Iman, often translated as ‘faith’ or ‘belief,’ forms the very bedrock of a Muslim’s life, serving as the fundamental principle upon which all actions, thoughts, and intentions are built. It is not merely a verbal affirmation but a profound conviction that resides in the heart, is articulated by the tongue, and manifested through the limbs.
Understanding Iman: Meaning and Significance
Iman, in its linguistic sense, means to affirm, to verify, or to trust. In Islamic terminology, it signifies a deep, unwavering conviction in the truth of Islam as revealed by Allah (God) through His final Prophet, Muhammad (peace be upon him). This conviction encompasses not only intellectual assent but also profound certitude, submission, and inner peace.
The significance of Iman is paramount. It is the spiritual foundation that grants life purpose, meaning, and direction. Without Iman, human existence lacks a divine connection and ultimate accountability. It fosters a sense of gratitude towards the Creator, inspires righteous conduct, cultivates patience in adversity, and instills hope in divine mercy. Iman is the source of inner strength, moral rectitude, and the motivation to strive for excellence in both worldly affairs and matters of the afterlife. It liberates the human soul from superstition, doubt, and the worship of anything other than the One True God.
The Articles of Iman: Pillars of Belief
Islamic tradition outlines six fundamental articles of faith, which are the core tenets of Iman. These articles are interconnected and form a cohesive worldview, guiding the believer towards a comprehensive understanding of existence, purpose, and destiny.
A. Belief in Allah (God)
The foremost and most crucial article of faith is the belief in Allah, the One, Unique God, who is the Creator, Sustainer, and Sovereign of the entire universe. This belief is encapsulated in the concept of Tawhid, the absolute oneness and indivisibility of God. Allah is unique in His essence, attributes, and actions; there is none like Him, and He has no partners, equals, or associates in His divinity or sovereignty.
The essence of this belief is articulated in the Kalimatush-Shahadah (The Testimony of Faith): “La ilaha illa Allah, Muhammadur Rasulullah” (There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is His Messenger). The first part, “La ilaha illa Allah,” is the core declaration of Tawhid, affirming that Allah is the only deity worthy of worship. This declaration is not merely a phrase but a commitment to structuring one’s entire life around the absolute sovereignty and oneness of Allah. It implies acknowledging His omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence, and directing all acts of worship, devotion, and reliance solely towards Him.
The Quran repeatedly emphasizes Allah’s oneness and unique attributes:
- Qur’an 2:163: “And your God is One God. There is no deity except Him, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.”
- Qur’an 2:255 (Ayat al-Kursi): “Allah – there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. Neither slumber overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth…” This verse highlights His ultimate power, self-sufficiency, and eternal existence.
- Qur’an 3:18: “Allah bears witness that there is no deity except Him, and [so do] the angels and those of knowledge…” affirming the truth of Tawhid.
- Qur’an 17:42-43: “Say, [O Muhammad], ‘If there had been with Him [other] gods, as they say, then they [the gods] would have sought to [overthrow] the Owner of the Throne.’ Exalted is He and high above what they say by great sublimity.” This refutes the notion of multiple gods.
- Qur’an 21:22: “Had there been therein [in the heavens and earth] gods other than Allah, [the heavens and earth] would have been ruined. So exalted is Allah, Lord of the Throne, above what they describe.” Reinforces the necessity of a single Creator for cosmic order.
- Qur’an 23:91: “Allah has not taken any son, nor has there ever been with Him any deity. [Otherwise], each deity would have taken what it created, and some of them would have sought to overcome others. Exalted is Allah above what they describe!”
- Qur’an 112 (Surah Al-Ikhlas): “Say, ‘He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He has not begotten, nor was He begotten, And there is none comparable to Him.'” This surah succinctly encapsulates the concept of Tawhid.
Islam and the Concept of Trinity: Islam definitively rejects the concept of the Trinity, which posits God as a complex unity of three distinct persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. Islamic monotheism (Tawhid) is absolute and uncompromising, asserting that Allah is one, unique, and indivisible, without peer, partner, or offspring. The Quran clarifies this position:
- Qur’an 4:171: “O People of the Scripture, do not commit excess in your religion or say about Allah except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, was but a messenger of Allah and His word which He directed to Mary and a soul [created at a command] from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers. And do not say ‘Three’; desist – it is better for you. Indeed, Allah is but one God. Exalted is He above having a son. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth. And sufficient is Allah as Disposer of affairs.”
