The text begins by outlining the foundational articles of faith, and goes on to discuss the eternal essence (
dhat) of Allah, His names and attributes, and the Qur'an as His eternal speech. Thereafter, it elaborates on how one acquires true faith (
iman) or enters into a state of unbelief (
kufr) after coming into this world. The subject of
prophets and messengers is also taken up in some detail, followed by a discussion on the
Four Rightly-guided Caliphs and other
Companions, and what the attitude of believers should be toward them. In refuting its theological adversaries—the
Muʿtazila, the
Kharajites, and others—the text argues that the believer does not leave Islam by committing sins. A discussion of the miracles bestowed by Allah on His various servants is presented, followed by an in-depth analysis of
iman (true faith) and
Islam (submission) and the extent to which a person's faith increases and decreases. Other issues raised in the text include the generosity and justice of Allah in dealing with His servants, the
Ascension (Mi'raj) of Muhammad; and eschatological issues, such as the questioning in the grave,
Gog and Magog and other awaited signs of the
Last Day. Although the author follows a particular order in the text, he sometimes repeats certain points already mentioned for emphasis; for instance, because of the Qur'an's weighty importance, he asserts several times that the eternal speech of Allah is unlike the created words of human beings. == Reception & Legacy ==