العقيدة The Creed (Aqidah)

العقيدة (Islamic Creed/Aqidah)

Raodotul Irshad wal Is’ad Arabic and Islamic Studies School, Nigeria

Our Aqidah curriculum is the theological backbone of Islamic education at Raodotul Irshad wal Is’ad, designed to instill unwavering faith in Allah’s oneness, the prophethood of Muhammad ﷺ, and the eternal truths of Islam. Rooted in the Quran, Sunnah, and classical scholarship, this course equips students to navigate theological challenges while fostering ethical leadership in Nigeria’s multicultural society.

Core Curriculum

1. Foundations of Islamic Creed

   • Six Articles of Faith:

     1. Belief in Allah (Tawhid) and His attributes (e.g., omnipotence, mercy).
     2. Belief in angels (malaika), their roles, and interactions with humanity (e.g., recording deeds).
     3. Belief in divine scriptures (kutub), emphasizing the Quran’s preservation and distinction from prior texts.
     4. Belief in prophets (anbiya), with focus on Muhammad’s ﷺ finality (khatm al-nubuwwah).
     5. Belief in the Day of Judgment (qiyama) and accountability in the hereafter.
     6. Belief in divine decree (qadar), balancing predestination with human responsibility.

   • Rejection of Deviations:

     • Shirk (polytheism), kufr (disbelief), and bid’ah (innovation) in worship and belief.
     • Critical analysis of sects like Qadariyyah (free-will extremists) and Jabriyyah (fatalists).

2. Historical & Contemporary Theology

   • Classical Texts: Study of Al-Aqidah al-Tahawiyyah and Al-Aqidah al-Wasitiyyah (Ibn Taymiyyah) to understand Sunni orthodoxy.
   • Modern Challenges:
     • Secularism: Addressing materialism and moral relativism through Quranic proofs of divine purpose.
     • Extremism: Countering groups like Boko Haram by teaching balanced views on jihad and governance.
     • Interfaith Dialogue: Articulating Islamic creed to Christians and traditionalists in Nigeria’s pluralistic context.

3. Applied Aqidah

   • Worship & Ethics: Linking creed to daily practices (e.g., sincerity in prayer, honesty in trade).
   • Social Justice: Combating corruption and tribalism through belief in universal accountability.
   • Mental Health: Theological responses to anxiety and despair, emphasizing trust in Allah (tawakkul).

Teaching Methodology

• Interactive Learning:
  • Debates: Discussing topics like free will vs. predestination or theodicy (problem of evil).
  • Case Studies: Analyzing Nigerian issues (e.g., syncretic rituals, faith-based conflicts) through creedal principles.
• Textual Analysis: Close reading of Quranic verses (e.g., Surah Al-Ikhlas) and Hadith on creed.
• Community Projects: Organizing interfaith workshops and public lectures on theological clarity.

Unique Features

• Cultural Adaptation:
  • Local Language Resources: Explanations of complex terms (e.g., qadar) in Hausa and Yoruba.
  • Nigerian Context: Addressing widespread beliefs in jinn influence and witchcraft through Quranic teachings.
• Modern Integration:
  • Digital Tools: Apps like Aqidah Builder for self-assessment and concept reinforcement.
  • Guest Scholars: Sessions with Al-Azhar graduates to bridge classical and contemporary theology.

Learning Outcomes

• Theological Literacy: Mastery of the Sunni creed and refutation of sectarian deviations.
• Critical Thinking: Ability to reconcile faith with scientific and philosophical inquiries.
• Ethical Leadership: Promoting social cohesion and justice through creed-based initiatives.

Admission & Certification

• Eligibility: Open to all students in the Islamic Studies track; prerequisites include a basic proficiency in Arabic.
• Assessment: Oral exams (shafahi), research papers, and community outreach projects.
• Certification: Accredited by the Nigerian Islamic Education Board, qualifying graduates for roles as educators, imams, or counselors.

Vision: To cultivate scholars grounded in unshakable faith, equipped to uphold Islamic identity and foster unity in Nigeria’s diverse communities.

Join Us: Strengthen your creed, confront modern challenges with wisdom, and become a beacon of light in an age of doubt.

Note: Course content is updated annually to reflect emerging theological discourses and student feedback.