The Five Roots of Usul ad-Din (Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B)
Revision Note
Written by: Angela Yates
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
What is the Nature of the Five Roots?
Shi’a is the other major branch of Islam aside from Sunni
Shi’a Muslims believe in the six Beliefs of Islam, but also accept the Five Roots of ‘Usul ad-Din, based on the teachings of the Qur’an, the Hadith, and the agreement of early Shi’a scholars and leaders
What are the Five Roots of ‘Usul ad-Din?
The Five Roots of ‘Usul ad-Din are five key principles of the faith which are sometimes called the ‘roots of religion’
Every Shi’a Muslim must make themselves aware of these key principles or truths
Tawhid - Belief in one God
Allah is the Supreme Being, creator of the universe, without equal
This is the most important belief for Muslims
This is the same as the equivalent in the six Beliefs of Islam
‘Say: He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born. Nor is there to Him any equivalent’ (Qur’an, Surah 112:1-4)
Nubuwwah (prophethood)
Shi’a Muslims believe in prophethood and in the messengers sent by Allah to preach Tawhid and guide people along the right path
There is a chain of prophets from Adam to Muhammad
This is the same as the equivalent in the six Beliefs of Islam
‘We sent a messenger to every community, saying “Worship God and shun false gods”’ (Qur’an, Surah 16:36)
‘Adl or Adalat (divine justice)
This is the belief in divine justice: the idea that Allah is fair and will treat everything and everyone justly
The first imam, Ali, stated in his will to his son:
‘I advise you to be wary of your duty to Allah in wealth and poverty … and [I advise you] of being just towards both friend and foe’
(Tuhaf al-Uqul)
Imamah (God-given leadership)
This refers to Muhammad's (pbuh) successors
Shi’a Muslims believe that Allah appointed certain imams or leaders to guide humanity with authority and wisdom
This group of people includes not only the prophet Muhammad (pbuh), but also his daughter Fatimah and a line of imams starting with Ali
This group is known as the ahl al-bayt, or People of the Prophet’s House
They are believed to be pure and infallible (unable to make mistakes)
They are known as ‘lights’ in some Shi’a writings, meaning that they were sent to show people the path out of darkness and sin and lead them towards Allah
‘God wishes to keep uncleanness away from you, people of the [Prophet’s] House, and to purify you thoroughly’ (Qur’an, Surah 33:33)
Most Shi’a Muslims believe there were 12 imams after the death of Muhammad, known as Twelvers. They think that dedicating themselves to these 12 imams is essential to their faith
Other Shi’a Muslims are known as Seveners because they believe there was a different line of imams, numbering seven in total
Mi’ad (Day of Judgement and Resurrection)
This is the belief that there will be a Day of Judgement and a Resurrection when all humans will be judged by Allah
This is the same as the equivalent in the six Beliefs of Islam
‘All praise belongs to him in this world and the next; His is the Judgement; and to Him you shall be returned’ (Qur’an, Surah 28:70)
The Importance of the Five Roots for Shi'a Muslims
Why are the Five Roots of ‘Usul al-Din Important for Muslims?
The Five Roots of ‘Usul al-Din are important to Shi’a Muslims because they represent the most important elements of their faith
Like the six Beliefs of Islam, keeping these principles unites all Shi’a Muslims and helps them understand their religion better
They support Shi’a Muslims in how they should live their lives
All Shi’a Muslims believe that keeping the Five Roots of ‘Usul al-Din means they are obeying the will of Allah and the command of the prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
Some Shi’a Muslims, such as Twelvers and Seveners, follow different imams who they believe to have authority from Allah
Worked Example
Outline three of the five roots of ‘Usul al-Din
(3 marks)
Answer:
One of the five roots is that Allah is one (this is known as Tawhid) (1)
Another is Nubuwwah, meaning that Allah appointed prophets to pass his message on (1)
A third is Mi’ad, meaning that all humans will be judged by Allah (1)
Examiner Tips and Tricks
When you answer questions on either the six beliefs of Islam or the five roots of ‘Usul ad-Din, remember that the first and most important belief for all Muslims is Tawhid, that there is one God called Allah. All of the other beliefs build upon this central idea
This is explained in the Qur’an:
‘In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful say, ‘He is God the One and Only, God the Eternal, Absolute. He begetteth not nor is He begotten; and there is none like unto him.’
(Qur’an Surah 112:4)
In a 15 mark ‘d’ type question you may be asked to evaluate a statement such as ‘Tawhid is the most important Muslim belief’ and refer to Muslim teachings in your answer. The quote above can help to support your answer. You will find further evidence in The Nature of Allah section of this revision guide
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