The Middle Path: A Guided Study of al-ʿAqīdah al-Wāsiṭiyyah
A 9-week live online course through Ibn Taymiyyah's al-ʿAqīdah al-Wāsiṭiyyah — one of the most important concise statements of Sunni creed. Study Allah's names and attributes, the Hereafter, qadar, īmān, and the methodology of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jamāʿah.
Primary text: Al-ʿAqīdah al-Wāsiṭiyyah by Shaykh al-Islām Ibn Taymiyyah
Ustadh Reece Byfield
MPhil Theology, Religion and Philosophy of Religion, University of Cambridge. BA Philosophy (First Class), King's College London. Traditional studies at al-Salam Institute under Shaykh Akram Nadwi. Ustadh Reece's teaching focuses on Sunni ʿaqīdah, Islamic theology, philosophy of religion, and the intellectual challenges facing Muslims today.
Course Overview
Al-ʿAqīdah al-Wāsiṭiyyah is a brief but profound statement of Sunni creed, written by Shaykh al-Islām Ibn Taymiyyah.
It sets out the beliefs of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jamāʿah with clarity and precision, grounding each point in the Qurʾān and Sunnah. The text is especially known for its treatment of Allah’s names and attributes — affirming what Allah affirmed for Himself without distortion, denial, resemblance, or asking how.
This course is designed for students who want to study creed seriously, without losing themselves in unnecessary speculation or vague generalities.
Over nine weeks, students will work through the key themes of the text: divine attributes, the Hereafter, qadar, īmān, conduct, and the balanced methodology of Ahl al-Sunnah. The aim is not merely to memorise positions, but to understand the structure, discipline, and clarity of classical Sunni belief.
What You Will Study
Divine Attributes. How Ahl al-Sunnah affirm Allah’s names and attributes upon the way of the Qurʾān, the Sunnah, and the early generations.
The Hereafter. Core beliefs concerning the unseen, resurrection, judgement, reward, punishment, and the final abode.
Qadar. The Sunni understanding of divine decree, human action, and Allah’s complete knowledge, will, and power.
Īmān and Conduct. The relationship between belief, action, character, obedience, and the communal ethics of Ahl al-Sunnah.
Who This Course Is For
This course is suitable for students who want a clear introduction to Sunni creed through a classical text. It is especially useful for:
- Students beginning their study of ʿaqīdah
- Muslims seeking clarity on Allah’s names and attributes
- Those confused by modern theological debates
- Students who want a text-based course, not a vague lecture series
- Anyone seeking a firmer foundation in the creed of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jamāʿah
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
- Understand the main themes of al-ʿAqīdah al-Wāsiṭiyyah
- Explain the Sunni approach to Allah’s names and attributes
- Recognise the structure of Ibn Taymiyyah’s argument
- Understand key beliefs concerning the Hereafter, qadar, and īmān
- Distinguish disciplined creed from speculation and confusion
- Approach theological discussions with greater clarity and confidence
Why Study This Text
Few works in the Sunni tradition combine brevity and precision the way al-Wāsiṭiyyah does. In a few short pages, Ibn Taymiyyah states the position of Ahl al-Sunnah on the most contested questions in theology — without polemic, without speculation, and without the confusion that surrounds these topics in modern discussions.
Study one of the clearest classical statements of Sunni creed with live weekly teaching and guided explanation.
To register your interest or ask a question, email info@akhookum.com.