The Essential Islamic Creed

The essence of Islam is its creed, which validates the performance of
one's worship; thus making it eligible for acceptance. The obligation to
have sound doctrine has led Muslim theologians to develop an elaborate
discipline of creed based primarily on the Qur'an and Sunnah, whilst
also incorporating sound rational argumentation. This work by Shaykh
Ahmad ibn Zayni Dahlan is a summary of the core tenets of faith in the
manner of the Late-Sunni Tradition, enumerating what a Muslim should
believe regarding Allah; the prophets; the Divine Scriptures; the
angels; the Resurrection Day, with its prelude and finale; the Prophet's
Companions [may Allah bless him and give him peace] and miracles of
Allah's friends.

Shaykh Ahmad ibn Zayni Dahlan (1817-1886) was the
leading Shafi'i mufti and scholar of Mecca in his time, and an authority
on Islamic history. He authored, and personally published, numerous
works on the Islamic sciences and history.