Aqida (Creed)

How the scholars use Aqida (Creed).

1. "the brother of Sam, Ham, and Japheth. It was said his name was Canaan. He was a disbeliever and performed unrighteous deeds, differing from his father in faith and creed, thus perishing with those who perished. This is from Surah Hud. Foreigners to Noah in lineage were saved because they were united in faith and creed. As Allah says in Surah Hud, And it was said, O earth, swallow your water, and O sky, withhold your rain. And the water subsided, and the matter was accomplished. And at the ark settled on Al-Ju'di, and it was said, Away with the wrongdoing people."

   — Ibn Kathir, Volume 1 — From Creation to Mūsā

2. "to Medina before turning towards the Kaaba, which was built by Abraham the Friend. They portrayed the churches, which had not been depicted before, and established the creed that their children, women, and men memorize, which they call the emanation. In truth, it is the epitome of disbelief and betrayal. All the Melkites, Nestorians under Nedar's the second council, and Jacobites under Jacob Baradeus of the third council adhere to this creed, differing in their interpretation."

   — Ibn Kathir, The Story of Isa

3. "Indeed, the need may vary by era, potentially altering the ruling. Thus, this is the decree for the creed that people worship by, and the method of defending and preserving it. As for removing doubt, uncovering truths, understanding realities, discerning secrets which these creed's apparent words convey—its key lies in striving, subduing desires, turning wholly to God, and maintaining contemplation free of disputations' blemishes."

   — Imam al-Ghazali, Book 2: The Book of Belief