Islam
PRINCIPAL BELIEFS OF ISLAM
TAWHID
'Tawhid' is the term used to define one of the multiple principal beliefs of the Islamic faith and is the declaration of the unity of one God. The term 'Tahwid' literally translates to "monotheism" in which, through the lens of Muslims, refers to Allah as the one true God, the sole Creator and ominous Lord of the universe.
In terms of its significance, and subsequent implications to Islam, Tahwid alone surpasses a mere human measure of importance. Within the religion this is it's first and foremost belief, it is its goal, end, innermost and apparent essence. It is also the mission of all Messengers and Prophets. It is because of Tawhid that Allah fabricated life itself, blessed the earth with Messengers of his word and revealed sacred texts through them in which his word is able to be passed on. The Tahwid also condones that mankind differs and are divided into two separate categories believers and the non-believers, as a result, the fortunate and the unfortunate. This belief in one God solely is the first principal by which a Muslim is born or otherwise enters into Islam, and subsequently the very last belief upon which he should die.
Conversely, if the Tahwid is tarnished in any way, this is referred to as 'Shirk', the belief or worship of more than one God. To truly abide by Tahwid a Muslim must fulfill actualisation, in which is the process of cleansing the body and soul from Shirk and reconcile their sinful ways. There are three layers to Shirk, all three with varying degrees of immorality, in which take actualisation to cleanse themselves of. "Indeed, he who associates others with Allah – Allah has forbidden him Paradise, and his refuge is the Fire. And there are not for the wrongdoers any helpers. (Al-Ma’idah 5-72)" The sacred texts of Islam evidently state that belief in the Tahwid is of the utmost importance in order to achieve an eternal blissful existence after death. Whereas Shirk will result in existence within hell, in amongst "the Fire", this is why Tahwid is the paramount belief at both the beginning and end of an Muslim life, as well as the continuation of the practicing of the belief throughout one’s lifetime.
Angels
The angels do not possess the ability to act upon their own discretion, meaning they rely upon Allah for guidance in their roles and in bestowing them with certain powers. Muslims believe that each person has two angels designated to keep a record of their deeds, both good and bad. The the belief in Angels in Islam, Muslims are taught that Angels are incapable of evil deeds, they can only do good. The polar opposite of an Angel in Islam is referred to as a ‘jinn’ (e.g. Satan - Leader of the jinn known as Ibris), which is a supernatural being created from fire, that is highly capable of evil deeds and disobeying Allah.
Hence, the belief in angels is significant in the life of Muslims, as the angel Jibreel provided Muhammad with the messages of God, which are critical in forming the basis of Islamic faith.
Many Angels are referred to within the Qu'ran, each holding clear roles, including:
Angel Jibril →
Most significant Angel in Qu'ran
Carried revelations to Muhammad
"Say: whoever is an enemy to Gabriel - for he brings down the (revelation) to your heart by God’s will..." (Quran 2:97)
The Angel of Death
Responsible for taking souls out of the bodies at the time of death
- "Say: the Angel of Death, put in charge of you, will (duly) take your souls, then shall you be brought back to your Lord." (Quran 32:11)
Israfil
The role of calling all souls on the Day of Judgment
- He will sound his trumpet twice
Munkar and Nakeer
Two angels
Question deceased people regarding faith
Test people of the grave
Fate/Predestination
The Islamic belief in predestination essentially refers to the acceptance that Allah is all-knowing. This sixth article of Islamic faith expresses the occurrence of events happen for a reason, and that Allah determines what will happen in his plan. Nothing happens unless it is the will of Allah, whether it be good or bad, obedience or disobedience, health or sickness
Muslims believe that Allah is not restricted within time, meaning that he exists outside time. While Allah knows what has occurred in the past, present and future and has a plan referred to as "Al-Qadr", it is still the responsibility of Muslims to be accountable for their choices and actions on earth. Allah has knowledge of everything that has and will occur and every action Muslims will take even before it occurs.
