Explanation of al-Aqeedat al-Waasitiyyah By ash-Shaykh Dr. Saalih al-Fawzaan

Al-Aqeedah al-Wasitiyyah is one of the most important statements of Islamic creed ever written — composed by Shaykhul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah in response to a request from a judge in Wasit, Iraq, who asked him to write a concise summary of the creed of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaah. Ibn Taymiyyah completed it in a single sitting. It has since become one of the most studied aqeedah texts in the Islamic world.

Explanation of Al-Aqeedat Al-Waasitiyyah by Shaykh Salih al-Fawzan is a full scholarly explanation of this landmark text — making it accessible in English for students at every level. This is distinct from Ibn Uthaymin's two-volume commentary; Shaykh al-Fawzan's explanation is concise, direct, and well-suited for students beginning their study of this text.

What This Book Covers

The Methodology of Ahlus-Sunnah Regarding Allah's Names and Attributes

The central subject of the Wasitiyyah is how a Muslim correctly understands what Allah has said about Himself in the Qur'an and what the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) reported about Him in the Sunnah. Shaykh al-Fawzan explains Ibn Taymiyyah's position — which is the position of the Salaf — with clarity: affirm what Allah has affirmed for Himself, without distorting the meaning, without denying the attribute, without asking how, and without likening it to the attributes of creation.

The Articles of Faith

The text and commentary cover the six articles of iman — belief in Allah, the angels, the books, the messengers, the Last Day, and divine decree — each addressed in accordance with the understanding of the first three generations of Islam.

The Way of the Salaf vs. Later Theological Schools

The Wasitiyyah was written specifically to counter the theological deviations that had spread in Ibn Taymiyyah's era. Shaykh al-Fawzan's explanation helps the reader understand these distinctions and why the way of the Salaf is the evidentially and rationally correct position.

About the Authors

The original text, Al-Aqeedah al-Wasitiyyah, was written by Shaykhul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (661–728 AH). This explanation is by Shaykh Salih ibn Fawzan al-Fawzan, a member of the Permanent Committee for Islamic Research and Fatwa and one of the senior scholars of Saudi Arabia, known for the clarity and precision of his explanations of classical aqeedah texts. Published by Dar Makkah International.

Who This Book Is For

Students beginning their study of al-Wasitiyyah who want a concise, reliable explanation rather than a multi-volume treatment. Teachers looking for a single-volume text to work through with a class. And anyone who wants Shaykh al-Fawzan's voice on the creed of Ahlus-Sunnah.

Continue Reading

We carry all three parts of this text's tradition: Ibn Taymiyyah's original with its own explanation as Sharh Al-Aqeedat-il-Wasitiyah, and Shaykh Ibn Uthaymin's much fuller two-volume commentary for those who want to go deeper. For a study order, see our guide to the best aqeedah books for beginners.