ʿAqidah is an Islamic term meaning “creed” or “belief”. It simply means, what a person believes in his heart. The original essence of Aqidah is inside a heart. Any religious belief system, or creed, can be an example of aqidah. This term holds significant technical usage in Muslim history and theology. It denotes those matters over which Muslims hold convictions. The term is usually translated as “theology”.

Aqeedah contains all issues related to what Imaan means(Belief) and what Kufr is(Disbelief). A Muslim must walk on the path of the Prophet’s faith. The companions’ faith is also included, of which there is no difference of opinion.

The Islamic faith consists of several topics. These include the practice of Tawhid, the Five Pillars of Islam, and the six pillars of Iman.

The belief of every Muslim should come from the Prophet and his Companions. You still must be Wondering what Aqidah is.

Any man who holds fast to Islam desires to be on the correct Aqeedah. Unfortunately, this is not the reality, especially at a time when there are many cults in the society.

The main goal is to refer back to how the pious ancestors in Islam understood it. How did they acknowledge the subject of Imaan? How did they accord with it?

Allah warns in the Quran of differentiation in religion. It is forbidden to adhere to any other creed than what is correct.

Do Imaan and Aqidah mean the Same?

In Islamic theology, Iman and Aqidah are closely related but distinct concepts. Iman shows the foundational, internal convictions that form the essence of Islamic belief. These include faith in Allah (SAW), His angels, His divine scriptures, His prophets, the Day of Resurrection, and predestination. On the other hand, Aqidah extends beyond these essential tenets. It covers in-depth theological doctrines, interpretations, and perspectives on intricate matters of faith. Thus, while all Muslims share Iman, their understanding of Aqidah differs based on their theological school or personal viewpoints.

Simple vs. Complex

  • Iman is clear and straightforward, so every Muslim—no matter their background—can understand it.
  • Aqidah gets into more complex topics that often require study, discussion, and scholarly insight.

Personal vs. Community

  • Iman is something deeply personal—it’s about your faith and connection with Allah.
  • Aqidah is often shaped by communities, theological schools, and religious discussions that help people explore their beliefs further.

Faith vs. Explanation

Iman is about having faith in Allah, His prophets, and the core teachings of Islam.

Aqidah is more about rational discussions, different schools of thought, and detailed theological reasoning.

Common Misunderstandings

  • Aqidah is more important than Iman – Nope! Iman is intentionally simple so everyone can embrace it, no matter their level of knowledge.
  • Only one Aqidah is correct – Different perspectives exist, and respectful discussion is key.
  • Iman is just saying you believe – True Iman requires not just words, but deep conviction and righteous actions.

Potential Risks

⚠ Too much focus on Aqidah can cause division – Overemphasizing differences can lead to unnecessary conflicts.
⚠ Losing sight of Imaan’s essence – Theological debates shouldn’t distract from the heart of Islam. The core is faith in Allah and living a righteous life.
⚠ Being closed to other views – Sticking rigidly to one interpretation can limit growth. Not considering other interpretations also hinders deeper understanding.

Different Perspectives about Aqidah

🔹 Some scholars argue that “Aqidah isn’t in the Quran.” They say that the term itself wasn’t explicitly used in early Islamic texts.
🔹 “Aqidah is essential for faith” – Others say understanding theology strengthens a believer’s faith and practice.
🔹 “We should focus on action, not just belief.” Many emphasize that faith must be shown through daily actions. It should also be seen in one’s character.

Iman keeps us connected to Allah. Aqidah helps us understand our faith more deeply. Both have their place, but keeping the balance is key!