Mütünül-Akaid

Mutūn al-ʿAqāʾid refers to a collection or compilation of several foundational and highly significant texts dealing with Islamic creed or theology (ʿaqīdah). These works are essential for understanding the core beliefs of Sunni Islam, particularly within the Ash’ari and Maturidi schools.

Typically, when this term is used, it points to a curriculum or a set of concise treatises that lay out the fundamental articles of faith. These texts are often used in madrasas (Islamic seminaries) as introductory or core material for students beginning their studies in kalām (scholastic theology) and ʿaqīdah.

While the exact texts included can vary slightly depending on the specific curriculum or region, some of the most common works found within such a compilation might include:

• Al-ʿAqīdah al-Ṭaḥāwiyyah by Imām Abū Jaʿfar al-Ṭaḥāwī: A widely accepted and foundational text outlining the beliefs of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jamāʿah.
• Badʾ al-Amālī by Sirāj al-Dīn al-Ūshī: A popular poetic treatise on creed, known for its concise and easy-to-memorize verses.
• Jawharat al-Tawḥīd by Imām Ibrāhīm al-Laqānī: Another famous poetic text detailing Ash’ari theological principles.
• Al-Fiqh al-Akbar attributed to Imām Abū Ḥanīfah: Considered one of the earliest texts on Islamic creed, providing the theological basis for the Hanafī school.
• Umm al-Barāhīn (also known as al-ʿAqīdat al-Ṣughrā) by Imām Muḥammad ibn Yūsuf al-Sanūsī: A concise and logical exposition of Ash’ari theology.

These mutūn (texts) serve as critical references for students and scholars alike, providing a structured approach to learning and preserving orthodox Islamic beliefs. They are often accompanied by numerous commentaries (shurūḥ) and super-commentaries (ḥawāshī) that delve deeper into their meanings and elaborate on the theological discussions.