of His attributes)—rejecting both.
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Clarifies principles like "لَيْسَ كَمِثْلِهِ شَيْءٌ" ("There is nothing like unto Him") while affirming Allah's qualities as revealed.
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Explores the difference between existential reality and linguistic description to explain how similar terms (e.g., “hand”) can be used without implying likeness.
Significance:
This work is particularly appreciated for its philosophical depth and methodological clarity. It has been studied as a manual for dealing with theological ambiguity, especially when addressing critics who claim literal affirmation leads to anthropomorphism.
4. Minhaj al-Sunnah an-Nabawiyyah (منهاج السنة النبوية)
Overview:
Though not strictly a book of ‘aqeedah, this multi-volume refutation of the Shi‘a theologian al-‘Allamah al-Hilli contains significant content on creed, especially concerning the Sahabah, Imamah (leadership), and divine justice.
Themes:
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Defense of the Companions of the Prophet (ﷺ), especially Abu Bakr, ‘Umar, and ‘Uthman.
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Rejection of the Shia concept of Imamate as divinely mandated leadership passed through ‘Ali’s lineage.
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Affirms the Sunni position on the caliphate, divine decree (qadr), and other theological matters.
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Critiques philosophical theology and reliance on reason over revelation.
Significance:
Minhaj al-Sunnah is a cornerstone of Sunni polemics against Shi'ism, widely referenced in debates on political theology and historical narratives surrounding early Islam.
5. Dar’ Ta‘aarud al-‘Aql wa’l-Naql (درء تعارض العقل والنقل)
(Averting the Conflict Between Reason and Revelation)
Overview:
This massive philosophical work, written as a refutation of the famed philosopher-theologian Ibn Sina (Avicenna) and his followers, argues against the idea that human reason can override revelation.
Themes:
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Critiques the idea that rational proofs can negate what the Qur’an and Sunnah establish.
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Refutes Greek logic and metaphysics where they contradict Islamic teachings.
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Upholds the principle that true reason and authentic revelation never conflict.
Significance:
Though technical and complex, this book demonstrates Ibn Taymiyyah’s deep knowledge of philosophy and his insistence on revelation (naql) as the highest authority in matters of belief.
6. Kitab al-Iman (كتاب الإيمان)
(The Book of Faith)
Overview:
A focused study on the concept of Iman (faith), examining the relationship between belief, actions, and intention.
Themes:
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Faith consists of belief in the heart, statements of the tongue, and actions of the limbs.
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Faith increases and decreases based on one's obedience or disobedience.
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Refutes the Murji’ah, who claim that faith is merely belief without actions.
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Addresses takfir (excommunication) and its dangers when misapplied.
Significance:
Kitab al-Iman is foundational for understanding Sunni views on faith. It is especially influential among those who seek clarity on the relationship between belief and practice in Islam.
Legacy and Influence
Ibn Taymiyyah’s works on ‘aqeedah have profoundly shaped Islamic thought for over 700 years. His rejection of speculative theology, his defense of the early generations (Salaf), and his emphasis on a return to the Qur’an and Sunnah made him both a revivalist and a reformer.
His writings laid the intellectual groundwork for scholars like Ibn al-Qayyim, Muhammad ibn ‘Abdul-Wahhab, and many contemporary Salafi scholars. Institutions around the Muslim world, from Saudi Arabia to North Africa to Southeast Asia, continue to teach his works as part of Islamic curriculum.
Conclusion
The books of Ibn Taymiyyah on Islamic creed are not only deeply rooted in the sources of Islam but also marked by intellectual rigor and spiritual sincerity. Whether in Al-Waasitiyyah’s accessible clarity or Dar’ Ta‘aarud’s philosophical depth, his works continue to guide generations seeking a creed based on revelation, reasoned faith, and unwavering adherence to the Quran and the Sunnah.
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