Theology and Spirituality

One of the benefits of studying aqida (theology), even very basic aqida, is that it increases our certitude in living the good life and being good people. For example, a basic tenet of Islam is the Last Day, otherwise known as “The Day of Judgement” or “Yawm al-Qiyamah.” This is a day where people will be judged for their deeds. It is the day in which we will know whether or not we will enter Paradise or enter the dreaded Hellfire. Hence, merely learning about and revising our belief in this tenet of faith should urge us towards choosing the path of righteousness over the path of egotistical vice.

Another basic tenet of belief in Islam is the life of the grave, which is also known as the “mini Day of Judgement.” Here, everybody will be asked three questions by two angels whose names are Munkar and Nakir:

1) “Who is your Lord?”

2) “What is your religion?”

3) “What say you about this man (i.e. the Prophet Muhammad) who was sent among you?”

If a person answers these questions correctly, then the grave becomes a meadow from the gardens of Paradise. If a person fails to answer these questions correctly, the grave would become a pit from the pits of the Fire. As stated by Ustadh Amjad Tarsin in the course “Being Muslim,” the answers to these questions are not intellectual ones, but based on one’s beliefs and spirituality during one’s life. Obviously we all want our life in the grave to be as comfortable as possible; hence, knowledge of this tenet of belief will drive us to live lives imbued with the following: remembrance of God; living Islam; and, love of the Prophet Muhammad.

It is imperative that we teach our children the basic tenets of belief like the two mentioned above in order that they have in the back of their minds the fact that we are accountable for our actions in this life. Also, they will develop a healthy attitude towards life; one that views it as a means to remember God, do good works, and know and follow the Prophet Muhammad.

If we combine the teaching of aqida with a focus on spirituality, this science will not be a dry set of tenets that children memorise and repeat to the Sunday school teacher, but a living set of beliefs that impact how they conduct themselves in daily life.

May God grant us a faith that becomes a living reality. Aameen.