Fundamental Principles of the Sunnah

This course is based on Usool as-Sunnah by Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal. It covers the core beliefs of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah, explains key Aqeedah terms and outlines the main principles of correct Islamic belief and practice.

Course Outline

Introduction:

The main beliefs of Ahl al-Sunnah and how they reject wrong beliefs.

Principles:

Follow the beliefs of the companions of the Prophet ﷺ.
Stay away from innovations (new beliefs).
Avoid arguments about religion.
Do not sit with people who have wrong beliefs.
Understand what Sunnah means.
Believe in al-Qadar (Allah’s Divine Decree).
The Quran is the word of Allah, and it is not created.
Believe that Allah will be seen by the believers in Paradise.
Accept the true meaning of hadiths (sayings of the Prophet ﷺ) and avoid making up explanations.
Believe in the balance (al-Meezan) on the Day of Judgment.
Believe in the Hawd (the fountain of the Prophet ﷺ).
Believe in the punishment of the grave.
Believe in the Prophet ﷺ’s intercession (asking Allah to forgive some people).
Believe the Dajjal (False Messiah) will come and will be killed by Jesus (‘Issa).
Faith is both words and actions, and it can increase or decrease.
If someone abandons prayer, they are no longer a Muslim.
The companions of the Prophet ﷺ have different ranks.
We must listen and obey our rulers.
Rebellion against rulers is wrong.
It is allowed to fight thieves and rebels under certain conditions.
We do not say who is in Paradise or Hell.
Anyone who repents to Allah will be forgiven.
If someone is punished in this life for their sins, it will help them in the afterlife.
Those who die in sin without repenting leave their case to Allah.
Disbelievers will be punished and not forgiven.
Stoning is the punishment for married people who commit zina (adultery).
Anyone who insults the companions of the Prophet ﷺ is an innovator.
Hypocrisy means pretending to believe when you do not.
Paradise and Hell were created by Allah.
If someone who believes in Allah (muwahhid) dies, we perform funeral prayer for them and ask Allah to forgive them.