Aqeedah: Definition, Importance and Foundations of Islamic Creed

Aqeedah is the foundation of Islamic worldview. Derived from the Arabic root ‘Aqd (عقد), which means a firm knot, solid bond, or unbreakable connection. In Islamic terminology, Aqeedah refers to the steadfast, unwavering belief of the heart that is established upon the fundamental principles of Islam as derived from the Quran and Sunnah—a belief that is not shaken by doubt, hesitation, or confusion.

In Islam, Aqeedah is the lifeblood of worship and deeds. Without correct Aqeedah, no act of worship is acceptable to Allah. On the other hand, sound Aqeedah protects a person from Shirk (polytheism), Kufr (disbelief), and Nifaq (hypocrisy), and guides him to eternal success in the Hereafter. In this article, we will discuss in detail the definition of Aqeedah, its importance, the primary sources of Islamic Aqeedah, the six pillars of Iman, the characteristics of sound Aqeedah, the causes of deviation in Aqeedah, and the importance of correcting it. We will present authentic evidences from the Quran and Hadith and provide guidance on protecting Aqeedah in the modern world.

Short Answer

Aqeedah is the unshakable belief of the heart, established upon the fundamental matters of Islam—Allah, Angels, Books, Messengers, the Last Day, and Divine Decree (Qadar). In Islam, sound Aqeedah is the foundation of all acts of worship and the key to success in the Hereafter. It is the inner essence of Iman and the comprehensive expression of faith in Tawhid, Risalah, and the Hereafter.

Detailed Discussion

What is Aqeedah?

The root word of Aqeedah is ‘Aqd (عقد), which means to firmly bind, to join, or to knot. Linguistically, it refers to a belief that is deeply rooted in the heart, so firmly that it cannot be easily severed or altered. In its technical, Islamic sense, Aqeedah is the complete and unwavering faith in all the fundamental tenets of Islam—the existence and Oneness of Allah, His attributes, the angels, the revealed books, the prophets and messengers, the Last Day, and Divine Decree—beyond any doubt.

According to Islamic scholars, Aqeedah is the root of the religion. Just as a tree cannot survive without roots, Islamic life is meaningless without Aqeedah. Imam Abu Hanifah (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “Aqeedah is the correct religious belief upon which Iman and deeds are founded.” Imam al-Tahawi (may Allah have mercy on him) compiled the foundational creed of Ahlus Sunnah wal-Jama’ah in his renowned work, Al-Aqeedah al-Tahawiyyah, which has been a reliable reference for Muslims for centuries. Imam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah have mercy on him) stated: “Aqeedah is the firmness of the heart, derived from the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger, which directs people to the straight path.”

The relationship between Aqeedah and Iman is intimate. Iman is the comprehensive concept encompassing verbal affirmation, inner conviction, and actions of the limbs; while Aqeedah is the inner, steadfast core of that Iman. In other words, Aqeedah is the depth and stability of Iman. When Iman becomes firm, it is called Aqeedah. Thus, Aqeedah is the root of Iman, and acts of worship are its fruits.

One of the main reasons why Aqeedah is considered the foundation of Islam is that the acceptance of all acts of worship and deeds depends directly on the correctness of one’s Aqeedah. Allah says in the Quran: “Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills.” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:48). If a person performs prayer, fasting, Hajj, or Zakat, but his Aqeedah is tainted with Shirk, his worship will not be accepted by Allah. For this reason, correcting and preserving one’s Aqeedah is the foremost duty of every Muslim.

Importance of Aqeedah in Islam

The importance of Aqeedah in Islam is multifaceted and immense. First, it is the soul of deeds. Allah says in the Quran: “But those who believe and do righteous deeds—they are the companions of Paradise, they will abide therein eternally.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:82). Here, ‘Iman’ means Aqeedah, which is the prerequisite for righteous deeds. Therefore, purity of Aqeedah is essential for the acceptance of deeds.

