What a Muslim believes
Al-Ghazali's plain-language summary of Sunni creed.
About 30 minutes of listening
Book 2: The Book of Belief
Imam al-Ghazali · Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din
The second book of the Ihya covers the foundations of Islamic belief, exploring the pillars of faith, the attributes of Allah, and the essentials of theological understanding for the sincere seeker.
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From The Book of Belief.
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"However, in worldly matters, we assume that by their verbal testimony, they inwardly harbor belief. This situation can arise if a Muslim relative dies, and later, they affirm faith, questioning whether their inheritance is rightful before God, or if they marry a Muslim and later believe if they need to remarry. This suggests worldly rulings might rely on apparent testimony for external dealings but internally hinge on explicit belief known only to themselves and God."
— Imam al-Ghazali, Book 2: The Book of Belief
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"There is a hadith where, upon entering the graveyards, the Prophet, peace be upon him, said, "Peace be upon you, dwelling of believing people. This hadith was reported by Muslim from Abu Huraira. There is doubt in this truthfulness, as Allah says: "But true righteousness is in one who believes in God, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets," and then lists attributes such as fulfilling promises and being patient through hardships."
— Imam al-Ghazali, Book 2: The Book of Belief
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"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