Lum'at ul-I'tiqaad: The Creed of the Ahl us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah
Imaam Muwaffaq ud-Deen Ibn Qudaamah was born in the Islamic month of Sha'baan, 541A.H.   There is a slight [but unimportant] disagreement as to where exactly he was born. Some say he was born in the city of Damascus, where others have said he was born in a small town within Palestine. He memorized the Qur'an at the age of seven years old along with three hundred thousand Ahaadeeth.  The Imaam is also a direct descendant of the second Caliph, 'Umar Ibn al-Khattab. His father, Imaam Ahmad al-Maqdasi was too a great scholar and recommended that he should study in Baghdad. This is where he became a student of the respected Shaykh 'Abdul Qaadir al-Jilaani. Imaam Muwaffaq ud-Deen Ibn Qudaamah has authored many works. Namely the nine volume Encyclopedia of Hanbali  Fiqh known better as al-Mughni', and many other great works such as Umdat ul-Fiqh al-Muqni', al-Kaafi, Mukhtasar Minhaaj ul-Qasideen, Rawdat un-Naazir, Kitaab ut-Tawwaabeen, Dhamm ut-Ta'weel, al-Wasiyyah   and  more.  His life's achievements and merits does not stop at writing and compiling such precious gems, he was also a Mujaahid  in the army of Salaah ud-Deen Ayubi helping to win back Jerusalem [al-Quds] from the bloodthirsty crusaders. May Allah accept all of his efforts and grant him Jannat ul-Firdous.  Ameen. It has been said about Ibn Qudaamah by his companion and fellow classmate Imaam 'Abd ur-Rahmaan ibn Jawzi that "Whoever sees him, then it is like he has seen one of the Sahaabah". Being likened to a companion of the Messenger of Allah demonstrates the great status of the Imaam and Shaykh ul-Islam, who passed away in 620AH, leaving behind this very work in your hand.  May it illuminate the Luminance of Creed inside the hearts whosoever reads this, ameen