Understanding Iman The Six Articles of Faith

In Islam, faith, or Iman, is the foundational belief system that shapes the life of a Muslim. It is a deeply ingrained concept that governs not only one’s thoughts and actions but also the way one interacts with the world and other people. At the heart of Iman are the Six Articles of Faith, which are the core beliefs that every Muslim must accept and hold dear.

These articles are essential for a Muslim’s spiritual growth and understanding, and they form the framework for a life dedicated to the worship and obedience of Allah (God). The Six Articles of Faith are: belief in Allah, belief in the Angels, belief in the Divine Books, belief in the Prophets, belief in the Day of Judgment, and belief in Qadar (Divine Decree).

Each of these pillars is rooted in the teachings of the Quran and the Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him), and together they provide a comprehensive view of the Islamic worldview.

This blog post explores these six fundamental articles in detail, offering insights into their meanings, significance, and the Quranic and Hadith references that support them, helping to deepen the understanding of what it means to truly believe in Iman.

Belief in Allah (God)

The first and foremost article of faith is the belief in the existence, oneness, and sovereignty of Allah. The belief in Allah shapes the Muslim’s worldview, ethics, and actions. Allah is not only the Creator of the heavens and the earth but also the Sustainer and Provider of all creation. The concept of Tawhid (Oneness of God) is at the heart of Islamic theology, which affirms that Allah has no partners, no equals, and no rivals.

Quranic Reference:

Surah Al-Ikhlas (112:1-4):

قُلْ هُوَ ٱللَّهُ أَحَدٌ ١ ٱللَّهُ ٱلصَّمَدُ ٢ لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ ٣ وَلَمْ يَكُنْ لَهُۥۤ۝۝۝۝۝۝۝۝۝۝۝۝۝۝۝۝۝۝۝۝۝۝۝۝۝۝۝۝۝۝۝۝۝۝۝۝۝۝⚡

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 Surah encapsulates the fundamental understanding of the nature of Allah, highlighting His uniqueness and transcendence.

Hadith Reference:

Sahih Muslim (Book 1, Hadith 1):

قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّـهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم “إِنَّ اللَّـهَ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ قَالَ لِي فِي التَّحْدِيثِ قَدْ قُلْتُ: أَجْهَرْتُ تَعَالَىٰ فَاقْتَرَبْتُ فَقُولُ”

This hadith demonstrates that the essence of faith is recognizing and confirming the absolute Oneness of Allah and His exclusive authority over all creation.

Belief in the Angels

The second article of faith is the belief in the Angels of Allah. Angels are unseen, spiritual beings created by Allah to perform specific tasks. They carry out Allah’s commands without question or hesitation. They play various roles, from bringing revelations to the Prophets to protecting and recording human deeds.

Quranic Reference:

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177):

وَمَنۡ يُؤْمِنُ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوْمِ ٱلۡأٓخِرِ وَٱلۡمَلَـٰٓئِكَةِ وَٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ وَٱلنَّبِيِّينَ وَيُؤْثِرُونَۦ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ

Translation:

“And those who believe in Allah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Scriptures, and the Prophets, and give preference to the way of Allah…”

This verse emphasizes that belief in Allah’s Angels is one of the pillars of faith.

Hadith Reference:

Sahih al-Bukhari (Hadith 50):

عَنْ أُمِّ سَلَمَةَ رضي الله عنها قَالَتْ: “فِي أَمَرِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَحَجَّ بِهِمْ فِي صَحِيحٍ.”

This hadith reinforces the importance of believing in the unseen creation of Allah, the Angels, and their role in assisting Allah’s divine will.

Belief in the Divine Books

The third article of faith is the belief in the Divine Books that Allah revealed to His Prophets as guidance for humanity. These scriptures include the Torah, Psalms, Gospel, and the Quran, which is considered the final and most complete revelation.

Quranic Reference:

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:4):

ٱلَّذِينَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكَ وَمَآ أُنزِلَ مِن قَبْلِكَ وَبِٱلۡءَاخِرَةِ هُمْ يُؤۡمِنُونَ

“Who believe in what has been revealed to you (Prophet Muhammad) and what was revealed before you, and they have firm faith in the Hereafter.”

Hadith Reference:

Sahih Muslim (Hadith 4):

“وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا صلى الله عليه وسلم هو أَحَدٌ النَّبِيِّينَ.”

This hadith further highlights the importance of accepting all the Divine Scriptures and believing that the Quran is the ultimate message for mankind.

