Introduction
Iman, which means faith in Islamic theology, is a fundamental aspect of a Muslim’s recognition of faith and deeds in the religious aspects of Islam. The most basic definition of Iman is the belief in the six articles of faith in Islam, known as arkān al-īmān. These six pillars are the bedrock of a Muslim’s faith and form the foundation of their religious beliefs.
The six pillars of faith are as follows: belief in Allah Almighty, belief in the Angels, belief in the revealed Books, belief in the Prophets, belief in the Day of Judgment, and belief in Destiny (both good and bad).
This blog aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Iman in Islam, highlighting the six pillars of faith. It emphasizes that Iman requires not only an inward belief but also outward actions, as articulated in the Quran and Hadith. In Islam, faith is not just a matter of believing in Allah Almighty, but it also involves adhering to a set of moral and ethical principles that guide our actions and behaviours. Understanding and practising the six articles of faith in Islam is essential for a Muslim to lead a righteous life and attain salvation in the afterlife.
Belief in Allah Almighty
Belief in Allah Almighty is one of the most important beliefs of the Islamic faith. It is considered to be one of the six articles of faith in Islam that every Muslim must believe in. This belief is rooted in the belief in the oneness of Allah (SWT) as the only God, with no partner, associate, or equal. We believe that Allah Almighty is the only creator, sustainer, and ruler of the universe and everything in it. As Muslims, we believe that Allah (SWT) is unique and incomparable, and no one and nothing can be compared to Him. It is worth noting that in the Arabic language, there is no plural form for Allah Almighty, which further emphasizes the belief in the unity and oneness of Allah (SWT). This belief is central to the Islamic faith and forms the foundation of a Muslim’s spiritual life.
Read more about the Tawheed: The First Pillar of Islam
Narrated by Hazrat Anas (RA):
The Prophet (SAW) said, “Whoever possesses the following three qualities will have the sweetness (delight) of faith:
(Sahih al-Bukhari 16)
- The one to whom Allah Almighty and His Apostle becomes dearer than anything else.
- Who loves a person and he loves him only for Allah Almighty’s sake.
- Who hates to revert to Atheism (disbelief) as he hates to be thrown into the fire.”
Belief in Angels (Malaikah)
In the Islamic faith, the concept of angels holds immense importance. As Muslims, we believe that Allah Almighty created angels before any other form of life. It is a fundamental belief that Allah (SWT) is so great and incomprehensible that He cannot communicate directly with humans. Therefore, He appointed angels as intermediaries to communicate with His Prophets. We believe that angels are a pure creation of Allah Almighty, made from light and devoid of free will.
Furthermore, We believe that angels constantly observe and monitor human behaviour, recording and reporting it to Allah (SWT). They serve as witnesses to every action and play a crucial role in the Day of Judgment. The Quran describes various types of angels, including those who guard and protect humans, those who record our deeds, and those who carry out Allah Almighty’s commands. Overall, angels hold a significant place in Islamic beliefs and are revered for their important role in fostering communication between Allah Almighty and His creation.
Read about 4 Angels of Islam and Their Duties
In our other blog, we discuss seeking forgiveness by Doing Istighfar
Narrated by Hazrat Abu Huraira (RA):
One day while the Prophet (SAW) was sitting in the company of some people, (The angel) Gabriel came and asked, “What is faith?” Allah’s Messenger (SAW) replied, ‘Faith is to believe in Allah, His angels, (the) meeting with Him, His Apostles, and to believe in Resurrection.” Then he further asked,
This is a very long Hadith, full Hadith available (Sahih al-Bukhari 50)
Belief in Holy Books (Kutub)
The belief in Holy Kutub, or Holy Books, is one of the six articles of faith in Islam. As Muslims, we consider these books to be sacred and hold the eternal message of Allah Almighty. Among all the holy books, the Holy Quran holds a special place in our hearts as it is the unchanged and final revelation of Allah, sent down to the last Prophet, Muhammad (PBUH).
However, we also firmly believe in the divine origin and authority of all the scriptures, including the Torah, Psalms, Gospel, and Holy Quran. These holy books contain valuable teachings and guidance that can help a person lead a righteous life. We hold a deep respect and reverence for all of them. Therefore, we consider holy books to be an integral part of our faith.