- Qur’an 5:75-76: “The Messiah, son of Mary, was not but a messenger; [other] messengers had passed on before him. And his mother was a woman of truth. They both used to eat food. Look how We make clear to them the signs; then look how they are deluded. Say, ‘Do you worship besides Allah that which holds for you no power [to cause] harm or [to bring] benefit while Allah is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing?'”
- Qur’an 19:92-93: “And it is not appropriate for the Most Merciful that He should take a son. There is no one in the heavens and earth but that he comes to the Most Merciful as a servant.” These verses emphatically establish Jesus as a revered prophet and servant of Allah, not a divine being or part of a trinity.
B. Belief in His Angels
Angels are unseen beings created by Allah from light. They are entirely obedient to Allah’s commands, possessing no free will to disobey. They perform various duties, including conveying divine messages, recording human deeds, glorifying Allah, and maintaining order in the universe.
- Qur’an 2:285: “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…”
- Qur’an 8:50: “And if you could see when the angels take the souls of those who disbelieved, striking their faces and their backs and [saying], ‘Taste the punishment of the Burning Fire.'” (Depicts their role in taking souls).
- Qur’an 16:2: “He sends down the angels with the inspiration of His command upon whom He wills of His servants, [saying], ‘Warn that there is no deity except Me; so fear Me.'” (Relaying revelation).
- Qur’an 66:6: “O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones, over which are [appointed] angels, harsh and severe; they do not disobey Allah in what He commands them but do what they are commanded.” (Guardians of Hellfire).
- Qur’an 82:10-12: “But indeed, [appointed] over you are guardians, noble recorders, who know whatever you do.” (Recording deeds).
C. Belief in His Books
This article of faith entails believing that Allah has sent down divine revelations (books) to His prophets throughout history as guidance for humanity. These books contain Allah’s commands, prohibitions, laws, and wisdom, showing humanity the path to righteousness and salvation.
- The primary books mentioned are the Scrolls of Abraham, the Torah (given to Moses), the Psalms (given to David), the Gospel (given to Jesus), and the Qur’an (given to Muhammad).
- Muslims believe in the original, uncorrupted forms of these scriptures. However, they believe that previous scriptures may have been altered or lost over time, while the Qur’an is the final and perfectly preserved revelation.
- Qur’an 2:2: “This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah.” (Referring to the Qur’an).
- Qur’an 2:285: “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…”
- Qur’an 87:18-19: “Indeed, this is in the former scriptures, the scriptures of Abraham and Moses.” (Referring to universal truths across scriptures).
- Qur’an 5:46: “And We sent, following in their footsteps, Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming that which came before him of the Torah; and We gave him the Gospel, in which was guidance and light and confirming that which preceded it of the Torah as guidance and instruction for the righteous.”
D. Belief in His Prophets
Belief in Allah’s prophets means believing that Allah chose certain individuals to convey His messages and guidance to mankind. These prophets were exemplary in their character, truthful in their message, and divinely protected from major sins. They were all united in the core message of Tawhid, calling people to worship the One God.
- Islam honors all prophets, from Adam to Muhammad, peace be upon them all, making no distinction between them in terms of their prophethood.
- UluI-‘Azm (Prophets of Strong Will): Special emphasis is placed on five prophets known for their immense patience, steadfastness, and perseverance in the face of great adversity in conveying Allah’s message. They are:
- Nuh (Noah): The first messenger to face significant rejection.
- Ibrahim (Abraham): The father of prophets, known for his unwavering monotheism despite persecution.
- Musa (Moses): Who spoke directly to Allah and led his people from oppression.
- ‘Isa (Jesus): Born miraculously, who performed miracles by Allah’s leave, and whose message emphasized love and mercy.
- Muhammad (Peace be upon him): The final prophet, who brought the comprehensive and universal message of Islam to all humanity.
- Qur’an 6:83-87: Enumerates many prophets and messengers, highlighting their guidance and righteous deeds.
