The core beliefs of Islam, which serve as the foundation of a religion, are called its doctrines or articles of faith. All the prophets of Allah, in their attempts to reform mankind, concentrated mainly on transferring their beliefs to their followers. The Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h), too, began propagating his message by focusing attention on these Islamic beliefs.

These core beliefs of Islam are stated as Imaan-e-Musfasil (Complete Faith) which says:

“I believe in Allah, in His angels, in His books, in His messengers, in the Last Day and in the fact that everything , good or bad, is decided by Allah, the Almighty, and in life after Death”

The Quran says;

“O, you who believe! Believe in Allah and His messenger and the scripture which He hath sent to His messenger and the scripture which He sent to those before (him). Any who denieth Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers and the Day of Judgment hath gone far , far astray” (4:136)

The fundamental beliefs of islamic faith are written below in detail,
 

Unity or Oneness of Allah

Muslims Believe in one God, Allah. This belief is known as Tawheed, the core of Islam. The Quran says:

“He is the First, He is the Last; He is the Manifest; He is the Hidden” (57:3)

All creation has to recognize the Creator, who is Allah, and submit to His will. Allah is One with respect to His Lordship, His Attributes and His Knowledge.
 

Belief in Angels

Angels are beings created from light; they follow Allah’s orders and commands. They have different powers and duties which are given to them by Allah. Angel Jibrail delivered Allah’s message to his prophets and angel Mikail is responsible for rain and food.
 

Belief in Revealed Books

Allah sent scriptures down as a source of guidance for humanity. These scriptures have been delivered to particular prophets and for particular communities. The message in all of these scriptures is basically the same.

The prophets who received scriptures are:

a.    Prophet Ibrahim - " Suhuf
b.    Prophet Musa - " Tawrat
c.    Prophet Daud - " Zabur
d.    Prophet Isa - " Injil
e.    Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) - " Quran
 

Belief in Prophets

The Quran mentions the names of a few prophets sent to humanity by Allah and the Hadith says there may have been 124000 prophets. Muslims believe that, as messengers of Allah, these men were without sin, and did not deliberately disobey Allah. In this line, the Prophet Mohammad (p.b.u.h) is believed to be the last messenger, The Seal of the Prophets.
 

Belief in Life after Death

It is believed by Muslims that after we die we are questioned in the grave and receive comfort or punishment. At some point in future, there is a Day of Resurrection. Allah will judge the peoples’ deeds and will reward or punish them accordingly.
 

Belief in Pre-destination and Divine Decree

Predestination is known as Qadr, one of Allah’s names (Qadir) meaning All-Powerful. Allah’s knowledge encompasses all. He has given the power of free will to humans, so they can take full accountability of their actions. He has shown them the difference between right and wrong. Ultimately, it is Allah who determines all that happens, for He has complete authority over all His creation.

A person has to believe in all these core beliefs to be called a true Muslim.

Last Updated: 21/7/2015