The Six Pillars of Eman (Faith)

The Six Articles of Faith

Belief in Allah, Angels, Books, Prophets, the Last Day, and Divine Decree

The six articles of faith are the unseen architecture of Islam. They shape how Muslims see reality, understand purpose, and prepare for eternity. To believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and Divine Decree is to accept that life is guided by meaning, accountability, and mercy. These are not abstract doctrines, but convictions that breathe life into every act of worship and every moment of struggle.

Introduction

Faith in Islam rests on six essential principles, taught in the hadith of Jibreel (Gabriel). When he asked the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about faith, the Prophet ﷺ replied:

“Faith means to believe in Allah, His angels, His Books, His Messengers, the Last Day, and the Divine Decree, both good and bad.” Sahih Muslim 8

These six principles form the foundation of belief, shaping how Muslims understand Allah, creation, destiny, and accountability.

Understanding the Six Articles of Faith

The six articles of faith form a complete worldview. They connect the heart, mind, and actions with divine truth, guiding how a believer relates to Allah, humanity, and the universe.

Belief in Allah

Belief in Allah is the foundation of faith. It means affirming His existence, worshipping Him alone, and knowing that He is unique in His names and attributes.

“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 112:1-4

Belief in Angels

Angels are real beings created from light who do not disobey Allah. They have roles such as delivering revelation (e.g., Jibreel), recording deeds (the Kiraman Katibeen), taking souls at death (Malak al-Mawt), and protecting people. They are not symbols or myths, but part of the unseen creation. See more in Belief in Angels.

Belief in the Divine Books

Allah revealed scriptures as guidance: the Tawrat (Torah), Zabur (Psalms), Injil (Gospel), and finally the Qur’an. The earlier books were altered, while the Qur’an is preserved word for word and remains the final revelation until the end of time. See more in Belief in Books.

Belief in the Prophets

Allah sent prophets to guide humanity, beginning with Adam and ending with Muhammad ﷺ. Prophets like Nuh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), and Isa (Jesus) brought Allah’s message. Muhammad ﷺ is the seal of prophethood, and belief in him means accepting his guidance as final and universal.

Belief in the Last Day

On the Day of Judgment, every soul will be resurrected and held accountable. The righteous will enter Paradise, while those who reject faith will face punishment. This belief motivates Muslims to live responsibly, with justice and integrity, in preparation for the Hereafter.

Belief in the Divine Decree (Qadar)

Qadar means everything happens by Allah’s will and wisdom. Nothing escapes His knowledge or power. Classical scholars explained four stages of Qadar:

1. Allah’s eternal knowledge of all things.
2. His recording of all that will happen in al-Lawh al-Mahfuz (the Preserved Tablet).
3. His will that brings things into existence.
4. His creation of all that occurs.

Belief in Qadar nurtures reliance on Allah, patience during trials, and humility in times of ease.

“Say, ‘Never will we be struck except by what Allah has decreed for us; He is our protector.’ And upon Allah let the believers rely.” Qur’an 9:51

Addressing Misconceptions

• Belief in Allah: Faith is not just acknowledgment; it requires submission and worship.
• Belief in Angels: They are not symbolic forces but real beings who never disobey Allah.
• Belief in the Books: Earlier scriptures were changed; only the Qur’an is preserved.
• Belief in the Prophets: True faith means affirming all prophets without rejection or distinction.
• Belief in the Last Day: Resurrection and accountability are certain realities.
• Belief in Qadar: Destiny is not fatalism; humans act with choice, and are accountable within Allah’s decree.

Scholars such as Imam al-Tahawi and Ibn Qudāmah emphasized that denying any of these principles removes one from the fold of true faith.

Conclusion

The six articles of faith provide the inner compass of Islam. They are not mere doctrines but a way of seeing the world: Allah as Creator, angels as His messengers of command, books as guidance, prophets as exemplars, the Last Day as accountability, and Qadar as divine wisdom in every moment.

These six principles remind us that faith is both conviction and trust: conviction in the truth revealed by Allah, and trust in His decree that carries wisdom we may not always see. Together, they give the believer resilience in hardship, gratitude in ease, and unwavering hope in Allah’s mercy.

References

Primary Sources

Qur’an

1. Al-Ikhlas 112:1-4: Allah’s absolute oneness.
2. At-Tawbah 9:51: Nothing happens except by Allah’s decree.

Hadith

3. Sahih Muslim 8: Hadith of Jibreel defining faith.

Secondary Sources

4. Imam al-Tahawi, al-‘Aqeedah al-Tahawiyyah: Foundational creed text.
5. Ibn Qudāmah, al-Mughnī: Classical fiqh commentary.
6. Shaykh Salih al-Fawzan: Contemporary explanation of the articles of faith.