In the Name of Allah---the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.
The Pillars of Iman
Islam
is a monotheistic religion that originated in the Arabian Peninsula in the 7th
century CE in its present form. Its followers, known as Muslims, believe in one
God (Allah) and the prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him), who they
believe is the last and final prophet in a long line of prophets that includes
Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. They believe that all the apostles preached Islam.
The source of Islamic
beliefs is primarily based on the Quran, which Muslims believe to be the word
of Allah as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel over a
period of 23 years. The Quran is considered the primary source of Islamic
teachings, and its guidance is used to inform all aspects of Muslim life,
including religious rituals, moral principles, social norms, and legal codes.
In addition to the Quran, Muslims also rely on the teachings and practices of
the Prophet Muhammad, known as the Sunnah, which were recorded in collections
of Hadiths. The Hadiths provide guidance on how to live according to the
Quranic principles and serve
These six pillars of Iman are considered essential beliefs for
all Muslims and are foundational to Islamic theology and practice. The six pillars of Iman, or the Islamic faith, are as follows:
Belief in Allah (Tawhid):
This is the belief in the oneness of Allah as the only true God,
the creator of the universe, and the source of all life.
Belief in the Prophets (Risalah):
This is the belief in the prophets and messengers sent by Allah,
including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and the final prophet, Muhammad.
Muslims believe that the prophets were chosen by Allah to convey his message to
humanity.
Belief in the Holy Scriptures (Kutub):
This is the belief in the divine books revealed by Allah,
including the Quran, the Torah, the Gospel, and the Psalms. Muslims believe
that the Quran is the final and most comprehensive revelation from Allah.
Belief in the Angels (Malaikah):
This is the belief in the angels created by Allah to carry out
his will and act as messengers between Allah and humanity.
Belief in the Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Qiyamah):
This is the belief in the Day of Judgment when Allah will judge
all souls based on their deeds in this life and determine their place in the
afterlife.
Belief in Predestination/Divine Decree (Al-Qadar):
This is the belief in the predestination of all things by Allah, including the destiny
of human beings, but also the belief that human beings have free will and the ability to make choices.
Now we shall discuss the six pillars of Iman in detail.
Belief in one God (Tawheed) is the central tenet of the Islamic
faith, and it is the foundation of all Islamic beliefs and practices. Muslims
believe that there is only one God (Allah), who is the creator of the universe
and everything in it. Allah is believed to be eternal, all-knowing,
all-powerful, and merciful.
Muslims believe that Allah is the only one who should be
worshipped and that no other deity or object should be given the same level of
devotion and obedience as Allah. Muslims believe that Allah is the only one who
has the power to forgive sins and that it is through sincere repentance and
seeking forgiveness from Allah that one can attain salvation.
The belief in one God is so central to the Islamic faith that it
is the first and foremost requirement for anyone to become a Muslim. The
declaration of faith, known as the Shahada, is a testimony to this belief, and
it states, "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His
messenger."
Muslims are encouraged to reflect on
the signs of Allah's existence and power in the natural world and to develop a
close relationship with Him through prayer, supplication, and acts of worship.
Belief in Prophethood
Belief in prophethood (Nubuwwah)
is a fundamental tenet of the Islamic faith, and it refers to the belief that Allah
has sent prophets and messengers to guide humanity toward the right path.
Muslims believe that these prophets were chosen by Allah to convey His message
to people and that they were endowed with special knowledge and guidance from
Allah.
Muslims believe that Allah has revealed His message to humanity
through various prophets and messengers, who were sent to guide people toward
the right path. These prophets include Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and
Muhammad (May Allah shower His Blessings and Peace on all of them). Muslims
believe that Muhammad is the last and final prophet and that his teachings are
the final revelation from God.
Muslims believe that the prophets were sent to different
nations and peoples throughout history and that they all preached the same
message of monotheism, morality, and accountability to Allah. Muslims believe
that Allah chose the best among humanity to be His prophets and messengers and
that they were all models of righteousness and obedience to Allah.
Islam teaches that the first prophet was Adam, peace be upon him, and that the
last and final prophet was Muhammad, peace be upon him. Muslims believe that
Muhammad was the seal of the prophets and that his message and teachings were
the final revelations from Allah to humanity. Muslims believe that the message
of Islam represents the culmination of all previous revelations from Allah and
that it contains all the guidance and knowledge that people need to live a
fulfilling and righteous life.
Muslims believe that the prophets were not divine, but
rather human beings who were chosen by Allah for a specific purpose. They were
not infallible, but they were protected by Allah from committing major sins or
errors in conveying His message. Muslims believe that the prophets were
exemplars of humility, piety, compassion, and wisdom and that their lives
serve as models for Muslims to follow.
Belief in prophethood is a central
tenet of the Islamic faith, and it underscores the importance of following the
guidance of Allah and His messengers. Muslims are encouraged to learn about the
lives and teachings of the prophets and to emulate their character and
behavior in their daily lives.
