Islamic Concept of Faith and Belief | According to Quran and Sunnah

Faith in Islam is the belief in the Unity of Allah. This is conveyed in the primary Kalimah of Islam which is: “There is no one worthy of worship but Allah.” Muslims believe in One Lord that is Allah Almighty. Allah alone is the Creator and Provider of this entire universe. Belief in One Lord is the necessary condition to become a Muslim. So, faithful Muslims submit voluntarily to Allah’s will and obey His commandments which are mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Muslims believe in all the Messengers and Prophets of Allah Almighty without any discrimination. Faith in Islam is acceptance of the belief of Unity of Allah Almighty. Faith is at once a confirmation of a truth and a submission to the truth that is declared. Intellectual concern plays an important factor in the Islamic faith. The Quran in many places demands to human reason in reaching true belief. It says: “And thus do We explain the Signs in various ways that the truth may become established and that they may say: “Thou hast read out what thou hast learned’ and that We may explain it to a people who have knowledge.”(Quran, 6: 106)

Every religion has some foundations that lay down the structure of particular religion. The followers then ensure that the foundations are maintained and observed on regular bases to ensure that the religion stays true to its original form and that the people have a single path to follow.

Just like other religions, Islam also has its set of foundations. The foundations of Islam stand essence of Islamic beliefs. Muslims have to believe in these foundations in order to have pure and complete belief. Muslim belief and faith are often summarized in “Six Articles of Faith.” These articles of faith are the fundamental beliefs which every Muslim must refer to are described below:

1. Believe in Allah: Being a Muslim it is obligatory on us to believe in Allah Almighty as One Lord of this entire universe and everything in it. This is known as the basis of faith in Allah Almighty. Holy Prophet (SAW) said regarding belief in Allah in words: “Faith is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and to believe in providence both its good and its bad.” (Sahih Muslim)
2. Belief in the Existence of Angels: Angels are spiritual creatures that are present for the purposes of Allah Almighty. Muslims has to believe in angels as the creation of Allah Almighty. These angels are servants of Allah. All they do is carry out His orders and praise and worship Him. Gabriel is an angel, is mentioned in the Quran.
3. Believe in Divine Books of Allah Almighty: Muslims believe in all divine books of Allah Almighty. Quran is the last sacred book of Allah which revealed on Holy Prophet (SAW). Muslims have faith in the teachings of Quran. This Holy Book is the guidance for all mankind.
4. Believe in Prophets: Muslims believe that Muhammad (SAW) is the last Prophet of Allah and Quran is revealed to him. Besides Muhammad (SAW) a Muslim has to believe in all the other Prophets that Allah Almighty sent for the guidance of mankind and give them equal respect and devotion.
5. Believe on the Day of Judgment: A Muslim has to believe that the Judgment day is inevitable and once it arrives, all the people will be held answerable for their deeds which they had done in this world. The hereafter is very important in Islamic perspective. Islam teaches that there will be a Judgment Day when all humans will be divided between the everlasting destinations of Paradise and Hell. Being Muslim it is part of our faith to believe on the Day of Judgment.
6. Believe in the Divine Decree: A Muslim has to believe that there are some things that are beyond human power and capacity and these should be observed as elements of destiny or faith.

We can say that faith in Islam means to submit to Allah, not against a lack of evidence, but fairly because the proof of His Lordship is amazing. Muslim who has a pure heart and performs many good deeds regularly has strong faith in Allah Almighty. Faith always leads a man to a life of obedience and submission to the Will of Allah. The person who lives a life of submission is known as a Muslim. So, we find that faith is the starting point that leads man to a life of submission to Allah and that a man cannot become a Muslim without faith. Therefore, in order to be a true Muslim and complete in belief, a Muslim has to believe in and practice the core foundations of Islam.