What Are The Fundamental Principles of Islam? Explained

Mohamed, Ph.D
3 min readJul 25, 2023

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Islam is a monotheistic religion that believes in one God, Allah. Muslims follow the teachings of the prophet Muhammad, who they believe was the last prophet sent by Allah. Islam is the world’s second-largest religion, with over 2.1 billion adherents.

The core beliefs of Islam are summarized in the Six Articles of Faith (arkan al-i’tiqad), which are:

  • Tawhid (Oneness of God): Muslims believe that there is only one God, Allah, who is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. This belief is the foundation of Islam, and it is expressed in the Shahada, the declaration of faith that “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger.”
  • Rububiyyah (Lordship of God): Muslims believe that Allah is the Lord of all creation, and that He is the only one who deserves to be worshipped. This belief is based on the evidence of Allah’s power and mercy, which can be seen in the order and beauty of the universe, and in the provision of sustenance for all living things.
  • Nubuwwah (Prophethood): Muslims believe that Allah has sent prophets to guide humanity as Abraham, Moses, Noah, Jesus, and Mohammed, peace be upon them all. The prophets were chosen by Allah to convey His message to humanity, and to teach them how to live in accordance with His will. The last and most important prophet was Muhammad, who is believed by Muslims to be the seal of the prophets.
  • Akhirah (Afterlife): Muslims believe in an afterlife, with a final judgment where people will be rewarded or punished for their deeds in this life. The afterlife is a time of reckoning, when people will be judged for their actions and their beliefs. Those who are found to be righteous will be rewarded with paradise, while those who are found to be wicked will be punished in hell.
  • Malaikah (Angels): Muslims believe in angels, who are beings created by Allah to worship Him and carry out His commands. Angels are often depicted as having wings, and they are believed to be responsible for a variety of tasks, such as delivering Allah’s messages to the prophets, recording people’s deeds, and guarding the gates of heaven and hell.
  • Kitab (Scriptures): Muslims believe that Allah has revealed scriptures to His prophets, including the Torah, the Gospel, and the Quran. The Quran is the final revelation of Allah, and it is believed by Muslims to be the most perfect and complete scripture.

The Five Pillars of Islam (arkan al-islam) are the core practices of Islam:

  • Shahada (Declaration of faith): Muslims declare that “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger.” This is the most important pillar of Islam, and it is the foundation of all other Islamic beliefs and practices.
  • Salah (Prayer): Muslims pray five times a day, facing the direction of Mecca. Prayer is a way for Muslims to connect with Allah, and to ask for His guidance and mercy.
  • Zakat (Almsgiving): Muslims give a portion of their wealth to charity. Zakat is a way for Muslims to help those in need, and to purify their wealth.
  • Sawm (Fasting): Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan, abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations from dawn to dusk. Fasting is a way for Muslims to cleanse their bodies and minds, and to focus on their spiritual development.
  • Hajj (Pilgrimage): Muslims who are able make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime. The Hajj is a journey of spiritual and physical purification, and it is one of the most important experiences in a Muslim’s life.

In Summary:

  1. The oneness of God.
  2. Muhammad is the last messenger of God.
  3. The belief in angels.
  4. The Quran is the only trustworthy Scripture.
  5. The use by Allah of Prophets.
  6. There will be a judgment day.
  7. “If it is Allah’s will.”

These are just some of the core beliefs and practices of Islam. However, all Muslims share the belief in one God, Allah, and the central importance of the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad; peace be upon him.

Quran Recitation with English Translation — Surah AL Waqiah Deeply Emotional

I hope this article has been informative. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

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