The Six Pillars of Faith, known collectively as Al-Iman (الإيمان), constitute the core metaphysical, intellectual, and spiritual foundations of Islam. For a believer, Iman represents complete conviction and submission to the truths revealed by Allah (God). Unlike the Five Pillars of Islam (Shahadah, Salat, Zakat, Sawm, Hajj), which define the practical actions of worship (Islam), the Six Pillars of Faith articulate the essential beliefs that a Muslim must hold deep within their heart to be considered a true believer (Mumin).
This is not a set of optional tenets, but an indispensable framework for understanding existence, destiny, accountability, and the nature of the unseen world. Rooted firmly in the Quran and the authentic traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), this detailed guide will systematically explore each pillar: from the absolute oneness of the Creator (Allah) to the belief in Divine Decree (Qadar). We will provide comprehensive analysis supported by necessary Quranic verses (Ayats) and Prophetic traditions (Hadith) in Arabic, their transliteration, and English translation, ensuring the content is accessible, theologically sound, and highly optimized for search results across all major platforms.
The Hadith About Iman
The Six Pillars of Faith are explicitly defined in the famous Hadith of Jibreel (Gabriel), where the Angel Jibreel appears to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the form of a man and asks him to define Iman.
Hadith Reference (Sahih Muslim 8):
Arabic (Partial): قَالَ فَأَخْبِرْنِي عَنِ الإِيمَانِ قَالَ أَنْ تُؤْمِنَ بِاللَّهِ وَمَلاَئِكَتِهِ وَكُتُبِهِ وَرُسُلِهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ وَتُؤْمِنَ بِالْقَدَرِ خَيْرِهِ وَشَرِّهِ
Tansliteration (Partial):Qala fa-akhbirni an il-Iman. Qala: An tuminu billahi wa malaikatihi wa kutubihi wa rusulihi wa al-yawm il-akhiri, wa tuminu bil-qadari khayrihi wa sharrihi.
English Translation (Partial): “He [Jibreel] said, ‘Inform me about Iman (faith).’ He [the Prophet] said, ‘It is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and to believe in the Divine Decree (Qadar), both the good and the evil of it.'”
From this hadith we learn that the six indispensable pillars of faith (Iman) are:
- Belief in Allah and his Oneness
- Belief in Angels of Allah
- Belief on Holy Books sent from Allah
- Belief in all Messengers and Prophets of Allah
- Belief in the Day of Judgement i.e. Qiyamah (Qiyamat)
- Belief in the Divine Decree (Qadar)
Belief in Allah
The first and most important pillar is the absolute belief in Allah (Tauhid), the One God, the Creator, Sustainer, and Sovereign of the universe. This belief encompasses four aspects: the Oneness of God’s Lordship (Rububiyyah), the Oneness of His Names and Attributes (Asma wa Sifat), the Oneness of His Worship (Uluhiyyah), and the fact that He has no partners.
The Foundation of Monotheism
Arabic: قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ * اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ * لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ * وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ *
Transliteration: Qul huwa Allahu ahad. Allahu al-samad. Lam yalid wa lam yulad. Wa lam yakun lahu kufuwan ahad.
English Translation: “Say, ‘He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is He begotten, Nor is there to Him any equivalent.'” – (Quran, Surah Al-Ikhlas, 112:1-4)
This pillar is the entry point into Islam and the most emphasized concept throughout the Quran. It serves as the bedrock for all other beliefs, mandating the rejection of polytheism and the affirmation of Allah’s unique and perfect nature. Embracing Tauhid ensures a believer’s worship, reliance, and hope are directed solely and absolutely to the One True God.
Belief in His Angels
Muslims must believe in the existence of Allah’s angels (Malaikah) as unseen, honorable, and created beings. Angels are purely spiritual, created from light (nur), and serve Allah continuously, executing His commands perfectly. They possess no free will to disobey.
Key Roles of the Angels
Prominent angels include:
- Jibreel (Gabriel): The Chief Angel, responsible for conveying revelation to the Prophets.
- Mikaeel (Michael): Responsible for rain and vegetation.
- Israfeel: Responsible for blowing the Trumpet on the Day of Judgment.
- Malak al-Mawt (Angel of Death): Responsible for taking souls.
- Raqib and Atid: The recording angels who document a person’s good and bad deeds.
