Belief in Allah: The Core of Iman

Belief in Allah: The Core of Iman

Iman (faith) in Islam is the cornerstone of a Muslim’s relationship with Allah, and at the heart of Iman lies belief in Allah. This belief is not just an intellectual acknowledgment but a profound, unwavering trust and submission to the Creator, Sustainer, and Master of the universe.

This article delves into the importance of belief in Allah, the understanding of Allah’s attributes, the impact of this belief on a Muslim’s life, and the profound role it plays in the development of Iman. We will provide references from the Quran and Hadith to better understand the significance of believing in Allah.

The Essence of Belief in Allah

Belief in Allah, or Tawheed, is the foundation upon which Islam stands. It is the central concept of the religion, reflected in the very first part of the Shahada (the declaration of faith): “Ashhadu alla ilaha illallah” – “I bear witness that there is no god but Allah.” This simple but profound statement encapsulates the entire belief system of Islam, affirming the oneness of Allah and rejecting any form of polytheism or association with Him.

Linguistic Meaning of Iman

The Arabic word “Iman” (إيمان) is derived from the root word “Aman” (أَمَنَ), meaning to believe, trust, and have security. Iman in the Islamic context refers to faith and belief in the unseen. It involves not only a mental acceptance of the truth but also a heartfelt conviction and a corresponding commitment to the actions prescribed by Allah. Iman encompasses belief in the core principles of the faith, including the belief in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Day of Judgment, and divine predestination.

The Quranic Perspective on Belief in Allah

In the Quran, belief in Allah is presented as the foundation of all other beliefs and practices. Every prophet, from Adam to Muhammad (peace be upon them), conveyed the message of worshiping Allah alone and submitting to His will. Belief in Allah is not only the basis of a Muslim’s faith but also the guiding light for how a believer should live, act, and interact with the world.

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:255):

اللَّهُ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ لَا تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَّلَا نَوْمٌ لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ

Translation:
“Allah! There is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth.”

This verse exemplifies the centrality of Allah in the Quran, confirming that He is the one and only deity worthy of worship. Allah is not only the Creator but also the Sustainer of everything in existence. This description emphasizes the magnitude of belief in Allah and underscores His complete and absolute control over all that exists.

Surah Al-Ikhlas (112:1-4)

قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ
اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ
لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ
وَلَمْ يَكُنْ لَهُۥۤۡۛۛۗۗۧ جَبْنُكَ;
Translation:
“Say, ‘He is Allah, [Who is] One,
Allah, the Eternal Refuge.
He neither begets nor is born,
Nor is there to Him any equivalent.'”

This chapter, Surah Al-Ikhlas, emphasizes the uniqueness of Allah. It articulates the concept of His oneness (Tawheed), making it clear that Allah is singular, eternal, and unlike anything in existence.

Belief in Allah: The Core of Iman

Iman, as a whole, is incomplete without the belief in Allah as the sole deity. This belief serves as the foundation of a Muslim’s faith, affecting all aspects of life, from worship to personal conduct. The first step in understanding Iman is recognizing the role that belief in Allah plays in shaping the Muslim’s worldview.

The Pillars of Iman

Belief in Allah is the first and most essential pillar of Iman. Along with belief in Allah, a Muslim must also believe in His angels, His revealed books, His messengers, the Day of Judgment, and divine predestination (Qadar). These are known as the six articles of faith in Islam. However, the belief in Allah stands out as the core of all these beliefs.

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:285)

آمَنَ الرَّسُولُ بِمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْهِ مِن رَّبِّهِ وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ كُلٌّ آمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَمَلَائِكَتِهِ وَكُتُبِهِ وَرُسُلِهِ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِّن رُّسُلِهِ وَقَالُوا۟ سَمِعْنَا وَأَطَعْنَا غُفْرَانَكَ رَبَّنَا إِلَيْكَ الْمَصِيرُ

Translation:
“The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All of them have believed in Allah and His angels and His books and His messengers, saying, ‘We make no distinction between any of His messengers.’ And they say, ‘We hear and we obey. Grant us Your forgiveness, our Lord. To You is the final return.'”

This verse signifies that belief in Allah is inseparable from belief in the other essential elements of Iman. The verse emphasizes that the messengers, books, angels, and other elements of faith are all interconnected in the broader framework of belief in Allah.

Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:116)

فَتَعَٰلَىٰ اللَّهُ الْمَلِكُ الْحَقُّ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ رَبُّ السَّٰمَاوَٰتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا فَاعْبُدْهُ وَاصْطَبِرْ لِعِبَادَتِهِ هَلْ تَعْلَمُ لَهُ سَمِيًّا

Translation:
“So exalted is Allah, the Sovereign, the Truth. There is no deity except Him, Lord of the seven heavens and Lord of the Noble Throne. So worship Him and be patient in His worship. Do you know of any who is similar to Him?”

