The Six Beliefs of Islam (Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B)

The Nature & History of the Six Beliefs of Islam

The differences in denominations

• Although Muslims share many beliefs and teachings in common, there are certain differences

• The differences often depend on what denomination or religious group they belong to

• There are two main groups in Islam: Sunni and Shi’a

• About 85-90% of Muslims are Sunni Muslims, most of the rest are Shi’a Muslims

What caused the split between Sunni and Shi’a Muslims?

• The split between Sunni and Shi’a Muslims happened after the death of the prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam

• Muslims had to choose a new leader (caliph) and there was disagreement over who should take on the role

  • Sunni Muslims accepted Abu Bakr as the first leader, Muhammad’s father-in-law and dear friend. They called him the first ‘rightly guided’ khalifah

  • Shi’a Muslims disagreed and said that Ali should have been the leader, because he was raised in Muhammad’s house and so was from the ahl al-bayt, the prophet’s family. They believe that all leaders should be from the ahl al-bayt

• The disagreement led to the community splitting and the two groups developing their own understanding of Islam

• The six beliefs of faith are central to the faith of all Muslims

• Shi'a Muslims also follow the five roots of ‘Usul ad-Din

The Purpose of the Six Beliefs: Kitab al-iman

• The six beliefs (articles) of faith are known as Iman al-Mufassal

• They are based on the Qur’an and the Hadith of Gabriel contained in the Kitab al-iman or Book of Faith

• This is part of the Hadith, a collection of sayings of the Prophet Muhammad

• The six beliefs of faith in Islam are the fundamental parts of the faith, particularly for Sunni Muslims

  • Shi’a Muslims also accept these ideas but refer to some of them differently - some are part of the five roots - ‘Usul ad-Din'

What are the six beliefs of faith in Islam? 

• Tawhid - Belief in Allah

  • Belief in one God, Allah

  • Allah is the Supreme Being, creator of the universe

  • Islam is a monotheistic religion

  • This is the most important belief for Muslims

• Malaikah - Belief in Angels

  • Muslims accept the existence of angels (called Malaikah in Arabic) 

  • These are heavenly beings who are obedient to Allah and called by him to perform various tasks, such as delivering his messages to prophets

• Authority of the holy Books or Kutub

  • Muslims believe that Allah’s messages are contained within the holy books or kutubullah (books of Allah)

  • The main one is the Qur’an but they also recognise Sahifah (the scrolls of Abraham), the Tawrat (Torah), Zabur (Psalms), and Injil (the Gospels)

• Nubuwwah - Prophethood

  • A prophet or messenger is a person chosen by Allah to teach and guide people along the right path

  • Muslims recognise the prophets or messengers of Allah and follow their teaching and example

  • Over 124,000 prophets have appeared in the world, including Adam, Ibrahim (Abraham), Dawud (David), Musa (Moses), Isa (Jesus) and Muhammad

• Belief in Al-Qadr (the divine decree)

  • Muslims believe in al-Qadr (the divine decree), also known as taqdir

  • They believe that Allah has supreme power over the universe and knows everything

  • Although humans have free will and are responsible for our own actions, Allah knows what will happen

• Belief in Akhirah and the Day of Judgement

  • Muslims believe in Akhirah (life after death)

  • This means that there will eventually be a Day of Judgement when every human will be judged on their actions while on Earth

  • Allah will judge whether people go to Jannah (paradise) or Jahannam (hell)

How are the Six Beliefs Understood and Expressed by Muslims Today?

• Muslims believe that they must reflect the six beliefs in the way they act each day

  • Belief in Allah as creator encourages Muslims to be thankful for the gift of life and to reflect this in their prayers each day

  • Belief in the Malaikah of Allah is shown in the way Muslims will turn their heads to left and right at the end of prayer and say ‘peace be upon you’ to the angels and anyone else they are praying alongside

• Muslims show faith in the authority of the Kutubullah by studying these holy texts to improve their knowledge of different religious teachings. 

  • They may study lessons on other religious texts to help develop their understanding of different faiths

• Belief in the Nubuwwah is reflected in the way Muslims are taught about, and even named after, prophets

  • This means they can follow and earn from the example of the prophets

• Belief in Al-Qadr reminds Muslims of the need to accept God’s will

  •  Many Muslims seek blessings on a special night called Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power)

• Belief in Akhirah and the Day of Judgement reminds Muslims that life on earth is short and that they should live their life in the awareness that Allah will judge them on their actions

  • At funerals, when Muslims gather together as a community, they are particularly reminded of this fact

The Six Beliefs in Sunni and Shi’a Communities

• Belief in the six Beliefs of Islam as contained in the Kitab al-Iman (Book of Faith) Hadith is the foundation of Sunni Muslims’ faith

• It is compulsory for all Sunni Muslims to believe in each of the principles

• It is important for Sunni Muslims to follow each of the principles to follow the right path in their faith

• Shi’a Muslim communities also believe in the six Beliefs of Islam, but they also accept the Five Roots of ‘Usul ad-Din, based on the Qur’an