Core Islamic Fields of Study

ʿAqīdah (عقيدة) — Belief / Creed

What Muslims believe.

This covers the foundations of faith:

  • Belief in One God (Allah)
  • Angels
  • Divine books
  • Prophets
  • The Day of Judgment
  • Divine decree (Qadr)

If Islam were a building, ʿAqīdah is the foundation. Everything else rests on this.

ʿIbādah (عبادة) — Worship

How Muslims worship God.

This includes:

  • Prayer (Ṣalāh)
  • Fasting (Ṣawm)
  • Charity (Zakāh)
  • Pilgrimage (Ḥajj)
  • Supplication (Duʿāʾ)

ʿIbādah is about actions done with intention—not just rituals, but conscious devotion.

Akhlāq (أخلاق) — Character & Ethics

How Muslims behave.

This focuses on:

  • Honesty

  • Patience

  • Humility

  • Kindness

  • Self-control

  • Justice

The Prophet ﷺ said he was sent to perfect good character, so Akhlāq is central, not optional.

Fiqh (فقه) — Islamic Law / Practical Rulings

How to live Islam day-to-day.

Fiqh answers questions like:

  • How do I pray correctly?

  • What is halal and haram?

  • How do marriage, business, and inheritance work?

Fiqh is human understanding of divine guidance, which is why there are different schools of thought.

Uṣūl al-Fiqh (أصول الفقه) — Principles of Law

How rulings are derived.

This is more advanced, but important:

  • How scholars interpret the Qur’an and Sunnah

  • How analogy (Qiyās) and consensus (Ijmaʿ) work

  • Why scholars may disagree respectfully

Think of this as the methodology behind Fiqh, not the rulings themselves.

Qur’an Studies (علوم القرآن / ʿUlūm al-Qurʾān)

Understanding the Qur’an deeply.

Includes:

  • Revelation context (why verses were revealed)

  • Interpretation (Tafsīr)

  • Linguistics and structure

  • Preservation and compilation

This helps people avoid reading verses in isolation or misunderstanding them.

Tafsīr (تفسير) — Qur’anic Commentary

Explaining the meaning of the Qur’an.

Tafsīr connects:

  • Language

  • Historical context

  • Prophetic explanation

  • Scholarly insight

Intro Muslims usually start with simple Tafsīr, not technical debate.

Ḥadīth Studies (علوم الحديث / ʿUlūm al-Ḥadīth)

Studying the sayings and actions of the Prophet ﷺ.

Covers:

  • Authenticity (sound vs weak narrations)

  • Chains of transmission

  • Context and meaning

This field exists to protect against misinformation, not complicate faith.

Sīrah (سيرة) — Life of the Prophet ﷺ

Islam in real life, not theory.

Sīrah teaches:

  • How the Prophet lived

  • How he dealt with hardship

  • Leadership, mercy, patience, strategy

For many beginners, Sīrah is the doorway into loving Islam, not just understanding it.

Tazkiyah (تزكية) — Spiritual Purification

Inner work of the heart.

Focuses on:

  • Sincerity

  • Removing arrogance, envy, greed

  • Strengthening God-consciousness (Taqwā)

This is about who you are when no one is watching.

Daʿwah (دعوة) — Inviting to Islam

Sharing Islam with wisdom.

Not preaching or arguing—rather:

  • Good character

  • Clear explanation

  • Compassion and patience

The Qur’an emphasizes wisdom and beautiful speech, especially with non-Muslims.

Adab (أدب) — Manners & Etiquette

How to carry yourself.

Adab includes:

  • Speech

  • Dress

  • Respect for elders

  • Behavior in disagreement

  • Learning etiquette

Adab governs how knowledge is applied, not just what you know.

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