Division of I’tiqad (Beliefs) into Qat‘iyyah and Zanniyyah and Their Corresponding Rulings
عقائد قطعیہ و ظنیہ کی تقسیم اور ان کے احکام
Keywords:
Islamic Creed (ʿAqīdah), Definitive Beliefs (Qaṭʿī), Speculative Beliefs (Ẓannī), Ahl al-Sunnah Theology, Belief and Disbelief, Doctrinal StabilityAbstract
Islamic creed (ʿAqīdah) constitutes the foundation of religion and forms the basis of all acts of worship and social dealings. Islam is not merely a collection of outward practices; rather, it is rooted in firm inner conviction and conscious faith. A sound creed gives meaning and validity to actions, determines the intellectual direction of human life, and serves as the key to salvation in the Hereafter. Conversely, corrupt beliefs sever the relationship between the servant and Allah, rendering deeds spiritually weightless. The Qur’an consistently emphasizes correct belief as the essence of religion and the criterion of true guidance. Within this framework, the distinction between definitive (Qaṭʿī) and speculative (Ẓannī) beliefs holds critical importance, as matters of faith, disbelief, salvation, and ruin depend upon it. Definitive beliefs are established through conclusive evidence and are binding upon every Muslim; their denial constitutes disbelief. Speculative beliefs, however, are based on probabilistic evidence, allow scholarly disagreement, and their rejection—though erroneous—does not amount to disbelief. Ignorance of this distinction has led to two extremes: declaring disbelief over interpretive issues on one hand, and undermining foundational doctrines by labeling them speculative on the other. In the contemporary era, challenges such as atheism, denial of Prophetic traditions, modernist reinterpretations, and religious liberalism have intensified the need for this discussion. According to Ahl al-Sunnah, definitive beliefs are established through four sources: the Qur’an with decisive meaning, definitively transmitted Prophetic traditions, continuous consensus, and sound reason. This study aims to clarify the hierarchy of beliefs and evidences in order to preserve doctrinal integrity, intellectual balance, and theological stability within the Muslim community.
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