In our previous discussion, we defined sound aqeedah as the “firm knot” of our faith, the definitive, doubt-free conviction that a Muslim holds in their heart.
But why is this so critical? What makes this sound belief the single most important aspect of a Muslim’s life, more essential than any other knowledge or action? And what distinguishes the sound Islamic aqeedah from all other belief systems?
Today, we will explore the profound importance of aqeedah and the unique, defining features that set it apart.
The Profound Importance of Sound Aqeedah
The importance of a correct and sound aqeedah cannot be overstated. It is the very bedrock upon which our entire relationship with Allah (SWT) is built.
1. The Key to Acceptance and Salvation
Sound aqeedah is the absolute condition for our righteous deeds to be accepted by Allah. It is the means after Allah’s infinite mercy of attaining salvation in the Hereafter and admittance to Paradise.
Allah (SWT) says in the Qur’an:
{So, whoever would hope for the meeting with his Lord let him do righteous work and not associate in the worship of his Lord anyone}
[al-Kahf 18:110]
He also promises:
{Allah has promised the believing men and believing women gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide eternally, and pleasant dwellings in gardens of perpetual residence; but approval from Allah is greater. It is that which is the great attainment} [at-Tawbah 9:72]
In stark contrast, deeds performed with a corrupt aqeedah are rendered worthless. This leads to utter loss in the Hereafter.
Allah warns us explicitly:
{And whoever denies the faith – his work has become worthless, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers} [al-Ma’idah 5:5]
And again:
{And it was already revealed to you and to those before you that if you should associate [anything] with Allah, your work would surely become worthless, and you would surely be among the losers} [az-Zumar 39:65]
The phrase “work would surely become worthless” means the deeds are nullified, and all reward for them is lost.
2. The Core Message of All Messengers
From the first prophet to the last, the message was one. There is no messenger whom Allah sent to his people except that this sound belief Tawhid was the very first thing to which he called them.
Allah (SWT) says:
{And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], “Worship Allah and avoid Taghut”} [an-Nahl 16:36]
Note: Taghut refers to anything or anyone that is worshipped besides Allah and approves of that worship.
This unified message is confirmed again:
{And We sent not before you any messenger except that We revealed to him that, “There is no deity except Me, so worship Me”} [al-Anbiya 21:25]
3. The Answer to Life’s Greatest Questions
Aqeedah is essential to our very existence, more so than air or water. Without it, a human being cannot find sound, correct answers to the greatest questions that define our humanity:
• Where did I come from?
• Why was I created?
• Where will I go after death?
The consequence of not having these answers is the misery, anxiety, widespread mental illness, and rising suicide rates we see today, even in wealthy and “advanced” nations.
Only the sound aqeedah provides definitive answers to these questions, filling the heart with certainty, tranquillity, assurance, and true faith.
4. The Source of True Security and Guidance
Sound aqeedah is the only means of attaining true security (Aman) and guidance (Hidaya) in this world and the Hereafter.
Allah (SWT) says:
{They who believe and do not mix their belief with injustice – those will have security, and they are [rightly] guided} [al-An‘am 6:82]
The scholars, including the companions of the Prophet (ﷺ), explained that “injustice” in this verse means shirk (associating partners with Allah).
Therefore, the lack of security, the spread of corruption, and the turmoil we witness in the Muslim world today is a direct result of people not adhering to the sound aqeedah, or mixing their beliefs with words and deeds that contradict it.
5. The Gateway to Divine Blessings
When a people collectively hold to the correct aqeedah and the resulting piety, Allah promises to open the doors of His blessings for them.
{And if only the people of the cities had believed and feared Allah, We would have opened upon them blessings from the heaven and the earth} [al-A‘raf 7:96]