In this article
Aqeedah is the foundation of a Muslim’s faith: what we believe about Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day and divine decree. Every act of worship rests on it, which is why scholars have always taught Aqeedah first. This guide explains the basics clearly for beginners and shows how you can learn Aqeedah online with a qualified teacher.
What is Aqeedah?
The word aqeedah comes from an Arabic root meaning to tie or bind firmly. In Islamic terms it means the beliefs a Muslim holds with certainty in the heart. Sound belief gives meaning to prayer, fasting and good character, and it gives a believer peace and direction in life.
The six pillars of faith (Arkan al-Iman)
In the well-known hadith of Jibreel, the Prophet ﷺ described faith as believing in six things. They are the core of every Aqeedah course:
- Belief in Allah: that He is the One God, the Creator and Sustainer, with no partner, and that He alone deserves worship.
- Belief in the angels: beings created from light who obey Allah completely, such as Jibreel, who brought the revelation.
- Belief in the revealed books: including the Torah, the Psalms, the Gospel and the Quran, the final revelation preserved by Allah.
- Belief in the messengers: from Adam and Nuh to Ibrahim, Musa and Isa, peace be upon them, ending with Muhammad ﷺ, the final messenger.
- Belief in the Last Day: resurrection, judgement, Paradise and Hell.
- Belief in divine decree (Qadar): that Allah knows and has decreed all things, while people remain responsible for their choices.
Tawhid: the heart of Aqeedah
Tawhid means affirming the Oneness of Allah: that He alone is the Lord who creates and controls everything, that He alone is worshipped, and that His names and attributes are perfect and unlike anything in creation. Understanding Tawhid protects a Muslim from shirk, associating partners with Allah, which the Quran describes as the greatest wrong.
Knowing Allah through His names
A beautiful way to grow in faith is to learn the names of Allah and their meanings: Ar-Rahman (the Most Merciful), Al-Aleem (the All-Knowing), Al-Hakeem (the All-Wise) and many others. A teacher can show you how each name appears in the Quran and how it changes the way you pray, make dua and face hardship.
What you study in an online Aqeedah course
- The six pillars of faith with evidence from the Quran and Sunnah.
- The meaning of Tawhid and what contradicts it.
- The names and attributes of Allah.
- The unseen: angels, the grave, the Day of Judgement, Paradise and Hell.
- Answers to common questions and doubts, explained calmly and clearly.
Learning Aqeedah at different ages
Children
Children learn Aqeedah through simple statements and stories: Allah created everything, Allah sees us and loves good deeds, the angels write what we do. The goal is love and trust, not complicated terms.
Teens and adults
Older students study the evidence and the reasoning behind each belief, so their faith is built on understanding. This is especially valuable for teens who meet questions about faith at school or online.
Why learn Aqeedah one-to-one
Belief is personal, and questions about faith deserve time and patience. In a one-to-one class you can ask anything, move at your own pace and get answers grounded in the Quran and Sunnah. At Elbayan Academy, Aqeedah is part of our Islamic studies programs for kids and adults, taught live by certified teachers.
Frequently asked questions
Should a beginner study Aqeedah or Fiqh first?
Most teachers start with the basics of Aqeedah, then add the Fiqh of purification and prayer, so belief and practice grow together.
Is Aqeedah difficult to learn?
The essentials are clear and simple. Deeper study takes time, but a good teacher explains each topic step by step.
How much do classes cost?
Classes cost $5 per 30-minute class: $40 a month for 8 classes or $80 for 16. Your first class is a free trial. See our pricing page.
