What Beliefs does Islam believe in?

In a Nutshell: Islam is founded upon core beliefs that shape a Muslim's worldview and actions. The primary tenets of faith include belief in the oneness of Allah (swt), His angels, His revealed books, His messengers, the Day of Judgment and the divine decree. Alongside these beliefs are the Five Pillars of Islam: the testimony of faith (shahada), prayer (salah), charity (zakat), fasting (sawm) and pilgrimage (hajj). Table of Contents Introduction The Qur'an The Hadith Companions' Opinions Traditional Scholars' Quotes What Beliefs Does Islam Believe In? Misconceptions About Islamic Beliefs Objections to Islamic Beliefs FAQs: What Beliefs Does Islam Believe In? Conclusion Introduction Islam, the religion of over a billion followers worldwide, provides a comprehensive framework of beliefs and practices. Understanding these beliefs is essential for Muslims and non-Muslims alike, as they form the cornerstone of Islamic philosophy and guide a Muslim's life. The word Islam itself means submission - submission to the will of Allah (swt). Therefore, the beliefs in Islam center around accepting the divine guidance revealed by Allah (swt) through His messengers and the scriptures. Evidences Let's establish the textual and historical basis for Islamic beliefs: Quranic Verses: The Qur'an, the central holy book of Islam, lays out the fundamental beliefs:Say, 'He is Allah, [who is] One.'(Surah Al-Ikhlas 112:1) And your god is one God. There is no deity [worthy of worship] except Him, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful. (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:163) O mankind, worship your Lord, who created you and those before you, that you may become righteous.(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:21) The Hadith The sayings and actions of the Prophet (pbuh) offer further clarification:The Angel Gabriel questioned the Prophet (pbuh) about Islam, Iman and Ihsan.(Sahih Muslim) Iman is to believe in Allah, His angels, His Books, His Messengers and the Last Day and to believe in divine destiny, both its good and its evil.(Sahih Muslim) Should we continue with Companions' Opinions and Traditional Scholars' Quotes? if this is on the right track. Evidences (Continued) Companions' Opinions The Companions (ra) of the Prophet (pbuh), having witnessed the revelation firsthand, provide valuable insights:Abu Bakr (ra), the first caliph, emphasized the importance of belief in Allah's (swt) oneness and the finality of Prophet Muhammad's (pbuh) message. Umar ibn Al-Khattab (ra) stressed the interconnectedness of beliefs and actions, underscoring how faith manifests in deeds. Uthman ibn Affan (ra) highlighted the significance of belief in the divine decree and the Hereafter. Ali ibn Abi Talib (ra) spoke extensively on the attributes of Allah (swt), His justice and the role of human responsibility. Traditional Scholars' Quotes Centuries of Islamic scholarship have refined our understanding of the core beliefs:Imam Al-Ghazali (1058-1111 CE): The foundation of the Islamic creed is the belief in the Oneness of Allah (swt) and the Messengership of Muhammad (pbuh). Ibn Taymiyyah (1263-1328 CE): True faith comprises belief in the heart, affirmation by the tongue and action with the limbs. Imam Al-Shafi'i (767-820 CE): Iman is a statement, a deed and an intention. It increases through obedience and decreases through disobedience. Imam Malik ibn Anas (711-795 CE): Belief in Allah (swt) includes belief in His names and attributes as they are mentioned in His Book and upon the tongue of His Messenger (pbuh) without distortion, denial, modality, or likeness. What Beliefs Does Islam Believe In? The evidences point to a structured belief system known as the Six Articles of Faith (Iman): Belief in Allah (swt):Recognizing Allah (swt) as the sole Creator, Sustainer and Lord of the universe. This belief encompasses His unique attributes and absolute Sovereignty. Belief in Angels:Acknowledging the existence of angels as beings of light created by Allah (swt). They are obedient servants carrying out various divine tasks in the unseen realm Belief in Revealed Books:Accepting that Allah (swt) revealed divine scriptures for guidance, including the Torah, the Psalms, the Gospel and ultimately the Qur'an as the final, preserved revelation. Belief in Messengers:Believing in the chain of prophets sent by Allah (swt), beginning with Adam (as) and culminating with Muhammad (pbuh) as the seal of the prophets. They conveyed the divine message of submission to Allah (swt). Belief in the Day of Judgment:Accepting the certainty of resurrection and accountability before Allah (swt). A person's deeds will be weighed and the righteous will be rewarded with Paradise, while the wrongdoers will face punishment in Hellfire. Belief in Divine Decree:Understanding that Allah (swt) possesses complete knowledge and power over all creation. It involves affirming both free will and the ultimate plan of Allah (swt). if you'd like to proceed to the Misconceptions About Islamic Beliefs section!

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Misconceptions About Islamic Beliefs Muslims worship Muhammad (pbuh). Muslims revere the Prophet (pbuh) as the final messenger of Allah (swt), but worship is reserved solely for Allah (swt) alone. Islam is a fatalistic religion. While belief in divine decree is a part of Islamic faith, it emphasizes personal responsibility and the power of human action. Islam promotes violence. Islam strictly condemns unjustified violence and emphasizes peace, justice and compassion. Distorted interpretations of Islamic teachings fuel extremist ideologies. Jihad only means holy war. Jihad encompasses a broader struggle - an inner struggle against one's own vices and an outward struggle for social justice and the defense of the faith when necessary. Islam oppresses women. Islam granted women rights and dignity in a time where they were severely denied. Any cultural practices that oppress women contradict the true teachings of Islam. Objections to Islamic Beliefs The existence of God cannot be proven. While a scientific proof for Allah's (swt) existence may not exist, many see evidence in the order and complexity of the universe and find the Islamic concept of God logically compelling. Belief in the unseen is irrational. Islam balances faith with reason. It encourages the use of our intellect to reflect on the signs in creation and the coherence of the Islamic worldview. Religions are a cause of conflict. Throughout history, many conflicts have been motivated by political or economic factors and then cloaked in religious justifications, including those misrepresenting Islamic teachings. The concept of the Hereafter is a wishful fantasy. The belief in the Hereafter provides a sense of ultimate justice and inspires many to live a morally upright life. Islamic beliefs are outdated. Islam presents timeless principles for a fulfilling life. Its flexibility lies in its ability to guide people across different time periods and cultures. FAQs: What Beliefs Does Islam Believe In? Why do Muslims believe in angels?Belief in angels affirms the existence of an unseen realm and their role as intermediaries between Allah (swt) and creation. How are the Islamic beliefs different from those of other religions?The emphasis on absolute monotheism (Tawhid) and the finality of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) are among the distinguishing features of Islamic belief. Can someone be a Muslim without adopting all the beliefs?Sincerely adhering to the Six Articles of Faith is an essential pillar of being a Muslim. Do Muslims believe in evolution?Islamic views on evolution vary. Some believe in guided evolution, where Allah (swt) sets the process in motion, while others take a more literal approach to creation narratives. Where can I learn more about Islamic beliefs?Reputable Islamic centers, qualified scholars and authentic resources can provide a deeper exploration of Islamic faith. Conclusion Islamic beliefs offer a comprehensive and integrated worldview centered on the Oneness of Allah (swt) and the purpose of human existence. Through its revealed texts and prophetic guidance, Islam provides a framework for understanding the universe, promoting ethical behavior and cultivating spiritual connection. While misconceptions and objections exist, a sincere investigation of Islamic beliefs reveals a message of peace, submission and the profound responsibility entrusted to humankind. if there's anything else you'd like me to add or modify.