Sharh Al-Aqeedat-il-Wasitiyah By Shaykul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah

Al-Aqeedah Al-Wasitiyyah is one of the most important texts Ibn Taymiyyah ever wrote — a precise, comprehensive summary of the aqeedah of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaah regarding Allah's names and attributes, the articles of faith, and the correct creed of the Salaf. Written in response to a request from a judge in Wasit, Iraq, it has become one of the most widely studied aqeedah texts in the Islamic world.

Sharh Al-Aqeedat-il-Wasitiyah presented here is Ibn Taymiyyah's own text with its full scholarly explanation — making it accessible not just as a statement of creed, but as a detailed argument for why the creed of the Salaf is the correct one and how it differs from the deviant positions that emerged later in Islamic history.

What This Book Covers

The Correct Methodology for Understanding Allah's Names and Attributes

The central topic of the Wasitiyyah is how a Muslim should understand Allah's names and attributes — those He has affirmed for Himself in the Qur'an and those the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) affirmed for Him in the authentic Sunnah. Ibn Taymiyyah establishes the position of Ahlus-Sunnah: affirm what Allah has affirmed for Himself, without distortion of meaning, without denial, without asking how, and without likening to creation. This four-part methodology distinguishes the way of the Salaf from every deviant theological school.

The Articles of Faith — Explained in Detail

The book covers the six articles of faith — belief in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and divine decree — with the precision and depth that distinguishes Ibn Taymiyyah's scholarship. Each article is explained not just as a statement to affirm but as a reality to understand, with its implications for worship, character, and outlook on life.

The Description of the Salaf and the Khalaf

Ibn Taymiyyah addresses the key theological disputes that split the Muslim community after the era of the Salaf — the positions of the Mu'tazilah, the Ash'ariyyah, and other schools regarding the attributes of Allah — and demonstrates from the Qur'an and Sunnah that the position of the Salaf is not simplistic literalism but the most evidentially and rationally sound position available.

About the Author

Shaykhul-Islam Ahmad ibn Abd al-Halim Ibn Taymiyyah (661–728 AH) wrote this text as a clear statement of authentic Islamic creed. It is among his most read and most taught works worldwide. This edition is published by Darussalam Publishers.

Who This Book Is For

Every student of Islamic knowledge — particularly anyone studying aqeedah, engaging with theological questions, or wanting a clear reference for the creed of Ahlus-Sunnah regarding Allah's names and attributes.

Continue Reading

Not sure where the Wasitiyyah fits in a study plan? See our guide to the best aqeedah books for beginners, or browse the full aqeedah and Islamic creed collection. For the rest of Ibn Taymiyyah's works in a recommended order, see Books by Ibn Taymiyyah: where to start.