Introduction:
Faith (Imān) in Islam is more than mere belief — it is conviction rooted in the heart, spoken on the tongue, and demonstrated through action.It forms the foundation of a Muslim’s worldview and relationship with the Creator.Just as the Five Pillars establish the framework for a Muslim’s practice, the Six Articles of Faith define the framework for a Muslim’s belief.
Together, they form the complete structure of Islam — belief and action, faith and obedience. “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, His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day, and in the divine decree — good and bad.”— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:285)
The Six Articles of Faith:
According to the hadith of Angel Jibrīl (Gabriel), when he came in human form and asked the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about faith, the Prophet replied:> “It is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and to believe in divine decree — both its good and its bad.”— Sahih MuslimLet us explore each pillar of faith in detail.
1. Belief in Allah (Tawheed): The first and greatest foundation of faith is belief in Allah, the One True God.He is the Creator, Sustainer, and Lord of all that exists.> “Allah — there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence.”— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:255)This belief includes:
Tawheed ar-Rububiyyah: Believing Allah alone is the Creator and Controller of the universe.
Tawheed al-Uluhiyyah: Worshipping Allah alone, without partners or intermediaries.
Tawheed al-Asma wa-Sifat: Affirming Allah’s Names and Attributes as revealed, without distortion or denial.To truly know Allah is to love and obey Him — to live every moment conscious of His presence and mercy.> “There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the Hearing, the Seeing.”— Surah Ash-Shura (42:11)
2. Belief in the Angels: Angels (Mala’ikah) are noble beings created from light.They do not eat, sleep, or disobey Allah — they exist solely to fulfill His commands.> “They exalt Him night and day and do not slacken.”— Surah Al-Anbiya (21:20)Each angel has specific duties, such as:Jibrīl (Gabriel): Brings revelation to the prophets.Mīkā’īl (Michael): Oversees rain and sustenance.Isrāfīl: Will blow the Trumpet to signal the Day of Resurrection.Mālik: Guardian of Hellfire.The Recording Angels: Write every deed — good or bad.Belief in angels reminds us that the unseen world is real and that every action is witnessed and recorded.> “And indeed, [appointed] over you are keepers — noble and recording; they know whatever you do.”— Surah Al-Infitar (82:10–12)
3. Belief in the Revealed Books: Throughout history, Allah has revealed divine scriptures as guidance for mankind.Muslims believe in all of them in their original form:
Scripture: Prophet: Description:
Suhuf (Scrolls) – Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) – Early scriptures of wisdom and guidance.
Tawrah (Torah) – Prophet Musa (Moses) – Law and commandments revealed to guide the Children of Israel.
Zabur (Psalms) – David – Book of praises and hymns.
Injil (Gospel) – Jesus Revelation confirming the Torah and bringing light and mercy.
Qur’an – Muhammad ﷺ – Final, complete, and preserved revelation for all humanity. “He has sent down upon you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming what was before it. And He revealed the Torah and the Gospel.”— Surah Aal ‘Imran (3:3) Historical facts and research indicate that previous scriptures were altered or lost, while the Qur’an remains perfectly preserved. It serves as the final criterion for distinguishing between truth and falsehood. As stated in Surah Al-Hijr (15:9), “Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur’an, and indeed, We will be its guardian.”
4. Belief in the Messengers:
Allah sent messengers to every nation, calling them to worship Him alone.They were the best of humanity — chosen, sincere, and trustworthy.> “And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], ‘Worship Allah and avoid false gods.’”— Surah An-Nahl (16:36)Some of the known messengers include:Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and finally Muhammad ﷺ — the Seal of the Prophets.
Muslims love and respect all prophets equally, recognizing that they all carried the same divine message: Tawheed (Oneness of God). “Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets.”— Surah Al-Ahzab (33:40)Belief in all prophets unites humanity under one timeless message — that salvation lies in sincere submission to the One God.
5. Belief in the Last Day:
The belief in the Hereafter gives purpose and accountability to human life.Every soul will taste death, and every deed — small or great — will be judged. “So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.”— Surah Az-Zalzalah (99:7–8)The Day of Resurrection will expose every truth.The righteous will be rewarded with Paradise — eternal peace and joy — while the wicked will face punishment for their rebellion.> “And those who believed and did righteous deeds will be admitted to gardens beneath which rivers flow, abiding therein forever.”— Surah Al-Hajj (22:23)Belief in the Last Day makes a believer live consciously — striving for justice, honesty, and mercy, knowing that ultimate judgment belongs to Allah alone.
6. Belief in Divine Decree (Qadar):
The final pillar of faith is belief in Divine Decree, that everything — good or bad — occurs by the knowledge, will, and wisdom of Allah. “Indeed, all things We created with predestination.”— Surah Al-Qamar (54:49)This belief has four components:
1. Knowledge: Allah knows everything before it happens.
2. Writing: All things are recorded in the Preserved Tablet (Al-Lawh al-Mahfuz).
3. Will: Nothing occurs except by Allah’s permission.
4. Creation: Allah is the Creator of all that exists.
Belief in Qadar teaches balance — to strive with effort while trusting Allah’s plan.It removes despair in hardship and arrogance in success. “No calamity befalls except by the permission of Allah, and whoever believes in Allah — He will guide his heart.”— Surah At-Taghabun (64:11)
The Unity of Faith and Action: These six beliefs are not theoretical ideas; they are living truths that shape a Muslim’s heart, morals, and behavior.Faith (Imān) must be reflected in righteous deeds (‘Amal Sālih).True belief inspires humility, justice, and mercy.It transforms the individual — and through him, the world. “Those who believe and do righteous deeds — for them are the Gardens of Bliss.”— Surah Luqman (31:8)
Conclusion: The Six Articles of Faith form the spiritual foundation of Islam.They answer life’s deepest questions — Who created us? Why are we here? What happens after we die?They anchor the believer’s heart in truth, guiding him through joy and hardship with trust in Allah’s wisdom.Faith in Islam is not blind — it is enlightened belief built upon revelation, reason, and purpose. “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day and does righteousness — We will remove from him his misdeeds and admit him to gardens beneath which rivers flow.”— Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:65)The one who believes in these six pillars and lives accordingly attains peace in this life and eternal success in the next.
References:
Qur’anic References: Surah Al-Baqarah (2:255, 2:285)Surah Aal ‘Imran (3:3)Surah An-Nahl (16:36)Surah Al-Hijr (15:9)Surah Ash-Shura (42:11)Surah Az-Zalzalah (99:7–8)Surah Al-Qamar (54:49)Surah Al-Taghabun (64:11)Surah Al-Infitar (82:10–12)Surah Al-Hajj (22:23)Surah Luqman (31:8)Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:65)
Hadith References: Sahih Muslim, Book of Faith (Kitab al-Iman), Hadith of Jibrīl
Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Tawheed. Musnad Ahmad, on belief in Qadar and Divine Decree.
Classical Islamic Works: Al-‘Aqidah al-Tahawiyyah by Imam Abu Ja‘far al-Tahawi
Sharh al-‘Aqidah al-Wasitiyyah by Ibn Taymiyyah
Kitab al-Tawheed by Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhab
Al-Ibanah ‘an Usul ad-Diyanah by Imam al-Ash‘ari
The Fundamentals of Tawheed — Dr. Bilal Philips
Islamic Creed Series — Sheikh Muhammad ibn Salih al-‘Uthaymeen
A Brief Illustrated Guide to Understanding Islam — I.A. Ibrahim
