The Six Pillars of Eman (Faith)

Faith in Islam is deeply rooted in six core principles, as articulated in the hadith of Jibreel (Gabriel), when he questioned the Prophet Muhammad (صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) about the essence of faith. The Prophet (صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) responded:

“Faith means to believe in Allah, His angels, His Books, His Messengers, the Last Day, and the Divine Decree, both good and bad”

Sahih Muslim 8

These principles form the foundation of a Muslim’s belief system and guide their understanding and practice of Islam. These six beliefs are:

1. Belief in Allah
2. Belief in Angels
3. Belief in the Divine Books
4. Belief in the Prophets
5. Belief in the Last Day
6. Belief in the Divine Decree (Qadar)

1. Belief in Allah

Believing in Allah is the most important part of being a Muslim. It means recognizing that Allah is the one and only God, knowing His qualities, and understanding that He controls everything in the universe. The Quran says:

“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

2. Belief in Angels

Angels are special beings created by Allah from light. They have different tasks, like delivering messages from Allah, protecting people, and recording our deeds. The most well-known angel is Jibreel (Gabriel), who brought Allah’s messages to the prophets.

3. Belief in the Divine Books

Muslims believe that Allah revealed holy books to guide humanity. These include the Tawrat (Torah), Zabur (Psalms), Injil (Gospel), and the Quran. The Quran, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ), is the final and complete guide for all mankind for all time.

4. Belief in the Prophets

Allah sent many prophets to guide people, starting with Adam and including important figures like Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (peace be upon them all). These prophets delivered Allah’s messages and showed us how to live good lives. The Prophet Muhammad (صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) is the last prophet.

5. Belief in the Last Day

The Last Day, or the Day of Judgment, is when everyone will be resurrected and judged by Allah for their actions in this life. Good deeds will lead to paradise, and bad deeds will lead to punishment. This belief encourages Muslims to live good, honest, and kind lives.

6. Belief in the Divine Decree (Qadar)

Belief in the Divine Decree means understanding that everything happens by Allah’s will. Whether something good or bad happens, it is part of Allah’s plan. This belief helps Muslims trust in Allah’s wisdom, stay patient during difficult times, and be humble when things are going well. The Quran says:

“Say, ‘Never will we be struck except by what Allah has decreed for us; He is our protector.’ And upon Allah let the believers rely.”

Quran 9:51

And Allah Knows Best