Muhammad (peace be upon him) the Final Prophet
Prophet Muhammad, may peace and
blessings be upon him, was born in Makkah, Arabia, in the year 571 CE. He was a
prophet and messenger of God, who was chosen to convey Allah's message to
humanity. Muslims believe that he is the last and final prophet in a long line
of prophets that include Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus.
Muhammad, may peace and blessings be upon him, grew up in a
society that was marked by tribalism, idolatry, and moral decay. At the age of
40, he received his first revelation from Allah through the angel Gabriel,
which marked the manifestation of his prophethood in this world. He spent the
next 23 years of his life preaching the message of monotheism and calling
people to worship Allah alone.
Muhammad, may peace and blessings be upon him, faced
significant opposition and persecution from the people of Makkah, who were
resistant to his message. He and his followers faced boycotts, physical
attacks, and social ostracism. Despite this, he remained steadfast in his
mission and continued to preach the message of Islam.
In 622 CE, Muhammad, may peace and blessings be upon him,
and his followers migrated from Makkah to Medina, an event known as the Hijra.
This marked the beginning of the Islamic calendar and a turning point in the
history of Islam. Muhammad established a community of believers in Medina and
formed alliances with other tribes, which helped to strengthen the position of
Muslims.
Over the course of his life, Muhammad received numerous
revelations from Allah, which were compiled into the holy book of Islam, the
Quran. He also established the practices and rituals of Islam, which include
the five daily prayers, charity, fasting during the month of Ramadan, and the
pilgrimage to Makkah.
Muhammad, may peace and blessings be
upon him, passed away in Medina in 632 CE, leaving behind a community of
believers who continued to follow his teachings and spread the message of Islam
throughout the world. Today, he is revered as a prophet and messenger of God by
over a billion Muslims around the world.
It is noteworthy that Muslims do not
worship Muhammad, may peace and blessings be upon him. Muslims believe that
Muhammad was a prophet and messenger of God, who was chosen to convey Allah's
message to humanity. Muslims hold great respect and love for him, but they do
not worship him or any other human being.
In Islam, worship is reserved for Allah alone, and no other
entity or person can be worshipped or given the same level of devotion as
Allah. Muslims believe that Muhammad was a human being and that he was chosen
by Allah to deliver His message to humanity, but he was not divine and did not
possess any special powers or abilities.
Muslims show their love and respect for Muhammad by
following his example and teachings, which are recorded in the Hadith
literature. Muslims strive to emulate his character, his way of life, and his
devotion to Allah, as he is considered the perfect example of a righteous and
obedient servant of Allah.
In summary, while Muslims hold great
respect and love for Prophet Muhammad, they do not worship him or any other
human being, and worship is reserved for Allah alone.
Belief in Scriptures
Belief in scriptures (Kutub)
is another fundamental tenet of the Islamic faith, and it refers to the belief that
Allah has sent down divine books or scriptures to guide humanity toward the
right path. Muslims believe that these scriptures were revealed to different
prophets and messengers throughout history and that they contain guidance,
wisdom, and knowledge that can help people navigate their lives and achieve
success in the hereafter.
The most important scripture in Islam is the Quran, which
Muslims believe was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, over a
period of 23 years. Muslims believe that the Quran is the final revelation from
Allah to humanity and that it contains all the guidance and knowledge that
people need to live righteous and fulfilling life.
Muslims also believe in other divine scriptures that were
revealed to earlier prophets, such as the Torah (Tawrat) revealed to Moses, the
Psalms (Zabur) revealed to David, and the Gospel (Injil) revealed to Jesus.
However, Muslims believe that these earlier scriptures have been corrupted over
time and that they are not present in their original form.
Muslims believe that the Quran is the only divine scripture
that has been preserved in its original form and that it contains all the
guidance and knowledge that people need to live righteous and fulfilling
life. Muslims consider the Quran to be the literal word of Allah, revealed to
the Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. It is considered to be the
ultimate source of guidance for Muslims and is the basis for all Islamic
beliefs, practices, and laws.
Muslims are encouraged to study the Quran and to reflect on
its teachings, as it provides guidance on all aspects of life, including faith,
morality, spirituality, social justice, and personal conduct. The Quran is also
recited daily in the five daily prayers, and Muslims believe that reciting and
memorizing its verses brings blessings and rewards in this life and in the
hereafter.
In summary, belief in scriptures is
a central tenet of the Islamic faith, and it underscores the importance of seeking
guidance from Allah through the divine books or scriptures that He has revealed
to humanity. The Quran is the ultimate source of guidance for Muslims, and it
contains all the knowledge and guidance that people need to live a righteous
and fulfilling life.
Belief in Angels
Belief in angels (Malaikah)
is an important aspect of the Islamic faith, and it refers to the belief that Allah
has created a class of spiritual beings called angels, who play an important
role in carrying out His commands and managing the affairs of the universe.
Muslims believe that angels are created from light and that they are purely
spiritual beings, with no physical bodies or material form.