Therefore, predestination is of significance in a Muslims life, as it provides a sense of trust and unity in Allah who has a plan for all his adherents.
Akhirah
As one of the articles of faith, the Islamic belief regarding angels in Islam is located in the aqida. Key principal beliefs about Angels within Islam include that they are created from light and considered to be the messengers of God, yet are not thought to be divine like Allah. Allah was the creator of the Angels, apparent through this Quranic extract, "Praise be to Allah, the Originator of the Heavens and the Earth, the creator of angels having wings - two, three and four." (Qur’an 35:1). This extract implies that these creatures are not to be worshipped or praised as Muslims praise Allah → this would be recognised as a sin of idolatry (relating to Tawhid). These messengers are not of material form even though they have wings and can take human form, and do not identify as being of male or female gender; they are genderless.
The angels do not possess the ability to act upon their own discretion, meaning they rely upon Allah for guidance in their roles and in bestowing them with certain powers. Muslims believe that each person has two angels designated to keep a record of their deeds, both good and bad. The the belief in Angels in Islam, Muslims are taught that Angels are incapable of evil deeds, they can only do good. The polar opposite of an Angel in Islam is referred to as a ‘jinn’ (e.g. Satan - Leader of the jinn known as Ibris), which is a supernatural being created from fire, that is highly capable of evil deeds and disobeying Allah.
Thus, the belief in angels in Islam is of great importance in a Muslims as they guide them in the journey through their life in dunya and their akhirah.
The Books of Allah & Prophecy
Allah's books consist of five:
The Taurat, the Injil, Zabur, Qur'an and the scrolls of Moses and Abraham.
THE TAURAT
Translated to Torah, the Taurat was sent to Moses and is used today commonly within the Christianity, Judaism and Islamic religion. Referred to as the "law" in the Qu'ran (law of moses) the history of the book is not applicable as it contains the first five books of the old testament of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus,Leviticus,Numbers and Deuteronomy. Muslims use the the taurat as a source of enlightenment for people along with guidance and mercy for the followers.
ZABUR
Also known as Psalms, it is a book that descended to David that consists of du'aa (prayers), remembrance and praises to Allah. Derived from the Old Testament of Psalms from the Bible
INJEEL
Was sent to the Prophet Jesus and was about his Gospel and words.
THE QUR'AN
Given to the last Prophet Muhammad, the Qur'an is the final revelation of Allah to mankind.
The significance
Muslims believe that initially each of these revealed books contained the complete revelation of Allah, but throughout time were not properly preserved (apart from the Qur'an) and became corrupted. The Sahifa given to Abraham and Moses have been completely lost since then.
It is through the books of Allah, muslims are able to to acknowledge and accept all the messages and revelations Allah sent down to his messengers throughout time and are of great significance to Islam for the following reasons:
- Provide moral and ethical guidance acting as a conduit of the word of Allah
- Sustain belief and words of Allah
- Teaches the way of life
- Written prophecy to pass onto future generations
- Used to proclaim faith; rituals, events, ect.What is the Prophecy?
"Indeed, we have sent our messengers with clear proofs, and revealed with them the scripture and the balance (justice) that mankind may keep up justice" (57:25) - Qur'an
Also regarded as the Messengers/Prophets of Allah (rusul), they are believed to be sent down to proclaim his word and messages. The purpose of the Prophets was to preach the books sent upon them to all of Allah's followers. The term nabi is used to refer to an inspired prophet who has not been commissioned for a particular purpose and rusul is used to describe a messenger who has been given a particular mission.
" The messenger believes in that which has been revealed to him from his Lord and so do the believers. Each one believes in Allah and his angels and his books and his messengers." (Soorat Al-Baqarah, 2:285)
Extra facts
The books and prophecy was the way in which Allah became revealed to human kind
Muhammad is regarded as the 'seal' / last and greatest of the messengers.
The Qur'an refers to 25 messengers in it
- Adam is considered to be the first ever messenger sent by God.
By: Aleah, Claudia and Georgia