Islamic Creed of Imam Tahawi

العقيدة الطحاوية  The "Islamic Creed of Imam Tahawi," translated and commented upon by Muhammad S. Adly, is a significant work that presents the foundational beliefs of orthodox Sunni Islam. Imam Tahawi, a renowned Islamic scholar from the 9th century, wrote this creed to clarify the essential beliefs held by the Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah (the people of the Sunnah and the community).

Here are some key aspects of the Islamic Creed of Imam Tahawi as explained by Muhammad S. Adly:

1. Monotheism (Tawheed): The creed emphasizes the oneness of Allah, asserting that He is unique in His essence, attributes, and actions. There is no partner or comparable entity to Allah.

2. Prophethood: It affirms the prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the final messenger, whose teachings and practices (Sunnah) are to be followed. It also acknowledges the prophethood of previous prophets.

3. Divine Attributes: Imam Tahawi outlines the attributes of Allah, such as His eternality, knowledge, power, and will. These attributes are understood in a way that befits His Majesty, without likening Him to His creation.

4. Qur'an: The creed states that the Qur'an is the uncreated word of Allah, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and preserved without alteration.

5. Predestination (Qadar): It discusses the belief in predestination, affirming that Allah has foreknowledge of all events and that everything occurs by His will and decree.

6. The Hereafter: The creed describes beliefs about the Day of Judgment, resurrection, heaven, and hell. It underscores the importance of accountability and the eternal consequences of one's actions.

7. The Sahabah (Companions): It emphasizes respect and love for the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), considering them as exemplary models of Islamic practice and belief.

8. Avoidance of Extremes: Imam Tahawi's creed advises against theological extremism and divisiveness, encouraging a balanced approach to understanding and practicing Islam.

9. Role of Reason: While reason and intellect are valued, the creed prioritizes revelation (Qur'an and Sunnah) as the ultimate source of guidance. It warns against relying solely on human reason to interpret divine matters.

Muhammad S. Adly's translation and commentary aim to make this classical text accessible to contemporary readers, providing explanations and context to help understand its significance and application in modern times. The work is highly regarded for its clarity and adherence to traditional Sunni orthodoxy, serving as a foundational text for those studying Islamic theology.