Islam is one of the largest religions in the world, with over 1.8 billion believers. Muslims follow specific beliefs and practices that shape their daily lives and spiritual path. After understanding these beliefs, we can gain insight into the values and principles that guide their actions.
The most important aspect of the Islamic faith is the belief in one God, along with angels, prophets, and sacred texts. These core beliefs are embodied in the Five Pillars of Islam. In this blog, we will explore these key beliefs and how Muslims practice their faith every day.
What Is Islamic Faith: Understanding Islam
Islamic faith is built on believing in one God, Allah. Muslims believe that Islam is a complete way of life. It guides their actions, thoughts, and interactions with others. Islam teaches that peace comes through submission to Allah’s will.
This religion started with the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century, whom Muslims believe was the final messenger of Allah. Through his teachings, Muslims follow the principles of faith, worship, and moral conduct, which help them live according to God’s guidance.
What Are the Major Beliefs of Muslims?
Muslims follow six basic beliefs that form the foundation of their faith. Understanding these essential beliefs offers insight into the guiding principles of Islam.
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Belief in Allah
Believing in Allah as the one and only God is the first and most important belief in Islam to become a true Muslim. Muslims believe that Allah is the Creator of everything and has no partners, children, or equals. They worship Allah alone, recognizing His power, knowledge, and mercy. Everything in the universe is under Allah’s control, and He alone is worthy of worship.
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Belief in Angels
Muslims also believe in angels, beings created by Allah to carry out His commands. Although humans can not see angles, they run the system of the world according to Allah's orders. They deliver messages to prophets, record human deeds, and protect people. The angel Jibril (Gabriel) is especially important because he brought Allah’s revelations to the prophets, including Muhammad.
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Belief in Holy Books
Muslims believe in several holy books revealed by Allah to guide humanity. The Qur’an is the most important of these, as Muslims believe it is the final and perfect word of God. They also respect earlier scriptures, such as the Torah given to Moses and the Bible revealed to Jesus, but they believe the Qur’an corrects and completes these earlier revelations.
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Belief in Prophets
Another key belief is in prophets. Muslims believe that Allah sent many prophets throughout history to guide people. These prophets include well-known figures like Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. However, Muslims believe that Muhammad is the final prophet, sent with the complete and final message of Islam.
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Belief in the Day of Judgment
Muslims believe in a Day of Judgment, on which everyone will be resurrected and held accountable for their actions. Allah will judge each person based on their deeds in this life. Those who follow Allah’s guidance will be rewarded with eternal paradise, while those who reject His guidance will face punishment in hell. This belief encourages Muslims to live righteous lives.
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Belief in Divine Decree (Qadar)
The belief in divine decree means that Allah controls everything that happens in the universe. Muslims believe that everything occurs according to Allah’s will and knowledge. However, they also believe in free will, meaning people can choose between right and wrong, even though Allah knows the outcome of all events.
How Do Muslims Put Their Islamic Beliefs into Practice?
Muslims practice their faith through the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the most important acts of worship. Take a look at them below:
Shahada (Declaration of Faith)
The first pillar is the Shahada, which is the declaration of faith. Muslims recite the Shahada, saying, “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger.” This simple statement expresses the core belief in the oneness of Allah and Muhammad’s role as the final prophet. Muslims declare this belief with sincerity to show their commitment to Islam.
Prayer (Salah)
The second pillar is Salah or daily prayer. Muslims must pray five times a day: at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and night. These prayers are:
- Fajr
- Zuhr
- Asr
- Maghrib
- Isha
These prayers are a direct way to connect with Allah and seek His guidance. Muslims perform specific movements and recite verses from the Qur’an during prayer, facing the holy city of Mecca. This regular act of worship helps Muslims stay focused on their faith and maintain spiritual discipline.
Charity (Zakat)
The third pillar is Zakat or charity. Muslims must give a portion of their wealth, usually 2.5%, to those in need. Zakat is a religious duty that helps purify wealth. By giving to the poor and supporting the less fortunate, Muslims fulfill their responsibility to the community and show compassion for others.
Fasting (Sawm)
The fourth pillar is Sawm, or fasting during the month of Ramadan. Muslims fast from dawn to sunset during this holy month, refraining from food, drink, and other physical needs.
Fasting is a way to develop self-discipline, increase empathy for the poor, and grow closer to Allah. Ramadan is a time for reflection, prayer, and spiritual growth. At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate with a festival called Eid al-Fitr.
Pilgrimage (Hajj)
The fifth pillar is the Hajj or pilgrimage to Mecca. Every physically and financially able Muslim must make this journey at least once in their lifetime. The Hajj occurs during a specific time of the year and involves a series of rituals performed in and around Mecca. The pilgrimage symbolizes unity, as Muslims from all over the world come together to worship Allah.
Wrapping up
Overall, Islam is a faith that deeply connects beliefs with the daily actions of its believers. The Six Major Beliefs lay the foundation for understanding God, life, and the universe, while the Five Pillars of Islam guide Muslims in practicing their faith every day. Muslims strengthen their connection to Allah through these practices and live according to His guidance.
If you want to explore Islamic beliefs in more depth, check out Dar-us-Salam Publications, where you can find a wide range of books on Islam. Whether you are looking to learn more about the Qur’an, Islamic teachings, or the history of the prophets, we offer some of the best resources to help you further your understanding of the faith.