6 Pillars of Iman in Islam
The 6 Pillars of Iman are essential for Muslims. They give them a clear purpose and guidance in life, following God’s teachings. These pillars shape their Islamic identity and guide their actions. They include belief in Allah (God), the prophets, the holy books, the angels, the Day of Judgment, and predestination. These beliefs provide Muslims with a strong foundation for their faith, helping them live according to Islam’s principles. The pillars help Muslims understand their purpose in life and the importance of following God’s will. They are crucial for Muslims’ identity and how they practice their religion.
The 6 Pillars of Iman: The Foundation of Islamic Faith
The 6 Pillars of Iman are the fundamental beliefs of Islam. They are:
Belief in Allah (God)
The first pillar of Iman among 6 Pillars of Iman is believing in Allah (God). Muslims have faith in one God who created everything and takes care of the world. They believe that God is extremely powerful, knows everything, and is perfectly good.
The Quran says:
“قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ ، اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ ، لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ ، وَلَمْ يَكُنْ لَهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ”
“Qul huwa Allahu ahad, Allahu assamad, lam yalid wa lam yulad, wa lam yakun lahu kufuwan ahad.”
“Say: He is Allah, the One. Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.”
This verse tells us that Allah (God) is one and unique. He has always existed and will always exist. Allah does not have any children and was not born. There is nothing and no one like Him.
Belief in the Angels
The second pillar of Iman is believing in angels. Muslims believe that angels are special beings sent by God. They are made of light and don’t have the ability to make choices like humans do. Angels have important tasks given by God, such as delivering His messages to prophets and guarding and protecting believers. They are like messengers who carry out God’s commands and help ensure the safety and well-being of those who follow Him. Angels play a significant role in connecting the divine realm with the earthly world, and Muslims have faith in their existence and their purpose in God’s plan.
“يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ آمِنُواْ بِاللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ وَالْكِتَابِ الَّذِي نَزَّلَ عَلَى رَسُولِهِ وَالْكِتَابِ الَّذِيَ أَنزَلَ مِن قَبْلُ وَمَن يَكْفُرْ بِاللَّهِ وَمَلائِكَتِهِ وَكُتُبِهِ وَرُسُلِهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ فَقَدْ ضَلَّ ضَلالاً بَعِيدًا”
“Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo aminoo biAllahi warasoolihi w-al-kitabi allatheenazzala ‘ala rasoolihi wal-kitabi allathiy anazala min qablu waman yakfur biAllahi wamalaikatihi wakutubihi warusulihi w-al-yawmi al-akhirifaqad dalla dalalan ba’ida.”
“O you who have believed, believe in Allah and His Messenger and the Book that He sent down upon His Messenger and the Scripture which He sent down before. And whoever disbelieves in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day has certainly gone far astray.”
This verse from the Quran urges believers to have faith in Allah, His Messenger, and the divine books revealed to the Prophet and the earlier messengers. It warns that those who reject Allah, the angels, the books, the messengers, and the Last Day have gone astray.
Belief in the Books of Allah
The third pillar of Iman is having faith in the revealed scriptures. Muslims believe that God communicated His message to humanity through prophets. The most significant among these scriptures are the Quran, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, and the Torah, Psalms, Gospel, and Scrolls. Muslims regard these scriptures as sacred and divine sources of guidance and wisdom. They believe that the Quran is the final and most complete revelation from God. The scriptures play a vital role in shaping Muslim beliefs, morals, and practices, providing them with guidance and serving as a source of inspiration for leading a righteous and fulfilling life.
“إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا الذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُ لَحَافِظُونَ”
“Inna nahnu nazzalna adh-dhikra wa inna lahu lahaafithoon.”
“Indeed, it is We who have sent down the Quran and indeed, We will be its guardian.”
This verse highlights that Allah has sent down the Quran as a divine message and guidance for people. It assures believers that Allah will safeguard and preserve the Quran, ensuring it remains free from any changes or distortions. Muslims firmly believe that the Quran is the unaltered and protected word of Allah, considering it their primary source of wisdom and guidance in life. The verse emphasizes the importance of the Quran as a timeless and trustworthy source of spiritual guidance for Muslims to follow.
Belief in the Prophets
The fourth pillar of Iman is having faith in the prophets. Muslims believe that God selected and sent prophets as guides for humanity. These prophets are humans who received divine messages from God and were tasked with conveying them to others. The final and most significant prophet in Islam is Muhammad, who is regarded as the last messenger from God. Muslims honor and follow the teachings and examples of these prophets, recognizing their crucial role in delivering God’s guidance and showing the way to righteousness. Prophets serve as a source of inspiration and direction for Muslims in leading a virtuous and fulfilling life.
