Salam. Please find below the Introduction along with its commentary. I have omitted the inclusion of the discussion surrounding individual words which can be found in the commentary for a number of reasons. Inshallah perhaps they can be incorporated in the future.
بسم اله الرحمن الرحيم
عقيدة العوام
The author (Allah have mercy on him) said:
أَبْدَأُ بِسْمِ اللهِ وَالّرَحْمنِ َوبِالّرَحِيْمِ دَائِمِ الإِحْسَانِ
I begin in the name of Allah, and most merciful, compassionate, eternally kind
Commentary: I begin the writing of this poem ‘Aqidah al-Awam’ with the basmalah seeking help from Allah (عز و جل) whose mercy has encompassed everything, and whose bestowing and blessings are continuous without break nor decrease.
First: Following the noble book in its order not in its sequence of revelation.
Second: Acting upon that which has come from the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) that:
Every important matter which is not begun with bismillah al-rahman al-raheem is cut off (meaning deficient and of little good and blessing). [al-Khatib from Abu Hurayrah in a Marfu form]
Third: Following the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) who would begin his writings and letters with the basmalah as has come in his (Allah bless him and give him peace) letter to Harqal and others.
The author Allah have mercy on him said:
فَالحَمْدُ ِللهِ القَدِيْمِ الأَوَّلِ وَالآخِرِ البَاقِىْ بِلاَ تَحَوُّلِ
All praise is for Allah, Without Beginning, the First and the Last, Everlasting without change
Commentary: I also begin adding to the writing of this poem with praise for Him, meaning by Praise for Allah with the tongue, the Without Beginning, the First, the Last, the Everlasting. Along with honouring Him and believing that all praise is established for Him.
First: Acting by His (Allah bless him and give him peace) words:
Every important matter not begun with praise for Allah is cut off [Abu Dawud and others and graded Hasan by Ibn al-Salah]
Second: Fulfilling the right of a thing which is incumbent upon him which is expressing thanks for blessings from amongst which is the authoring of this poem.
The author (Allah have mercy on him) said:
ثُمَّ الّصَلوةُ وَاّلسَلاَمُ سَرْمَدَا عَلى اّلنَِبىِّ خَيْرِ مَنْ قَدْ وَحَّدَا
Then peace and blessings be continuously upon the messenger, best of those who affirmed the oneness
وَآلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ وَمَنْ تَبِعْ سَبِيْلَ دِيْنِ الحَقِّ غَيْرَ مُبتَدِعْ
And His family, His companions and those who follow the path of the true religion without innovation
Commentary: Then I send blessings and peace upon our Master Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) the best of all of those who affirm divine oneness, and upon his family, companions and those that follow them on the path of the true religion with goodness till the last day. Acting upon that which is reported from him (Allah bless him and give him peace) that he said:
Every important matter which is not begun with the praise of Allah, and blessings upon me, it is cut off and devoid of all blessings [al-Qadir al-Rahawi in ‘al-Arbain’. Al-Haithaimi said its chain was weak, however it is in on virtues (fadail) and the weak is acted upon in it along with its conditions]
Benefit: Imam al-Shafi (Allah have mercy on him) said:
I like it that a person should precede his speech (khutbah) and every matter he seeks with the praise of Allah (the Exalted) glorifying Him (Glorified and Exalted is He) and sending blessings upon the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace).
