Pillars of Faith in Islam (Arkan al-Iman): Understanding the Core Beliefs of the Islamic Faith
Introduction
Islam, one of the world’s major monotheistic religions, is built upon a profound spiritual and ethical framework. At the heart of this framework lies the pillars of faith in Islam, known in Arabic as Arkan al-Iman. These six fundamental beliefs form the foundation of the Islamic belief system, guiding a Muslim’s understanding of the world, their purpose in life, and their relationship with God. This article provides an in-depth exploration of the six articles of faith, explaining their significance and their impact on the daily life of a believer.
Overview of Arkan al-Iman
The Arkan al-Iman, or Pillars of Faith in Islam, refer to six core tenets that every Muslim must believe in. These beliefs are not merely philosophical or abstract concepts; they are essential convictions that shape every aspect of a Muslim’s spiritual and practical life. Unlike the Five Pillars of Islam, which focus on actions, the six pillars of faith pertain to inner belief.
The six core beliefs in Islam are:
- Belief in Allah (God)
- Belief in the Angels
- Belief in the Revealed Books
- Belief in the Prophets
- Belief in the Day of Judgment
- Belief in Divine Decree (Qadar)
These six articles of faith are based on the teachings of the Qur’an and the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), especially the famous Hadith of Jibril (Gabriel), in which the Prophet outlines the principles of belief and practice in Islam.
The Six Pillars of Faith Explained
1. Belief in Allah (Iman bi-Allah)
The most fundamental of all the pillars of faith in Islam is the belief in Allah, the One and Only God. Muslims believe that Allah is the Creator, Sustainer, and Sovereign of the universe. He is unique, eternal, and without partner or equal.
Belief in Allah includes acknowledging His divine attributes—such as mercy, justice, omnipotence, and wisdom—and affirming that worship should be directed to Him alone. This pillar emphasizes the concept of Tawhid, or the oneness of God, which is the essence of Islamic monotheism.
2. Belief in the Angels (Iman bil-Mala’ika)
Muslims believe in the existence of angels, created by Allah from light. Angels are honored servants of God who carry out His commands without fail. Unlike humans, they do not have free will and are completely devoted to obedience.
Key angels include Jibril (Gabriel), who brought revelation to the prophets; Mikail (Michael), who oversees natural phenomena; Israfil, who will blow the trumpet to signal the Day of Judgment; and Malik, the guardian of Hell. Belief in angels highlights the unseen dimension of the Islamic belief system and reinforces the presence of divine order and accountability.
3. Belief in the Revealed Books (Iman bil-Kutub)
Muslims believe that Allah has sent down scriptures to guide humanity. These include the Torah revealed to Moses, the Psalms to David, the Gospel to Jesus, and the Qur’an to Muhammad (peace be upon them all).
The Qur’an is considered the final and most complete revelation, preserved in its original form. While Muslims respect all previous scriptures, they believe that the Qur’an supersedes them and serves as the ultimate source of divine guidance. This belief underscores the importance of scripture in shaping moral, legal, and spiritual conduct.
4. Belief in the Prophets (Iman bir-Rusul)
Belief in the prophets is another cornerstone of the six articles of faith. Muslims believe that Allah chose certain individuals to deliver His message to humanity. These prophets served as guides, role models, and warners.
Among them are Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (peace be upon them all). Muhammad is regarded as the final prophet, the “Seal of the Prophets,” whose message is universal and timeless. This pillar emphasizes the continuity of divine guidance throughout human history.
5. Belief in the Day of Judgment (Iman bil-Yawm al-Akhir)
Muslims believe in a final Day of Judgment when all individuals will be resurrected and held accountable for their deeds. On this day, people will be judged by Allah with perfect justice and will either be rewarded with Paradise or punished in Hell based on their beliefs and actions.
This belief serves as a powerful motivator for ethical behavior and moral responsibility. It reinforces the idea that life has purpose and that ultimate justice will prevail.
6. Belief in Divine Decree (Qadar) (Iman bil-Qadar)
The sixth pillar is belief in Qadar, or divine predestination. Muslims believe that everything happens according to Allah’s will and knowledge, whether good or bad. However, this belief does not negate human free will; rather, it emphasizes trust in Allah’s wisdom and acceptance of life’s outcomes.
Understanding Qadar helps Muslims maintain hope during trials and gratitude during blessings. It teaches balance between effort and reliance on God.
The Role of the Pillars of Faith in Daily Life
The pillars of faith in Islam are not abstract doctrines but deeply practical beliefs that influence every aspect of a Muslim’s life. They shape how Muslims view the world, interact with others, and relate to God.
- Spiritual Practice: Belief in Allah fosters devotion and sincerity in worship.
- Moral Conduct: Belief in accountability and judgment encourages honesty, justice, and compassion.
- Resilience: Belief in divine decree provides comfort and strength during hardships.
- Community and Brotherhood: Belief in the universality of the prophets and scriptures promotes mutual respect and a sense of global unity among Muslims.
Whether in prayer, family life, work, or community service, these beliefs inform a Muslim’s intentions and actions, creating a holistic lifestyle centered on faith and purpose.
Conclusion
The pillars of faith in Islam—Arkan al-Iman—are the foundation of the Islamic belief system. Understanding these six articles of faith is essential for anyone seeking to comprehend the core beliefs of Muslims and the guiding principles of their spiritual life.
By believing in Allah, His angels, His books, His prophets, the Day of Judgment, and divine decree, Muslims embrace a worldview rooted in purpose, accountability, and divine wisdom. These pillars serve not only as theological concepts but as daily reminders of one’s duties, hopes, and connection to the Creator.
Whether you are a student of religion, a seeker of knowledge, or someone simply curious about Islam, grasping the pillars of faith in Islam offers valuable insights into one of the world’s most influential and profound spiritual traditions.
