المعنى الاصطلاحي

A description of the least amount of faith that a Muslim should have, without which his Islam would be invalid.

الشرح المختصر

"Mutlaq al-imān" (bare minimum faith) is the most basic faith that entitles a person to be validly described as a mu’min (believer), even if he does not have a perfect faith. This rank of faith is not liable to decrease because it is the minimum limit of Islam that separates between belief and disbelief. This type of faith is obligatory on all those who are considered believers, and it is a condition for the validity of their faith. By having this amount of faith, Shariah rulings are applicable with regard to that person, because the name "faith" and its ruling comprise all those who are included in it, even if they do not perfect it. It implies the minimum amount of faith which makes one's Islam valid including the one who commits major sins. "Mutlaq al-imān" is fulfilled by acknowledgement and overall submission; believing in the oneness of Allah, the Almighty, in terms of His Essence, Attributes, and Actions; believing that Allah alone is worthy of worship; following His commands and avoiding His prohibitions; and following His Messenger, may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him. If one applies all this, he fulfills the basic faith by which he is saved from disbelief and from abiding in Hell forever. Hi is destined to Paradise if he dies while embracing this kind of faith, even if he is negligent regarding some religious duties or if he commits some prohibitions.

التعريف

The essential belief without which one cannot be a Muslim. It is the first grade of embracing the religion.