Second, the acceptance of worship is directly linked to Aqeedah. Allah says: “If you perform worship free from Shirk, it will be accepted; and whoever associates partners with Allah, Allah has forbidden him Paradise, and his refuge is the Fire.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:72). This verse clearly states that Shirk-free Aqeedah is the condition for the acceptance of worship.

Third, Aqeedah has a deep impact on the individual, family, and society. Sound Aqeedah makes a person God-fearing, self-restrained, just, and compassionate. It provides a strong moral foundation in every area—family relations, business transactions, and social conduct. When members of a society hold correct Aqeedah, peace, harmony, and welfare are established.

Fourth, success in the Hereafter depends on Aqeedah. The one who dies upon sound Aqeedah will be a resident of Paradise, while the one who dies upon corrupt Aqeedah will be cast into Hellfire. Allah says: “And whoever associates others with Allah—it is as if he had fallen from the sky and was snatched by the birds or the wind carried him down into a distant place.” (Surah Al-Hajj, 22:31). Therefore, Aqeedah is the greatest asset of this world and the Hereafter.

In summary, the importance of Aqeedah is that it is the root of Iman, the foundation of worship, the source of social welfare, and the key to eternal salvation in the Hereafter.

Primary Sources of Islamic Aqeedah

The Quran

The Quran is the first, greatest, and ultimate source of Islamic Aqeedah. Through the Quran, Allah has given clear and detailed guidance on Tawhid, Risalah, the Hereafter, Angels, Books, and Qadar. Every verse of the Quran touches upon some aspect of Aqeedah. In particular, Surah Al-Ikhlas (1-4) declares Allah’s Oneness and Uniqueness, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:285 contains a summary of the six pillars of Iman, and Surah Al-A’raf 7:54 describes Allah’s Rububiyyah (Lordship). The Quran is the primary evidence for Aqeedah, which allows no alteration, addition, or expansion. It is the duty of Muslims to accept the Quran as the primary and chief source of Aqeedah and to build their faith upon it.

Authentic Sunnah

The Authentic Sunnah—comprising the sayings, actions, and tacit approvals of the Prophet (ﷺ)—is the second primary source of Aqeedah. The Sunnah is the explanation and implementation of the Quran. In the Hadith of Jibril (AS), a complete description of Iman, Islam, and Ihsan is found, providing a comprehensive outline of Aqeedah. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “I have left among you two things; you will never go astray as long as you hold fast to them: the Book of Allah and my Sunnah.” (Muwatta Malik). Without the Sunnah, the correct meaning of many Quranic verses cannot be fully understood. Therefore, the authentic Sunnah is indispensable for building Aqeedah.

Ijma (Consensus)

The consensus of the Companions and the Imams of Ahlus Sunnah wal-Jama’ah on matters of Aqeedah is the third source of Islamic Aqeedah. The Companions were the direct companions of the Prophet (ﷺ) and received Aqeedah directly from him. There was no disagreement among them on Aqeedah. Later Imams also held the same creed. Ijma preserves Aqeedah and protects the Ummah from deviant ideologies. Ijma and Qiyas are secondary sources in matters of Aqeedah, but the primary foundation remains the Quran and Sunnah.

Understanding of the Righteous Predecessors (Salaf)

The Salaf—the first three generations of Islam (Sahaba, Tabi’in, and Tabi’ al-Tabi’in)—possess the best methodology for understanding Aqeedah. They were closest to the Prophet’s (ﷺ) era, and their language, culture, and context were a direct reflection of the Quran and Sunnah. They did not resort to theoretical debates or philosophical complexities, but simply accepted what came to them. Imam Ahmad (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “Whatever is reported regarding Aqeedah, we accept it and do not alter or distort it.” This Salafi methodology is extremely important in preserving the purity of Aqeedah.

The Six Pillars of Faith

1. Belief in Allah

Belief in Allah is the central point of Islamic Aqeedah. It comprises four core aspects: (1) Allah’s Existence—He is eternal, One, Unique, the Creator and Planner of everything. (2) Rububiyyah—He alone is the Lord, Sustainer, and Manager. (3) Uluhiyyah—He alone is the Deity, and all worship must be devoted solely to Him. (4) Asma wa Sifat—Allah’s beautiful names and attributes are described in the Quran and Sunnah, which we accept without distortion, comparison, or representation. The combination of these four aspects perfects faith in Allah.

