Explanation of the Book of Faith

In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate Introduction All praise is due to Allah, praise that is abundant and pure, as our Lord loves and is pleased with. Blessings and peace be upon the chosen Messenger, the selected Prophet, and upon his family, companions, and followers. To proceed: Indeed, faith in Allah the Almighty and its realization are the greatest of pursuits, and the noblest purpose for which the messengers were sent and the books were revealed. The perfection of the servant lies in his perfection, and his deficiency in his deficiency, just as his strength is in his strength and his weakness in his weakness. It is the key to happiness in this world and the Hereafter, and the axis of success and prosperity. The more the servant achieves and manifests in his traits and branches, the more his adornment and beauty are completed, and his ornament and majesty are magnified. For it is the ornament, beauty, adornment, and majesty that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم asked his Lord for and supplicated to his Creator for; as he صلى الله عليه وسلم said: "O Allah, adorn us with the adornment of faith" (1). Truly, the adornment and beauty of the people of faith are genuine, while other adornments are false and fleeting, and their splendor is fading. How great is the happiness of those who are clothed in faith, adorned with monotheism, and dressed in certainty. O Allah, make us among them, by Your mercy and grace. The scholars, may Allah have mercy on them, have shown great concern for this matter, paid much attention to it, and dedicated efforts to classify and compile knowledge about it comprehensively and in detail, establishing its principles and branches. Among these works is the book "Al-Iman" by Imam Abu Bakr Abdullah ibn Muhammad ibn Abi Shaybah Al-Absi Al-Kufi (235 AH). This is a concise booklet, with brief notes on its authentication and commentary, which I wrote initially and then delivered in six gatherings at the Prophet's Mosque in the year 1439 AH. Before that, I included an introduction containing several points. I ask Allah for sincerity, truthfulness, guidance, and success. I seek refuge in Him from the evil of my soul, from flawed understanding, and I pray that He makes this — by His grace and generosity — a beneficial knowledge in its general benefit, continuous reward, and lasting impact.