Arabic: آمَنَ الرَّسُولُ بِمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْهِ مِن رَّبِّهِ وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ كُلٌّ آمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَمَلَائِكَتِهِ وَكُتُبِهِ وَرُسُلِهِ
Tranliteration:Amana al-rasulu bima unzila ilayhi min rabbihi wa al-mu’minuna kullun amana billahi wa malaikatihi wa kutubihi wa rusulihi…
English Translation: “The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All of them have believed in Allah and His angels and His books and His messengers…” – (Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:285, partial)
Belief in the Angels is integral to understanding the mechanics of the unseen world (Al-Ghayb), as they execute Allah’s commands across the universe without fail. They perform specific, crucial duties, such as conveying revelation (Jibreel) and meticulously recording human actions (Raqib and Atid). Accepting their existence and unwavering obedience demonstrates a submission to the divine order.
Belief in His Books
This pillar requires belief in all the divine scriptures and revelations sent down by Allah to His messengers as guidance for mankind. It is essential to believe in their original, uncorrupted form, as they represent the literal word of God.
The Major Divine Books
The primary Books mentioned in the Quran are:
- Al-Quran: Revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
- Al-Tawrat (Torah): Revealed to Prophet Musa (Moses).
- Al-Injil (Gospel): Revealed to Prophet Isa (Jesus).
- Al-Zabur (Psalms): Revealed to Prophet Dawud (David).
- Suhuf Ibrahim and Scrolls of Moses: Scrolls given to Prophets Ibrahim (Abraham) and Musa (Moses).
The Quran is held as the final, perfectly preserved, and comprehensive scripture, confirming and standing as a witness over all previous revelations.
Arabic: نَزَّلَ عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ بِالْحَقِّ مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ وَأَنزَلَ التَّوْرَاةَ وَالْإِنجِيلَ
Transliteration: Nazzala alayka al-kitaba bil-haqqi musaddiqan lima bayna yadayhi wa anzala al-Tawrata wal-Injil.
English Translation: “He has sent down upon you, [O Muhammad], the Book [the Quran] in truth, confirming what was before it. And He revealed the Torah and the Gospel.” – (Quran, Surah Al-Imran, 3:3)
Belief in the Divine Books requires acknowledging the major scriptures sent before the Quran, including the Tawrat, Injil, and Zabur. However, the Quran is held as the final, perfectly preserved word of Allah, serving as the ultimate guide and law for mankind. While affirming the truth of the previous scriptures, the Quran stands as the final authority, confirming and completing the entire chain of divine revelation sent to the Prophets.
Belief in His Messengers
Belief in the Prophets and Messengers (Rusul) means accepting that Allah chose special human beings to convey His message to mankind. Muslims must believe in all of them, without differentiating between them, as they all preached the same core message: monotheism (Tauhid).
The Chain of Prophethood
There were many prophets, but the Quran mentions 25 by name. Key figures include: Adam, Nuh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), Isa (Jesus), and the final Messenger, Muhammad (peace be upon them all).
Arabic: لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِّن رُّسُلِهِ وَقَالُوا سَمِعْنَا وَأَطَعْنَا غُفْرَانَكَ رَبَّنَا وَإِلَيْكَ الْمَصِيرُ
Transliteration:La nufarriqu bayna ahadin min rusulihi wa qalu sami’na wa ata’na ghufranka rabbana wa ilayka al-masir.
English Translation: “…We make no distinction between any of His messengers. And they say, ‘We hear and we obey. [We seek] Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the [final] destination.'” – (Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:285, partial)
Belief in the Messengers requires accepting all prophets sent by Allah, including Adam, Ibrahim, Musa, Isa, and the final prophet, Muhammad (peace be upon them all), without making any distinction between them. They all delivered the same foundational message of Tauhid (monotheism), and this unified belief demonstrates the integrity of Allah’s consistent communication with humanity across all ages. This acceptance confirms the obedience of the believers to all of Allah’s divinely appointed Messengers.
Belief in the Day of Judgement
This pillar involves firm belief in the Resurrection, the Day of Judgment, and all the events that will occur thereafter, including Paradise (Jannah) and Hellfire (Jahannam). This belief is the moral compass of a Muslim, motivating them to do good deeds and shun evil, knowing they will be held accountable.
Accountability and Reward
The day is referred to by various names in the Quran, such as Yawm al-Qiyamah (Day of Resurrection) and Yawm al-Hisab (Day of Account).
Arabic: وَمَا خَلَقْنَا السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا إِلَّا بِالْحَقِّ وَإِنَّ السَّاعَةَ لَآتِيَةٌ فَاصْفَحِ الصَّفْحَ الْجَمِيلَ
Transliteration: Wa ma khalaqna al-samawati wa al-arda wa ma baynahuma ila bil-haqqi wa inna al-sa’ata la atiyatun fasfahi al-safha al-jamil.
