A Commentary on the Creed of Al-Imam Al-Tahawi

Imam Abu Jaʿfar al-Tahawi | Explanation by Shaykh Ṣāliḥ al-Fawzān

Creed (ʿaqīdah) is the foundation of Islam and the essence of its first pillar: the testimony that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah and that Muhammad ﷺ is His Messenger. For this reason, it must be learned correctly—along with what may invalidate or corrupt it—so that a Muslim stands upon clear and sound belief.

The scholars gave great importance to creed, teaching and preserving it across generations. As deviations and sects later emerged, the need to clarify and document the correct belief became even greater. From this effort came the works of the imams, serving as lasting references for the Ummah.

Among them is Imam Abu Jaʿfar al-Tahawi (3rd century AH), who compiled this concise creed based on the methodology of Ahl al-Sunnah, including the tradition of Imam Abu Hanifah and his students.