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`Ilish’s Taqrib al-`Aqa’id: Quranic Foundations of Theology

This is a Level One Course in the SeekersGuidance Islamic Studies Curriculum. It is based on an introductory primer to Islamic beliefs and theology, titled: Taqrib al-`Aqa’id al-Saniyya, written by the late-Maliki jurist and theologian Imam Muhammad `Ilish of the 19th century.

This text is considered to be one of the best introductory primers of Islamic beliefs and theology as it includes all the necessary matters of beliefs and the very basics of theology in one compact form with accessible language. Also, Taqrib al-`Aqaa’id is a very useful introduction as it connects the rational proofs of theology with their Quranic origins.

By studying Taqrib al-`Aqai’d, students will learn the foundations of Islamic beliefs, their textual evidence from the Quran, and the basics of the rational proofs that are derived from the noble verses. This course is suitable for students of knowledge beginning their journey in acquiring the sacred sciences as well as any Muslim who seeks a clear explanation of the fundamentals of belief complemented by their textual and rational proofs.


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Short Intro: This course is based on an introductory primer to Islamic beliefs. By studying Taqrib al-`Aqai’d, you will learn the foundations of Islamic beliefs, their textual evidence from the Quran, and the basics of the rational proofs that are derived from the verses.
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Weightage: 8
Skill Level: Beginner
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About the text:

Taqrib al-`Aqa’id al-Saniyya bil-Adilla al-Quraniyya (also known as Taqrib al-`Aqa’id) is one of the best introductory primers of Theology. It includes all the necessary matters of beliefs and the very basics of theology in one compact form with accessible language.

One of the key benefits of this primer is that it traces the tenets of creed and the theology of Ahl al-Sunnah, particularly the Ash`ari school, to their Quranic foundations. It also includes hints to the rational proofs for the tenets of belief and how they are derived from the textual evidence - that is the verses of the Quran.

Taqrib al-`Aqa’id is authored by the late-Maliki jurist and theologian Imam Muhammad `Ilish of the 19th century. His works are amongst the last of a line of widely read and respected sources of traditional texts. Besides his long expertise and crucial contributions in Maliki fiqh, Shaykh `Ilish made valuable contributions in the realm of the rational sciences, namely Theology and Logic. Taqrib al-`Aqa’id is one of them.
About the Author:

Imam Muhammad 'Ilish, more commonly referred to as Sheikh 'Ilish, was a 19th-century Egyptian Azhari jurist and theologian of Libyan origin. He was a key figure in the Maliki school of jurisprudence. His works are amongst the last of a line of widely read and respected sources of traditional texts. His most famous work is Minah al-Jalil, a commentary on Khalil’s Primer, in four large volumes. As the Mufti of the Maliki school at al-Azhar, his verdicts (fatwas) were recorded and compiled in two volumes and printed under the title “Fath al-`Alyy al-Malik fil Fatwa `ala Madhhab al-Imam Malik.” The first section of it includes verdicts on issues of faith and beliefs.

Besides his long expertise and crucial contributions to Maliki fiqh, Shaykh `Ilish made valuable contributions in the realm of the rational sciences, namely Theology and Logic. Besides “Taqrib al-`Aqa’id,” he authored “Hidayat al-Murid,” a super-commentary Imam Sanusi’s commentary on highest primer on Theology, known as “al-`Aqidah al-Kubra.” Shaykh `Ilish also wrote “al-Futuhat al-Ilahiyah al-Wahbiya `ala al-Mandhoumah al-Maqriyah,” a commentary on the poem of the Algerian theologian Shihab al-Din al-Maqri.

In Logic, which serves Theology in specific and the sacred sciences in general, Shaykh `Ilish wrote a commentary on Imam Athir al-Din al-Abhari’s primer, “Isaghuji.” He also wrote a super-commentary on “al-Matla`,” the commentary of Shaykh al-Islam Zakariyya al-Ansari on “Isaghuji.”

After a life full of service and dedication to the Sacred Sciences in general, the Maliki school, and Ash`ari theology in specific, Shaykh `Ilish passed away in 1882. By the time of his death, he was one of the premier leaders of Egyptian scholarly society whose contributions and influence resonate to this very day.

May Allah have mercy upon him and benefit us by his knowledge in this world and the hereafter, ameen.
Who is this course for:

  • This course is for adults.
  • It is particularly beneficial for students of knowledge beginning their journey in acquiring the sacred sciences as well as any Muslim who seeks a clear explanation of the fundamentals of belief complemented by their textual and rational proofs.
  • It is a Level One course. There are no prerequisites for this course, but it is preferable to take it after “The Absolute Essentials of Islam” and/or “How Islam Works.”
  • This course can also be taken by anyone who is interested in studying Islamic Beliefs and Kalam (Theology).
Learning outcomes:

  • Explain what Muslims believe about Allah Most High and His messengers.
  • Learn about the essential textual evidence and rational proofs of matters of `Aqidah.
  • Trace the fundamental positions of Islamic theology to their Quranic origins.
  • Appreciate the work of Muslim theologians.
  • Recognize the importance of rational proofs for Islamic beliefs.
  • Identify the main branches of Islamic beliefs and theology.
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