The Explanation of The Three Fundamental Principles

Among the most important texts a Muslim can study are the three questions they will be asked in the grave: Who is your Lord? What is your religion? Who is your prophet? These are not arbitrary questions — they are the three fundamental principles of Islam, and a person's ability to answer them with certainty, from knowledge and conviction, depends entirely on what they understood and lived in this life.

The Explanation of the Three Fundamental Principles is Shaykh Salih al-Fawzan's explanation of the foundational text written by Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab on these three principles — one of the most studied texts in Islamic education worldwide.

What This Book Covers

The First Principle: Knowing Allah

Who is your Lord? The book establishes how a Muslim knows Allah — through His signs in creation, through His revelation, and through His names and attributes. This section deals with the meaning of Rububiyyah (Lordship), Uluhiyyah (worship), and the names and attributes of Allah — the three aspects of Tawheed that a Muslim must understand to answer this question correctly.

The Second Principle: Knowing the Religion of Islam

What is your religion? The book covers what Islam is — its definition, its pillars, and what it means to submit to Allah alone. This section explores the three levels of the religion (Islam, Iman, and Ihsan) as established in the hadith of Jibril, and explains why Islam is the only religion accepted by Allah.

The Third Principle: Knowing the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him)

Who is your prophet? This section covers who the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is, his biography in brief, his message, and his status as the seal of the prophets — and what it means to follow him and take him as one's prophet in practice, not just in word.

The Three Questions in the Grave

The book explains why these three questions are the ones asked in the grave, what the correct answers are, and what happens to those who answer correctly versus those who cannot. Understanding this gives the student of knowledge a framework for why aqeedah study is not an academic exercise but a matter of the utmost personal urgency.

About the Scholar

Shaykh Salih ibn Fawzan al-Fawzan is one of the senior scholars of Saudi Arabia and a member of the Permanent Committee for Islamic Research and Fatwa. His explanations of classical texts are known for their clarity, accessibility, and faithfulness to the understanding of the Salaf. This book is published by Authentic Statements Publications.

Who This Book Is For

Every Muslim — without exception. The three fundamental principles of Islam are the foundation of the entire religion, and Shaykh al-Fawzan's explanation makes them accessible to anyone regardless of their level of prior knowledge. It is an ideal starting point for Islamic education and an essential text for any Muslim who wants to ensure their understanding of the basics is grounded in authentic scholarship.