Usul as-Sunnah – Chapter 2: The Creed of Ahlus-Sunnah
A study of Chapter 2 from Usul as-Sunnah by Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, focusing on the creed and beliefs of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah.
Usul as-Sunnah – Chapter 2: The Creed of Ahlus-Sunnah
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Introduction
Continuing our journey through Usul as-Sunnah, this post covers Chapter 2: The Creed of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah.
Chapter 2: The Creed of Ahlus-Sunnah
Who are Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah?
Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah refers to those who follow the Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ) and the way of the early Muslim community. They are the saved sect mentioned in the hadith.
Quranic Evidence
“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.” (Quran 3:103)
“And this is My path, which is straight, so follow it; and do not follow [other] ways, for you will be separated from His way.” (Quran 6:153)
Hadith Evidence
- The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The Jews split into 71 sects, the Christians split into 72 sects, and my Ummah will split into 73 sects, all of them in the Hellfire except one.” When asked which one, he said: “The Jama’ah (the main body of Muslims).” (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi)
The Fundamental Beliefs of Ahlus-Sunnah
1. Belief in Allah
- Affirming Allah’s existence and oneness
- Believing in His names and attributes as mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah
- Not denying or distorting His attributes
- Not comparing Him to His creation
2. Belief in the Messengers
- Believing in all the prophets and messengers sent by Allah
- Not distinguishing between any of them in terms of belief
- Following the final messenger, Muhammad (ﷺ)
- Believing in the truth of their message
3. Belief in the Divine Books
- Believing in all the books revealed by Allah
- The Quran is the final and most complete revelation
- Previous books have been altered and corrupted
- Only the Quran remains in its original form
4. Belief in the Last Day
- Believing in the resurrection and the gathering
- Believing in the questioning in the grave
- Believing in Paradise and Hellfire
- Believing in the scales and the bridge
The Methodology of Ahlus-Sunnah
- Following the Quran and Sunnah - Taking guidance from these two sources
- Following the Salaf - Understanding the religion as the early Muslims did
- Avoiding Innovation - Not introducing new matters into the religion
- Unity and Brotherhood - Maintaining unity and avoiding division
Key Lessons
- Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah is the saved sect
- Their creed is based on the Quran, Sunnah, and the way of the Salaf
- They avoid innovation and stick to the authentic teachings
- Unity and following the main body of Muslims is essential
Next: Chapter 3 – The Attributes of Allah