The Obligation to Learn the Islamic Creed

Know—may Allah grant me and you success—that every Muslim is duty-bound to study the Islamic creed: first, to grasp its meaning and foundations, and then to recognize whatever opposes, nullifies, or diminishes it, whether through major or minor shirk (polytheism).

Allah the Exalted says: “So know that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and seek forgiveness for your sin.” ⦗1⦘

Imam al-Bukhari (d. 256 AH) entitled a chapter, “Knowledge before speech and action,” and he cited this noble verse as his proof.

Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar said: “Ibn al-Munir explained that knowledge is a prerequisite for the validity of both speech and action; they are not considered without it. Knowledge therefore precedes them, for it rectifies the intention that in turn rectifies the deed …” End quote.

For this reason, scholars devoted great effort to learning and teaching the rulings of creed, counted it among the foremost of the sciences, and produced dedicated works detailing its requirements and clarifying what corrupts or invalidates it—whether acts of polytheism, superstition, or innovation.

Such is the meaning of la ilaha illallah; it is not a mere phrase uttered by the tongue, but it has