Islamic Beliefs

This section explains Beliefs in Islam. Both Sunni and Shi’a Muslims share fundamental beliefs in the oneness of Allah and follow the teachings of the Qur’an and the Sunnah (the actions and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad). They also agree on the importance of the prophets in delivering God’s guidance to humanity.

While both branches share these core principles, they each have their own distinct set of beliefs and practices. Sunni Muslims adhere to the six articles of faith, while Shi’a Muslims follow the five roots of Usul ad-Din.

The Six Articles of Faith in Sunni Islam

1. Tawhid
   Tawhid is the belief in the absolute oneness of Allah. Allah, which is simply the Arabic word for God, is understood as being unique and incomparable to any other being. It is important to note that Allah has no plural form in Arabic, signifying His singular nature. The oneness of Allah is central to Islamic faith, and this belief rejects any form of polytheism.
2. Angels (Malaikah)
   In Sunni Islam, angels are considered the first creation of Allah. They have a special role in relaying messages (known as Risalah) from God to His prophets. As Allah is beyond human comprehension, He communicates with humans through angels. Additionally, angels are believed to record the deeds of humans, which plays a part in the final judgment. Their role also includes reporting on human behaviour to Allah.
3. The Holy Books
   The Qur’an is regarded as the final and most important revelation from Allah, and it is the word of God. Other holy books, including the Torah (given to Moses), Psalms (given to David), and the Gospel (given to Jesus), are also acknowledged in Islam, but the Qur’an is seen as the complete and unalterable revelation. Muslims believe that all these scriptures came from the same source but that the Qur’an is the final, preserved scripture.
4. The Prophets (Nubuwwah)
   Prophethood is a key aspect of Sunni belief. Muslims accept that many prophets were sent by Allah to guide humanity. The final and greatest prophet in Islam is Muhammad, known as the Seal of the Prophets, marking the end of the prophetic line. Other prophets, including Isa (known as Jesus in Christianity), are also respected and mentioned in the Qur’an. In total, there are 25 prophets mentioned in the Qur’an.
5. The Day of Judgement (Akhirah)
   Sunni Muslims believe that all humans will be judged by Allah on the Day of Judgement. On this day, individuals will be held accountable for their actions during their lifetime, and they will either be rewarded with eternal life in Paradise or condemned to eternal punishment in Hell. This belief emphasises the importance of living a righteous life according to the teachings of Islam.
6. Al-Qadr
   Al-Qadr refers to the belief in divine predestination. Sunni Muslims believe that Allah has complete knowledge and control over all events in the universe. Everything that happens is part of a divine master plan. However, this does not negate human free will, and people are still held accountable for their choices. Al-Qadr affirms that everything occurs according to the will of Allah.

The Importance of the Six Articles of Faith

The six articles of faith help guide Sunni Muslims in their understanding of how they should live their lives. The belief in Tawhid reinforces the idea that there is only one God, and Muslims should live according to His rules. The holy books provide guidance on how to live in accordance with Allah’s will, while the prophets serve as role models for following this path. The belief in the Day of Judgement encourages Muslims to live a life of righteousness, knowing that they will be judged by Allah. The belief in Al-Qadr reinforces the idea that Allah’s will governs everything, and that humans are responsible for their actions even within this divine plan.

The Five Roots of Usul ad-Din in Shi’a Islam

Shi’a Islam is based on the five roots of Usul ad-Din, which outline the fundamental principles of faith:

1. Tawhid
   Like Sunni Islam, Tawhid in Shi’a Islam represents the belief in the oneness of Allah. Allah is viewed as being almighty, unique, and indivisible.
2. Divine Justice (Adalat)
   Shi’a Muslims believe that Allah is just in all His actions. On the Day of Judgement, each person will be judged according to their deeds, and Allah’s judgement will be fair and impartial.
3. The Prophets (Nubuwwah)
   The role of the prophets is central in Shi’a Islam. Muhammad is the final prophet, but the teachings of earlier prophets are also respected. Prophets are considered to be divinely appointed and are responsible for guiding humanity towards the correct path.
4. Authority of the Imams (Imamate)
   The Imams in Shi’a Islam are believed to be the divinely appointed leaders of the Muslim community after the Prophet Muhammad. The Twelve Imams are regarded as infallible, possessing both spiritual and temporal authority. They are seen as the rightful successors to Muhammad and are considered to have been chosen by Allah to guide the community.
5. Day of Resurrection (Al-Ma'ad)
   Similar to Sunni beliefs, Shi’a Muslims also believe in the Day of Resurrection, when all humans will be resurrected and judged by Allah for their deeds. This event marks the final reckoning and the beginning of eternal life in either Paradise or Hell.

The Importance of the Five Roots of Usul ad-Din

The five roots of Usul ad-Din are central to the faith and practice of Shi’a Muslims. They provide the framework for understanding Allah’s justice, the role of the prophets, and the importance of the imams. Belief in Tawhid leads Shi’a Muslims to follow Allah’s guidance as conveyed through the Qur’an and the teachings of the imams. The belief in divine justice underpins the notion that everyone will be judged fairly according to their actions. The imams are viewed as essential leaders who protect the true teachings of Islam and guide the community along the right path. The belief in the Day of Resurrection reminds Shi’a Muslims of the importance of living righteously, as they will ultimately be judged by Allah.

Similarities Between Sunni and Shi’a Islam

Despite their differences, Sunni and Shi’a Muslims share many fundamental beliefs:

• Both recognise that Allah is the one and only God.
• Both regard the Qur’an as the word of Allah and the ultimate guidance for life.
• Both acknowledge the same prophets, with Muhammad being the final prophet.
• Both believe that angels played a role in delivering Allah’s messages to the prophets.
• Both believe in a Day of Judgement, where every person will be judged by Allah for their deeds.

These shared beliefs highlight the common foundations of Islam, even amidst the differences between the two branches.