Principles of Faith

Written by: Fadilatul Sheikh Hafiz Abdul Sattar Al-Hammad (Hafizullah)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "To believe in Allah, His angels, His revealed books, His messengers, the Last Day, and to believe in the divine decree, both good and bad." [Sahih Muslim/Book of Faith: 93]

Benefits:​

The word Iman (faith) is derived from the root word Amn, which means safety and peace. From this linguistic meaning, a believer (Mumin) is someone from whom people feel peace and security concerning their lives, properties, and honor. As the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
"A believer is one from whom people feel safe regarding their lives and properties." [Musnad Ahmad, p. 206, vol. 2]

In Islamic terms, faith is defined as affirming the principles, pillars, and commands that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) brought from his Lord. One must firmly believe in their truth within their heart, express this affirmation verbally, and demonstrate it through actions. Thus, three things are essential for faith:

1. Affirmation by the heart
2. Verbal declaration
3. Acting upon it with other limbs and following its commands

The Jews had knowledge and recognition of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and the hypocrites appeared to follow the actions of Islam, yet neither group was considered true believers.

In light of the aforementioned Hadith, there are six principles and pillars of faith, which are as follows:

1. Belief in Allah
2. Acceptance of His angels
3. Faith in His revealed books
4. Belief in His messengers
5. Affirmation of the Last Day (Day of Judgment)
6. Belief in divine decree, both good and bad

All the prophets (peace be upon them) were sent to explain these six principles of faith. Allah revealed scriptures for the same purpose, and complete faith is only attained by affirming all these principles.