Lum‘atu al-I‘tiqâd

Ibn Qudāmah al-Maqdisī

The matn Lumʿatu al-Iʿtiqad is a brief and essential epistle by Imām Muwaffaq ad-Dīn Ibn Qudāmah al-Maqdisī (d. 620 H). It presents a reliable summary of Sunni creed. Thus, it offers a firm basis for learning and protection from deviations.

This text stands out for its clarity. Moreover, it follows a consistent method: affirming what Allah and His Messenger ﷺ affirmed. It does so without distortion and without denial. It also avoids assimilation and speculative reasoning foreign to the texts.

• Understanding the matn Lumʿatu al-Iʿtiqad

The matn Lumʿatu al-Iʿtiqad sets out the foundations of ʿaqidah from the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah. Then, it draws on the statements of the Companions, the Tābiʿīn, and leading imams. Therefore, the reader progresses with transmitted and solid reference points.

A central place is given to Allah’s Names and Attributes. However, they are treated upon the way of the salaf: affirming the texts as they came, with faith, submission, and acceptance. At the same time, any resemblance between the Creator and creation is denied.

• Key themes in Lumʿatu al-Iʿtiqad

The text emphasizes belief in the unseen. It addresses the Last Day. It also discusses Allah’s Speech and the believers’ vision of Allah in the Hereafter. In addition, it stresses adherence to the Sunnah. It warns against doctrinal innovations.

Ibn Qudāmah supports his points with citations from recognized imams. These include Aḥmad ibn Ḥanbal, ash-Shāfiʿī, Mālik, and al-Awzāʿī. Thus, the creed presented appears as a transmitted legacy. It is not a later construction.

• An edition designed for study

This edition highlights serious study. First, the pocket format makes daily reading easy. Then, the book is French/Arabic vocalized bilingual in facing pages, with fully vocalized Arabic. Moreover, structured headings were added to the original text. They come from Shaykh Ibn al-ʿUthaymīn’s annotations and comments. Finally, the translation relies directly on his commentary, which strengthens consistency and precision.

• To go further in the creed of the salaf

To broaden your study beyond Lumʿatu al-Iʿtiqad, you may also read The Creed of the Early Imams: Texts & Biographies. It gathers early creedal texts alongside brief biographical notes, helping place each imam’s statements in context.