Creed
The Creed of Ahl-us-Sunnah wal Jama'ah, is the foundational aspect of Islamic belief. This creed encompasses the core principles and beliefs that define Islam.
The general principles include:
- Tawhid (Oneness of God)
- Prophethood (Nubuwwah)
- Belief in the Angels (Malaaikah)
- Belief in the Books (Kutub)
- Belief in the Day of Judgment (Yaumul Akhirah)
- Belief in Divine Decree (Qadar)
- Belief in the Companions of the Prophet (Sahabah)
- Belief in the Four Rightly Guided Caliphs
- Adherence to the Sunnah
- Unity of the Muslim Community
Tawhid (Oneness of God)
Belief in the absolute oneness and uniqueness of Allah in His Lordship, Worship and Names and Attributes. This includes affirming that Allah has no partners, no equals, and that He alone is worthy of worship.
Prophethood (Nubuwwah)
Belief in all the Prophets sent by Allah, from Adam to Muhammad (peace be upon them). Muhammad Peace be Upon him is considered the final Prophet, and his message is the last and complete revelation from Allah.
Belief in the Angels (Malaaikah)
Acceptance of the existence and role of angels as beings created by Allah who carry out His commands and duties.
Belief in the Books (Kutub)
Acceptance of the divine scriptures revealed by Allah to His Prophets, including the Tauraat, Injeel, Zaboor, and Qur'an. The Qur'an is regarded as the final and unaltered/uncorrupted word of Allah.
Belief in the Day of Judgment (Yaumul Akhirah)
Belief in the Day of Resurrection when all humans will be resurrected and judged by Allah for their deeds.
Belief in Divine Decree (Qadar)
Acceptance of Allah’s predestination and divine decree. This includes the belief that everything occurs according to Allah's will and wisdom along with the Human’s will to do the action.
Belief in the Companions of the Prophet (Sahabah)
Respect and love for the Prophet Muhammad’s companions (Sahabah) and acknowledgment of their role in preserving and spreading Islam. Accepting that Allah is pleased with them and They are Pleased with Allah.
Belief in the Four Rightly Guided Caliphs
Recognition of the first four caliphs—Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali—as the rightful successors to the Prophet Muhammad.
Adherence to the Sunnah
Following the teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Sunnah/Ahaadith and exemplified in his life.
Unity of the Muslim Community
Emphasis on maintaining unity and avoiding division within the Muslim community (Ummah). This includes working towards communal harmony and avoiding sectarianism with the belief that Unity shall come along with Tauheed alone.
These principles form the foundation of Islamic belief and practice, guiding followers in their faith and daily lives.
Methodology
The term "Manhaj" refers to the methodology or approach of a person towards understanding the religion. Our Methodology encompasses the systematic approach to understanding and practicing Islam. Here are the key aspects of our Methodology.
1. Adherence to the Qur'an and Sunnah
- Primary Sources: The foundation of our Methodology is strict adherence to the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah (traditions) of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
- Interpretation: The Qur’an and Sunnah are interpreted in accordance with the principles established by early Islamic Jurists from the Salaf us Saliheen (Time of the Prophet and His Sahaabah (Companions, The Tabi’een and the Taba-Tabieen) and ensuring that interpretations are consistent with the consensus of the Salaf-us-Saliheen (Pious Predecessors)
2. Following the Consensus of the Scholars (Ijma)
- Community Agreement: The consensus of the early scholars (Ijma) is considered a key source of guidance. This consensus reflects the unified agreement of the scholars of the early generations of Islam on matters of faith and practice.
- Reliability: Ijma is used to guide practices and beliefs, particularly when interpreting aspects of the Qur’an and Sunnah.
3. Respect for the Companions of the Prophet (Sahabah)
- Honor and Respect: The Companions are highly respected for their role in preserving and spreading Islam. The actions and decisions of the Companions will be used as a reference for understanding the Prophet’s teachings.
- Avoiding Disputes: Emphasis is placed on avoiding disputes and sectarianism regarding the Companions and focusing on their contributions to Islam.
4. Approach to Established Jurisprudential Schools (Madhahib)
There are several main jurisprudential schools: The Most Common being Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali. Each school has its own methodologies for interpreting Islamic law (Fiqh) but shares a common foundation in Qur’an and Sunnah. While adhering to the Quran and Sunnah, there is respect for the diversity of opinions among the different Madhahib, with recognition that they are all part of the broader framework of Islam unless they go against the Quran and the Authentic Sunnah.
5. Avoiding Extremism and Innovation (Bid'ah)
- Moderation: We emphasize moderation and reject extremism in beliefs and practices. This includes avoiding excessive practices or beliefs not supported by the Qur’an and Authentic Sunnah.
- Innovation: We keep ourselves away from any kind of Innovations in religious matters (Bid’ah) that deviates from the teachings of the Prophet and the consensus of the Salaf us Saliheen
6. Focus on Tawhid (Oneness of God)
- Pure Monotheism: Emphasis is placed on the concept of Tawhid, ensuring that all worship and devotion are directed solely to Allah without associating any partners with Him and we strive to propagate the same.
- Avoiding Shirk: Efforts are made to avoid any practices or beliefs that could lead to Shirk (associating partners with Allah).
7. Commitment to Unity of the Ummah
- Community Cohesion: Promoting unity among Muslims and avoiding divisive sectarianism. The focus is on building a cohesive Muslim community that respects differences while working together on common goals.
8. Ethical Conduct and Good Character
- Pure Monotheism: Emphasis is placed on the concept of Tawhid, ensuring that all worship and devotion are directed solely to Allah without associating any partners with Him and we strive to propagate the same.
- Avoiding Shirk: Efforts are made to avoid any practices or beliefs that could lead to Shirk (associating partners with Allah).
9. Social Service and Seeking Allah’s Pleasure
Engaging in social service and helping others as a key way to earn Allah’s pleasure. Serving the community and improving the well-being of others irrespective of creed, caste and Religion stands as the highest part of our values.
10. Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil (Dawah ilallah)
Actively call people towards good deeds and discourage/warn from the bad ones. Most Importantly inviting others to follow the path of Allah and living according to Islamic principles is our core.
This Methodology is the basis of Islam and is inculcated within HGWC to ensure that our members adhere to a balanced and authentic practice of Islam, guided by the core principles and teachings of the religion as Taught by Our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to his beloved Companions.