Read in-depth about the Four Holy Books of Islam
He (the inquirer) said: Inform me about Iman (faith). He (the Holy Prophet) replied: That you affirm your faith in Allah, in His angels, in His Books, in His Apostles, in the Day of Judgment, and you affirm your faith in the Divine Decree about good and evil.
This is a very long Hadith and this is the middle part of Hadith, full Hadith is available on (Sahih Muslim 8a)
Belief in Prophets (Nubuwwah)
The belief in Prophethood (Nubuwwah) is an integral part of the Islamic faith. As Muslims, we believe that Allah (SWT) communicated with the Prophets through angels, who conveyed divine messages and guidance to humanity. The Prophets were chosen by Allah Almighty to guide people towards the right path, establish justice, and promote peace in society.
Read our other blog Prophets and Messengers in Islam.
Although we have great respect for the Prophets but never worship them. We believe in recognizing the Prophethood of Messengers such as Adam, Noah (Nooh), Abraham, Moses (Mosa), Jesus (Isa), and Muhammad (peace be upon them). As Muslims, we believe that all these Prophets were sent by Allah (SWT) as a mercy for humanity. They were bestowed with miraculous abilities to prove their legality as Messengers of Allah Almighty. The belief in Prophethood is an essential part of Islamic faith and it serves as a means of guidance for us to lead a righteous life.
Narrated by Hazrat Abu Huraira (RA):
Allah’s Messenger (SAW) replied, ‘Faith is to believe in Allah Almighty, His angels.
This is a very long Hadith fully available (Sahih al-Bukhari 50)
Belief in the Day of Judgement and the Afterlife (Akhirah)
Belief on Akhirah is one of the 6 articles faith in Islam. As Muslims, we belive that life on Earth is regarded as a test, where we are expected to lead a righteous and virtuous life. It is believed that after we pass away, we will be judged by Allah Almighty based on our deeds and actions during our lifetime. This day of reckoning, known as the Day of Judgment, is considered a significant event in the Islamic faith. It is believed that it will mark the end of the world.
Depending on our deeds, we will either be rewarded with eternal bliss in Paradise or be punished with torment in Hell (Jahannam). This belief in the afterlife, known as Akhirah, is a fundamental belief of Islam. It serves as a reminder to lead a life that is pleasing to Allah Almighty and to perform righteous deeds.
Hazrat Abu Huraira (RA) reported Allah’s Messenger (SAW) as saying:
A bulky person would be brought on the Day of judgment and he would not carry the weight to the eye of Allah equal even to that of a gnat. Nor shall We set up a balance for them on the Day of Resurrection” (xviii. 105).
(Sahih Muslim 2785)
Belief in Fate / Predestination (Qadar)
This refers to Allah’s knowledge of everything that will happen in the universe. Understanding that Allah (SWT) has knowledge of all things and has decreed everything that happens.
For each one there are successive angels before and behind, protecting them by Allah’s command. Indeed, Allah would never change a people’s state of favour until they change their own state of faith. And if it is Allah’s Will to torment a people, it can never be averted, nor can they find a protector other than Him. (Surah Ar-Ra’d 11)
The term Iman has been defined in both the Quran and Hadith. According to the Quran, Iman must be accompanied by righteous deeds, and both are required for entry into Paradise. Along with Islam (submission to Allah Almighty) and Ihsan (worshipping Allah (SWT) as if seeing Him), Iman forms one of the three dimensions of Islamic religion. In a Hadith, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) defined Iman as “an acknowledgement in the heart, a voicing with the tongue, and an activity with the limbs” – emphasizing that faith involves both internal belief and outward actions.
Read more about the concept of Jannah – The Reward for True Muslims.
Conclusion
This blog delves into the Islamic concept of Iman, which refers to faith. It focuses on the 6 articles of faith in Islam known as arkān al-īmān in Islam. These articles include belief in Allah’s oneness, angels, divine books, prophets, the Day of Resurrection, and Fate (Qadar). Each article is supported by Quranic verses and hadiths, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of Iman. The interconnectedness of faith and righteous deeds is highlighted, stressing that both are necessary for entry into Paradise. The blog also explores the three dimensions of Islamic religion: Islam, Iman, and Ihsan. Finally, the concluding hadith from Prophet Muhammad (SAW) underscores that faith involves both internal belief and outward actions, emphasizing the holistic nature of Iman in Islam.
