Aqeedah refers to those matters which are believed in, with certainty and conviction, in one's heart and soul. They are not tainted with any doubt or uncertainty. The Arabic word 'aqeedah stems from the root 'aqada, which conveys meanings of certainty, affirmation, confirmation, etc. In the Qur'aan, Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): Allaah will not punish you for what is unintentional in your oaths, but He will punish you for your deliberate oaths. The principles of 'aqeedah are those which Allaah has commanded us to believe in, as mentioned in the aayah.