English Translation: “And We did not create the heavens and earth and what is between them except in truth. And indeed, the Hour is coming; so forgive with gracious forgiveness.” – (Quran, Surah Al-Hijr, 15:85)
Belief in the Last Day is the moral compass of a Muslim, ensuring accountability for all earthly deeds before Allah (Yawm al-Hisab). This conviction that the final Hour is inevitably approaching motivates the believer to live righteously, knowing that their ultimate reward (Jannah) or punishment (Jahannam) depends on the truth and justice of that final reckoning. The belief affirms that creation was not in vain, but was established with a definite, truthful purpose.
Belief in Divine Decree
This final pillar is the belief that everything that happens, good or evil, big or small, occurs by the Qada (pre-decree) and Qadar (measurement/execution) of Allah. It does not negate free will, but affirms God’s ultimate knowledge, power, and wisdom in orchestrating all events. This belief brings peace and contentment to the believer, knowing that trials and blessings alike are part of a greater divine plan.
Two Aspects of Qadar
- Allah’s Knowledge and Writing: Belief that Allah knows everything before it happens and has recorded it in the Preserved Tablet (Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz).
- Allah’s Will and Creation: Belief that nothing can happen unless Allah wills it, and He is the ultimate Creator of all actions and their effects.
Arabic: إِنَّا كُلَّ شَيْءٍ خَلَقْنَاهُ بِقَدَرٍ
Transliteration: Inna kulla hayin khalaqnahu bi-qadar.
English Translation: “Indeed, all things We created with predestination (decree).” – (Quran, Surah Al-Qamar, 54:49)
Belief in Al-Qadar encompasses two crucial aspects: Allah’s eternal knowledge of all events recorded in the Preserved Tablet (Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz), and His ultimate will and power in creating everything that occurs. This comprehensive belief affirms Allah’s sovereignty over the universe, bringing tranquility to the believer by acknowledging that all outcomes, good or challenging, are part of a deliberate and wise divine decree.
Conclusion
The Six Pillars of Faith are fundamentally interconnected; rejecting even one pillar invalidates a person’s Iman. They represent a complete system of belief that governs a Muslim’s perception of Allah, the supernatural world, history, ethics, accountability, and destiny. Embracing these pillars firmly establishes the Muslim in the core theology of Islam and provides the spiritual strength to live a righteous life in accordance with the Five Pillars of Islam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between the Five Pillars of Islam and the Six Pillars of Faith?
The Five Pillars of Islam concern the actions or outward duties of a Muslim (Shahadah, Salat, Zakat, Sawm, Hajj i.e. Worship). The Six Pillars of Faith concern the beliefs or inward conviction of a Muslim (Iman i.e. Faith). Both sets of pillars are essential, but one defines what you do and the other defines what you believe.
Is believing in the Six Pillars enough to be considered a Muslim?
To be considered a Muslim, a person must first utter the Shahadah (the declaration of faith, which is the first of the Five Pillars of Islam), which encompasses the first pillar of Iman (Belief in Allah and His Messenger). A complete Muslim must hold sincere belief in all Six Pillars of Faith and strive to fulfill the Five Pillars of Islam.
Why is belief in the Angels (Malaikah) necessary?
Belief in the Angels is necessary because they are the unseen medium through which Allah’s commands are executed in the universe. They conveyed revelation (Jibreel), record human deeds, and will play roles in the Day of Judgment. Accepting their existence is accepting the reality of the unseen world (Al-Ghayb) that Allah has disclosed.
What is the Islamic stance on the scriptures that preceded the Quran?
Muslims believe in the original, pure form of all Divine Books, such as the Tawrat (Torah), Injil (Gospel), and Zabur (Psalms), as messages revealed by Allah. However, they believe these previous scriptures have been subject to Tahrif (alteration or corruption). The Quran is accepted as the final, complete, and perfectly preserved confirmation of the original message contained in those books.
Does the belief in Divine Decree (Qadar) negate free will?
No, the Islamic belief in Qadar (Divine Decree) does not negate human free will. Muslims believe Allah knows everything before it happens (His Knowledge) and that nothing occurs except by His Will and Creation. However, humans are given the ability to choose between right and wrong (free will), and they are accountable for the choices they make. This paradox is resolved by acknowledging Allah’s perfect, all-encompassing power, and human responsibility.
What is the significance of the Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Qiyamah)?
The Day of Judgment gives purpose and meaning to life by establishing the system of ultimate accountability and justice. It assures that every action, good or evil, will be weighed and rewarded or punished fairly, proving that the creation of the heavens and earth was not random but based on truth (Haqq).
