Introduction to Muslim belief video
Introduction between difference between Sunni and Shi'a in a short drama video
A group of young Muslims describe what it means to them to follow Islam
There is no official creed in Islam, but for Sunni Muslims there are six central beliefs, or articles of faith, which defi ne their understanding of God. This teaching can be found in the Hadith, where Muhammad is recorded as saying: ‘You must believe in Allah, his angels, his holy books, his messengers, in the Last Day and in fate (both in its good and in its evil aspects).’
THE NATURE OF ALLAH
Allah (God): the unity and oneness of God is called Tawhid. Like Jews and Christians, Muslims believe in one God. The Arabic word for God is Allah, which simply means ‘the (al) God (ilah)’.
An Immam Dr Musharraf Hussain and Muslim Academic (DR Don Hoover) talk about God
2 MALAIKAH (ANGELS)
Malaikah (angels): God created angels to interact with human lives, bringing his divine message. Each Muslim has two guardian angels who record that person’s good and bad actions
An Immam Dr Musharraf Hussain and Muslim Academic (DR Don Hoover) talk about Angels
3 MUSLIM HOLY BOOKS
Holy books: God has revealed his word to humans in the Qur’an. This tells Muslims all they need to know about how to live their lives. Other inspired scriptures include the Tawrat of Musa (Torah), the Zabur of Dawud (Psalms) and the Injil of Isa (Gospels).
An Immam Dr Musharraf Hussain and Muslim Academic (DR Don Hoover) talk about Books
4 PROPHETHOOD (RISALAH)
4 Risalah (prophethood): God has spoken through numerous prophets throughout time, including Adam, Nuh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), Isa (Jesus). However, Muhammad is the greatest prophet.
An Immam Dr Musharraf Hussain and Muslim Academic (DR Don Hoover) talk about Prophets
5 AKHIRAH (LIFE AFTER DEATH)
Akhirah (the afterlife) Belief in the fi nal judgement and life after death. This life is a preparation for the eternal life that follows. On the last day there will be a time of judgement, when Muslims will have to account for their lives
An Immam Dr Musharraf Hussain and Muslim Academic (DR Don Hoover) talk about the last day Part 1
An Immam Dr Musharraf Hussain and Muslim Academic (DR Don Hoover) talk about the last day Part 2
Christian, Muslim and Humanist views on the afterlife
6 AL QADR (PREDESTINATION)
6 Al-qadr (God’s predestination): God is responsible for everything and has set out a divine destiny for all things. God has written down all that has happened and all that will happen in the universe. However, this does not take away human free will.
An Immam Dr Musharraf Hussain and Muslim Academic (DR Don Hoover) talk about predestination
Although these six beliefs are central to the Islamic faith they are not the only important beliefs. Others include: the creed, the jihad and submission to the will of God.
The five roots of religion in Usul ad-Din in Shi’a Islam Diversity of beliefs in Islam All Muslims share the central beliefs of the Islamic faith: the understanding that there is one God (Allah) who is creator, protector and judge; the belief that Muhammad is the Seal of the Prophets, to whom God revealed the Qur’an. However, over the centuries, as Islam developed in different cultures and societies, Muslim scholars developed different ways of understanding the faith. Today there are some signifi cant differences in the way different Muslim groups interpret these truths.
The five roots of religion (Usul ad-Din) Shi’a Islam emphasises the importance of five fundamental principles which are sometimes called the ‘roots of religion’. Every individual must make themselves aware of these truths as the foundation of their faith.
Usul ad-Din, the fi ve roots of religion, can also be referred to as the ‘foundation of faith’. They are:
▶ Oneness of God (Tawid)
▶ Justice of God (Adl or Adalah)
▶ Prophethood (Nubuwwah)
▶ Leadership (Imamat)
▶ Resurrection (Qayamat).
1 The oneness of God (Tawid): There is one God who has no equals; he is a divine unity. He cannot be compared to anyone or anything. He is perfect and unique and he possesses infinite power and knowledge. He is immortal (he was never born) and has no partner or children. He alone should be worshipped. ‘Say, “He is God, [who is] One, God, the Eternal Refuge.’ Qur’an 112:1–2
2 The justice of God (Adl or Adalah): God is perfect justice, fairness and wisdom. He does not wrong anyone and he will not tolerate wrongdoing. He cannot abuse his power by performing acts that go against his own nature to be just and fair. Humans must be responsible for their own actions, good or bad.
3 Prophethood (Nubuwwah): God has appointed prophets and messengers to guide human beings, showing them how to live in peace and submission to God. According to some Islamic sources, God sent 124,000 prophets; some of these bought divine scriptures with them, from God. Muhammad was the Seal of the Prophets, meaning that he brought the final, perfect and unchanging message from God.
4 Leadership (Imamae): All Muslims believe that Muhammad was the last prophet, who brought the final scripture (the Qur’an) to humanity. Shi’as believe that, after his death, God appointed 12 infallible Imams to guide the Muslim community, leading them on the path set by the Prophet Muhammad. These Imams are part of what Shi’as call Ahl al-Bayt (the Family of the House). In other words, they are part of Prophet Muhammad’s extended household. Of these 12, 11 have been killed. They believe that the 12th (or hidden) Imam is still alive, but is in hiding (occultation), waiting to reappear and rule on earth with justice. They sometimes refer to him as the Mahdi.
5 Resurrection (Qayamat): The belief that, on the Day of Judgement, there will be a resurrection, when all human beings will be physically raised to life to be judged by God. He will reward the good and punish the evil. ‘So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.’ Qur’an 99:7–8