5.1 The Six Beliefs of Islam

5.1 The six Beliefs of Islam

Key Terms for your glossary

Belief in Islam

Islam means surrender, obedience, or submission.

Muslims are expected to to think about what they believe and live it out with, 'a knowledge in the heart, a voicing with the tongue, and an activity with the limbs.' (Hadith)

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Muslims believe Islam is the final religion, revealed by Allah to the last Prophet, Muhammed. After Muhammed, there were disagreements about who should lead Islam - leading to two branches - Sunni and Shi'a.

What is the main difference between the Sunni and Shi'a traditions?

History of the six Beliefs

The six articles of faith are based on the Qur'an and the hadith.

Kitab al-iman (Book of faith) state:

'Iman is that you believe in God and His Angels and His Books and His Messengers and the Hereafter and the good and evil fate (ordained by your God).' Hadith, Sahih Muslim

1. The unity of Allah (Tawhid)

Tawhid is that there is one God.

'There is no god except Allah.' - believing this is the essence of being Muslim.

'Say, 'He is God, the One, God the eternal. He begot no one nor was He begotten. No-one is comparable to Him.' Surah 112:1-4

2. Belief in Angels

In Islam, angels are communicator's of Allah's message:

'He sends down angels with inspiration at His command.' Surah 16:2

3. Books of Allah

Muslims believe that the scriptures were sent to humans through the prophets.

The Qur'an is the actual 'Word of Allah' revealed to Muhammed by the angel Jibril (Gabriel). It is the culmination of all the previous sacred writings.

4. Faith in the prophets

Muslims must have faith in the prophets, particularly in Muhammed as the 'Seal' or last prophet. The first prophet was Adam. John the Baptist and Jesus are also regarded as prophets.

5. Belief in the Day of Judgement and life after death

Muslims believe in a day of resurrection and judgement.

Allah will judge each individual and reward and punish accordingly.

Akhirah means the afterlife which will be either paradise or hell.

6. Belief in Predestination

Muslims believe that nothing can happen without Allah's will (al-Qadr): 'No misfortune can happen, either in the earth or in yourselves, that was not set down before We brought it into being.' Surah 57:22

Muslims believe in individual free will - people can make choices but their destiny is determined.

The importance of these beliefs for Muslims today

• Obedience to Allah is central to Islam.
• Obedience requires iman - strong faith arising out of knowledge and understanding of the six beliefs.

The six Beliefs are the expression of faith in Sunni tradition, helping communities to:

• focus on Allah
• lead humans to submission to Allah
• Worship and live together as a community.