Muslims believe
that angels are created from light and that they do not have free will like
humans. They are obedient to Allah and carry out His commands without question.
Muslims also believe that angels do not have the power to benefit or harm
humans and that their role is to carry out Allah's will.
Muslims believe that angels have different ranks and
duties, with some being more important and powerful than others. The archangel
Gabriel (Jibril) is particularly important in Islamic tradition, as he is
responsible for conveying Allah's messages to the prophets and messengers.
Muslims also believe in other angels, such as the angel of death (Izra'il),
who is responsible for taking the souls of humans when they die, and the angels
who will be present on the Day of Judgment to carry out Allah's commands.
Belief in angels underscores the Islamic belief in the unseen world,
which is an important aspect of the Islamic faith. Muslims believe that the world
is not limited to what can be perceived by the five senses and that there are
unseen forces and beings that play a role in the universe. Belief in angels
also highlights the importance of obedience and submission to Allah, as angels
are models of absolute obedience and devotion to Allah's commands.
It is worth noting that angels are not considered deities in the Islamic
faith. In Islam, there is only one God, Allah, and He is the only deity. Angels have created beings of Allah and are not worshipped or prayed to in Islam.
Belief in Akhirah
Belief in Akhirah,
or the belief in the afterlife, is a fundamental tenet of the Islamic faith.
Muslims believe that this life is not the end and that there is a greater
purpose and plan that extends beyond our physical existence on Earth. The
concept of Akhirah is central to Islamic belief and is mentioned throughout the
Quran.
Muslims believe that after death, the soul
continues to exist and is separated from the physical body. The soul is then
taken to the realm of the afterlife, where it will be judged by Allah based on
its deeds in this life. The judgment will determine whether the soul will be
rewarded with eternal paradise or punished in hellfire.
Muslims believe that the Day of Judgment (Yawm
al-Qiyamah) is a real event that will take place in the future. On this
day, all human beings, both living and dead, will be resurrected, and they will
stand before Allah for judgment. The Quran describes this day in great detail,
stating that it will be a day of reckoning, where all deeds will be accounted
for and justice will be served.
Muslims believe that paradise (Jannah)
is a place of eternal bliss and happiness, where believers will enjoy the
pleasures of Allah's reward. On the other hand, hell (Jahannam) is a
place of eternal punishment, where non-believers and those who have done evil
in this life will face the consequences of their actions.
Belief in Akhirah gives Muslims a sense
of purpose and meaning in life. It reminds them that their actions have
consequences and that they will be held accountable for their deeds. It also
provides comfort to believers, knowing that there is a greater plan beyond this
life and that they will be rewarded for their faith and good deeds.
In summary, belief in Akhirah
is a central tenet of the Islamic faith. It gives Muslims a sense of purpose and
meaning in life and reminds them that their actions have consequences. Muslims
believe in the Day of Judgment and that all souls will be judged based on their
deeds in this life. Believers will be rewarded with eternal paradise, while
non-believers will face eternal punishment in hell.
It is believed that after death, the
soul enters an intermediate state called the Barzakh, where it awaits
the Day of Judgment. During this time, the soul is held accountable for its
actions in life and experiences either comfort or torment depending on its
deeds.
However, there is a belief in some Islamic traditions that
after burial, the deceased is questioned in the grave by two angels called Munkar
and Nakir about their faith and deeds. This questioning is known as
"questioning in the grave" or "test in the grave." It is
believed that the questioning is a test of faith and that the righteous will be
granted ease while the unrighteous will suffer.
Belief in Predestination/Divine Decree
Belief in
predestination (Qadar in Arabic) is a fundamental tenet of the Islamic faith. It is
the belief that everything that happens in the universe, including the actions
of human beings, is predetermined by Allah. This means that Allah has complete
knowledge of everything that has happened, is happening, and will happen in the
future and that everything is happening according to His divine plan.
Muslims believe that Allah's knowledge of
everything is complete and perfect, and nothing can happen without His
permission. This belief does not mean that humans do not have free will or that
they are forced to act in certain ways. Muslims believe that Allah has given
humans the ability to make choices and decisions and that they are responsible
for their actions.
Muslims believe that Allah's knowledge of
everything that will happen in the future does not mean that humans should not
strive to do good deeds or work toward positive change. Muslims are encouraged
to make good choices and do good deeds in this life, as they will be rewarded
for their efforts in the afterlife.
Belief in predestination provides Muslims with
a sense of comfort and trust in Allah's plan. It reminds them that everything
happens for a reason and that Allah is in control of the universe. It also
encourages them to have patience in difficult times, knowing that Allah has a
plan for everything.
In summary, belief in
predestination is a fundamental tenet of the Islamic faith. It is the belief that
everything in the universe, including the actions of human beings, is
predetermined by Allah. Muslims believe that Allah's knowledge of everything
that will happen in the future does not mean that humans should not strive to
do good deeds or work toward positive change. Belief in predestination
provides Muslims with a sense of comfort and trust in Allah's plan and
encourages them to have patience in difficult times.