- Qur’an 4:164: “And [We sent] messengers about whom We have related [stories] to you before and messengers about whom We have not related to you. And Allah spoke to Moses with [direct] speech.”
- Qur’an 10:47: “And for every nation is a messenger. So when their messenger comes, it will be judged between them in [i.e., with] justice, and they will not be wronged.”
- Qur’an 21:107: “And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.” (Highlighting Prophet Muhammad’s universal mission).
- Qur’an 46:35: “So be patient, [O Muhammad], as were the messengers of strong will…” referring to the UluI-‘Azm prophets.
- Ahadith (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad) further elaborate on the lives, teachings, and significance of these prophets, reinforcing their exemplary character and divine mission.
E. Belief in The Day of Resurrection, Judgment: Eternal Life
This article signifies conviction in the ultimate return to Allah, when all humanity will be resurrected and brought to account for their deeds in this worldly life. This belief serves as a powerful deterrent against wrongdoing and a profound motivator for righteous living, knowing that justice will prevail.
- The Day of Judgment is a divinely appointed time when every soul will stand before Allah to be judged based on their faith and actions. Deeds, both good and bad, will be weighed, and people will be recompensed accordingly – either entering eternal Paradise (Jannah) or eternal Hellfire (Jahannam).
- Qur’an 20:15: “Indeed, the Hour is coming – I almost conceal it – so that every soul may be recompensed for that which it strives.”
- Qur’an 32:10-20: Describes the denial of resurrection by disbelievers and Allah’s power to bring it about, concluding with the different fates of believers and disbelievers.
- Qur’an 36:78-79: “And he presents for Us an example and forgets his [own] creation. He says, ‘Who will give life to bones while they are disintegrated?’ Say, ‘He will give them life who produced them the first time; and He is, of all creation, Knowing.'”
- Qur’an 75:3-13: Describes the resurrection of bones, the inability to flee, and the gathering of humanity on that momentous day.
F. Belief in Divine Destiny – Qada’ and Qadar
This article of faith, often challenging to grasp fully, involves believing that Allah has complete knowledge and power over all things, and everything that occurs is by His divine decree. It necessitates understanding two distinct yet interwoven concepts:
- Qada’ (Divine Decree/Predisposition): Refers to Allah’s eternal knowledge, pre-ordainment, and ultimate decree of everything that will happen throughout time, from eternity past to eternity future. It encompasses all events, big or small, known to Allah before they occur.
- Qadar (Divine Measure/Execution): Refers to the actual manifestation and bringing into existence of Qada’ in the physical world according to Allah’s precise measure and power. It is the implementation of what was decreed.
Distinction between the two Concepts: The concept of Qada’ and Qadar does not negate human free will and accountability. While Allah has full knowledge of what His creation will do, humans are given the capacity for choice (free will) and are therefore held responsible for their actions. Allah does not compel individuals to choose good or evil; rather, He knows what they will choose. This belief instills humility, reliance on Allah, patience in adversity, and diligence in striving for good, as one understands that every outcome is ultimately from Allah, while their effort and choice are essential elements.
- Qur’an 3:145: “And it is not [possible] for a soul to die except by permission of Allah, at a decree determined.” (Highlights destiny in life and death).
- Qur’an 25:2: “…And He created all things and determined them with [precise] determination.” (Emphasizes Allah’s precise ordering of creation).
- Qur’an 76:3: “Indeed, We guided him to the way, whether grateful or ungrateful.” (Indicates human capacity for choice).
- Qur’an 87:3: “And who destined and [then] guided.” (Allah’s determination and guidance).
Conclusion
Iman in Islam is a comprehensive and dynamic concept, extending beyond mere intellectual acceptance to encompass profound spiritual conviction, verbal affirmation, and practical embodiment through righteous deeds. The six articles of faith—belief in Allah, His angels, His books, His prophets, the Day of Judgment, and Divine Destiny—form a holistic framework that guides the believer’s understanding of existence, purpose, and their relationship with the Creator. This robust foundation provides clarity, moral direction, and inner peace, empowering individuals to navigate life’s challenges with resilience, gratitude, and a steadfast commitment to living in accordance with the divine will, aspiring towards eternal felicity.
