Foundations of the Sunnah in Basic Islamic Beliefs (Ahmad ibn Hanbal) (Workbook)

The book, Usool as-Sunnah, by the great imaam, Aboo ‘Abdillaah Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Hanbal ash-Shaybaanee (d.241, may Allah have Mercy on him) is one of those early staple texts which clearly establish the precise creed of those blessed and guided early generations. Brief and concise, yet detailed enough, it is a text relied upon by the scholars throughout the centuries, canonized through its inclusion in the compilations of the scholars who gathered the most important early texts of creed, the likes of Abul-Qaasim al-Laalakaa’ee (d.418, may Allah have Mercy on him), in his encyclopedia of Islamic beliefs.

One of the scholars who preserved this text of creed by its chain of transmission and wording, Ibn Abee Ya’laa (d.526, may Allah have Mercy on him) described it, saying, “If a person went all the way to China to access it, that would not be much (compared to its value).”

This workbook, by the Permission of Allah, is a helpful study companion for that classic primer in basic Muslim creed, Usool as-Sunnah, by al-Imaam Ahmad (may Allah have Mercy on him). The text of the book is divided into 35 lessons. Each lesson includes the fully voweled Arabic wording, along with an English translation of its meanings. Further resources are available as appendices, like the uninterrupted English translation, the Arabic original (fully voweled), an unvoweled version, as well as an authentic chain of transmission (isnaad) back to the author, and an original Arabic manuscript as well. (See: pages 53-82.)

It should be clear that this workbook has not been designed for independent self-study. To maximize your benefit from this text -in shaa’ Allah-, attend the classes taught by Shaykh Abu Muhammad al-Maghribi (may Allah bless him and grant him success) at Masjid Muhammad Ali Aadam Al-Ethiopi in Wullinkama, the Gambia, or by following those classes live online. They are scheduled for Jumaadaa al-Oolaa 21-25, 1447 (November 12-16, 2025) -in shaa’ Allah-, according to the following flyer:

Aside from this digital version, there are other versions of this workbook available. Printed versions, both paperback and hardcover, are available on Amazon. More information: https://www.bakkah.net/en/new-publication-al-imaam-ahmads-usool-as-sunnah-foundations-of-sunnah-in-basic-islamic-creed-workbook.htm