Iman, Aqidah & The Needs of Our Times

Overview:

The distinction between iman and ‘aqidah is often overlooked in theological discussions. Understanding the distinction can help us avoid misunderstanding and unnecessary division within the ummah. Iman is the living, transformative faith that takes root in the heart and manifests through conduct, whilst ‘aqidah represents the formal articulation and defence of belief in various schools of scholastic theology. Whilst these schools originally arose as reasoned responses to the intellectual and ideological challenges of their respective eras, aiming to protect and clarify the iman of believers, these historical theological frameworks have sometimes been mistaken for the essence of faith itself, resulting in confusion, accusation, disunity and excommunication.

This course seeks to recover a balanced understanding – one that situates ‘aqidah in its proper context as a discipline that supports faith rather than defines it. Through this lens, students will explore how Islam’s early scholars preserved conviction by integrating reason, revelation, and fitrah while navigating the complex questions of their time.

In this intensive two-day course, Shaykh Akram Nadwi examines this distinction through the lens of his book Safwat al-‘Aqa’id. Far from treating ‘aqidah as abstract theory, he explores it as a coherent science rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah that harmonises reason, revelation, and fitrah (human nature). Students will be guided through the foundations of tawhid (oneness of Allah), the development of theological schools, and how creed continues to inform moral and intellectual clarity in the modern world.

As part of this short course, students will also be provided with complimentary access to a pre-recorded seminar, ‘History of Early Muslim Religious and Political Sects’ in order to be adequately prepared for the context and contents of the short course.

Learning Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

• Grasp the conceptual distinction between iman and ‘aqidah.
• Understand the principles of tawhid and the relationship between revelation (naql), reason (‘aql), and human nature (fitrah).
• Trace the historical development of Muslim theological schools and early sects.
• Examine how belief in Allah, Prophethood, and the Hereafter shapes worldview, morality, and purpose.
• Engage critically with contemporary shubuhat (doubts) and ideological trends such as atheism, scientism and more.