Level 1: Basic — Planting Deep Roots
Ahlan wa sahlan. Welcome to the first step of your journey exploring the treasury of Islamic thought in this Wiki.
If you are visiting here for the first time and feel a little confused seeing so many article titles, you are in the right place. This page is designed specifically to guide you, like a friend accompanying you through a great library.
We will not rush. In Level 1, our focus is only one: planting the foundation.
If we liken the understanding of Islam to a lush tree bearing sweet fruit, then this phase is when we plant its roots as deep as possible into the ground. Allah SWT gives a beautiful parable about this:
أَلَمْ تَرَ كَيْفَ ضَرَبَ اللَّهُ مَثَلًا كَلِمَةً طَيِّبَةً كَشَجَرَةٍ طَيِّبَةٍ أَصْلُهَا ثَابِتٌ وَفَرْعُهَا فِي السَّمَاءِ
“Have you not considered how Allah presents an example — a good word like a good tree, whose root is firmly fixed and its branches [high] in the sky?” (QS. Ibrahim: 24)
Without strong roots of conviction, knowledge of any height will easily topple when struck by the storms of doubt. Therefore, at this level we will build Aqidah based on intellect, get to know who Hizbut Tahrir truly is, and cleanse our thoughts from destructive ideologies.
🧭 Where Should I Start?
Seeing more than 50 articles at the basic level may feel heavy. Do not worry, you do not need to read all of them in one day. If you are confused about what to click first, we strongly recommend you start from these three articles in order:
- How to Read Hizb Books — Read this first so you know how to absorb knowledge here, not merely memorizing text.
- Shaykh Taqiuddin An-Nabhani — Get to know the founder. Understanding someone’s thought becomes much easier when we know who the person is and how he lived.
- Discovering the Trace of the Creator — This article is the foundation of all foundations. Proving the existence of Allah with your own sound intellect.
After completing the three introductions above, you are free to explore the journey map below according to your curiosity.
Level 1 Journey Map
To make it easier for you, we have grouped this basic material into four main pillars. You can read them in order from top to bottom.
1. Getting to Know Historical Roots & Context
Before diving into Hizbut Tahrir (HT) thought, it is good for us to get acquainted with its history. Who founded it, when was it born, and what tragedy formed its background?
- Pioneering Figures: Get to know more closely Shaykh Taqiuddin An-Nabhani, his successor Shaykh Abdul Qadim Zallum, up to the current amir Shaykh Ata Abu Rashta.
- Background of HT’s Founding: Understand the tragedy of March 3, 1924 (The Fall of the Khilafah) that became the turning point of the Muslim Ummah, the condition of the world post-1924, up to the moment HT was founded in Al-Quds in 1953.
- Definition of the Movement: What exactly is the vision and mission of HT? Read more at Definition of Hizbut Tahrir and see the summary at HT History Timeline.
2. Building the Foundation of Aqidah & Thought
This is the heart of Level 1. In this section, we are not invited to “blindly believe” (taqlid buta), but rather to build conviction that is one hundred percent based on sound intellect (aqliyyah Aqidah).
- Seven Foundations of Conviction: We highly recommend you read this series in order:
- Islamic Way of Thinking: After Aqidah is strong, let us understand how Islam views life through articles on Rules of Intellect, Concept of Happiness, up to understanding Islam as an Ideology (Mabda’).
3. Dissecting Western Ideologies
After having a strong Islamic foundation, we need to recognize foreign thoughts that we often unconsciously adopt. This section will invite you to critique the great ideologies of the world through the lens of Islam.
- Root of the Problem: Learn how Secularism separates religion from our lives.
- Dominant Systems: Understand the congenital defects of Capitalism, Democracy, and directionless freedom in Liberalism.
- Contemporary Issues: Discover the sharp Islamic view toward the narrative of Western Human Rights, Feminism, Nationalism, up to Pluralism.
4. Answering Doubts (FAQ & Syubhat)
It is very natural if you or people around you have critical questions, doubts, or even negative views toward Hizbut Tahrir or the concept of Khilafah. We have summarized answers to the most frequently launched accusations.
- About the HT Movement: Find out the truth regarding Legal Status of HT, Refutation of Violence/Terrorism Accusations, as well as HT’s view on Schools of Thought (Mazhab) and Sufism (Tasawuf).
- About the Khilafah System: Find logical answers as to why the Khilafah is different from Democracy, what is the fate of Women and Non-Muslims within it, up to its relevance with the Unitary State.
📖 Quick Reference
As you read and encounter Arabic terms that may feel unfamiliar (such as Mabda’, Thariqah, Hadharah), do not worry. We have compiled a special dictionary for you:
- HT Glossary (A-Z) — Save this link as your quick reference whenever needed.
Next Step
Do you already feel comfortable enough with the basics above? Does your Aqidah already feel stronger and more argumentative?
If the answer is yes, then you are ready to step further. In the next stage, we will no longer merely discuss individual conviction, but rather see Islam as a complete and comprehensive order of life.
Let us continue the journey to: ➡️ Level 2: Intermediate — The Comprehensive Islamic System