Six Articles of Faith

In addition to the five pillars, the faith of Islam is based on belief in six key articles of faith. This is based on a hadith of the Final Prophet ﷺ, who said:

“It (Islam) is to believe in Allah; His Angels; His Books; His Messengers; the Last Day; and in Destiny – its good and bad.”

1. Belief in One God – Allah

Belief in Allah and His Oneness is the foundation of Islamic faith. God in Islam is Merciful and Forgiving. God has many more attributes, which are described in the Qur’an and in various sayings of the Prophet ﷺ.

The chapter of Sincere Faith – Surah Al-Ikhlaas – in the Qur’an describes Allah:

“Say: He, God, is one. God, Eternal. He has not begotten or born, and has no companion.”

The Arabic word for God is Allah, which only exists in singular form in Arabic. Arab Christians and Jews use it as the term for God.

According to historians the language spoken by Prophet Jesus, Issa in Arabic, peace be upon him, was Aramaic. Aramaic for God is ʼĔlāhā or Alaha. The Arabic root word for Allah is ilāh, which appears in the beginning of the Islamic testimony of faith – la ilaha illallah.

“There is no God worthy of worship but Allah.”

2. Belief in Angels

Belief in angels is the second article of faith. Angels are created from light by Allah. They are pure in nature and always obedient to God.

Each angel has its own duty. Some keep records of our deeds. When we die, the angel of death takes our soul.

Qur’an mentions some by name. Angel Gabriel (Jibril in Arabic) was the angel who brought Prophet Muhammad ﷺ the revelation of the Qur’an.

According to Islamic scholars, Gabriel is the same angel that came to Prophet Jesus with God’s revelations. The Qur’an refers to Gabriel at times as Rooh ul Qudus, which can be translated as the Holy or the Pure Spirit. The Qur’an (2:87) says:

“And We gave Jesus, the son of Mary, clear proofs and supported him with the Pure Spirit.”

3. Belief in Holy Books

Belief in God’s scriptures, sent throughout times, is the third article of faith. These scriptures include the Torah of Moses; the Psalms of David; the original Gospel of Jesus, known as Injeel in the Qur’an; and finally the Qur’an sent to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

In the Islamic tradition, Jews and Christians are respectfully known as People of the Book as they base their traditions based on earlier scriptures.

For Muslims, the Qu’ran is the seal of the scriptures and the final guidance to humankind. However, unlike earlier scriptures, the Qur’an is still in its pure original form.

4. Belief in Prophets

According to the Qur’an, God has sent Prophets throughout history to bring the same message of God’s oneness, calling people to worship Him.

Most Prophets mentioned in the Qur’an are Biblical Prophets: Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus to name a few, peace and blessings upon them all. They are all equally revered. Belief in these Prophets is the fourth article of faith.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is considered the seal of the Prophets, confirming the message of earlier Prophets. No Prophet will come after him – until the return of Jesus, who will reappear to establish peace on earth.

In the Islamic tradition Jesus is preceded by the anti-Christ, known as the Dajjaal, who will misguide humankind.

5. Belief in Hereafter – Akhira

The fifth article of faith is belief in life after death – the akhira in Arabic. After we die, the life of the grave begins. This is followed by our resurrection on the Day of Judgment, when all our actions are weighed by God.

This life is a test of our faith and character. If our actions towards our fellow human beings and animals were good and kind, we believed in the oneness of God with sincerity and showed gratitude to God, we may be lucky to enter paradise for eternal life.

The Qur’an gives many signs how God is able to resurrect what once was dead. Here is one such verse (16:65):

“And Allah sends down rain from the skies, and gives therewith life to the earth after its death. Verily in this is a Sign for those who listen.”

6. Belief in Divine Destiny – Qadr

Belief in divine destiny, or predetermination, is called Qadr in Arabic. It is the sixth article of faith.

Everything that happens is determined by God, both good or bad. This does not mean that our actions are devoid of meaning. We have been given consciousness, intellect, a heart and a free will that we should use to the best of our abilities.

Islam teaches us that everything that happens to us is good – even misfortune – if we see it as Qadr. We should always respond graciously, remain patient and put our faith in God’s wisdom. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“Amazing is the affair of the believer. There is good for him in every matter and this is not the case with anyone other than the believer.”

Learn more

For questions about Islam or arranging a mosque visit, please contact Turku Islamic Society.