This course introduces the essential beliefs of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah through Ibn Qudamah’s concise and authoritative text. It covers Allah’s names and attributes, the unseen world, prophethood, the Hereafter, and divine decree, all grounded in the Qur’an and Sunnah. Written as a clear guide to sound creed, Lam’at al-I‘tiqad provides students with a reliable foundation in traditional Islamic belief.
Birth and Family
Imam Muwaffaq al-Din Abdullah Ibn Qudamah al-Maqdisi was born in 1147 (541 AH) in Jamma‘il, a small village near Nablus in Palestine. He came from a respected and religious family known as Banu Qudamah. His family later moved to Damascus, where they became well-known for knowledge and piety. His cousin, Imam Ibn Taymiyyah’s grandfather, was also from the same scholarly circle.
Childhood and Education
From a young age, Ibn Qudamah showed a strong desire for learning. He memorized the Qur’an early and studied hadith, fiqh, and Arabic language. He traveled to Baghdad at the age of twenty to study under the famous Hanbali scholar Abu’l-Faraj Ibn al-Jawzi and other great teachers. He spent years learning, reading, and perfecting his understanding of Islamic law and creed.
The Situation of His Time
During his era, the Muslim world faced political instability, Crusader attacks, and internal disputes. Many scholars were scattered, and communities needed reliable guidance in creed, worship, and Islamic law. Innovation, theological confusion, and philosophical ideas had also begun spreading among the people.
His Mission
Imam Ibn Qudamah dedicated his life to teaching authentic Islam based on the Qur’an, Sunnah, and the understanding of the early generations. He focused on clarifying ‘aqeedah and preserving the teachings of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal. He wrote books that were simple, clear, and easy for Muslims to follow. His goal was to protect the beliefs of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama‘ah and provide reliable guidance in fiqh.
His Life in Damascus
After completing his studies, Ibn Qudamah settled in Damascus. He lived in the famous al-Salihiyyah district, which became a center of knowledge. He taught students, delivered lessons in the mosque, and worked closely with scholars from across the Muslim world. His manners, humility, and worship inspired everyone around him.
Leadership and Knowledge
Ibn Qudamah became known as the leader of the Hanbali scholars of his time. Scholars praised him for combining deep knowledge with piety, good character, and bravery. During the Crusader period, he even participated in military campaigns alongside Salahuddin al-Ayyubi to defend Muslim lands.
His Writings
Imam Ibn Qudamah authored many books that became foundational in Islamic scholarship. His most famous works include:
al-Mughni – one of the greatest books in fiqh
Lum‘at al-I‘tiqad – a concise explanation of Sunni creed
Mukhtasar Minhaj al-Qasidin – a book on purification of the heart
al-‘Umdah – a beginner’s fiqh manual
al-Kafi – a summary of Hanbali law
His writing style was balanced, evidence-based, and easy to understand.
Death and Legacy
Imam Ibn Qudamah passed away in 1223 (620 AH) in Damascus at the age of 76. Thousands attended his funeral, and scholars mourned the loss of one of the greatest imams of the Hanbali tradition.
His legacy continues through:
his students
his books taught around the world
his contributions to fiqh and creed
his defense of the beliefs of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama‘ah
Imam Ibn Qudamah remains respected by all four schools of fiqh and is remembered as one of the most important scholars of the Islamic golden age.
Chapter 1: Foundations of Muslim Belief
Definition of ‘Aqeedah
The importance of returning to the Qur’an, Sunnah, and the understanding of the Salaf
Chapter 2: Tawheed – The Oneness of Allah
Affirming Allah’s Lordship, Worship, and Names and Attributes
The danger and consequences of shirk
Chapter 3: Allah’s Names and Attributes
Principles of Ahlus-Sunnah in affirming the attributes
Avoiding distortion, denial, and false interpretation
Understanding the difference between Creator and creation
Chapter 4: Belief in the Angels, Books, and Messengers
Roles of the angels
Honor and status of the prophets
How revelation shapes correct creed
Chapter 5: Belief in the Last Day
Resurrection, accountability, Paradise, and Hellfire
Signs of the Hour and the reality of the Hereafter
Chapter 6: Belief in Divine Decree (Qadar)
Allah’s knowledge, will, writing, and creation
Balancing belief in human responsibility and divine destiny
Chapter 7: The Methodology of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama‘ah
Following the Salaf
Unity in belief and rejecting speculative theology
Staying firm on clear evidences
Chapter 8: Refuting Deviant Creed
Common theological errors addressed by Ibn Qudamah
The importance of protecting belief from innovations
Chapter 9: The Character of a Believer with Sound Creed
How correct belief strengthens sincerity, worship, and manners
Practical manifestations of true tawheed
