Islam is a comprehensive way of life, centered on strong religious beliefs that guide every aspect of a Muslim’s actions and understanding of the world. The religious beliefs in Islam are not only pivotal to a Muslim’s faith but also form the very foundation of the religion. These beliefs have been laid out clearly in Islamic teachings, rooted in the Quran and the Sunnah (traditions of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him).
The Core of Religious Beliefs in Islam
The core religious beliefs in Islam, often referred to as the “Articles of Faith,” were beautifully summarized by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in a well-known hadith:
“To believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and to believe in divine decree, both the good and the bad of it.”
These six beliefs form the essential foundation of religious beliefs in Islam:
- Belief in Allah: Central to religious beliefs in Islam is the belief in the existence and oneness of Allah. Muslims believe that Allah alone is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe and that He is the only one worthy of worship. This belief encompasses Allah’s attributes of knowledge, power, and mercy. Believing in His oneness means denying any partners, equals, or intermediaries in His divinity or worship.
- Belief in Angels: Religious beliefs in Islam include a firm belief in the existence of angels, who are created by Allah from light and are always obedient to His commands. Angels play various roles, including bringing revelation to the prophets and recording human deeds. Among the most known angels in Islam are Gabriel, who brought revelation to the prophets, and Azrael, the angel of death.
- Belief in Divine Books: Muslims believe in the divine books revealed by Allah as part of their religious beliefs in Islam. These include the Torah, Psalms, Gospel, and the Quran. The Quran is the final and unaltered word of Allah, revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is considered the ultimate source of guidance for all humanity, and unlike previous scriptures, it has remained unchanged since its revelation.
- Belief in the Messengers: Believing in the messengers of Allah is another key aspect of religious beliefs in Islam. Muslims believe in all prophets sent by Allah, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (peace be upon them all). Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the final messenger, and his teachings provide the perfect example for living in accordance with the religious beliefs in Islam.
- Belief in the Last Day: Central to religious beliefs in Islam is the belief in the Day of Judgment, where all individuals will be resurrected and held accountable for their deeds in this life. Belief in the Last Day drives Muslims to live with a sense of responsibility, as they know they will be judged by Allah for their actions, intentions, and choices.
- Belief in Divine Decree (Qadar): Muslims believe in divine predestination, which means that Allah has knowledge and control over all things. However, this does not negate human free will. While Allah knows everything that will happen, humans are responsible for their actions. This belief strengthens a Muslim’s trust in Allah’s wisdom and plan, even in difficult circumstances.
The Source of Religious Beliefs in Islam
The religious beliefs in Islam are firmly rooted in two primary sources: the Quran and the authentic Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The Quran is the unaltered word of Allah, providing a complete guide for human life. Alongside the Quran, the Sunnah provides further clarification and practical application of Islamic teachings.
Allah says in the Quran:
“O you who have believed, believe in Allah and His Messenger and the Book that He sent down upon His Messenger and the Scripture which He sent down before.” (Surah An-Nisa 4:136)
Furthermore, Allah commands believers to follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the Quran:
“And whatever the Messenger gives you, take it; and whatever he forbids you, abstain from it.” (Surah Al-Hashr 59:7)
Characteristics of Religious Beliefs in Islam
One of the distinctive features of religious beliefs in Islam is their divine origin. Islamic beliefs are not man-made; they are derived from the divine revelation given by Allah. This ensures that these beliefs remain pure and free from human error or alteration.
Another key characteristic is their alignment with human nature (fitrah). The religious beliefs in Islam resonate with the innate disposition of every human being, as they are based on simplicity, clarity, and the acknowledgment of a higher power. Unlike complex philosophies, Islamic beliefs are straightforward, easy to understand, and provide a clear purpose for life.
Additionally, Islamic beliefs are balanced and moderate. They avoid extremes, striking a perfect balance between the spiritual and material aspects of life. Islam teaches its followers to avoid excessiveness and negligence, fostering a path of moderation in every action and belief.
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