The Six Pillars of Islamic Faith (Aqidah)
The Islamic Creed (Aqidah)
The Islamic creed (or Aqidah) consists mainly of the Six Pillars of Faith:
- Belief in Allah (God)
- Belief in His Angels
- Belief in His Revealed Books
- Belief in His Messengers
- Belief in the Day of Judgment (Resurrection)
- Belief in Divine Decree (Fate/Destiny), whether good or bad.
The Importance of Islamic Creed
- It is the foundation upon which Islamic legislation, principles, and rulings are built. A sound creed is essential to prevent corruption in Muslim behavior and deeds.
- Creed profoundly influences its followers, motivating them to spend their wealth or sacrifice their lives for its sake.
- Any corruption in creed leads to serious errors in this life and significant repercussions in the Hereafter.
- The greatest disputes between nations throughout history have often been rooted in differences in creed.
- Some tyrants support corrupt creeds to safeguard their rule and interests, using them to facilitate people’s obedience.
- Creed is vital for humanity; it is more important than water or air. It liberates people from superstitions and urges them to seek the meaning of life.
The Six Pillars of Faith Explained
Belief in Allah (Tawhid)
This is the main pillar of faith and fundamentally means believing in the oneness of Allah (Tawhid). He has no partner, son, daughter, helper, or competitor. At the same time, there is nothing that resembles or equals Him. Allah says in the Quran:
“There is nothing whatever like unto Him, He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing” [Quran 42:11].
He is the real Creator; to Him belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth.
“To Him belong the keys of the heavens and the earth… Verily, He has knowledge of everything” [Quran 42:12].
He is capable of doing anything in the heavens or on the earth because of His perfect power. He says:
“Indeed, His command, when He desires a thing, is only to say to it, ‘Be!’ and it is” [Quran 36:82].
Benefits of Believing in Allah
- It guides one to a happy life committed to virtue, purity, justice, and peace.
- This clear and pure monotheism (Tawhid) is essential, as all other pillars of faith depend on it.
- This belief instills complete trust and hope in Allah; it secures human dignity and saves one from fear, despair, guilt, and confusion.
- This concept of oneness also clarifies the true position of mankind in this universe, showing that Allah is the Creator, while man is His vicegerent (Khalifa) on Earth. This exalts humanity to the dignified position of acting according to Allah’s will.
Belief in the Angels
- Angels were created from light, and require no food, drink, or sleep. They have no physical desires of any kind. They are purely spiritual and splendid beings.
- They are honored creatures, created solely to worship Allah, obey Him, and act only by His command.
- We cannot see them, but the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) saw Jibril (Gabriel) in his true form with six hundred wings that covered the horizon. The Quran describes the beautiful form of angels [Quran 35:1].
- Angels can change shape and appear in different forms.
Belief in Allah’s Revealed Books
This involves believing in Allah’s Books which were revealed to certain Messengers. Allah revealed these Books as proof for humankind and as guidance for them. The Quran is regarded as the seal of all revelations. It is, as Allah says:
“Guidance for the people and clear signs of guidance and the criterion between right and wrong” [Quran 2:185].
Belief in Allah’s Messengers
All Messengers convey the same message and have the same purpose: to lead humankind to worship Allah alone.
Why Allah Sent Messengers?
- To convey Allah’s Message to those they were sent to.
- To call people to know and worship Allah.
- To warn and promise people regarding what is prepared for them in this life and the Hereafter.
- To reform and purify human souls.
- To correct thoughts and beliefs that people have corrupted.
- To warn people that they will have no excuse for failing to do what is right.
- To lead people according to the way prescribed by Allah.
Distinguishing Messengers from Others
- A Messenger of Allah possesses perfect morals and behavior. This is necessary because they must serve as a model for their followers.
- Allah’s Messengers are supported by miracles.
- Every Prophet clearly states that what he receives is from Allah for the well-being of mankind.
Belief in the Day of Judgment
- Islam teaches that this life on Earth is temporary and limited.
- This worldly life is regarded as a test for each individual.
- Belief in life after death is crucial, ensuring that ultimate justice will be served on that Day.
- Life after death is assured in both the Quran and the Sunnah (Prophetic tradition).
Belief in Divine Decree (Qadar/Fate)
Destiny is the divine decree that fixes the limits of existing things.
Foundations for Understanding Destiny
- Allah’s knowledge encompasses all things, even before they happen. He wrote everything in the Secured Tablet (Lawh Mahfuz).
- Nothing happens in this universe without His will.
- We, as humans, must not say that since everything is by Allah’s knowledge and will, we have nothing to do.
- Everyone is responsible for their actions, because Allah has given them the choice (free will).