“وَلَقَدْ بَعَثْنَا فِي كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ رَّسُولاً أَنِ اعْبُدُواْ اللَّهَ وَاجْتَنِبُواْ الطَّاغُوتَ فَمِنْهُم مَّنْ هَدَى اللَّهُ وَمِنْهُم مَّنْ حَقَّتْ عَلَيْهِ الضَّلالَةُ فَسِيرُواْ فِي الأَرْضِ فَانظُرُواْ كَيْفَ كَانَ عَاقِبَةُ الْمُكَذِّبِينَ”
“Wa laqad ba’athna fi kulli ummatin rasulan ani’budu Allah wa ijtanibu at-taghoota faminhum man hada Allah wa minhum man haqat ‘alayhi ad-dalalatu fasiroo fi al-ardhi fanzuroo kayfa kana ‘aqibatu al-mukaththibeen.”
“And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], ‘Worship Allah and avoid Taghut.’ And among them were those whom Allah guided, and among them were those upon whom error was [deservedly] decreed. So proceed through the earth and observe how was the end of the deniers.”
This verse recognizes that Allah has sent messengers to many nations, guiding them to worship Him alone and reject false gods. It emphasizes that while some people were guided by Allah through these messengers, others stubbornly rejected the truth and went astray. Muslims are encouraged to reflect on the outcomes faced by those who denied the messengers’ messages, as a reminder of the importance of believing in and following the guidance of Allah’s chosen messengers.
Belief in the Day of Judgment
The fifth pillar of Iman is having faith in the Day of Judgment. Muslims believe in a future day when all individuals will be held responsible for their deeds. On this day, God will justly reward those who have led righteous lives and punish those who have led wicked lives. This belief serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their actions and to strive for goodness, knowing that they will be answerable to God in the ultimate reckoning. The belief in the Day of Judgment provides motivation for leading a morally upright life and serves as a source of hope and justice for believers.
“وَنَضَعُ الْمَوَازِينَ الْقِسْطَ لِيَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ فَلا تُظْلَمُ نَفْسٌ شَيْئًا وَإِن كَانَ مِثْقَالَ حَبَّةٍ مِّنْ خَرْدَلٍ أَتَيْنَا بِهَا وَكَفَى بِنَا حَاسِبِينَ”
“Wa nad’ul-mawazina al-qisţa liyawmi al-qiyamati falā tuzlamu nafsun shay’an wa in kāna mithqāla habbatin min khardalin ataynā bihā wakafá binā ĥāsibīn.”
“And We place the scales of justice for the Day of Resurrection, so no soul will be treated unjustly at all. And if there is [even] the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it forth. And sufficient are We as an accountant.”
This verse emphasizes that Allah will establish a just system of weighing deeds on the Day of Judgment. Every person’s actions, no matter how small, will be taken into account. Allah, as the ultimate judge, will ensure that absolute justice prevails. This verse provides reassurance to believers that their efforts, regardless of their magnitude, will not be overlooked. It affirms that Allah’s accountability is thorough and comprehensive, giving believers confidence that their actions in this life hold significance and will be fairly evaluated in the ultimate reckoning.
Belief in Divine Destiny
The sixth pillar of Iman is having faith in divine destiny. Muslims believe that everything that occurs in the world is part of God’s grand design. While humans possess free will, they also acknowledge that God is in complete control of all events. This belief brings a sense of comfort and trust, knowing that nothing happens without God’s knowledge and wisdom. Muslims understand that their choices and actions are significant, yet they ultimately surrender to God’s ultimate plan and guidance. Belief in divine destiny helps Muslims navigate life’s uncertainties and challenges, relying on God’s wisdom and providence.
“And My mercy encompasses all things, so I will decree it for those who fear Me and perform righteousness and give zakah, and those who believe in Our verses.”
What Does Iman Mean?
Iman, an Arabic term translated as “faith” or “belief” in English, is fundamental to Islam. It entails a profound and genuine acceptance of the religion’s central principles. Iman encompasses believing in the existence and unity of Allah, recognizing Prophet Muhammad as the final messenger, affirming the Quran’s authenticity as a divine revelation, and acknowledging the certainty of the Day of Judgment all these are called 6 Pillars of Iman. It is not merely a passive conviction, but an active commitment that entails obedience, trust, and submission to Islamic teachings. Iman forms an integral part of a Muslim’s identity, shaping their perspective on life and guiding their conduct.
