6 Pillars of Iman : A Guide to Islamic Faith

6 pillars of iman : Introduction

While Islam is the outward rites and practices, Iman is the internal system of belief which Muslims are supposed to follow. A Muslim’s values, as per the 6 Pillars of Iman, provide the benchmark by which he is to live his life in front of Allah (God) and the world. The pillars, based on the Quran and hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), are the Muslims’ spiritual and moral inspiration.

Understanding the 6 pillars of iman

1. Belief in Allah (Tawhid)

The most fundamental and initial pillar of Iman is belief in Allah. The faith that Allah is the Creator, Sustainer, and Sovereignty of the world is reinforced. Islamic faith has tawhid or the Oneness of Allah as its foundation.

Quranic Reference:

Allah is guiding us in the Quran:

Allah says in the Quran:
“Say, ‘He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.'” (Quran 112:1-4)

This Surah (chapter) is known as Surah Al-Ikhlas, and this short surah explains Tawhid best. Belief in Allah encompasses belief in His characteristics such as mercy, wisdom, and power as explained in the Quran throughout.

Hadith Reference:

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated:

“Iman is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and to believe in divine decree, both the good and the bad thereof.” (Sahih Muslim)

This Hadith is the basis of the Six Pillars of Iman, starting with Imaan in Allah.

2. Belief in the Angels (Mala’ika)

Belief in angels is the second pillar of Iman. Angels are made by Allah from light and are obedient servants of Allah who obey willingly. Angels are immaterial beings and are commissioned to perform special functions, such as sending revelations, keeping records of deeds done by man, and helping to maintain order in nature in the universe.

Quranic Reference:

Allah states:

“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…” (Quran 2:285)
In the Quran and Hadith, angels such as Jibreel (Gabriel), Mika’il (Michael), Israfil, and Malik are mentioned; each has a distinct function.

Reference to Hadith:

“Angels were created from light, jinn were created from smokeless fire, and Adam was created from what has been described to you (i.e., clay).” (Sahih Muslim)

The belief in angels stresses there existing an unseen realm and the precision of Allah’s order.

3. Belief in Allah’s Books (Kutubullah)

The third is faith in the books of Allah sent unto His prophets. They are guides unto the human world and contain law and wisdom within them. Quran is the final and complete book of revelation rendering everything that preceded it null and void.

Quranic Reference:

Allah states:

“Indeed, We have sent down the Torah, in which was guidance and light… And We sent, following in their footsteps, Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming that which came before him in the Torah; and We gave him the Gospel, in which was guidance and light…” (Quran 5:44-46)

The Torah (Tawrat), the Psalms (Zabur), the Gospel (Injeel), and the Scrolls of Abraham (Suhuf Ibrahim) are all termed as previous revelations in the Quran.

Hadith Citation:

“The best among you are those who learn the Quran and teach it.” (Sahih Bukhari)

This implies that the Quran is significant since it is a model for Muslims.

Belief in the Prophets and Messengers of Allah (Rusul)

Fourth Iman pillar is to have faith in the messengers and prophets of Allah and the message of Allah that came to lead human beings. All the prophets, beginning with Adam to the end of Muhammad (peace be upon him), had been given the same global message of Tawhid (monotheism).

Quranic Reference:

Allah states:

“And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], ‘Worship Allah and avoid Taghut (false deities).'” (Quran 16:36)

The Quran also refers to 25 prophets, including Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (peace be upon them all).

Hadith Reference:

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated:

“The prophets are like brothers from one father; their mothers are different, but their religion is one.” (Sahih Bukhari)

This Hadith informs us that the prophets are similar in their message despite being from various periods and places.

Belief in the Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Qiyamah)

The fifth article of faith is the faith in the Day of Judgment when all humans and creatures shall be resurrected and held accountable for their deeds. This faith imposes responsibility and induces good deeds.

Quranic Reference:

Allah says:

“Indeed, the Hour is coming—no doubt about it—and Allah will resurrect those in the graves.” (Quran 22:7)
The Quran also vividly explains what happens on the Day of Judgment, including the blowing of the trumpet, the congregation of human beings, and the weighing of deeds.

Hadith Reference:

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“The feet of a servant will not move on the Day of Judgment until he is asked about four things: his life and how he spent it, his knowledge and how he acted upon it, his wealth and how he earned and spent it, and his body and how he used it.” (Sunan Tirmidhi)

This Hadith focuses on accountability

Belief in Divine Decree (Qada wal Qadar)

The belief in Allah’s complete control over all occurrences, whether positive or negative, is the sixth pillar of Iman. This fundamental aspect of Islam teaches Muslims how to believe in Allah’s will in a peaceful and kind manner.

Quranic Reference:

Allah says:

“No disaster strikes upon the earth or among yourselves except that it is in a register before We bring it into being. Indeed, that, for Allah, is easy.” (Quran 57:22)
This verse also indicates the concept of predestination.

Hadith Reference:

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “A person is not a believer until he believes in Qadar, its good and its bad, knowing that what has passed him by was never going to befall him, and what has befallen him was never going to pass him by.” (Sunan Tirmidhi)

The importance of acting with faith in Allah’s wisdom is emphasized once more in this Hadith.

Conclusion on The 6 Pillars of Iman

A Muslim’s beliefs, which govern his thoughts and influence his behavior, are known as the 6 Pillars of Iman.

The 6 pillars of iman are not abstract but concrete articles that regulate all the activities of a believer.

Also Read : Understanding Sunnah سَنَةٌ : A Comprehensive Guide