The Six Pillars of Faith and Other Islamic Beliefs

                                                

 The Six Pillars of Faith and Other Islamic Beliefs

Introduction

In Islam, faith (Iman) is the foundation of a Muslim’s belief system. It refers to complete trust in Allah and acceptance of what He has revealed. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ explained that Iman has six core pillars, which are essential for every Muslim to believe in. Alongside these, Islam also teaches other important beliefs that guide a Muslim’s worldview.

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1. The Six Pillars of Faith

These pillars are mentioned in the famous Hadith of Jibril (Gabriel), when the angel asked the Prophet ﷺ about faith, and he replied:

1. Belief in Allah

• Believing in the one true God, Allah — the Creator, Sustainer, and Controller of the universe.

• Allah is unique, has no partners, no children, and nothing is like Him.

• He alone deserves worship.

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2. Belief in the Angels

• Angels are created from light.

• They are sinless servants of Allah, carrying out His commands.

• Examples: Jibril (Gabriel) who delivers revelation, Mikail who controls rain and provision, Israfil who will blow the trumpet on the Day of Judgment.

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3. Belief in the Revealed Books

• Allah revealed scriptures to guide humanity.

• These include the Torah (given to Moses), the Psalms (given to David), the Gospel (given to Jesus), and finally, the Qur’an (given to Muhammad ﷺ).

• The Qur’an is the final, preserved, and complete guidance.

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4. Belief in the Prophets and Messengers

• Allah sent prophets to every nation to guide people.

• They were human beings, not divine, chosen to deliver Allah’s message.

• Muhammad ﷺ is the final prophet — the “Seal of the Prophets.”

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5. Belief in the Day of Judgment

• Life in this world is temporary; the Hereafter is eternal.

• On the Day of Judgment, everyone will be resurrected and held accountable for their deeds.

• Those who believed and did good will enter Paradise; those who rejected truth will face punishment.

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6. Belief in Divine Decree (Qadr)

• Everything that happens — good or bad — is by Allah’s knowledge, will, and wisdom.

• Humans have free will in their choices, but Allah knows all outcomes.

• This belief teaches patience in hardship and gratitude in blessings.

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2. Other Important Islamic Beliefs

a) Belief in Life After Death

• After death, souls enter the Barzakh (a stage before resurrection).

• The grave is a place of reward or punishment until the Day of Judgment.

• Eternal life in Paradise or Hell follows judgment.

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b) Belief in the Unseen (Al-Ghayb)

• Includes realities we cannot perceive directly, such as the angels, the soul, Paradise, Hell, and the events of the Hereafter.

• Belief in the unseen strengthens trust in Allah.

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c) Belief in Accountability

• Every action is recorded by angels.

• No deed, big or small, is hidden from Allah.

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d) Belief in the Signs of the Last Day

• Includes both minor signs (moral decline, widespread injustice) and major signs (appearance of the Mahdi, return of Jesus, emergence of Gog and Magog, etc.).

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3. Why These Beliefs Matter

• They provide a complete worldview, connecting the present life to the eternal Hereafter.

• They shape moral character, promoting honesty, justice, and compassion.

• They inspire patience, hope, and gratitude in all situations.

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Conclusion

The Six Pillars of Faith are the foundation of a Muslim’s belief system. Combined with other Islamic beliefs, they form a complete spiritual framework that connects a believer to Allah, shapes their character, and prepares them for the Hereafter. Faith in Islam is not just belief in the heart — it is a living commitment that influences every aspect of life.

“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, [saying], ‘We make no distinction between any of His messengers.’”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:285)