Introduction to Iman
The Six Pillars of Iman (faith) represent the core beliefs that every Muslim must uphold. Unlike the Five Pillars of Islam, which focus on outward actions and practices, the Six Pillars of Iman focus on inner conviction, shaping a Muslim’s understanding of the universe, their relationship with Allah, and the purpose of life. These beliefs form the framework for spiritual growth and enlightenment. They include belief in Allah, His angels, His divine books, His prophets, the Day of Judgment, and divine predestination. Together, they serve as the foundation that inspires faith, trust, and a deep connection with Allah, guiding every aspect of a Muslim’s life.
1. Belief in Allah (Tawhid)
The first and most essential pillar of Iman is the belief in Allah, the One and Only God. This belief is rooted in the concept of Tawhid, the absolute oneness and uniqueness of Allah. In Islam, Allah is not just the creator and sustainer of the universe, but also its sovereign ruler, omniscient, omnipotent, and merciful. Belief in Allah requires Muslims to understand and internalize His attributes, known as the Asma' wa Sifat (Names and Attributes of Allah), which include characteristics like His omniscience, omnipotence, mercy, and justice. Allah has no partners, no equals, and no children, and worshipping anything or anyone other than Allah is considered Shirk (the gravest sin in Islam). This pillar shapes the Muslim worldview, as it instills the understanding that everything in existence is by Allah's will. His power governs the universe, and all events, whether good or bad, happen according to His divine wisdom. .
2. Belief in the Angels (Mala'ika)
The second pillar of Iman is belief in the existence of angels, who are created from light by Allah to perform various tasks. Unlike humans, angels do not have free will; they exist solely to obey Allah's commands and carry out His will without question. They are neither male nor female, and they do not possess human desires or needs. Key angels in Islam include: Jibril (Gabriel): The angel of revelation, who conveyed Allah’s messages to the prophets, including the Quran to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Mikail (Michael): The angel responsible for providing sustenance, such as rain and agriculture. Israfil: The angel who will blow the trumpet to signal the end of the world. Malik: The keeper of Hell. Ridwan: The keeper of Paradise. Munkar and Nakir: The angels who question the dead in their graves about their faith. Angels are always present, recording the deeds of every human being. Two angels, known as Kiraman Katibin, are assigned to each person—one to record their good deeds and the other their bad deeds. Belief in angels reminds Muslims that they are always accountable for their actions, as they are constantly being observed and recorded.
3. Belief in the Divine Books (Kutub)
The third pillar is the belief in the divine scriptures that were revealed to various prophets throughout history to guide humanity. Muslims believe that Allah sent down books of guidance, which 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 Quran: Given to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which is considered the final and complete revelation. While Muslims believe that the earlier scriptures were true revelations from Allah, they also believe that those texts have been altered or lost over time. The Quran, however, is viewed as the final, unaltered word of Allah, meant for all of humanity until the end of time. It is the ultimate source of guidance for Muslims, covering every aspect of life, from worship to personal conduct to social justice. Belief in the divine books reinforces the concept that Allah has always provided guidance to humanity and that the Quran is the culmination of that divine wisdom.
4. Belief in the Prophets (Nabi and Rasul)
The fourth pillar of Iman is the belief in all of Allah’s prophets, from Adam, the first prophet, to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the last and final messenger. Islam teaches that Allah has sent prophets to every nation to guide them to the path of righteousness and to call people to worship Allah alone. Among these prophets are figures such as: Adam: The first prophet and the first human being. Nuh (Noah): Who warned his people about the impending flood. Ibrahim (Abraham): Known for his devotion and the trial of sacrificing his son. Musa (Moses): Who led the Israelites out of Egypt and received the Torah. Isa (Jesus): Who preached monotheism and foretold the coming of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Muhammad (PBUH): The seal of the prophets, who received the final revelation, the Quran. Prophets were sent to teach the same core message: Tawhid (the oneness of Allah), submission to His will, and living a righteous life. Muslims are required to respect and honor all the prophets, understanding that they were the chosen servants of Allah who conveyed His guidance to humanity. Belief in the prophets emphasizes that the message of Islam is a continuation of the earlier Abrahamic traditions, and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is seen as the last and final guide for all of humanity.
5. Belief in the Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Qiyamah)
The fifth pillar is the belief in the Day of Judgment, a central tenet of Islamic eschatology. Muslims believe that life on earth is temporary, and there will come a day when the world as we know it will come to an end. On this day, all human beings will be resurrected and held accountable for their actions in life. The Day of Judgment is described as a time of great upheaval, where mountains will crumble, the seas will boil, and the dead will be raised from their graves. Each person will be judged based on the record of their deeds, which the angels have kept throughout their lives. Their good deeds will be weighed against their bad deeds, and Allah, in His ultimate justice and mercy, will decide their eternal fate. The righteous will be rewarded with eternal paradise (Jannah), a place of unimaginable beauty and bliss, while those who have rejected Allah and committed grave sins without repentance will be consigned to Hell (Jahannam), a place of torment and despair. This belief encourages Muslims to live a life of righteousness, to seek forgiveness, and to perform good deeds, knowing that they will be held accountable in the Hereafter. It also provides hope and reassurance, as those who are oppressed in this life will receive justice in the next.
6. Belief in Qadar (Divine Decree or Predestination)
The final pillar of Iman is belief in Qadar, or divine predestination. This means that Allah has knowledge of everything that happens in the universe, and nothing occurs without His will and permission. Allah’s knowledge is all-encompassing, and He is aware of all past, present, and future events. He has preordained everything that will happen, from the smallest events to the greatest occurrences. Muslims believe that while humans have free will to make choices in their lives, those choices are within the framework of Allah’s divine plan. This belief does not negate human responsibility; rather, it acknowledges that Allah's wisdom is beyond human comprehension and that everything happens for a reason, even if it is not immediately understood. This pillar helps Muslims develop a sense of trust and contentment in Allah’s plan, especially in difficult times. Whether facing personal challenges, loss, or hardship, a Muslim is encouraged to accept Allah's decree with patience and faith, trusting that He knows what is best for them.
Conclusion
The Six Pillars of Iman form the spiritual backbone of Islam, guiding a Muslim’s beliefs and understanding of the universe. By affirming belief in Allah, His angels, His books, His prophets, the Day of Judgment, and divine predestination, Muslims cultivate a deep connection to their Creator and a clear purpose in life.
These beliefs are not abstract concepts but practical truths that shape a Muslim’s daily life, fostering a sense of accountability, gratitude, and trust in Allah’s wisdom. The Six Pillars of Iman complement the Five Pillars of Islam, as they provide the internal faith that drives the external practices, helping Muslims live a life of purpose, righteousness, and submission to Allah.