Usool as-Sunnah

Course Description

This course teaches the basics of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah beliefs. It helps students understand important terms in Aqeedah (beliefs) and explains the major points about these beliefs. The course aims to clarify the fundamental principles of Islamic faith, providing a clear understanding of the beliefs and practices associated with Ahl al-Sunnah.

Course Outline

Introduction:

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

Principles:

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

Course Objectives

1. Learn the correct beliefs of Ahl al-Sunnah and understand the differences from wrong beliefs.
2. Understand key terms in the book and know their meanings.
3. Learn and memorize the evidence for each belief.

Revision Questions

1. What does the term “Sunnah” refer to in Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah beliefs?
2. Who are the companions of the Prophet ﷺ, and what role do they play in our beliefs?
3. What does the term “innovation” mean in religion, and how can it be avoided?
4. Why is it important to stay away from arguments about religion?
5. Give an example of the virtue of the companions of the Prophet ﷺ and their importance in Ahl al-Sunnah beliefs.
6. What are the pillars of Qadar (Divine Decree), and how do they influence our understanding of fate?
7. What is the difference between Qadah and Qadr, and how do they relate to Allah’s will?
8. How do we know that Allah has knowledge of everything, even what might never happen?
9. What evidence proves that the Quran is not created, but rather the word of Allah?
10. Why is it wrong to say “my recitation of the Quran is created” instead of the Quran being the eternal word of Allah?
11. What is the proof that believers will be able to see Allah in Paradise?
12. What is the difference between the narrations of Aisha and Ibn Abbas regarding whether the Prophet ﷺ saw Allah?
13. What is the Ruh (soul), and does it ever die or cease to exist?
14. What does eeman (faith) mean, and how is it demonstrated in the actions of a Muslim? Provide an example from the Sunnah.
15. What happens to someone who dies with a major sin without repenting, according to Ahl al-Sunnah beliefs?
16. What is the difference between Major and Minor Nifaq (hypocrisy), and how do we recognize it?
17. Is the Quran considered one of Allah’s attributes (sifat)? Explain why or why not.
18. What is intercession (Ash-Shafaa’ah), and when will it take place?
19. Is the Dajjal (False Messiah) alive now, and what steps can we take to protect ourselves from his harm?
20. What are the negative consequences of rebelling against rulers in an Islamic state?
21. Why did the righteous predecessors (Salaf) never rebel against their rulers, and what can we learn from their example?
22. What did Imam Ahmed say about the prohibition of rebelling against rulers, and why is it significant for us?
23. What happens to someone who dies as a disbeliever, and why is it important to avoid Takfir (declaring someone a disbeliever) wrongly?
24. What evidence exists to prove that those who die as disbelievers will be punished forever in Hell?
25. Have Paradise and Hell already been created by Allah, or will they be created later? Explain based on Islamic teachings.

Audio Explanation of the Book