Introduction
The question of which sect represents the true Islam has long been a subject of theological debate. Among the various Islamic sects, Ahlussunnah Waljamaah is widely recognized as the mainstream and authentic tradition that adheres to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his Companions. However, within this tradition, there are three dominant creeds claiming to represent Ahlussunnah Waljamaah: the Salafi creed, the Ash’ari creed, and the Maturidi creed. This article aims to analyze which of these creeds is the most authentic, whether they can be reconciled, and what the early scholars, including Imam Al-Ash’ari and the four Imams, adhered to in terms of creed.
The Three Creeds of Ahlussunnah Waljamaah
Salafi Creed: This creed follows the understanding of the early generations (Salaf) and insists on interpreting Islamic beliefs based on the Quran and Hadith without engaging in theological speculation. Salafis emphasize a literal approach to divine attributes and reject philosophical reasoning in theology.
Ash’ari Creed: Founded by Imam Abu al-Hasan al-Ash’ari (d. 936 CE), this theological school employs rational argumentation to defend Islamic beliefs. The Ash’aris interpret some divine attributes metaphorically rather than literally.
Maturidi Creed: Similar to the Ash’ari school, this creed was developed by Imam Abu Mansur al-Maturidi (d. 944 CE). It places a greater emphasis on reason and holds that faith (iman) does not increase or decrease, differing slightly from the Ash’ari view.
Which Creed is the Most Authentic?
While all three creeds claim to represent the true beliefs of Ahlussunnah Waljamaah, the Salafi creed aligns most closely with the belief system of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his Companions. This is because:
It relies strictly on the Quran and Hadith without engaging in speculative theology.
It preserves the understanding of the earliest generations (Salaf), whom the Prophet (peace be upon him) praised.
It maintains the purity of Tawheed (monotheism) without introducing Greek philosophical influences, which were later adopted by the Ash’ari and Maturidi schools.
Can the Three Creeds Be Reconciled?
While there is some overlap between the Ash’ari, Maturidi, and Salafi schools in core tenets of faith, fundamental differences in their methodologies make reconciliation difficult. The primary differences include:
Interpretation of Allah’s Attributes: The Salafis take a literal approach, whereas the Ash’aris and Maturidis employ metaphorical explanations.
Role of Rationalism: The Salafi creed rejects philosophical reasoning, whereas the Ash’ari and Maturidi creeds incorporate rational arguments to defend theology.
These differences create significant theological divides, making full reconciliation between the three creeds unlikely. However, common ground exists in shared fundamental beliefs, such as the oneness of Allah, the finality of Prophethood, and belief in the Day of Judgment.
What Was the Creed That Imam Al-Ash’ari Died Upon?
It is widely documented that Imam Abu al-Hasan al-Ash’ari abandoned his earlier theological positions and embraced the creed of the Salaf before his death. In his later works, such as Al-Ibanah an Usul al-Diyanah, he affirmed the beliefs of Ahlussunnah as understood by the early generations. He renounced excessive rationalization in theology and returned to a methodology closer to that of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, a staunch advocate of the Salafi approach.
What Was the Creed of the Four Imams?
The four Imams—Abu Hanifah, Malik, al-Shafi’i, and Ahmad ibn Hanbal—adhered to the creed of the Salaf. This is evident from their writings and recorded statements:
Imam Abu Hanifah emphasized belief in Allah’s attributes without engaging in philosophical interpretations.
Imam Malik stated, “Istawa (Allah’s rising over the Throne) is known, its modality is unknown, belief in it is obligatory, and asking about it is an innovation.”
Imam Al-Shafi’i was known to oppose speculative theology and adhered strictly to the textual sources.
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal was a staunch defender of the Salafi creed and rejected theological innovations introduced by later schools.
The Creed of the Companions
Since the four Imams sought to follow the beliefs of the Companions, it is essential to examine the creed of the Prophet’s disciples. The Companions held a simple yet profound belief in Allah without engaging in theological debates. They accepted the Quranic descriptions of Allah without delving into metaphorical or speculative interpretations.
Statements from the Companions, such as Ibn Abbas, Ibn Umar, and Abu Hurairah, show a clear adherence to the Salafi understanding. They emphasized reliance on the clear teachings of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and discouraged engaging in philosophical theology.
The Real Creed of Shaykh Abdul Qadir Al-Jilani
Shaykh Abdul Qadir Al-Jilani, a widely respected figure in Islamic spirituality, adhered to the creed of the Salaf. He clearly stated in his works, such as Al-Ghunya li-Talib Tariq al-Haqq, that the authentic creed precedes both jurisprudence (fiqh) and Sufism (tasawwuf). He maintained:
“There has never been a wali (saint) without the authentic creed (of the Salaf), and there will never be.”
His statements indicate that he upheld the pure beliefs of Ahlussunnah Waljamaah in its original form, before the influence of philosophical theology.
Conclusion
Based on historical evidence and theological consistency, the most authentic creed of Ahlussunnah Waljamaah is the Salafi creed. It aligns with the beliefs of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the Companions, the four Imams, and influential scholars such as Shaykh Abdul Qadir Al-Jilani.
While the Ash’ari and Maturidi schools have played a significant role in defending Islamic theology against philosophical challenges, their methodologies diverged from the pure, unadulterated creed of the Salaf. Imam Al-Ash’ari himself eventually abandoned speculative theology and embraced the beliefs of the early generations.
Therefore, to be upon the true path of Ahlussunnah Waljamaah, Muslims should adhere to the creed of the Salaf, which is free from innovations and maintains the purity of Islamic monotheism. Understanding this creed is essential, as it precedes both jurisprudence and Sufism in the structure of Islamic knowledge. By following the authentic teachings of the Salaf, believers can ensure their faith remains aligned with the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his rightly guided successors.
Research:
The Creed of the 4 Imams
The Wasiti Creed & Ibn Taimiyyah
Opposition of Ibn Taimiyyah to the Ash’ariyah
The Creed of 'Abd Al-Qadir Al-Jilani
Aqidah Tahawiyya
Abu Al-Hasan Al-Ash'ari
The Ash'ari theology
ASH`ARI, AL- (AH 260-324/874-935 CE) Muslim theologian
Maturidi
Athari
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