2. Belief in Angels

Angels are created from light, have no worldly needs (food, drink, sleep), and carry out various duties by Allah’s command. Among the major angels are Jibril (AS)—who conveys revelation; Mikail (AS)—who distributes sustenance and rain; Israfil (AS)—who will blow the Trumpet on the Day of Resurrection; and Azrail (AS)—who is entrusted with death. Many other angels record deeds, guard Paradise and Hellfire, and perform other tasks. Belief in angels is an essential part of Aqeedah.

3. Belief in Divine Books

Allah revealed books to various prophets at different times. The major books are: the Tawrat (Torah) given to Musa (AS), the Zabur (Psalms) given to Dawud (AS), the Injil (Gospel) given to Isa (AS), and the Quran given to Muhammad (ﷺ). The Quran is the final and ultimate book, which confirms the truth of all previous books and provides completeness over their preserved portions. The Quran is unchangeable and protected. Belief in divine books means we acknowledge all books as true, but we remain cautious about the distortions in current versions and accept the Quran as the final criterion.

4. Belief in Messengers

Allah sent numerous prophets and messengers to the earth. It is obligatory to believe in every prophet and messenger from Adam (AS) to the final Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Some of them are mentioned by name in the Quran, while others are not. We honor all prophets and messengers and do not differentiate among them. However, Muhammad (ﷺ) is the final prophet, and no new prophet or messenger will come after him (Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:40). The core call of all messengers was the same—to establish faith in Tawhid and to worship Allah.

5. Belief in the Last Day

Belief in the Last Day includes faith in the Day of Resurrection, the gathering, the accounting (Hisab), the Bridge (Sirat), the Scales (Mizan), Paradise, and Hellfire. On that Day, every person will receive the full reward for his worldly deeds. Those who believed and did righteous deeds will reside in Paradise forever, while those who engaged in Kufr and sin will suffer the punishment of Hellfire. This belief motivates people to do good deeds and deters them from sins.

6. Belief in Divine Decree (Qadar)

Good and evil—everything occurs according to Allah’s Qadar (Divine Decree). Allah’s knowledge and will encompass all things, and He knows and determined everything beforehand. However, belief in Qadar does not negate human responsibility or free will. Rather, humans possess will, choice, and accountability for their actions. Qadar means we believe that nothing happens outside Allah’s plan, yet our duty is to perform good deeds to the best of our ability and to trust in Allah. This belief makes a person patient in adversity and grateful in prosperity.

Characteristics of Sound Aqeedah

The key characteristics of sound Aqeedah are:

• 1. Tawhid-centered: Every belief is founded upon the absolute Oneness of Allah. There is no Shirk or polytheism.
• 2. Free from Shirk: No one or nothing is made a partner with Allah in worship, attributes, or characteristics.
• 3. Based on Quran and Sunnah: Every aspect of Aqeedah is derived from the Quran and authentic Sunnah, free from fabricated or irrational elements.
• 4. Salafi methodology: The methodology of the Salaf is followed in understanding Aqeedah—i.e., accepting what came without distortion or speculative interpretations.
• 5. Free from Bid’ah: There are no new additions or changes in religion that differ from the Prophet (ﷺ) and his Companions.
• 6. Evidence-based: Each belief is supported by clear proofs from the Quran and Sunnah. Aqeedah is built upon knowledge and evidence, not mere emotion or blind following.
• 7. Internal consistency: Sound Aqeedah has no logical or doctrinal contradictions. It is fully coherent and applicable to all aspects of life.
• 8. Love and fear of Allah: Sound Aqeedah combines love for Allah, fear of Him, and trust in Him.

