Explaining the 70+ Branches of Faith and Their Application Source: Fatawa Arkan-e-Islam
The Concept of Faith and Its Core Principles
Īmān (Faith), in reality, refers to belief, which is founded upon six core principles. These principles are clearly explained in the well-known Ḥadīth of Jibrīl (عليه السلام). When Jibrīl (عليه السلام) asked the Prophet ﷺ about faith, he replied:
“Al-Īmān is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and to believe in divine decree—its good and its evil.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Faith, Hadith: 50; Sahih Muslim, Book of Faith, Hadith: 8)
Components of Faith: Beliefs and Actions
In another Hadith, the Prophet ﷺ offered a more detailed perspective on faith:
“Al-Īmān has over seventy branches (sh‘u‘bahs)…”
(Jamiʿ al-Tirmidhi, Book of Faith, Hadith: 2614; Sunan Ibn Mājah, Book of Introduction, Hadith: 57)
This Hadith clarifies that faith is not limited to beliefs alone, but also includes actions, which vary in type and level.
Evidence from the Qur’an: Faith Includes Actions
An important Qur'anic reference supporting the inclusion of actions within the concept of faith is the following verse:
﴿وَما كانَ اللَّهُ لِيُضيعَ إيمـنَكُم إِنَّ اللَّهَ بِالنّاسِ لَرَءوفٌ رَحيمٌ ﴿١٤٣﴾
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:143)
Translation:
“And Allah would never allow your faith (i.e., your prayers) to go to waste. Surely, Allah is Most Kind and Merciful to mankind.”
Explanation by the Mufassirīn
According to scholars of Tafsīr, the term “Īmān” in this verse refers to Ṣalāh (prayer)—particularly the prayers performed by the Companions (RA) while facing Bayt al-Maqdis (Jerusalem) prior to the change of Qiblah. When the Qiblah was later changed to the Ka‘bah in Makkah, the Companions were reassured that their previous prayers would not be invalidated.
Reconciling the Two Hadiths
A question arises:
How do we reconcile the six pillars of faith (mentioned in the Ḥadīth of Jibrīl) with the Hadith stating 70+ branches of faith?
✔ Answer:
The Ḥadīth of Jibrīl details the foundational beliefs of Īmān (Aqā’id).
The second ḥadīth, regarding 70+ branches, refers to practical expressions of faith, such as:
- Performing Ṣalāh
- Giving Ṣadaqah
- Practicing modesty (Ḥayā’)
- Removing harmful objects from the road
Thus, Īmān is a comprehensive concept that includes both belief and action.
Conclusion
The true meaning of faith is not limited to belief in the heart, but also includes fulfilling its demands through action. Based on the Qur’an and Sunnah, both creed and practice are inseparably linked and essential components of genuine faith.
❝ Hādhā mā ‘indī, wallāhu a‘lam biṣ-ṣawāb ❞
(This is what I know; and Allah knows best what is right.)
