Sources of Aqeedah in Islam | ZAD Academy Audio | Blogpost by Zayd Haji

By Zayd Haji – Student at Zad Academy

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,

I am Zayd Haji, a student at Zad Academy. In this blog, I will summarize a key lesson on the sources of Aqeedah (Islamic creed). Aqeedah is the foundation of our faith, and it must be taken from authentic sources: the Qur’an, the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, and the consensus of the righteous predecessors.

The Qur’an is the first and most important source of Aqeedah. Allah warns against opposing the Messenger ﷺ and abandoning the path of the believers:

“And whoever opposes the Messenger after guidance has become clear to him and follows other than the way of the believers – We will turn him to what he has chosen and drive him into Hell, and evil it is as a destination.”(Qur’an, Surah An-Nisa 4:115)👉 quran.com/4/115

The authentic Sunnah explains and completes the Qur’an. Al-‘Irbad ibn Sariyah رضي الله عنه reported:

“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) delivered a moving speech… and said: ‘I urge you to adhere to my Sunnah and the path of the Rightly-Guided Caliphs, and cling to it firmly.’”(Sunan Ibn Majah 43, Book 1, Hadith 43) – Grade: Sahih👉 sunnah.com/ibnmajah:43

The Ummah will never unite upon falsehood. Anas ibn Malik رضي الله عنه narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said:

“My nation will not unite on misguidance, so if you see them differing, follow the great majority.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah 3950, Book 36, Hadith 25) – Grade: Hasan👉 sunnah.com/ibnmajah:3950

The Prophet ﷺ praised the first generations of Muslims as the best models for belief and practice.
Imran ibn Husain رضي الله عنه narrated:

“The best of my followers are those living in my generation, then those who will follow them, then those who will follow them…”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 3650, Book 62, Hadith 2) – Grade: Sahih👉 sunnah.com/bukhari:3650

Thus, the companions and their followers preserved Aqeedah in its pure form.

The Prophet ﷺ promised that a group from this Ummah will always remain upon the truth until the Day of Judgment.
Jabir ibn Abdullah رضي الله عنه reported:

“A group of people from my Ummah will continue to fight in defense of truth and remain triumphant until the Day of Judgment.”
(Sahih Muslim 1923, Book 33, Hadith 80) – Grade: Sahih👉 sunnah.com/muslim:1923

This is the saved sect (al-Firqah al-Najiyah) and Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jamaʿah.

Islam also teaches that sound intellect does not contradict authentic revelation. The Prophet ﷺ explained the natural disposition of mankind:
Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said:

“Every child is born upon the natural disposition (fitrah). It is his parents who make him a Jew, Christian, or Magian.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1358, Book 23, Hadith 114) – Grade: Sahih👉 sunnah.com/bukhari:1358

This fitrah (pure nature), guided by Qur’an and Sunnah, forms the foundation of true Aqeedah.

The creed of Islam is rooted in three foundations: the Qur’an, the authentic Sunnah, and the consensus of the righteous predecessors. The Prophet ﷺ left us upon a clear path, whose night is as bright as its day. By following these sources, we ensure our belief remains pure, protected from misguidance, and aligned with the truth.

Jazakum Allahu Khayran.