Causes of Deviation in Aqeedah

In modern times, several causes of deviation in Aqeedah are observed:

• 1. Ignorance: Lack of sufficient knowledge about the fundamental teachings of Islam. Many people do not read the Quran and Sunnah directly but take half-truths or false information from various sources.
• 2. Superstitions: Some rural or traditional practices unrelated to Islam are adopted as part of Aqeedah—e.g., blind following of saints, grave worship, excessive belief in amulets and talismans.
• 3. Blind following: Blindly adhering to the religious customs of forefathers even when they contradict the Quran and Sunnah.
• 4. Fabricated narrations and false Hadith: Many fabricated Hadiths and baseless stories cause confusion in Aqeedah. For example, distorted descriptions of Allah’s body or form that do not match the Quran.
• 5. Deviant ideologies: False doctrines of various sects such as Khawarij, Mu’tazilah, Jahmiyyah, and Shia distort Aqeedah. For instance, the Mu’tazilah claimed that the Quran is created, contrary to Ahlus Sunnah.
• 6. Religious extremism: Both excessive strictness and laxity harm Aqeedah. Some people excessively question or anthropomorphize Allah’s attributes, while others show leniency in worship.
• 7. Modern philosophy and rationalism: Under the influence of Western philosophy and secular ideas, many attempt to explain religious matters on rationalistic grounds, thereby disregarding the Quran and Sunnah.

Importance of Correcting Aqeedah

Correcting Aqeedah is extremely urgent for every Muslim. Because:

• Protecting Iman: Correct Aqeedah keeps Iman healthy and secure. Wrong Aqeedah weakens Iman and can eventually lead to Kufr.
• Avoiding Shirk: Correcting Aqeedah saves one from Shirk and Kufr. Shirk is the greatest sin, which Allah does not forgive (Surah An-Nisa, 4:48).
• Keeping deeds pure: If Aqeedah is not correct, worship and deeds have no value. Therefore, correcting Aqeedah is essential for the acceptance of deeds.
• Unity of the Ummah: Correct Aqeedah unites the Muslim Ummah and eliminates sectarian divisions. When everyone holds the same Tawhid-based Aqeedah, unity and brotherhood are established.
• Success in the Hereafter: Sound Aqeedah is the only path to Paradise. Therefore, those who wish to succeed in the Hereafter must correct their Aqeedah.

Aqeedah in the Light of the Quran

1. Surah Al-Baqarah 2:136

Translation: “Say, [O believers], ‘We have believed in Allah and what has been revealed to us and what has been revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the descendants, and what was given to Moses and Jesus and what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we have submitted [as Muslims].’”

Context: This verse instructs Muslims to honor and believe in all prophets equally. It was revealed in the context of debates with Jews and Christians, who used to exclusively privilege their own prophets.

Relevance to Aqeedah: The verse highlights an important aspect of Aqeedah—believing in all prophets equally and not discriminating among them. It serves as proof for the fourth pillar of Iman (belief in messengers).

2. Surah Al-Baqarah 2:285

Translation: “The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All [of them] have believed in Allah and His angels and His books and His messengers, [saying], ‘We make no distinction between any of His messengers…’”

Context: This verse outlines the complete picture of Iman. It is a summary of the believers’ faith and an example of the Iman of the Messenger (ﷺ) and the Companions.

Relevance to Aqeedah: It contains a summary of the six pillars of Iman—Allah, Angels, Books, Messengers, the Last Day (indirectly), and Qadar (later clarified). It is a comprehensive description of the core matters of Aqeedah.

3. Surah An-Nisa 4:136

Translation: “O you who have believed, believe in Allah and His Messenger and the Book that He sent down upon His Messenger and the scripture which He sent down before. And whoever disbelieves in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day has certainly strayed into clear error.”

Context: This verse was revealed in Madinah, calling for steadfastness in Iman and warning against the hypocrites.

Relevance to Aqeedah: The verse commands perfect Iman in every aspect—Allah, Messenger, Books. It makes it clear that Aqeedah must be derived from the Quran and Sunnah.

4. Surah Al-Imran 3:19

Translation: “Indeed, the religion [accepted] by Allah is Islam.”

Context: This verse addresses Jews and Christians, stating that after the previous religions, Islam is the only acceptable religion.

