THE CREED OF AL WASITIYYAH by Shaykhul Islam Ahmed Ibn Taymiyyah being a translation of al Aqidah al-Wasitiyyah Written in response to a request from a Shafi Judge from Wasit, Iraq, Shk ibn Taymiyyah penned this creed encapsulating the belief taught by the Prophet Muhammad. In his own words, This is an exposition of the belief of the saved group, those who are aided until the establishment of the Hour, Ahlul Sunnah wal Jamaah. The tract is relatively brief but comprehensive, marked by its terse and precise statements.
As one would expect of the author, the work draws heavily on the Quran and authentic hadith of the Messenger. It commences by listing articles of belief concerning Allah, in particular His Names and Attributes and the principles which must be applied to understand them. It then moves on to discuss topics such as the Quran, seeing Allah, the punishment of the grave, some of the descriptions of the Last Day and the events that will occur therein, the divine decree, faith and the Companions. Of significant note is that the creed closes with a discussion about the moral conduct that a Muslim should adhere to, by this the author intended to show that the Islamic creed is not mere dogma but has a practical role, translating to qualities, characteristics and actions.