This verse stresses the uniqueness and sovereignty of Allah, commanding worship exclusively for Him. Belief in Allah’s oneness ensures that a person’s Iman is aligned with the truth.

The Attributes of Allah

Iman in Allah is not limited to acknowledging His existence but extends to recognizing His divine attributes. These attributes are critical to understanding the nature of Allah and His role in the universe. The Quran and Hadith describe Allah with numerous attributes that are crucial for strengthening one’s belief in Him.

Allah’s Attributes in the Quran

Allah has described Himself in the Quran with over ninety-nine names and attributes (Asma’ul Husna), each signifying a unique aspect of His nature. These attributes guide Muslims to deepen their understanding of Allah’s greatness and majesty.

Surah Al-A’raf (7:180)
وَلِلَّهِ الْأَسْمَاءُ الْحُسْنَىٰ فَادْعُوهُ بِهَا وَذَرُوا۟ الَّذِينَ يُلْحِدُونَ فِي أَسمَائِهِۦ ۚ سَجْنَاهُمْ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ

Translation:
“To Allah belong the best names, so invoke Him by them; and leave those who practice deviation concerning His names. They will be recompensed for what they have been doing.”

This verse highlights the importance of invoking Allah by His beautiful names, which represent His attributes such as His mercy, power, and wisdom. Understanding and reflecting on these names strengthens one’s belief in Allah.

Surah Al-Hashr (59:22-24)

هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى لَآ إِلٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ عَٰلِمُ ٱلْغَيْبِ وَٱلشَّهَٰدَةِ هُوَ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ

Translation:
“He is Allah, other than whom there is no deity, Knower of the unseen and the witnessed. He is the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate.”

These attributes of Allah are reminders of His all-encompassing knowledge, mercy, and compassion. Belief in Allah’s attributes provides reassurance and guidance to the believer.

The Impact of Belief in Allah on a Muslim’s Life

Belief in Allah profoundly affects the spiritual, social, and personal life of a Muslim. It shapes how a Muslim approaches challenges, how they treat others, and how they view the world.

A Source of Peace and Strength

Belief in Allah provides peace in times of adversity. Knowing that Allah is in control and has a plan for each individual brings comfort. A Muslim who believes in Allah’s wisdom is able to endure hardships with patience and trust in His decree.

Surah At-Tawbah (9:51)
قُل لَّن يُصِيبَنَا إِلَّا مَا كَتَبَ اللَّهُ لَنَا هُوَ مَوْلَانَا وَعَلَىٰ ٱللَّهِ فَلْيَتَوَكَّ لِلْمُؤْمِنُونَ

Translation:
“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.”

This verse emphasizes the importance of reliance on Allah. True belief in Allah empowers Muslims to face life’s challenges with resilience, knowing that Allah’s plan is always for their ultimate good.

A Pathway to Righteousness

Belief in Allah encourages Muslims to live righteously, upholding justice, kindness, and sincerity in all their dealings. It leads to a higher level of morality, as a believer is constantly aware of Allah’s presence and seeks to please Him in every action.

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:2)

ذَٰلِكَ ٱلۡكِتَٰبُ لَا رَيۡبَ فِيهِ هُدًۭى لِّلۡمُتَّقِينَ

Translation:
“This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah.”

Ultimate Success in the Hereafter

The ultimate reward for belief in Allah is eternal success in the Hereafter. The Quran and Hadith assure Muslims that those who truly believe in Allah and live by His guidance will be rewarded with Paradise.

Surah Al-Imran (3:185)

كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذَائِقَةُ الْمَوْتِ وَإِنَّمَا تُوَفَّوْنَ أُجُورَكُمْ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ

Translation:
“Every soul will taste death. And you will only be given your full compensation on the Day of Resurrection.”

Conclusion

Belief in Allah is the core of Iman and the foundation of a Muslim’s life. It is a belief that extends far beyond mere verbal testimony; it is a profound, heartfelt acknowledgment of Allah’s existence, oneness, and supremacy. This belief shapes every action, thought, and decision a Muslim makes. It is through belief in Allah that a person is guided toward righteousness, peace, and ultimate success in the Hereafter.

The Quran and Hadith clearly emphasize the significance of belief in Allah and its centrality in Islam. A Muslim’s life is ultimately shaped by this belief, and it remains the guiding force in their relationship with Allah and the world around them. By strengthening belief in Allah, a Muslim can attain peace, live a life of purpose, and achieve success in this world and the Hereafter.