English Translation of Aqeedah al-Tahawi (Islamic (Sunni) Belief) with Commentary by Maulana Qari Muhammad Tayyab
Imam Tahawi's al-Aqidah, representing the viewpoint of Ahl-al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah, has long been an essential and highly acclaimed reference on Muslim beliefs. This text on Islamic doctrines relies heavily on arguments derived from the Holy Qur'an and Sunnah. Additionally, it uses these sources to refute the views of sects that have deviated from the Sunnah.
The book addresses the views of the Shi'ah, Khawarij, and certain mystics who strayed from the right path. It also explicitly references the historical controversy on the khalq-al-Qur'an during the times of Ma'mun and other 'Abbasid Caliphs. While the statements of belief in al-Aqidah have lasting relevance, their historical significance is best understood when studied under the guidance of a knowledgeable person who can fully highlight its arguments. Such a study enhances one's understanding of Islamic doctrines and helps avoid deviations.
English Translation by: Mufti Afzal Hoosen Elias
About the Author/Commentator:
Imam Abu Ja'far Ahmad bin Muhammad bin Salamah bin Salmah bin 'Abd al Malik bin Salmah bin Sulaim bin Sulaiman bin Jawab Azdi, known as Imam Tahawi, hailed from Egypt and is recognized as an outstanding authority on Hadith and fiqh (jurisprudence). He lived from 239-321 A.H., a period when the direct and indirect disciples of the four Imams—Imam Abu Hanifah, Imam Malik, Imam Shafi'i, and Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal—were active. This era was the peak of Hadith and fiqh studies, and Imam Tahawi learned from all the leading scholars of his time. He initially studied under his maternal uncle, Isma'il bin Yahya Muzni, a disciple of Imam Shafi'i. However, Imam Tahawi felt a strong affinity for the works of Imam Abu Hanifah and eventually dedicated himself to the Hanafi school, drawing heavily from the writings of Imam Muhammad Ibn al-Hasan al-Shaybani and Imam Abu Yusuf.
Imam Tahawi is not only a prominent follower of the Hanafi school but also one of its leading scholars due to his vast knowledge and remarkable abilities. His major works, such as Sharh Ma'ani al-Athar and Mushkil al-Athar, are encyclopedic in scope and indispensable for students of fiqh.
Maulana Qari Muhammad Tayyab was the grandson of Maulana Qasim Nanotwi, the founder of Darul Uloom Deoband, one of the most established Islamic institutions in the world. He graduated from Darul Uloom Deoband in 1336 AH (1918). His teachers included Mufti Azizur Rahman, Maulana Habibur Rahman Uthmani, Allamah Shabbir Ahmad Uthmani, Maulana Asghar Hussain, and Allamah Anwar Shah Kashmiri (may Allah have mercy on them all). He received spiritual guidance from Shaykh al-Hind Maulana Mahmood Hasan and Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (may Allah have mercy on them both).
Maulana Qari Muhammad Tayyab served as the principal of Darul Uloom Deoband for 40 years, during which the institution made significant progress. He was an outstanding orator, capable of speaking on any Islamic subject for extended periods. He passed away in Shawwal 1403 AH (July 1983).