Relevance to Aqeedah: The verse consolidates the core matter of Aqeedah—accepting Islam fully and submitting to it. Islam is the only true religion, providing completeness in Aqeedah and Shariah.

5. Surah Al-Ikhlas (1-4)

Translation: “Say, ‘He is Allah, [Who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.’”

Context: This Surah was revealed in Makkah when the polytheists asked about Allah’s identity. It declares Allah’s Oneness and Uniqueness.

Relevance to Aqeedah: This Surah is the best description of Tawhid. It declares Allah’s absolute uniqueness, eternity, and incomparability—which is the central theme of Islamic Aqeedah.

Aqeedah in the Light of Hadith

1. Hadith of Jibril (AS)

Key Message: One day, Jibril (AS) came to the Prophet (ﷺ) in human form and asked about Iman, Islam, and Ihsan. The Prophet (ﷺ) replied: “Iman is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and to believe in Qadar, both the good and the evil thereof.”

Source: Sahih Muslim (Hadith No. 8), Sahih al-Bukhari (Hadith No. 50).

Relevance to Aqeedah: This Hadith is the complete definition of Islamic Aqeedah and the definitive proof of the six pillars of Iman. It establishes the core matters of Aqeedah for every Muslim.

2. Another Hadith on the Six Pillars of Faith

Key Message: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Iman is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and Qadar.”

Source: Sahih Muslim, Sahih al-Bukhari.

Relevance to Aqeedah: This Hadith clearly identifies the six pillars of Iman and declares it obligatory for every Muslim to adhere to them.

3. Hadith on Following the Quran and Sunnah

Key Message: “I have left among you two things; you will never go astray as long as you hold fast to them—the Book of Allah and my Sunnah.”

Source: Muwatta Malik (Hadith No. 1661), Sunan Ibn Majah (Hadith No. 42).

Relevance to Aqeedah: This Hadith indicates that the only way to acquire Aqeedah is by following the Quran and Sunnah. Those who deviate from these two sources will have their Aqeedah corrupted.

4. Hadith on the Severity of Shirk

Key Message: The Prophet (ﷺ) was asked: “Which is the greatest sin?” He replied: “To associate partners with Allah (Shirk), even though He created you.”

Source: Sahih al-Bukhari (Hadith No. 4477), Sahih Muslim (Hadith No. 86).

Relevance to Aqeedah: This Hadith identifies Shirk as the greatest sin. Shirk is the complete opposite of Aqeedah and is the primary cause of destroying Iman.

5. Hadith on Belief in Qadar

Key Message: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and believe in Qadar (both good and evil).” (Sahih Muslim)

Relevance to Aqeedah: This provides proof for belief in Qadar and affirms that everything—good and evil—occurs by Allah’s prior determination, which is the sixth pillar of Aqeedah.

Important Glossary

• Aqeedah : The firm and unshakable belief of the heart, established upon the fundamental matters of Islam as derived from the Quran and Sunnah.
• Iman : The comprehensive concept encompassing verbal affirmation, inner conviction, and actions of the limbs—including belief in Allah, Angels, Books, Messengers, the Last Day, and Qadar.
• Tawhid : To acknowledge Allah as One, Unique, and Peerless, and to not associate any partner or equal with Him.
• Shirk : To associate anyone or anything with Allah in worship, attributes, or characteristics; the greatest sin in Islam.
• Kufr : To deny any fundamental belief of Islam, which removes a person from the fold of Islam.
• Nifaq : To outwardly profess Iman while inwardly concealing Kufr or disbelief; hypocrisy and deceit.
• Bid’ah : To innovate something new in religion, which is not supported by the Quran and Sunnah and brings changes in Aqeedah or practice.
• Sunnah : The sayings, actions, and tacit approvals of the Prophet (ﷺ); the second primary source of Islamic Aqeedah and practice.
• Salaf : The first three generations of Islam—the Companions, the Successors, and the Successors of the Successors—who are the most reliable in Aqeedah and practice.
• Ijma : The consensus of the Companions and the Imams of Ahlus Sunnah on matters of Aqeedah; an important source for preserving Aqeedah.

