Creed: Monotheism Studies

Assalamu'alaikum wa rahmatullah

I would like to share with brethren about our creed here. Basically, there are many methods employed by our medieval scholars for this study but this one is from my previous school. I did not really read the book but after few years that I tried to open my heart to return to my family religion that I read it in full...

In this side, I would like everyone to know that there are the Maturidi and Ash'ari method. There are also the method proposed by Ibn Taymiyyah. Many polemics exists within the studies. These branches of studies only exists during medieval era. They are not discussed within "proper academic" circles until they turn out to be specific studies like today. The same goes to Fiqh, Hadith, Tajwid, Tasawwuf, Tafsir, Sirah and so on. Sometimes, the adherents of certain movements are so fanatic that they begin to attack each other views and opinions besides proclaiming themselves as the "sole" representative of Muslim. I read all of the books of Neo-Salafi movements as well as the books of Wahhabi movements and others. When we study something, we need to open up our mind, respecting other opinions besides analyzing things with the light of the Glorious Quran and basic traditions as the bench-mark for everything.

I would first introduce the basic book that we read so people could find and read it for themselves. The book is Tawḍhīḥ al-'Aqīdat al-Mufīd fī 'Ilm al-Tawhīd Part I by Ḥussain 'Abd al-Rahim Makky, a specialist in Logic and Monotheism. Well, the title simply means Useful Clarification of Creed in Monotheism. This is the basic book for those who study in "religious" stream within the schools in communion with the al-Azhar University of Egypt. I was educated within this system but I am not an official of the government. Simply a layman practitioner without any position in religious authority or movement...

Subjects of the Method

Introduction

Definition of Monotheism Study

Branches of the Subject

Benefits from the Study

Judgment from the Mental: Sub-Branches

Theology

Qualities of the God the Highest

Explanations of the Qualities

Establishment of Mental and Supportive Evidences

We know the God the Highest only by His glorious Names described through Revelations to His messengers such as the noble prophet Muhammad s.a.w. So, we could not speculate anything which is not mentioned by Himself for Himself in the Revelation. I have to make the note again in English because my notes are all in Arabic. I have to find suitable words as not to repeat mistakes of previous translators and interpreters besides including the original title of the source so others could also discuss the topic and not simply dependent to this site which is a wrong way to study something!   

We pray may the God the Highest forgives us our mistakes hidden or obvious and may He grants us with His peaceful love and mercy always...

Sealed with prayers for mercy, peace, and love, amin!