Arkan al-Iman: The Six foundations of Islamic belief
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| Arkan al-Iman The Six foundations of Islamic belief |
In this post, we will delve into each of the six articles, exploring their meanings, significance, and the verses from the Qur'an that highlight their importance.
1. Belief in Allah (Tawhid)
The first and most fundamental article of faith is the belief in Allah. This concept is known as Tawhid, which means the oneness of God. It emphasizes that Allah is unique, without any partners or equals. He is the Creator, Sustainer, and Ruler of the universe."Say, 'He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.'" (Surah Al-Ikhlas, 112:1-4)
Believing in Allah involves accepting His absolute authority and acknowledging that nothing in the universe happens without His will. It also means rejecting any form of shirk (associating partners with Allah) and dedicating one's worship, devotion, and obedience solely to Him.
2. Belief in the Angels (Mala'ika)
The second article of faith is the belief in angels, spiritual beings created by Allah from light. They are His messengers, carrying out His commands without question. Unlike humans, angels do not possess free will and are constantly in the service of Allah.The Qur'an mentions various angels with specific roles. For example:
- Jibril (Gabriel): The angel responsible for delivering Allah's revelations to the prophets.
- Mikail (Michael): The angel in charge of providing sustenance and managing natural forces.
- Israfil: The angel who will blow the trumpet to signal the Day of Judgment.
- Malik: The guardian of Hell.
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:285)
Belief in angels reminds Muslims that Allah's will is executed through these unseen beings, whose presence and duties are integral to the cosmic order.
3. Belief in the Divine Books (Kutub)
The third article of faith is the belief in Allah's divine books. Muslims believe that Allah revealed scriptures to His prophets to guide humanity. These books include:The Torah (Tawrat): Given to Prophet Musa (Moses).
The Psalms (Zabur): Given to Prophet Dawud (David).
The Gospel (Injil): Given to Prophet Isa (Jesus).
The Qur'an: Given to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The Qur'an is the final and most complete revelation, serving as the ultimate source of guidance for all humanity. While previous scriptures were meant for specific communities and have been altered over time, the Qur'an remains preserved in its original form.
"Indeed, We sent down the Torah, in which was guidance and light... And We sent, following in their footsteps, Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming that which came before him in the Torah; and We gave him the Gospel..." (Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:44, 5:46)
Believing in the divine books signifies acknowledging the guidance provided by Allah through His revelations and adhering to the teachings of the Qur'an.
"And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], 'Worship Allah and avoid Taghut (false deities)...'" (Surah An-Nahl, 16:36)
Some of the prominent prophets mentioned in the Qur'an include Adam, Nuh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), Isa (Jesus), and the final prophet, Muhammad (PBUH). The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is considered the "Seal of the Prophets," meaning no prophet will come after him.
"Muhammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and last of the prophets..." (Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:40)
Belief in the messengers entails respecting their teachings and following the guidance they brought from Allah.
"And fear the Day when you will be returned to Allah. Then every soul will be compensated for what it earned, and they will not be wronged." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:281)
The Day of Judgment is a central concept in Islam as it emphasizes accountability, encouraging Muslims to lead a righteous and pious life. It serves as a reminder that worldly actions have eternal consequences, and true success lies in seeking Allah's pleasure.
"Say, 'Never will we be struck except by what Allah has decreed for us; He is our protector.' And upon Allah let the believers rely." (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:51)
Believing in Qadar does not negate human free will. Instead, it means that while humans have the freedom to choose their actions, Allah’s knowledge encompasses all choices and outcomes. This belief encourages Muslims to trust in Allah’s plan, maintain patience in adversity, and remain grateful in times of ease.
For a Muslim, living by these beliefs is a continuous endeavor that deepens their connection with Allah, providing the spiritual framework to navigate life's challenges and fulfill their purpose as Allah’s servants. Through these articles of faith, a Muslim's belief system is solidified, serving as a guiding light in their pursuit of the eternal truth and the pleasure of Allah.