Islamic Aqeedah Compared to Other Belief Systems

• Islamic Aqeedah : Complete Tawhid-based monotheism, where Allah is One and Unique, all worship is devoted solely to Him, and Muhammad (ﷺ) is the final Prophet. The Hereafter is eternal; Paradise and Hellfire are realities.
• Christian Theology : Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) and belief in Isa (AS) as the Son of God and a deity. This is completely contrary to Islamic Tawhid. Christians emphasize the death and resurrection of Isa (AS).
• Jewish Theology : Believes in monotheism, but does not accept Muhammad (ﷺ) as a prophet and believes that many laws of the Torah have been distorted. They await the coming of the Messiah.
• Hindu Philosophy : Polytheism (belief in multiple gods) and the concept of karma-rebirth. They believe that the soul transmigrates from one body to another, which does not align with Islam’s resurrection and eternal Hereafter.
• Comparative Summary : Islamic Aqeedah differs from other religions primarily in the perfection of Tawhid, the finality of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and the immutability of the Quran. While Christianity and Judaism have some monotheistic concepts, they are distorted. Hinduism has multiple deities and reincarnation, completely different from Islamic Aqeedah. Though there are some similarities in morality, there are clear differences in core beliefs.

Recommended Resources

• Al-Aqeedah al-Tahawiyyah : Authored by Imam Abu Ja’far al-Tahawi (may Allah have mercy on him), a concise compilation of the foundational creed of Ahlus Sunnah wal-Jama’ah.
• Al-Aqeedah al-Wasitiyyah : Authored by Imam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah have mercy on him), a detailed and evidence-based explanation of Salafi Aqeedah.
• Kitab al-Tawhid : Authored by Shaykh Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab (may Allah have mercy on him), a definitive work on Tawhid and Shirk.
• Al-Iman : Authored by Imam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah have mercy on him), an in-depth analysis of Iman and Aqeedah and their branches.
• Sahih al-Bukhari (Kitab al-Iman) : Collection of authentic Hadiths related to Iman and Aqeedah.
• Sahih Muslim (Kitab al-Iman) : Comprehensive collection of Hadiths on the six pillars of Iman and other Aqeedah-related topics.
• Tafsir Ibn Kathir : Exegesis of Quranic verses, clarifying verses related to Aqeedah.
• Majmu’ Fatawa Ibn Taymiyyah : A vast collection of the rulings and opinions of Imam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah have mercy on him) on matters of Aqeedah.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Aqeedah is the life and soul of Islam. It governs the personal, familial, and social life of every Muslim and determines success or failure in the Hereafter. Sound Aqeedah establishes a person upon the Oneness of Allah, love for the Messenger, respect for the angels and books, and firm conviction in the Hereafter. Acquiring and preserving Aqeedah is the first and foremost duty of every Muslim. To escape Shirk, Kufr, and Bid’ah, we must construct our Aqeedah upon the Quran and Sunnah and follow the methodology of the Salaf. It is our duty to deeply understand the fundamental matters of Aqeedah, preserve them with authentic proofs, and live accordingly, so that we may attain everlasting welfare and success in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah keep us all upon the correct Aqeedah and grant us Paradise. Amin.

References

1. The Holy Quran—Surah Al-Baqarah, Al-Imran, An-Nisa, Al-Ma’idah, Al-Hajj, Al-Ikhlas, Al-Ahzab.
2. Sahih al-Bukhari—Kitab al-Iman, Hadith Nos. 50, 4477.
3. Sahih Muslim—Kitab al-Iman, Hadith Nos. 8, 86.
4. Imam al-Tahawi (may Allah have mercy on him)—Al-Aqeedah al-Tahawiyyah.
5. Imam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah have mercy on him)—Al-Aqeedah al-Wasitiyyah.
6. Shaykh Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab (may Allah have mercy on him)—Kitab al-Tawhid.
7. Imam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah have mercy on him)—Al-Iman.
8. Imam Ibn Kathir (may Allah have mercy on him)—Tafsir Ibn Kathir.