The Importance of Correct Aqedah (Belief) in Human Life
One of the greatest blessings that Almighty Allah bestows upon every individual is having correct and sound beliefs. This is because correct beliefs have a direct impact on a person’s life. Beliefs shape the inner personality and true essence of a human being. True beliefs lead a person toward righteous actions and define a proper and suitable path for them. Therefore, if one’s belief is correct and aligned with reality, the path of life will be upright and harmonious; but if it is incorrect and false, the course of life will lead only to ruin and destruction.
As is evident, every system has solid and strong foundations without which its survival is impossible. The first and foremost foundation of the social system in Islam is correct belief and true faith. It is upon these foundations that the walls of Islam have been firmly established.
The Lexical Meaning of Aqedah (Belief)
The word ‘Aqedah (belief) in the Arabic language is derived from the root Aqd (to bind), from the form ‘Aqada—Ya‘qidu— ‘Aqdan (of the daraba-yadribu pattern). Its literal meaning is to tie something firmly and make it strong. The word ‘Aqedah is a noun on the pattern of fa‘īla, which takes on a passive meaning, indicating something that is tied, similar to qatīla (killed), akīla (eaten), or natīha (gored).
This term is derived from ‘Aqd and refers to gathering and tightly securing the sides of something, whether physically or metaphorically. It is used in the context of strengthening, affirming, binding, believing, and ensuring commitment.
Ibn Faris (may Allah have mercy on him) stated: “The root letters ‘Ayn, Qaaf, and Daal indicate a single core meaning: the idea of firmly tying something. All derivatives of this root trace back to this primary meaning.” For instance, Aqada qalbahu ‘ala katha fala yanzia‘u ‘anhu (He tied his heart firmly to something and would not deviate from it). Or I‘taqada ash-shay’: salaba wa thabata (He believed in something, meaning he held firmly and steadfastly to it).
This term is extensively used in Arabic, especially in contexts like transactions, marriage, oaths, and more. Belief is applied to a matter that a person adheres to so firmly in their heart and soul that no doubt or uncertainty remains about it.
The Terminological Meaning of Aqedah (Belief)
In terminology, scholars have provided various definitions for belief, and here we will discuss a few of them:
1. Belief refers to a firm faith and a definitive judgment that contains no doubt or ambiguity. It is what a person commits their heart and inner self to, adopting it as the religion and creed they believe in.
2. Knowledge of legal rulings is derived from certain evidence, as well as the refutation of doubts and arguments that lead to disagreement.
3. In terminology, belief is a collection of religious matters that a Muslim is required to have faith in, and their faith and conviction in these matters should be so certain that no doubt exists in it.
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