Aqeedah 01-03: Understanding Aqeedah: Tawheed and the Danger of Shirk | Lessons from Shaykh Ahmad Al Romh | ZAD Academy Audio | Blogpost by Zayd Haji

Aqeedah 01-03: Understanding Aqeedah: Tawheed and the Danger of Shirk | Lessons from Shaykh Ahmad Al Romh | ZAD Academy Audio | Blogpost by Zayd Haji

By Zayd Haji – Student at Zad Academy

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah.

I am Zayd Haji, a student at Zad Academy. This blog briefly explores Aqeedah—the Islamic creed—focusing on Tawheed (the Oneness of Allah) and the severe warning against Shirk (associating partners with Allah).

1. What Is Aqeedah?

Aqeedah means belief or creed. It is the firm conviction a Muslim holds in their heart, especially about Allah, His attributes, and His commands. Aqeedah forms the foundation of Islam and affects every aspect of a Muslim’s life.

“So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth, the natural disposition (fitrah) which Allah has instilled in mankind.”

— Qur’an 30:30

2. Tawheed – The Heart of Aqeedah

Tawheed means affirming that Allah is One in His Lordship, Names and Attributes, and in His right to be worshipped alone. It is the message of all Prophets.

“And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], ‘Worship Allah and avoid Taghut (false gods).’”

— Qur’an 16:36

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“The Prophets are paternal brothers; their religion is one.”

— Sahih al-Bukhari 3443

https://sunnah.com/bukhari:3443

3. Fitrah – Our Natural Disposition

Every human is born upon fitrah, a natural belief in Allah. The environment later influences the child’s path.

“Every child is born upon the fitrah, then his parents make him a Jew, Christian, or Magian.”

— Sahih Bukhari 1385

https://sunnah.com/bukhari:1385

Allah has placed in every soul the natural inclination toward monotheism.

4. The Straight Path and Hanif

Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) is described in the Qur’an as a Hanif, someone who turns away from Shirk toward Tawheed.

“Indeed, Abraham was a nation, devoutly obedient to Allah, inclining toward truth (Hanif), and he was not of those who associate others with Allah.”

— Qur’an 16:120

Muslims ask for this path daily:

“Guide us to the straight path.”

— Qur’an 1:6

A Hanif is one who follows the pure monotheism of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), worshipping Allah alone, free from Judaism, Christianity, and all forms of Shirk.

— Sahih al-Bukhari 3827

https://sunnah.com/bukhari:3827

5. Shirk – The Greatest Sin

Shirk is the opposite of Tawheed. It is to associate partners with Allah, and it nullifies one’s deeds.

“Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills.”

— Qur’an 4:48

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“I created all My servants as monotheists, but the devils misled them.”

— Sahih Muslim 2865

https://sunnah.com/muslim:2865

Conclusion:

Aqeedah is the root of Islamic faith. Understanding Tawheed and avoiding Shirk leads to salvation. May Allah keep us firm on the straight path. Ameen.