Belief in the Prophets and Messengers

The fourth article of faith is the belief in all of Allah’s Prophets and Messengers. They were sent to guide humanity to the path of righteousness, delivering Allah’s messages and acting as role models for good conduct. Among these Prophets, the most notable are Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (PBUH), the last of the Prophets.

Quranic Reference:

Surah Al-Ahzab (33:40):

مَّا كَانَ مُحَمَّدٌ أَبَآ أَحَدٍ مِّن رِّجَالِكُمْ وَلَٰكِن رَّسُولَ ٱللَّهِ وَخَاتَمَ ٱلنَّبِيِّينَۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ عَلِيمًا

Translation:

“Muḥammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets. And ever is Allah, of all things, Knowing.”

Hadith Reference:

Sahih al-Bukhari (Hadith 3331):

قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: “جميع الأنبياء إخوة، لِي عُقَدٌ عُقَادٌ”.

This hadith confirms that belief in all of the Prophets is integral to Iman.

Belief in the Day of Judgment

The fifth article of faith is the belief in the Day of Judgment, a day when every individual will be held accountable for their deeds in this life. On this day, people will be judged by Allah, and their final destination will either be Paradise or Hell, based on their actions, intentions, and adherence to the teachings of Islam.

Quranic Reference:

Surah Al-Qiyamah (75:1-3):

لَآ أُقْسِمُ بِٱلۡيَوْمِ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ ١ وَلَآ أُقْسِمُ بِٱلنَّفْسِ ٱلَلَّوَّامَةِ ٢ أَيَحْسَبُ ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنُ أَلَّا نَجْمَعَ عِظَامَهُۥ ٣

Translation:

“I swear by the Day of Resurrection, and I swear by the reproaching soul that [disbeliever] thinks that We will not assemble his bones.”

Hadith Reference:

Sahih Muslim (Hadith 29):

“يوم القيامة تأتي الناس فيسمع بعضهم.”

This hadith explains the importance of belief in the Day of Judgment and the inevitable accountability each person will face.

Belief in Qadar (Divine Decree)

Belief in Qadar, or Divine Decree, is the sixth article of faith in Islam and one of the most profound aspects of a Muslim’s belief. It is the conviction that everything that happens in the universe, whether good or bad, is predestined by Allah’s infinite knowledge and will. Qadar teaches Muslims that all events, from the smallest occurrences to the most significant moments, are part of Allah’s divine plan.

This belief helps a Muslim develop a sense of contentment and peace, knowing that nothing happens outside of Allah’s control. Whether one faces joy or hardship, the believer trusts that everything is part of a greater purpose and plan. It also encourages humility, as it reminds individuals that they are not in control of the ultimate outcome of their lives.

Quranic Reference:

Surah Al-Qamar (54:49):

إِنَّا كُلَّ شَىْءٍ خَلَقْنَاهُ بِقَدَرٍ

Translation:

“Indeed, all things We created with predestination.”

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also affirmed the importance of believing in Qadar, stating that acknowledging divine decree is an essential part of faith. It teaches believers to accept both ease and hardship with patience and trust in Allah’s wisdom.

Hadith Reference:

Sahih Muslim (Hadith 64):

رَسُولُ اللَّـهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم: “القدر خير وشر من الله”

“Qadar (Divine Decree) is both good and bad from Allah.”

This hadith emphasizes that everything in life, both good and bad, is part of Allah’s divine plan.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Six Articles of Faith are the essential building blocks of a Muslim’s belief system, and understanding them is crucial for deepening one’s connection to Islam. Belief in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Prophets, the Day of Judgment, and Qadar are not merely intellectual acknowledgments; they are deeply spiritual truths that influence every aspect of a Muslim’s life. These beliefs provide a framework for understanding the world, shaping moral conduct, and guiding one toward the ultimate goal of pleasing Allah.

Each article has profound implications for both this life and the Hereafter. Believing in Allah’s Oneness allows Muslims to dedicate themselves entirely to His worship, while belief in the Angels reminds them of the unseen forces that are constantly working according to Allah’s will. The belief in Divine Books and Prophets reinforces the guidance that has been sent to humanity through history, with the Quran being the final revelation. The Day of Judgment instills a sense of accountability, while Qadar teaches that everything happens by the divine decree of Allah.

By embracing these beliefs, Muslims are not only strengthening their faith but are also preparing for a life that is meaningful, purposeful, and aligned with the eternal truth of Allah’s plan.