The Psalms (Zabur): Given to Prophet Dawud (David).
The Gospel (Injil): Given to Prophet Isa (Jesus).
The Qur'an: Given to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The Qur'an is the final and most complete revelation, serving as the ultimate source of guidance for all humanity. While previous scriptures were meant for specific communities and have been altered over time, the Qur'an remains preserved in its original form.
"Indeed, We sent down the Torah, in which was guidance and light... And We sent, following in their footsteps, Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming that which came before him in the Torah; and We gave him the Gospel..." (Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:44, 5:46)
Believing in the divine books signifies acknowledging the guidance provided by Allah through His revelations and adhering to the teachings of the Qur'an.
4. Belief in the Messengers (Rusul)
The fourth article of faith is the belief in Allah's messengers. Muslims believe that Allah sent prophets to every nation to convey His message and guide people toward monotheism and righteous living. These messengers were human beings chosen by Allah to serve as examples of piety and convey His commands."And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], 'Worship Allah and avoid Taghut (false deities)...'" (Surah An-Nahl, 16:36)
Some of the prominent prophets mentioned in the Qur'an include Adam, Nuh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), Isa (Jesus), and the final prophet, Muhammad (PBUH). The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is considered the "Seal of the Prophets," meaning no prophet will come after him.
"Muhammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and last of the prophets..." (Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:40)
Belief in the messengers entails respecting their teachings and following the guidance they brought from Allah.
5. Belief in the Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Qiyamah)
The fifth article of faith is the belief in the Day of Judgment. Muslims believe that life on Earth is temporary and that everyone will be held accountable for their deeds in the Hereafter. On this day, all individuals will be resurrected and judged by Allah based on their actions, intentions, and faith."And fear the Day when you will be returned to Allah. Then every soul will be compensated for what it earned, and they will not be wronged." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:281)
The Day of Judgment is a central concept in Islam as it emphasizes accountability, encouraging Muslims to lead a righteous and pious life. It serves as a reminder that worldly actions have eternal consequences, and true success lies in seeking Allah's pleasure.
6. Belief in Qadar (Divine Decree or Predestination)
The sixth and final article of faith is the belief in Qadar, or divine decree. This concept entails that Allah has complete knowledge of everything that happens in the universe, both good and bad. It means that whatever occurs, it happens by Allah’s will, and He has predestined all events."Say, 'Never will we be struck except by what Allah has decreed for us; He is our protector.' And upon Allah let the believers rely." (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:51)
Believing in Qadar does not negate human free will. Instead, it means that while humans have the freedom to choose their actions, Allah’s knowledge encompasses all choices and outcomes. This belief encourages Muslims to trust in Allah’s plan, maintain patience in adversity, and remain grateful in times of ease.
The Interconnectedness of the Articles of Faith
The six articles of faith are interconnected and collectively form the core beliefs of a Muslim. By embracing these principles, a believer acknowledges the sovereignty of Allah, the guidance provided through His messengers and books, the existence of the unseen world (angels), and the accountability of the Day of Judgment. These elements foster a comprehensive understanding of the Islamic worldview and motivate Muslims to live righteously.Conclusion
Arkan al-Iman, the Six Articles of Faith, serve as the foundation of Islamic belief, guiding Muslims in their spiritual journey. They encompass the essential principles that shape a Muslim's relationship with Allah, the unseen world, and fellow human beings. Understanding and internalizing these articles strengthen one's faith, provide clarity in times of doubt, and cultivate a life of obedience, gratitude, and righteousness.For a Muslim, living by these beliefs is a continuous endeavor that deepens their connection with Allah, providing the spiritual framework to navigate life's challenges and fulfill their purpose as Allah’s servants. Through these articles of faith, a Muslim's belief system is solidified, serving as a guiding light in their pursuit of the eternal truth and the pleasure of Allah.